HRM11118 Organisational Change and Management
Coursework Assignment
HRM11118 Organisational Change and Management
TR2 2024-5
Assignment Brief
Mr Simon has spent 12 years continuous service as a line manager in a retail organisation. In the past three years he has twice been considered for promotion via a formal interview process and was unsuccessful. On each occasion the successful candidate had better formal qualifications than Mr Simon, although he had more experience.
He has very recently been rejected for promotion for a third time and is thought to be becoming disillusioned as a result of this. On passing him in the corridor you (Mr Simon’s team leader) overhear him saying to a colleague, ‘I can see there is absolutely no possibility of advancement in this organisation for me, it’s time I moved on’. Mr Simon is a very hard working and diligent worker and is highly regarded by your team members and replacing his skills and abilities will be extremely difficult.
You are currently studying perception, attitudes and motivation theories as part of a management qualification. Explain why the topics you are studying may be useful in analysing this particular situation and what positive measures could be implemented to attempt to re-motivate this employee.
Assignment Considerations General
It can be good practice in your preparations for each part to undertake a number of activities. These include:
- Establishing key issues/areas raised by the question
- Defining fundamental terms
- Describing contextual information e.g. background to topic and its significance and/or interesting statistical data
- Identifying, explaining in detail and cross-comparing relevant concepts, models and theoretical approaches
- Applying concepts to contemporary issues within business settings
- Applying models/theories to workplace/organisation/industry examples and/or evaluating the practical application of models/theories
- Drawing parallels between theory and practice
- Evaluating relative merits and drawbacks of opposing academic viewpoints with a view to building independent opinions
- Formulating balanced, persuasive independent arguments based on academic evidence and judgement
- Stating a clear, overall answer to the question
Particular consideration may be given to:
- Assessing the relationship between attitude, job satisfaction and commitment
- Identifying the key issues influencing motivation
- Explaining and comparing theoretical approaches to motivation (content and process) and relating these to the context of employee dissatisfaction/disillusionment
- Analysing the practical applicability and usefulness of motivation theories for managers/leaders
Assignment Guidance
Word count and presentation: You are required to submit an essay-type assignment not exceeding 2,000 words [+/- 10%] (excluding references). The essay should provide an introduction, a main section (with sub-sections), a conclusion and a reference list. If using tables/images provide labels and sources. Write in formal academic style.
Submission: Your individual assignment should be submitted by - [UK time] on - via the Turnitin submission link (which is set up on Moodle page for OCM). Your file name should provide your matriculation number, taking the format of 40xxxxxx OCM. Your name should NOT appear.
Weighting: The assignment accounts for 50% of your overall mark on this module.
Referencing: Follow the APA 7th Ed. referencing system throughout. All references provided in your list should link to a corresponding within text citation.
Avoid plagiarism: Always provide a reference to support your arguments, ensuring that you cite all sources you draw ideas from and that you attribute any quotes appropriately to the author.
Turnitin software may be used to detect plagiarism.
Plagiarism is considered a breach of academic conduct regulations, dealt with in accordance with the University’s Student Disciplinary Regulations and Academic Conduct: Code of Practice for Staff and Students. Please see the following website for further advice and information on avoiding plagiarism. This website includes advice on how to avoid plagiarism in your work and links to pages with online tutorials and information on referencing:
https://my.napier.ac.uk/your-studies/improve-your-academic-and-study-skills/referencing-and- academic-integrity/academic-integrity
Fit to Sit If you believe that you have grounds to request an extension, or deferral, please visit: https://my.napier.ac.uk/Student-Administration/Extenuating%20Circumstances/Pages/Extenuating-Circumstances.aspx and check out the University’s ‘Fit to Sit’ policy
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Marking Criteria |
DISTINCTION – 75 to 100% |
PASS – 50 to 74% |
FAIL – 0 to 49% |
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Presentation 10% |
Effective essay or report style and layout with neat legible presentation; correct spelling; grammar and punctuation accurate; meaning clear and fluid with an articulate academic writing style. |
Effective essay or report style and lay out; neat legible presentation; occasional spelling errors; grammar and punctuation are mainly accurate; meaning coherent and generally fluent writing style. |
Poor essay or report style and lay out; untidy and difficult to read; much incorrect spelling; poor grammar and punctuation; meaning unclear; language lacks fluency. |
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Knowledge & Understanding 40% |
Demonstrates considerable knowledge of relevant literature with the ability to draw on less obvious sources and go beyond these to new insights/perspectives. Effectively underpins thorough and original arguments with appropriate literature. |
