Professional Documents
Culture Documents
Cipd L 3 Co01 Dana Jahlan 2
Cipd L 3 Co01 Dana Jahlan 2
The assessment has been developed to enable you to evidence achievement of the learning outcomes
and assessment criteria for 3CO01 Business, culture and change in context.
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Unit code and title 3CO01 Business, culture and change in context
Assessment ID CIPD_3CO01_23_01
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Expectations are set out in the marking descriptor grid which you will find at the end of this document.
You must pass all learning outcomes to successfully achieve this unit.
This unit assignment considers the impact of external influences and how the digital and commercial
environment shapes businesses and the culture within which they operate. It considers the importance
of people’s behaviour on organisational culture and its ability to manage change effectively.
» TASK
Information sheet
Your manager has asked you to prepare an information sheet about the organisation and its
environment to support the onboarding of a new member of the People Team. You decide that to be
effective in their role, the new team member needs an appreciation of the organisation’s activities,
goals and how the external environment impacts these. As organisational culture and change are
essential to achieving business goals and responding to the external environment, you decide to add
points about these too.
Your information sheet can be based on your own organisation or one(s) with which you are familiar,
and must include the following:
1. An examination of three key external influences impacting or likely to impact the organisation’s
activities. (AC 1.1)
2. A discussion of at least two of the organisation’s business goals and why it is important for
organisations to plan for how they will achieve these. (AC 1.2)
3. A discussion of the organisation’s products and/or services and main customers. (AC 1.3)
4. A short review of information and communication technologies available to people professionals
and how these can be, or are, used to improve working practices and collaboration. (AC 1.4)
5. A definition of what is meant by organisational culture and an explanation of why it is important to
foster an appropriate and effective workplace culture. (AC 2.1)
6. An explanation of how organisations are whole systems, within which aspects such as structure,
systems and culture are all inter-related, and how people professionals’ work and actions could
impact elsewhere in the organisation. (AC 2.2)
7. An explanation of why it is important that organisational change is planned and effectively
managed. (AC 3.1)
8. An explanation of the importance and role that can be played by people professionals within
change. You might consider roles such as: gatekeeper, champion, facilitator, critical friend or
record-keeper. (AC 3.2)
9. A discussion of how organisational change can impact people in different ways, such as
changing their role or status or financial situation. (AC 3.3)
Introduction:
Welcome to Aramco Saudi Arabia! As a new member of the People Team, it is important to have a
comprehensive understanding of our organization, its goals, and the external influences that shape our
activities. This information sheet aims to provide you with key insights to support your onboarding
process.
▪ (AC 1.1) Oil Prices: As a global energy company, Aramco is significantly impacted by
fluctuations in oil prices. Changes in the global oil market, geopolitical factors, and demand-
supply dynamics can directly influence our activities, revenues, and profitability.
Environmental Regulations: Aramco operates in an environment where sustainability and
environmental responsibility are gaining increasing importance. Adherence to environmental
regulations and the need to adopt sustainable practices play a crucial role in shaping our operations
and strategic decisions(Aramco, 2022).
Technological Advancements: Rapid advancements in technology, such as renewable energy sources
and digitalization, have the potential to disrupt the energy industry. Aramco must stay abreast of these
developments and adapt its activities to remain competitive and relevant in a changing landscape.
The response provides a comprehensive overview of key external influences that impact business
environments. The following factors are identified and explained:
1. Economic Factors: The response correctly identifies changes in economic conditions such as GDP
growth, inflation rates, interest rates, and exchange rates as significant factors that impact business
environments. The explanation includes how these factors affect consumer purchasing power,
business investments, and overall demand for goods and services.
2. Technological Advancements: The response highlights rapid technological advancements and their
impact on industries. Examples such as artificial intelligence, automation, blockchain, and the Internet
of Things (IoT) are provided to illustrate how technology can revolutionize business processes, improve
efficiency, and drive competitive advantage.
