Your task in this assignment is to develop a research proposal that explores how strategic business problems can be reframed to integrate sustainability principles.

Course: 

RMW1 

Module Leader: 

Paper due: 

August 23rd 2026

Oral Presentation: 

N/A

Word count: 

2000 +/-10%

Percentage of final grade given: 

100% of final grade

Reframing Strategic Business Problems Through a Sustainability

Lens  In today’s competitive and rapidly changing global environment, businesses are 

increasingly challenged to balance profitability with environmental and social

responsibility. Traditional strategy models often prioritise short-term growth and efficiency; however, reframing strategic problems through the lens of sustainability allows organisations to identify innovative solutions that create long-term value for both business and society. 

Your task in this assignment is to develop a research proposal that explores how strategic business problems can be reframed to integrate sustainability principles. You will not conduct empirical research but must design a structured and academically grounded research plan that demonstrates how organisations can apply sustainability thinking to redefine their strategic challenges and decision-making processes. 

This assignment evaluates your ability to apply research methodology concepts to complex business strategy issues, demonstrating critical reasoning, analytical skills, and awareness of global sustainability trends. 

Key Objectives 

1.  Research Question & Hypothesis (20% of the mark) 

○  Formulate a clear and focused research question on how sustainability can reshape strategic business decision-making. 

2.  Literature Review (20% of the mark) 

○  Conduct a critical review of current academic and professional literature on sustainability in strategic management. 

○ Identify key frameworks (e.g., Triple Bottom Line, Circular Economy, ESG) and theoretical gaps your proposed study could address. 

3.  Methodology (20% of the mark) 

○  Propose an appropriate qualitative, quantitative, or mixed-methods design. 

○ Outline how data could be collected and analysed (e.g., case studies, surveys, sustainability reports, or interviews with strategic managers). 

○ Explain how your chosen methods align with your research

objectives. 4. Challenges & Limitations (20% of the mark)

ASSESSED COMPONENT 

Weighting 

(as per mod. spec)

Due Date

Individual Written Work 

100% 

August 23rd 2026

Cla ss/

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1st

Outstanding  

Quality  

80-100% 

1st

Excellent quality: 

70%-79%

2 (i)

High quality,   skilled work 

60% - 69% 

2 (ii)

Satisfactory, Sound quality, competen with some limitations 

50 - 59% 

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Innovatively addressesobjectives    of the assessment            task, especially those  components                    requiring  sophistication of critical  analysis, synthesis, and  evaluation. Has  demonstrated exceptional

creative flair and originality.  Has a full range of  exceptional technical, creative and/or artistic skills.  Has shown an exceptional  ability to manage their  learning on their own  initiative, and work without  supervision. Has  demonstrated

exceptional  initiative and/or personal responsibility.

Authoritatively addresses the objectives of the assessment  task, especially those components requiring critical  analysis, synthesis and  evaluation. Has demonstrated  exceptional

creative      flair              and 

originality. Has a full range of  exceptional technical, creative  and/or artistic skills. Has  shown an exceptional ability to  manage their learning on their  own initiative, and work  without supervision.

Has  demonstrated exceptional  initiative

and/or        personal  responsibility.

Clearly addresses the objectives of the assessment task, especially those elements requiring critical  analysis. At the higher end the  work will not contain errors or omissions. The student has shown  a high

level of creativity and  originality throughout their work. Has a thorough command of  highly-developed relevant  technical, creative and/or artistic  skills. Has shown a strong ability to systematically manage their  learning and work without  supervision. Has consistently  demonstrated well-developed  initiative and/or personal responsibility

Competently                  addresses objectives   of                    the assessment task, but may contain minor errors or

omissions at the  lower end, where treatment of issues may be  superficial. Completed to required time/length, etc.  Has consistently demonstrated creativity. Has  consistently demonstrated well-developed technical, creative and/or artistic skills. Has consistently hown  an ability to systematically manage their learning and  work without supervision. Has consistently  demonstrated initiative and/or personal responsibility.  Has consistently demonstrated a well-developed  ability to reflect on their work. 

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A clear and consistent line of

highly                    critical         and evaluative                     argument, displaying the                     ability to develop one’s  innovative ideas from the work     of others. Creative flair in theoretical and conceptual  analysis. Has shown exceptional knowledge and  understanding, significantly  beyond the threshold  expectation of a graduate at  this level and beyond what has  been taught. has conducted thorough background investigation, analysis, research, enquiry and/or study  using established techniques  accurately, and possesses a  well-developed ability to critically appraise a wide range  of sources. Has made  consistent, logical, coherently  developed, and substantiated  arguments, and demonstrated  the ability to systematically consider, critically evaluate  and synthesis a wide range of  views and information. They  have demonstrated sophisticated perception, critical insight and interpretation of complex matters and ideas. Has demonstrated an

exceptional  ability to reflect critically and independently on their work.

A clear and consistent line ofcritical and evaluative  argument, displaying the ability to develop one’s own insightful ideas from the  work of others. Excellent engagement in theoretical and conceptual analysis.

