Using different sources of information (e.g. journal articles, books, newspapers or website), and review the literature around the topic of your choice. You will need to: Distinguish between different sources of information used in academic writing.
OTHM Level 4 Business Management Assignment Briefs 2026
Table of Contents
Assessment Guidance For Criterion Referenced Marking. Research and Academic Writing
Business Environment
Introduction to Business Communication
Introduction to Quantitative Methods
Introduction to Business Functions
Introduction to Finance
Assessment guidance for criterion referenced marking.
The assessment grading criteria characterises the level of complexity and demand expected of students at each level of qualification. Please note that these are generic descriptors which apply mainly, though not exclusively, to written academic work.
Any further unit-specific assessment criteria, such as number of words, should be clearly stated in each individual assignment brief.
| Result. | Level 3 | Level 4 | Level 5 | Level 6 | Level 7 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Pass | Detailed answers to all parts of the questions or tasks.Clearly structured and focused, demonstrating overall coherence and in-depth understanding of the unit content and assessment requirements.Evidence of the use of independently sourced material, well applied in all contexts.Very few errors in grammar as appropriate. | Detailed response to all relevant parts of the questions or tasks, with evidence of clear understanding of the issues.Well-structured with evidence of independent reading supporting the argument.Clear evidence of a range of independently sourced material, well applied in all contexts.Very few errors in referencing or grammar or syntax as appropriate. | Very full, independent response to the assignment, applying relevant material well beyond any module input, demonstrating independent study.Excellent understanding and application of relevant theory, concepts and models. Very clear logical structure.Very few errors in referencing or grammar or syntax as appropriate. | Excellent links between relevant ideas, theories and practice.Evidence of independent learning and the ability to engage critically and analytically with a wide range of contextually relevant resource material.Demonstration of original insights supported by well structured overall argument.Very few errors in referencing or grammar or syntax as appropriate. | The work demonstrates engagement in an academic debate which presents clear evidence of a considered understanding of the topics studied.There is evidence of clear synthesis of theoretical issues and practice.A critical analysis of theoretical models and/or practical applications has resulted in originality.Very few errors in referencing or grammar or syntax as appropriate. |
| Fail | Little attempt to engage with assignment brief.Learning outcomes not fully met.Inadequate demonstration of knowledge or understanding of key concepts, theories or practice. | Little attempt to engage with assignment brief.Learning outcomes not fully met.Inadequate demonstration of knowledge or understanding of key concepts, theories or practice. | Little attempt to engage with assignment brief.Learning outcomes not fully met.Inadequate demonstration of knowledge or understanding of key concepts, theories or practice. | Little attempt to engage with assignment brief.Learning outcomes not fully met.Inadequate demonstration of knowledge or understanding of key concepts, theories or practice. | Whilst some of the characteristics of a pass have been demonstrated, the work does not address each of the outcomes for the specified assessment task.The work may be an overly descriptive account demonstrating minimal interpretation, and there is very limited evidence of analysis, synthesis or evaluation.No counterarguments or alternative frames of reference are generated or considered. |
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Research and Academy Writing
| Unit Title | Research and Academic Writing |
|---|---|
| Unit Reference Number | M/616/0694 |
| Unit Level | Level 4 |
| Assessor | |
| Date issued | |
| Hand in Date | |
| Unit Grading Structure | Pass |
| Assessment Guidance | To achieve this unit, learners must achieve the learning outcomes and meet the standards specified by all assessment criteria for the unit. |
| LO | LO Description | AC | AC Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Understand the use of different sources of information and research formulation. | 1.1 | Distinguish different sources of information used in academic writing. |
| 1.2 | Evaluate the benefits of using different sources of information when compiling academic writing. | ||
| 1.3 | Explain how to formulate research aim(s), objectives and questions. | ||
| 2 | Be able to conduct a basic literature review. | 2.1 | Review literature using a range of sources. |
| 2.2 | Develop arguments from different perspectives in line with findings. | ||
| 2.3 | Present the output of the literature review. | ||
| 3 | Be able to evaluate research and data collection methods. | 3.1 | Evaluate the different methods of collecting and analysing data. |
| 3.2 | Use different methods to collect and analyse data. | ||
| 4 | Be able to produce academic work applying the Harvard Referencing system. | 4.1 | Explain the importance of avoiding plagiarism and academic misconduct. |
| 4.2 | Produce a piece of academic writing, applying the Harvard Referencing system. | ||
| 5 | Be able to use techniques for independent learning, self-study and evaluation of own academic work. | 5.1 | Use study plans to achieve research and academic writing objectives. |
| 5.2 | Use independent learning techniques. | ||
| 5.3 | Reflect on research and academic writing. |
Scenario
For this assignment, there is no specific scenario. Instead, you are required to write a literature review and a research proposal for a topic of your choice, set in a Business Management context. Please check with your tutor to ensure your choice of topic is appropriate.
