Faculty of Social Sciences – Assignment Brief for Students – 2019/2020

                       

Assessment brief  (if appropriate, please refer to module assessment briefing document)

 

 

Instructions: You are required to develop a portfolio. The portfolio has four parts (referred to as Portfolio assignments 1, 2, 3 and 4) but is submitted as one document (4000 words). Your portfolio encourages you to develop greater self-awareness and to explore strategies and approaches to leadership and managing others. Your portfolio should be well written from an academic perspective and well presented, grammar, punctuation and spelling. You must engage with relevant theories and perspectives explored within formal lectures and guided reading from the recommended literature, fully supporting your portfolio with accurately cited academic references throughout.

The four assignments that form the final portfolio, cover different aspects of the module content as follows:

Portfolio assignment 1 – (1000 words) 

There are many theories of motivation deriving from a number of schools of thought on the subject and you should read widely and engage thoroughly with this topic. Then you should undertake the following tasks:

a)     Critically review the strengths and limitations of TWO theories of motivation (you must avoid merely describing them) – 800 words

b)    Which one of these theories applies to your motivation, offering examples in support of your reflections – 200 words

 

Portfolio Assignment 2 – (1000 words)

Compare and contrast two leadership theories. You should support your argument with academic theories, research and references.

Portfolio Assignment 3 – (1000 words)

Discuss the question, “Is conflict always dysfunctional in the workplace?” You must refer to academic theories and your answer should be supported by references.

Portfolio Assignment 4 – (1000 words)

Organizational change invariably prompts an emotional response. How might organizations use the OD (Organizational Development) model to ensure more positive outcomes? You should relate to academic theories within your writing.

You must submit these as four portfolio assignments, but together as one word document, references at the end of each section or at the end of the assignment and in the Harvard style.

IMPORTANT NOTE:

Your essay and all your assessment evidence must be collated into one word document only and e-submitted through Canvas by the deadline set. Thank you.

 

 

Return of assessments

(Instructions for return / collection of assessments)

 

Feedback sent within 4 working weeks after submission date.

 

 

  This assessment is testing Module Learning outcomes Tick if tested here  
LO1 Demonstrate an understanding and awareness of the concepts of managing and motivating oneself and be able to explain and apply the fundamentals of motivation theories that might underpin staff motivation in an organization. Ö Q1
LO2 Identify and explain the concepts of leading and managing others in respect of current and key leadership theories. Ö Q2
LO3 Explain and discuss theories that impact upon conflict management approaches relevant to the management of people. Ö Q3
LO4 Explain some of the basic theoretical constructs of managing change in the workplace by applying the Organization Development model.

 

Ö Q4

Additional information for students

The University’s Learning Information Services have produced a series of guides covering a range of topics to support your studies, and develop your academic skills including a guide to academic referencing http://www.wlv.ac.uk/lib/skills_for_learning/study_guides.aspx

Your module guide and course handbook contain additional and important information regarding;

  • The required referencing style for your assignment.*

Whilst many modules require referencing in accordance with the Harvard Referencing convention, some modules – for example those within the School of Law – require Oxford Referencing. Please familiarise yourself with the requirements of your module.

 

  • Submission of your work
  • Marking, feedback and moderation in accordance with the University of Wolverhampton Assessment Handbook
  • Extensions on submission dates *
  • Additional support *
  • Academic conduct with regards to cheating, collusion or plagiarism *
  • Links to appropriate sources of relevant information *

 

* Further information regarding these and other policies can be accessed through your student portal on wlv.ac.uk.

Always keep a copy of your work and a file of working papers

The requirement to keep a file of working papers is important.  There may be circumstances where it is difficult to arrive at a mark for your work. If this is the case, you may be asked to submit your file and possibly meet with your tutor to answer questions on your submission.

When you submit your work you will be required to sign an important declaration confirming that:

  • The submission is your own work
  • Any material you have used has been acknowledged and appropriately referenced
  • You have not allowed another student to have access to your work
  • The work has not been submitted previously.

 

The following information is important when:

  • Preparing for your assignment
  • Checking your work before you submit it
  • Interpreting feedback on your work after marking.

 

Module Learning Outcomes

Module Learning Outcomes are specific to this module, and are set when the module was validated.

 

  • Assessment Criteria
  • The module Learning Outcomes tested by this assignment, and precise criteria against which your work will be marked are outlined in your assessment brief.

 

Performance Descriptors

  • Performance descriptors indicate how marks will be arrived at against each of the assessment criteria. The descriptors indicate the likely characteristics of work that is marked within the percentage bands indicated.

To help you further:

  • Re-sit opportunities are available for students who are unable to take the first sit opportunity, or who need to re take any component.
  • Refer to the Canvas topic for contact details of your module leader / tutor, tutorial inputs, recommended reading and other sources, etc. Resit details will also appear on the Canvas module topic.
  • The University’s Learning Information Services offer support and guidance to help you with your studies and develop your academic skills http://www.wlv.ac.uk/lib/skills_for_learning/study_guides.aspx