Assignment workshop: research, planning and referencing

This week’s topics

Assignment workshop: research, planning and referencing

1. Unpacking the assignment brief and criteria
2. Finding and evaluating sources
3. Planning and referencing
4. Writing a Business Research Report
5. Craap Test for evaluating sources
6. Harvard Referencing
7. The credibility of sources

What you will be able to do

• 1.1 Explain the stages and flows within a supply chain.
• 1.2 Differentiate between upstream, internal and downstream operations.
• 1.3 Describe the roles of key organisations involved in supply chains.
• 1.4 Explain how customer requirements influence supply chain operations.
• 2.1 Describe the contribution of key business functions to supply chain activity.
• 2.2 Explain how operational performance can be measured using simple key performance indicators.
• 2.3 Assess how cost, quality, speed, flexibility and dependability affect supply chain performance.
• 3.1 Explain the importance of health, safety and security in logistics and supply chain operations.
• 3.2 Describe the role of teamwork and communication in day-to-day operations.
• 3.3 Explain how sustainability and responsible business practice influence operational decisions.
• 4.1 Map a simple end-to-end supply chain for an organisation.
• 4.2 Identify operational risks or bottlenecks in the mapped supply chain.
• 4.3 Recommend practical improvements to increase service, efficiency or resilience.

Activity

Start with this week’s 4 videos, then: Plan the unit assignment against every criterion; source and reference the evidence.

Study materials

Videos

• Writing a Business Research Report · YouTube · Galton College · 11 min · for registered students
• Craap Test for evaluating sources · YouTube · Talking Libraries and Books · 7 min · for registered students
• Harvard Referencing · YouTube · Galton College · 10 min · for registered students
• The credibility of sources · Oak National Academy, Key Stage 3 (lower secondary level) · for registered students

Further resources

• Writing for Success, ch. 8.1–8.3: Prewriting, outlining and drafting · PDF · Saylor Academy, textbook chapter; pp. 281–318 · for registered students
• Harvard Referencing quick guide 2025 (York St John University) · PDF · Other, report · for registered students
• Evaluating Information: Applying the CRAAP Test · PDF · Other, report · for registered students