Assessment Type: Research Essay – Individual Assessment.
Purpose: To allow students to research organisational behaviour theory and examine and critically analyse one aspect of organisational behaviour in depth. Students will also develop an understanding of some of the activities that make up scholarly research and to see the way in which knowledge is built Topic: Employee involvement in decision making.
Task Details: Students must explain how employee involvement might improve the quality of the decisions that would otherwise be made by managers alone, the potential problems that might occur in this process and the approaches that managers can use to overcome those problems while considering various cultural, ethical and social concerns.
In discussing the topic, students must refer to applicable organisational behaviour theories and apply their knowledge of leadership principles and processes to explain and exact effective leader and follower behaviours.
The assessment intends to improve students’ writing and analysis skills and add to their understanding of the applicability of organisational behaviour in the workplace.
Students will be assessed on the following criteria: o Research
o Analysis
o Conclusions and Recommendations
o Structure
o Clarity of Written Work
o Presentation, Citation and Referencing Format
Details about each criterion can be checked by assessing the subject outline. It is very important to note that research is a key criterion that will influence the mark you earn. Research is considered appropriate when students make their arguments by using peer-reviewed journal articles. While using a minimum of six (6) journal articles is expected, students will only achieve a top mark in their research component when they adequately use between twelve (12) and fifteen (15) research sources, the majority of which are journal articles. Kindly note that using Wikipedia and other online encyclopedia is not allowed and may result in being given a fail grade for the essay.
Important Notes:
o The assessment must be Harvard (Anglia) referenced, typed Arial 12 font, 1.5 spaced and delivered by using an essay structure.
o Referencing is only considered adequate when the sources that are used in the work are acknowledged both in-text and in the references list at the end of the essay.
o The assessment’s length is 1,800 words (+/-) 10%. The word count excludes the cover sheet, table of contents page and references.
Research – extent and application Mark awarded
/8
Few or no key issues mentioned with a predominant use of internet – little or no research
Some key issues identified. Limited use and/or insufficient ranges of sources used and mostly internet based
All key issues identified Used a range of
sources, most of which were relevant and showed greater use of research skills than a Google search
All key issues identified. Scholarly use of a wide range of sources of data including those from the EBSCO database
All key issues expertly identified. Highly proficient and scholarly use of a wide range of relevant sources expertly applied and consistent with those found in the EBSCO database
Analysis
Mark awarded / 10
Critical analysis poorly demonstrated if at all. Little or no application of theory
Critical analysis somewhat demonstrated
Little application of accepted theories and models to set task
Critical analysis demonstrated generally Application of some generally accepted theories and models to set task
Competent application of relevant theories and models. Considerable demonstration of critical analysis.
Scholarly demonstration of critical analysis.
Scholarly application of theories and models relevant to set task and demonstrated within the set text used in the subject.
Conclusions
Mark awarded /4
Poor, if any conclusions
Conclusion evident but not logical or well supported.
Effective conclusion and to a limited extent logical recommendations
Comprehensive conclusion & evidence of some enlightened thought supporting recommendations
Conclusions draw arguments together in an influential and scholarly manner with evidence based recommendations
Structure
Mark awarded /2
Argument, if evidenced, not developed or supported.
Argument is not well developed and supported.
Logically developed argument supported by evidence.
Logically developed argument clearly supported by evidence
Argument developed in a scholarly fashion supported by evidence
Clarity
Mark awarded /4
Poor grammar and written expression, many spelling errors
Grammar, written expression and spelling errors but overall acceptable – room for improvement
Some grammar, written expression and spelling errors but overall well expressed
Minimal grammar, written expression and spelling errors
Excellent grammar, written expression and spelling – professionally expressed.
Format
Mark awarded /2
Referencing is absent / not systematic / incorrect.
Little/no attempt to use essay structure.
Some attempt at referencing but obvious errors.
Acceptable presentation and use of essay structure – obvious errors demonstrating lack of attention to detail.
Referencing is mainly accurate
Good presentation overall but some obvious errors
Correct referencing throughout
Professional presentation of essay structure – minor errors in some elements.
Correct referencing throughout. Highly professional presentation of essay structure – satisfies all presentation elements.
Assessment mark
_____ / 30 The final mark will be adjusted to a weigh of 20%