Assume you are the project leader of a global consultancy firm. Write a letter of advice to the board of directors of a company of your choice which sets out a strategic plan of how the company should respond to and engage with the UN Sustainable Development Goals by 2030. The proposal should identify the opportunities and barriers of pursuing this strategy, assess the key decisions to be taken, as well as considering industry collaborations and market and legislative conditions required to make this a realistic proposition.
To successfully pass this assessment, students need to have:
Comprehension (Showing knowledge & understanding of the subject matter)
…understood the purpose and impact of the UN SDGs.
…contextualized the importance of the SDGs for their chosen companies.
…demonstrated awareness of the breadth and depth of the UN SDGs and ensuing challenges in implementation.
Analysis (Presenting logical arguments supported by evidence)
…used an appropriate framing to introduce the bigger picture or narrative. This should be in form of a critical assessment of existing strategy.
…identified the company’s unique challenges and opportunities with reference to the latest available company disclosures, reports or statements.
…outlined a clear and credible plan of action to be pursued by the executive team with priorities, goals, targets, deadlines, and implementation steps.
…drawn on facts, stats, figures and data (either secondary or self-computed).
…synthesized, compared and critically reviewed existing information.
…applied concepts and theories from this and other modules to the particular context.
…developed original thought, ideas and creative thinking rather than purely restated lecture material.
…weighed up industry collaboration, market and legislative conditions required.
…produced a convincing document with clear and plausible recommendations.
A critical evaluation (Questioning relevant arguments by identifying their strengths and weaknesses)
…justified their choices made including potential costs and benefits.
…considered possible alternative scenarios/options.
…considered political/economic/organizational feasibility of implementation and potential barriers.
Academic writing (Presenting a clear and structured assignment; use of relevant literature; academic honesty, referencing and citation)
…produced a clearly structured letter, addressed to the right audience using an engaging writing style.
…explicitly limited the focus or scope of their document.
…included a sufficient number of academic and non-academic reference sources.
…ensured sources are appropriately referenced and cited.
Reflection (Identifying and questioning personal values, beliefs, emotions, assumptions, and knowledge in relation to particular experience(s))
…considered personal values, beliefs, assumption and perspectives and their impact on the recommendations