Assessment Brief UMPT9M-15-M HRM in the Business Environment Submission details Module title: HRM in the Business Environment
Module code: UMPT9M-15-M
Assessment title: Select a suitable organisation and:
a) illustrate THREE ways in which external factors contribute to shape HR policy;
b) analyze the strategy and strategic process by means of applying EITHER Barney’s RBV/VRIN model, OR Porter’s Value Chain & Activities map tool.
c) critically discuss HR practitioners’ roles, with reference to Ulrich’s (1988) vision for the HR function.
Assessment type: Written assessment – individual essay
Assessment weighting: 100% of total module mark
Size or length of assessment: Maximum 3000 words. There is no o +/- 10% on word count and anything after the maximum word count will not be marked. This word count includes everything in the main body of the text (including headings, tables, citations, quotes, lists, etc.). References, bibliography and footnotes (only if including references) are NOT included in this word count (see Assessment Content Limit Policy for the University)
Module Learning Outcomes assessed by this task:
Analyse systematically the relationship between business strategy and Human Resource Management Critically examine the roles played by HRM professionals and the role of data in the delivery, measurement and evaluation of HRM`s contribution Draw critically on theory to analyse and evaluate strategy and the strategic process within particular organisations Evaluate opportunities and constraints for HR in light of contextual factors and international, national, sectoral, and local influences on employment policy and practice Use of AI in assessment: Please refer to the UWE categorisation guidance for using Generative AI in assessments. For this module, you are permitted to use Gen AI tools in an assistive role in this assessment to support you with: drafting and structuring content; supporting a particular process such as translating content; providing ideas or inspiration to help you overcome a creative block. As the use of Gen AI is optional, its use is not part of the skills or knowledge you need to demonstrate for this assessment. However, if you have used Gen AI to prepare or produce part or all of your work, you must acknowledge its use. For more advice on this (and its use in general) please see the Generative AI study skills guide. Remember that Gen AI is often inaccurate, creating false references, out-of-date detail and false information: always check your results!
Guidance on Referencing (inc AI): Please note that the aim of referencing is to demonstrate you have read and understood a range of sources to evidence your key points. You need to list the references consistently and in such a way as to ensure the reader can follow up on the sources for themselves. Failure to properly reference your work to original source material can be grounds for the assessment offence of plagiarism and may result in failure of the assessment or more serious implications.
à The recommended referencing style is UWE Bristol Harvard. You can find more about it at: Referencing – Study skills | UWE Bristol
Submission and feedback dates N.B. all times are 24-hour clock, current local time (at time of submission) in the UK
Submission format: Please use the following file format(s) Word .doc, .docx. We cannot ensure that other formats, including PDf’s, are compatible with markers’ software and cannot guarantee to mark incorrect formats. All work should be word processed in 12-point font Times New Roman or Arial and single spaced. The first page of your coursework must include: Your student number The module name and number Your word count The coursework question or title Please note: a table of contents is not required. Marks and Feedback due on: Due no later than 20 working days after the late submission window date Marks and Feedback will be provided via Blackboard Completing your assessment What am I required to do on this assessment?
The assessment for this module is by means of an individual essay, 3000 words long, that applies theories and concepts covered in class to address the following task:
Select a suitable organisation and analyse systematically the relationship between business strategy and Human Resource Management. Specifically, your essay should include (in equal proportions):
a) An analysis of THREE ways in which external factors contribute to shape HR policy in your chosen organisation.
b) An analysis of the strategy and strategic process of the chosen organisation, by means of applying EITHER Barney’s RBV/VRIN model, OR Porter’s Value Chain & Activities map tool.
c) A critical discussion of HR practitioners’ roles in your chosen organisation, with reference to Ulrich’s (1988) vision for the HR function.
In relation to a), you may draw from the PESTLE framework to identify the abovementioned three impactful ways. External factors may be present at the international, national, industry or local level.
In relation b), you may add no more than two pages of diagrams or charts that apply the models or frameworks in an appendix (e.g. a VRIN chart, an Activity Map, or a Value Chain, as appropriate) but the ideas in these must be discussed in the essay.
How does the learning and teaching relate to the assessment?
Each session will relate to the assessment. Specifically, Weeks 5-6 will focus on the component A, Weeks 1-2 on component B, and Weeks 3-4 on component C.
What do I need to do to pass? How do I achieve high marks in this assessment?
Please refer to the marking rubric and criteria below.
Where should I start?
Before deciding on the organisation, you should first consider:
your unit of analysis. In the case of large organisations it is sometimes better to focus on a strategic business unit (SBU) in order to make the tasks you have been set more manageable. how easy (or difficult) it is to gather appropriate information including some relevant statistical data on your selected organisation. access to the appropriate evidence and whether there is time to gather and analyse the data in relation to the submission deadline. When trying to decide on an organisation, a good place to start is the company website, where you can obtain annual reports, strategy documents and other useful information, always look for something like ‘Investor Relations’ as the link for these.
