Instructions on Assessment: 75% of the overall module mark
The rapid changes in the global business environment have altered the competitive
landscape. Globalization, innovation, and sustainability present real challenges to the
sustainable competitive advantages of businesses. As a result, to compete and
sustain their advantages, businesses have to adapt their strategies.
Using the case of any international business organisation of your choice, students
are required to address ONE of the questions below by (1) critically applying relevant
academic theories and up-to-date literature; (2) using sufficient case-specific
research data to support the answers and (3) reflect on the lessons from the module
Questions 2500 words
1. Globalisation
Conduct a comprehensive literature review on globalisation, its opportunities,
and challenges for businesses in today’s business environment.
Write a case study on a real business that has benefited from changing their
global strategy to gain competitive advantage.
Reflect on 3 main lessons that you learned from this module. Briefly explain
and justify why you chose these lessons and how it might help you solve a
problem or exploit an opportunity in your past experience. At least, one of
these lessons must come from the simulation activity.
2. Innovation:
Conduct a comprehensive literature review and critically discuss the
theoretical arguments that present innovation as a path to competitive
advantage.
Write a case study on a real business which has benefited from disruptive
innovation strategy, transformed customer experience and gained competitive
advantage in the market.
Reflect on 3 main lessons that you learned from this module. Briefly explain
and justify why you chose these lessons and how it might help you solve a
problem or exploit an opportunity in your past experience. At least, one of
these lessons must come from the simulation activity.

Assessment Brief – Postgraduate

3. Sustainability and CSR
Conduct a comprehensive literature review and critically discuss the relevant
theories and arguments that present sustainability and CSR as a means of
business competitive advantage.
Write a case study on a real business that has gained competitive advantage
from their sustainability and CSR strategy.
Reflect on 3 main lessons that you learned from this module. Briefly explain
and justify why you chose these lessons and how it might help you solve a
problem or exploit an opportunity in your past experience. At least, one of
these lessons must come from the simulation activity.

Assignment Guidance Notes
 The word limit for the assignment is 2500 words. See below for what is
excluded from the word count.
 This is a research-based assignment. The assignment requires you to
demonstrate that you understand and can use theoretical frameworks in your
analysis. It is therefore expected that you apply appropriate concepts, i.e.,
models/ theoretical frameworks
 Consultancy or practice-based sources may be used for company, industry
and market data.
 You should be thorough and detailed in your analysis and should fully explain
and justify all the points. However, there is a balance to be sought between a
mass of detail and a thorough, yet relatively concise reasoning. Thus, your
writing must be clear and concise.

Important note about ARTA regulations
Students are expected to be familiar with the all Academic Regulations. All students
should be aware which regulations relate to their programme of study.
If you have any difficulties in understanding the regulations you should consult your
Programme Leader, Faculty Registry team or Personal Tutor. You may also seek
independent advice and support from the Students’ Union Advice & Representation
Service ([email protected]).
1.10 Responsibilities of students
1.10.1. It is the responsibility of the student to attend scheduled classes and carry out prescribed
learning activities for the programme on which they are registered. The student is also expected to
know when work is due to be submitted and when and where examinations are scheduled.

Assessment Brief – Postgraduate

1.10.2. All assessment components in modules contributing to the programme must be completed. If a
student fails to attend/submit any assessment in a module, the Examination Board will deem the
student to have failed the module, unless there are approved extenuating circumstances relating to
that particular assessment component 1.
1.11. Academic Misconduct
Students are expected to observe University regulations, which define and proscribe cheating,
plagiarism and other forms of academic misconduct. They are also required to take reasonable
precautions to guard against unauthorised access by others to their work.
1ARTA and the Student Guide to Extenuating Circumstances Affecting Assessed Work are available
from: https://www.northumbria.ac.uk/about-us/university-services/academic-registry/quality-
and-teaching-excellence/assessment/guidance-for-students/

Word limits and penalties for assignments
If the assignment is within +10% of the stated word limit no penalty will apply.
The word count is to be declared on the front page of your assignment and the
assignment cover sheet. The word count does not include:
 Title and Contents page
 Appropriate tables, figures and illustrations
 Quotes from interviews and focus groups.
 Reference list, and Bibliography
 Appendices, and Glossary
Please note, in text citations [e.g. (Smith, 2011)] and direct secondary quotations
[e.g. “dib-dab nonsense analysis” (Smith, 2011 p.123)] are INCLUDED in the word
count.
If this word count is falsified, students are reminded that under ARTA regulation, this
will be regarded as academic Misconduct.
If the word limit of the full assignment exceeds the +10% limit, deduction of 10% of
the total marks available for the assessment (i.e.100%) shall be deducted from the
assessment mark. For clarity: a piece of work which would have scored 65% but that
has a word count greater than 10% of the prescribed word limit will be allocated 55%;
a piece of work which would have scored 45% but that has a word count greater than
10% of the prescribed word limit will be allocated 35%.
The following format should be used throughout: Times New Roman, 12 point font,
double spaced, consecutive page numbers

Assessment Brief – Postgraduate

Submission of Assessment:
An electronic version of your assignment must be submitted via the Turnitin FINAL
SUBMISSION link
Marked assignments and feedback will be returned to students electronically.  It is
advisable to retain a copy of your assignment for your own records.

Mapping to Programme Goals and Objectives:
At the end of your programme of study you will have achieved the following goals:
 Goal One: Be independent, reflective critical thinkers
 Goal Two: Be culturally and ethically aware
 Goal Three: Have developed leadership and management capability
 Goal Four: Have developed and applied knowledge of international
business and management theory
 Goal Five: Have developed a range of research skills and project
capabilities.
All of the learning that takes place within modules is designed to enable you to
achieve the above goals and your assessment tasks are mapped directly to these
goals as outlined in each assessment brief.