THE UNIVERSITY OF NORTHAMPTON

Faculty of Business and Law

MODULE: HRMM055 Managing and Organisational

Module Code Level Credit Value Module Tutor

HRMM055 7 20 Duminda Rajasinghe

Assignment Brief

Assignment title:
Assessment Two – AS2
Weighting:
50%
Deadline: A date convenient to the Partner institute within the
week 14
Feedback and
Grades due: Within Four Working Weeks of Submission

Resit Date To be communicated

Purpose of the Assessment

The purpose of this assignment is to undertake a research report in relation to the

chosen topics (see the assessment task) from the list below. It is mandatory that you
develop a critical and analytical report to meet the assessment criteria. You should
demonstrate the depth of your research, and highlight your ability to question,
compare and contrast and analyse a range of theories and texts in relation to your
topics.
It is essential that you demonstrate the width and depth of your research and that
you are able to critically analyse and evaluate the application of knowledge to
contemporary business matters. As a post graduate business student it is essential
that you demonstrate up-to-date knowledge regarding organisational behaviour issues
and that you can reach evidence based conclusions in your writing.

Assessment Task
 A. Identify from your research and academic theory, two of the paired topic
areas from the module.

You should select either 1 or 2 and either a or b only

1. Work groups and teams

2. Management and Leadership

a) Power and Politics

b) Conflict and Negotiation

B. Using your organisation or one that you are familiar with as a case study,
analyse and critically discuss the impact that your topic areas may have on the
culture of the organisation. Your analysis must be based upon relevant
academic literature. It must also make specific reference to conceptual models
and theories.

Focusing on the chosen topic you must write a 2,500 word report. Compare, contrast,
synthesise and critically analyse research on this topic using quality sources of
information. Quality sources normally include academic journals and business reports
– and there will be guidance on NILE to help you to consider the credibility of your
research.

If you are unsure of the quality, you can also use this guide as a checklist:
http://library.ucsc.edu/help/research/evaluate-the-quality-and-credibility-of-your-
sources

A critical report requires you to identify, select and analyse the research on the key
themes and to critically discuss the implications of the research in relation to real
world situations. You must employ evidence based analysis and cite your sources and
present a reference list. Support for this will also be available on NILE.

For support with critical reading and writing, how to approach literature reviews and
postgraduate level work, Harvard referencing and other academic skills please use the
University of Northampton skills hub: http://skillshub.northampton.ac.uk/
Assessment Breakdown
You work will be marked against the following criteria

Achievement of the Assessment Brief (To what extent does the work
address the task set? 25%

Critical analysis and evaluation of sources in a relevant and logical manner – 45%
development of a report that reflects advanced scholarship, and effectively
integrates analysis, synthesis, evaluation and application to the real world.

Professional Report presentation, structure, formatting, and expression 15%

Harvard referencing, in text citations, and reference list 15%

Assessment Submission
To submit your work, please go to the ‘Submit your work’ area of the Module NILE
site. It is important that you submit your work to the correct module NILE site, and
that your work is submitted on time.

Academic Practice
This is an individual assignment. The University of Northampton policy will apply in all
cases of copying, plagiarism or any other methods by which students have obtained
(or attempted to obtain) an unfair advantage.
Support and guidance on assessments and academic integrity can be found from the
following resources.

SkillsHub: http://skillshub.northampton.ac.uk
Learning outcomes
The learning outcomes being addressed through this assignment are:

Knowledge and understanding

Critically analyse the factors contributing to organisational dynamics, their relative

merits and impact within different organisational contexts
Evaluate and critically assess the different theoretical approaches to organisational
behaviour and the impact that it has on both the individual and group
dynamics
Synthesise the various approaches to organisational form and their implications to
the working environment and organisational practice

Subject specific skills

Interpret and analyse a selection of models, concepts and techniques associated

with organisational Behaviour.
Make evidence-based business judgements about the advantages and
disadvantages of different ways of organising work and the consequences of
choices which are made

Key Skills

Demonstrate problem solving capability in complex and varied organisational

scenarios

Analyse, evaluate and reflect on complex issues and material

Desmonstrate the ability to communicate effectively, in oral or in written form,
demonstrating a masters level of academic rigour and the practical and
analytic competencies of an organizational leader

An A+ Work which fulfils all the criteria of the grade below, but at an
outstanding exceptional standard.
Distinction
A very A Work of distinguished quality which is evidenced by an authoritative
strong comprehensive, detailed and systematic knowledge base and
Distinction understanding for specialised area of study. A key feature will be the
ability to work with creativity and originality using knowledge and
insights at the forefront of the area of study. There will be a
confident grasp of disciplinary methodologies for the discipline/area of
study which will be consistently reflected in both own research and
advanced scholarship, effectively integrating advanced skills of
analysis, synthesis, evaluation and application on a firm foundation of
critical facility. Work will be characterised by strong technical
expertise to high professional standards, and there will be sustained
evidence of confident, autonomous operation and judgment in
complex and unpredictable professional situations both in relation to
working with others and in relation to own functioning. Self-direction,
creativity, practical understanding will be combined to demonstrate
the qualities expected of an effective self critical independent learner
exercising excellent measured judgment, and will be a consistent
feature of work.

A clear A- Work of very good quality which displays most but not all of the
Distinction criteria for the grade above.

An B+ Work of highly commendable quality which clearly fulfils the criteria

outstanding for the grade below, but shows a greater degree of capability in
merit relevant advanced intellectual or specialised skills.

A very B Work of commendable quality demonstrating a detailed and

strong Merit systematic knowledge base and understanding in specialised areas,
informed by critical awareness of current issues, research
based/theoretical insights at the forefront of the area of study. This
will be supplemented by a good comprehensive understanding of
disciplinary methodologies relevant to own research or advanced
scholarship, which will be reflected in work which integrates skills of
advanced analysis, synthesis, evaluation and application with critical
awareness. There will be some evidence of originality in application
of skills/knowledge, underpinned by good technical expertise which
permits confident, autonomous operation in a range of complex and
unpredictable professional situations. The ability to work
autonomously, as a self critical independent learner exercising good
and considered judgment, will be a consistent feature of work.

A Merit B- Work of good quality which contains most, but not all of the
characteristics of the grade above.
An C+ Work which clearly fulfils the criteria for the grade below, but shows a
outstanding greater degree of capability in relevant advanced intellectual or
Pass specialised skills.

A very good C Work of capable quality which clearly demonstrates a systematic

Pass understanding of knowledge in specialised areas and a critical
awareness of current issues, research based/theoretical knowledge at
the forefront of the area of study, together with a sound
understanding of methodologies applicable to own research or
advanced scholarship. There may be limitations to the application of
this knowledge and/or conceptual understanding of advanced
scholarship, but there will be evidence of critical awareness in relation
to analysis, synthesis, evaluation and application. The ability to
exercise initiative as an independent and self critical learner in
complex and unpredictable professional contexts will be
demonstrated, as will threshold levels of technical expertise, although
the scope of expertise may be limited.

A Pass C- Work of satisfactory quality which contains most, but not all, of the
characteristics of the grade above.

Fail F+ Work which indicates some evidence of a systematic, coherent

and analytical engagement with key aspects of the field of study,
including familiarity with current scholarship, and evidence of ability
to utilize specialised skills, but which also contains significant
limitations.

F Work that falls well short of the threshold standards in relation

to one or more of knowledge, intellectual, subject based or key skills
at this level.

F- Work of poor quality which is based only on minimal understanding,

application or effort. It will offer only very limited evidence of
familiarity with knowledge or skills appropriate to the field of study at
this level.

G Nothing, or nothing of merit, presented.