Read the CW1 brief carefully and thoroughly. Gather data from multiple sources. Recommended sources: FAME, IBISWorld, Statista (and other reputable databases).

Coursework 1 (7045SSL) Guidance

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Preparation (before you start)

Read the CW1 brief carefully and thoroughly.

Gather data from multiple sources. Recommended sources: FAME, IBISWorld, Statista (and other reputable databases).

Review the assessment criteria before and during your write-up.

Ask questions early — contact the module lead if you need help with data gathering or interpretation.

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Dataset requirements (mandatory)

Using sources such as FAME or IBISWorld, compile a dataset that meets all the following criteria:

Companies: Include at least five companies in clothing retailing in the UK.

Time span: Annual data from 2015 to 2024 (inclusive).

Variables: Include 5–10 key business / management metrics.

Documentation: Describe and justify your choice of companies and variables in the report (source, meaning, units, any cleaning performed).

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Analysis & visualization requirements

Produce at least four relevant charts in total.

At least two charts must enable inter-company comparison (i.e., compare metrics across companies).

At least two charts must show trends over time (i.e., time series for one or more companies).

Provide appropriate tables and develop a simple dashboard (can be static) that summarises key insights.

Examples of acceptable charts: clustered bar charts, multi-series line charts, box plots (for cross-company distribution), stacked columns, scatter plots with trend lines.

Ensure charts/tables are labelled clearly (axis labels, units, legend, source).

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Report structure (required content & suggested word guidance)

Title page (module code, title, name, student IDs, word count).

Table of contents.

Section 1 — Introduction (brief context and aims).

Section 2 — Data & Methodology

Describe data sources, cleaning, and software/tools used.

Explain why selected variables are relevant.

Section 3 — Descriptive Analytics

Compute and interpret summary statistics (Mean, Median, Mode, Skewness, Range, IQR, Variance).

Explain why these statistics are useful and how they inform your analysis.

Section 4 — Predictive Analytics

Identify relationships using correlation and regression analysis.

State which variables are dependent and which are independent, justify your choices, and interpret results.

Use appropriate software (e.g., Excel and/or SPSS).

Section 5 — Visualisations & Dashboard

Present required charts and a brief interpretation of each.

Conclusion & Recommendations

Provide conclusions and evidence-based recommendations for management / stakeholders about the sector’s future prospects.

References (not included in word count) — minimum 5 academic sources in addition to the recommended textbook. Use APA 7th ed.

Appendices for the raw data (Excel link) should be provided.

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Formatting, referencing & presentation

Figures: captions below.

Tables: titles above.

Maintain consistent APA 7 in-text citations and reference list.

Ensure every item in the reference list is cited in the report body.

Keep a clear focus on the task and address each assessment requirement individually.

The slides (PPT file) should include an accessible link to the recorded video on its first page.

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Submission & late policy

Submit your coursework via Turnitin on or before the specified date and time.

Late submissions without an approved extension will receive a mark of zero. See the CU student portal for ‘Extenuating Circumstances: A Guide to Extensions and Deferrals’.

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Meetings & feedback

Please attend the extra meeting(s) scheduled for [******] for Q&A and feedback on drafts.

Bring specific questions (data, methods, visualisations) for targeted feedback.

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Support & resources

For literature searches: contact the School Librarian.

For writing support: contact the Centre for Academic Writing, Lanchester Library, Ground Floor.

Recommended tools: Excel, and SPSS.

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Pre-submission checklist (tick before uploading)

Dataset includes ≥ 5 UK clothing retailers (2015–2024).

5–10 key variables included and described.

At least 4 charts created: ≥2 inter-company comparisons; ≥2 trend charts.

Descriptive stats computed and interpreted.

Correlation/regression carried out and discussed (dependent vs independent variables clear).

Figures have captions (below) and tables have titles (above).

References in APA 7 format; ≥5 academic sources used (excluding textbook).

Turnitin submission completed well before deadline.

Proofread for clarity, grammar and layout.