GSM London ACSK4001: Academic Skills Portfolio - Brexit & Reflection

This Academic Skills Portfolio (ACSK4001) from GSM London encompasses a range of tasks designed to demonstrate understanding of academic literacy and self-reflection. It includes a self-evaluation checklist, a personal SWOT analysis focusing on strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats, alongside reflections on overcoming weaknesses. The portfolio also features structured writing exercises, data analysis related to Brexit's impact, and source evaluation with referencing. A significant component is an academic report exploring the impact of Brexit on areas like globalization and organizational management, accompanied by a reflective summary. The assignment emphasizes critical thinking, self-awareness, and the application of academic skills, with the student reflecting on their learning journey and future development.

Autumn 17
Academic Skills Portfolio (ACSK4001)
Name: Student Number:
Lecturer name:
Tutor name:
Degree studied:
This is your Academic Skills ONLINE Portfolio. Please save a copy on your computer and back it up regularly
(e.g. by saving it on your computer / in the cloud (e.g. Google Drive) / emailing it to yourself. You will receive a
printed copy which you should bring to all lectures and tutorials. However, at the end of the course, you need
to submit this electronic copy. Please refer to suggested word counts for each task included within this
portfolio.
The deadline for uploading the online portfolio is: Thursday 21st December
by 2pm
Week Table of Contents Page Learning
Assessed Learning Outcomes:
 Show evidence of understanding core components of academic literacy/skills.
 Apply critical thought to a range of tasks, and do so with a minimum of external guidance in
particular situations.
 To reflect, analyse and discuss strengths, weaknesses, and opportunities personally and
academically.
 Use appropriate technologies to facilitate the completion of self-analysis/reflection.

Outcome
Section 1: Portfolio Evidence
(These tasks will be drafted in class and are designed to inform the written tasks in section 1; Suggested word
counts are included in brackets where appropriate.)
1 Self-evaluation checklist 3 LO 3 & 4
1 Personal SWOT analysis (suggested word count: 200 words) 4 LO 3 & 4
2 Structuring your writing (including examples and evidence) 6 LO 1 & 2
3 Quantitative data analysis (suggested word count: 300 words) 7-8 LO 1 & 2
4 Evaluating sources and referencing (suggested word count 150 words) 9 LO 1 & 2
5 Synthesising and in-text citations (suggested word count: 250 words) 10 LO 1 & 2
7 Presenting your assignment (include screen shot) 11 LO 1
8 Editing and proof reading your portfolio: using the marking criteria to
get a first!
12-13 LO 1 & 3
9 Post-presentation reflection 14 LO 3 & 4
10 End of course self-evaluation checklist 15 LO 3 & 4
10 Personal development plan (PDP) (suggested word count: ) 16 LO 3 & 4
Section 2: Written Tasks
(These written tasks should be developed throughout the semester but completed in weeks 9-11)
1-10 Academic writing [degree-specific focus related to The UK’s exit from
The European Union] (900 words)
17-18 LO1
9 & 10 Reflective writing: summary (300 words) 19 LO 3& 4
Writing word count: Academic writing (900 words), Reflective writing (300 words) and a minimum of 600
words in total on the other tasks
(+/- 10%)
SECTION 1: PORTFOLIO EVIDENCE
Week 1: self-evaluation checklist
Below is a list of the skills you will need during your university and professional career. Tick( )the appropriate✓
box for each skill, according to how well you think you can do this.
Skills Do not
know
about this
Find this
difficult/
can’t do
Can
partially do
Can do this
well
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this this
Looking for information
Identify which books/journals/websites to use ☐ ☐ ☐ ☐
Select relevant parts of a text ☐ ☐ ☐ ☐
Evaluate sources ☐ ☐ ☐ ☐
Using sources
Acknowledge sources of information ☐ ☐ ☐ ☐
Synthesize information from more than one source ☐ ☐ ☐ ☐
Write a reference list correctly ☐ ☐ ☐ ☐
Avoid plagiarism ☐ ☐ ☐ ☐
Planning/ writing
Brainstorm ideas ☐ ☐ ☐ ☐
Plan written work ☐ ☐ ☐ ☐
Link ideas effectively ☐ ☐ ☐ ☐
Paraphrase & summarise ideas ☐ ☐ ☐ ☐
Write an introduction ☐ ☐ ☐ ☐
Write a conclusion ☐ ☐ ☐ ☐
Critically edit written work ☐ ☐ ☐ ☐
Independent study
Work independently (without lecturers) ☐ ☐ ☐ ☐
Work as part of a (study) group ☐ ☐ ☐ ☐
Oral presentation
Give a presentation on my work ☐ ☐ ☐ ☐
Brainstorm ideas with peers ☐ ☐ ☐ ☐
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Discuss written work in a tutorial ☐ ☐ ☐ ☐
Deal effectively with questions ☐ ☐ ☐ ☐
IT
Access the internet ☐ ☐ ☐ ☐
Use search engines ☐ ☐ ☐ ☐
Create word documents ☐ ☐ ☐ ☐
Use PowerPoint ☐ ☐ ☐ ☐
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SECTION 1: PORTFOLIO EVIDENCE
Week 1: Personal SWOT analysis
Watch this video: HYPERLINK
"https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PBOtnyt7BP4"https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PBOtnyt7BP4
In-class activity: In pairs conduct interviews to create a personal SWOT analysis.
