Deliverable length: 5-8 PowerPoint Presentation slides with speaker notes (excluding the title and reference slide); including detailed speaker notes of 200-250 words speaker notes for each slide As t

Module Code:

UMODDP-15-1

Module Title:

Understanding Organisations and People (MET)

Submission Deadline:

12th March 2019

Assessment Component:

Assessment Weighting:

60 per cent of total module mark

Marking and feedback deadline:

8th April 2019

Assessment Instructions

Essay Question

Based on the case study of Olympic Sportswear (found on Blackboard), address one of the briefs below:

1. To what extent do you agree that Olympic Sportswear provides an example of ‘bureaucracy gone wrong’? How could the organisational structure be changed to make it a more enjoyable (yet still productive) place to work?

Critically examine this question, with reference to the literature on organisational structure and either power & politics or organisational culture.

OR

1. Some argue that management unethically ‘use’ culture as a form of control to dispel pluralism and increase compliance and conformity. Others suggest that culture is introduced to create a more harmonious and satisfied workforce.
   Critically assess, with reference to the literature on organisational culture and power & politics, the extent to which culture is used in the case study.

Guidance – individual work in essay format (1,500 words) submit via Blackboard as a single word document

• You are expected to answer one question only. However, in answering that question it is essential that you use scientific knowledge from two topics.

• You are expected to build on the knowledge of UOP topics outlined above. It is essential that you work with relevant theories around power & politics, structure and culture to support your analysis of Olympic Sportswear’s management practices.

• Support theories with detailed evidence of why and how these apply to the examples from the case study.

• Build a balanced argument that does not represent the culture as only good or as only bad; or the structure as only good or as only bad. Remember there are always two sides to any story.

• Do not spend your word count ‘describing’ theories or ‘describing’ in too much detail the examples from the case study. Description should be kept to a minimum the emphasis should be on discussion, analysis and building an argument.

• Use the full word count to maximise your marks.

• Do use Harvard Referencing.

• The marking scheme describes the assessment marking criteria in detail. This can guide you on the standard of work expected and how you construct your answer.

• Read the Coursework Frequently Asked Questions (available on Blackboard).

Marking Criteria

Please refer to the marking grid produced at the end of this document.

Meeting the marking criteria will require the following:

• Read extensively and use a wide range of theories

• Demonstrate an understanding of these theories without describing them in detail

• Detail aspect of theories with evidence of why and how these apply to the examples from your experience.

• Demonstrate critical thinking. This means making clear arguments that emphasise the relevance and importance of particular insights. For example:

  • Develop a line, or lines, of reasoning or argument

  • Make points that are evidenced with details from examples from your experience and discuss relevant aspects of your chosen theories/ approaches

  • Question the applicability and usefulness of the theories and literature: did it help you to analyse ‘yourself’ and your situation?

  • Compare and contrast the relevance of your chosen theories/ models. Are they useful in answering the question about your learning?

  • Comment on the limits and relevance of different theories and models to help you answer the question

• Use Harvard Referencing and check your work for structure, clarity and flow.

Formative Feedback and Support

Formative feedback provides opportunities to reflect on your ongoing work and preparation for your assignment. This is given within your TUTORIALS (one hour seminars) which run every week; all students are timetabled to be able to attend one of these. Many tutorials will include some work on the assignment, this will include: what is expected from you, how to analyse a case study, how to use theories to make sense of real-life experience, assistance with writing, and constructing/ planning your answers, so please

• DO attend all tutorials

• DO think about your piece and ask the questions you need to ask within your tutorials

• You can also arrange to discuss your assignment with your seminar tutor

Further information about this assessment is available on the Blackboard site for this module and includes FAQs and other guidance documents, reading list sections and other useful references.

Format

All work should be word processed in 12 point font Calibri, Times New Roman or Arial and double spaced.

Please use the following file format(s): .doc / .docx (please note that files submitted in formats associated with Apple Mac computers are not able to be opened, and thus, not able to be marked. It is your responsibility to ensure that you submit your coursework in the appropriate format. We cannot ensure that other formats are compatible with markers’ software.

Please ensure that you provide the following details on the first page of your coursework:

• Your student Number

• The module Name and Number

• Your word Count

Word Limit

• This is a 1500 word essay. Please note that 1500 is the absolute maximum. This word count includes everything in the main body of the text (including headings, tables, citations, quotes, lists, etc.).

