• Assessment item 2
Document Critique
Value: 40%
Length: 3500 words
Task
Read: A Business Proposal – Customer Records Management Replacement System for the fictional organisation Tangle Corp that is presented in this subject. This document will be made available via the Resources section of Interact for this subject.
The document you are to read is a fictional business proposal aimed at the senior management of a fictional company Tangle Corp. This proposal is an attempt by members of the junior management team to convince the key senior decision makers of the value of such an investment for the business and why they should approve it.
You are to analyse and discuss the strengths and weaknesses of this business proposal to achieve its intended purpose in three key areas as follows:
o The format, structure, layout, and flow of the message in the document. Explore how the points made are structured and sequenced, and how they interact to form a clear and compelling message.
o The language style, written expression, context, and other aspects of written business communication. How the author has used language to express their points? How that might impact the effectiveness of the document?
o The persuasiveness of the actual message, its use of SPIN and similar ideas, its ability to conjure support and buy-in from its audience, and the overall compelling effectiveness of the document.
In all cases above you may include any recommendations for improvement of the document if that helps you make your points. You can also highlight specific examples of success or strength in the document to help make your points.
In addition, your own critique document will be assessed on your ability to put together a document that has a clear message, is expressive and is persuasive (all three of these points above). It should contain a brief introduction and summary or conclusion.
Rationale
Students will develop an understanding of how written communication can be used to present ideas, and how such presentation can influence decision making. Students should demonstrate knowledge of how even the smallest aspects of such documents can be relevant by highlighting them as either strengths or weaknesses of the provided proposal document. Students should also demonstrate knowledge of communication art, theory and practice in the creation of their own critique by leveraging or adhering to all of the principles they have studied in this subject.
Marking criteria
Marking
Your critique and analysis of the format, structure, layout and flow of the message within the document. /25
Your critique and analysis of the language, written expression, context and other aspects of written business communication. /25
Your critique and analysis of the persuasiveness of the message, its use of SPIN and similar, and its ability to conjure support and buy in from its intended audience (the senior management of Tangle Corp). /25
The structure, layout and format – the language and written expression – and the persuasiveness of your own critique and analysis document. /25
Total /100
Rubric
Marking Area HD DI CR PS FL
Critique and analysis of the format, structure, layout and flow of the message within the document (25) Has presented a clear and comprehensive analysis of the format, structure, layout and flow, and has thoroughly discussed, and shown a clear understanding of, its influence on the message. Has presented an effective analysis of the format, structure, layout and flow, and has effectively discussed, and shown a clear understanding of, its influence on the message. Has presented a good analysis of the format, structure, layout and flow, and has discussed, and shown a good understanding of its influence on the message. Has presented an analysis of the format, structure, layout and flow, and has discussed, and shown some understanding of, its influence on the message Has presented a brief or unclear analysis of the format, structure, layout and flow, and has poorly discussed, or shown a minimal understanding of, its influence on the message.
Critique and analysis of the language, written expression, context and other aspects of written business communication (25) Has given a clear and comprehensive analysis of the language and context of the document and has demonstrated a strong understanding of written business communication. Has given a good analysis of the language and context of the document and has demonstrated a clear understanding of written business communication. Has given a good analysis of the language and context of the document and has demonstrated an understanding of written business communication. Has given some analysis of the language and context of the document and has demonstrated some understanding of written business communication Has given a brief of unclear analysis of the language and context of the document and has demonstrated a limited understanding of written business communication..
Critique and analysis of the persuasiveness of the message, its use of SPIN and similar, and its ability to conjure support and buy in from its intended audience (the senior management of Tangle Corp). (25) Has given a clear and comprehensive analysis of the persuasiveness of the document and has shown a clear understanding of SPIN. Has clearly defined and detailed how the document has sought buy-in from its audience. Has given a good analysis of the persuasiveness of the document and has shown an effective understanding of SPIN. Has clearly defined how the document has sought buy-in from its audience. Has given an analysis of the persuasiveness of the document and has shown a good understanding of SPIN. Has defined how the document has sought buy-in from its audience. Has given some analysis of the persuasiveness of the document and has shown some understanding of SPIN. Has attempted to define how the document has sought buy-in from its audience. Has given a brief or unclear analysis of the persuasiveness of the document and has shown a minimal understanding of SPIN. Has not effectively defined how the document has sought buy-in from its audience.
The structure, layout and format – the language and written expression – and the persuasiveness of your own critique and analysis document. (25) Has used a clear and effective format and layout. Has used clear and professional language. Has given a very persuasive critique and analysis of their points throughout. Has used an effective format and layout. Has used effective language. Has given a persuasive critique and analysis of most of points. Has used a good format and layout. Has used clear and understandable language. Has given a persuasive critique and analysis of their points in some places. Has used some kind of format and layout. Has used understandable language. Has given a partially persuasive critique and analysis of their points in some places. Has used an unclear or inconsistent format and layout. Has used some confusing language. Has not been persuasive in their critique and analysis of their points.
Presentation
Use an report format, with correct grammatical protocols and accurate spelling, punctuation and word count.
Feel free to use headings and bullet-lists where you think this is appropriate.
Refer to the Presentation section of this Subject Outline.