Has shown exceptional  knowledge and  understanding, significantly beyond the threshold  

expectation of a

graduate at this level and beyond what has been taught. Has  conducted thorough   background

investigation, analysis, research, enquiry and/or study using   established techniques  accurately, and possesses a  well- developed ability to  critically appraise a wide  range of sources. has made  consistent, logical,  coherently developed, and substantiated arguments, and demonstrated the ability to systematically consider, critically evaluate and   synthesis a wide range of  views and information. 

Generally clear line of critical and evaluative 

argument, with ability to develop  own ideas from the work of others.  Ability to engage in theoretical and  conceptual analysis. Has  demonstrated sophisticated  breadth and depth of knowledge  and understanding, showing a clear, critical insight. Has 

demonstrated a thorough understanding of subject-specific  theories, paradigms, concepts and principles, and a sound understanding of more specialised  areas. Has demonstrated the ability to make coherent, substantiated arguments, as well  as the ability to consider, critically evaluate and synthesise a range  of views and information. They  have demonstrated a thorough, perceptive and thoughtful interpretation of complex matters  and ideas. Has demonstrated the  ability to reflect critically on their work.

Some limited critical discussion, but argument is

unconvincing, particularly at the lower end where the  work is more descriptive. More reliance on work of  others rather than developing own arguments. Limited theoretical and conceptual analysis. Has  demonstrated a sound breadth and depth of subject  knowledge and understanding, if sometimes balanced towards the descriptive rather than the critical or analytical. Has demonstrated a thorough understanding of subject- specific theories, paradigms, concepts and principles, and a sound understanding of more specialized areas. Some  limited critical discussion, but argument is   unconvincing, particularly at the lower end where the  work is more descriptive. 

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1st

Outstanding  

Quality  

80-100% 

1st

Excellent quality: 

70%-79%

2 (i)

High quality,   skilled work 

60% - 69% 

2 (ii)

Satisfactory, Sound quality, competen with some limitations 

50 - 59% 

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Wide range of

recommended and relevant

sources used in an innovative and consistent  way to support arguments. In  depth use of sources

beyond recommended

texts,  demonstrates creative flair in  independent research.

Has  conducted independent,  extensive

and appropriate  investigation, analysis, research, enquiry and/or study  well beyond the usual range,  together with critical  evaluation, to advance work  and/or direct

arguments. Has demonstrated an

exceptional  ability to

select, consider,  evaluate, comment on and synthesis a broad range of  research, primary sources,  views and information and  integrate references. Has  presented research findings perceptively, convincingly and  appropriately in a wide range  of formats, and has gathered,  processed and interpreted a  wide range of complex data efficiently and effectively.

Wide range of relevant and recommended sources used  in an insightful and consistent way as supporting evidence.  Some in depth use of sources  beyond recommended texts,  to demonstrate independent  research. Has conducted  independent, extensive and  appropriate investigation,  analysis, research, enquiry  and/or study well beyond the  usual range, together with  critical evaluation, to advance  work and/or

direct  arguments. Has 

demonstrated             an

exceptional                 ability to

select, consider,  evaluate, comment on and  synthesise a broad range of  research, primary sources,  views and information and 

integrate references. Has 

presented                  research

findings  perceptively, convincingly  and

appropriately in a wide  range of formats, and has  gathered, processed and  interpreted a wide range of  complex data efficiently and  effectively.

Good range of relevant and recommended sources used in  an imaginative and largely consistent way as supporting  evidence. Use of some sources  beyond

recommended texts  including                   more           complex materials.                     Has                   conducted thorough                   background investigation,               analysis,

research,  

enquiry and/or study using  established techniques  accurately, and possesses a well developed ability to critically  appraise a wide range of sources.  Has

thoroughly selected, critically  evaluated and commented on  reading, research and primary  sources, usually beyond the set  range. Has presented thorough research findings perceptively  and appropriately in a wide range  of formats, and has gathered,  processed and interpreted a wide  range of complex data efficiently and effectively.

Range of relevant and recommended sources are used, but this may be in an unimaginative or literal manner, particularly at the lower end of the range.  Limited use of sources beyond the standard recommended materials. Has conducted background  investigation, analysis, research, enquiry and/or study  using established

techniques accurately, and can  critically appraise academic sources. Has consistently  solved complex problems, selecting and applying a  range of appropriate methods, and can make  decisions in complex and unpredictable  circumstances. Has argued logically, with supporting  evidence, and has demonstrated the ability to  consider and evaluate a range of views and  information. Has clearly and consistently explained  complex matters and ideas. selected, evaluated and  commented on reading, research and primary  sources, sometimes beyond the set range. Has  consistently presented their research findings  effectively and appropriately in many formats, and has  gathered, processed and interpreted data efficiently  and effectively.

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1st

Outstanding  

Quality  

80-100% 

1st

Excellent quality: 

70%-79%

2 (i)

High quality,   skilled work 

60% - 69% 

2 (ii)

Satisfactory, Sound quality, competen with some limitations 

50 - 59% 

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Outstanding                    visual          and

written presentation.

