5. Assessment Details
Formative assessment tasks will be conducted prior to the summative exercise in order that students are familiar and prepared for their activity.
Summative assessment
Assessment 1: Leadership Simulation and written basis for change with considerations (2500 words maximum (See below for current word limit)
50% TMM individual submission
As a leader you will prepare a written case for change in a simulated organisation based upon the formative assessment tasks and frameworks studied within the module. You will include organizational perspectives that should be considered within a change process. You will additionally role play this leader in a presentation simulation.
Assessment 2: Consultant’s report and Simulation 50% TMM individual submission (2500 words maximum individual submission (See below for current word limit)
As a consultant you will critically analyse another student’s case for change and develop a plan for delivering and sustaining the change that leverage frameworks studied within the module. You will additionally role play this consultant in a presentation simulation.
5.1 Summary of assessment
The Individual Assessment for this module consists of two assessments. You will be paired with a fellow student to undertake the second assignment.
Assessment 1 is focused on optimising the operations of a simulated business from the perspective of a business leader who specifies the requirements for change. Within this assessment Assignment 1 involves contextualizing and specifying this requirement for change, including the need for change and the readiness for change, in the form of a written Leader’s Programme Journal which should be critically supported through the application of appropriate organizational change theory. This Journal is both uploaded to turn it in and delivered to your paired student colleague to brief them for their assessment 2 task.
Assessment 2 is focused on you as the consultant change project manager responsible for delivering a sustained change that addresses the need for organizational optimisation that your fellow student has specified in assessment 1. Within this assessment you will deliver Assignment 2 which will specify your change approach in the form of a written Consultant Programme Journal, again critically supported through the application of appropriate organizational change theory. This Journal is uploaded to turn it in.
The presentation simulation is a role play that supports Assessment 2. This involves two reflective critical discussions between yourself and your paired student colleague about the challenges you faced, firstly in your role as Organistional Leader in Assessment 1 and secondly as Consultant Change Manager in assessment 2. Each discussion should take no longer than 4
MGT 6B4, Optimising Operations and Change 2020/21 9
mins, the conversation will be stopped after 8 mins. In the absence of a paired student, a single student can talk directly to their tutor.
Assignment Weight Length Due Anticipated
Title towards Date Return
final Date
grade %
1. Written 50% 2,000 words Week 6 Week 10
basis for +/- 10%
change
2. Consultant 40% 2,000 Week 11 Week 13
report Words
+/- 10%
and 10%
presentation 8 min Week 11 &
simulation per pair 12
5.2 Detailed description of assessment
5.2.1 Formative assessment Describe an organization in need of change. 300 -600 words Week 4
Through research and cases studies discussed within the module synthesize a 300 word description of a simulated organization or functional department (e.g. finance) in need of change (can be real with a name change and a disclaimer). The description should include a basic description of its market, ownership, competition and operations.
The description can be extended to include diagnosis of external drivers acting on the business operations that may cause it to optimise operations through a significant transformation.
You can further extend your description to add a diagnostic assessment (upto 600 words) for the need to change, using the tools we have explored in previous weeks
Print a copy off and bring to week 4 seminar where it will be critically reviewed by your paired student colleague. You will reciprocate with a critical review of their organisation description and optional change requirement. This description will form a foundation for your Journal delivery in Assignment 1.
5.2.2 Assessment 1: Leadership Simulation and written basis for change with considerations 50% TMM individual submission (2000 words +- 10% maximum) Due week 6 Friday 5th November at 23.59 (late submissions will be allowed up to the following Wednesday and will be capped at 40%) .
Based upon the description of the organisation you have simulated in the formative assessment 1 you will write an illustrated Leader’s Programme Journal from the perspective of a leader of this organisation who has recognised the need for optimising its operations and are
MGT 6B4, Optimising Operations and Change 2020/21 10
therefore initiating a programme to achieve and sustain a correspondingly improved outcome for the business. You will also assess the readiness of the organisation to undertake the change associated with the proposed optimisation of its operations. Throughout your Journal you will critically support your analysis with reference to theoretical structures and models based upon discussions within the module and your own independent research.
