Module Booklet

Unit 6

Business Decision Making

Unit level

Unit code

D/601/0578

Qualification

BTEC HND in Business

Term Start Date

22/02/2016

Hand out date

29/02/2016

Submission
Deadline

15/07/2016

Lecture

15 Weeks

Revision Clinic

3 Weeks

Module Leader

Emmanuel B Ofori

Lecturer

Emmanuel B Ofori

Table of Contents
INTRODUCTION............................................................................................................ 3
Aim............................................................................................................................... 4
Key Objectives............................................................................................................. 4
LEARNING OUTCOMES.................................................................................................. 4
LEARNING OUTCOMES AND ASSESSMENT CRITERIA....................................................5
Key Knowledge and Understanding.............................................................................. 6
Unit content:................................................................................................................ 7
Teaching Plan............................................................................................................... 9
Teaching and Learning Activities................................................................................ 18
Teaching Ethos........................................................................................................... 18
Methods of Delivery:.................................................................................................. 18
Plagiarism.................................................................................................................. 19
Assignment brief........................................................................................................ 20
Contextualisation for higher grade............................................................................. 30
Glossary of academic words used in the assignments...............................................34

INTRODUCTION, AIMS AND OBJECTIVES

INTRODUCTION
In business, good decision making requires the effective use of information. This unit
gives learners the opportunity to examine a variety of sources and develop
techniques in relation to four aspects of information: data gathering, data storage,
and the tools available to create and present useful information.
ICT is used in business to carry out much of this work and an appreciation and use of
appropriate ICT software is central to completion of this unit. Specifically, learners
will be made aware of how to use spreadsheets and other software for data analysis
and the preparation of information. The use of spreadsheets to manipulate of
numbers, and understanding how to apply the results, are seen as more important
than the mathematical derivation of formulae used.
Learners will gain an appreciation of information systems currently used at all levels
in an organisation as aids to decision making. Organizational data is a collection of
raw facts relating to the enterprise and its environment. It can be classified in a
number of ways eg, quantitative / qualitative, discrete/ continuous, internal, external
formal informal primary and secondary.
Much of a managers work will involve the use of data and information, collected and
stored internally or externally. Decisions regarding the future plans and operations of
the organization will incorporate information about past performance, future market
potential, industry and company statistics etcall of which need to be gathered
processed and analysed.

Aim
The aim of this unit is to give learners the opportunity to develop techniques for data
gathering and storage, an understanding of the tools available to create and present
useful information, in order to make business decisions.

Key Objectives

Use a variety of sources for the collection of data, both primary and secondary.
Evaluate a range of techniques to analyse data effectively for business

purposes.
Produce information in appropriate formats for decision making in an

organisational context
Use software-generated information to make decisions in an organisation the
factors which impact on individual and group decision making.

LEARNING OUTCOMES

Be able to use a variety of sources for the collection of data, both primary and

secondary
Understand a range of techniques to analyse data effectively for business

purposes
Be able to produce information in appropriate formats for decision making in

an organisational context
Be able to use software-generated information to make decisions in an
organisation

LEARNING OUTCOMES AND ASSESSMENT CRITERIA

LO1

Be able to use a variety of sources for the collection of data, both

primary and secondary.

1.1 Create a plan for the collection of primary and secondary data for a given
business problem
1.2 Present the survey methodology and sampling frame used
1.3 Design a questionnaire for a given business problem

LO2

Understand a range of techniques to analyse data effectively for

business purposes
2.1 Create information for decision making by summarising data using representative
values
2.2 Analyse the results to draw valid conclusions in a business context
2.3 Analyse data using measures of dispersion to inform a given business scenario
2.4 Explain how quartiles, percentiles and the correlation coefficient are used to draw
useful conclusions in business context

LO3
Be able to produce information in appropriate formats for decision making
in an organisational context.
3.1 Produce graphs using spreadsheets and draw valid conclusions based on the
information derived
3.2 Create trend lines in spreadsheet graphs to assist in forecasting for specified
business information
3.3 Prepare a business presentation using suitable software and techniques to
disseminate information effectively
3.4 Produce a formal business report

LO4 Be able to use software-generated information to make decisions in an

organisation
4.1 Use appropriate information processing tools
4.2 Prepare a project plan for an activity and determine the critical path
4.3 Use financial tools for decision making

Key Knowledge and Understanding

Create a plan for primary and secondary data collection.

