Faculty of Arts, Business and Social Sciences Assignment Brief 2020/21

Module code and title

4HR018 Organisational Structures for Effective Management
Module leader
Kevin Willmore
Diet Re-sit Attempt

Assessment type PowerPoint Presentation

Submission date PowerPoint Presentations and Supporting notes to be uploaded by 14.00 on

30th March 2021
Submission method Copy of PowerPoint slides with notes to be submitted via Canvas.

Assessment limits 8 to 10 slides including Slide showing Reference List, with an additional 1000
+/- 10% word document accompanying notes
Assessment weighting 50% - This assignment focusses on Learning outcomes 1 & 2.

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

Assessment 1:

For this Resit assignment you are required to complete a PowerPoint and supporting notes and upload to
Canvas individually.

Scenario:

You have recently started a new job in an organisation which is currently considering the possibility of
restructuring in the near future. Your manager is aware that you are studying for your degree in Business and
Management and feels that you have the knowledge to develop a presentation suitable for delivery to groups
of managers across the organisation.

You have been tasked by your manager to produce a PowerPoint Presentation suitable for delivery to a panel
of middle managers. You will not be required to verbally present your PowerPoint, but you should ensure that
it is suitable for your manager to use to present to their team, when required. Your PowerPoint must therefore
include notes using a separate ‘Word Document’ to follow up on the detail in your slides.

Your PowerPoint should focus on two themes:

 Discusses the historical and theoretical basis of organisational structure

 Analyses the relationship between organisational structure and business strategy

Your Presentation should be designed to last for 15 minutes, and consist of a minimum of 8 slides,
and a maximum of 10 (including a reference list). Each of the slides should have accompanying
notes provided on a separate ‘Word Document’, a maximum of 100 words for each slide. Your final
slide, should provide a reference list, identifying the sources of information used in your
PowerPoint Slides, you must use academic sources and not general websites. As a minimum
requirement you must Reference in text and in your Reference list a minimum of three of the
Essential Texts, and two of the Recommended Texts (these are available on-line and can be

Authorised: Authorised: FoSS version 1 - Approved by: FAEC November 8 th 2016. Ref: 2 Module Assessment Briefing Form
accessed via the Reading List tab in Canvas). In addition you may demonstrate wider Reading by
Referencing other suitable academic sources. Your reference list should use the Harvard
Referencing System.

The Presentation should have two main sections addressing the two key areas identified above and
should reflect on theory and with clear links being made to literature to support your response.

You should ensure that you:

 Present your answer to the assignment in the form of a PowerPoint presentation

 Your Presentation should answer the two themes using the main relevant theories

 You are required to provide a separate ‘Word Document’ to support the delivery of the
presentation, a maximum of 100 words per slide +/- 10%. This should be uploaded to Canvas
alongside your PowerPoint presentation by each member of your group.

 Read around the topic and include a range of academic sources. The focus of your literature
must be on the Essential and Recommended texts highlighted in the Reading List for the Module
(Accessible on Canvas). These should be referenced in-text and in your Reference List on your
PowerPoint Slides.

 As a minimum requirement you must Reference in text and in your Reference list a minimum of
three of the Essential Texts, and two of the Recommended Texts (these are available on-line and
can be accessed via the Reading List tab in Canvas). In addition you may demonstrate wider
Reading by referencing other suitable academic sources. Your reference list should use the
Harvard Referencing System.

 The PowerPoint must be fully referenced using the Harvard Referencing System and a Reference
List provided as the final slide of your presentation. Please use Citethemright
https://www.citethemrightonline.com/ to support you with this.

 Ensure that your presentation is designed to include a minimum of 8 slides and a maximum of
10.

 Refer to the attached assessment criteria and performance descriptors so that you are clear
about what is assessed in relation to this assignment

Authorised: Authorised: FoSS version 1 - Approved by: FAEC November 8 th 2016. Ref: 2 Module Assessment Briefing Form
 In your PowerPoint you should focus on:

• The importance of organisational structure: links to organisational theory; Henri Fayol, Synergy,
specialisation; links made to American and European approaches
• Formal organisational structures: line, line and staff, matrix, team; mechanistic versus organic;
centralised versus decentralised; flat versus tall
• Informal organisational structures: difference between formal and informal structure; benefits, e.g.
promote communication, provide satisfaction, provide social control; potential drawbacks, e.g. resistance
to change, role conflict, lack of control over information of informal structure
• Organisational effectiveness: achievement of objectives, efficiency, sustainability, growth, competitive
advantage, reputation, influence, external benchmarking

.
Assessment Criteria (The actual assessment components for this assignment)
Criteria Weighting (If applicable)
Level of research and range of additional material used 25%

Identification and analysis of key issues 25%

Application of theory to the case study materials 25%

Structure of argument, clarity of writing and Harvard referencing 25%

Undergraduate 40%
Pass mark

Performance descriptors in use;

 University of Wolverhampton Yes

 Professional or Statutory Body No
 Module specific Yes
 Other (specify below) No

Return of assessments
(Instructions for return / Feedback will be provided electronically via CANVAS.
collection of assessments)

This assessment is testing Module Learning outcomes Tick if tested here

LO1 Demonstrate your knowledge and understanding of the historical development

and theoretical basis relating to organisational structure
√

LO2 Develop a sound analysis and evaluation of the relationship between the
structure of organisations and the business strategy
√

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.*

Authorised: Authorised: FoSS version 1 - Approved by: FAEC November 8 th 2016. Ref: 2 Module Assessment Briefing Form
 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 VLE topic for contact details of your module leader / tutor, tutorial inputs, recommended
reading and other sources, etc. Resit details will also appear on the VLE 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

Authorised: Authorised: FoSS version 1 - Approved by: FAEC November 8 th 2016. Ref: 2 Module Assessment Briefing Form
Performance Descriptors – Level 4
Assessment criteria A (70-100%) B (60-69%) C (50-59%) D (40-49%) E (30-39%) F (0-29%)
Work of an outstanding, Work of a good standard. Work of a competent Work of a satisfactory Work of an unsatisfactory No learning outcomes
excellent and very good standard. standard to pass. standard * fully met.
standard.

