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/

Ma

rk

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% 

Kn ow

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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. 

S

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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. 

W

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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% 

Co

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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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di

Cla ss/

Ma

rk

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% 

Tra nsf era ble ski

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inc lud ing str uct ure

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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.

A a u c er sy b

di m

d

th b s

W

s a

a th c

ci pr a

in re fo pr ef

Cla ss/

Ma

rk

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% 

Su

bje ct-

sp

eci

fic crit

eri a

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.

H

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