MGT603_Assess 3 Written Report Page 1 of 8
| ASSESSMENT 3 BRIEF | |
| Subject Code and Title | MGT603: Systems Thinking |
| Assessment | Written Report |
| Individual/Group | Individual |
| Length | Up to 2000 words |
| Learning Outcomes | c) Analyse, select and apply systems modelling tools in integrating, optimising and enhancing business processes within contemporary organisations. d) Synthesise technological and non-technological solutions to business problems that promote integration and that optimise whole-of-enterprise operations |
| Submission | By 11:55pm AEST/AEDT Friday of Module 6.2 (week 6) For intensive class: By 11:55pm AEST/AEDT Friday of Module 6.2 (week 6) |
| Weighting | 40% |
| Total Marks | 40 marks |
Context:
There are two approaches towards improving systems, short-term approaches that normally
addresses the symptoms and rarely help understand and address the cause of the problem,
and long-term approaches, which allow managers to address the real cause(s) of the
problem. In this assessment, students will try to solve a practical problem by using Systems
Thinking tools called System Archetypes combined with value stream mapping.
Instructions:
Assessment 3 is about uncovering the complexities in operations management generally,
identifying key themes, intended and unintended consequences and proposing a holistic
solution to the problem using a Systems Thinking lens.
The following scenario study provides you with a brief overview of a hypothetical problem.
Be aware that the scenario provided may not cover every detail that you will need to
address in the Written Report, in which case, you will need to conduct additional research,
including further research on how emergency departments function in any hospital.
Scenario
Overview:
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Consider yourself as part of a team responsible for managing the operations of an
emergency department of a public hospital. The emergency department has received
feedback from patients suggesting that the patient wait times need to be improved. The
value stream map of the current operations is shown in the attached diagram.
(LMS please attach value stream map here )
You have been tasked with improving patient turnaround time by reducing the current time
to half. To complete the task you are required to identify the various System Archetypes
that affect the operations of the hospital and the emergency department itself and based
on the archetypes, develop a future State Value Stream Map of the emergency department.
It is recommended that you identify and critically analyse intended and unintended
consequences, recommending holistic solutions that will optimise the operations of the
emergency department without compromising the performance of other functions of the
hospital.
Suggested format
Your Written Report should include the following
• Executive Summary
• Table of Contents
• Introduction/Background
• Body
o Identification and analysis of the System Archetypes that may impede
performance
o Analysis of the current State Value Stream Map of the emergency
department based on System Archetypes
o Recommended new State Value Stream Map with desired reduction in
patient turnaround time.
o Discussions on intended and unintended consequences of the modified
system.
• Conclusion
• Recommendations
• References
• Appendices
Submission Instructions:
This Written Report is to be written according to academic writing guidelines and must be
submitted in compliance with the following;
1. You should make significant references to the subject material and substantial wider
reading. A minimum five (5) academic (books & peer-reviewed journal articles) &
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two (2) other sources (newspaper article, trade publications, websites, etc.) must be
used. These should be referenced in the APA style, both in-text and in a reference
list. References to ‘Wikipedia’ or similar unsubstantiated sources will not be
accepted.
2. The assignment is to include in-text citations and a reference list following the latest
APA referencing style. The APA referencing guide can be located in the Academic
Writing Guide at http://library.think.edu.au/ld.php?content_id=1882254
3. Submit Written Report (with references) via the Assessment link in the main
navigation menu in MGT603 Systems thinking on the Student Portal. The Learning
Facilitator will provide feedback via Grade Centre in the Student Portal. Feedback
can be viewed in My Grades.
Students should use the brief to guide what to include in the assessment and the following
rubric to inform the standard required.
