CII Assignment Techniques A Half-Day Practical Course Mark Butterworth Risk West Copyright: Condie Risk Consultancy Ltd

Presenter Mark Butterworth BA FCII MBA FIRM 30+ years in Insurance and Risk Management Risk Management, Governance and Solvency II consultant to insurance and non-insurance corporate clients Author of the CII textbook 992; “Risk Management in Insurance” Dissertation Guide for students on the Level 7 – London Market Dissertation programme Author and presenter of Condie Risk and Risk West training courses, including bespoke in-house programmes Organiser of the Risk West Annual Conference – October 2016 in Plymouth 2

Introductions Current student progress in the exams Subjects being covered? Any experience to share?

Course objectives To assist students in their understanding of the CII’s assignment requirements To brief students on the guidelines and constraints when writing and submitting assignments To highlight to students the features of assignments that contribute to good scores – and features that reduce scores To help students improve their assignment skills and provide a clear pathway to successful conclusion of the assignments

What are we going to cover today? Part 1 Review of the published instructions and guidance for assignments CII marking grid Student Assignment Skills Research methods Confidentiality Time management Assignment structure Part 2 Review of example assignments Next steps

Published Instructions and Guidance on Assignments Using RevisionMate ( students must download, read and understand the following documents: Coursework Assessment Guidelines and Instructions How to Approach Coursework Assignments planning your assignment writing up your assignment checking before submission Coursework Assessment FAQs

CII Marking Grid Knowledge and Understanding These are facts from the learning material derived from the learning outcomes that are relevant to the question. To score a high mark in this section a candidate will have included relevant and sufficient factual information to form a firm foundation for their answer. Application and Analysis This is the value that the candidate has added by applying the facts above to the context of the question and any implications, recommendations, solutions and actions that may need further exploration. Coherent Structure This is the logic of the candidate’s argument within the context of the required format. This is about providing a sensible introduction and conclusion; and good and logical grouping of information. A good structure must allow a reader to follow the writer’s thought process. Relevant Examples and/or Further Reading Candidates work must be fully referenced. This is shown in the “Guidelines to Candidates”.

Student Assignment Skills

Research methods Your research starts with knowing the textbook thoroughly Further reading should be undertaken, including journals, newslines, insurance and risk regulatory handbooks, staff newsletters, annual reports, websites “The assignments have been designed to allow you to interpret and apply information within the context of your workplace or a workplace with which you are familiar – or the scenario provided. It is very important that you read the study text and undertake additional reading and that you include relevant examples in your answers.” See also the CII publication: “Finding and evaluating sources of information”

Confidentiality Your assignment will come to life if you include relevant references from your own organisations or real-world examples You could interview senior managers for their views (but note later comments on risks of plagiarism) Students often undertake surveys with own staff and market contacts Do not use any material from your firm that is confidential, sensitive or based on opinions

Time Management How long have you got to complete all three assignments? Assignment 1: 6 months Assignment 2: 9 months Assignment 3: 12 months Note any re-submissions have to be completed within the overall timeframe Project managing the assignments Reading textbook and further reading and research Interviews Writing up

Plagiarism The CII make it very clear that all the work must be your own Do not discuss your assignment with any other person, or help any other person Note the CII uses detection software, including... 12

Confidentiality and Plagiarism – the website warning STUDENT ALERT Sanctions for plagiarism and failure to submit your own work - Disciplinary action may be taken against any candidate found guilty of dishonourable or unprofessional conduct, or committing a breach of the assessment rules. Instances will be fully investigated and appropriate action taken. Further details can be found at standards/disciplinary-and-appeals-decisions/ standards/disciplinary-and-appeals-decisions/ If action is taken against a candidate, their name and employer will be published in the Journal, Financial Solutions and on the CII website. 13

Assignment Structure Start by “deconstructing” the question in order to identify the component parts. Note the descriptor verbs – briefly explain; analyse; justify; fully examine; make recommendations Make sure your assignment, as a business document, would be presentable and acceptable if delivered to one of your senior managers You should use headings, bullet points, graphs and diagrams where relevant to enhance readability and the quality of your work Source referencing can be as a footer, within the text or at the end of your paper

Pre-Submission Review Mark your own paper, using the marking grid Be honest! Is the paper good enough, does it answer the question, are your references properly cited?

Review of Two Assignments Using past assignments to get a better appreciation of the requirements for structure, content and presentation Discussion – what marks would you give these papers? Don’t forget! Also review the past assignments in the CII student area for your particular subjects

Next Steps How are you getting on with complying with the timeframes? Make sure you have a coherent, written plan to research, write and review the assignment Will you need to invest more personal time? Will your employer help?

Thank you See also