Using your case study as the example, critically reflect on the ways in which the theories and critical debates from the lectures

• Post Date 2018-11-07T10:47:10+00:00
• Post Category Essays & Coursework

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Using your case study as the example, critically reflect on the ways in which the theories and critical debates from the lectures and your own reading, help you to explore the complexity of the issuue

Reflective Portfolio

• Identify a real-life case study either from the media, personal experience or a private contact which is illustrative of an aspect of the following topics:

1. Critical perspectives on knowledge (compulsory)

You must then choose 1 of the following topics:

1. Talent Management
2. Dark Side of HRM
3. Narcissistic Leadership

• Using your case study as the example, critically reflect on the ways in which the theories and critical debates from the lectures and your own reading, help you to explore the complexity of the issue.

• Your final entry is a brief reflective summary which explores the way you feel that your understanding of HRM as a profession and a practice has been effected by your analysis of these case studies and your studying of this module.

NB: You have not been provided with an initial reading list for this assessment component because you will each chose your own case studies and therefore the literature you select to analyse that case study will be different for each of you. However, it would be diligent of you to have made yourself familiar with the reading materials included in the module handbook for each of the topics you select.

A printed reflective portfolio is available, however, if you would like more space or to work on it electronically a soft copy is available on BlackBoard.

Your submission, will therefore contain:

A case study and critical reflection on critical perspectives on knowledge

A case study and critical reflection on one of topics listed above

A critical reflection on how your study of this module and your reflection on the case studies, has influenced your views of HRM.

Each of these three sections is equally weighted.

Top tips for a good portfolio

• Do not cut and paste newspaper articles, internet sources etc into the portfolio – you must re-tell the chosen issue in your own words.
• The emphasis must be placed on your analysis of your chosen case study in relation to the existing literature in the area.
• Please ensure you complete all elements of the entries including the image.
• Do not make recommendations to ‘fix’ or ‘solve’ any challenges in your case study, we are assessing you on your ability to critically analyse.
• Please include a reference list in Harvard format
• It is ok, and indeed we encourage you to write in the first person as this is your analysis and presentation of the case study and related issues

Generic Assessment Marking Criteria

You will be marked according to five criteria:

• Quality of Presentation
• Understanding and use of Theory
• Quality of Analysis
• Structure and Argument
• Conclusions

The examiners will be looking for the following elements for each of these criteria.

Presentation

• All material is thoroughly and correctly referenced.
• Citations are given in the Harvard format, unless specifically specified otherwise in the assignment brief.
• Direct quotations from sources are referenced with page numbers.
• Appropriate use has been made of tables, diagrams, graphs and pictures.
• The use of formatting (line spacing, font, justified margins etc) is consistent throughout.
• The text is clear and readable, without typographic errors and spelling mistakes. 
• The assignment is within the maximum word length suggested. 
• The bibliography contains only the works cited in the assignment, is presented in author alphabetical order and is complete, accurate, and consistently formatted.

Theory

• Evidence of wider reading i.e. not relying on a textbook or single text source, but engaging with specialist texts, journal articles and reports.
• A demonstration of an understanding and awareness of a range of theoretical positions or technical options.
• The ability to place a particular text’s argument within a range of positions evident in the literature and to recognise its strengths and limitations as an explanatory framework.
• Direct quotes, paraphrasing or other evidence of active engagement with theory and/or technique is apparent throughout the assignment.

Analysis

• The assignment demonstrates an ability to understand different perspectives i.e. the student can evaluate different options, engage critically with theory and practice and can justify their analysis above other available solutions or viewpoints.
• The analysis results from the use of judgement and discernment in selecting theory and applying it to the situation or problem.
• The selection of techniques and viewpoints are justified by the problem or issue outlined.
• Reflection and observation are integrated in the analysis in an appropriate way i.e. a supported argument illustrated with observation rather than a statement of opinion.

Structure and Argument

• An essay assignment will normally include an introduction, several sub-titled sections in the main body, a conclusion and a bibliography. Alternative formats may be specified by the assignment brief and, if so, have been used.
• A coherent argument is evident, which clearly links the different elements of the assignment together and leads the reader through to a justifiable conclusion.
• The argument is logically constructed with each section building on the insights of preceding sections i.e. different perspectives are not simply thrown together without an understanding of how they contribute to the overall argument presented.
• Theory is integrated into the analytical and/or practical elements of the assignment where appropriate
• Meaning is not obscured by poor grammar, paragraph or sentence construction.

Conclusions 

• The conclusion summarises the whole of the assignment and not just the analysis i.e. conclusions relate questions posed, adequacy of the theory, empirical issues explored and reflect on the student’s approach to the work.
• The conclusions refer to the argument presented to that point and do not introduce new ideas or arguments “at the last moment”.
• The conclusion demonstrates the ability of the student to justify their theoretical and analytical approach.
• Conclusions have been drawn and follow, and are justified by, the analysis in the main body of the assignment.  Where required, practical recommendations are feasible and follow on from the conclusions, addressing the issues identified.