A draft format for the Leader’s Programme Journal might include:
1. Introduction and description of the organisation – 300 words
If based on real company names and people should be renamed and add disclaimer
2. The internal or external driven needs for change – 600 words Could be wk 2 -PESTEL then SWOT or Burke Litwin
3. The optimisation outcome to be achieved – 200 words
Needs to be efficiency cost cutting strategy as wk 3 delayering, 4. The readiness of the organisation to change – 600 words
Look at the force field analysis wk 4 then maybe the wk5 readiness method 5. Your readiness as a leader to lead change – 300 words
Reflect on your actions as Leader , critic against theory wk6, have you written a vision statement (wk5) for the change in part 4?
References
Optional Appendices – or use diagrams within the text
Marking Rubric follows next page
MGT 6B4, Optimising Operations and Change 2020/21 11
Marking Criteria
Marking Rubric Marks
allocated
to
criteria:
Coherence and structure of the overall report with regards to the diagnosis of 25%
the drivers and need for optimisation in the simulated organisation
Demonstrate regard to internal attitudes and readiness for change, including 25%
reference to forces, power and politics, in the simulated organisation
Demonstrate their understanding of a range of approaches to leading change 25%
from both a theoretical and applied perspective.
Demonstrated level of research (in terms of perceived use of relevant change 15%
management theory)
Presentation of the Journal 5%
Grammar , proper use of the Harvard System of referencing 5%
MGT 6B4, Optimising Operations and Change 2020/21 12
CRITERIA
Coherence and structure of the overall report with regards to the diagnosis of the drivers and need for optimisation in the simulated organisation 25%
Demonstrate regard to internal attitudes and readiness for change, including reference to forces, power and politics, in the simulated
organisation 25%
Demonstrated understanding of a range of approaches to leading change from both a theoretical and applied
perspective.25%
Demonstrated level of research (in terms of perceived use of relevant change management
theory) 15%
Grammar , proper use of the Harvard System of referencing
5%
Structure, coherence and clarity of the text
5%
0-10% 11-29% 30-39% 40-49% 50-59% 60-69% 70-79% 80-89% 90-100%
No relevance of the Partial relevance Demonstrated Demonstrated Demonstrated Demonstrated Demonstrated Demonstrated Demonstrated
report to organisation to the diagnosis of relevance of relevance of diagnosis of the diagnosis of the diagnosis of the diagnosis of the diagnosis of the
drivers and need the organisation diagnosis of the diagnosis of the organisation in organisation in terms organisation in organisation in organisation in terms of
drivers and need organisation in terms of drivers of drivers and need terms of drivers terms of drivers and drivers and need for
for optimisation terms of drivers and and need for for optimisation has and need for need for optimisation plus the
has been met in optimisation needs optimisation has been met to a very optimisation plus optimisation plus optimisation strategy
some areas has been met a been met to a good standard as the optimisation the optimisation has been achieved to an
whilst other minimum level 6 good standard with the optimisation strategy. has strategy has been exceptionally high
areas have not standard. Basic leveraging theory strategy. Level 6 achieved a high achieved to an standard
research. from the module criticality and/or standard outstanding level
research and
connections
The content of the The content of the The content of the The content shows an The presented The presented content Demonstrates an The presented The change readiness
assessment shows no assessment shows assessment shows adequate content demonstrates a very excellent assessment content demonstrates content is presentable in
understanding of the very limited a limited understanding of the demonstrates a good assessment of of the change an outstanding a professional context
basic ideas of this understanding of understanding of major ideas of change good assessment change readiness with readiness with assessment of change and may extend practical
criteria, with no the basic ideas of internal attitudes readiness, with of internal change good insight to the strong insight of the readiness with or theoretical knowledge
change readiness this criteria, with and change limited insight of the readiness with issues of forces, power forces, power and outstanding insight of in the field of this
