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. Planning your search strategy 2025
5. Academic reading and writing in English Part 6: How to cite sources
6. Academic writing workshop

What you will be able to do

• 1.1 Explain types of securities and associated concepts.
• 1.2 Evaluate key characteristics of each type of security.
• 2.1 Explain regulations and procedures used in trading securities.
• 2.2 Analyse the policies and procedures relating to the trading of securities and new issues in world markets.
• 2.3 Assess issues in global markets including the London Stock Exchange.
• 3.1 Explain the principles of investment theory.
• 3.2 Evaluate the use of securities.
• 3.3 Critically assess the underlying concepts of market analysis and efficiency.
• 4.1 Explain indirect and direct taxes.
• 4.2 Analyse the characteristics of indirect and direct taxes.
• 4.3 Assess the principles of taxation and their implications for relevant stakeholders.
• 5.1 Explain laws and regulations controlling the financial services industry.
• 5.2 Evaluate a range of risk mitigation methods used in investments.
• 5.3 Analyse practical risk mitigation methods.
• 6.1 Explain client portfolios in accordance with customer profiles.
• 6.2 Make justified recommendations of appropriate types of savings and investments.
• 6.3 Critically assess issues relating to portfolio management.

Activity

Start with this week’s 3 videos, then: Plan the unit assignment against every criterion; source and reference the evidence.

Study materials

Videos

• Planning your search strategy 2025 · YouTube · University of Staffordshire Student Life · 24 min · for registered students
• Academic reading and writing in English Part 6: How to cite sources · YouTube · Leiden University - Faculty of Humanities · 17 min · for registered students
• Academic writing workshop · YouTube · University of Staffordshire Student Life · 14 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
• Evaluating Information: Applying the CRAAP Test · PDF · Other, report · for registered students
• Harvard Referencing quick guide 2025 (York St John University) · PDF · Other, report · for registered students