ULMS577 / ULMJ577 Critical Perspectives on Consumption Assignment 1 Brief 2026-27 | UoL

ULMS577 Assignment 1 Brief

The assignment is worth 40% of the overall marks for this module. Within your timetabled seminar class, you will form coursework groups of 4-5 students. Groups will be formed in your week 3 timetabled seminar. As a rule, all the members of a coursework group will attend the same seminar session, which should facilitate contact/meetings etc. Each person should contribute to the oral presentation, and the group should decide how to divide work and structure the assignment. All group members are expected to participate in the pre-recorded presentation and individuals should expect to lose marks if failing to present.

It is a pre-recorded group presentation (20 minutes) which addresses the following:

Critically discuss the most influential factor on a young person’s (18-25 years old) consumption behaviour, and critically evaluate how marketers use/might use this information.

As a group, select 1 topic covered on the ULS577 Critical Perspectives on Consumption module in weeks 1 – 5 that you think is the most influential factor on a young person’s consumption behaviour (for example, the Self-Concept, Culture, Family, Groups such as brand communities, etc.).

1. For your chosen topic, critically discuss how the topic influences young people’s consumption behaviour. You must draw on theories, concepts and academic literature (which must include academic journal articles) to justify your answer. Use the recommended readings for each topic as a starting point and show evidence of wider reading from academic sources. Ensure you reference all sources correctly. Provide examples to illustrate your answer.

2. Using your findings in part 1, critically evaluate how marketers use/might use this information.

Instructions

Submit one 20-minute pre-recorded group presentation per group. The use of a clear structure is recommended (e.g. Title page, Introduction, topic-related sections for the main body, Conclusion, References). Each group member is expected to present. Your presentation must evidence extensive academic research from relevant journal articles. You should also include relevant examples to illustrate your answer. You must ensure you reference all sources correctly, using the standard ULMS Referencing Policy – your final slide(s) should consist of a reference list (no need to narrate this during the recorded presentation).

Group size: 4-5 students per group. Within the first seminar, and where possible, the student cohort will be responsible for dividing yourself into groups within their seminar group. If students do not attend the first seminar, they must contact the seminar leader as soon as possible to be informed of group allocation (if you are absent, you will be randomly allocated to a group). You need to set up ways of contacting each other and how you will meet (e.g. via WhatsApp, in-person meetings, Zoom).

Your presentation should include slides and a talking head. Each group member should present. You should rehearse your presentation in advance of recording to enhance communicative effectiveness (e.g., through pace and using the optimum amount of text on your slides).

Submission is via CANVAS only. Only ONE member of the group should submit their coursework via the relevant Assignment on Canvas, which will be linked to a Turnitin submission box. If you do not submit to Turnitin, your work will not be marked. The final deadline is Wednesday, 18th March 2026, 12 pm, and there is no extra 7 (or 14) days as it is excluded from the Additional Considerations policy. Further details on how to submit the assignment will be given nearer the time.

Formative feedback

Each group will be expected to provide an informal 10-minute progress review during the seminar in week 5, so that they can receive formative verbal feedback.

ULMS577 Assessment Criteria

• The work will be marked against ULMS postgraduate marking criteria. Please check these criteria carefully when compiling the review to maximise your chances of a top mark. Also, standard University penalties will apply for late submission.
• Ensure you include full references to all your sources.
• Make sure your interpretations are supported by the data obtained.
• Although you will subdivide the work amongst group members, ensure that the video presentation flows as one piece of work. Marks will be awarded for the overall cohesion and effectiveness of the presentation.
• The following marking matrix will be used. Each separate part, i.e., 1, 2 and 3, will be weighted equally.

1. Structure, style and presentation:

• Adopted an engaging presentation style
• Utilised visual aids to convey points effectively
• Provided a clear structure for the presentation and observed time limits
• Tackled your main arguments in a coherent manner
• Developed a conclusion that links back to the aim

2. Depth of understanding and critical analysis:

• Stayed on topic and answered the set questions
• Demonstrated an appreciation of what each part of the question means
• Not only described the literature content but also reflected upon it
• Cast a questioning and reflective eye over your findings

3. Quality of research and use of sources:

• Utilised an appropriate range of sources to develop your responses
• Recognised that not all sources are of equal credibility
• Where sources are dated commented upon their value
• Where sources are non-academic, their inclusion

How could you have improved this assessment?

Marking Feedback

This module has an agreed 3-week marking turnaround of coursework; however, please note that the teaching team will be taking time off over the Easter break, which is not counted in these 3 weeks. You will be notified when your feedback is available.

Groupwork Schedule

The group should decide how work should be divided among individual members of the group. The group should try to meet twice a week to discuss their progress and to coordinate the process. It is the responsibility of the group to ensure that all members contribute as effectively as possible.

The group should keep a record sheet of attendance at meetings and a note of all correspondence with members of the group. Contribution to group work should be monitored by everyone. It is your responsibility to keep a record of your contribution and that of your colleagues.

You will need to consult the module leader if your group is not working. You are advised to do this as soon as possible, and, of course, to keep records of all communications between members of the group.

By the end of week 5, your group should have met at least 3 times.

Students should have submitted a rough draft of their work to the group by the end of week 5.

You should report any failure to meet this schedule by any member of the group as soon as possible to the module leader.

Please note that peer marking will be in place on the module, and that your group grade will be adjusted based on the individual contribution (more details on this to follow).

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