Faculty of Business and Law

Bristol Business School

ACADEMIC YEAR 2018/19

ASSESSMENT BRIEF: Component B: Coursework Essay

Module Code: UMOD63-15-1

Module Title:
Submission Deadline:
Assessment Component:
Assessment Weighting:
Marking and feedback
deadline:
Understanding Organisations and People
30th October 2018
B
60 per cent of total module mark
28th November 2018

Assessment Instructions

Essay Question

Based on the case study of Marvels and Monsters of Amazon (found on Blackboard), critically
discuss one of the statements below, drawing on two of the following topics: Power & Politics;
Leadership; Organisational Culture.

(1) The way Jeff Bezos is leading Amazon has been characterised as effective by many as he’s
inspiring and motivating employees for goal achievement. However, the destructive potential of his
actions can’t be underestimated when we consider the workplace culture it led to.
To what extent would you argue that Jeff Bezos is either a transformational or toxic leader? In your
analysis draw on the literature on leadership and organisational culture.
OR
(2) While the culture of debate at Amazon alludes to a pluralistic organisation, other workplace
practices cast doubt on whether the experience of employees match with that. To what extent does
Amazon represent a pluralistic organization? What relevance do unitarist or radical perspectives
have when analysing the culture and supporting practices within Amazon? In your analysis draw on
the literature on power & politics and organisational culture.

Guidance – individual work in essay format (1,200-1,500 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 not expected to do any extra research into Amazon and/ or Jeff Bezos. You can base
your assignment solely on the information provided in the case and achieve a good mark.
 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, leadership and culture to support your
analysis of Amazon’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 leader 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) AND make sure that
you attend the Q&A lecture and seminar for this coursework.

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:
o Develop a line, or lines, of reasoning or argument
o Make points that are evidenced with details from examples from your experience and
discuss relevant aspects of your chosen theories/ approaches
o Question the applicability and usefulness of the theories and literature: did it help you
to analyse ‘yourself’ and your situation?
o Compare and contrast the relevance of your chosen theories/ models. Are they useful
in answering the question about your learning?
o 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. Every tutorial 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 1200 - 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
 THEORY, KNOWLEDGE AND ANALYSIS OF ORGANISATIONAL CRITICAL EVALUATION, COHERENT EFFECTIVE SCHOLARSHIP
MARK
UNDERSTANDING (30%) PRACTICES (30%) ARGUMENT (30%) & COMMUNICATION (10%)
Demonstrates a detailed and comprehensive knowledge Perceptive analysis which raises insightful issues and Excellent evidence of critical thinking and well supported
and understanding of the theories and concepts used. creates a deeper understanding of the given evaluations. Adept handling of the material, well reasoned
organisational context. and written, with a clear line of thought.
Shows excellent evidence of reading widely. Concepts are not unquestioningly accepted at face value
Very good integration of theory and practice, connections and are questioned in the light of the analysis, pros and Coherent structure; well signposted.
Extensive reference to wide range of relevant literature cons, strengths and weaknesses are considered and a
are made between what a given theory says and how it
70+ and media.
connects to the given organisational context.
sound judgement is formed and expressed.
References are accurately and appropriately
Development of strong, coherent argument that recorded.
Well chosen, interesting and highly relevant examples consistently addresses the purpose of the assignment.
given.
Demonstrates a good knowledge and understanding of Good evidence of analysis, that creates insight and Some evidence of critical thinking, sound judgement, clear
theories and concepts – clearly stated and accurate – but understanding. reasoning and support for evaluations Material is well-handled, with clear evidence of
some areas could be stronger. reasoning and narrative thread. Well written.
Good integration of theory and practice – not focussing on Development of a coherent argument that addresses the
Shows good evidence of reading, going beyond the more purpose of the assignment.
60+ basic texts and sources.
either one too much Good structure and signposting

Good number and quality of examples. References accurately and appropriately

Reference to a good range of relevant literature and
media. recorded.

Broadly adequate knowledge, but contains errors.
Clumsy - may use technical language, but doesn’t show
full understanding
50+ 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.

Weak knowledge and understanding of theories and
concepts (generalised/incomplete/has errors).
Limited evidence of reading – core text/lecture material
only.
40+
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. Poorer handling of the material and the reader
has to work to follow the line of thought.
Weak argument – not developed.
Does address the purpose of the assignment in parts, but
Some structuring and signposting, but much to
improve.
often strays off the point.
Referencing may contain errors

Knowledge and understanding of theories and concepts Little or no analysis which is heavily descriptive. Unsupported assertions and value judgments.
37 is very weak or non-existent.
No linkage between theory and practice (Either: mostly Little or no obvious argument.
Handling of the material is weak, with little/no
obvious line of thought. Hard to read.
Little or no evidence of reading.
30 practice-based with very little reference to theory, OR,
theory-based with very little reference to practice) Fails in large part to address the purpose of the assignment. Poorly structured.
Very few or no references to relevant literature and
20 media.
Very poor, very few, irrelevant or no illustrations or
0 examples. Referencing very weak or missing.
 Understanding Organisations and People 2018/2019 – Coursework Feedback

Student Number:

Feedback From: Date:

Use of appropriate resources: 10%

A 10% reduction in your overall mark for your coursework may be applied as a result of the use of Reduction
inappropriate resources. An indicative (but not exhaustive) list includes: Wikipedia; BizEd;
BusinessBalls; BusinessStudiesOnline; Ebea; Tutor2u; TopMarks;
RevisionStation; BusinessCaseStudies; Tes; RewardLearning; RevisionGuru; Mindtools YES/NO

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:

Gain a deeper and more comprehensive understanding of the theories you use
Define the key terms in the theory and literature
Focus less on description of theories / the practices of Amazon, and more on analysing and
discussing the implications
Focus more clearly on relating the theory to the practices of Amazon
Make the practices of Amazon more apparent in your analysis
Be clear so that the reader understands the point that you are making
Signpost your work so the reader knows how your essay is unfolding
Improve structure, clarity and flow
Critically evaluate the material
Wider reading may have enabled you to have included more critical evaluation
Follow UWE Harvard referencing and formatting guidelines carefully
Go beyond quoting or referencing only from what is on the slides – engage in wider reading

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