HRMG5064 Term 2

Module Assessment (submission April 20, 2020)

Module leader: Dr Joseph Eyong

There is only one assessment for this module. The assignment consists of a 3500 word essay +- 10% in which you demonstrate knowledge and ability to implement, articulate and use aspects of the topics covered each week. The essay must to be submitted online only and must be the result of your own individual effort. As there is only one task for the module, your mark will constitute the full 100% mark for the entire module. The primary focus of the task is to explore the different topics and themes studied each which within the wider fields of Organisational Behaviour (OB) and Human Resource Management (HRM) and not HRM or OB. The spirit of the assignment is to encourage you to be able to demonstrate the ability to critically analyse theories, debates, issues, news, practices etc. as they emerge in published academic articles from highly- ranked ABS journals.

The task:

One year after completing this post graduate study which you are now undertaking, you are employed as the head of a Multinational Corporation (MNC) in your country of origin. Your company owns a leading brand competing with other global brands in such items as premium quality shoes, bags, clothing and insurance policy for protection on valued goods such as gold and diamond ornaments. The designs and management of the brand is operationalised in Italy and France. However, production takes place in your country, thus requiring employees from different countries to work together.

The local office to which you have been appointed has a total number of 100 employees. Understandably, 60% of the staff are citizens of your home country, while 40% are from ten different countries. Your task is the following:

Drawing on knowledge developed within this module, your own experience and wider reading, you are requested to compose an essay of 3500 words in which you critically engage and address the following aspects of the job:

1. Explain how you would lead your organization. In doing so you are expected to explore relevant theories of leadership that you would consider to arrive at theories/practices/approaches that might be appropriate. You will evaluate and justify your preferred approach/theory/perception/practice and why this/these might be suitable (500 words)
2. You will certainly face challenges with cultural differences. Explain the theories within the study of culture, national culture and diversity that would inform your thinking. Critically draw on this knowledge to mitigate inevitable interpersonal and operational issues that will arise as a result of cultural, behavioural and personality differences (500 words).
3. Communication will be another challenge which you will need to address. In your essay, critically reflect on ways in which you will manage communication barriers between employees. Also, elucidate how language difference could enhance/inhibit a closer/collegiate working environment. (500 words).
4. You are advised to undertake a process of change that requires your subsidiary to show proof of awareness and application of ethical, moral and ecologically friendly approaches that enhance sustainability to boost the image of your company. What would you consider and how would you implement this demand.
5. At the time you are appointed, it has been noted that the performance level of your organization is on a decline. The pressure is on you to improve performance. Critically explore the literature on motivation and construct an approache(s)/theories that might or might not lead you to enhance employee wellbeing and performance (500 words).
6. As you will be aware, leadership is not just about leader influence, motivation and control. You are requires to engage with the literature on emotional intelligence, groups and teams to explore ways in which you could achieve effective leadership and employee engagement
7. We will expect you to write a clear introduction which clearly explains the task, identifies key issues to be developed and evidences a clear structure explaining the sequencing of the different sections of your essay (250 words)
8. Your essay should end with a composite conclusion reminding the reader about what the task was, how it has been accomplished, the key points to take home as well as your own reflection on the learning gained in completing the module and the task (250 words).

Note that you have been asked to write an essay rather than a report. You will therefore avoid sub-headings and writing in the third person – ‘I’, ‘my’ or according to my opinion. Words from reference list are not included in the word count.

Also, note that the reference sources you use for your essay should come from the following list of ABS3* and 4* journals: (Seek advice from a library staff should you find any difficulty in finding these journals and the articles you use to build your essay and support your arguements)

Recommended journals for select your articles:

• International Journal of Human Resource Management
• Work, Employment and Society
• Human Resource Management Journal
• European Journal of Industrial Relations
• Gender, Work and Organisation
• Employee Relations
• Human Relations
• Organizational Behaviour and Human Decision Processes
• Journal of Organizational Behaviour
• Academy of Management Perspectives
• Academy of Management Journal
• Academy of Management Review
• Human Resource Management
• Leadership quarterly
• Leadership journal

Note further that the articles or reference sources you bring into your essay should not be older than 5 years. This means that you should only use reference sources or articles published between; 2015 – 2020. The markers are more interested in ongoing, current conversations/debates and issues around the various topics rather than references such as: Transformational leadership (Burns, 1978; Bass, 1985) or Maslow’s theory of motivation (Maslow, 1943). We are interested in your reading and understanding of the manner in which recent writers are engaging with these foundational concepts rather than in your ability to explain what these concepts are. As much as possible, avoid explanation and definitions of theories. Rather, engage in critical examination about how these concepts are written about and applied in today’s business and management context.

In your analysis, you should aim to compare and contrast between theories/perceptions/approaches etc. In the process, you will consider highlighting similarities and differences in the arguments developed, evaluate the value and contribution and suitability of theories/approaches in your context. Avoid simple explanation and description. Rather, seek to analyse current issues engaged in the various streams of literature in some depth, outlining implication, limitations and questioning assumptions drawing on your experience or alternative real life news, events or cultural conventions.

Assignment Submission –

Submission is online only and it must be submitted through TURNITIN which you find on the module shell. Submit in the link DMU submit only not later than 1pm on April 20, 2020.