Use a range of techniques for the collection of data

Analyse the data collected using statistical techniques to estimate the

measure of location such as the arithmetic mean, the mode and the median.
Analyse the result and use the outcome to make effective decision.
Calculate the measure of dispersion using the data collected.
Analyse the data to make informed and effective strategic decision for the

organisation used in the case study.

Produce different graphs using spreadsheets and make a case for the

organisation in question.
Produce a trend line for a given data and explain the practical implication with

respect to the organisation in question.

Produce a formal business report.
Prepare a project plan for a given scenario.
Prepare a project plan for a given set of data.
Use financial tools such as PBP, ARR and NPV to appraise a project.

Unit content:
LO1. Be able to use a variety of sources for the collection of data both Primary and Secondary

Primary sources: survey methodology; questionnaire design; sample frame;

sampling methods; sample error
Secondary sources: internet research; government and other published data; byproduct data
Storage: security of information; data protection issues; ethical issues

LO2. Be Understand a range of techniques to analyse data effectively for business purposes

Representative values: Mean median, mode; calculation from raw data and
frequency distributions using appropriate software; using the results to draw valid
conclusions
Measures of dispersion: standard deviation for small and large samples; typical
uses (statistical processes eg control buffer stock levels)

Calculation: use of quartiles, percentiles, correlation coefficient

LO3. Be able to produce information in appropriate formats for decision making in an organisational c

Creation and interpretation of graphs using spreadsheets: line, pie, bar

charts and histograms
Scatter (XY) graphs and linear trend lines: extrapolation for forecasting (reliability)
Presentations and report writing: use of appropriate formats; presentation
software and techniques

LO4. Be able to use software generated information to make decisions in an Organisation

Management information systems: computers and information processing tools

for operational, tactical and strategic levels of the organisation
Project management: networking and critical path analysis, Gantt and Pert charts
Financial tools: net present value; discounted cash flow; internal rates of return

Teaching Plan
Unit: 6 BUSINESS DECISION MAKING
W

Lecture

Schedule

Outcome of session
After completing
each session
learners will be able

Activity/semin

Resources

ar and
formative
assessment

to:
1

Introduction to

Create a plan for the

the module
Address the
mode of
assessment

collection of primary
and secondary data
for a given business
problem (1.1)

Learners create a

Module

data collection plan

outline
PowerPoint
slides,

Primary data,

supporting

secondary data

materials and

collection.

activities

Address how to
create a plan for
collection of
date for the
chosen scenario.
2

Survey

Present the survey

methodology

methodology and

and different

sampling frame

sampling

used. (1.2)

methods used in
survey.
3

Questionnaire

Design a

design and the

questionnaire for a

different

given business

question forms

problem. (1.3)

and discuss

Quiz learners about

PowerPoint

identifying the

slides,

correct sampling

supporting

methods for

materials and

different scenarios

activities

Learners design a

PowerPoint

questionnaire for a

slides,

given problem

supportin
g

when and how

materials

they can be used

and

most effectively.

