This assessment covers in particular LO 2 and 3. Each essay requires a separate appendix. The appendix is a summary of independent work conducted throughout the term. A detailed explanation of the various compulsory sections of the appendix is provided. To get a pass for the assignment the appendix has to include the mandatory sections. The appendix will only be used to decide if the essay has the potential to be a pass and has no further bearing on the mark thereafter.
Your essay should be a critical analysis at organisational, societal, country / regional or industry sector level. The purpose of the essay is to find inherent systemic faults or problems and evaluate alternatives. The topic should depict a specific area, e.g. the banking industry or the South East of England. The essay should neither review specific problems within a specific organisation nor review how to improve the productivity of organisations, e.g. NOT ‘How can McDonald’s become more profitable’ but rather ‘Is McDonald’s contributing to a desired global homogeneity?’ My teaching and research interest is around (in)equalities, ethics and social responsibility, however, this should not limit you in your choice of topics.
The subject is critical perspective
Further Information The critical analysis can be at organisational, sector, or societal level and has to be related to the study of management and organisations. o The critical analysis should include an evaluation of contemporary practices as well as alternative aspects and their implications.o In doing the critical analysis you should apply concepts and theories and refer to relevant literature using APA or Harvard referencing style. o Each topic is perceived as equally difficult especially as the real challenge is the application of critical thinking and writing skills to your chosen topic.o Please ensure that you pay attention to the following:? Structure – does the essay have a clear structure that provides the reader with a clear route for the paper journey?? Problem identification – does the essay clearly describe the organisational / management problem / theory / concept and argument that is the focus of the essay?? Theoretical Analysis – does the essay apply and appropriately reference relevant theories and concepts, including an analysis of the roots and consequences of the selected problem?? Theoretical Critique – does the essay not simply apply theories and concepts but link theories and concepts in new ways and/or critically review and develop these concepts and theories?? Illustrative Examples – does this essay use relevant examples to illustrate theories?? Indicative word count: A clear introduction of around 300 words which contains the main argument and an overview of the essay structure; a main part which might be structured in three parts of around 500 words each (thesis, antithesis, synthesis; or positives, negatives, evaluation) and a conclusion of around 200 words which should not just ‘sum up’.Interpreting the Overall Mark? The overall mark for this assessment can be interpreted as per below. ? Please note that for the essay the word ‘theory’ should be understood as ‘theory or academic literature’ with literature referring to academic articles and textbooks. ? Please note further that non-academic literature can also be referred to, however, students should position them in the overall context, i.e. explain why these are used and how they contrast to other ideas or provide an up to date understanding of the issue.