Task 1 of 2 - Literature Review (ACs 1.1, 2.1, 2.2, 2.3, 4.2)
Instructions
Using different sources of information (e.g. journal articles, books, newspapers or website), and review the literature around the topic of your choice.
You will need to:
- Distinguish between different sources of information used in academic writing.
- Review literature using a range of sources.
- Develop arguments from different perspectives in line with findings.
- Present the output of the literature review.
- Produce a piece of academic writing, applying the Harvard Referencing system.
When reviewing the literature, please ensure that you use proper citation and referencing to avoid plagiarism. You should have a reference list at the end of your literature review.
Delivery and Submission
- 1x Word document - 1500 words
Task 2 of 2 - Research Proposal Presentation (ACs 1.2, 1.3, 3.1, 3.2, 4.1, 5.1, 5.2 & 5.3)
Instructions
After conducting your literature review, you are required to present a research proposal explaining the aim and objectives of your research as well as explaining which method is appropriate for your research, and why the other methods were not suitable.
You should also discuss the challenges you have/will face during your research, in particular focus on the importance of being self-motivated and learning on your own.
The presentation should include:
- An explanation of your subject area, aim, objectives and questions
- How you formulated your research aim(s), objectives and questions
- An evaluation of the benefits of using different sources of information when compiling academic writing.
- Explain the importance of avoiding plagiarism and academic misconduct.
- Your research methodology
- An evaluation of the different methods of collecting and analysing data.
- The challenges you are likely to face in your research
- Reflections on your learning techniques to complete the research project.
Delivery and Submission:
- 1x Presentation file - 1000 words
Evidence to be submitted:
- Literature Review - 1500 words
- Research Proposal Presentation File - 1000 words
Business Environment
| Unit Level | Level 4 |
|---|---|
| Assessor | |
| Date issued | |
| Hand in Date | |
| Unit Grading Structure | Pass |
| Assessment Guidance | To achieve this unit, learners must achieve the learning outcomes and meet the standards specified by all assessment criteria for the unit. |
| LO | LO Description | AC | AC Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Understand business organisations, their purpose and stakeholders. | 1.1 | Compare different types of organisations and their purposes. |
| 1.2 | Explain the stakeholder roles and strategic responsibilities. | ||
| 1.3 | Explain how different stakeholders’ objectives are met. | ||
| 2 | Understand the economic influences of operating businesses. | 2.1 | Explain economic systems in relation to resource allocation and utilisation. |
| 2.2 | Assess the influences of fiscal and monetary policies on business activities. | ||
| 2.3 | Assess the impact of competition. | ||
| 2.4 | Evaluate the impact of regulation activities on organisations. | ||
| 3 | Understand business market environments. | 3.1 | Explain market decisions and its influences on the policies of a specified business. |
| 3.2 | Evaluate an organisation’s response to market forces. | ||
| 3.3 | Explain the importance of assessing culture in the business environment. | ||
| 4 | Understand the effects of Global Markets and the need for organisations to operate globally. | 4.1 | Explain the value of international markets to UK businesses. |
| 4.2 | Explain global factors affecting businesses. | ||
| 4.3 | Evaluate the impacts of EU policies on UK businesses. |
Scenario
You have recently started working as a Junior Analyst for the UK Government.
Your manager wants you to show that you understand the dimensions of a business environment, including various business types and purpose.
He has asked you to prepare a portfolio relating to the main concepts in economy.
Task 1 of 1 Portfolio of evidence
(ACs 1.1, 1.2, 1.3, 2.1, 2.2, 2.3, 2.4, 3.1, 3.2, 3.3, 4.1, 4.2, 4.3)
Instructions
- You should create a portfolio with the following details
- A table differentiating the purpose of public and private sector organisations
- A mind map showing the main stakeholders of an organisation and their objectives, including government, regulatory bodies, competition, etc.
- A table showing the impact of fiscal policies and monetary policies on businesses
- A table showing how resources are allocated in a Capitalist, a Mixed and a Socialist economy
- A diagram showing the impact of supply and demand on the market
- A diagram explaining Michael Porter's market forces theory
- A table explaining the effect of market decision (Good/service, cost, distribution, promotion) on business policies
- A table showing the impact of various element of culture on business
- A graph showing the value of international market to UK business over the last 70 years
- A diagram showing the global factors on UK business
- A diagram showing the impact of EU policies on UK business
Delivery and Submission:
- 1x Portfolio of evidence - 2500 words
Referencing:
- Each section must reflect any supporting Harvard style citations.