Using range of

activities

Understand and be

techniques to

able to calculate

analyse data

Mode, Median and

effectively for

Mean (2.1, 2.2)

business
purposes-

Class Exercises
PowerPoint
slides, supporting
materials and
activities

Measures of
Central

Tendency

Lab session

Calculate Mode,

Solving problems on

Video

Median, Mean and

excel

demonstratio

Range on Excel. (2.1,

2.2)

Analyse data

Analyse data using

Activities, sample,

PowerPoint

using measures

measures of

case study, mock

slides,

of dispersion and

dispersion to inform

sampling addressing

explain how

a given business

the assignment

quartiles,

scenario. (2.3, 2.4)

Question
bank and
activities.

percentiles and
the correlation
coefficient are
used to draw
useful
conclusions in
business context

Lab session

Calculate Standard

Solving problems on

Video

Deviation, quartiles,

excel

demonstratio

percentiles and

correlation
coefficient. (2.3, 2.4)

Be able to

Produce graphs

Problems and

produce

using spreadsheets

activities

information in

and draw valid

appropriate

conclusions based

formats for

on the information

decisions

derived. (3.1)

Computer lab

making in an
organizational
context.

Create trend lines in

spreadsheet graphs
to assist in
forecasting for
specified business
information. (3.2)

Challenges for

Prepare a business

Class group

PowerPoint

preparing

presentation using

activities

slides,

presentation

suitable software

supporting

using suitable

and techniques to

materials and

software and

disseminate

activities.

techniques to

information

disseminate

effectively. (3.3)

information
effectively.
presentation
10

11

Challenges for

Produce a formal

Class group

PowerPoint

producing a

business report.

activities

slides,

business report

(3.4)

supporting

and styles and

materials and

modes of

activities.

Use appropriate

Use computers and

information

information

processing tools

processing tools for

Class activities

Computer lab

Class activities

Computer lab

operational, tactical
and strategic levels
of the organisation.
(4.1)

12

Prepare a project

Create a project plan

plan for an

using networking,

activity and

critical path analysis,

determine the

Gantt and Pert

critical path

10

charts. (4.2)

13

Use financial

Use net present

tools for decision

value; discounted

making

cash flow; internal

Class activities

rates of return for

decision making.
(4.3)

14

Revision Class:
A review of

Addressing learning
outcome 1-2

assessment
criteria 1.1 to
2.4
15

Revision Class:
A review of

Addressing learning
outcome 3-4

assessment
criteria 1.1 to
2.4
16

17

18

19

20

Assignment

Assignment support

Module

support

and guidance

booklet

Assignment

Assignment support

Module

support

and guidance

booklet

Assignment

Assignment support

Module

support

and guidance

Assessment and

Feedback given to

feedback

the learner

Assessment and

Feedback given to

feedback

the learner

booklet

11

21

Assessment and

Feedback given to

feedback

the learner

Recommended text and links:

BPP

Learning

Media;

Business

essentials

(supporting

HND/HNC

and

foundation) Business Decision making Supporting texts and books

1. Anderson, Sweeney, Williams, Thomas A.-Modern business statistics with
Microsoft Office Excel (Cengage Learning, 2008) ISBN 68665, 9780324568660

2. Trevor

Wegner-Applied

Applications

(Juta

and

Business

Statistics:

Company

Ltd,

2010,

Methods

and

Edition

2nd,

Excel-Based
illustrated

ISBN

0702172863, 9780702172861

3. Teale, John, David-Management Decision Making: Towards an Integrative

Approach Financial Times/ Prentice Hall; 1 edition (31 Oct 2002) ISBN-10:
0201619229

Journals and newspapers

The financial and mainstream press can be a useful source of information, both in
terms of data for case studies and background understanding.
Videos
A variety of videos is available covering financial topics.
Websites
www.bized.ac.uk provides case studies appropriate for educational purposes
www.iasb.org.uk International Accounting Standards Board

Wk

Session

Date

Signature

Update
1
2

12

3
4
5
6
7
8

9
10
11

12
13

14

15

Lecturer
Campus
Contact details:
Assessment: The module will be assessed meeting all the LO as specified by the
awarding body, Ed Excel.
Please read the instructions carefully while addressing the tasks specified.
Contribution: 100% of the module

13

Outline Details: Task 1, Task 2 and Task 3 are to be addressed as per the scenario and
following

the

instructions

and

evidenced

with

a appropriate

structure

and

presentation. Task 4 will be addressed as instructed.