• The bibliography is NOT included in this word count.

• There is no direct penalty for exceeding the word count, but the marker WILL stop reading once the maximum word limit has been reached and nothing further will be taken into account in the allocation of marks.

You can view the UWE word count policy here: http://www1.uwe.ac.uk/aboutus/policies

Appendices are not expected, if you do decide to use appendices remember these will NOT be marked. The marker may or may not refer to the Appendices: do not depend upon material contained in Appendices to develop the discussion in the main body of your essay.

Referencing

Please ensure you adhere to the principles of good academic practice and ensure you use the UWE Harvard system to reference your work. Failure to properly reference your work to original source material can be grounds for the assessment offence of plagiarism and may result in failure of the assessment or have more serious implications.

For further guidance on correct referencing go to:

http://www1.uwe.ac.uk/students/studysupport/studyskills/referencing.aspx

Details of what constitutes plagiarism and how to avoid it can be found here:

http://www1.uwe.ac.uk/students/studysupport/studyskills/readingandwriting/plagiarism.aspx

For general guidance on how to avoid assessment offences see:

http://www1.uwe.ac.uk/students/academicadvice/assessments/assessmentoffences.aspx

Instructions for submission

You must submit your assignment before the stated deadline by electronic submission through Blackboard. Notification that the electronic submission portal is open for your assignment is displayed (usually two weeks before the submission date) in the Coursework tab in myUWE, the Assignment Coursework tab in Blackboard and via an announcement in the Blackboard course.

Please allow enough time to upload your assignment, noting that the system becomes busier and slower as the deadline approaches. Only your final upload will be counted. Ensure all your information is submitted at one attempt to avoid ‘overwriting’ your intended submission. Always check and retain your receipts.

Late submission in the 24 hours following the deadline will be accepted but the assignment mark will be capped at 40%. Submissions after 24 hours will not be accepted. For full guidance on online submission through Blackboard, see:

http://info.uwe.ac.uk/online/Blackboard/students/guides/assignments/default.asp

Submissions of coursework by any other method (including a paper copy, on disk or by email) are NOT permissible for this module unless specifically agreed in advance of the submission date.

Before submitting your work, please ensure that:

• You have proof read you work thoroughly to ensure your work is presented appropriately

• You have addressed all the required elements of the assessment

• You have referenced in accordance with the guidance provided

• You have addressed each of the marking criterion

• The submission is in the correct format

Safe Assign

Make sure you submit your own work and do not plagiarise from other sources or students. All modules within FBL have the option to use Safe Assign software. Safe Assign will compare you work to those of other students (current and past) as well as other materials available on internet. UWE will act if Safe Assign suggests your work includes material that is ‘copied’ from other sources.

Final feedback and marks release

Students will normally receive marks and feedback on their submission within 20 working days of the submission deadline (not including any public holidays or closure days). Any delay in returning students’ work will be communicated by the module leader via Blackboard. Your individual submission will receive comments on your script and feedback on the marking scheme (see below).

Additionally, following the release of marks we offer students’ the opportunity to meet on a 1to1 basis with their first marker to build their understanding of their feedback and marks.

Further Guidance and Support

Guidance on study skills: http://www1.uwe.ac.uk/students/studysupport/studyskills.aspx

Support from the FBL Academic Success Centre:

http://www1.uwe.ac.uk/bl/bbs/aboutus/studentexperience/academicsupportcentre.aspx

Writing skills

https://www1.uwe.ac.uk/students/studysupport/studyskills/readingandwriting/writing.aspx

Guidance on UWE assessment regulations and terminology: http://www1.uwe.ac.uk/students/academicadvice/assessments/assessmentsguide.aspx

Guidance on using the library: http://www1.uwe.ac.uk/library/usingthelibrary.aspx

Personal Circumstances

If you are experiencing difficulties in completing a piece of assessment on time due to unexpected circumstances (for example illness, accident, bereavement), you should seek advice from a Student Support Adviser at the earliest opportunity.

Please note the module leader cannot grant personal circumstances or extensions.