3. Social and Cultural Factors: The response correctly identifies social and cultural trends as important
influences on business environments. The explanation includes the impact of demographics, lifestyle
changes, cultural values, and social media trends on market demand and business strategies.
Overall, the response demonstrates a clear understanding of the key external influences that impact
business environments. The examples provided enhance the explanation and show relevance to real-
world scenarios.
2. Refined Petroleum Products: Aramco also operates refineries, where crude oil is processed into
various refined petroleum products. These products include gasoline, diesel, jet fuel, lubricants, and
other specialty products. Refined petroleum products are essential for transportation, industrial
processes, and everyday energy needs.
3. Petrochemicals: Aramco has a significant presence in the petrochemical industry. It produces and
supplies a diverse range of petrochemical products, including ethylene, propylene, polyethylene,
polypropylene, and other basic chemicals. These products serve as raw materials for various
industries, such as plastics, packaging, textiles, and automotive.
Main Customers:
Aramco's main customers are global entities that require energy products and services. These
customers can be categorized into several groups:
1. Government Entities: Aramco supplies crude oil and refined petroleum products to governments and
national oil companies around the world. These entities often use the energy products for domestic
consumption, industrial development, or export purposes.
2. Industrial Customers: Aramco serves a wide range of industrial customers, including refineries,
petrochemical companies, manufacturers, and power generation facilities. These customers rely on
Aramco's products as inputs for their own production processes or as fuel for their operations.
1. Crude Oil: Aramco is primarily known for its crude oil production. It extracts and supplies crude oil
from its vast reserves in Saudi Arabia, which is one of the world's largest oil producers. The company's
crude oil is highly sought after by global customers, including refineries and petrochemical companies.
2. Refined Petroleum Products: Aramco also operates refineries, where crude oil is processed into
various refined petroleum products. These products include gasoline, diesel, jet fuel, lubricants, and
other specialty products. Refined petroleum products are essential for transportation, industrial
processes, and everyday energy needs.
3. Petrochemicals: Aramco has a significant presence in the petrochemical industry. It produces and
supplies a diverse range of petrochemical products, including ethylene, propylene, polyethylene,
polypropylene, and other basic chemicals. These products serve as raw materials for various industries,
such as plastics, packaging, textiles, and automotive.
2. Talent Management Software: Talent management software encompasses various modules, including
recruitment, performance management, learning and development, and succession planning. These
tools enable organizations to effectively attract, retain, and develop talent. They provide features like
applicant tracking, performance appraisal, training management, and career planning, enhancing HR's
ability to manage and nurture employees' skills and careers. (Journal of Business and Economics
Statistics, 1996)
3. Collaboration and Communication Tools: Collaboration tools, such as project management software,
team messaging platforms, and video conferencing solutions, facilitate effective communication and
collaboration among team members. These tools enable real-time collaboration, file sharing, task
management, and virtual meetings, improving productivity and teamwork across different locations and
time zones.
2. Retention and Attraction of Talent: A positive workplace culture plays a crucial role in attracting and
retaining top talent. Organizations with a reputation for a positive work environment are more likely to
attract skilled professionals who are seeking a supportive and inclusive workplace. Moreover, when
employees are satisfied with their work culture, they are less likely to seek employment elsewhere,
reducing turnover rates and associated costs.
Importance of Planning:
Planning is vital for organizations like Aramco due to the following reasons:
1. Goal Alignment: Planning helps to align organizational activities with its goals. It enables the
organization to set clear objectives, establish strategies, and allocate resources effectively. By having a
well-defined plan, Aramco can ensure that all efforts are directed towards achieving the desired
outcomes.
2. Resource Optimization: Planning allows organizations to optimize their resources, including financial,
human, and technological resources. By forecasting future needs and requirements, Aramco can
allocate resources efficiently, avoiding wastage and ensuring that resources are utilized in the most
effective manner.
3. Risk Mitigation: Effective planning enables organizations to identify potential risks and develop
strategies to mitigate them. By considering different scenarios and planning for contingencies, Aramco
can minimize the impact of unforeseen events on its operations and goals.