- A comprehensive Harvard style reference list must be included at the end of the work.
INTRODUCTION TO BUSINESS COMMUNICATION
| Field | Details |
|---|---|
| Unit Reference Number | H/616/2720 |
| Unit Level | Level 4 |
| Assessor | |
| Date issued | |
| Hand in Date | |
| Unit Grading Structure | Pass |
| Assessment Guidance | To achieve this unit, learners must achieve the learning outcomes and meet the standards specified by all assessment criteria for the unit. |
Learning Outcomes and Assessment Criteria
| LO | LO Description | AC | AC Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Understand the principles which govern communication in business situations. | 1.1 | Categorise the aims of business communication. |
| 1.2 | Evaluate the benefits and limitations of a particular communication medium in a given situation. | ||
| 1.3 | Explain how relationships between people affect communication. | ||
| 1.4 | Explain different communication models. | ||
| 2 | Be able to compose common types of written communication. | 2.1 | Produce common types of formal business communications using language appropriate for its purpose. |
| 2.2 | Produce types of informal business communications using language appropriate for its purpose. | ||
| 3 | Understand the principles of oral and non-verbal communication | 3.1 | Explain how to communicate effectively to face to face in both formal and informal situations. |
| 3.2 | Explain how body language and physical appearance can help or hinder communication. | ||
| 4 | Understand common barriers to communication and how they are overcome. | 4.1 | Explain how communication barriers caused by the sender of a message in oral, written or non-verbal form can be overcome. |
| 4.2 | Explain how communication barriers caused by the receiver of a message can be overcome. | ||
| 5 | Understand the role of technology in business communication. | 5.1 | Assess how computers and other modern communication technologies help communication within companies and throughout the modern business world. |
| 5.2 | Explain common threats to the security of business data held on computer. | ||
| 5.3 | Explain how to protect business data against security threats. |
Scenario
You have recently started working as a Junior Analyst for the UK Government
Your manager wants you to show that you understand the dimensions of a business environment, including various business types and purpose.
He has asked you to prepare a portfolio relating to the main concepts in economy.
Task 1 of 1 Portfolio of evidence
(ACs 1.1, 1.2, 1.3, 2.1, 2.2, 2.3, 2.4, 3.1, 3.2, 3.3, 4.1, 4.2, 4.3)
Instructions
You should create a portfolio with the following details
- A table differentiating the purpose of public and private sector organisations
- A mind map showing the main stakeholders of an organisation and their objectives, including government, regulatory bodies, competition, etc.\
- A table showing the impact of fiscal policies and monetary policies on businesses
- A table showing how resources are allocated in a Capitalist, a Mixed and a Socialist economy
- A diagram showing the impact of supply and demand on the market
- A diagram explaining Michael Porter's market forces theory
- A table explaining the effect of market decision (Good/service, cost, distribution, promotion) on business policies
- A table showing the impact of various element of culture on busines
- A graph showing the value of international market to UK business over the last 70 years
- A diagram showing the global factors on UK business
- A diagram showing the impact of EU policies on UK business
Delivery and Submission:
- 1x Portfolio of evidence - 2500 words
Referencing:
- Each section must reflect any supporting Harvard style citations.
- A comprehensive Harvard style reference list must be included at the end of the work.
