Essay Assignment 2
General Assessment Guidance
• This essay constitutes the summative assessment for this module and accounts for 100% of the final grade.
• Assignments submitted after the deadline will not be evaluated.
• Upload your submission exclusively via Turnitin; alternative submissions via email, cloud storage, or hard copy will not be considered.
• The word limit is 1,500 words. Submissions below this limit may omit key analytical insights; content exceeding the limit will be truncated for grading purposes.
• Only your Student Reference Number (SRN) should appear; do not include personal identifiers.
• A total of 100 marks is available. A minimum of 50% is required to pass.
• Strict adherence to the Harvard Referencing System is required. Any unreferenced use of published materials will be treated as plagiarism. Detailed guidance is available via the university library portal.
• AI may be used solely for reviewing drafts, refining grammar, or where explicitly permitted in the assessment brief.
• A completed Assignment Cover Sheet is mandatory; failure to include it may invalidate your submission.
Assessment Brief
Overview
This essay requires a 1,500-word investigation into the economic, social, and knowledge-driven impacts of Expo 2020 Dubai on the UAE’s development trajectory. You are expected to analyse evidence, link insights to national strategies such as UAE Vision 2021 and the 2071 Centennial Plan, and explore implications for economic diversification and knowledge economy initiatives.
Unlike conventional essays, you are encouraged to structure your essay around the natural flow of evidence, argument, and reflection. Use practical examples, statistics, and recent developments to support your claims, allowing your reasoning to guide the reader rather than adhering strictly to an introduction–body–conclusion format.
Learning Outcomes
LO1 – Critically assess the effects of large-scale events on national economic diversification.
LO2 – Integrate multiple evidence sources to construct an academically rigorous argument.
LO3 – Evaluate the social and knowledge economy impacts of strategic initiatives within the UAE.
LO4 – Present actionable reflections and insights that demonstrate scholarly depth and contextual understanding.
Key Sections to Explore
- Executive Overview
- Contextual Landscape
- Focused Research Question
- Analytical Rationale
- Stakeholder and Societal Implications
- Evidence Synthesis and Critical Discussion
- Reflections and Forward-Looking Insights
Throughout your essay, balance theoretical frameworks with real-world UAE examples, demonstrating how your analysis translates into practical understanding and strategic thinking.
Suggested Essay Structure
- Declaration Page
• Title Page
• Table of Contents
• Lists of Figures/Tables/Abbreviations (if relevant)
• Executive Overview
• Contextual Landscape
• Focused Research Question
• Analytical Rationale
• Stakeholder and Societal Implications
• Evidence Synthesis and Critical Discussion
• Reflections and Forward-Looking Insights
• Harvard References
• Appendices (if necessary)
Total Length: 1,500 words (excluding front matter, references, appendices)
Word Count Breakdown (Approximate)
- Executive Overview – 150
- Contextual Landscape – 200
- Focused Research Question – 150
- Analytical Rationale – 150
- Stakeholder and Societal Implications – 250
- Evidence Synthesis and Critical Discussion – 500
- Reflections and Forward-Looking Insights – 200
Total: 1,500 words
Executive Overview Guidelines
Summarise the essay in 150 words, presenting the key question, rationale, principal insights, and suggested implications. Draft this section last to ensure coherence with the full essay.
- Merit: Show clear reasoning and a concise overview of your analytical approach.
- Distinction: Demonstrate how your insights illuminate broader economic, social, or strategic considerations in the UAE context.
Section Guidelines
Contextual Landscape
Provide a rich picture of Expo 2020 Dubai and its alignment with UAE national development goals. Include economic, technological, and social considerations. Highlight UAE-specific initiatives, such as smart city development, innovation hubs, and knowledge economy policies.
Focused Research Question
Define a precise question or central theme, such as: “How did Expo 2020 Dubai contribute to UAE economic diversification and knowledge economy advancement?” Explain why this is important and frame the boundaries of your analysis.
Analytical Rationale
Clarify why your investigation is significant. For example, consider how Expo 2020 created knowledge networks, facilitated international partnerships, or influenced policy shifts. Connect your rationale to UAE Vision 2021 goals and long-term strategies.
Stakeholder and Societal Implications
Identify key stakeholders, including government entities, private enterprises, academic institutions, and the public. Assess how Expo 2020 affected their interests, decision-making, and engagement with knowledge economy initiatives. For instance, examine how start-ups leveraged Expo platforms or how education sectors adopted new technology partnerships.
Evidence Synthesis and Critical Discussion
Integrate quantitative data, case studies, and academic literature to analyse outcomes and trends. Discuss the benefits and limitations of initiatives, noting gaps or challenges. Compare multiple perspectives to illustrate critical thinking. For example, assess whether economic diversification goals were achieved through trade, investment, or knowledge transfer. Use tables or figures where they enhance clarity.
Reflections and Forward-Looking Insights
Conclude by reflecting on lessons learned, both practically and theoretically. Suggest how insights could inform future mega-events, policy decisions, or knowledge economy strategies in the UAE. Highlight transferable lessons for emerging sectors or higher education initiatives. Avoid generic summaries; instead, focus on implications, actionable insights, and strategic considerations.
References and Presentation
• Apply Harvard referencing consistently.
• Maintain professional formatting, clear headings, and numbered pages.
• Include a variety of credible sources, such as peer-reviewed journals, UAE government reports, academic databases, and reputable news outlets.