UNDERGRADUATE ASSIGNMENT SPECIFICATION

 

Programme:	BABS	Module Level (3,4,5 or 6):	5
Module:	Personal Managerial Effectiveness	Module code:	SBLC5002
Contribution to Overall Module Assessment (%):	100%	Assignment No(s):	Individual Presentation 50%Individual Academic Report 50%
Assignment Title(s):	Individual Presentation and Academic Report
Lecturer:	Guru Srinivasan	Internal Verifier:	David Mwaura
Hand Out Date:	04/12/2017	Submission deadline:  Feedback deadline:	19/02/2018

 

 

Referencing:

In the main body of your submission you must give credit to authors on whose research your work is based. Append to your submission a reference list that indicates the books, articles, etc. that you have read or quoted in order to complete this assignment (e.g. for books: surname of author and initials,  year of publication, title of book, edition, publisher: place of publication). Please reference all your sources as per the Harvard Style of referencing.

Disclosure:

Please include the following statement on the title page of the submitted assignment, followed by your name:  I declare that this assignment is all my own work and that I have acknowledged all materials used from the published or unpublished works of other people. All references have been duly cited.

 

Turnitin: All assignments must be submitted to Turnitin unless otherwise instructed by the Lecturer.Note: the Turnitin version is the primary submission and acts as a receipt for the student.  Late submission of the electronic version of the assignment will result in a late penalty mark.  Penalties for late submission: Up to one week late, maximum mark of 50%.  Over one week late, Refer.  Only the UWTSD Extenuating Circumstances Panel may grant an extension.	YES	X
	NO

 

 

 

 

 

 

Learning Outcomes tested(from module syllabus)	Assessment Criteria – To achieve each outcome a student must demonstrate the ability to:
1.Imbibe self-awareness in terms of personal perspectives about managerial Issues.	·         A critical evaluation of the role played by individuals as members of a team in achieving the organisational goal and objectives.
2.Gain soft skills that are necessary to perform better as managers in the 21stcentury organisation especially in management style, personality traits and on stress management.	·         Demonstrate effectively and professionally your communication skills during the 15 minute oral presentation using written; visual/audio and oral aids.
3.Understand issues and develop a critical understanding that role of personality traits, response to situation in handling not just a problem, but rather an opportunity to develop greater personal and organisational effectiveness.	·         A critical evaluation of the literature related to decision making and the management issues related to stress. The application of this literature to business settings.
4. Display an increased sense of one’s own discretionary power as a personand as a manager to deal effectively and constructively with the opportunities and challenges at the workplace to gain strategic/competitive advantage.	·         A demonstration of critical analysis of the how stress impact decision making process, options available to organisations in reducing stress as well as possible support that could be made available.

 

 

TASK DESCRIPTION – ASSIGNMENT 1 Individual Presentation (50%)

 

BACKGROUND / INTRODUCTION

 

Many people feel that they work very hard and don’t seem to get anywhere in their careers, Creating SMART goals and following them is suggested as key steps one could take on a direction of travel towards career success.

 

Create your own SMART goals identifying your long, medium, short and immediate goals. You are required to present your SMART objectives in form of a presentation not exceeding 10 slides.

 

You are the required to:

1. Prepare 10 Power Point Slides with notes not exceeding 1000 words in total.
2. The individual presentation should last no more than 15 minutes.
3. Students will be questioned on the different aspects of their presentation in relation to the assignment task.
4. Include an evaluation of the management implications associated with the management in diversity.
5. Include practical recommendations of how effective management of diversity can be enhanced for better organisational performance.

 

TASKS

 

Notes for Undertaking the Assignment:

• Prepare a maximum of 10 Power Point (PPT) Slides with notes for presentation purposes.

 

• The PPT slides (soft copy) should be submitted on Turnitin under the Individual Presentation Link and also utilised on the day of presentation T.B.A. with accompanying hard copy.

 

• Students are expected to demonstrate a critical review of the literature related to workforce diversity and specifically the use of groups in such a process from a range of academic sources.

 

• The relevant academic models; theories; processes and associated concepts workforce diversity and management strategies in the business environment.

 

• The relevant academic models; theories and associated concepts of workforce diversity and management strategies in the business environment should be evaluated.

 

• Students are expected to draw upon relevant organisational examples from the corporate world to demonstrate their understanding of; and the practical implications of the different aspects of workforce diversity management to the business organisation under investigation.

 

• Students are encouraged to make use of contemporary sources for examples and literature.

