Case Study

Marking of Briefing Note (BN)

Criteria Fail (<50%)

Pass (50 - 64%)

Credit (65% - 74%)

Distinction (75 - 84%)

High Distinction (85% - 100%)

Structure and analysis - Clear structure is evident (and follows the appropriate format) and the flow of the briefing note is logical. - The piece is interpretive and analytical (not merely descriptive).

- No BN structure evident, flow is illogical, lack of links to the issues. - Essay is merely descriptive with little or no critical analysis.

- Attempt to follow BN structure, flow can generally be followed, some links to the issues are evident. - Demonstrates some critical analysis, but overly descriptive.

- Sound BN structure, logically presented, links to the issues are discernible. - Demonstrates sound critical analysis.

- Very good BN structure and logical flow, clear links to the issues. - Very effective critical analysis demonstrated.

- Excellent BN structure, flow is logical and seamless, explicit linkages to the issues. - Demonstrates excellent critical analysis.

Knowledge of relevant concepts: - Evidence of relevant reading and linkage of this to the issues presented. - The BN includes the application of relevant theories/concepts/ideas to the issues. - The level of understanding demonstrated in relation to the issues and the relevance of recommendations presented.

- No/little evidence of relevant reading. - No theories applied to the issues or theories are not relevant to the issues. - Demonstrates an inadequate knowledge of issues with largely irrelevant recommendations.

- Satisfactory evidence of mostly relevant reading. - Some theories are applied which show some relevance to the issues. - Demonstrates a satisfactory understanding of the issues. Recommendations are generally relevant and make some link to the issues.

- Sound evidence of relevant reading. - Sound theory application which is relevant to the issues. - Demonstrates a sound understanding of the issues. Recommendations are relevant and show discernible links to the issues.

- Very thorough evidence of relevant reading. - Very effective theory application, clearly relevant to the issues. - Very competent understanding of the issues demonstrated. Very good recommendations with clear links to the issues.

- Excellent and extensive evidence of well chosen reading. - Exemplary application of targeted theories, clear justification of relevance to the issues. - Excellent and comprehensive understanding of relevant issues. Recommendations are targeted and justified to the issues.

General presentation - Level of written expression (including spelling, grammar, punctuation, overall prose fluency, accurate referencing and writing style is appropriate).

- Written expression is confused and laboured. - Extensive spelling, grammar errors. - Writing style is informal. - References not accurately presented.

- Written expression is satisfactory. - Spelling and grammar are satisfactory, but with a number of errors which detract from overall meaning. - Satisfactory academic writing standard. - References mostly presented accurately.

- Demonstrates sound written expression. - Correct spelling and grammar, some errors. - Sound academic writing standard. - References well presented.

- Highly competent written expression demonstrated. - Correct spelling and grammar throughout, minor errors. - Very competent academic writing standard. - References very well presented.

- Demonstrates outstanding clarity of written expression. - Correct spelling and grammar throughout, virtually error-free. - Excellent scholarly writing standard. - References flawlessly presented.