HRM11117 Management and Organisational Change

Essay Assignment

Management and Organisational Change                                      HRM11117

TR2 2021-2

Assignment Brief

Please read the  assignment guidance (page 4) before commencing writing. Answer only TWO questions. 1000 words (+- 10%) per  question. Each question bears 50 marks counting to 50% of the  overall grade.

Question 1

Critically evaluate the important elements that make  a group or team  function effectively in the context  of work and  the organisation.

Question 2

Critically evaluate one of the leadership theories in terms of its value in today’s organisational environment. (You should relate your analysis to an organisational case study known to you through  work experience or that you have  read  in preparation for the exam).

Question 3

How might organisation structures change for the future in a response to the aftermath of the covid-19 pandemic? Critically discuss by resorting to the debate of bureaucratic-post bureaucratic organisational structures.

Question 4

Assess the strategic implications of change management with specific reference to the impact of organisational culture.

Question 5

“Soft systems approaches to change emphasize not just the content and control of change but also the process by which change comes about. They require consideration of the cultural and political aspects of organisations as much as the structure and  systems” Senior & Fleming (2006). Critically evaluate the limitations of soft systems approaches to change in managing and sustaining organisational change.

Assignment Considerations

General

It can be good practice in your preparations for each part to undertake a number of activities. These include:

       Establishing key issues/areas raised by the question

       Defining fundamental terms

     Describing contextual information e.g. background to topic and  its significance and/or interesting data/case study information

     Identifying, explaining in detail and  cross-comparing relevant concepts, models and  theoretical approaches

       Applying concepts to contemporary issues within business settings

     Applying models/theories to workplace/organisation/industry examples and/or  evaluating the practical application of models/theories

       Drawing parallels between theory and  practice

     Evaluating relative merits and drawbacks of opposing academic viewpoints with a view to building independent opinions

     Formulating balanced, persuasive independent arguments based on academic evidence and judgement

       Stating a clear, overall answer to the question

Particular consideration may be given to:

        Explaining and  comparing theoretical approaches of the subject matter

        Draw on critiques for theories and models addressed in the answer

        Informing it with case study analysis

        Analysing the practical applicability and usefulness of subject matter  for managers/leaders

Assignment Guidance

Word  count and presentation: You are  required to submit an essay-type assignment not exceeding 1000 words per question (2000  words in total) [+/- 10%] (excluding references). The essay should provide an introduction, a main section (with sub-sections) a conclusion and a reference list for each question.  If using tables/images provide labels and sources.  Write in a suitable academic style.

Submission: Your individual assignment should be submitted by 5pm  [UK time] on 4nd May 2022 via the Turnitin submission link.  Your file name should provide your matriculation number, taking the format of 40xxxxxx MOC.  Your name should NOT appear.

Weighting: The assignment accounts for 50% of your overall mark on this module.

Referencing: Follow the APA 6th/7th  Ed. referencing system throughout. All references provided in your list should link to a corresponding within text citation.

Avoid  plagiarism: Always provide a reference to support your arguments, ensuring that you cite all sources you draw ideas from and that you attribute any quotes appropriately to the author. Turnitin software may be used to detect plagiarism.

Plagiarism is considered a breach of academic conduct regulations, dealt with in accordance with the University’s Student Disciplinary Regulations and Academic Conduct: Code  of Practice for Staff and  Students. Please see the following website for further advice and  information on avoiding plagiarism. This website includes advice on how to avoid plagiarism in your work and  links to pages with online tutorials and  information on referencing:

http://www.ed.napier.ac.uk/plagiarism/infoStudents.htm

Fit to Sit If you believe that you have  grounds to request an extension, or deferral, please visit https://my.napier.ac.uk/Student-Administration/Extenuating%20Circumstances/Pages/Extenuating-Circumstances.aspx and  check  out the University’s ‘Fit to Sit’ policy.