Introduction to Quantitative Methods
| Field | Details |
|---|---|
| Unit Title | Introduction to Quantitative Methods |
| Unit Reference Number | T/616/0695 |
| Unit Level | Level 4 |
| Assessor | |
| Date issued | |
| Hand in Date | |
| Unit Grading Structure | Pass |
| Assessment Guidance | To achieve this unit, learners must achieve the learning outcomes and meet the standards specified by all assessment criteria for the unit. |
| LO | LO Description | AC | AC Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Understand the rules of numeracy | 1.1 | Apply the four rules of numeracy. |
| 1.2 | Express numbers in standard form. | ||
| 1.3 | Multiply and divide negative numbers. | ||
| 2 | Be able to make and apply calculations relevant to business. | 2.1 | Compare numbers and approximate data. |
| 2.2 | Determine values for simple financial transactions. | ||
| 2.3 | Make and apply calculations. | ||
| 3 | Be able to use algebraic methods to solve business problems. | 3.1 | Solve equations using algebraic methods. |
| 3.2 | Solve equations using roots or logarithms. | ||
| 3.3 | Determine the equation of a straight line. | ||
| 4 | Be able to construct and use graphs, charts and diagrams in a business context. | 4.1 | Draw charts and diagrams derived from tabular business data. |
| 4.2 | Plot graphs, applying the general rules and principles of graphical construction. | ||
| 4.3 | Plot and interpret mathematical graphs of business data. | ||
| 5 | Be able to apply statistical methods to provide business and management information. | 5.1 | Distinguish between different types of business data. |
| 5.2 | Represent and interpret business data. | ||
| 5.3 | Determine and interpret summary statistics. | ||
| 6 | Be able to apply the laws of probability to find solutions to business problems. | 6.1 | Explain the application of the laws of probability in a business context. |
| 6.2 | Calculate the expected value of an outcome. | ||
| 6.3 | Determine probabilities using the normal distribution. |
Scenario
You are about to enter the workforce as a consultant for PRT Consulting. As part of the job assessment, you were given problems to answer and then later submit your answers to your team leader.
Task 1 of 3 (ACs 1.1, 1.2, 2.1, 2.2, 5.1, 6.1, 6.2 & 6.3)
Instructions
The assessment aims to gauge your numeracy and analytical skills which can be vital in your work as a consultant. You need to answer all the questions.
The following table shows the revenue and expenses of DYI Stores Ltd, a high street chain selling DYI goods.
- Complete the table below:
Delivery and Submission
Time Constraint Assessment
Task 2 of 3 (ACs 1.3, 2.3, 3.1, 3.3, 5.1 & 5.2)
Part A
John sells pushchairs on eBay. He buys the pushchairs from China at a wholesale price of £350 and resells them for £450. He also needs to store them before they are buying dispatched, so he rented a garage space for £800 a month
- What is the equation to calculate the profit?
- How many pushchairs does John need to sell to break even?
- If John were to sell 23 pushchairs, what would be his profit/loss?
Part B
Hector has a £1 shop. Everything he sells is sold for £1 and everything he buys cost £0.90. The rent for the store is £2000 a month.
- What is the equation to calculate the profit?
- How many items does hector need to sell to break even?
- If Hector were to sell 15,000 items, what would be his profit/loss?
Delivery and Submission
- Answers to be submitted in Word format
Task 3 of 3 (AC1.3, 2.1, 3.1, 3.2, 4.1, 4.2, 4.3, 5.1, 5.2 & 5.3)
Part A
Mary sells T-shirts in a stall at the shopping centre.
When she charges £15 per T-shirt, she does not sell anything, however she noticed that every time she reduces the selling prince by £1, she sells 15 more t-shirts per hour.
A T-shirt costs £4.50 to make and she is charged £130 a day for her stall. Mary opens her stall from 10am to 8pm.
Write the equation to calculate the maximum profit.
Using the equation write in a table the price and profit for price ranging
from £15 to £3.
Plot a graph and draw a diagram to represent the profit.
What is the maximum possible profit? What should be the selling price to achieve it?
Part B
Lisa sells cherries on the market.
On her first day, she charges £4 per punnet and sold 20 punnets.
On her second day, she charged £3 per punnets and sold 60.
On her third day, she charged £2 and sold 100 and when she charged £1, she sold 140 punnets.
She thinks there is a relationship between price and quantity sold and has asked you for your help. She told you that she buys the cherries for £0.65 and the stall cost her £60 a day. She also said that she would not mind charging £1.50 or £2.50 but she would not charge £1.75 or £2.25 as it is not practical.
Use a table to show the relationship between price and profit/loss.
Draw a diagram to represent price and profit/loss.
What is the optimal selling price?
Delivery and Submission
- Answers to be submitted in Word format
Referencing:
- Each section must reflect any supporting Harvard style citations.
- A comprehensive Harvard style reference list must be included at the end of the work.
Evidence to be Submitted
Evidence generated for task 1-3
Instructions
You are required to prepare a presentation with the following:
• An introduction providing an explanation of key marketing terms, including but not limited to market segmentation, Product Life Cycle, marketing, mass market, niche market, Unique Selling points, etc.
•
A table explaining the different types of market research
• Draw and explain a flow chart showing the marketing strategy to follow depending on objectives, resources and market possibilities
Delivery and Submission
1x Presentation file - 500 words
Referencing:
- Each section must reflect any supporting Harvard style citations.
- A comprehensive Harvard style reference list must be included at the end of the work.