Your report should not exceed approx 4000 words. Details enclosed in the
assignment brief

Teaching and Learning Activities

The module tutor(s) will aim to combine lectures with tutorial activities. This
environment will provide opportunities for the student to understand the course
material through case study and text and to apply it in a practical way. The intent is
to facilitate interactive class activities, and discussion about the significant role of
research in a global and local business environment.

Teaching Ethos
The colleges approach towards teaching and learning is simple and effective. The
main aim of UKCBC is to assist learners in maximising their potential by ensuring that
they are taught clearly and effectively. This will enable students to engage in the
learning environment and promote success in both their academic studies and
subsequent career.

Methods of Delivery:
Lectures
These will be developed around the key concepts as mentioned in the indicative
course content and will use a range of live examples and cases from business
practice to demonstrate the application of theoretical concepts. This method is
primarily used to identify and explain key aspects of the subject so that learners can
utilise their private study time more effectively
Seminars
These are in addition to the lectures. The seminars are designed to give learners the
opportunity to test their understanding of the material covered in the lectures and
private study with the help of reference books. This methodology usually carries a
set of questions identified in advance. Seminars are interactive sessions led by the
learners.

14

This method of study gives the learner an excellent opportunity to clarify any points
of difficulty with the tutor and simultaneously develop their oral communication
skills.
Case studies
An important learning methodology is the extensive use of case studies. They enable
learners to apply the concepts that they learn in their subjects. The learners have to
study the case, analyse the facts presented and arrive at conclusions and
recommendations. This assists in the assessment of the learners ability to apply to
the real world the tools and techniques of analysis which they have learnt. The case
study serves as a supplement to the theoretical knowledge imparted through the
course work.

Plagiarism
Any act of plagiarism will be seriously dealt with according to the colleges and
awarding bodies regulations. In this context the definition and scope of plagiarism
are presented below:
Plagiarism is presenting someones work as your won. It includes copying
information directly from the web or books without referencing the material;
submitting joint coursework as an individual effort; copying another students
coursework; stealing coursework form another student and submitting it as your own
work. Suspected plagiarism will be investigated and if found to have occurred will be
dealt with according to the college procedure. (For further details please refer to the
plagiarism policy and the student code of conduct.)

15

Assignment brief
Unit 6

Business Decision Making

Unit code

D/601/0578

Qualification

HND in Business

Term Start date

22/02/2016

Assignment/hand-out

29/02/2016

date
Deadline/hand-in
date

15/07/2016

Assignment title

Data collection, analyses and presentation for a

given business problem

Purpose of this assignment is to assess learners ability with regards to:

Collection of data, both primary and secondary.

Analysing data effectively for business purposes.
Producing information in appropriate formats for decision making in an

organisational context
Use of software-generated information to make decisions in an organisation

Instruction:
TASK 1 to TASK 3: You are required to follow the instructions as specified
towards each task. The survey will cover information about; student, academic
staff

and

tutors;

administration;

facilities,

student

support

and

learning

environment. You also need to collect both primary and secondary data, analyse
the data and produce appropriate report and give a feedback of the findings as
specified.