Appointments with a student adviser can be made via an Information Point or online at:

http://www1.uwe.ac.uk/students/academicadvice/studentadvisers.aspx

The Student Support Adviser will advise as to whether you should submit an application for ‘Personal Circumstances (PCs)’, how to do so and what evidence is required to support the application.

Further details on PCs can be found here:

http://www1.uwe.ac.uk/students/academicadvice/assessments/personalcircumstances.aspx

MARK

THEORY, KNOWLEDGE AND UNDERSTANDING (30%)

ANALYSIS OF ORGANISATIONAL PRACTICES (30%)

CRITICAL EVALUATION, COHERENT ARGUMENT (30%)

EFFECTIVE SCHOLARSHIP

& COMMUNICATION (10%)

70+

Demonstrates a detailed and comprehensive knowledge and understanding of the theories and concepts used.

Shows excellent evidence of reading widely.

Extensive reference to wide range of relevant literature and media.

Perceptive analysis which raises insightful issues and creates a deeper understanding of the given organisational context.

Very good integration of theory and practice, connections are made between what a given theory says and how it connects to the given organisational context.

Well chosen, interesting and highly relevant examples given.

Excellent evidence of critical thinking and well supported evaluations.

Concepts are not unquestioningly accepted at face value and are questioned in the light of the analysis, pros and cons, strengths and weaknesses are considered and a sound judgement is formed and expressed.

Development of strong, coherent argument that consistently addresses the purpose of the assignment.

Adept handling of the material, well reasoned and written, with a clear line of thought.

Coherent structure; well signposted.
References are accurately and appropriately recorded.

60+

Demonstrates a good knowledge and understanding of theories and concepts – clearly stated and accurate – but some areas could be stronger.

Shows good evidence of reading, going beyond the more basic texts and sources.

Reference to a good range of relevant literature and media.

Good evidence of analysis, that creates insight and understanding.

Good integration of theory and practice – not focussing on either one too much

Good number and quality of examples.

Some evidence of critical thinking, sound judgement, clear reasoning and support for evaluations

Development of a coherent argument that addresses the purpose of the assignment.

Material is well-handled, with clear evidence of reasoning and narrative thread. Well written.

Good structure and signposting

References accurately and appropriately recorded.

50+

Broadly adequate knowledge, but contains errors.

Clumsy - may use technical language, but doesn’t show full understanding

Adequate evidence of reading.

Some reference to relevant literature and media.

Reasonable analysis in places, but sometimes lapses into description rather than analysis

Some linkage between theory and practice (some strong, some weak links)

Adequate number and quality examples.

Adequate evidence of judgment, with some attempt at evaluation but tendency towards description.

Has an argument but sometimes difficult to follow. Generally addresses the purpose of the assignment.

Satisfactory handling of the material, but the reader may sometimes have to work to follow the line of thought. Adequately written

Reasonable structure and signposting

References adequately recorded but may contain occasional minor errors.

40+

Weak knowledge and understanding of theories and concepts (generalised/incomplete/has errors).

Limited evidence of reading – core text/lecture material only.

Few references to relevant literature and media.

Limited analysis, tending toward description.

Little linkage between theory and practice (focussing on one at the expense of the other)

Weak or few illustrations and examples.

Poor judgment, some unsupported assertions. Largely descriptive.

Weak argument – not developed.

Does address the purpose of the assignment in parts, but often strays off the point.

Poorer handling of the material and the reader has to work to follow the line of thought.

Some structuring and signposting, but much to improve.

Referencing may contain errors

37

30

20

0

Knowledge and understanding of theories and concepts is very weak or non-existent.

Little or no evidence of reading.

Very few or no references to relevant literature and media.

Little or no analysis which is heavily descriptive.

No linkage between theory and practice (Either: mostly practice-based with very little reference to theory, OR, theory-based with very little reference to practice)

Very poor, very few, irrelevant or no illustrations or examples.

Unsupported assertions and value judgments.

Little or no obvious argument.

Fails in large part to address the purpose of the assignment.

Handling of the material is weak, with little/no obvious line of thought. Hard to read.

Poorly structured.

Referencing very weak or missing.

Feedback From: Date:

Comments:

Please see highlighted comments on Marking Criteria grid (attached) and detailed specific comments on your essay.

In addition to the above, the main ways to improve this assignment are: