HC1062 Decision Making and Problem-Solving 

Group Assignment Guidelines and Specifications

Assessment Overview

In a globalised business environment, effective decision-making relies on evidence-based research and critical analysis. This assessment challenges students to apply theoretical models and research methods to a real-world management issue faced by a multinational organisation. Through collaborative inquiry, students will explore how structured research supports informed managerial decisions, strengthens problem-solving, and fosters innovation in global business contexts.

Assessment Parts

The assessment consists of three interrelated parts (A, B, and C) designed to develop and demonstrate students’ research, analytical, and communication skills in a practical context:

Part A –Group Report (20marks):

A 2,000-word research-based report where students apply decision-making and problem-solving frameworks to analyze a selected management issue within a multinational organisation. The report integrates theoretical models with secondary data analysis to generate evidence-based recommendations.

Part B–Individual Reflection (10marks):

A 1,000-word reflective essay (approximately 250 words per student) where each member analyses their personal experience with decision-making and collaboration in this group assignment, linking individual learning to relevant theories and frameworks.

Part C–Creative Presentation/Video Brief(10marks):

A 5–6-minute group presentation that communicates the key insights, findings, and lessons learned from Parts A and B through engaging storytelling, visuals, and professional delivery.

Together, these components encourage both individual accountability and collaborative synthesis, providing a comprehensive learning experience that mirrors the multidisciplinary nature of real-world business problem-solving.

Assessment Objectives

• Reinforce key topics from Lectures 1–7.
• Apply business research, decision-making, and problem-solving theories to a real-world issue.
• Develop collaborative, analytical, and academic writing skills.
• Demonstrate ethical research design using secondary data.
• Communicate insights through a creative and engaging presentation.

Assessment Task

Each group will:

1. Select one management issue from the options below.
2. Choose a multinational organisation relevant to that issue.
3. Conduct secondary research and apply course concepts to analyse and recommend solutions.
4. Integrate individual sections into a cohesive group report.

Management Issues(Select One):

1. Declining Sales
2. Poor Customer Satisfaction
3. Ineffective Marketing Strategy

Group Research Components:

The following sections are collaboratively developed by all group members to maintain cohesion and shared responsibility throughout the research process:

• Introduction & Background
• Problem Definition & Research Questions
• Recommendations& Conclusion
• Group Reflection
• References

These sections ensure the project maintains a consistent voice and integrates all members’ contributions into a unified report.

Individual Research  Components:

Each group member will contribute a distinct yet complementary section of the overall research project. These individual components align with the key stages of the business research process, ensuringthatallmembersactivelyengagewithboththeoryandapplicationwhilecontributingequally to the final report.
 

Part A– Group Report Structure (2,000 words)–20 marks

Your group report should include the following sections:

1. Introduction & Background

   • Introduce the organisation and management issue.
   • Explain its importance in the decision-making context.

2. Problem Definition & Research Questions
   • Define the decision-making problem.
   • Develop research objectives and key questions.
3. Research Design & Ethics
   • Explain your chosen research design(exploratory, descriptive, or causal).
   • Address ethical considerations related to secondary data use.
4. Data Collection Approach
   • Justify the use of secondary  data and chosen methods(qualitative/quantitative).
5. Measurement & Instrument Design
   • Describe how variables are measured, ensuring validity and reliability.
6. Analysis Plan & Expected Insights

• Outline your analytical framework and how it supports managerial decision-making.

1. Recommendations & Conclusion

• Provide realistic, evidence-based recommendations.
• Summarise implications for global organisations.

1. Group Reflection

• Each member’s contribution.
• Application of decision-making and problem-solving theories.
• Key insights or collaboration takeaways.

1. References

• Minimum 6 credible sources (academic journals, textbooks, business reports).

Marking Rubric: Group Report (20 marks)

Part B–Individual Reflection (1,000 words total about 250 per student)–10 marks

 Each student must submit an individual reflection (attached as an appendix) explaining their own experience with decision-making, what they learned from this project, and how theoretical frameworks influenced their understanding of real-world business problems.

Criteria:

• Personal insight and critical thinking
• Connection to decision-making and problem-solving theories
• Clarity and coherence

Marking Rubric: Individual Reflection (10 marks)

Part C–Creative Presentation/ Video Brief(10marks)

To communicate your findings through an engaging visual presentation that connects research insights, teamwork, and personal reflection.

Structure (5–6minutestotal):

1. Introduction – Introduce group members, topic, and purpose (2 marks)
2. Summary of Report – Highlight key findings, insights, and implications (2 marks)
3. Discussion – Showcase visuals, comparisons, and frameworks (4 marks)
4. Conclusion – Summaries learning’s and future implications (2 marks)

Marking Rubric: Group Presentation(10marks)

Citation and Referencing Rules

Holmes has implemented a revised Harvard approach to referencing. The following rules apply:

1. Reference sources in assignments are limited to sources that provide full-text access for lecturers and markers.
2. In-text Citations
   All assignments must include in-text citations to the listed references. These must include the surname of the author(s) or name of the authoring body, year of publication, page number of the content, and paragraph where the content can be found. For example:
   “The company decided to implement an enterprise-wide data warehouse business intelligence strategy (Hawking et al., 2004, p3(4)).”

1. Reference List

The reference list must be located on the last page of your submission.
The reference list must include the details of all the in-text citations, arranged A–Z alphabetically by author surname, with each reference numbered (1 to 10, etc.) and each reference MUST include a hyperlink to the full text of the cited reference URL.

For example:
7. Hawking, P., McCarthy, B. & Stein, A. 2004. Second Wave ERP Education, Journal of Information Systems Education, Vol … Issue No. …, pages … to … http://jise.org/Volume15/n3/JISEv15n3p327.pdf

1. Non-Adherence to Referencing Rules

If students do not follow the above rules, penalties apply:

1. For students who submit assignments that do not comply with all aspects of the rules, a 10% penalty will be applied.
2. If citations are ‘fake’, students will be reported for academic misconduct..