Assessment
item 2
Essay
Value:60%
Due date:07-Feb-2014
Return date:28-Feb-2014
Length:
3,500 words
Submission method options
Alternative
submission method
Task
Using relevant research/academic literature, critically review one (1) of the
following HR activities that warrants remedial action in an organisation
of your choice. This can be a current or past place of work, or an organisation
where a friend or relative works.
◦
rewards
and benefits
◦
career
development
◦
diversity
management
With
the support of research/academic literature, you are required to:
◦
summarise
an HR issue/problem that you have identified in the activity area;
◦
justify
why it is important for management to take action to address the issue/problem
raised, having regard for its impact on performance (at multiple levels,
if this is appropriate);
◦
taking
into consideration constraints that exist in the organisation, use
research/academic literature to analyse and assess possible strategies for
managing the issue/problem;
◦
recommend
policies and actions based on this assessment. Justify your recommendations;
◦
be
persuasive in your arguments.
Rationale
This
assignment is designed to:
◦
familiarise
students with the nature of HRM activities and the different perspectives
and uses adopted by organisations as compared to what is found in
research/academic literature;
◦
encourage
students to explore various HRM theories;
◦
develop
the ability to identify the importance of the HR function in the effective
management of people and the achievement of organisational objectives;
◦
familiarise
students with the gap that may exist between academic theories and the
real world practice of HRM;
◦
encourage
students to explore the various HR challenges faced by organisations;
◦
encourage
students to develop sound analytical skills based on in-depth literature
research, learnt theories, case studies and work practices.
Marking criteria
Understanding
of key issues related to the HR practice (18%):
•
answer the question set, kept to the topic and covered only relevant issues
•
applying relevant theories;
• building a sound argument using analysis,
explanation and interpretation.
Critical
analysis (24%):
•
taking a critical orientation to the topic, theories and readings;
• providing
an overarching, well structured, clear and consistent line of reasoning across
the assignment including an effective introduction and conclusion;
• good use
of evidence (academic literature) to justify and support your arguments,
sufficient application of academic literature is vital (please try to
demonstrate your understanding of the literature by discussing research and
findings, not just providing a citation(s) to accompany a one line précis of a
research result.
Originality
(9%):
•
original thinking based on clearly evaluated evidence and logic;
• sources
were treated critically and carefully, acknowledging their subjectivity,
strengths and weaknesses.
Structure
and referencing (9%):
•
a clear, coherent structure in the essay, quality of expression and correct use
of the Harvard referencing method as explained in the study materials provided.
•
sourcing at least 60% of your references from academic journals;
•
Avoid ‘cutting and pasting’ (copying) verbatim paragraphs and long quotations
from source materials. Cut and paste excerpts will be crossed out and will not
be considered as part of the essay. Appendices are not required.Assessment item 2
Essay
Value:60%
Due date:07-Feb-2014
Return date:28-Feb-2014
Length:
3,500 words
Submission method options
Alternative
submission method
Task
Using
relevant research/academic literature, critically review one (1) of the
following HR activities that warrants remedial action in an organisation
of your choice. This can be a current or past place of work, or an organisation
where a friend or relative works.
◦
rewards
and benefits
◦
career
development
◦
diversity
management
With
the support of research/academic literature, you are required to:
◦
summarise
an HR issue/problem that you have identified in the activity area;
◦
justify
why it is important for management to take action to address the issue/problem
raised, having regard for its impact on performance (at multiple levels,
if this is appropriate);
◦
taking
into consideration constraints that exist in the organisation, use
research/academic literature to analyse and assess possible strategies for
managing the issue/problem;
◦
recommend
policies and actions based on this assessment. Justify your recommendations;
◦
be
persuasive in your arguments.
Rationale
This
assignment is designed to:
◦
familiarise
students with the nature of HRM activities and the different perspectives
and uses adopted by organisations as compared to what is found in
research/academic literature;
◦
encourage
students to explore various HRM theories;
◦
develop
the ability to identify the importance of the HR function in the effective
management of people and the achievement of organisational objectives;
◦
familiarise
students with the gap that may exist between academic theories and the
real world practice of HRM;
◦
encourage
students to explore the various HR challenges faced by organisations;
◦
encourage
students to develop sound analytical skills based on in-depth literature
research, learnt theories, case studies and work practices.
Marking criteria
Understanding
of key issues related to the HR practice (18%):
•
answer the question set, kept to the topic and covered only relevant issues
•
applying relevant theories;
• building a sound argument using analysis,
explanation and interpretation.
Critical
analysis (24%):
•
taking a critical orientation to the topic, theories and readings;
• providing
an overarching, well structured, clear and consistent line of reasoning across
the assignment including an effective introduction and conclusion;
• good use
of evidence (academic literature) to justify and support your arguments,
sufficient application of academic literature is vital (please try to
demonstrate your understanding of the literature by discussing research and
findings, not just providing a citation(s) to accompany a one line précis of a
research result.
Originality
(9%):
•
original thinking based on clearly evaluated evidence and logic;
• sources
were treated critically and carefully, acknowledging their subjectivity,
strengths and weaknesses.
Structure
and referencing (9%):
•
a clear, coherent structure in the essay, quality of expression and correct use
of the Harvard referencing method as explained in the study materials provided.
•
sourcing at least 60% of your references from academic journals;
•
Avoid ‘cutting and pasting’ (copying) verbatim paragraphs and long quotations
from source materials. Cut and paste excerpts will be crossed out and will not
be considered as part of the essay. Appendices are not required.
