Assignment: Evaluating a Journal Article
In this first assignment, you have to prepare a 2,000 critical analysis of a given article from a peer-reviewed journal. You need to critically evaluate the article from a theoretical perspective and consider the practical implications using examples based on the Omani market. In order to provide more focus and direction, two key areas have been identified for you to discuss using examples from the Omani market. You need to use two other related journal articles (selected by yourself), to support your discussion.
Journal Article on ‘The Basis of Segmentation……’
In the concluding section of the Journal article, Sulekha Goyat observes that
• ‘the selection of the basis of market segmentation is completely dependent upon the industry and product type itself’ and
• ‘demographic may prove as good basis for segmentation but everything is dependent upon the psyche of the consumers’ (page 53).
The Task:
With reference to the Omani market, and using relevant examples, critically examine and discuss these two observations.
Please, note the following:
• Equal attention must be given to both statements
• You must use at least two other journal articles for your discussion
• Your arguments must be balanced and supported by marketing literature on segmentation
• You must demonstrate and apply your marketing knowledge
• Your references must reflect a balance between academic and internet sources
Details of marking criteria are as follows:
Structure for your Assignment
While marking your assignment we will be looking for evidence for how well you have addressed the question/issues. The following part explains the structure and key points you should consider in preparing your assignment.
1. Introduction: A brief introduction and summary of the article.
Interpreting the task – your summary should be clear and should ideally lead to the two key areas
identified for discussion.
2. Addressing the Key Areas: The main body of your work where these two key issues are addressed. (This part may have a few sections / sub-sections). The key criteria here include:
a. Research – evidence of systematic research approach, depth of research undertaken; application of some conceptual (theoretical / empirical) framework(s), etc.
b. Analysis – well focussed, depth and clarity of argument, organising/summarising key and relevant issues stemming from the journal article, identifying two other journal articles and integrating the discussion. Your understanding will be demonstrated by your ability to provide relevant examples based on the Omani market.
c. Scholarly practice – a proper referencing within the report (citations), employing appropriate International Business vocabulary, etc., the quality of the Reference section. (Harvard style of referencing).
3. Conclusion: A clear, concise, and relevant conclusion (and recommendations where appropriate) to the discussion. Your conclusion should contain a summary of the key points that have emerged from the discussion, a consideration of the implications and where further investigation may be appropriate.
4. Presentation: Neat layout, and headings / sub-headings where appropriate. Clarity of expression (appropriate language, grammar, spelling, etc.). Length of the discussion should be 2,000 (maximum) without including the cover page and reference/bibliography section. Word-count at the end of the essay. No attachments / appendices allowed.
Please note that the above does not necessarily provide you with the headings / subheadings to be used in your work. While generic headings such as ‘Introduction’, ‘Conclusion’, and ‘Recommendations’ would be appropriate and could be used in your paper, other headings / subheadings would emerge from the issues you are discussing. Headings / subheadings give a logical, sequential, and meaningful structure for your work
