Analysing Organisations

Further information about general assessment criteria, ARNA regulations, referencing and plagiarism can be found on the module’s site on the e-Learning Portal.  Students are advised to read and

follow this information.

Instructions on Assessment:

Analysing Organisations
The module assessment consists of a 3000 word essay which analyses a case organisation using one, or a maximum of two of the topics covered in the module.

Using authoritative sources, models and/or frameworks which you consider appropriate to the study of organizations, critically analyse an organization of your choice and report on the

analysis.

Assessment Criteria

•    Approaches to understanding and researching the nature of organizations are considered. Choices amongst these approaches are made. A research paradigm is therefore chosen,

explained and consistently applied throughout the piece of work.
•    One or a maximum of two module topics are chosen for the student to apply to an organizational setting. If two topics are chosen the assignment should explain how these topics are

synthesized.
•    The methods of data collection which would be appropriate to the chosen paradigm are explained and justified.
•    There is an explanation of the ‘fit’ (or the absence of such a fit is discussed) between methods of data gathering, the analysis, the interpretation and the role of the writer of the

assignment.
•    The data is critically analysed using relevant theories, models and frameworks from the chosen topic/s.
•    The assignment should be clearly expressed, legible with accurate spelling and grammar, its structure appropriate, assertions supported and all material correctly referenced using the

The word count is to be declared on the front page of your assignment and the assignment cover sheet.  The word count does not include:

•    Title and Contents page    •    Reference list    •    Appendices    •    Appropriate tables, figures and illustrations
•    Glossary    •    Bibliography    •    Quotes from interviews and focus groups.

Please note, in text citations [e.g. (Smith, 2011)] and direct secondary quotations [e.g. “dib-dab nonsense analysis” (Smith, 2011 p.123)] are INCLUDED in the word count.

If this word count is falsified, students are reminded that under ARNA page 30 Section 3.4 this will be regarded as academic misconduct.

If the word limit of the full assignment exceeds the +10% limit, 10% of the mark provisionally awarded to the assignment will be deducted.  For example: if the assignment is worth 70 marks but is

above the word limit by more than 10%, a penalty of 7 marks will be imposed, giving a final mark of 63.

Students are advised that they may be asked to submit an electronic version of their assignment.

Time limits and penalties for presentations

The time allocated for the presentation must be adhered to.  At the end of this time, the presentation will be stopped and will be marked based on what has been delivered within the time limit.

Submission of Assessment:

All assignments must be submitted via the Postgraduate Programme Office.  Each assignment must be accompanied by an Assessed Work Form which must be completed in full.  The assignment

will not be accepted by the Postgraduate Programme Office unless the form is completed correctly.

Marked assignments will be returned to students.  It is advisable to retain a copy of your assignment for you own records.  Your mark will be returned on the Assessed Work Form via the

Postgraduate Programme Office.

Mapping to Programme Goals and Objectives:

This assessment will contribute directly to the following Postgraduate programme goals and objectives.  (Insert an ‘X’ in boxes where applicable, referring to appropriate programme

specification for mapping details)

Goal One: Be independent, reflective critical thinkers

X    1.    Demonstrate awareness of their personal strengths and weaknesses through critical reflective practice.
X    2.    Understand and challenge personal patterns of thinking and behaving.

Goal Two: Be culturally and ethically aware

X    1.    Demonstrate their ability to work in diverse groups and teams.

X    2.    Reflect on their own ethical values.

Goal Three: Have developed leadership and management capability

X    1.    Demonstrate their personal contribution to team effectiveness.

X    2.    Communicate complex issues effectively.

X    3.    Demonstrate decision making and problem solving skills.

x
4.    Carry out presentations and lead discussions.

Goal Four: Have developed and applied knowledge of international business and management theory

1.    Acquire, interpret and apply knowledge of international business, management and organisational functions.

Goal Five: Have developed a range of research skills and project capabilities

x    1.    Plan and complete a major individual piece of research on a contemporary business, management or leadership topic of their choice.
x    2.    Demonstrate skills of analysis and synthesis in the application of research methods to the exploration of contemporary business issues.

Goal Six: Have developed specialist knowledge about the theory and practice of your programme of study

1.    Demonstrate specialist functional knowledge in relation to your programme of study.