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. Citing and referencing using the Harvard Style

What you will be able to do

• 1.1 Explain the different types of business sectors.
• 1.2 Compare different types of businesses.
• 1.3 Explain the advantages and disadvantages of different organisational structures.
• 1.4 Explain the financial reporting requirements for different types of business.
• 2.1 Assess the needs, interests and influence of a business’ stakeholders.
• 2.2 Explain the features and influence of globalisation on a business.
• 2.3 Apply a technique to assess the internal environment of a business.
• 2.4 Apply a technique to assess the external environment of a business.
• 3.1 Compare key macro-economic factors.
• 3.2 Describe the key components of aggregate demand.
• 3.3 Explain the term ‘circular flow of income.’
• 3.4 Discuss how changes in aggregate demand in the economy impact on the level of economic activity of a business.
• 4.1 Compare key micro-economic factors.
• 4.2 Explain how prices are determined in a perfectly competitive market.
• 4.3 Explain how changes in the conditions of supply and demand influence equilibrium price.
• 4.4 Explain how imperfect markets can have an impact on the level of output and prices charged by a business.

Activity

Start with this week’s 2 videos, then: Plan the unit assignment against every criterion; source and reference the evidence.

Study materials

Videos

• Writing a business research report · YouTube · RMIT University Library Videos · 9 min · for registered students
• Citing and referencing using the Harvard Style · YouTube · UCDLibrary · 7 min · 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
• Writing Guide, 14.1: Primary, Secondary and Tertiary Sources · PDF · OpenStax, textbook chapter; p. 458 · for registered students