Assessment 3 Finalized.Docx Page 4 of 8
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Learning Rubric: MGT603 Systems Thinking Assessment 3 Written Report
| Assessment Attributes | Fail (Unacceptable) | Pass (Functional) | Credit (Proficient) | Distinction (Advanced) | High Distinction (Exceptional) |
| Understanding of research principles and methods applicable to MBA Percentage for this criterion 20% | The focus for the research question(s) or basis for the project is unclear. The rationale for the research methodology is inappropriate for the research question/project. | The focus for the research question(s) or basis for project is adequately clear. The rationale for the research methodology is appropriate for the research question/project. | The focus for the research question(s) or basis for project is clear. The rationale for the research methodology is stated and appropriate for the research question/project. | The focus for the research question(s) or basis for project is very clear. The rationale for the research methodology is compared with alternatives and the chosen method is appropriate for the research question/project. | The focus for the research question(s) or basis for project is exceptionally clear. The rationale for the research methodology is critically compared and evaluated against alternatives and the chosen method is appropriate for the research question/project. |
| Knowledge and understanding (technical and theoretical knowledge). Understands theoretical models and concepts and tools and techniques of systems thinking and their applications to operations | Limited understanding of required concepts and knowledge Key components of the assignment are not addressed. No discussion on systems principles and tools such as system dynamic, system archetypes, causal loop diagrams. Lack of understanding and application of value stream | Knowledge or understanding of the field or discipline. Resembles a recall or summary of key ideas. Often confuses assertion of personal opinion with information substantiated by evidence from the research/course materials on systems principles and tools such as system dynamic, system | Thorough knowledge or understanding of the field or discipline/s. Supports personal opinion and information substantiated by evidence from the research/course materials. Demonstrates a capacity to explain and apply relevant concepts of systems principles | Highly developed understanding of the field or discipline/s. Discriminates between assertion of personal opinion and information substantiated by robust evidence from the research/course materials and extended reading. Well demonstrated capacity to explain and | A sophisticated understanding of the field or discipline/s. Systematically and critically discriminates between assertion of personal opinion and information substantiated by robust evidence from the research/course |
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| management practices Percentage for this criterion 30% | mapping to operations management decision making | archetypes, causal loop diagrams. Lack of clear understanding and application of value stream mapping to operations management decision making | and tools such as system dynamic, system archetypes, causal loop diagrams. Demonstrates understanding and application of value stream mapping | apply relevant concepts of systems principles and tools such as system dynamic, system archetypes, causal loop diagrams. Demonstrates good understanding and application of value stream mapping | materials and extended reading. Mastery of concepts and application to new situations/further Learning of systems principles and tools such as system dynamic, system archetypes, causal loop diagrams. Demonstrates excellent understanding and application of value stream mapping |
| Effective Written Communication Percentage for this criterion 15% | Difficult to understand for audience, no logical/clear structure, poor flow of ideas, argument lacks supporting evidence. Audience cannot follow the line of reasoning. | Information, arguments and evidence are presented in a way that is not always clear and logical. Line of reasoning is often difficult to follow. | Information, arguments and evidence are well presented, mostly clear flow of ideas and arguments. Line of reasoning is easy to follow. | Information, arguments and evidence are very well presented; the presentation is logical, clear and well supported by evidence. Demonstrates cultural sensitivity. | Expertly presented; the presentation is logical, persuasive, and well supported by evidence, demonstrating a clear flow of ideas and arguments. Engages and sustains audience’s interest in |
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| the topic, demonstrates high levels of cultural sensitivity Effective use of diverse presentation aids, including graphics and multi media. | |||||
| Analysis and application with synthesis of new knowledge Percentage for this criterion 25% | Limited synthesis and analysis. Limited application/recommendations based upon analysis. | Demonstrated analysis and synthesis of new knowledge with application. Shows the ability to interpret relevant information and literature. | Well-developed analysis and synthesis with application of recommendations linked to analysis/synthesis. | Thoroughly developed and creative analysis and synthesis with application of pretested models and / or independently developed models and justified recommendations linked to analysis/synthesis. | Highly sophisticated and creative analysis, synthesis of new with existing knowledge. Strong application by way of pretested models and / or independently developed models. Recommendations are clearly justified based on the analysis/synthesis. Applying knowledge to new situations/other cases. |
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| Correct citation of key resources and evidence Percentage for this criterion 10% | Demonstrates inconsistent use of resources to support and develop ideas. | Demonstrates use of credible and relevant resources to support and develop ideas, but these are not always explicit or well developed. | Demonstrates use of high quality, credible and relevant resources to support and develop ideas. | Demonstrates use of good quality, credible and relevant resources to support and develop statements. Shows evidence of wide scope for sourcing evidence. | Demonstrates use of high-quality, credible and relevant resources to support and develop statements. Shows evidence of wide scope for sourcing evidence. |