Once you have selected your case be sure to identify core relevant markets and sectors it works within and look for general resources on how state and global regulations operate, as well as any specific references on the relevant labour market.
For information on theory: Use the reading lists in the Handbook but you can also search for additional articles on theory via the library’s electronic database, Business Source Premier. This is located on the Library’s Business Management page at:
http://www1.uwe.ac.uk/library/usingthelibrary/searchforthingsa-z/databases/bysubject/businessandmanagement.aspx
You may also use Business Source Premier to find articles about your company especially if it has been the subject of a study by an academic. To help narrow your search here, select ‘COMPANY ENTITY’ in the ‘Select a field’ drop-down box and use the terms such as “capabilities or capability” as an “ABSTRACT” search in the ‘Select a Field ‘box.
Other information on companies can be obtained from the database “NEXIS” that is also found on the Business and Management page in the library (Click on the UWE link on the access page to this).
What do I do if I am concerned about completing this assessment?
It is recommended that you review all of the relevant materials on Blackboard. You can also speak to your module leader for advice and guidance.
UWE Bristol offer a range of Assessment Support Options that you can explore through this link, and both Student Support Advisers and Wellbeing Support are available.
For further information, please see the Student study essentials.
Personal Circumstances If you are experiencing difficulties in completing a piece of assessment on time due to unexpected circumstances (for example illness, accident, bereavement), seek advice from a Student Support Adviser at the earliest opportunity. Appointments can be made via an Information Point or online via the Student Support Pages.
Student Support Advisers can advise as to whether you should submit an application for ‘Personal Circumstances (PCs)’, how to do so and what evidence is required to support the application. Further details on PCs can be found on the Student Support Pages.
The module leader cannot grant personal circumstances or extensions.
How do I avoid an Assessment Offence on this module? Use the support above if you feel unable to submit your own work for this module.
UWE’s Assessment Offences Policy outlines potential offences and it is your responsibility to understand this policy and avoid potential offences. Details of what constitutes plagiarism and how to avoid it can be found on UWE’s Study Skills pages about avoiding plagiarism.
Text-matching software (e.g. SafeAssign) is used to check every submission against other submissions made at the same time, previous submissions to UWE and other universities, and internet sources. We may also manually search for matches. When submitting your work, you will be required to confirm that the work is your own.
It is an assessment offence to:
copy work from any source, including your own previous assessments, and present it as your own work for this assessment, or to provide your own work to others to work with others on the assessment in any way, or for anyone to make amends on your work (including proof-readers, who may highlight issues but not edit the work) change individual words but keep, essentially, the same sentences and/or structures from other sources: this will be detected by text-matching software. Please write in your own words and style to convey your own learning Therefore, it is important to:
ensure you reference all sources used, using the UWE Harvard system and the guidance available on UWE’s Study Skills referencing pages. refer to peer reviewed primary sources, rather than using AI or secondary sources avoid copying and pasting any work into this assessment, including your own previous assessments, work from other students or internet sources develop your own style, arguments and wording, so avoid copying sources and changing individual words but keeping, essentially, the same sentences and/or structures from other sources never give your work to others who may copy it if an individual assessment, develop your own work and preparation, and do not allow anyone to make amends on your work (including proof-readers, who may highlight issues but not edit the work). When submitting your work, you will be required to confirm that the work is your own, and text-matching software and other methods are routinely used to check submissions against other submissions to the university and internet sources. Details of what constitutes plagiarism and how to avoid it can be found on UWE’s Study Skills pages about avoiding plagiarism.
Further details at: academic-conduct-policy-and-academic-misconduct-procedures
Instructions for submission You must submit your assignment before the stated deadline by electronic submission through Blackboard. Please allow sufficient time to upload your assignment, as the system becomes busier and slower as the deadline approaches. Always check and retain your receipts. For full guidance on online submission through Blackboard, see UWE’s Academic Advice pages on Assignments.
Submissions of coursework by any other method (including a paper copy, on disk or by email) are NOT permissible for this module unless specifically agreed in advance of the submission date.
Before submitting your work, please ensure that: You have proof-read you work thoroughly to ensure your work is presented appropriately You have addressed all the required elements of the assessment You have referenced in accordance with the guidance provided You have addressed each of the marking criterion The submission is in the correct format This assessment has a 48-hour grace period in which students can submit their work without penalty. While students are expected to plan their work so that they are not impacted by minor illness or delay, if you are experiencing difficulties which will affect your ability to submit your work by the published deadline the University allows a 48-hour grace period in which students can submit their work without penalty for this type of assessment. Please note that the submission deadline at the conclusion of the 48-hour grace period is absolute and based on UWE server time, therefore you are strongly advised to submit work well ahead of the deadline dates to avoid your work not being accepted for marking. For full information please see; Assessment support options – Academic information | UWE Bristol What additional resources may help me complete this assessment?