 

 

LENGTH REQUIRED

 

Total Word limit 1000 words (including notes)

 

 

 

FORMATTING AND LAYOUT

 

 

Please note the following when completing your written assignment:

1. Writing: Written in English in an appropriate business/academic style
2. Focus: Focus only on the tasks set in the assignment.
3. Length: 1000 words
4. Formatting: Typed on A4 paper in Times New Roman or Arial font 12 with at least 2.5 centimetre space at each edge, double spaced and pages numbered.
5. Document format: Individual Presentation
6. Ensure a clear title, course, and name or ID number is on a cover sheet and a bibliography using Harvard referencing throughout is also provided.
7. Research: Research should use reliable and relevant sources of information e.g. academic books and journals that have been peer reviewed. The research should be extensive.

 

 

The use of a range of information sources is expected – academic books, peer reviewed journal articles, professional articles, press releases and newspaper articles, reliable statistics, company annual reports and other company information. All referencing should be in Harvard style.

 

 

 

 

 

marking criteria and Student FEEDBACK – Individual Presentation (50%)

This section details the assessment criteria. The extent to which these are demonstrated by you determines your mark. The marks available for each criterion are shown. Lecturers use a similar format to comment on the achievement of the task(s), including those areas in which you have performed well and areas that would benefit from development/improvement.

 

Common Assessment Criteria Applied	Marks available	MarksAwarded
1. Research-informed LiteratureExtent of research and/or own reading, selection of credible sources, application of appropriate referencing conventions.
Students are expected to demonstrate a critical review of the literature related SMART objectives and setting personal goals	20
2. Knowledge and Understanding of SubjectExtent of knowledge and understanding of concepts and underlying principles associated with the discipline.
Students are expected to draw clear goals identified as immediate, short, medium and long term goals. The students are also expected to come up with clear criteria to assess the progress.	20
3. AnalysisAnalysis, evaluation and synthesis; logic, argument and judgement; analytical reflection; organisation  of ideas and evidence
A critical evaluation on role SMART goal  and its relationship to  a practical  Personal Development Plan	25
4. Practical Application and DeploymentDeployment of methods, materials, tools and techniques; application of concepts; formulation of innovative and creative solutions to solve problems.
A clear demonstration on the rationale, their personality and their objectives is drawing a SMART goals	20
5. Skills for Professional PracticeAttributes in professional practice: individual and collaborative working; deployment of appropriate media; presentation and organisation.
A demonstration of effective communication in the delivery of the oral presentation including the use of visual aids (PPT slides); evidence of preparation and appropriate professional dress code.	15
TOTAL	100

 

Assignment Mark (Assessment marks are subject to ratification at the Exam Board.  These comments and marks are to give feedback on module work and are for guidance only until they are confirmed. )

Late Submission Penalties (tick if appropriate)

%

 

 

TASK DESCRIPTION: Assignment 2 Individual Academic Report (50%)

 

Background/ Introduction

 

A good leader is determined by their response to a situation. This could be through their ability in handling a crisis, proactive action taken to avert a possible crisis where there are no easy answers. The quality of a manager’s response is deeply influenced by their ability to manage stress.

 

 

TASKS

 

A manager’s job is varied and hectic. Managers will often find themselves under much job-related stress. (Hitt, Black and Porter, 2008)

 

Evaluate critically the impact of stress on decision making using relevant theories and the strategies that 21^st Century businesses could use to effectively manage work related stressors.

 

 

Notes for Undertaking the Assignment:

 

• The work submitted should be organised and clearly structured in a report format.
• Include the following sub-topics in your report:

 

• A title page
• An executive summary (100 words not included in the word count)
• Table of Content
• An introduction (200 words)
• Literature review (1100 words)
• Discussion and analysis (1000 words)
• Conclusion (100 words)
• Recommendations (100 words)
• References 
• Bibliography

• Appendix (use sparingly)

 

• Students are expected to demonstrate a critical review of the literature related to the work related stress management from a range of credible academic sources.

 

• The relevant academic models; theories and associated concepts of work related stress management strategies in the business environment should be evaluated.

 

• Students are expected to draw upon relevant organisational examples from the corporate world to demonstrate their understanding of; and the practical implications of the different aspects of work related stress management to the business organisation under investigation.

 

• Students are expected to submit a typed document in Microsoft Word or a similar format with font type, size 12 and line spacing 1.5.

 

• Students are encouraged to make use of contemporary sources of information and literature review and to include all the necessary citations and references adopting the Harvard Referencing System.