1. Organizational Culture: As a people professional, you play a vital role in shaping and maintaining the
organizational culture. Your efforts in developing policies, promoting values, and fostering a positive
work environment have a direct impact on the culture of the organization as a whole. A
2. Employee Engagement and Productivity: Your work in employee engagement initiatives, such as
talent management, performance management, and employee development, can have a significant
impact on productivity and performance across the organization. Engaged and motivated employees
are more likely to contribute their best efforts, collaborate effectively, and drive positive outcomes in
their respective roles.
• (AC 3.1) People professionals play a pivotal role in managing organizational change. They
can act as gatekeepers by ensuring clear communication channels, champions by inspiring
employees to embrace change, facilitators by coordinating training and development
initiatives, critical friends by providing constructive feedback, and record-keepers by
documenting change processes and outcomes. Their expertise and support are instrumental
in navigating change successfully. (Aramco, 2022)
In today's dynamic business landscape, people professionals play a pivotal role in shaping
organizational success. Their actions and initiatives have far-reaching impacts, influencing employee
behavior, teamwork, productivity, and the overall organizational culture (IEA, 2022). By recognizing
this interconnectedness, people professionals can strategically contribute to the organization's well-
being and achieve its strategic goals.
Planned Organizational Change: A Catalyst for Success
Organizational change, whether driven by internal factors or external influences, requires careful
planning and effective management. Change is inevitable, and organizations that proactively
embrace it are better equipped for long-term success (Kotter, 1996). Planned change ensures
smooth transitions, minimizes resistance, and increases the likelihood of achieving desired
outcomes.
1. Ensuring a Smooth Transition
Effective change management involves a well-defined plan that facilitates a smooth transition from
the current state to the desired future state. This plan minimizes disruption, confusion, and resistance
among employees, enabling them to adapt to the changes more effectively (Weick & Quinn, 1999). A
well-managed change process provides clarity, sets realistic expectations, and offers support to
individuals and teams throughout the transition journey.
2. Fostering Employee Engagement and Buy-In
Involving employees in the change planning and implementation process is crucial for securing their
engagement and buy-in. People professionals play a key role in facilitating employee involvement,
communication, and collaboration (Burnes, 2004). By soliciting input, addressing concerns, and
involving employees in decision-making, people professionals can foster a sense of ownership and
commitment to the change, leading to a more successful implementation process.
2. Skill Gaps: Change often requires new skills or adjustments to existing ones. People professionals
can identify skill gaps, provide training and development opportunities, and support employees in
acquiring the necessary competencies to adapt to the change successfully.
3. Communication and Engagement: Different individuals may require varying levels and types of
communication and engagement during change. People professionals should tailor their communication
strategies, ensuring that information is disseminated effectively and addressing individual concerns and
needs.
1. Emotional Responses: Change often triggers a range of emotions. Some individuals may feel excited,
energized, and optimistic about the possibilities that change brings. On the other hand, some may
experience anxiety, fear, or uncertainty due to the unfamiliarity and potential disruptions associated with
change. Others may feel a sense of loss or grief for the familiar or comfortable aspects that are being
changed or left behind. Emotional responses can vary widely, and individuals may go through different
stages as they process and adapt to the change.
2. Resistance: Change can evoke resistance from individuals who are comfortable with the status quo or
have concerns about the implications of change. Resistance may manifest as active opposition, passive
resistance, or reluctance to embrace new ways of working. It can stem from various factors such as fear
of the unknown, loss of control, perceived threats to job security, or doubts about the benefits of change.
Addressing resistance is crucial for successful change implementation.
Use the space below to cite any external sources used in your assessment.
» ASSESSMENT MARKSHEET
1. LO1 Understand the business environment in which the people profession operates, including the key issues that affect it.
2.
3. LO2 Understand how people’s behaviour in the workplace affects and shapes culture.
4.
5. LO3 Understand the importance of effective management of change.
1.1
Examine the key external influences that impact on business environments.
3
Overall, you have considered a range of connected external factors with some good examples.
