Comments on the first assignment and a word on the second one

Hi all,

I trust you have all received your first assignment and gone through comments and corrections in your report. Here are some comments that might help you improve your next assignment.

1.       The question was not well understood. There were two parts in the question: a) compare the transport modes of two chosen countries; and b) explain why transport modes have been developed differently. The second part should be based what you have discussed in the first part.

2.       Too often, historical descriptions of transport modes were put without any COMPARISON. It seemed to me that I was the person who should figure out what the differences were from what you had provided. It was your main task to identify those differences, based on which the second part could be discussed.

3.       There was a lack of linkage between the first part and the second. The discussion in the second part should be closely linked back to what you had identified in the first part.

4.       References: you have to spend time to go through the TOOL KIT CD to familiarize yourself with appropriate in-text and end- referencing.

5.       The quality of references: while the minimum number of references for the assignment was six, the quality of them matters as well. Wikipedia is not a good source of information for academic writing.

6.       Proper presentation: once again check the TOOL KIT CD to find appropriate presentation of your assignment.

Now the second assignment:

1.       Make sure that you have gone through your first assignment and comments in your report.

2.       Refer to the above general comments so that you won’t make the same mistake twice.

3.       The question consists of two parts. The first part is about market structure, and the second is about marketing and customer services (you will need to discuss marketing and customer services separately.)

4.       There is also a specific requirement saying that: You are required to use real world examples to support your discussion and argument. Make sure you follow this requirement, otherwise you will lose marks!

5.       Don’t copy and paste! Plagiarism is a very serious matter!!!

6.       Read the question very carefully and read it as many times as necessary before you start. Once you believe you have understood what are required, go and find as much information as possible. Go through the information and see if you have got any new ideas of the question. Structure your report and find more information based on your new understanding.

7.       Last but not least, DO NOT submit your assignment late!!! If you have any problem, contact Distance Education or myself well before the due date (not on the due date!).

I am expecting decent improvement in your second assignment.

Johnny