Assessment Coursework (Written Assignment)
Assessment code: 010
Academic Year: 2019/20
Trimester: 2
Module Title: Leadership and Change
Level: 6
Module Leader: Shahriar Daudpota
Weighting: 60%
Word Limit: 3000
Assessed Learning
Outcomes:
2. Explore and critically appraise strategies and methods used for
the planning and management of change;
4. Develop a plan to effectively manage a specified change.
WRITING YOUR ASSIGNMENT:
• This assignment must be completed individually.
• You must use the Harvard referencing system.
• Your work must indicate the number of words you have used. Written assignments
must not exceed the specified maximum number of words. When a written assignment
is marked, the excessive use of words beyond the word limit is reflected in the
academic judgement of the piece of work which results in a lower mark being awarded
for the piece of work (regulation 6.74).
• Assignment submissions are to be made anonymously. Do not write your name
anywhere on your work.
• Write your student ID number at the top of every page.
• Where the assignment comprises more than one task, all tasks must be submitted in a
single document.
• You must number all pages.
ASSIGNMENT QUESTION
Written Report Instructions
You have been employed as a change consultant by an organisation who are
currently looking to purchase another similar sized company in order to expand the
presence in Scotland ‘post Brexit’.
You have been tasked with producing a 3000-word report for the Managing Director
– who is concerned for the success of the move.
In this report you will be required to evidence the following:
Task 1: Critically evaluate this statement ‘most merger and acquisitions fail to achieve the original objectives for the undertaking (Smith, 2002) and a great number of investigations into this phenomenon cite ‘cultural differences’ as the major source of the problem.’ (40%)
Task 2: With reference to an appropriate academic models identify and evaluate how
this merger might be practically managed (50%)
Report presentation and referencing (10%)
Learning outcomes assessed
2. Explore and critically appraise strategies and methods used for the planning and
management of change;
4. Develop a plan to effectively manage a specified change.
ASSESSMENT CRITERIA
Ensure you use the correct report format:
• Cover page with Index;
• Executive summary (please note a ‘summary’ of the key recommendations for
the MD);
• Introduction;
• Tasks – main body of analysis and evaluation;
• Conclusion;
• Recommendations;
• Bibliography;
• Appendices.
Please note:
• The word count should be 3000 words (+/- 10%)
• You may include appropriate graphics to support your points if you consider
they will add value to your answer
• This is not to be written as an ‘essay’
• Cover page, Exec Summary, Bibliography and Appendices are NOT included
in the word count)
• You must use academic theory and other robust sources to support your text,
and any theory used should be applied to the context of the scenario
• You must use in-text citations to evidence your work, in addition to producing
a full list of references in the bibliography. All of these should conform to
Harvard Referencing format.
• The bulk of this text should be your own original work, and should not be
excessively paraphrased.
Marks will be awarded as follows:
• A poor answer (39% and below (Fail) misses the point of the task and fails
to address the requirements listed in the brief, either entirely or to a significant
degree. Expression is simplistic and vague. The answer is unstructured and
also fail to use any academic support, with no citations or reference list in
evidence. Answer demonstrates no analysis question and is simply a
templated solution taken from other sources. Answer lacks significant
originality
• A basic answer (40 – 49%) addresses some of the issues and demonstrate
limited knowledge of appropriate theory, but at a superficial level. It
demonstrates difficulties with structure and contains some gaps in
understanding. Expression lacks maturity and use of professional terminology.
The material is not arranged in a user friendly, logical format. The delivery
system of the programme is be unclear and there are minor inaccuracies in
any financial information
• A satisfactory answer (50-59%) addresses a large amount of the questions
and demonstrate a sound, basic knowledge of theory, but with some minor
omissions in content and minor inaccuracies in expression. Structure is
largely logical. There is an attempt to analyse and evidence that the solution
has been tailored to a fair degree. Use of theory and evidence is reasonably
good but with room left to strengthen the credibility.
• A good answer (60-69%) adopts a logical structure and address almost all of
the questions using virtually all appropriate theory that relates. Knowledge
appears be sound. The report is supported by a good variety of robust
academic and industry sources. Omissions and inaccuracies are minor.
Analysis and evaluation is done well, but lacks some depth, detail and
sophistication.