There are a number of sources of support to improve your study skills, including:
The UWE Library Study Skills pages – for online support and bookable workshops The Faculty of Business and Law’s Academic Success Centre for bookable workshops Guidance on using UWE’s Library. Specific study skills pages relating to this module include:
How to plan and structure your writing Writing skills Research skills / techniques How to write critically English language support For further guidance on UWE assessment regulations and terminology see UWE’s Academic Advice pages.
Marks and Feedback Your assessment will be marked according to the following marking criteria.
You can use these to evaluate your own work before you submit.
MODULE CRITERIA
< 40%
Insufficient (Fail)
40-49%
Marginal Fail
50-59%
Satisfactory
60-69%
Good
70-79%
Excellent
80%
Outstanding
Identification of the topic and underlying controversies
(MLO1)
There is no identification of the topic and underlying controversies.
Lack of clarity in the identification of the topic and underlying controversies. Limited appreciation of its complexity.
A reasonable attempt to identify the topic and underlying controversies. Its complexity is only partly considered.
Clear identification of the topic and underlying controversies. Its complexity is considered but not thoroughly addressed.
Exhaustive identification of the topic and underlying controversies. Does justice to the complexity of the topic.
Flawless identification of the topic and underlying controversies. Complete understanding of the complexity of the topic.
Engagement with relevant debates and research
(MLO2, MLO3, MLO4)
No evidence of engagement with relevant debates and research. Too limited use of sources.
Limited engagement with and sporadic knowledge of relevant debates and research. A restricted range of sources are used. Little evidence of individual reading and investigation.
Sound knowledge of relevant debates and research. Evidence of individual reading and investigation. Some use of appropriate sources.
Detailed knowledge of relevant debates and research. Very good breadth of individual reading and investigation. Wide range of appropriate sources.
Detailed and thorough knowledge of relevant debates and research. Significant breadth and depth of reading and investigation. Wide range of appropriate sources.
Impressive knowledge of relevant debates and research. Remarkable breadth and depth of reading and investigation. Very wide range of appropriate sources.
Evidence of analysis and critical evaluation upon key theories and concepts
(MLO2, MLO3, MLO4)
No acknowledgment of key theories and concepts, or major inaccuracies, errors and misconceptions in their presentation and understanding.
Some attempts to use key theories and concepts but outcomes may be simplistic and/or unconvincing, due to inaccuracies and misconceptions.
Some ability in analysing, synthesising, and appraising key theories and concepts.
The discussion of complex concepts is tackled, but with omissions or limited signs of critical thinking.
Good level of ability in thinking critically and being creative in analysing, synthesising, and appraising key theories and concepts.
Advanced ability to think critically and creatively in analysing, evaluating, synthesising, and appraising key theories and concepts.
Sophisticated ability to think critically and creatively in analysing, evaluating, synthesising, and appraising key theories and concepts.
Application of theory to clarify the topic and main underlying controversies
(MLO2, MLO3, MLO4)
No evidence of an ability to apply theory to practice. The work is largely descriptive and arguments, if attempted, are poorly substantiated. No solutions suggested to problems.
Limited evidence of an ability to apply theory to practice. The work is largely descriptive and arguments, if attempted, are rarely substantiated. Limited solutions suggested to problems.
Evidence of an ability to apply theory to practice, with some regard to context. Arguments are generally substantiated and tend to suggest reasonable, yet not so developed, solutions to problems.
Clear evidence of an ability to apply theory to practice, with regard to context. Arguments are well substantiated and there is evidence of an ability to make appropriate judgements and to suggest solutions to problems.
Strong evidence of an ability to apply theory to practice, in a context-sensitive way. Arguments are fully developed, sustained and substantiated. Appropriate and sometimes innovative solutions are offered to problems.
Very strong evidence of an ability to apply theory to practice, in a context-sensitive way. Arguments are rigorously supported and compelling. Original solutions are offered to problems.
Presentation and communication: word length; use of academic conventions; spelling, grammar, structure; proof-reading
(MLO1)
Major faults in the presentation of work (e.g. inaccurate syntax, spelling and punctuation in written work) and in its structure and organisation. Frequent errors in the referencing of literature and other sources.
Faults in the presentation of work (e.g. inaccurate syntax, spelling and punctuation in written work) and in its structure and organisation. Frequent errors in the referencing of literature and other sources.
The structure and format of the work are appropriate. Occasional faults in the presentation of work (e.g. inaccuracies in syntax, spelling and punctuation in written work). Occasional errors may be present in the referencing of literature and other sources.
Work is very well presented and the format conforms to relevant conventions. The referencing of literature and other sources is almost always accurate and in line with academic conventions.
The standard of presentation is highly professional and the format conforms to relevant conventions. The referencing of literature and other sources is accurate and in line with academic conventions.
The standard of presentation is highly professional and the format conforms to relevant conventions. The referencing of literature and other sources is accurate and in line with academic conventions.