Assessment item 2
Short Answer Questions
Value: 50%
Due date: 05-Jan-2018
Return date: 29-Jan-2018
Length: 3000 words
Submission method options
Alternative submission method
Task
Answer all the questions below. All answers will be based on your learning to date, including the topic overview, textbook, relevant required readings, online meeting material, and any wider reading you have done.
N.B. Word counts are indicative of the length of the response. Overall, the word count for this assessment should be 3000 words
Please refer to the marking guide for guidance and mark distribution.
All of the questions relate to each other, that is, they build upon each other, so your response to one will inform how you respond to the others. Hence, please be certain to read all five elements of this assessment before you begin, to clearly understand how they are interconnected.
Questions:
1) Identify the two, different, theoretical perspectives (ontologies or world-views) used in this subject, which underpin how we understand organisational change, and explain and critically discuss their key ideas and features, drawing from the topic materials (overview, textbook, the required academic readings and online meeting material) provided and from your wider reading. Go on to write two different definitions of organisational change, one based upon the first theoretical perspective (ontology) discussed above, and the second based on the other theoretical perspective (ontology) discusssed above. Briefly explain the link between each definition and its underlying theoretical perspective. (c.500 words).
2) Using an organisation that you are familiar with (you may use information in the public domain, i.e. from organisational websites and other forms of media to assist you):
a) Briefly introduce the organisation
b) Identify and describe a change that is happening, or has previously happened, within it (including what the change is, how it is implemented, who the change agent'/s are, who is involved and how, and how employees are engaged and affected).
c) Go on to explain how your definitions (from Question 1 above) related to the change occurring in this organisation. (c 500 words in total).
Please note: In selecting a suitable organisation you will need to ensure that you can access the required relevant information about the organisation to be able to answer the above questions.
3) a) Draw up a SWOT analysis, as a table, to assess what has caused the need for the organisational change which you identified in question 2 above, then explain, discuss and integrate your analysis, including a conclusion that summarise the current state of the business and connects this to why the change was (or is being) implemented. b) Then, in your own words, (but using references to support you) identify and critically evaluate the benefits anddrawbacks (from both the objectivist and social constructionist perspectives) of using business SWOT analyses in general to determine the need for organisations to change. (c.700 words).
4) Using the subject materials (overview, textbook, required readings, online meeting material), as well as your wider reading, identify, explain and critically assess the key conceptualisations and ideas about of role of the change agent (that are relevant to your case), and THEN apply this analysis specifcally to the change in organisation described above. (c.700 words).
5) Using the subject materials (topic overview, textbook, relevant required readings and material from online meetings) as well as your wider reading, define and critically discuss both problem-centric and dialogic approaches to change. Briefly identify which theoretical ontology of organisational change (which you discussed in question 1) underpins each. Critically assess the benefits and drawbacks of each of these approaches to change management. Go on to identify which of these approaches you would prefer to use to manage the change you identified in 2a and explain why. (c.800 words).
N.B. c. = around/about, so c.500 words means around 500 words
Hint: All these questions are inter-related! For example, the ways that you define organisational change and the theoretical perspectives that underpin these defintions of organisational change, inform how you understand the change in the organisation that you have described. These also relate to how you understand the role of the change agent, and inform your choice of approaches to managing change in the organisation that you have described. In this way, each response to a question builds upon the foundation of the previous response/s.
Use APA6 in-text referencing and provide a reference list of at least 10 relevant peer reviewed references (APA6 style) at the end of the paper.
Note: The use of grey literature, or media sites (which you may need to use to describe the organisation) does not count towards the required 10 peer-reviewed academic references. (Make sure that you understand the difference between grey literature and academic peer-reviewed literature).
Online submission via Turnitin is required for this assignment. Details will be provided by your subject lecturer.
Rationale
This assignment has been designed to:
• Assist you to develop your analytical and critical thinking skills
• Apply your knowledge of the key concepts, ideas and debates about organisationall change to a practical example
• Assess learning outcome 1 - Identify and define organisational change
• Assess learning outcome 2 - Assess and explain reasons for organisational change and explain why these are contested
• Assess learning outcome 3 - From a range of theoretical perspectives, identify, examine and critically analyse approaches to organisational change, and assess the outcomes.