Demonstrates some ability to identify and link together information from a range of appropriate sources. Arguments are clearly stated and there is some evidence of knowledge of current developments. |
Knowledge and understanding appears incomplete or superficial; demonstrates little ability to link and integrate knowledge from a range of areas or to develop coherent arguments. |
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Analysis 40% |
Thorough analysis of chosen topic, identifying a range of relevant issues, which includes some less obvious matters. Highly developed integration of theory with in depth understanding of issues related to organisational practice.(including from within own organisation if relevant/appropriate). Demonstrates highly developed ability to critique research findings, appreciating the importance of appropriate methodologies. Reaches conclusions which show insight into the dynamics of HRM practice and have a clear strategic focus. |
Analysis of chosen topic has clearly taken place and a range of relevant issues are identified. Some evidence of integration of theory with understanding of issues related to organisational practice (including from within own organisation if relevant/appropriate). Demonstrates some ability to critique research findings, appreciating the importance of appropriate methodologies. Conclusions show general appreciation of dynamics of HRM practice and some strategic issues are addressed. |
Analysis of the chosen topic is superficial and limited in scope. Limited evidence of integration of theory with little understanding of issues related to organisational practice (including from within own organisation if relevant/appropriate); inability to critique research findings, and fails to appreciate the importance of appropriate methodologies. Conclusions show little understanding of realities of HRM practice and recommendations are immediate & “short term” rather than strategic. |
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Referencing 10% |
Inclusion of extensive appropriate and current literature which is accurately integrated into the text; all citations acknowledged; recognised citation method used consistently |
Evidence of appropriate literature, which is accurately integrated into the text; most sources acknowledged; recognised citation method used consistently. |
Literature either not consulted or is not relevant to the discussion; citation method very poorly and/or not used. |
What HRM11118 Assignment All About?
HRM11118 Organisational Change and Management treats change as everyday work you can point at, not a grand speech. It asks simple, practical questions: what will be different next Tuesday at 10am, who now signs off, which tab disappears, and which single number opens the team meeting? You learn to move in short waves, publish before/after proof, and read the terrain with five quick checks, who holds power, who owns the result, which skill is missing, what feeling is in the corridor, and which hidden rule in the system pushes back. The focus is on micro-behaviours: decisions captured in one line, handovers that include a worry, managers coaching in the moment. By the end you can write a plain, testable story. “If we do X by Y, we avoid Z”, and back it with evidence within a fortnight. Clear stakes, light process, honest data, and people who know exactly what to do next.
Sample Answer of HRM11118 Organisational Change and Management
You are currently studying perception, attitudes and motivation theories as part of a management qualification. Explain why the topics you are studying may be useful in analysing this particular situation and what positive measures could be implemented to attempt to re-motivate this employee.
Introduction
In today’s dynamic workplace, understanding employee motivation, perception and attitude is essential for effective management and staff retention. This assignment explores the real-life case of Mr Simon, a long-serving line manager in a retail organisation who has become disillusioned after being overlooked for promotion multiple times. The essay applies key organisational behaviour theories to understand his situation, and then proposes practical solutions to re-engage and re-motivate him.
1. Background and Key Issues
Mr Simon has been rejected for promotion three times despite being highly experienced and respected. His lack of formal qualifications appears to be a barrier to career progression. After his most recent rejection, he expressed a strong feeling of hopelessness and is now considering leaving the organisation. His potential departure poses a risk to team performance, given his value and skills.
Key issues include:
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Declining employee morale and motivation
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Lack of career advancement despite loyalty and performance
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Disparity between formal qualifications and workplace experience
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Growing perception of organisational unfairness
2. Understanding Perception, Attitudes and Motivation
2.1 Perception and Its Role
Perception refers to how individuals interpret and make sense of their environment. According to Robbins and Judge (2022), perception affects how employees understand promotion decisions and fairness in the workplace.
Mr Simon likely perceives the organisation as biased toward qualifications rather than practical experience. This perception may not reflect reality, but in organisational behaviour, perceived unfairness can be just as damaging as real unfairness.
Implication: Managers must manage not only objective processes but also how those processes are perceived by employees.
