Assessment: Essay

- Leadership role in a performance improvement plan
or
- The role of leadership in workplace change

Marking Criteria and Standards:

Aim of Assessment

This assessment aims to build on the learning outcomes for assessment 1 and apply the principles of effective leadership and change theory to a change strategy or performance improvement plan in the health care sector. The assessment asks students to consider the implications for capacity building and both personal and organisational level and the ways in which workplace culture may enhance or hinder the achievement of sustainable change outcomes. Students are asked to consider the role of the leader in developing workplaces that are flexible and able to meet the demands for change.

Details

Choose one of the following essay topics.

1. Critical Analysis of the leadership role in developing a performance improvement plan.

Identify an area (one specific) health related practice that requires a performance improvement. Using some references form each module, identify and critically discuss relevant aspects of the following:
- the role of the leader in this particular performance improvement
- the type(s) of leadership style(s) that can effect change
- the steps required (and their relevant change theory support) to implement this aspect of workplace performance
- the impact of the workplace culture
- the barriers and facilitators in change processes and the management strategies
- the importance of benchmarking best practice related to this performance improvement
- strategies for motivating and engaging the stakeholders/staff in the performance improvement at all stages

OR

2. Critical Analysis of the role of the leader in workplace change processes

Critically discuss the role of the leader in facilitating any change process in the workplace. This could be discussed in relation to a health related area but could more generally examine the components of sustainable change and the role of the leader and leadership styles covered in this unit. Use of relevant literature is expected, including some references from each of the three modules, as well as literature specific to the change to support the analysis and critical discussion.

This could include:
- the role of the leader in change processes
- workplace culture and its relevance to workplace change
- the importance of consideration of an organisation's vision, mission and strategic goals when considering workplace change
- analysis of a change theory and its importance in the planning and implementation of any change.
- the barriers and facilitators to the success of this change and how the leader can manage these.

For both topics, you are expected to write a scholarly essay that explores the chosen topic in a critical manner and demonstrate your understanding of the ideas and concepts related to leading organisational performance improvement or change. You are also required to demonstrate an ability to apply these ideas and concepts to the program being discussed.

It is expected that you will use the accepted format for an academic essay including:
- an introduction with a thesis statement
- sections made up of a number of paragraphs that address each of the assignment points and
- a comprehensive conclusion.
- APA referencing

The marking sheet

This provides the marking criteria and standards against which your assignment will be marked. Ensure that you cover all points on the marking sheet and that you are clear about the standards against which your work will be marked. You should write in clear English, avoid lists or dot points and lengthy quotes. You may wish to use headings to structure your assignment. All ideas and concepts drawn from the literature or websites must be correctly acknowledged and referenced.

Referencing

The School's referencing requirement is the American Psychological Association (APA). Full details of the APA Style Guide can be found at:
http://library.westernsydney.edu.au/main/sites/default/files/cite_APA.pdf

Submission requirements

All assignments both paper copy and electronic copy must be submitted by the due date and time as specified in this document.

Complete your assignment and submit your electronic copy as per the instructions below.
Format
All assignments are to be typed.
Typing must be according to the following format. Required format:
Length: as designated by assignment
3 cm left and right margins
Double Spaced
Font: Arial or Times New Roman
Font size: 12pt

All borrowings from other sources must be properly referenced and a reference list must be included at the end.

Each assessment item will direct you to one of the submission options below:

Electronic submission
Step Electronic copy only

Students are to submit an electronic copy of your assignment. Students are not required to submit the original hard copy of their assessment on campus.

Submit your assessment electronically through the "Turnitin" link on the unit vUWS site.

Students are to upload the assignment with the following title; Surname_Firstname_assignment title

Your assessment must be submitted in .doc, docx. or pdf format.

This assessment is marked online; no paper copy will be accepted. Marks, comments and the marking criteria will be released online. If you do not receive your marked assignment when all others have been returned, it is your responsibility to contact the unit coordinator for assistance.

Feedback
Feedback will be provided in accordance with the marking criteria for your assessment described in the subject outline for your unit.

Note: In some cases, the tutor or lecturer may not be the marker

Word count:3000 words

Attachment:- Essay-writing-WSU-format.rar