insight and shows no no change readiness. Very issues of forces, insight to issues of or politics, with level 6 politics. Leveraging the forces, power and criteria. It displays an
ability to define the readiness insight limited research power or politics. forces, power or criticality, some good theory from the politics at play. with exceptionally high level
issues. Lacks and shows no Limited level 6 politics , leverages connections. module, with level 6 level 6 criticality of understanding,
Research ability to define the synthesis theory from the criticality and/or and/or research and evaluation, insight, with
issues. Lacks module excellent research Connections level 6 criticality and
research and connections connections
No insight nor ability very limited Very little change Adequate change Demonstrates a Demonstrates a very Demonstrates an Demonstrates an The application of change
to lead nor application understanding of leadership leadership good application of good level of excellent application outstanding leadership approaches is
of theory is leadership with no insight, very basic approaches change leadership application of change of change leadership application of change presentable in a
demonstrated or the application of research, and very presented, with little approaches with Leadership approaches with leadership professional context. It
connections are theory limited ability to insight and basic level 6 reflection approaches, with level level 6 reflection approaches with displays an exceptionally
completely irrelevant. demonstrated make research. Limited and/or 6 reflection, some criticality, research level 6 reflection, high level of scope,
connections. level 6 analysis, appropriate insight and/or very and connections criticality and understanding,
reflection and/or research. good research and research and evaluation, insight, with
criticality connections. Connections level 6 reflection,
criticality and
connections
The presented The presented The presented The presented The presented The presented content The presented The presented The presented research
content lacks content shows very content very content shows content demonstrates level 6 content content demonstrates is presentable in a
understanding and limited and lacks basic research, adequate but basic demonstrates level criticality and very demonstrates an an outstanding professional context with
Research research. and very limited research and 6 criticality and good research and excellent display of display of research level 6 criticality and
ability to make understanding appropriate connections. research and and Connections inc connections
connections research. connections inc level 6 criticality
level 6 criticality
Structure and Structure and Structure and Structure and Structure and Structure and Structure and Structure and Structure and grammar is
grammar are grammar maybe grammar are grammar are grammar may be grammar is to a very grammar are to an grammar is to an developed to an
Completely barely adequate. barely adequate. adequate. appropriately good standard. excellent standard. outstanding standard. exceptionally high
inadequate. Bibliography and Bibliography and Bibliography and developed.as with Bibliography and Bibliography and Bibliography and standard. Bibliography
Bibliography and Acknowledgements Acknowledgemen Acknowledgements Bibliography and Acknowledgements Acknowledgements Acknowledgements and Acknowledgements
Acknowledgements may be barely ts are barely are adequate. Acknowledgements are to a very good are to an excellent are to an outstanding are developed to an
are completely adequate adequate. standard. standard. standard. exceptionally high
inadequate. standard.
Structure and Structure and Structure and Structure and Structure and Structure and Structure and Structure and Structure and
presentation of the presentation of the presentation of presentation of the presentation of the presentation of the presentation of the presentation of the presentation of the
Writing is completely Writing maybe the Writing are Writing are adequate. Writing may be Writing is a very good Writing to an Writing is to an Writing is developed to
inadequate. barely adequate. barely adequate. appropriately standard. excellent standard. outstanding standard. an exceptionally high
developed. standard.
13
MGT 6B4, Optimising Operations and Change 2020/21
5.2.3 Assessment 2: Consultant’s Report and Simulation 50% TMM individual submission (1200 words +- 10% maximum, simulation role discussion); Summative submission due Sunday 5th December at 23.59 (late submissions will be allowed up to the following Wednesday and will be capped at 40%) The simulation role play discussions will be run in weeks 11 & 12.