 

 

 

LENGTH REQUIRED

Total word limit is 2500 words

FORMATTING AND LAYOUT

 

 

Please note the following when completing your written assignment:

1. Writing: Written in English in an appropriate business/academic style
2. Focus: Focus only on the tasks set in the assignment.
3. Length: 2500 words
4. Formatting: Typed on A4 paper in Times New Roman or Arial font 12 with at least 2.5 centimetre space at each edge, double spaced and pages numbered.
5. Document format: Report
6. Ensure a clear title, course, and name or ID number is on a cover sheet and a bibliography using Harvard referencing throughout is also provided.
7. Research: Research should use reliable and relevant sources of information e.g. academic books and journals that have been peer reviewed. The research should be extensive.

 

 

The use of a range of information sources is expected – academic books, peer reviewed journal articles, professional articles, press releases and newspaper articles, reliable statistics, company annual reports and other company information. All referencing should be in Harvard style.

 

 

 

 

marking criteria and Student FEEDBACK: Assignment 2 (Individual Academic Report (50%)

 

This section details the assessment criteria. The extent to which these are demonstrated by you determines your mark. The marks available for each criterion are shown. Lecturers will use the space provided to comment on the achievement of the task(s), including those areas in which you have performed well and areas that would benefit from development/improvement.

 

Common Assessment Criteria Applied	Marks available	Marksawarded
1. Research-informed LiteratureExtent of research and/or own reading, selection of credible sources, application of appropriate referencing conventions.	25
Students are expected to demonstrate a critical review of the literature related personality, interaction with situation and management style from a range of academic sources to inform their presentation.
2. Knowledge and Understanding of SubjectExtent of knowledge and understanding of concepts and underlying principles associated with the discipline.	25
Students are expected to draw upon some relevant examples from the business world on decisions made by manager/leader of their choice and its relevance to their personality traits. These need to be real and not fictitious or assumptions. You may draw upon news, case studies and information media.
3. AnalysisAnalysis, evaluation and synthesis; logic, argument and judgement; analytical reflection; organisation  of ideas and evidence	20
A critical evaluation role management as well as personality in shaping a leader in organisations – students to comment upon ‘reality’ compared to that proposed in the literature. The work should focus on its relevance in today’s business environment.
4. Practical Application and DeploymentDeployment of methods, materials, tools and techniques; application of concepts; formulation of innovative and creative solutions to solve problems.	20
A clear demonstration how they are applied in the business world. Extra credit will be given for identifying where organisations have encountered problems and to students who provide a theoretical backing for their points.
5. Skills for Professional PracticeAttributes in professional practice: individual and collaborative working; deployment of appropriate media; presentation and organisation.	10
A clear presentation in REPORT FORMAT and structure of the assignment including the use Harvard style to reference the sources used.

 

Assignment Mark (Assessment marks are subject to ratification at the Exam Board.  These comments and marks are to give feedback on module work and are for guidance only until they are confirmed. )

Late Submission Penalties (tick if appropriate)

%

 

 

 

GUIDANCE FOR Students IN THE COMPLETION OF TASKS

 

NOTE: The guidance offered below is linked to the five common assessment criteria above.

 

1. Research-informed Literature

Your work must be informed and supported by scholarly material that is relevant to and focused on the task(s) set.    You should provide evidence that you have accessed a wide range of sources, which may be academic, governmental and industrial; these sources may include academic journal articles, textbooks, current news articles, organisational documents, and websites.  You should consider the credibility of your sources; academic journals are normally highly credible sources while websites require careful consideration/selection and should be used sparingly.   Any sources you use should be current and up-to-date, mostly published within the last five years or so, though seminal/important works in the field may be older.  You must provide evidence of your research/own reading throughout your work, using in-text citations in the main body of your work and a reference list that is alphabetical at the end of your work. Please use the Harvard referencing system.

 

2. Knowledge and Understanding of Subject

Your work must demonstrate the growing extent of your knowledge and understanding of concepts and underlying principles associated with the subject area.  Knowledge relates to the facts, information and skills you have acquired through your learning.  You demonstrate your understanding by interpreting the meaning of the facts and information (knowledge). This means that you need to select and include in your work the concepts, techniques, models, theories, etc. appropriate to the task(s) set.  You should be able to explain the theories, concepts, etc. meaningfully to show your understanding.  Your mark/grade will also depend upon the extent to which you demonstrate your knowledge and understanding; ideally each should be complete and detailed, with comprehensive coverage.

