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