Content relevant to the

Some evidence of reading question/task. Reading
Evidence of use of independent Little/no attempt to address
outside the recommended based on main texts or
reading with the use of a variety Material merely repeats the assignment brief or
reading list and is beyond materials, but not always
of relevant and up to date Limited reading only; mostly taught input. No reference learning outcomes or to
classroom notes. All utilized in supporting
source materials. Excellent just class notes. Only a few has been made in text and engage with module
Level of research and significant content accurate. argument. Reference in
understanding of relevant sources used and those in the Reference list to materials. . No reference
range of additional A good understanding is text and in your
organisational theory which is taken from materials Essential and has been made in text and
material used. demonstrated of the Reference list a minimum
effectively linked to the topic. provided in class. Minimal Recommended Reading. in the Reference list to
background reading and of three of the Essential
Excellent use of References in reference has been made in Too little evidence of Essential and
links are made to the topic. Texts, and two of the
text and in your Reference list a text and in the Reference list reading, from class notes or Recommended Reading.
Good use of References in Recommended Texts A
minimum of three of the to Essential and outside. Limited analysis of No evidence of wider
text and in your Reference limited range of sources
Essential Texts, and two of the Recommended Reading. sources. Failure to answer reading or analysis of
list a minimum of three of the of wider reading is used,
Recommended Texts, Clear the question as set. sources. Failure to answer
Essential Texts, and two of with some links made
evidence of Wider Reading. the question as set.
the Recommended Texts between reading and the
topic.
Good understanding of a Competent understanding
range of organisational of organisational theory Basic understanding of Lacks understanding of
A clear understanding of Inadequate/no
theory and issues are and their application to organisational theory . Some basic organisational theory
organisational theory. An demonstration of
demonstrated. the assignment questions. key issues identified but and concepts. Few key
effective identification of the key knowledge or
Full identification of key Competent identification discussed in a predominantly issues identified. Wholly
Identification and analysis issues, which are then related understanding of key
issues, which are analysed of most key issues which descriptive rather than descriptive.
of key issues effectively to the question and organisational theories.
in a thorough way. are discussed. A range of analytical way. Limited No evidence of examination
used to provide full answers to Wholly descriptive and
A good level of application of relevant theory relevant theory applied to or application of theory.
all parts of the assignment. lacking in theory. Failure to
theory to support answers competently applied to support the answers. Failure to answer the
supported throughout by theory. answer the question as set.
which are of a good overall support answers in most question as set.
standard. places
Application of theory to the Focused and detailed links are Clear links made between Sound links made Some links made between One or two links made No evidence of theory to
case study materials made between the case study the case study information between the case study the case study information between the case study link to the case study.
information and relevant theory. and relevant theory. Good information and relevant and limited relevant theory. information and theory. No Wholly descriptive and no
Good levels of analysis relating level of analysis between theory. Competent level Very little analysis of theory critical evaluation, wholly attempt made to engage
the connection between theory organisational theory and of analysis between and case study examples, descriptive and assertions with the topic. Failure to
and case study examples in all case study examples in most theory and case study the writing is mostly made without answer the question as set.
areas. Draws effective areas. Draws good and examples in key areas. descriptive and repeats the substantiation. No
conclusions from wider reading clear conclusions from wider Draws sound conclusions case study details. Draws meaningful conclusions
and the information provided. reading and information from reading key sources limited and obvious drawn. Failure to answer

Authorised: Authorised: FoSS version 1 - Approved by: FAEC November 8 th 2016. Ref: 2 Module Assessment Briefing Form

All arguments are analysed with
effective conclusions provided
and overall the structure is clear
and well laid out. A clear and
Structure of argument, accurate writing style. Very few
clarity of writing and errors in grammar, spelling,
Harvard referencing punctuation and syntax evident.
Harvard referencing all present
and correct both within the
assignment and in the reference
list
Authorised: Authorised: FoSS version 1 - Approved by: FAEC November 8 th 2016. Ref:
provided.
Most arguments are
analysed, a range of
appropriate idea and
conclusions offered and a
clear structure and writing
style. Minor repeated errors
in grammar, spelling,
punctuation and syntax
evident. Minor errors in
Harvard referencing, or
some omissions both within
the assignment and in the
reference list
2 Module Assessment Briefing Form
conclusions from reading of
and information provided.
narrow range of sources.
Key arguments are Limited evidence of analysis,
analysed, and some obvious insights
conclusions drawn and offered. Structure is
presented. Structure and muddled, or writing style
writing style clear. lacking in coherence.
Repeated errors in Regular or frequently
grammar, spelling, repeated errors in in
punctuation and syntax grammar, spelling,
evident. Repeated errors punctuation and syntax
and/or omissions in evident. Significant repeated
Harvard referencing both errors and/or omissions in
within the assignment and Harvard referencing both
in the reference list within the assignment and in
the reference list
the question as set.
Little or no evidence of
No evidence of engaging
analysis and limited insights
with the assignment
or conclusions drawn. Lack
materials, content unclear
of structure, poor writing
due to poor structure and
style with extensive errors
writing style with extensive
in grammar, spelling,
errors in grammar, spelling,
punctuation and syntax.
punctuation and syntax.
Harvard references
Harvard references missing
negligible or missing in
in either the assignment
either the assignment
and/or in the reference list
and/or in the reference list