 

 

 

3. Analysis

Your work must contain evidence of logical, analytical thinking, evaluation and synthesis. For example, to examine and break information down into parts, make inferences, compile, compare and contrast information.  This means not just describing What! but also justifying: Why? How? When? Who? Where? At all times, you must provide justification for your arguments and judgements.  Evidence that you have reflected upon the ideas of others within the subject area is crucial to you providing a reasoned and informed debate within your work.  Furthermore, you should provide evidence that you are able to make sound judgements and convincing arguments using data and concepts.  Sound, valid conclusions are necessary and must be derived from the content of your work.  There should be no new information presented within your conclusion.  Where relevant, alternative solutions and recommendations may be proposed.

 

 

4. Practical Application and Deployment

You should be able to demonstrate how the subject-related concepts and ideas relate to real world situations or a particular context.  How do they work in practice?  You will deploy models, methods, techniques, and/or theories, in that context, to assess current situations, perhaps to formulate plans or solutions to solve problems, some of which may be innovative and creative.  This is likely to involve, for instance, the use of real world examples and cases, the application of a model within an organisation and/or benchmarking one organisation against others based on stated criteria.  You should show awareness of the limitations of concepts and theories when applied in particular contexts.

 

 

5. Skills for Professional Practice

Your work must provide evidence of the attributes expected in professional practice.  This includes demonstrating your individual initiative and/or collaborative working. You must communicate effectively in a suitable format, which may be written and/or oral, for example, essay, management report, presentation. Work should be coherent and well-structured in presentation and organisation.

 

UNDERGRADUATE – COMMON ASSESSMENT AND MARKING CRITERIA
	OUTRIGHT FAIL	UNSATISFACTORY	SATISFACTORY	GOOD	VERY GOOD	EXCELLENT	EXCEPTIONAL
Assessment Criteria	0-29%	30-39%*	40-49%	50-59%	60-69%	70-79%	80-100%
1. Research-informed LiteratureExtent of research and/or own reading,  selection of credible sources, application of appropriate referencing conventions	Little or no evidence of reading.Views and findings unsupported and non-authoritative. Referencing conventions largely ignored.	Poor evidence of reading and/or of reliance on inappropriate sources, and/or indiscriminate use of sources.Referencing conventions used inconsistently.	References to a limited range of mostly relevant sources. Some omissions and minor errors.Referencing conventions evident though not always applied consistently.	Inclusion of a range of research-informed literature, including sources retrieved independently. Referencing conventions mostly consistently applied.	Inclusion of a wide range of research-informed literature, including sources retrieved independently.Selection of relevant and credible sources.  Very good use of referencing conventions, consistently applied.	A comprehensive range of research informed literature embedded in the work. Excellent selection of relevant and credible sources. High-level referencing skills, consistently applied.	Outstanding knowledge of research-informed literature embedded in the work. Outstanding selection of relevant and credible sources. High-level referencing skills consistently and professionally applied.
2. Knowledge and Understanding of SubjectExtent of knowledge and understanding of concepts and underlying principles associated with the discipline.	Major gaps in knowledge and understanding of material at this level. Substantial inaccuracies.	Gaps in knowledge, with only superficial understanding. Some significant inaccuracies.	Evidence of basic knowledge and understanding of the relevant concepts and underlying principles.	Knowledge is accurate with a good understanding of the field of study.	Knowledge is extensive.  Exhibits understanding of the breadth and depth of established views.	Excellent knowledge and understanding of the main concepts and key theories. Clear awareness of challenges to established views and the limitations of the knowledge base.	Highly detailed knowledge and understanding of the main theories/concepts, and a critical awareness of the ambiguities and limitations of knowledge.
3.  AnalysisAnalysis, evaluation and synthesis; logic, argument and judgement; analytical reflection; organisation  of ideas and evidence	Unsubstantiated generalisations, made without use of any credible evidence. Lack of logic, leading to unsupportable/ missing conclusions. Lack of any attempt to analyse, synthesise or evaluate.	Some evidence of analytical intellectual skills, but for the most part descriptive. Ideas/findings sometimes illogical and contradictory. Generalised statements made with scant evidence. Conclusions lack relevance.	Evidence of some logical, analytical thinking and some attempts to synthesise, albeit with some weaknesses.Some evidence to support findings/ views, but evidence not consistently interpreted. Some relevant conclusions and recommendations, where relevant	Evidence of some logical, analytical thinking and synthesis. Can analyse new and/or abstract data and situations without guidance.An emerging awareness of different stances and ability to use evidence to support the argument. Valid conclusions and recommendations, where relevant	Sound, logical, analytical thinking; synthesis and evaluation. Ability to devise and sustain persuasive arguments, and to review the reliability, validity & significance of evidence. Ability to communicate ideas and evidence accurately and convincingly.Sound, convincing conclusions / recommendations.	Thoroughly logical work, supported by evaluated evidence. High quality analysis, developed independently or through effective collaboration.Ability to investigate contradictory information and identify reasons for contradictions. Strong, persuasive, conclusions, justifiable recommendations.	Exceptional work; judiciously selected and evaluated evidence. Very high quality analysis, developed independently or through effective collaboration.Ability to investigate contradictory information and identify reasons for contradictions. Highly persuasive conclusions
4. Practical Application and DeploymentEffective deployment of appropriate methods, materials, tools and techniques; extent of skill demonstrated in the application of concepts to a variety of processes and/or contexts; formulation of innovative and creative solutions to solve problems.	Limited or no use of methods, materials, tools and/or techniques.Little or no appreciation of the context of the application.	Rudimentary application of methods, materials, tools and/or techniques but without consideration and competence. Flawed appreciation of the context of the application.	An adequate awareness and mostly appropriate application of well established methods, materials, tools and/or techniques.Basic appreciation of the context of the application.	A good and appropriate application of standard methods, materials, tools and/or techniques.Good appreciation of the context of the application, with some use of examples, where relevant.	A very good application of a range of methods, materials, tools and/or techniques.Very good consideration of the context of the application, with perceptive use of examples, where relevant. Evidence of some innovation and creativity.	An advanced application of a range of methods, materials, tools and/or techniques.The context of the application is well considered, with extensive use of relevant examples. Application and deployment extend beyond established conventions.  Innovation and creativity evident throughout.	Outstanding levels of application and deployment skills. Assimilation and development of cutting edge processes and techniques.
5. Skills for Professional PracticeDemonstrates attributes expected in professional practice including: individual initiative and collaborative working; deployment of appropriate media to communicate (including written and oral); clarity and effectiveness in presentation and organisation.	Communication media is inappropriate or misapplied.Little or no evidence of autonomy in the completion of tasks. Work is poorly structured and/or largely incoherent.	Media is poorly designed and/or not suitable for the audience.Poor independent or collaborative initiative. Work lacks structure, organisation, and/or coherence	Can communicate in a suitable format but with some room for improvement.Can work as part of a team, but with limited involvement in group activities. Work lacks coherence in places and could be better structured.	Can communicate effectively in a suitable format, but may have minor errors.Can work effectively as part of a team, with clear contribution to group activities. Mostly coherent work and is in a suitable structure.	Can communicate well, confidently and consistently in a suitable format.Can work very well as part of a team, with very good contribution to group activities. Work is coherent and fluent and is well structured and organised.	Can communicate professionally and, confidently in a suitable format.Can work professionally within a team, showing leadership skills as appropriate, managing conflict and meeting obligations. Work is coherent, very fluent and is presented professionally.	Can communicate with an exceptionally high level of professionalism.Can work exceptionally well and professionally within a team, showing advanced leadership skills. Work is exceptionally coherent, very fluent and is presented professionally.

