Critically evaluate evidence to demonstrate that the introduction of ‘high performance work practices’ in the field of people management will lead to sustained organisational success across all industrial sectors?

The four questions will be drawn from different learning outcomes, featuring one assessment criterion in each learning outcome. These questions encompass a wide range of generalist HR, OD & L&D subject areas.

You will write four answers of approximately 1000 words to the questions posed and submit them together in a single document. This constitutes your assessment for this unit. The total word count for the assessment will therefore be 4000 words, plus or minus 10%. The bibliography or list of references is not included in the total word count.

You must demonstrate within the submitted evidence (through headings and sub-headings) which learning outcomes and assessment criteria you have addressed. We are unable to moderate your work if this is not included.

As this is an Advanced Level Diploma, it is important that you are able to demonstrate not only good knowledge and understanding of the material associated with each learning outcome, but also the ability to develop an original argument and justify it persuasively with reference to wider reading. Examples of approaches taken in a range of organisations are also an effective means by which to justify your arguments.

The six main criteria that CIPD requires centres to use when marking your assessment are outlined below, but it maybe that not all these criteria are present in every question.

(1) focus

(2) depth and breadth of understanding

(3) strategic application and professional advice

(4) research and wider reading

(5) persuasiveness and originality

(6) presentation and language

Q4 (1,000) word

Critically evaluate evidence to demonstrate that the introduction of ‘high performance work practices’ in the field of people management will lead to sustained organisational success across all industrial sectors? Justify your answer with reference to leading published studies.

AC 1.4: Critically evaluate research that links people management practice in organisations with improved employer outcomes.

• Extensive research published on this issue over thirty years
• Persuasive but contested
• Best practice thinking
• Justify your points with reference to reading

Q8 (1,000) word

QUESTION 8

Evaluate the view of the critics of ‘promoting employee engagement’ who see it simply as another in a long line of people management practices which intensify work, benefit employers more than employees and generally lead to stress and burn-out over a period of time. Justify your answer.

AC 2.4: Evaluate current developments in the fields of employment relations, employee engagement, equality, diversity, and inclusion.

• Start with a definition and draw attention to the relevant research
• Approach the question critically - who benefits? Do employers and employees benefit equally?
• Illustrate your answer with specific examples
• Always take care to justify your arguments

Q9 (1,000) word

QUESTION 9

“The extent to which it is either practical or desirable to outsource people management activities to commercial, external providers is very limited.” Examine this point of view with reference to your reading and your own experience or observations.

AC 3.1: Examine the merits of the various ways in which people practice activities are organised and structured.

• You are invited here to comment on a quite stridently expressed point of view
• Draw on contemporary literature - older examples can mislead
• Examples of these arrangements in practice and their approaches
• Justify with reference to published research and / or your own observations if you have them