Although some might suggest that post-bureaucratic and virtual organisations inspired by Human Relations approaches are becoming the ‘future’ of organising, in fact, it is more likely that contemporar

Faculty of Business and Law

Bristol Business School

aCADEMIC YEAR 2019/20

assessment brief: Component B: Organisational Report (RESIT)

Module Code:

UMCDMW-15-1 / UMCDMX-15-1

Module Title:

Introduction to Management / Introduction to Business and Management

Submission Deadline:

Assessment Component

Assessment Weighting:

40 per cent of total module mark

COMPONENT B (40% of the module):

1500 word individual report which critically evaluates the following question:

Although some might suggest that post-bureaucratic and virtual organisations inspired by Human Relations approaches are becoming the ‘future’ of organising, in fact, it is more likely that contemporary society will be even more influenced by classical approaches to management. Critically evaluate this statement, and consider some of the key lessons that organisations in the future could take forward.

The report should be divided into appropriate sections and critically discuss and apply academic theory. It will also highlight examples from empirical research and real-world examples to support the debate presented. A range of academic references should be drawn on to evidence your report. Your work should conform to the conventions of academic writing and be fully referenced in UWE Harvard style.

Suggested structure:

Introduction (approx. 10-15%)

Outline the scope of your report and the area you’ve chosen to focus on. Signpost the broad critical debates that you’ve identified in your research. Treat this like an abstract – tell the reader exactly what you will include and conclude, so that they know what to expect. Do you agree or disagree with the statement in the question?

Main body (approx. 65-70%)

Divided into appropriate sections – likely arguing both for and against the first question to form a balanced argument. Should avoid simply describing each approach and seek to critique them using the literature and by comparing and contrasting their principle differences – this is critical evaluation. Additional nuance to the discussion should be provided by considering if any provide the ‘one best way’ of organising. Support this discussion with evidence from the research and examples from real world organisations where possible, but remember that the focus of the piece is on academic sources.

Discussion and Conclusion (approx. 20-25%)

Give a thoughtful and considered evaluation of the most important points that have been presented. Link back to the title and what you outline in your introduction, and make sure that you have a solid answer to the question – agree / disagree / to some extent? Whatever it is, make sure that you justify your response and relate back to the second part of the question. Do not simply recap what you’ve said in your report.

Reference List

Only include sources that you’ve referenced within your assignment.

This assessment assesses the following modular learning outcomes:

Contextualise the purpose and process of Management in contemporary contexts (A & B)

Have a thorough understanding of contemporary business and organisations, and an overview of the main disciplines & functions of business (B).

Be able to describe and understand the nature of contemporary organisations and business activities, i.e. their management structures and challenges; and the changing environment in which these organisations operate (A & B)

Click here for full Learning Outcomes and Module Specification

Formative Feedback and within Module Assignment Support

Formative feedback provides opportunities to reflect on your ongoing work and preparation for your assignment. This is given within your tutorials which run every week; all students are timetabled to be able to attend one of these. Every tutorial will include some work on the assignment, this will include: how to answer the question, what is expected of you, assistance with writing, and constructing/planning your answers, so please

  • DO attend all tutorials

  • You can also arrange to discuss your assignment with your seminar tutor (however, we do not read drafts)

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)

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

  • Student ID Number

  • Module Name and Code

  • Word Count

Word Limit

  • 1500 words. Writing beyond this maximum limit will not be read or marked

  • Word count includes everything in the main body of the essay (including headings, tables, citations, quotes, lists, acronyms and numbers expressed as digits or in words. etc.)

  • The reference/ bibliography pages and any Appendix at the end are excluded from the word count.

  • 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.


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

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.

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 ECs can be found here:

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

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