Internal
STRENGTHS
[Things within my control]
WEAKNESSES
[Personal barriers; things stopping me, but still within my control]
1. I possess the quality to research on topics using
relevant keywords
1. I lack consistency when it comes to positive thinking
and often feel stressed
2. I have the skill to write on any topic within my area of
expertise and complete those within deadline
2. I sometimes get obsessed with one task in hand and do not
consider the implications of overdoing something
3. I am a good listener and possess high concentration skills 3. I am an introvert and hence find it difficult to express my
opinions to others
4 Top 5 Strengths/talents (Gallup test): Creative, Curious, love
of learning, positive attitude
4. I am a good writer but lack the ability to confront people and
speak to a large crowd
External
OPPORTUNITIES
[People, resources, opportunities]
THREATS
[Things outside of my control]
1. I have many friends who appreciate my talent and
understand my introvert nature
1. Being an introvert, I often get bullied by my seniors and other
classmates
2. I have access to many student portals where I can discuss
any academic problem with my professors
2. My residence is located in an area from where it is difficult to
attend major seminars and conferences
3. I also have the opportunity to attend seminars on
personality development so that I can get rid of my
weaknesses
3. One of my weaknesses of not being able to express my
opinions is unduly taken advantage of by others who present my
ideas in the class without crediting me
4. I know many students who are introverts like me and I feel
confident when I share my knowledge with them
4. I am not acquainted well with most of my professors as are
other classmates of mine and I have lagged behind them due to
this
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Discuss: how are you going to overcome your weaknesses and minimise the threats? (approx 100 words)
First, I will set up targets for myself with deadlines and try to achieve them. Inconsistency in positive thinking is
one of my weaknesses and I can do away with it through meditation. I would divide my tasks by creating
routine and setting specific time limits. This way I can avoid paying overdue attention on one thing. To get rid
of my introvert attitude, I would start by opening up to my family members at home and then to my close
friends. I would apply the same technique to get over my weakness in speaking in front of large crowd. When I
am able to overcome my weaknesses, most of the threats can be minimised as well.
SECTION 1: PORTFOLIO EVIDENCE
Week 2: Structuring your writing
During your lecture and tutorial you will learn how to group ideas and develop paragraphs to give structure to
your academic writing. You can use the outline below as a model, although others will be discussed in your
lectures and tutorials.
Title: Impact of Brexit on Globalization
1.0 An introduction (150 words) [use evidence/ research throughout]
 What is your question about? (give the background to your topic)
 Include some detail on the topic (narrow your focus; what exactly are you focusing on?) Who are the
key ideas/ people involved/ organisations etc.?)
 What will your report show? Be specific [you should write this section last]
2.0 Discussion point 1: ……………………………… (300 words) [Use evidence/ research throughout]:
 Identify one point from your area of focus and say why it is a key issue.
 Describe how leaving the EU will impact on this
 What are the opportunities it could create?
 What are the possible problems?
 What can you conclude from this? What are the implications?
3.0 Discussion point 2: ……………………………… (300 words) [Use evidence/ research throughout]:
 Identify another point from your area of focus and say why it is a key issue.
 Describe how leaving the EU will impact on this
 What are the opportunities it could create?
 What are the possible problems?
 What can you conclude from this? What are the implications?
4.0 Conclusion (150 words) [refer back to key evidence/ research]
 Give a summary of your key points from 2 & 3
 Include a summary of your key conclusions from both 2 & 3
 What would you recommend needs to happen now?
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SECTION 1: PORTFOLIO EVIDENCE
Week 2: Structuring your writing
Write a detailed plan here for your report or essay – showing what information you are planning to put in each
section. Remember as you do more research this plan might change so keep it up to date to help you to write a
well-structured report or essay. You can find the subject specific topics in the assessment section of the GSM
Learn academic skills page.
The report will include an executive summary that details the topic to be discussed. It will be followed by an
introduction to the topic providing background that includes an explanation of the term Brexit and its
implications on individuals and in general. The introduction will also comprise the events that lead to Brexit
with some information on the immediate impact. The next section shall have a description on the impact on
Globalization that would begin with a description of globalization. This section will be followed by the impact
of Brexit on organizational management. It would include the importance of organizational management and
how any economic decision that leads to unrest in the country can also affect organizational management. The
report will end with the conclusion summarizing all the points discusses in the main body. References from
credible sources will be used to authenticate the information presented in the report.
SECTION 1: PORTFOLIO EVIDENCE
Week 3: Presenting and analysing data
Presenting data
Cut and paste the graph you discussed in the tutorial here. You can find it on the Week 3 Academic
Skills page on GSM Learn. Remember to write a full Harvard or OSCOLA reference for it.
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PORTFOLIO EVIDENCE
Week 3: Written analysis of Data
Analysing data
Based on the graph looked at in the tutorial, first discuss, and then plan how to write an analytical
paragraph about your graph. You might want to include the following information:
1. A description your data (What is it? Where does it come from? What area is it focussing on?):
2. A summary on what the data shows in general
3. One or two areas of the data looked at in detail and an explanation of why you think they are
significant
4. The important trends and differences/comparisons in the areas you have chosen
5. Possible explanations for what the data is showing (remember to reference wider research to
back your ideas up)
6. A recommendation for further action that could arise from this data.
Individually write your data analysis as a paragraph (approx. 300 words). Remember to refer to the
graph/chart using correct OSCOLA or Harvard style in-text citation.
1. The data in the graph will highlight the impact and significance of Brexit on the market attractiveness of
United Kingdom. The data has been collected from the primary collection method and closed ended
questionnaire has been used. A simple random sampling has been used to choose the population sample so
that accurate data can be collected.
2. The data in the graph is trying the indentify the impact of Brexit on UK’s overall attractiveness. There are
five parameters in the questions which identifies whether there is positive , negative or impact on the market
attractiveness. Thus, the questions is trying to identify the degree and nature of relationship between the two
variables that has been mentioned.
3. The findings from the graph show that the different geographical zones have different opinion about UK’s
exit from European Union. The population in Europe are of the opinion that there will huge negative impact of
Brexit because the trade will decline.
4. However, this does not influence the other counties in different continents to such an extent. The
commonwealth countries feel that there is positive impact due to possibility of improved trade relations with
United Kingdom. Thus, on the global context, Brexit will have positive impact on overall market attractiveness.
5. Thus, it can be analyzed from the findings that trade relationship with the European countries will be
affected due to it is exit. 36% of the population sample are of the opinion there will be negative impact where
as rest of G20 and commonwealth countries have a different opinion where there will be positive impact.
However, there is huge majority that feels there will no impact on market attractiveness.
6. Recommendation
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Thus, it is recommended that United Kingdom will have to develop trade relationship with commonwealth
countries as they find the UK market attractive.
Therefore, it can be recommended that the issues relating to the impact of Brexit on globalization has been
rejected is not true as this was only the view of the unemployed college students. Therefore, it can be said that
the EU will depend on policies will depend on the policies the UK will adopt following the Brexit.
PORTFOLIO EVIDENCE
Week 4: Evaluating sources & critically engaging with texts
In your study groups, evaluate 3 different text from your reading list, or ones you have found. During class your
lecturer will give you questions to guide you through this process. You can find these texts on the Week 4
Academic Skills GSM Learn page.
Resource type:
(book, journal,
video)
& citation/reference
Text A Text B Text C
Authority Cumming, D.J. and Zahra,
S.A., 2016. International
Business and
Entrepreneurship
Implications of Brexit. British
Journal of
Management, 27(4), pp.687-
692.
Goetsch, D.L. and Davis,
S.B., 2014. Quality
management for
organizational
excellence. Upper Saddle
River, NJ: pearson.
Theguardian.com
2017. Brexit is a rejection
of globalisation. [online]
the Guardian. Available
at:
https://www.theguardia
n.com/business/2016/ju
n/26/brexit-is-the-
rejection-of-globalisation
[Accessed 1 Dec. 2017].
Currency 2016 2014 2016
Content Implications of the
referendum result that voted
in favour of Britain’s exit from
the EU. The journal explains
both challenges and
opportunities created by
Brexit.
The book discusses
mainly about
organizational
management.
Authored by Larry Elliot,
this newspaper article
argues that Brexit did not
have an impact on
globalization; rather it
was an outright rejection
of globalization.
Accuracy The journal is peer reviewed
and has references from
authors who have done an
The author of the book is
renowned for his works
on similar issues
The article was published
in UK’s most read and
reliable newspaper and
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extensive research on topics
related to the chosen topic
previously as well and
the book is relevant for
contemporary study
the author too has good
expertise on the topic.
Audience The journal was mainly aimed
at citizens, particularly, the
business persons in North
America that has strong
business ties with the
European Union
The main audience for
this book are the
managers of
organizations
The newspaper article
was aimed mainly at the
common citizens of UK
with an additional
emphasis on global
audience
Further notes/
comments
This journal discusses Brexit
from the point of view of
North America only
The book provides
information on quality
management and does
not include details
specific to organizational
management
The article precisely
mentions the impact of
Brexit on global economy
PORTFOLIO EVIDENCE
Week 5: Synthesising
In groups of 2 or 3: you are going to discuss the similarities and differences of different texts. You each need to
read and understand a text, tell your group about it, and make notes.
Write (in note form) the key ideas for the 3 different texts:
Text A:
In-text citation or OSCOLA footnote (Law): (Cumming and Zahra 2016)
Key ideas:
 Importance of Brexit
 Implications on business relations with other nations
 Challenges and opportunities created by it
Text B:
In-text citation or OSCOLA footnote (Law): (Goetsch and Davis 2014)
Key ideas:
 Quality management in organizations
 Role of managers
Text C:
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In-text citation or OSCOLA footnote (Law): (Theguardian.com 2017)
Key ideas:
 Rejection of globalization
 Failure of EU to carry out its responsibility
Individually: write up a paragraph which synthesises (combines) the ideas you talked about with your study
group. Remember to include in-text citationsor OSCOLA footnote (Law) and link your ideas using linking
words! (Suggested word count: 200 words).
In the three texts, the authors have talked about three different topics. However, the journal and the
newspaper article highlighted the implications of Brexit, the book mainly discussed organizational
management from the perspective of quality management. Brexit had immediate effect on UK’s economy and
gradually the effects were visible in countries. The impact was not only economic but political as well
(Cumming and Zahra 2016). It is obvious from the discussion that Brexit did have an impact on globalization
and it remains to be seen what further impact it would have when Britain officially exits EU in 2019. Brexit, as
mentioned by Larry Elliot in the article, not only affected the global economy, it rejected the very notion
(Theguardian.com 2017). The EU was seen as a supreme example of globalization but its failure to provide
promised economic backup to the citizens resulted in its rejection. The book however is not about Brexit or
economy in general; it is about the style and type of management seen in organizations. In addition, it
compares the traditional and contemporary views of quality management (Goetsch and Davis 2014). The three
texts provide an overall view on various issues related to business and organization and the interrelatedness of
world economies.
PORTFOLIO EVIDENCE
Week 7: Presenting your assignment
At university, you are often asked to present your research. In week 9 you will deliver a short 10-minute
presentation (7 minutes delivery + 3 minutes for Qs) in class to a small group. You should base your
presentation on one key point (one main section/paragraph) from your assignment using the following
structure for guidance with suggested timings:
 Title page: including your name and title
 Give a very brief overview of what your 7-minute presentation will cover (30 secs)
 Introduction: Identify one point from your assignment and say why it is a key point (1minute)
 Briefly describe how leaving the EU will impact on this (1 min 30s)
 What is one potential opportunity it could create? (1 min 30s)
 What is one possible problem? ( 1min 30s)
 What can you conclude from this? What are the implications/ your recommendations?
(1min)
 You should refer to evidence/ research throughout your presentation.
 Be prepared to answer questions (3 mins) at the end of your presentation.
Provide evidence here to show that you have planned your presentation. This could take the form of
a detailed plan or PowerPoint slides.
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PORTFOLIO EVIDENCE
Week 8: Editing and proof reading your portfolio: using the marking criteria to understand how to get a first!
Good evidence Some evidence Insufficient
evidence
Knowledge and understanding of the subject
A. Demonstrates overall understanding of core
academic skills, evidenced both with the
portfolio tasks and academic writing tasks.
Yes
B. Demonstrates independent reading and
research. Yes
C. Has an understanding of conducting primary
research (appropriate to level 4). Yes
D. Has a convincing introduction, arguments/
discussion and conclusion for the written
assignment.
Yes
E. Demonstrates an understanding of the subject
material related to programme of study. Yes
Cognitive/ Intellectual skills
F. Clear and logical argument/ discussion and
structure. Yes
G. Shows evidence of applying critical thought to a
range of tasks. Yes
H. Has backed up discussion/ arguments with
evidence. Yes
I. Has evidence of some analysis and evaluation
(appropriate to level 4). Yes
Graduate skills for Life and employment.
J. Insightful reflection on own strengths and
weaknesses. Yes
K. Effective written communication skills (e.g. have
they written in an appropriate academic style?)
is the report/essay format successful? Is the
reflective writing appropriately written? Is it
Yes
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