Discussion:
Task-Group Project (Presentation and Report)
This task is designed to develop your ability to:
• contribute fruitfully to a group task;
• assess a HRM issue or problem as objectively as possible;
• appreciate the potential of theory in managerial decision making and problem solving; • apply theory to ‘real life';
• take responsibility by designing a practical course of action (rather than merely making recommendations).
Task description
Students will form groups of around four during class in week 3/4. Each group should identify a problem situation (HR problem) in an organisation they have access to- preferably an organisation where at least one group member works or has worked recently. The focus has to be on an unresolved problem (only one problem).
A presentation covering the following points should be prepared:
• Provide a brief introduction to the organisation (it is acceptable to withhold the name of the organisation).
• Describe the problem, as much as possible in terms of the observable or measurable symptoms it manifests, for example: employee unrest, frequent industrial action, high absenteeism, workplace bullying/harassment, low morale, loss of profit, sabotage etc.
• The issue/problem should then be considered and analysed in terms of concepts/models/theoriesdrawn from any two topics studied as part of this subject. To give some examples, your group may choose to adopt different negotiation tactics, change the existing recruitment and selection method, or re-design jobs, or arrange special training program and so on. Try to choose the topic that seems to offer the most useful insights into the problem. Topics should be taken from HRMcourse.
• Design a change program or set of activities and procedures utilising some aspect or aspects of your analysis (actual action plan). The change program should be intended to solve or improve the situation. Please note you are not merely being asked for a list of recommendations.
Group members should present their project to the class. The presentation schedule will be negotiated in class. The presentation should last between 20 and 30 minutes. Each member will present for more or less equal amount of time i.e., about 7 minutes each. An additional 8-10 minutes is available for questions and answers. Support your presentation with appropriate visuals such as computer slides and handouts.
A report of 1800-2000 words summarising the project should be submitted on the day thepresentation is due (same day) before 11.59 pm (word files only/ no PDF). There are penaltiesfor exceeding the word limit.Visual material used in the presentation may be included as an
It will be based on:
• The presence of an introduction to the organisation;
• The detailed description of a suitable problem for analysis with pros and cons; • Effective use of material from two subject topics;
• Use of critical analysis and judgement in developing ‘change program' and apparent efficacy of ‘change program';
• Evidence of the ability to apply knowledge to a practical situation
• Over-all quality and completeness of response to the presentation topic;
• Clarity of expression and correct presentation: format, completed and signed cover page, word count, line spacing, spell check; and
• You should Use of in-text reference, completion of a full reference list following APA style (sufficient and appropriate material from relevant and credible sources to effectively support the key points