16

Scenario
UK College of Business and Computing (UKCBC) is a leading educational institution
based in the heart of London, enabling those with a passion for higher education,
the opportunity to further their academic qualifications. With a host of valued
qualifications and professional courses, available to students from the UK and
countries across the globe, the options provided by UKCBC ensures fulfilling
students potential to easily achieve their desired qualifications.
Information from College website
The college offers an inspiring academic team emphasises its commitment to
enhance the quality of life of all our students, through high quality in teaching,
research and service. We provide a creative and nurturing campus environment
with a good range of academic programmes, delivered by very experienced and
qualified staff who take pride in the in their ability to meet the needs of
international and Home (UK/EU) students.
Student Support
We pride ourselves on our warm friendly learning environment. Our administration
team work closely with all academic staff to provide excellent support and
guidance throughout the students time with us. We are well aware of the
difficulties and challenges faced by students at various stages, especially the
international students, who are in a new Country, away from their home. We put a
great deal of care into helping them settle. Students support includes a full
induction programme, with orientation trips to the well known heritage sites
across UK. Students are continuously supported by the academic and
administrative departments for their learning and welfare needs, throughout their
course of study at the College.
Flexible Learning
UK College of Business and Computing (UKCBC) are dedicated to providing
students with a learning environment that is fully responsive to their needs. As
such, we ensure that our courses offer flexibility to support you in all possible
ways, to ensure that you will not be constrained on our academic, personal or
work related limitations that may otherwise affect your pursuing a course of study.
Flexibility is provided in terms of course time tables, class schedules like
combination of morning and evening sessions as well as extra tutorial support for
professional development. Our campuses across London offer an array of courses
tailored to support your academic and professional development. These courses
offer a degree of flexibility in their structure in order to support the circumstances 17

(LO1 AC 1.1, AC 1.2 and AC 1.3)

Task 1
You are required to:
UKCBC 1.1 Create a plan for the collection of primary and secondary data into
student experience and perception about or your chosen business problem.
Please note: You plan should take into consideration the scope, duration,
resources to be used, the sample size, location and your target
1.2 Present the survey methodology and sampling frame used for the survey into
student experience and perception about UKCBC or your chosen business
problem.
Please note: Your presentation should include the explanation of the methodology
to be used for the purpose of this survey. In addition, the sampling frame needs to
be defined and explained.
1.3 Design a questionnaire for collecting data into survey into student
experience and perception about UKCBC or your chosen business problem.
Please note: The questionnaire should take into consideration both qualitative and
quantitative information. Your questionnaire should also cover information about;
students, academic staff and tutors; administration; facilities, student support and
learning environment if collecting data on student experience and perception
about UKCBC.
Instruction for task 2
For this task, you will be required to demonstrate your understanding of a range of
techniques to analyse data effectively for business purposes.
With the data collected in task 1.3, use appropriate statistical technique(s) to
analyse the data about learner experience and perception about the College.
Please note: If you wish you may choose to combine tasks 2.1, 2.2 and 2.3 by
creating a frequency table first and then calculate representative values (mean,
mode, median, variance and standard deviation) followed by an analyses to
inform and draw valid conclusions for the business problem.

18

(LO 2 AC 2.1, AC 2.2, AC 2.3 and AC 2.4)

Task 2
You are required to;
2.1 Create information for decision making by summarizing data gathered from
the survey in task 1.3 by creating a frequency table and then calculate
representative values (arithmetic mean, median and mode) from your data.

2.2 Analyse the results of task 1.3 to draw valid conclusions about the survey.
Note: This is the creation of frequency table required for 2.1. - here the results
should be analysed and valid conclusions drawn.
2.3 Analyse data using measures of dispersion to inform a given business
scenario (standard deviations)

2.4 Explain how quartiles, percentiles and the correlation coefficient are used to
draw useful conclusions in a business context.
Note: You explanation should emphasise on the usefulness of these data in
decision making with respect to UKCBC.
Instruction for task 3
In this task you will be required to produce information in appropriate formats for
decision making in the organisational context
(LO 3 AC3.1 and AC3.2)
Task 3
You are required to;
P3.1- Produce graphs using spreadsheets and draw valid conclusions based on
the data analysed in Task 2.2.
Note: You may use a combination of pie charts, bar charts, histogram and ogives
and ensure that each graph is labelled accordingly.

