Topic

Detail

Academic year / semester

2025/2026

Module code and title

6BU021 The Business Communicator

Module Leader

Emma Edwards

Assignment name

Reflective report

Assignment type

Coursework

Assignment weighting and size

100% 3000 words +/-10%

Assessment unpacking video location

Modules > Assessment > Assessment Information

‘What’s my assignment?’ unpacking date (if applicable)

Week 1

Formative submission date (if applicable)

See canvas  - modules, assignment information and support

Formative submission method (if applicable)

Canvas- Online submission file upload

Formative feedback date (if applicable)

Within 2 weeks of submission

Summative (i.e., final) submission date

See canvas – front page and assessment information and support

Summative submission method

Canvas- Online Submission

Students will produce a 3000 word reflective report for this module, evaluating and analysing their experiences of three topics covered within the module.  The portfolio will include discussion around personal and professional skills development.

Throughout the module, students will have the opportunity to explore and engage in a range of different topics and activities.  Examples might be developing a crisis communication plan; exploring stakeholder theory and developing a stakeholder map and analysis; and analysing corporate reputation.

Students will select three topics to discuss and critically analyse, and reflect on their personal experiences and the knowledge developed.   Students should draw on knowledge developed throughout the module and apply relevant communication, marketing and HR theory and models, to demonstrate understanding of the field of business communication.

There is not a mandatory structure for the portfolio, but below is a suggested structure:

Introduction to the portfolio – 100 words

Critical reflection on topic one – 900 words

• Students to outline the assessment completed and reflect and analyse on their skills and understanding prior to completing the activity and post the activity.    Students should draw on relevant theory to explain and analyse the approach taken and knowledge developed as a result.    

Critical reflection on topic two – 900 words

• As above

Critical reflection on topic three – 900 words

• As above

Conclusion and recommendations – 200 words

Students should conclude their portfolio and suggest recommendations / plans for moving forward, based on their reflections.   Appendices may be used to provide further, appropriate information.   

Learning outcomes

See below:

LO 1

LO2

LO3

LO4

To critically analyse communication theory and apply to a given scenario

To reflect on personal communication skills and develop strategies for addressing communication skills gaps

 To critically analyse and apply relevant HR theory to a specific business scenario      

To demonstrate key business communication skills and apply to appropriate scenarios     

Assessment criteria
(see rubric below for performance criteria)

1. A detailed, critical reflection on the development of key business communication skills / knowledge 30%

2. Clear and appropriate application of relevant communication and HR theory and models to explain and analyse experiences / scenarios or skills developed 30%

3. A critical evaluation of business scenarios with relevant, robust recommendations for identifying and addressing issues 30%

4. A well-written and presented portfolio, with evidence of wide reading and correct use of the Harvard referencing system 10%

Characteristics of a good submission

1.  A critical and reflective report which applies relevant theory and models to particular scenarios

2. Clear reflection on personal knowledge and skills gained throughout the module and plans to address skills to be developed

3. Evidence of wide reading of relevant HR, Marketing, communication texts, in addition to authoritative secondary sources

4. Well- referenced using Harvard referencing system

Additional instructions

Always keep a copy of your drafts and a file of working documents. There may be circumstances – for example, if there are questions relating to the academic integrity of your work – where you may be asked to submit the evidence of your work and meet with your tutor to answer questions about your submission. 

Please see the canvas topic for further guidance

Professional Body requirements

N/A

University regulations

University’s Academic Regulations

Academic Integrity Policy

Level and Mark Descriptors

Support

Student Support and Wellbeing

Study Guides

Skills for Learning – Introduction to Academic Study Skills

Academic English Language Skills

Date by which feedback will be provided

Four working weeks after the submission date

Feedback format

Written feedback via canvas

Resit details

Students who need to resubmit will be required to use the feedback provided on the first submission and improve their work based on this feedback.   A different colour font should be used to highlight the changed made, so that it is clear how the feedback has been implemented.