Task
Assessment 3 gives you the opportunity to apply theory and research in a practical way by critically analysing the practice of strategic HRM in organisations. You have three options to choose from in this assessment task. Prepare a report that answers one of the following questions.
Option 1 Workplace-based project
Critically analyse one of the following practices in an organisation known to you using the outside/inside approach to strategic HRM. Focus on ONE segment of the organisation for ease of analysis.
a. Performance management (Topic 7), or
b. Knowledge management (Topic 8), or
c. The learning organisation (Topic 9).
Assumed knowledge of Topics 1-4.
Make recommendations for improvement. What HR professional capabilities might be relevant for the implementation of your recommendations? If it is appropriate, you may like to inform the organisation of the results of your work and discuss this with relevant people. If you decide to do this, feel free to include feedback on this in your report.
Option 2 Web-based critical analysis
Visit the cultural diversity pages of the Westpac web site and gain a thorough understanding of the way that this company has addressed the recruitment and selection of indigenous Australians through its Reconciliation Action Plan. Provide a critical assessment of the approach taken to recruitment and selection for this segment of Australian society using relevant theory and research. Make recommendations on ways to improve. What HR professional capabilities might might be relevant to your recommendations, and why?
Option 3 Case study on the learning organisation
Read the case study
Then, answer the following questions.
1. Is the learning organisation paradigm the correct approach to take in this situation? Justify your answer using relevant literature.
2. What changes should Thomas recommend in ONE of the following areas: performance appraisal policy or knowledge management policy? How would the outside/inside approach to strategic HRM be relevant?
3. What problems or issues relating to implementation, if any, does Thomas need to be aware of in making his recommendations?
4. What HR professional capabilities are relevant to your recommendations?
Support your arguments with reference to relevant academic and professional literature. No minimum number of references is specified for this task. Your selection of references should be made to adequately support the arguments that you're making.
Rationale
This assessment item gives you the opportunity to employ academic writing and information literacy skills to demonstrate the ability to produce robust, well-supported argument within the field of strategic human resource management; and to demonstrate your ability to synthesis and apply theoretical frameworks and scholarly research to critically analyse issues relating to the practice of strategic human resource management in organisations.
Marking criteria
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Criterion and weigthing
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High distinction
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Distinction
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Credit
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Pass
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Quality of argument (25 marks)
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The arguments made are very well supported with evidence from the organisation,and from relevant, quality academic and other sources. Demonstrates strong ability in critical thought.
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The arguments made are well supported with evidence from the organisation, and from relevant, quality academic and other sources. Demonstrated sound capability in critical thought.
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Some gaps in the quality of arguments made, notably, in the use of evidence from the organisation, and from relevant, quality academic and other sources. Capability in critical thought is also evident, but with some gaps.
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The papers tends to be descriptive and needs more work in the quality of arguments made, notably, in the use of evidence from the organisation, and from relevant, quality academic and other sources. Limited capability in critical thought demonstrated.
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Quality of recommendations (20 marks)
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Recommendations are comprehensive, address all aspects of the argument, and and very well supported.
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Recommendations are comprehensive, address most aspects of the argument, and and well supported.
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Some gaps in the scope and quality of the recommendations and/or in the way they address the argument, and/or in the support provided.
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Several gaps in the scope and quality of the recommendations and/or in the way they address the argument, and/or in the support provided.
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Written expression and referencing (5 marks)
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The answer is expressed very well and fully referenced in accordance with the APA6 system.
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The argument is largely expressed clearly and referenced in accordance with the APA6 system.
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Some errors in written expression and accuracy of referencing using the APA6 system.
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Several errors in written expression which makes it difficult to follow the argument. Several errors in the use of the APA6 system.
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Presentation
- Use a report format. See sample format provided in the Resources folder.
Include a title page that shows the subject code and title, the assessment item numbers, your name and student number, and the total word count, excluding citations and the reference list.
Use 12 point, 1.5 line spacing.
Do not use footnotes, endnotes or appendices.
The APA6 referencing system must be used to show In-text citations and the reference list.