Marking criteria
Criteria Mark High
Distinction
(42.5 - 50) Distinction
(37.5 - 42) Credit
(32.5 - 37) Pass
(25 - 32) Fail
(0 – 24.5)
Identify the two theoretical concepts (ontologies) of organisational change, and explain how these are discussed in relevant subject material ( textbook, required readings, online meetings, etc) and your wider reading;. Go on to write 2 definitions of organisational change (one from each of the different ontologies) using your own words, and explain how each linked to its underlying theoretical concepts of organisational change. (c.500 words) / 6 Identification and explanation of theoretical perspectives (ontologies) of organisational change are comprehensive, coherent and clearly based on the subject materials and wider readings, with all references to support the work provided. The definitions of organisational change reflects the components present in the literature comprehensively and are clearly written from the student’s perspective. Well integrated with relevant theretical ontologies Identification and explanation of theoretical perspectives (ontologies) of organisational change covers most key aspects present in subject materials. References to suppport the work provided in most cases. The definitions of organisational change reflects most of the components present in the literature and is written coherently in the student’s own words. Clearly linked to relevant theoretical ontologies. Identification and explanation of theoretical perspectives (ontologies) of organisational change covers some of key aspects present in subject materials. References are provided in sufficient quantity to support most of the work. The definitions of organisational change draws closely on the literature and is clearly paraphrased. Some linkage to relevant theorietical ontologies discussed. Identification and explanation of theoretical perspectives (ontologies) of organisational change covers material present in the textbook. Lacks some clarity. Some references to support the work are provided. Defintions are overly simplistic with a limited linkage to ontologies. No, inappropriate or limited identification or explanation of theoretical perspectives (ontologies) of organisational change is provided. No or very limited definitions of organisational change are given and little or non-relevant linkages to theoretical concepts. Few refs.
Using an organisation you are familiar with: · Write a brief introduction about the organisation · Identify and explain a change that is happening within it. · Go on to explainhow the definitions (from question 1 above) relate to the change occurring in this organisation. (c. 600 words). / 7 The student provides rich and comprehensive detail about the organisation that will enable an in-depth further examination of the internal change. The section is written succinctly, drawing out the main points and issues relating to an internal change. The relevance of the change definitions to the change occurrence is clearly set out, assessed and evaluated. The student provides a clear and detailed account of the organisation with descriptions and detail that will enable them to clearly examine the internal change. The relevance of the change definitions to the change occurrence is set out logically and considered carefully. The student provides a sufficiently detailed account of the organisation to enable them to examine the internal change. The relevance of the change definitions to the change occurrence is argued but is limited. Identification of organisation and description of change is underdeveloped, inhibiting deeper examination in other sections of this assessment. The relevance of the change definitions to the change occurrence is attempted, but the relationship between them is under-developed and not convincing. Identification of organisation and description of the change is inadequate, insufficient, and unclear. The relevance of the change definitions to the change occurrence is very limited and does not reflect the situation.
Using a SWOT analysis (and table) (see Module 2.3), assess what has caused the need for change in the organisation, include explaining discussing and evaluating your analysis. In your own words, (but using references to support you) identify and critically evaluatethe benefits and drawbacks of using SWOT analyses to determine the need to change. (c. 750 words). / 10 The SWOT analysis is thorough, clearly set out, well-integrated and a comprehensive conclusion is drawn that emanates from the analysis. The critical evaluation clearly demonstrates a high level ability to assess and evaluate the benefits and drawbacks of SWOTs, draws on theory and its relation to practice that is original and supported by readings and incorporates alternative perspectives. The SWOT analysis contains most aspects required, and is set out clearly and integrated, with some relevant conclusions drawn from the analysis. The critical evaluation demonstrates a good ability to assess and evaluate the use of SWOT, and relates theory to practice in a detailed way, using readings and applies alternative perspectives. The SWOT analysis contains many aspects required, but there may be some problems with clarity and detail. There is some integration, but some conclusions from the analysis are evident. The critical evaluation demonstrates some skill in assessing and evaluating the use of SWOT, relates theory to practice and explains alternative perspectives, but occasionally lacks clarity or accuracy. Critique is limited. The SWOT analysis contains some of the aspects required, but there are some inconsistencies or limitations in the content. There is an attempt at integration. A few conclusions drawn from the analysis. The critical evaluation attempts assess and evaluate the use of SWOT, and identifies alternative perspectives, but with some limitations, inconsistency and/or inaccuracy. Superficial critique. The SWOT analysis is limited. Although it contains some of the aspects required, there are inconsistencies or limitations in the content. A few limited conclusions drawn from the analysis. Limited grasp of alternative perspectives; lacking in critical examination.
Using the subject materials (textbook, relevant required readings, etc) and wider reading,identify, explain and critically assess the role of the change agent, and apply this to the change in the organisation in Q2. (c. 750 words).
/ 10 Relevant aspects of conceptualisation of the role of the change agent is clearly explained and supported using textbook, relevant required readings, etc, and exceeds this by integrating wider, relevant, reading. The critical assessment draws deeply on theoretical perspectives to explore and critically assess the role of the change agent, and supports arguments usng appropriate examples from practice. Scholarly, critical application of this understanding to the organisation in Q2. Relevant aspects of the conceptualisation of the role of the change agent is explained and supported using textbook, relevant required readings, etc, includes some wider, relevant, reading. The critical assessment includes some aspects of the theoretical perspectives to explore and critically assess the role of the change agent, and supports arguments usng appropriate examples from practice. Competent application of this understanding to the organisation in Q2.
