Financial Technology UMADQK-15-3

Assessment Brief

Submission and feedback dates

Submission deadline: Before 14:00 on 08/01/2024

is eligible for 48 hours late submission window.

Marks and Feedback due on: 07/02/2024

N.B. all times are 24-hour clock, current local time (at time of submission) in the UK

Submission details

Module title and code: Financial Technology UMADQK-15-3

Assessment type: This is Element B (Coursework) and includes 3 tasks - Programming, reflective log and essay.

Assessment title: Element B - Report

Assessment weighting: 60% of total module mark

Size or length of assessment: There are 2 files you need to submit:

File 1: a Python programming file in Jupyter Notebook (file type: ipynb). There is no limit to the length of your programming, however, a golden rule of thumb for good programming is the more concise, the better.

File 2: a Word file comprises of 2 parts:

- Part A: A reflective log (of your programming in file 1) of max 400 words.

- Part B: An essay of max 1,000 words.

There is no +/- 10% on word count and anything after the maximum word count will not be marked, in line with UWE Bristol’s Word Count Policy;

Module learning outcomes assessed by this task:

MO1. Analyse the effect of disruptive technology developments and opportunities provided by technological innovation in the financial services sector;

MO3. Critically evaluate the use of fintech within business;

MO5. Communicate clearly and effectively, with confidence on topics of Blockchain, Big Data and AI.

Completing your assessment

What am I required to do on this assessment?

You need to submit two files below.

File 1: A Jupyter Notebook file which you can choose one task below to do:

1. A simple inventory management system. The system will take input from users, keep track of items (name, volume/number of unit & values) and produce the summary of total value when it is required.

2. A simple machine learning-based prediction model. The prediction model will be developed to forecast stock trends using one of the machine learning models.

Please note: only choose one out of two tasks to do, please do not do both tasks.

You need to include the following details in the first cell of the file:

· Your student number;

· The module name and number;

· Your chosen task title.

File 1 accounts for 10% of the Element B.

File 2: A Word file comprises of two parts:

1. Part A: A reflective log on your programming in the Jupyter Notebook task (max 400 words). You must write about the following three points, however, you can tackle and address each of the three points in any order you like. You should create and use section headings and signposting.

1. Reflect on your learning:

a. What did you learn?

b. Which three topics/things did you find the most interesting/valuable for your study/work? And why?

2. Reflect on your programming (in the Jupyter Notebook task):

a. What task did you choose?

b. Comment on how effectively you were able to apply your skills. How did you overcome any challenges, what did you find particularly enjoyable or satisfying?

3. General reflections (about the programming learning of this module):

a. Comment on your own experience of learning programming throughout the tutorials and how you managed to complete File 1 of Element B. What (if anything) would you add or change in the topics addressed in this part of the syllabus?

The reflective log accounts for 20% of the Element B.

2. Part B: an essay on a relevant topic in Financial Technology. You will be expected to select your own essay question and prepare a max 1,000 word essay. Help to define your essay question will come via the course content and the tutorials. You will select your essay topic from the whitelist that is available on the module Blackboard page under Assignments -> Essay topic selector (or in here).

You can propose a new topic by using this form. The deadline to send your new topic for approval is 08/12/2023. Any new topic sent after 08/12/2023 will not be considered (and not approved) and you will need to select your topic from the whitelist.

You can only send your proposal for a different topic up to 3 times. Any topic not accepted by the Module Leader after 3 attempts will not be considered and you will need to select your topic from the whitelist.
Please note: your essay title must either be selected from the whitelist or specifically approved by the module leader.  Otherwise your essay will not be marked.

The essay accounts for 70% of Element B.

The first page of your Word file must include:

· Your student number;

· The module name and number;

· Your total word count;

· Your chosen essay title (for part B).

A summary of the mark allocation & word count of the Element B can be found below:

File	Requirements	Mark allocation	Word counts (max)
File 1. Programming file (Jupyter Notebook)	Choose 1 task	10%	No limit
File 2. Word document
Part A of B2:	Reflection of programming	20%	400
Part B of B2:	Essay question on FinTech	70%	1,000
Total of the element B		100%

Where should I start?

You can scroll through the whitelist to see whether you are interested in a topic. Alternatively, if you are particularly interested in a new topic, please send the form before 08/12/2023 and wait for it to be approved before delving into it.

Re the programming element, you can start by thinking about the overall picture: what do you need to achieve? What components do you think you would need to have to achieve it? In other words, how do you divide the task into smaller chunks? Is there any other way to approach the task?

What data structure(s)/library/loop(s) etc. do you need to build those components?

You don’t even need to touch the keyboard to answer the above questions.

Have you coded something similar in your other exercises? If yes, is there any other way to make your code more concise?

Before submitting your work, please ensure that:

ÿ You have proofread you work thoroughly to ensure your work is presented appropriately

ÿ You have addressed all the required elements of the assessment

ÿ You have referenced in accordance with the guidance provided

ÿ You have addressed each of the marking criterion

ÿ The submission is in the correct format

What do I need to do to pass?

Refer to the marking criteria and achievement of the minimum mark e.g., a mark of 40% or above.

How do I achieve high marks in this assessment?

Refer to the marking criteria and the characteristics of work that achieves a 2:1 or 1^st.

How does the learning and teaching relate to the assessment?