 

 

Student Self Evaluation Form
Student name:		Student number:
Programme:		Year of programme
Assignment Title:

This section repeats in brief the common assessment criteria detailed on previous pages. The extent to which these are demonstrated by you determines your mark. Using these criteria, tick the box that best indicates the level of achievement you feel you have achieved with regard to each of them. Please note that this self-assessment is used as a developmental tool only and has no impact on the way in which your work will be marked.

Common Assessment Criteria Applied	Level of Achievement
	REFER			3rd		2:2	2:1	1st	1st
	OUTRIGHT FAIL	UNSATISFACTORY	SATISFACTORY		GOOD		VERY GOOD	EXCELLENT	EXCEPTIONAL
1. Research-informed Literature	0-29%	30-39%	40-49%		50-59%		60-69%	70-79%	80-100%
	o	o	o		o		o	o	o
2. Knowledge and Understanding of Subject	0-29%	30-39%	40-49%		50-59%		60-69%	70-79%	80-100%
	o	o	o		o		o	o	o
3. Analysis	0-29%	30-39%	40-49%		50-59%		60-69%	70-79%	80-100%
	o	o	o		o		o	o	o
4. Practical Application and Deployment	0-29%	30-39%	40-49%		50-59%		60-69%	70-79%	80-100%
	o	o	o		o		o	o	o
5. Skills for Professional Practice	0-29%	30-39%	40-49%		50-59%		60-69%	70-79%	80-100%
	o	o	o		o		o	o	o

 

PLEASE COMMENT ON AREAS IN WHICH YOU FEEL THAT YOU HAVE PERFORMED WELL	PLEASE COMMENT ON AREAS you feel that you need TO DEVELOP

 

Student’s Name		Date
Student’s Signature