Relevant aspects of the conceptualisation of the role of the change agent are explained, and supported (using textbook, required readings) ,with some critical analysis; some consideration of altenative perspectives; with some links to practice. Some skill demonstrated in applying this understanding to the organisation, but may occasionally lack detail or clarity. Offers some critical evaluation, but occasionally lack consistency. When examining the role of the change agent, idenrifies and discusses relevant conceptualisations, attempts to make links to practice, and provides some limited critique. Tends towards being descriptive rather than critical. Application of understanding to the organisation is generally relevant, but may lack detail and consistency. Is extremely descriptive. Reproduces information from subject materials or other readings. The critical assessment is very limited or non-existent. Relationships between theory and practice are underdeveloped and poorly argued. Poor, irrelevant, or no appliciation, to the organistion.
Using the relevant subject materials (textbook, required readings, etc) and wider reading,define and critically discuss the problem-centric and dialogic approaches to change. Identify, which theoretical perspective underpins each, and briefly explain the links. Critically assess the benefits and drawbacks of each of the two approaches. Go on to identify which of these approaches you would prefer to use to manage the change you identified in 2a and explain why. (c. 1000 words). / 12 Scholarly, deep, critical discussion of problem-centric and dialogic approaches to change, and clearly and succinctly explains links to the underlying theoretical perspectives. A strong and reasoned argument, supported by relevant subject materials and relevant wider reading, is made to support the preferred approach. Integrates examples of practice into the line of argument. Detailed critical discussion of problem centric and dialogic approaches to change. Identifies and explains links to underlying theoretical perspectives. A sound argument is made to support the preferred approach that draws on the relevant subject materials, and wider relevant readings. Examples from practice provided to illustrate points made. Shows a degree of critical reflection in discussing the problem centric and dialogic approaches to change. Indentifies underlying theoretical prespectives, with some rationale. Relies heavily on the textbook, with some evidence of further reading. Notes alternative perspectives and provides examples where necessary to develop a logical argument. Describes the two approaches and lists the benefits and drawbacks, with some limited critical reflection. Attempts to identify underlying theoretcial perspectives, but minimal or no rationale. A preference is identified but justification for this is limited and superficial rather than meaningful. Shows a basic level of engagement with the subject material. Engagement with the two perspectives is minimal, and demonstrated understanding of them is limited. No or little evidence for choice is provided. Shows scant engagement with the subject material.
Academic and professional communication skills: Each response follows a clear structure. Writing style follows professional literacy: Citations and a final reference list follows the APA6 guidelines accurately; the quality of writing and presentation: accurate mechanics (spelling, grammar, punctuation etc.); use respectful language to discuss all people; avoids emotive language; employ inclusive, non-sexist language. Minimum of ten (10) peer-reviewed citations/references used overall. / 5 Good structure uses clear and concise topic and linking sentences, and connected paragraphs are well- organised into a logical flow. Sophisticated level of professional language achieved. Paragraphs succinct with excellent ability with grammar, vocabulary and spelling. Outstanding presentation and well proofed. Minimum of ten relevant references. Accurate use of APA6 Sound structure that uses topic and linking sentences, and connected paragraphs clearly organised to lead the reader through the argument. Follows guidelines comprehensively. Professional literacy well demonstrated. Substantial ability with grammar, spelling and vocabulary. Minimum of ten relevent references used. Accurate APA6 Clear structure, with fair use of topic and linking sentences and paragraphs. Guidelines followed clearly. Competent level of professional language used. Paragraphs are succinct, mostly organised in logical flow. Generally good ability with grammar, and spelling; appropriate vocabulary. Minimum ten relevant references. Some minor errors with APA6. Structure is apparent, uses sentences and paragraphs. Organisation of paragraphs, at times lack a clear flow. Some of the guidelines followed. Only general level of professional language achieved. Adequate level of control over grammar, fair ability with spelling and vocabulary. Minimum ten refs but lacks specificity. A range of inaccuracies with APA6.
Little apparent structure. Poor sentence and paragraph construction. Guidelines not followed. Language not professional, inclusive or respectful. Paragraphs off the point and / or poorly organised with limited flow. Inadequate ability with grammar, poor vocabulary and spelling. Insufficient references and/or significantly inaccurate APA6 referencing.
Presentation
• List each question first, followed by your response to it.
• Place your list of references (in APA6 style) at the end of all the questions and answers.
• This assignment MUST be submitted as a word.docx document, NOT as a pdf.
Requirements
For this assessment you are required to use APA6 referencing to acknowledge all the sources that you have used in preparing your assessment. All ideas and information drawn from your reading of sources must be referenced. Please refer to the CSU referencing guide http://student.csu.edu.au/study/referencing-at-csu. In addition a very useful tool for you to use that demonstrates how to correctly use in text referencing and the correct way to cite the reference in your reference list can be found at https://apps.csu.edu.au/reftool/apa-6
This assignment must be submitted through Turnitin.
It is recommended that your name, student ID and page number are included in the header or footer of every page of the assignment.
Further details about submission in Turnitin are provided in On-line submission.