The assessment 2:

Briefing Report (3,500 words)

Learning Outcomes

Tested for this piece of assessment

•

Develop a critical understanding of the principles underpinning governance of Sustainable Development.

•

Develop a critical understanding of the role, key issues, debates and limitations of governance institutions in addressing sustainable development concerns in countries all over the world.

You are requested to present a briefing paper (3,500 words) for a committee of decision makers (e.g. could be parliamentarians, civil servants, board of trustees, CEOs, etc.) which critically assesses the governance systems to support development in any developing country of your choice.

You briefing paper should:

· Outline the governance systems and plans in place for development in the selected country; • Discuss to what extent these conform to both International good governance codes and moral values on good governance;

· Critically discuss the extent to which the governance systems enable and constrain sustainable development projects/efforts in the country;

· Offer recommendations on how to improve the governance systems (in light of international codes and religious moral guidance) to enhance sustainable development in the country.

Your work should draw on relevant literature to evaluate the governance systems specific (from both conventional and religious moral perspectives) to the area of sustainable development work. Further guidelines on how to write effectively is given below, please ensure that you read this guidance carefully before attempting this assignment.

• Develop a critical understanding of the intellectual and ideological interpretations of sustainable development, ethical principles and objectives of the Shari’ah, and its practical implications on the governance of sustainable development framework in a given country.

Assessment Criteria for this assessment

1. Appropriateness and use of relevant and current literature on the topic; effective presentation: clarity, good structure and coherence and provides adequate referencing of sources using Harvard format.

2. Demonstrate a conceptual and critical understanding of governance systems for development (from both conventional and religious sources)

3. Demonstrate an ability to critically evaluate governance systems for development in specific contexts and to offer sound/practical recommendations for improvements.

4. Clarity of rationale and focus of discussion.

5. Appropriateness of recommendations and conclusion.

Mark

Grade

Specific Grade Criteria

General Grade Criteria

70+

Distinction

This grade is awarded for work of an exceptional quality, which meets the criteria in most areas.

The work is well-written and shows a good understanding of the topic. It cites relevant arguments/material that is properly referenced. The work is supported by a coherent planned structure, with good grammar and presentation. Any arguments presented are well thought out, clear, and relevant to the topic.

The work successfully answers the question(s) posed, shows a good grasp of key concepts and the ability to critically analyse these. and form a logical conclusion.

The work is thorough and thoughtful and does not contain irrelevant information.

This grade should be awarded to work that shows outstanding merit in its argument and ability to engage with the topic. Its presentation, structure, judgements, and originality are highly commendable.

The work shows an excellent understanding of the topic and use of relevant materials.

60-69

Merit

This grade is awarded for work of a high quality which meets the criteria in many areas.

It is a competent piece of work which shows a good understanding of the topic and key issues. It is wellwritten and well-organised, and the argument is generally good.

However, the work may contain some instances of poor grammar or referencing. The argument may be weak in some areas, and it may contain some irrelevant information. The work may lack originality or may rely heavily on class notes.

This grade should be awarded to work that shows a good understanding of the topic and is of high quality.

There are not too many errors in terms of grammar, presentation, structure and referencing.

45-59

Pass

This grade is awarded for work of an adequate or good quality which meets the criteria in some areas.

The work shows a good effort has been made, and many of the key concepts are included. However, the work does contain significant limitations. The work may show poor use of language and grammar, poor referencing, and poor structure.

The argument is likely to be weak in some areas, and contain irrelevant information. Some relevant points may be lacking. The work may lack originality or may rely heavily on class notes.

This grade should be awarded to work that shows a reasonable level of understanding of the topic and its key concepts. The work shows sufficient effort has been made to answer the question and produce a clear argument, although this has not been achieved in all areas.