Reassessment or resubmission

Students who fail on first submission will have to be retake and submit an improved version of their work within one month of the date of release of results. The lecturer (s) will inform candidates who will be retaking the assessment of the exact date and time for submission. The date will also be communicated by the admin office. Note however, that if you fail to achieve a passing grade of at least 50%. Your mark will be capped at a maximum of 50% on resubmission.

Assessment Regulations

Normal MSc/MA regulations apply – please refer to the programme handbook for further information on assessment rules.

The attached marking grid will be used to mark your work.

Coursework Submission Requirements

• Your assignment will be anonymously marked so you must not identify yourself other than by using your student number (P number) anywhere on, or within, the assignment.

• Your assignment must be submitted online via Turnitin only. Note that there will be different submission points. Submit to DMU student link only.

• The front cover of your assignment should include:-

• Your P Number
• Module Code: HRMG2205
• Name of the Module Leader
• Date of Submission
• Word Count
• Your name – in case of any issues with submission

No other information should be included on the cover.

• Coursework must be submitted in Arial point 12 font, and double-line spacing.

• There should be no header, footer or footnotes.

• Harvard referencing rules apply.

• There should be a single alphabetic reference list, in Harvard style, placed at the end of the assignment.

• Submit your assignment by uploaded to Turnitin, before 12:00 noon on the 21^st of January 2020. Any submissions of this deadline will automatically be capped at a maximum of 50%. You are encouraged to upload your assignment the day before just so that you are able to make amends in case there are any technical issues (which doesn’t count as an excuse for late submission). Check to be sure that you have uploaded the correct version and that you have met all the submission requirements.

• Faculty penalties for Bad Academic Practice and plagiarism apply.

Assessment Criteria

Your essay will be marked according to the following criteria:-

• Understanding and Reading:

The depth of your reading (number, range and quality of sources) and understanding of it. You are expected to read the essential and further readings for the question that you choose. You need to use these readings to support your argument/discussion; you cannot rely on personal opinion or unsupported statements. Avoid statements like – in my own opinion.

• Critical Analysis:

The level of critical analysis in your writing and the quality of the argument developed. You cannot rely on simple description, but have to apply knowledge and theory from the readings to critically engage with the material. Question theories and assumptions on the basis of your experience, an alternative theory or events in the business world. Note the difference between descriptive writing – just providing information and critical writing – making judgements, evaluating, arguing and suggesting alternatives while accepting compelling facts/views/events.

• Structure:

Your ability to develop a clear, logical structure for your essay which addresses the question and guides the reader. Your essay should include a clear introduction, a cogently argued main body, and a conclusion that summarises the argument and answers the overall question.

• Presentation and Referencing:

Paragraphs incrementally developing and each specific paragraph focusing content that related to a separate topic/theme/debate/issue. The extent to which your essay is correctly referenced using the Harvard system of referencing in-text and with a bibliography. Use references that are not more than five years. The task is interested in more recent literature. Use of dated or old literature will lead to deduction of points.

• Grammar, punctuation and communication skills

Your ability to express yourself clearly in English using appropriate terminology, correct spelling and grammar. Clear sentences, well punctuated and easily understandable. Use short sentences.

Late Submission:

• Late submissions will be penalised
• Extensions will not be granted (except in exceptional circumstances and only with third party evidence). No extensions for anticipated events (house-moves, holidays, overseas visits, part time work, increase in academic workload); problems with information technology (loss of data, power failure); minor illnesses
• Any extension granted will be equivalent to the number of days lost due to the unforeseen circumstance (e.g. medical note for 2 days of illness = 2 days extension)

Plagiarism:

• It is to take someone else’s thoughts or writings and use them as your own. It is an intellectual offence and amounts to cheating.
• You will receive a mark of 0, and a stronger sanction in case of serious/deliberate/repeated offences. It will reflect in your degree classification and future academic references.
• You only need two academic offences to be referred to a University Academic Offences Panel. These can and do expel students!
• We will find out: The Turnitin software compares your work with a huge database of online sources and the work of other students from a range of universities.

How can I avoid plagiarism?

Remember, the responsibility to avoid plagiarism lies with the writer, so

• Cite and reference everything used and studied for your assignment.
• Always put quotes in quotation marks and indent quotes of significant length so they stand out from the rest of the text. This marks them as not your own words.
• Always acknowledge the source within the text and in full within the bibliography at the end.
• HOWEVER: It is not OK to copy and paste as long as you cite the source. You still need to express the information in your own words.
• Where paraphrasing an individual always acknowledge them as the source of the ideas.
• Do not leave your work until the last minute, in order to avoid panic plagiarism.

Reading: Assignment Sources

 Use of internet:

• Some are useful but most are useless. It is recommended to use the readings – books, academic journals and recommended websites.
• On-line library databases such as Search Bank, EBSCO, Proquest, Infotrac, and EMERALD. (http://www.library.dmu.ac.uk) are good

There is at least one copy held in the library of the books listed in the reading list, although in some cases there may be very few copies. There is a copy of the journal articles referred to below on the BlackBoard site for this module for you to download or print-off.

Start with the reading list and textbooks from this module listed on the online resource list. Textbook chapters have a list of further sources and references which you can consult. If you look for further materials, stick to journals that relate to HRM, OB and employment relations.

You need to be able to provide support for all your points in your essay. There is no specific number of references to be included. It all depends on your specific essay and how you are developing arguments.

Marking template

* Please note that this is an indicative mark which will remain provisional until ratified, or otherwise, by the Assessment Board

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