Assessment Overview
Weighting: 40% of unit total
Due Date:
- Part A, Week 5, Sunday 2nd November at 11:59 pm
- Part B, Week 8, Sunday 23rd November at 11:59 pm
Assessment Type: Individual
Word Count / Length: - Part A: 500 Words, (+/- 10% acceptable)- Weighting: (10%)
- Part B: 1500 Words, (+/- 10% acceptable)- Weighting: (30%)
Unit Learning Outcomes
In this assessment, you will be tested on whether you have successfully met the following Unit Learning Outcomes (ULOs):
• ULO1: Describe the principal theories of communication and how they are applied in a business context.
• ULO2: Demonstrate an understanding of, and proficiency in, communication for academic purposes, including academic referencing, grammar, spelling, and punctuation appropriate to the discipline of business.
• ULO3: Critically analyse and evaluate arguments and information from a variety of different sources.
• ULO4: Explain how individuals gain self-awareness and motivate themselves and others considering cultural and language differences
Submission Type and Required Format
The type of assessment students will be completing is an annotated bibliography in part A and a case study in part B. Students need to submit a Microsoft word or PDF file. It should include the following:
In Part A of the assessment, students are required to complete an annotated bibliography, which involves selecting relevant academic sources (such as journal articles, books, or credible resources) that relate to communication theories and practices in a business context. This part helps students build a strong foundation of research to prepare for Part B (the case study) and improve their academic communication skills.
Assessment Details
Assessment Purpose
Assessment 1- Part A: Annotated Bibliography (500 Words)
Assessment Purpose:
The purpose of this assessment is to develop students’ academic research and critical thinking skills by engaging them in the process of identifying, analysing, and summarising scholarly sources related to a communication issue in business or organisations. By completing an annotated bibliography, students will learn to evaluate the relevance, credibility, and application of recent academic literature, apply communication theory, and practise correct use of APA 7 referencing. This task also enhances students’ ability to synthesise key ideas and communicate them clearly and concisely, laying a foundation for evidence-based writing in future assessments.
Assessment 2-part B: Case study (1500 words)
Assessment Purpose:
The purpose of this assessment is to enhance students' analytical, research, and academic writing skills through an in-depth exploration of communication breakdowns in organisational settings. By analysing a real-world case of communication failure, students will apply and evaluate key communication theories to understand the causes and consequences of ineffective communication in business. This task encourages critical thinking by requiring students to identify contributing factors, examine multiple theoretical perspectives, and integrate relevant academic literature to support their analysis. Furthermore, the assessment aims to develop students’ problem-solving abilities by having them propose well-informed and practical recommendations to prevent similar issues in the future. Students are expected to engage with a wide range of credible sources, demonstrate clear and logical argumentation, and adhere to academic standards of referencing and writing. Overall, this assignment prepares students for professional and academic environments where effective communication and evidence-based solutions are crucial to organisational success.
Assessment Instructions
Assessment 2, part A
Task Description:
Students are required to write a 500-word annotated bibliography based on three (3) reliable references (at least two journal articles) related to a communication issue in business or organisations. (Link to ULOs 1, 2, 3, 4)
Instructions:
- Find three (3) reliable references (at least two journal articles) (published within the last 5 years) that are relevant to a specific communication issue in business.
- For each article, write an annotation of about 160–170 words, including:
• A brief summary of the article’s purpose and key findings
• The communication theory discussed - Use proper APA 7th referencing for each article (including in text citation and reference list).
Assessment 2, part B
Task Description and Structure:
This assignment requires students to write a detailed case study report focused on a communication issue within an organisation or case of your choice. (Link to ULOs 1, 2, 3, and 4). This report is divided into four main parts:
- Introduction
• Provide background/context about the organisation or case selected.
• Clearly introduce the communication issue to be analysed.
• State the purpose and scope of your analysis.
• Briefly outline the structure of your case study report. - Discussion
This section forms the core of the assignment and should be divided into three key subsections:
2.1. Description of the Communication Issues
• Provide a detailed of the communication breakdown in the chosen organisation.
• Identify what happened, who was involved, and the impact of the failure on the organisation.
• Include relevant data or examples to support your description.
2.2. Analysis Using Communication Theories
• Apply at least one relevant communication theories to explain why the breakdown occurred.
• Use evidence from academic literature to support your analysis.
2.3. Solutions and Recommendations
• Propose practical, evidence-based solutions to address the communication issues identified.
• Explain how these solutions could prevent future communication breakdowns.
• Consider feasibility of implementing your recommendations. - Conclusion
• Summarise the key points.
• Avoid introducing new information. - Reference List (APA 7th Edition)
• Include all sources cited in your report in a properly formatted reference list.
• Minimum of 6 credible academic sources, including at least three recent peer-reviewed journal articles.
Ensure consistency and accuracy in referencing.
Use proper APA 7th referencing for each article (including in text citation and reference list).
Artificial Intelligence (AI) Use
In this assessment, the use of generative artificial intelligence (AI) tools is PERMITTED. You can use AI tools
• in the initial stages of the assessment for brainstorming, generating ideas, clarifying concepts and creating structures.
• AI can be used to for editing and revision on the clarity or quality of the work you create to improve the final output.
You CANNOT use AI tools to generate your full assessment Students take full responsibility for the content of their assessments, and AI tools should be used as a supplement to your own research and analysis rather than as a replacement. If you use AI tools in an unethical or irresponsible manner, such as copying AI-generated output without checking it against reliable sources, you risk committing academic misconduct. Any use of AI must be appropriately acknowledged in the AI declaration on the Assessment Cover Sheet.
Refer to the Using AI page on the ECA Library and Learning Support website for further guidance.
Other Important Information
Assessment Resources
It is strongly recommended that you use the following to find academic peer-reviewed sources of information.
• ECA Library catalogue and databases
• Unit Readings(Course Reserves) https://ecalibrary.on.worldcat.org/courseReserves/course/id/17159037
• Subject Guide: Business Communication - Business- ECA Library & Learning Support at Education Centre of Australia
Submission Requirements
On completion of your assessment:
• Follow the Assessment Presentation Guidelines
• Submit your document as a PDF or MS Word document via the assessment submission link in Canvas.
• Include a completed Assessment Cover Sheet, including the AI Declaration, and attach it to the assessment.
• Save drafts of your work.
[Include more information or remove not applicable information as required for your assessment]
Assessment Support
For academic support or feedback on a draft of your assessment, please email [email protected]
For assistance with finding resources, such as books and journal articles, please email [email protected]
For information and guides on tackling assessments and developing your academic skills, please visit in the ECA Library and Learning Support website: https://eca.libguides.com/
For queries about this specific assessment task, please contact the Unit Coordinator.
Assessment 2 Part A Rubric
Criteria
Fail (Below 40%)
Pass (40-59%)
Credit (60-74%)
Distinction (75-89%)
High Distinction (90-100%)
Relevance of Selected Articles (10pts)
Articles are not relevant to the communication issue, or are outdated
Articles show limited relevance or are marginally outdated; unclear how they relate to the issue.
Articles are mostly relevant and fairly recent, but connections to the issue need stronger justification.
Articles are relevant, recent (within 5 years), and mostly aligned with the communication issue, with minor gaps in justification.
Articles are highly relevant, recent (within 5 years), and clearly and strongly linked to the chosen communication issue.
Quality and Clarity of Annotations (10pts)
Annotations are unclear, lack structure or fail to explain key points; difficult to understand.
Some relevant points made, but writing lacks clarity or logical flow; limited detail or analysis.
General summaries are provided with some explanation, though deeper analysis or better structure is needed.
Annotations are mostly clear, logical, and structured with good summaries and some evaluation of relevance and usefulness.
Annotations are well-structured, concise, and insightful. Each provides a strong summary, analysis, and explanation of relevance and application.
Correct Use of APA 7 (5pts)
APA 7 style is not followed; many formatting and citation errors are present.
Several APA errors, such as missing information, incorrect order or formatting.
Mostly correct APA formatting with a few minor errors in citations or reference entries.
Referencing is mostly accurate with only 1–2 minor formatting issues.
Perfect APA 7 referencing; all in-text citations and reference list entries are consistently correct.
Assessment 2 Part B Rubric
Criteria
High Distinction (90-100%)
Distinction (75-89%)
Credit (60-74%)
Pass (40-59%)
Fail (Below 40%)
Introduction (5 pts)
Clear, detailed background; communication issue clearly stated; purpose and scope well-defined; structure well outlined.
Clear background and communication issue; purpose and scope stated; structure mostly outlined.
Basic background; communication issue stated but lacks clarity; limited purpose or scope; structure mentioned.
Background and issue unclear or incomplete; purpose and scope vague; poor or missing structure overview.
Background and issue missing or unclear; no purpose or scope; no structure overview.
Description of Communication Issues (20 pts)
Thorough, detailed description; clearly identifies what happened, who was involved, impact; strong supporting examples/data.
Clear description of issue; identifies key facts and impact; some examples/data used.
Adequate description; some key facts and impact included; limited examples/data.
Incomplete or unclear description; key facts missing; minimal or no supporting evidence.
Description missing or inaccurate; no evidence or examples.
Analysis Using Communication Theories (20 pts)
Insightful, accurate application of relevant theory; well-supported with academic evidence.
Good application of theory, supported by academic sources.
Basic application of theory; limited use of academic evidence.
Poor or incomplete use of theory; little or no academic support.
No or incorrect application of theory; no academic evidence.
Solutions and Recommendations (15 pts)
Practical, well-justified solutions; clearly linked to analysis; considers feasibility and future prevention effectively.
Good practical solutions; mostly linked to analysis; considers feasibility.
Some solutions proposed; link to analysis is weak; feasibility not fully considered.
Solutions are vague or unrealistic; weak link to analysis; feasibility ignored or unclear.
No solutions or recommendations; irrelevant or unrealistic; no consideration of feasibility.
Conclusion (5 pts)
Concise, clear summary of key points; effectively closes report without new information.
Clear summary of main points; no new info introduced.
Basic summary; minor introduction of new info.
Weak or incomplete summary; some new information introduced.
No conclusion or introduces significant new information.
Work Structure (5pts)
Excellent organisation and flow; headings and formatting support readability.
Good organisation; mostly clear; formatting is generally consistent and helps reader understanding.
Acceptable structure; some confusion in layout; headings used but not always effectively.
Poor organisation; difficult to follow; inconsistent or missing formatting and headings.
Very poor or no clear structure; no separation of parts; formatting hinders understanding.
References (APA 7th) (5 pts)
All sources cited correctly; minimum 6 credible sources including 3 recent journals; consistent formatting.
Mostly correct citations; meets source requirements; minor formatting errors.
Adequate citations; meets minimum sources; inconsistent formatting.
Missing some citations; fewer than required sources; poor formatting.
References missing or incorrect; does not meet source requirements; no formatting.