19

P3.2- Using the information below (or gather past data on your chosen business
problem) create trend lines in a spreadsheet using scatter graphs to assist in
forecasting student population for 2017 and 2018 based on extrapolation of
previous years data.
Student population
2012

2013

2014

2015

2016

70

270

600

808

950

HND TTM

50

196

350

500

520

HND CSD

10

116

150

186

200

Other

30

58

100

64

50

Total

160

640

1500

1720

HND

2017

2018

Business

1200

Please note: You need to state clearly any assumption(s) made for the
forecasted figures and draw your own conclusion. All axes must be labelled
clearly
P3.3 - Prepare a power point presentation to be presented to UKCBC Board of
Directors on your key findings.
Please note:
This must be a power point presentation of at least 10 slides which will be
uploaded separately from the main assignment and must contain;

The title of the presentation and your name

The methodology
Charts and summary of the key findings

P3.4 Produce a formal business report to UKCBC Board of Directors about your
findings and recommendations. This should be in a proper report format and not
less than 500 words.
The report must be in word format and has;

a title
purpose and limitation
content
summary and recommendation

20

Scenario for task 4

For most businesses, there are a variety of requirements for information. Senior
managers need information to help with their business planning. Middle management
need more detailed information to help them monitor and control business activities.
Employees with operational roles need information to help them carry out their duties .

UKCBC is planning on introducing a new software called Tribal to manage its

information processing and dissemination. A key tool of the new system is called
SITS: Vision. It manages student administrative processes, from initial enquiry
through to graduation and alumni, and acts as the central point of information on
students and their qualifications.
The system also integrates a range of supporting applications, including:

finance systems

campus-access systems

library systems

estates management

human-resources systems

virtual-learning environments.

The engineers have provided the following timetable for the project;
Activity

Description

Predecessor

Days

1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11

Create schedule
Buy hardware
Programming
Installation
Test code
Test system
Conversion
Write manual
Dummy run
Training staff
User testing

none
none
A1
A2
A3
A5
A4
A4
A7
A8
A10, A6

10
5
20
5
20
10
5
15
0
5
10

A cost-benefit analysis have been conducted for the project and the cost and
savings benefit over a five period is given below;
Net Cash flow ()
Year 0

-150,000

Year 1

12,000

Year 2

25,000

Year 3

25,000

Year 4

35,000

21

Year 5

40,000

(LO4 AC 4.1, AC 4.2 and AC 4.3)

Task 4
Required
4.1 Using the new SITS: Vision tool explain how it will support information
processing at operational, tactical and strategic levels for UKCBC giving examples.
4.2 Using the activity table given above for the project, determine the critical
path for the project
4.3 From the information provided above, assess the viability of the project using
suitable financial tools Net Present Value (NPV) and Internal Rate of Return (IRR) at
3% and 5% discount factor.

Evidence checklist
Criteria

To achieve the criteria the evidence must show the

Achieved?

Reference

learner have:
Create a plan for the collection of primary and secondary

(tick)

1.1

data for a given business problem

1.2

Present the survey methodology and sampling frame

1.3

used
Design a questionnaire for a given business problem
Create information for decision making by summarising

2.1

data using representative values

2.2

Analyse the results to draw valid conclusions in a

2.3

business context
Analyse data using measures of dispersion to inform a

2.4

given business scenario

Explain how quartiles, percentiles and the correlation
coefficient are used to draw useful conclusions in

3.1

business context
Produce graphs using spreadsheets and draw valid
conclusions based on the information derived

3.2

Create trend lines in spreadsheet scatter graphs to assist

3.3

in forecasting for specified business information

Prepare a business presentation using suitable software

22

3.4

and techniques to disseminate information effectively

Produce a formal business report

4.2

Use appropriate information processing tools

Prepare a project plan for an activity and determine the

4.3

critical path
Use financial tools for decision making

4.1

Contextualisation grid to achieve higher grade

Descriptors

Indicative characteristics

Contextualisation

Merit Description:
M1. Identify and

An effective approach to

Has identified and

apply strategies to

study and research has been

applied an effective

find appropriate

used.

approach/method to

solutions.

study and research by

successfully identifying
and applying those
concepts.
Learner should be able to
identify a range of
appropriate research
methods and strategies
for collecting and
analysing data.

