A strong essay will use the key themes addressed in the second part of the module to develop the analysis, namely:
-Knowledge Management/Environment
-Communities of Practice/Interest
-The Challenge of Performance Measurement
-Intellectual Capital and Social Networks
Organizational examples from the tutorial sessions should be used to illustrate the themes covered in the essay. However, the essay is not a case study; it is a discussion of relevant theory. Remember that a critical study aims to provide a balanced analysis of differing perspectives, and points of view, before drawing the argument to a coherent conclusion
Required: A wordprocessed essay with referencing to literature. The essay will be 3,000 (+/- 10%) words (inclusive of appendices, NOT inclusive of references).
In order to complete this activity you need to undertake three principal tasks:
(1) Utilise academic research using literature from journals, books, etc.
(2) Undertake a critical evaluation making effective use of evidence and sources
(3) Present findings in an appropriate format (ensure that Harvard referencing is used)
Marking criteria:
(i) Introduction to the assignment describing scope, objectives, methods of investigation etc.
a. Clear structure to the essay providing the course of the analysis
b. The essay should display a coherent introduction; analysis & conclusion
(ii) Discussion of key areas
a. The four main themes need to be clearly covered in the essay and it is important to develop the links between them
b. Aspects of Knowledge i.e. tacit/explicit need to be clearly explored and discussed in relation to how they can be developed
c. The categories of IC need to be developed and the reasons and challenges of measuring should be examined
d. The potential for Communities of Practice to offer a way of developing knowledge should be discussed, along with the challenges of managing them for organisational benefit
e. The value and challenges of Performance Management need to be developed within the discussion
f. Application of examples where KPIs and other measurement systems have been used to develop performance e.g. Skandia, Essex police
(iii) Application of theory
a. Clear awareness of the relevant authors in developing the analysis of the main themes e.g. Nonaka; Drucker; Rastogi; Nahapiet&Ghosal; Marr; Wenger & Lave, etc
(iv) Structured analysis
a. The essay needs to display a coherent analysis drawing the themes together in order to explore the question in a relevant way
b. The essay is not meant to be separate sections that should be left to the conclusion to link. Weaker essays will fall into this pattern
(v) Creativity of thought
a. The essay needs to display a clear analysis drawing on the main theory being explored to display the comfort with the ideas being covered
b. Examples from organisations can be effective in illustrating the thought of the analysis
(vi) Presentation of document including clarity of expression and referencing.
a. The essay must be clearly set out and well written
b. Avoidance of confusing arguments and messy content e.g. overly long sentences
c. Consistent Harvard referencing is essential to support the analysis