Your analysis in relation to your organisational model is to place the examination in a strong context.
However, some supporting references would have helped here, as would some clarity regarding which analytical tool you have used.
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1.2
Discuss organisational goals and why it is important for organisations to plan.
You have used your organisational model well here to discuss the importance of planning to achieve organisational goals with some 3
good examples.
However, stronger evidence of wider reading would help develop higher attainment.
Also as a development point, don’t waste your word count stating what you think you have told the marker.
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1.4
Review the range of technology available within the people profession, including how it can be utilised to improve working practices and collaboration.
Some appropriate examples are used with good organisational context applied. You have been able to develop good detail. However, 3
you could have expanded in this with more consideration of both positive impact and related challenges.
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A well-written definition has been developed here, and you focused well on the question with some good detail. But I can tell from your 3
writing that you have applied some theory. You should always cite your sources to show academic rigour.
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2.2
Explain how organisations are whole systems, and how work and actions as a people professional could impact elsewhere in the organisation.
This is a well-considered explanation. Good understanding underpins your points, and some evidence of deeper understanding is 3
exhibited appropriately. The section is further developed using supporting references to your reading and research to justify your points.
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You have made good points on why planning and managing change is important with good examples. 1
However, you still need to cite your theoretical model for change here.
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3.2
Consider the importance and role that people professionals play within change.
Overall, you have considered how HR professionals can support organisational change, with some links to appropriate ideas and good 3
examples.
However, you could have developed more depth with deeper critical writing and evidence of wider reading.
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You have explored the impacts of change with some good points and relevant examples. However, this section should be underpinned 1
with some explicit use of theory to show your research.
Have a look at the Kubler-Ross model for this.
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Total marks for unit (your grade is provisional until 23 Grade REF
moderated and confirmed by the CIPD)
Grade
Total marks for first resubmission (your grade is
provisional until moderated and confirmed by the CIPD)
Grade
Total marks for second resubmission (your grade
is provisional until moderated and confirmed by the CIPD)
This was a well-structured submission; you have made some insightful points, but you should use supporting references to theory to show
wider reading. Also, where you have used specific ideas and concepts you have read, you should cite the sources to credit the research.
Still, you have made good use of your working context overall. You will need to develop your responses to section 3.1 before a final pass is
possible.
Areas of Strength
• Good structure and clarity.
• Some good examples are used to develop points.
Areas for Development
• Still, more depth is possible.
• Evidence of wider reading and referencing should be used to develop more critical writing.
Assessor Signature
Date 20/11/2023
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You will receive a Low Pass/Pass/High Pass or Refer/Fail result at unit level. Assessors will provide a mark from 1 to 4 for each of the assessment criteria in the unit.
The marking descriptor grid is provided here as guidance. This will provide you with feedback that is developmental. To pass the unit assessment you must achieve
a 2 (Low Pass) or above for each of the learning outcomes/assessment criteria.
2 Low Pass Demonstrates an acceptable level of knowledge, understanding or skills (as appropriate) required to meet the AC.
Sufficient and acceptable examples included, where required, to support answers.
Required format adopted but some improvement required to the structure and presentation of the assignment.
Answers are acceptable but could be clearer in responding to the task and presented in a more coherent way.
3 Pass Demonstrates good knowledge, understanding or skills (as appropriate) required to meet the AC.
Includes confident use of examples, where required, to support each answer.
Presentation and structure of assignment are appropriate for the assessment brief.
Answers are clear and well expressed.
4 High Pass Demonstrates a wide range and confident level of knowledge, understanding or skill (as appropriate).
Includes strong examples that illustrate the point being made, that link and support the answer well.
Answers are applied to the case organisation or an alternative organisation.
Answers are clear, concise and well-argued, and directly respond to what has been asked.
The presentation of the assignment is well structured, coherent and focusses on the need of the questions.
Includes clear evidence of the use of references to wider reading to help inform answer.
18 to 22 Low Pass
23 to 29 Pass
30 to 36 High Pass