Instructions
You are required to prepare a presentation with the following:
• An introduction providing an explanation of key marketing terms, including but not limited to market segmentation, Product Life Cycle, marketing, mass market, niche market, Unique Selling points, etc.
•
A table explaining the different types of market research
• Draw and explain a flow chart showing the marketing strategy to follow depending on objectives, resources and market possibilities
Delivery and Submission
• 1x Presentation file - 500 words
Referencing:
• Each section must reflect any supporting Harvard style citations.
• A comprehensive Harvard style reference list must be included at the end of the work.
Evidence to be submitted:
• Report - 1000 words
- Report - 1000 words
Introduction to Business Function
| Field | Details |
|---|---|
| Unit Title | Introduction to Business Functions |
| Unit Reference Number | K/616/2721 |
| Unit Level | Level 4 |
| Assessor | |
| Date issued | |
| Hand in Date | |
| Unit Grading Structure | Pass |
| Assessment Guidance | To achieve this unit, learners must achieve the learning outcomes and meet the standards specified by all assessment criteria for the unit. |
| LO | LO Description | AC | AC Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Understand business objectives, accountability for them, and how they are resourced | 1.1 | Explain key business terms related to corporate objectives. |
| 1.2 | Determine human and other resources required by a business. | ||
| 2 | Understand the structure and classification of businesses. | 2.1 | Classify an economy by sectors. |
| 2.2 | Evaluate different forms of corporate legal structure. | ||
| 3 | Understand factors that influence the production process. | 3.1 | Explain economies and diseconomies of scale. |
| 3.2 | Explain the factors that influence the location of a business. | ||
| 3.3 | Evaluate the efficiency and effectiveness of a production process in a business context. | ||
| 4 | Be able to articulate the elements of the marketing process including strategy, planning and research. | 4.1 | Explain the importance of the marketing process. |
| 4.2 | Define terms: market segmentation, Product Life Cycle, Unique Selling Point. | ||
| 4.3 | Explain marketing strategy in terms of company objectives, available resources and market possibilities. | ||
| 4.4 | Explain different methods of market research. | ||
| 5 | Understand accounting concepts and sources of finance for business. | 5.1 | Define basic accounting and budgeting concepts. |
| 5.2 | Differentiate between different sources of finance for business. | ||
| 6 | Understand factors involved in workforce planning and the importance of motivation. | 6.1 | Describe workforce planning and how to manage labour turnover for a business. |
| 6.2 | Evaluate different motivation theories. | ||
| 6.3 | Evaluate contemporary approaches to motivation. |
Task 1 of 3 - Report (ACs 1.1, 1.2, 2.1, 2.2, 5.1 & 5.2)
Instructions
Select an organisation for which you can find details and information easily and perform the following task:
- Explain the various resources required by a business to function effectively.
- Explain the different sectors of the economy, and state which sector your organisation falls under.
- Summarise the main types of legal structure, and explain which one is used by your chosen organisation
- Copy the Business Objectives of the organisation, underline key business terms and explain what those business terms mean:
- Create a table identifying the main stakeholders, their expectations and
accountabilities
Create a mind map of the resources required by the organisation
- An explanation of the concept of "Assets = Liabilities + Equity and explain what a budget is
- A table describing 3 ways to finance a business, including their advantages and
disadvantages
Delivery and Submission
1x Report - 1000 words
Task 2 of 3 - Factors affecting Production and Workforce Planning (ACs 3.1, 3.2, 3.3, 6.1, 6.2 & 6.3)
Instructions
Draw a diagram showing the concept of economy and diseconomy of scales
- Explain various factors that influence the selection of location for a business.
- Evaluate the efficiency and effectiveness of a production process in a business context.
- Discuss how effective motivation and workforce planning helps businesses manage labour turnover.
Evaluate different motivation theories.
- Evaluate contemporary approaches to motivation
Delivery and Submission
1x Report - 1000 words
Task 3 of 3 Presentation (ACs C4.1, 4.2, 4.3 & 4.4)
Instructions
You are required to prepare a presentation with the following:
- An introduction providing an explanation of key marketing terms, including but not limited to market segmentation, Product Life Cycle, marketing, mass market, niche market, Unique Selling points, etc.
- A table explaining the different types of market research
- 1x Presentation file - 500 words
Draw and explain a flow chart showing the marketing strategy to follow depending on objectives, resources and market possibilities
Delivery and Submission
Referencing:
- Each section must reflect any supporting Harvard style citations.
- A comprehensive Harvard style reference list must be included at the end of the work.
Evidence to be submitted:
- Report - 1000 words
