1. 1 This resource contains example(s) of synthesis in Business-related disciplines. Follow the steps below to customise the slides for your course: 1.Choose an appropriate example extract from a student assignment (graded A) 2.Copy the extract into the example slides (slides 4&5) 3.Highlight words and phrases that illustrate effective use of synthesis 4.Provide the full version of the assignment  students identify further examples (slide 6) 5.Encourage the students to bring in their own writing (slide 6) 6.Delete guidance slide 1 in this resource before using in your sessions Guidance on customising this resource How to demonstrate synthesis in assignments Email PAD team for further guidance pad@beds.ac.ukpad@beds.ac.uk In this resource: Synthesis is a form of analytical writing, which draws on insights from a range of literature (or, academic sources) with a view to establish links, tensions and ‘threads’ to support your argument.

2. Write to attract a higher grade: How to demonstrate synthesis in your wrtiting Skills Edge Project Workshop - Business 2

3. Discussion: How do we demonstrate synthesis in academic writing? How to demonstrate synthesis in academic writing 3 o What do we mean by ‘synthesis’ in academic writing? o Why would your lecturers want to see this in your work? o Think of instances/ parts of assignments - where would it be most suitable to demonstrate synthesis? Where is necessary / desirable? o How can you best incorporate synthesis in your writing?

4. Example 1. How does the author demonstrate synthesis in the following extract? 4 The impact of web analytics on e-business …There has been a flurry of publications and articles that speak of the importance of data and information in the 21’st century. Data and information have been described as the oil of the 21st century, the new science and the raw material for business (Goes, 2014; The Economist, 2010). It is reported that “globally 2.5 exabytes of data are produced per day and 80% of this data is unstructured” (Marketline, 2014). Therefore it is unsurprising that technologies to sort and structure the data, and provide such useful insights have quickly crossed the technological chasm (Goes, 2014; Marketline,2014). In fact a recent report stated that 90% of businesses across Europe now use Google Analytics (E-consultancy, 2013)… How to demonstrate synthesis in academic writing

5. Example 2. How does the author demonstrate synthesis in the following extract? 5 How to demonstrate synthesis in academic writing The impact of web analytics on e-business …From a business perspective, big data analytic tools have been praised for their ability to influence all areas in business including operational strategy and cooperate strategy, helping businesses attain competitive advantage (Kiron, 2014; Gillon, 2014). One business function where big data and analytical tools have had a major impact is marketing. It has revolutionised the way marketing campaigns are conducted. However there are challenges that web analytics must overcome. Issues regarding privacy, ethics and data value have been raised….

6. Task 1: Identify other examples of synthesis in the provided text. Justify your answer. 6 Task 2: Identify examples of synthesis in both your own and your peers’ writing. Alternatively, establish where you could have synthesis in your text. How to demonstrate synthesis in academic writing