Acting as a consultant change manager you will develop a plan to deliver and sustain the optimisation of the operations of a simulated business as has been specified in the assignment 1 Leader’s Programme Journal of your student colleague. Referring to the specification of requirements in your colleagues assignment 1 your Consultant Programme Journal will: Introduce the organisation and proposed change; address the education of employees (learning plan); the informing of pertinent stakeholders (communication plan); For each of the above illustrative plans you will provide a written context that will leverage appropriate change management theories and models that you have covered within the course or through you own independent research. Finally, you will critic how you are to address the culture of the simulated organisation in terms of its resistance to change. If the specification you have received from student colleague in their assignment 1 is insufficient for your needs you can extend the requirements as foundations for your plans.
A draft format for the Consultant Programme Journal might include:
• Journal 1 Introduction – the organisation , need for change and required outcome – 200 words (inc strategy and vision)
• Journal 2 The education plan, model and justification 200 words ( inc learning contracts, loop model and organisation learning)
• Journal 3 The stakeholder communication plan, model and justification – 300 words ( inc comm plan- stage messages and media)
• Journal 4 Critic of the challenges associated with overcoming cultural resistance to change 500 words ( inc Change agency; kotter 8 step v emotional resistance)
References
Optional Appendices – NOTE: Complete Models can be placed in the text as diagrams
Note: this is a critical plan so there is no requirement for a conclusion
If you have not had a briefing from a colleague you should deliver assignment 2 in respect of the Northwell implement case study which is available under weekly materials on the Blackboard web site. You should confirm with you tutor in week 9 if you intend to do this.
Leader and Change manager simulation role play discussions in week 11 & 12 Student pairs will present in role plays acting as both leaders and change managers.
Leadership – you will spend up to 4 minutes critically discussing with your what you consider to be the key aspects of your Leadership roles that led to your strategy, mission and readiness assessment.
Change management – you will spend up to 4 minutes critically discussing with your pair what you consider to be the key aspects of your roles as change managers that led to your
MGT 6B4, Optimising Operations and Change 2020/21 14
learning plan, communications plan, how organizational culture is addressed and monitoring and measurement proposals in your report.
Marking Rubric Marks
allocated
to
criteria:
Implementing change learning plan 20%
Communications plan 20%
Highlight the middle managers role in dealing with the implications and 30%
consequences of the results of a collision of change forces with organisational
culture.
Demonstrated level of research (in terms of perceived use of relevant change 15%
management theory)
Reflective contribution during the two simulation role play discussions to extract 5%+ 5%
the maximum learning and benefit for self and others.
Grammar , proper use of the Harvard System of referencing 5%
MGT 6B4, Optimising Operations and Change 2020/21 15
CRITERIA
Planning and implementing change including learning plan 20%
leverage illustrative plans of basic milestones and timelines for the proposed operational changes that address the change need; nc action plan e.g. gantt, resource register, contingency and the education of employees ( learning contracts, loop model and organisation learning
Communications plan
20%
the informing of pertinent stakeholders inc comm plan-messages for different stages and media
Dealing with the implications and consequences of collision of change forces with organisation culture. 25%
Demonstrated level of research (in terms of use of relevant change mgt
theory) 15%
Grammar , proper use of the Harvard System of referencing
5%
Critical
Argumentative
skills during the
simulation role play
to extract the
maximum learning
and benefit for self
and others. 5% = 5%
0-10% 11-29% 30-39% 40-49% 50-59% 60-69% 70-79% 80-89% 90-100%
The content of the The content of the The content of The content shows Aa good change A very good change An excellent change An outstanding set The change plan and
assessment shows no assessment shows the assessment an adequate management plan management plan management plan of change education plan is
understanding of the very limited shows a limited understanding of the and employee and education plan and education plan management plans presentable in a
basic ideas of these understanding of understanding of major ideas of education plan leveraging multiple leverages multiple and education plans professional context. It
two criteria, the basic ideas of planning and change management and leverages theories from the theories from the with multiple displays an
