Introduction To be able to research a work based topic in depth, and to communicate your findings in a clear concise way is the basis for all people in employment. By undertaking this assignment you should build on your experience of the workplace and present your conclusions in a professional way. Learning Outcomes On successful completion of this assignment the student should be able to demonstrate knowledge of their specialist technical area. The Brief The task for this assignment is to investigate a working environment in order to develop a greater understanding of how an area of work fits into the overall company or organisation goals, and to identify career paths. 1. Primary task area is to: a. Research a department of a company b. Describe how the organisation fits into the construction industry. 2. Describe the technical functions of an area of work in or an area of interest. 3. Do a SWOT analysis of the area, department or product (SWOT = Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities, Threats) 4. Summarise your “personal portrait” in order to prepare for placement interviews; Indicate in the report the area you would like to work in as a conclusion; you should also include a copy of your CV as an appendix. Reading Materials Company Intranet. Literature Department aims and objectives. Note: These sources are guides only to commonly available material. Students will also be expected to consult other relevant source material. Submission Requirements A report and presentation to the group lasting 5 minutes using “power - point”. The report should be in report form style (1000 words) and include the following: • Title Page • Executive Summary Page and Contents List • Introduction • Main Body • Discussions and Recommendations • Conclusions • Appendices • References and Bibliography Submission Date See front sheet. . Return of Work It is University policy that assignment work will normally be returned within a maximum of three weeks after the date of submission. Under exceptional circumstances e.g. due to illness or where work is retained for external examiners, extended return dates will be published. Please note that the three week period refers to three semester weeks and does not include student holidays like the Christmas or Easter break. Work will normally be returned in normal lecture/tutorial session, via student drawers or will be available for collection either from the School Office or from the lecturer’s office. Your module leader or lecturer will advise you which method will be used Assessment Criteria Assessment Grades for level 4 of the Integrated Credit Framework with regard to undergraduate degree programmes will be used. All grades given for assignment work are provisional until confirmed or otherwise by the relevant examinations board. Performance Criteria For a DISTINCTION (A+ TO B+) the student will have demonstrated a high level of understanding of a workplace, and communicated this understanding in an excellent way during the interview / presentation. For a MERIT (B to C) the student will have demonstrated a very good understanding of a workplace, and communicated this understanding in a good way during the interview / presentation. For a PASS (C- to D-) the student will have presented a reasonably competent examination of a workplace and communicated this understanding in a satisfactory way during the interview / presentation. To FAIL (Fm to NR) the student will clearly not have made a genuine attempt at the assignment brief, have shown little or no understanding of the nature of the problem, nor provided any reasonable solution.