23

M2. Select/ design

Complex information/data

The Leaner should

and apply appropriate

have been synthesized and

demonstrate an ability to

methods/ techniques.

processed.

synthesize and process

the research data to
draw valuable conclusion
which can inform good
business decision
making

M3. Present and

A range of methods of

Learner has used

communicate

presentation has been used.

appropriate presentation

appropriate findings.

and structured approach

to the presentation of
the research findings in
variety of ways which
useful and suitable for
good business decision
making.

Distinction
Description:

24

D1. Use critical

Synthesis has been used to

Learner has exhibited

reflection to evaluate

generate and justify valid

great critical thinking

own work and justify

conclusions

ability in planning,

valid conclusion.

implementing and
presenting the research
findings. This can be
exhibited in tasks 1, 2, 3
and 4

D2.
Take
for

responsibility
managing

and

organizing activities.

Substantial

Learner has taken the

activities/projects or

responsibility for

investigations have been

planning, managing and

planned, managed and well

organising the

organised.

introduction of a new
software. A great deal of
ability is also
demonstrated by the
learner in using other
project management
techniques to ensure the
project delivery is a
success. Evidence in Task
4

25

D3.

Ideas generated by learner

Learner has

Demonstrate

and decisions taken to

demonstrated a thorough

convergent, lateral

demonstrate understanding

understanding of issues

and creative thinking

of the intended learning

raised in the questions

outcome

and demonstrated
excellent ability in
application, analyses and
evaluation to reach a
conclusion. The evidence
of this can be seen in
Tasks 1, 2 and 3
culminating in an official
business report.

Glossary of academic words used in this and other

assignments

Account for

Give reasons for: explain why something happens.

Analyse

Examine something in very close detail and from a

number of angles. Identify the important points and

26

chief features, and understand their relationships.

Argue

Present a case for and against a proposal or statement

and present your own opinion at the end.

Compare

Show how two or more things are similar.

Contrast

Look at two or more things and draw out differences.

State whether the differences are significant.

Critically
evaluate

Weigh arguments for and against something, assess the

strength of evidence on both sides.

Define

Give the exact meaning of.

Describe

Give a detailed account of the main features or

characteristics ...

Discuss

Write about the most important characteristics of

something. Give arguments for and against, look at it
from a variety of perspectives.

Distinguish

Identify the differences between two items.

Evaluate

Assess the worth or usefulness of something. Use

evidence to support your opinion.

Examine

Look at something in detail. You may be expected to

'critically evaluate' it as well.

Explain

Make it clear why something happens or why it is the

way it is.

Identify

Recognise name and briefly describe something.

Illustrate

Use examples to further explain or justify something.

Could be visual or verbal.

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Interpret

Explain the meaning or significance of information or

data that you are presenting.

Justify

Provide evidence that supports an argument or idea.

Outline

Give only the main points, show only the main structure.

Prove

Present evidence in a logical structure to support an

argument for a point of view.

Relate (Two
meanings)

1. Show how ideas / theories/ events etc are linked or

connected.
2. Tell a story. Explain something in a narrative fashion.

Review

Survey and comment on the key aspects of something or

a range of things.

State

Give the main features clearly and simply.

Summarise

Draw out the main points, omitting detail and examples.

To what
extent

How far is something true, or contributes to a final

outcome. Also how far is it not true? In academic writing
the answer is usually somewhere in the middle.

Trace

Describe the development of something; follow the order

of different stages in an event or process.

Adapted from Cottrell.S.(2003) The Study Skills Handbook. Basingstoke. Palgrave.

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