Sophisticated  yet clear and accessible style.  Very good standards of

vocabulary, syntax, spelling  and punctuation. Possibly  innovative yet logical and  fluent organisation and development of materials.  Articulate, coherent and succinct. Relationships between statements and sections are clear and

precise. Referencing is accurate and,   appropriate. Has demonstrated a wide range of  extremely well- developed  problem-solving skills, as well  as a strong aptitude for decision-making with a high  degree of autonomy, in the 

most complex and unpredictable circumstances.  Has autonomously completed practical tasks and/or processes with a high degree  of accuracy, coordination and  proficiency. Can communicate  information, ideas, problems  and solutions to an accomplished level verbally,  electronically and in writing.  They have shown an accurate,  fluent, sophisticated style.  They possess exceptional numeracy and digital literacy  skills. 

Excellent visual and written presentation.

Very          clear            and

accessible style. Good  standards of vocabulary,  syntax, spelling and  punctuation. Logical and  fluent organisation and

development                of materials. 

Coherent and succinct. Relationship between  statements and sections  are very clear.

Referencing  is accurate, appropriate and  extensive. Has  demonstrated a wide range  of extremely well developed problem-

solving  skills, as well as a strong  aptitude for decision making with a high degree  of autonomy, in the most 

complex and unpredictable  circumstances. Has autonomously completed  practical tasks and/or processes with a high  degree of accuracy, coordination

and proficiency. Can  acommunicate

information,  ideas, problems and  solutions to an  accomplished level  verbally, electronically and  in writing. They have shown  an accurate, fluent,  sophisticated style. They  possess exceptional numeracy and digital literacy skills.

Good visual and writtenpresentation. Clear and accessible style. Generally good  standards of vocabulary, syntax, spelling and punctuation. Logical  organisation and development of  materials. Coherent. Relationship between statements and sections  are easy to follow. Referencing is  accurate and appropriate. Has demonstrated thorough problem solving skills, selecting and  justifying their use of a wide range of methods, and can make decisions in complex and unpredictable circumstances.  Has performed practical tasks and/or processes autonomously,  with accuracy and coordination. Can communicate information,  ideas, problems and solutions with a high-degree of proficiency  verbally, electronically and in writing. They have a clear, fluent  and expressive style with  appropriate vocabulary. They  have a high standard of  numeracy and digital literacy  skills. 

Generally sound presentation. Style is largely clear and accessible. There may be minor errors

of vocabulary, syntax, spelling and punctuation but  these should not detract from the overall meaning.  There may be inconsistencies in the organisation and development of materials. The relationship between 

some statements and sections may not be easy to  follow. Some points may not be made coherently or  succinctly. Work is referenced accurately with few  errors.Has consistently solved complex problems,  selecting and applying a range of appropriate methods, and can make decisions in complex and unpredictable circumstances. Has consistently  completed practical tasks/processes mainly  independently in an accurate, well- coordinated and  proficient way. Can consistently and confidently  communicate information, ideas, problems and  solutions verbally, electronically and in writing. They  show a clear, coherent, expressive style, with a range  of vocabulary. They have consistently demonstrated strong numeracy and digital literacy skills. Generally  sound presentation. Style is largely clear and accessible. There may be minor errors of vocabulary,  syntax, spelling and punctuation but these should not detract from the overall meaning. There may be inconsistencies in the organisation and development  of materials. The relationship between some  statements and sections may not be easy to follow.  Some points may not be made coherently or  succinctly. Work is referenced accurately with few  errors. Has consistently solved complex problems, selecting and applying a range of appropriate methods, and can make decisions in complex and unpredictable circumstances. Has consistently  completed practical tasks/processes mainly  independently in an accurate, well- coordinated and  proficient way. Can consistently and confidently  communicate information, ideas,problems and  solutions verbally, electronically and in writing. They  show a clear, coherent, expressive style, with a range  of vocabulary. They have consistently demonstrated strong numeracy and digital literacy skills.

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Cla ss/

Ma

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1st

Outstanding  

Quality  

80-100% 

1st

Excellent quality: 

70%-79%

2 (i)

High quality,   skilled work 

60% - 69% 

2 (ii)

Satisfactory, Sound quality, competen with some limitations 

50 - 59% 

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Has demonstrated an accomplished and

innovative  application of discipline-specific specialist skills

Has demonstrated an  accomplished and innovative  application of discipline-specific  specialist skills. Has 

demonstrated the capability to  make clear, authoritative and  valuable contributions to group  discussions and/or project  work, with exceptional 

teamwork and leadership

skills

Has demonstrated a capable andeffective application of discipline specific specialist skills. Has demonstrated the

capability to   make strong, valuable  contributions to group discussions  and/or project work, with an understanding of team and  leadership roles.

Has consistently demonstrated the development and informed application of discipline-specific specialist skills. Has consistently demonstrated the  capability to make coherent and constructive contributions to group discussions and/or project work.

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