HSBC Sustainability Strategy Report

This assignment requires a 2500-word report (excluding references) analyzing HSBC's sustainability strategy. It's divided into three sections: 1. An external and internal analysis of HSBC's sustainability using models like PESTLE, SWOT, and value chain analysis, identifying performance gaps; 2. Developing a sustainability strategy for HSBC and analyzing the challenges; and 3. Implementing a sustainability strategy for HSBC and analyzing the challenges. The report must use at least 35-40 Harvard references with in-text citations. A detailed marking rubric is provided, outlining expectations for each section and grading criteria from First (70%+) to Fail (less than 40%). Appendices containing figures, charts, and tables are required, but should not exceed 10 A4 sides. The focus is on critical analysis, application of theoretical concepts, and thorough evaluation of HSBC's sustainability performance and strategic direction.

Harvard references at least 35-40 with in text-citation
1st December
Table content
2500words does not include references
All figures, charts and tables must be in the appendices at the back of the report.
The body of the report must not exceed 2500 words and the appendices must not
exceed 10 A4 sides. Any work that exceeds the word or appendices limit will not
be marked.
You must consider the sustainability of HSBC and analyse the process of developing and
implementing a strategy for sustainability.
Your report must include the following 3 sections:
1. Using a range of appropriate strategic models undertake an external and internal
analysis of HSBC bank in terms of its strategy and sustainability identifying any
performance gaps
2. Identify how HSBC bank should develop a strategy for sustainability and analyse the
challenges in doing so
3. Identify how HSBC bank should implement a strategy for sustainability and analyse
the challenges in doing so
Report Marking Criteria
These notes provide you with a guide to what constitutes a First, and Upper Second, etc.
First (70% +)
This is an outstanding piece of work. A full critical analysis is provided, and evidence of
extensive research is displayed. Full command of the subject area is demonstrated, and the
answer may well contain fresh insights into the area. It correctly applies relevant theoretical
concepts, and evaluates the topic thoroughly. It is well structured and written in a fluent and
concise manner.
Upper Second (60-69%)
This is an excellent answer, which grasps all the relevant material and shows wide reading. It is
fully referenced, and demonstrates an understanding of the wider implications by providing
critical analysis, application and evaluation. It merely lacks the poise and innovation of a first
class answer.
Lower Second (50-59%)
This is a solid answer, which grasps the material and tackles the issue in a competent way. All
major aspects of the area are covered, but some of the more subtle issues may not have been
addressed fully. There is evidence of wider research, but its treatment lacks some depth and
sophistication. It is presented in a competent way.
Third (40-49%)
This is a basic answer, which grasps most of the major issues raised in the topic area, but lacks
depth and understanding of the wider implications.
Fail (less than 40%)

This answer fails to fully tackle the assignment with any competence. There is little or no wider
reading demonstrated, and a critical analysis is not provided. May demonstrate some patches
of knowledge, but not enough to pass. Very poor answers and may well contain errors of
understanding.
On the following page there is a more detailed marking scheme for the four expected sections of the
report.
Using a range of appropriate models undertake an external and internal analysis of HSBC in
terms of its sustainability and identify any performance gaps (weighting 40%)
Below 40%
Harvard
referencing
system not used.
Very generic
discussion of
internal and
external analysis
with no clear
attempt to apply
relevant models
(i.e. PESTLE,
SWOT, value
chain analysis etc)
to HSBC. No
discussion of
performance gaps
or not supported
by evidence. Does
not go beyond the
material presented
in lectures and
seminars.
40 - 49%
Harvard
referencing
system used.
Clear attempt to
undertake internal
and external
analysis of HSBC
with reference to
its sustainability.
Majority of
appropriate
models used.
Some attempt to
identify
performance gaps.
However, fairly
limited analysis
with some
evidence of
research beyond
lecture material.
50 - 59%
Harvard
referencing
system used.
Clear external and
internal analysis
undertaken. All
appropriate
models used.
Clear outline of
the performance
gap linked to
analysis. Analysis
supported with
clear evidence of
good level of
research beyond
lecture material.
60 - 69%
Harvard
referencing
system used.
Presented and
written very well,
with a wide range
of supporting,
relevant sources
of information
used. Very clear
outline of internal
and external
analysis, all key
models used with
very good level of
evidence. Very
clear justification
for performance
gaps.
Demonstrates
good level of
critical analysis.
70%+
Harvard
referencing
system used.
HSBC fully
analysed with all
key models used
well. Critical
analysis
undertaken with a
strong focus . Fully
supported by
relevant
supporting
information and
examples. Very
strong analysis
linked to
performance gaps
which are fully
justified. Clear
evidence of
thorough research
of the topic.
Written and
presented to an
outstanding level.

Identify how HSBC should implement a strategy for sustainability and analyse the
challenges in doing so (weighting 30%)
Below 40%
Harvard
referencing
system not used.
Very generic
discussion of
implementing a
strategy. Very
limited discussion
of the challenges.
Very limited
specific reference
to HSBC . Little
evidence of going
beyond lecture
material.
40 - 49%
Harvard
referencing
system used.
Outlines how
HSBC should
implement
strategy and the
challenges with
evidence. Some
evidence of
research beyond
lecture material
but overall limited
level of analysis.
50 - 59%
Harvard
referencing
system used.
Clearly outlines
how HSBC
should implement
a strategy and
range of
challenges
presented.
Should be some
discussion of
creating culture
change.
Reasonable level
of analysis. Clear
evidence of good
level of research
beyond lecture
material.
60 - 69%
Harvard
referencing
system used.
Presented and
written very well,
with a range of
supporting,
relevant sources
of information
used. Detailed
outline of the best
approach for
HSBC to
implement a
strategy and how
to create a
culture change
that will support
and implement
the strategy.
Wide range of
relevant
challenges
outlined. All
points backed up
by evidence.
70%+
Harvard
referencing
system used.
Excellent analysis
that illustrates an
exceptional
understanding of
all key factors.
Excellent outline
of how HSBC
should implement
a strategy. Fully
analyses the
challenges of this
approach. Fully
discussed how
HSBC can create
a culture whereby
all employees will
embrace new
strategy. Clear
evidence of
thorough
research of the
topic. Written and
presented to an
outstanding level.