UNDERGRADUATE ASSIGNMENT SPECIFICATION

Programme:	BABS	Module Level (3,4,5 or 6):	5
Module:	Human Resource Management	Module code:	SBLC5000
Contribution to Overall Module Assessment (%):	Assignment 1- 50% Assignment 2- 50%	Assignment No(s):	Assignment 1: Case study analysis Assignment 2: Individual Report
Assignment Title(s):	Netscape’s Work Culture
Lecturer:	Apsara Hewage	Internal Verifier:	Anand Walser
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).
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I declare that this assignment is all my own work and that I have acknowledged all materials used from the published or unpublished works of other people.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. Appreciate the distinction between Human Resource Management and Personnel Management by analysing personnel and HRM models.	· An individual piece of coursework which will test the student’s ability to distinguish Personnel Management and Human Resource Management practices.
2. Understand the impact of personnel, structural and cultural strategies on organisational performance.	· Case will test the ability of the student in evaluating the impacts of the corporate culture, HRM practices and HR issues on organisational performance.
3. Draw on knowledge from cognate modules to develop understanding of the practical aspects of human resources issues confronting managers.	· Case which will test the student in the knowledge of concepts relating to the impacts of a merger with another company to the work culture and challenges to the employees and the management.
4. Explore the relationship between corporate strategy and human resource strategies	· An individual piece of coursework which will test the student in the knowledge of concepts relating to corporate strategic decisions such as a merger and human resource strategies.

TASK DESCRIPTION – ASSIGNMENT 1 – (50% Individual Case Study)- 2,500 words

BACKGROUND / INTRODUCTION

Appendix 1 contains a Case Study of the company NETSCAPE. Analyse this case study and identify the Human resource Management problems faced by Netscape after its merger with AOL

TASKS& GUIDELINES

Based on the given case study you need to carry out the following tasks:

1) How would you describe Netscape’s Work Culture prior to the merger with AOL and how did it change?

2) After merging with AOL, what specific challenges and problems impacted upon Netscape’s employees and managers?

3) What solutions would you recommend to resolve these issues?

Guidelines:

In the given Case study analysis:

· Relate the theories to a practical situation; for example, apply the ideas and knowledge discussed in the coursework to the practical situation at hand in the case study.

· Identify the problems and select the major problems in the case

· Recommend the best solutions to these major problems

· Detail how this solution should be implemented

· Assignment should be presented in the form of a report and not an essay.

· Assignments will be graded on the basis of:

i. Research done

ii. Analysis of the facts collated

iii. Position taken and

iv. The justification of the position

· All research must be referenced. A Reference List and a Bibliography MUST be attached. Harvard system of referencing MUST be followed.

Please see marking criteria given in page number8.

LENGTH REQUIRED

2500 words +/- 10%. Any deviation from this will be penalised.

TASKS
A short summary of the case study scenario	200 words
Explain the Case study background, the statement of the problem, research questions and aims and objectives.	300 words
Description of the situation (Case Brief)	300 words
Analysis of the case (should be backed by theoretical perspectives seen from the module)	500 words
Findings from the analysis (should be backed by theoretical perspectives seen from the module)	600 words
Solutions to the problem and issues. Recommendations (should be backed by theoretical perspectives seen from the module)	600 words
TOTAL	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

1. Focus: Focus only on the tasks set in the assignment.

1. Length: 2500 words +/- 10%. Any deviation from this will be penalised.

1. 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.

1. Document format: Report

1. Ensure a clear title, course, and name or ID number is on a cover sheet and a references list and bibliography using Harvard referencing throughout is also provided.

1. 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.

TASK DESCRIPTION – ASSIGNMENT 2–(50% Individual Report)- 2,500 words

TASK

You are required to produce a report, stating the Human Resource Management strategies that can be undertaken to resolve the issues which you identified in the Assignment 1.In particular, you should consider and evaluate:

· employee recruitment and retention,

· training and development,

· changing work practices and conditions,

· benefits and rewards.

LENGTH REQUIRED

2500 words +/- 10%. Any deviation from this will be penalised.

Your report should typically include:

TASKS
Executive Summary	200 words
Introduction: Background, scope and the purpose of the report.	600 words
Analysis: Identify and analyse different types of human resource strategies which are ideal to these scenario under discussion. You must also critically evaluate possible solutions to solve the identified problems. (should be backed by theoretical perspectives seen from the module)	1400 words
Conclusion: the main conclusions/recommendations, drawn from the analysis provided.	300 words
References: Listing of all sources according to the Harvard standard.
TOTAL	2500 words

GUIDELINES

1. Assignment two should be presented in the form of a report, NOT an essay.

2. Assignments will be graded on the basis of:

I. Research done

II. Analysis of the facts collated

III. Position taken and

IV. The justification of the position

3. All research must be referenced. A Reference List and a Bibliography MUST be attached. Harvard system of referencing MUST be followed.

Please see marking criteria given in page number9.

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 +/- 10%. Any deviation from this will be penalised.

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 – Individual Case Study 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	Marks Awarded
1. Research-informed Literature Extent of research and/or own reading, selection of credible sources, application of appropriate referencing conventions.
Use of relevant and credible sources of evidence and literature.	20
2. Knowledge and Understanding of Subject Extent of knowledge and understanding of concepts and underlying principles associated with the discipline.
Ability to demonstrate the knowledge and understanding of concepts and underlying principles associated with the subject area.	20
3. Analysis Analysis, evaluation and synthesis; logic, argument and judgement; analytical reflection; organisation of ideas and evidence
Breadth and depth of critical analysis of the scenario, issues and impacts.	20
4. Practical Application and Deployment Deployment of methods, materials, tools and techniques; application of concepts; formulation of innovative and creative solutions to solve problems.
Ability to apply relevant theories, models and concepts to the scenario under discussion.	20
5. Skills for Professional Practice Attributes in professional practice: individual and collaborative working; deployment of appropriate media; presentation and organisation.
Appropriate use relevant methodologies and high level of professionalism showcased throughout the coursework.	20
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)

%

marking criteria and Student FEEDBACK – Individual 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	Marks awarded
1. Research-informed Literature Extent of research and/or own reading, selection of credible sources, application of appropriate referencing conventions.
Use of relevant and credible sources of evidence and literature.
	20
2. Knowledge and Understanding of Subject Extent of knowledge and understanding of concepts and underlying principles associated with the discipline.
Ability to demonstrate the knowledge and understanding of concepts and underlying principles associated with the subject area.
	20
3. Analysis Analysis, evaluation and synthesis; logic, argument and judgement; analytical reflection; organisation of ideas and evidence
Breadth and depth of critical analysis of the scenario, issues and impacts.	25
4. Practical Application and Deployment Deployment of methods, materials, tools and techniques; application of concepts; formulation of innovative and creative solutions to solve problems.
Ability to apply relevant theories, models and concepts to the scenario under discussion.
	20
5. Skills for Professional Practice Attributes in professional practice: individual and collaborative working; deployment of appropriate media; presentation and organisation.
Appropriate use relevant methodologies and high level of professionalism showcased throughout the coursework.	15

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)	%
	Up to one-week late
	Over one week late

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 whatbut 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.