1. Learning Development Centre
New Venture Creation assignment
February 2015

2. The session will cover What is critical analysis? Reading for writing
Academic writing structure and style

3. Learning Development Centre
Work with all GSBS students on all aspects of academic writing and ICT
Provide in-depth feedback on your coursework: explain how to improve and/or ensure clarity, academic style, coherent structure and development of analysis in your text;
Feedback should then be used to develop writing in subsequent course work - we are not a proof-reading or correction service
We provide support to meet the research and writing needs of students with dyslexia and other additional needs;
We offer face-to-face, individual or group appointments and online feedback:
Monday to Friday:  9 to 5 (after-hours appts. available on request) in W508 to W512

4. Assignment Essay Weighting Score 50%, 2,000 words
Discuss what differentiates an entrepreneur from the small business owner. You should support your arguments with a critical review of the academic literature supplemented by case study evidence from the core text used in seminars

5. What is critical analysis?
A text demonstrates critical analysis through
depth and breadth of reading, which shows knowledge and understanding of
a range of perspectives
consensus and disagreement across perspectives
A clear, logical structure that the reader can follow without specialised prior knowledge

6. Reading critically
Definitions: compare and contrast – how have they changed/evolved? Common features?
Key points of view/arguments: compare and contrast diversity, variation and/or agreement in opinions? How and why?
Key theories: what do they propose? What understanding /insight does the theory provide for specific topic? Criticisms of theory?

7. Analysing the question
Break down coursework question into short questions which direct your reading and develop a plan.
Ask what, how and why questions?

8. Questions to guide reading
What is an entrepreneur?
What is a small business owner?
Why do small business owners not become entrepreneurs? Is it a choice or circumstances?
Do entrepreneurs have shared characteristics or experiences that differentiate them from SBOs?
How do these characteristics/experiences make them entrepreneurs?

9. Structuring academic text: where?
Introduction *
Main body
Build critical analysis of topic using a range of sources
Section Section Section Section 4
Paragraph Paragraph 4 Paragraph Paragraph 10
Paragraph Paragraph 6 Paragraph Paragraph Paragraph 12 *
...Paragraph 3 * Paragraph 7
Conclusion*
Reference list

10. Structure Introduction – sets the scene 10% of w/c Main body
Provides relevant background information to provide context
Defines scope – writer’s decision
Explains purpose & outline of structure
Main body
Identification and development of main issues
Logically sequenced
Conclusions and recommendations 5-10%
Summarises key issues / arguments
Discusses implications / potential future developments
No new factual information or evidence

11. Structure of text: A clear, logical flow and clarity of expression
Your work is assessed on having:
A clear, logical flow and clarity of expression
Well structured text:
Is organised in paragraphs;
Uses linking language [words, phrases, sentences] to ensure your meaning is clear and analysis is ‘signposted’ throughout: link sentences together; link paragraphs together
Maintains a clear focus on topic throughout essay;
Expresses your informed opinion based on discussion of literature – can be placed at end of paragraphs or sections and in conclusion

12. Text Structure Principles of text structure:
Paragraph = development of an idea
General  Specific
Topic sentence introduces idea/issue
More detail/evidence/development of the idea follows
Paragraphs flow logically – headings don’t do all the work

13. Building discussion in writing
Written discussion: marker expects to read
text which :
clearly shows similarities between authors’ perspectives on topic
clearly show contrasts between authors’ perspectives on topic
clearly explain benefits/value/contribution of a particular approach or perspective
clearly explaining challenges/risks/limitations of a particular approach or perspective

14. Academic text style features
Evidence-based
Neutral written style = no slang or everyday idiomatic language
Impersonal – 3rd person ( no I, we or you)
Detailed but relevant
Precise, not vague
Cautious
Evaluative not just descriptive – answers the questions how, how useful, how effective & why, not just what?

15. Why is referencing necessary?
In academic writing, referencing shows that
you have done a literature search and used appropriate sources
you have used the ideas of key writers/theorists
you have drawn on a range of views belonging to different authors to support your analysis/discussion of the topic
your discussion is informed by evidence from academic sources
you are not plagiarising another writer’s work or ideas.

16. How do we use Harvard Referencing?
Author year system
Used to record those sources from which you have taken information
Record author year in the text of an essay, report, project AND
Record in full, all sources referred to in a single, alphabetically arranged reference list