File 1 and Part A of File 2 is related to the programming tutorials.

Part B of File 2 is related to each lecture session, especially in terms of the topics regarding blockchain and machine learning.

What additional resources may help me complete this assessment?

Further information about this assessment is available on the Blackboard site for this module and includes:

· Module guide

· Essay specification

· Reading list and online resources

· Tutorials and lectures

Specific study skills pages relating to this assessment include:

· How to plan and structure your writing

· Writing skills

· Further research skills / techniques

· Report writing

· Reflective writing

· How to write critically

· Literature reviews

· English language support

Furthermore, you can reach the teaching team as follows:

Module leader: Frank Nguyen.

Frank’s office hours are from 1400-1600 on Fridays. Frank’s office hours are held virtually in here. If you would like to see Frank in different hours/dates or in person, please email: [email protected]

Lecturer: Xiaojun Luo.

Xiaojun’s office hours are from 1500-1700 on Fridays. Xiaojun’s office hours are held virtually at Xiaojun's office. If you would like to see Xiaojun in different hours/dates or in person, please email: [email protected]

What do I do if I am concerned about completing this assessment?

UWE Bristol offer a range of Assessment Support Options that you can explore through this link, and both Academic Support and Wellbeing Support are available.

For further information, please see the Academic Survival Guide.

How do I avoid an Assessment Offence on this module? ²

Use the support above if you feel unable to submit your own work for this module.

There is further guidance on avoiding assessment offences at point 2 below.

Marks and Feedback

Your assessment will be marked according to the following marking criteria.

You can use these to evaluate your own work before you submit.

You will be assessed on items such as formatting, grammar & spelling, signposting, content, use of references and evidence of own understanding and insight. You will be expected to demonstrate technical understanding, evidence of independent thought and evidence of your own analysis developed from relevant and reliable sources.

The marking criteria sheet is given below:

Knowledge and understanding 35%	Critical analysis, evaluation and insight 35%	Range of relevant resources 15%	Grammar and presentation 15%	Score
Exceptional breadth and depth of knowledge and understanding	Exceptional application of theoretical/ technical knowledge; critical evaluation of reading and research in order to sustain and deliver insights, make judgements and propose solutions, including a strong conclusion	Evidence of deep and extensive research, use of relevant and high quality sources, appropriate referenced	Written in a fluent style with a clear focus and structure and well articulated arguments. Excellent use of grammar, spelling, signposting and language conventions	85 - 100
Breadth and depth of knowledge that is comprehensive, accurate and relevant	Evidence of application of systematic critical understanding, analysis and critical evaluation of knowledge, logical and well reasoned arguments with well evidenced solutions, with a strong conclusion	Evidence of deep research, wide, appropriate and relevant range of good quality resources, appropriately referenced.	Excellent communication and very good use of grammar, spelling, signposting and language conventions	70 - 84
Comprehensive accurate and relevant knowledge, ability to relate facts and concepts together	Evidence of application and critical evaluation of knowledge, demonstration of insight and ability to sustain a relevant argument and propose solutions	Use of an appropriate and relevant range of good quality resources, appropriately referenced	Well structured and organised presentation with good use of grammar and language conventions	60- 69
Good knowledge and understanding of a range of relevant principles and theories	Some attempt to apply critical evaluation; argument may lose focus / lacks logical reasoning in places. Question may not be fully answered.	Some evidence of research but limited range/depth or low quality resources. Some referencing errors	Adequate structure, little use of signposting. Some errors in grammar and language	50 - 59
Some relevant knowledge and understanding but also errors or misinterpretations	Areas of purely descriptive narrative, lack of critical application of knowledge. Poorly constructed argument. Fails to fully address the question.	Limited use of relevant sources and /or largely low quality media based research. Poor referencing technique.	Poor structure. Errors in grammar and language, little signposting	40- 49
Only general awareness or poor /confused understanding of the broad area of knowledge	Almost wholly descriptive, no critical application. Argument is underdeveloped, fractured or confused. Does not address the question in any meaningful way.	Limited list of sources of low quality. Inadequate referencing.	Unstructured / illogical structure. Poor grammar and language such that understanding is impeded.	0 – 39

1. In line with UWE Bristol’s Assessment Content Limit Policy (formerly the Word Count Policy), word count includes all text, including (but not limited to): the main body of text (including headings), all citations (both in and out of brackets), text boxes, tables and graphs, figures and diagrams, quotes, lists.

2. UWE Bristol’s UWE’s Assessment Offences Policy requires that you submit work that is entirely your own and reflects your own learning, so it is important to:

· Ensure you reference all sources used, using the UWE Harvard system and the guidance available on UWE’s Study Skills referencing pages.

· Avoid copying and pasting any work into this assessment, including your own previous assessments, work from other students or internet sources

· Develop your own style, arguments and wording, so avoid copying sources and changing individual words but keeping, essentially, the same sentences and/or structures from other sources

· Never give your work to others who may copy it

· If an individual assessment, develop your own work and preparation, and do not allow anyone to make amends on your work (including proof-readers, who may highlight issues but not edit the work) and

When submitting your work, you will be required to confirm that the work is your own, and text-matching software and other methods are routinely used to check submissions against other submissions to the university and internet sources. Details of what constitutes plagiarism and how to avoid it can be found on UWE’s Study Skills pages about avoiding plagiarism.