Post on 21-Jan-2016
Learning Development Centre
New Venture Creation assignment
February 2015
The session will cover
What is critical analysis?
Reading for writing
Academic writing structure and style
Work with all GSBS students on all aspects of academic writing and ICT
Provide in-depth feedback on your coursework: explain how to improve and/or ensure clarity, academic style, coherent structure and development of analysis in your text;
Feedback should then be used to develop writing in subsequent course work - we are not a proof-reading or correction service
We provide support to meet the research and writing needs of students with dyslexia and other additional needs;
We offer face-to-face, individual or group appointments and online feedback: email ldcgsbs@gcu.ac.uk
Monday to Friday: 9 to 5 (after-hours appts. available on request) in W508 to W512
Learning Development Centre
Assignment
Essay Weighting Score 50%, 2,000 words
Discuss what differentiates an entrepreneur from the small business owner. You should support your arguments with a critical review of the academic literature supplemented by case study evidence from the core text used in seminars
What is critical analysis?
A text demonstrates critical analysis throughdepth and breadth of reading, which shows knowledge and understanding of
a range of perspectives consensus and disagreement across perspectives
A clear, logical structure that the reader can follow without specialised prior knowledge
Reading critically
Definitions: compare and contrast – how have they changed/evolved? Common features?
Key points of view/arguments: compare and contrast diversity, variation and/or agreement in opinions? How and why?
Key theories: what do they propose? What understanding /insight does the theory provide for specific topic? Criticisms of theory?
Analysing the question
Break down coursework question into short questions which direct your reading and develop a plan.
Ask what, how and why questions?
Questions to guide reading
What is an entrepreneur? What is a small business owner? Why do small business owners not become
entrepreneurs? Is it a choice or circumstances?
Do entrepreneurs have shared characteristics or experiences that differentiate them from SBOs?
How do these characteristics/experiences make them entrepreneurs?
Structuring academic text:where?
Introduction *
Main bodyBuild critical analysis of topic using a range of sources
Section 1 Section 2 Section 3 Section 4Paragraph 1 Paragraph 4 Paragraph 8 Paragraph
10Paragraph 2... Paragraph 6 Paragraph 9 Paragraph 11
Paragraph 12 *...Paragraph 3 * Paragraph 7
Conclusion*Reference list 9
Structure
Introduction – sets the scene 10% of w/c Provides relevant background information to provide
context Defines scope – writer’s decision Explains purpose & outline of structure
Main body Identification and development of main issues Logically sequenced
Conclusions and recommendations 5-10% Summarises key issues / arguments Discusses implications / potential future
developments No new factual information or evidence
Structure of text:Your work is assessed on having:
A clear, logical flow and clarity of expression
Well structured text:
Is organised in paragraphs;
Uses linking language [words, phrases, sentences] to ensure your meaning is clear and analysis is ‘signposted’ throughout: link sentences together; link paragraphs together
Maintains a clear focus on topic throughout essay;
Expresses your informed opinion based on discussion of literature – can be placed at end of paragraphs or sections and in conclusion
Principles of text structure: Paragraph = development of an idea
General Specific Topic sentence introduces idea/issue More detail/evidence/development of the idea
follows Paragraphs flow logically – headings don’t do all
the work
Text Structure
Building discussion in writing
Written discussion: marker expects to read
text which : clearly shows similarities between authors’
perspectives on topic clearly show contrasts between authors’
perspectives on topic clearly explain benefits/value/contribution of a
particular approach or perspective clearly explaining challenges/risks/limitations
of a particular approach or perspective
Evidence-based Neutral written style = no slang or everyday
idiomatic language Impersonal – 3rd person ( no I, we or you) Detailed but relevant Precise, not vague Cautious Evaluative not just descriptive – answers the
questions how, how useful, how effective & why, not just what?
Academic text style features
Why is referencing necessary?
In academic writing, referencing shows that you have done a literature search and used
appropriate sources you have used the ideas of key writers/theorists you have drawn on a range of views belonging
to different authors to support your analysis/discussion of the topic
your discussion is informed by evidence from academic sources
you are not plagiarising another writer’s work or ideas.
How do we use Harvard Referencing? Author year system Used to record those sources from which you
have taken information
Record author year in the text of an essay, report, project AND
Record in full, all sources referred to in a single, alphabetically arranged reference list