Learning Development Centre New Venture Creation assignment February 2015

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

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: email ldcgsbs@gcu.ac.uk Monday to Friday:  9 to 5 (after-hours appts. available on request) in W508 to W512

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

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

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?

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

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?

Structuring academic text: where? Introduction * Main body Build critical analysis of topic using a range of sources Section 1 Section 2 Section 3 Section 4 Paragraph 1 Paragraph 4 Paragraph 8 Paragraph 10 Paragraph 2... Paragraph 6 Paragraph 9 Paragraph 11 Paragraph 12 * ...Paragraph 3 * Paragraph 7 Conclusion* Reference list

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

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

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

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

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?

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.

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