this criteria with employee plan and employee theories from the module with Level 5 beyond the module, theories from the exceptionally high level
no management education with education plan, with Module criticality and with level applied 5 beyond the module, of understanding,
plan nor education no management limited plans. connections criticality with applied level 5 insight, with level 5
plan. plan nor Limited level 5 criticality criticality and
education plan synthesis connections
The content of the The content of the The content of the The content shows an Demonstrates a Demonstrates a very An excellent An outstanding The communication plan
assessment shows no assessment shows assessment shows adequate good assessment good assessment of assessment of assessment of is presentable in a
understanding of the very limited a limited understanding of the of stakeholder pertinent stakeholder pertinent stakeholder pertinent professional context It
basic ideas of this understanding of understanding of major ideas of Communication communication with communication with stakeholder displays an exceptionally
criteria, with no the basic ideas of stakeholder stakeholder with plan, plan inc media and plan inc media, communication with high level of
stakeholder this criteria with communication. communication, with leverages theory different project project stages and, plan inc media, understanding, insight,
communication nor no stakeholder with no comms limited plan. Limited from the module stages and, leverages leverages theory from project stages and, with level 5 criticality
critic of theories. communication nor plan nor critic of level 5 synthesis theory with level 5 beyond the module , leverages external and connections
critic of theories. theories criticality with level 5 criticality theory
No insight nor very limited Very little change Adequate change Demonstrates a Demonstrates a very Demonstrates an Demonstrates an The application of
application of theory understanding of management management good application of good level change excellent application outstanding change management is
is demonstrated or the managing insight, very basic approaches Change management in an of change application of presentable in a
connections are orgainsational research, and very presented, with little management and organisational context management in an change management professional context. It
completely irrelevant. change with no limited ability to insight and basic Organisational with level 5 reflection, organisational in an organisational displays an exceptionally
application of make research. Limited resistance with some insight and/or context with level 5 context with level 5 high level of scope,
theory connections. level 5 analysis, level 5 reflection very good research reflection, research reflection, research understanding,
demonstrated and/or research. and connections. and connections and Connections evaluation, insight,
The presented The presented The presented The presented The presented The presented content The presented The presented The presented research
content lacks content shows very content very content shows Content demonstrates level 5 content content is presentable in a
understanding and limited and lacks basic research, adequate but basic demonstrates level criticality and very demonstrates an demonstrates an professional context with
research research. and very limited research and 5 criticality and good research and excellent display of outstanding display level 5 criticality and
ability to make understanding Appropriate connections. research and of research and connections
connections research. connections inc Connections inc
level 5 criticality level 5 criticality
Structure and Structure and Structure and Structure and Structure and Structure and Structure and Structure and Structure and grammar is
grammar are grammar maybe grammar are grammar are grammar may be grammar is to a very grammar are to an grammar is to an developed to an
completely barely adequate. barely adequate. adequate. Appropriately good standard. excellent standard. outstanding exceptionally high
inadequate. Bibliography and Bibliography and Bibliography and developed.as with Bibliography and Bibliography and standard. standard. Bibliography
Bibliography and Acknowledgements Acknowledgemen Acknowledgements Bibliography and Acknowledgements Acknowledgements Bibliography and and Acknowledgements
Acknowledgements may be barely ts are barely are adequate. Acknowledgements are to a very good are to an excellent Acknowledgements are developed to an
are completely adequate adequate. standard. standard. are to an outstanding exceptionally high
inadequate. standard. standard.
Role play is Role play is barely Role play may be Role play may be Role Play may be Role Play may be Role Play may be Role Play is Role Play is developed to
completely an exceptionally high
adequate. Time barely adequate. barely adequate. Appropriately developed to a very developed to an developed to an
inadequate. standard. Lively/good
management is Time Time management developed. Time good standard. Time excellent standard. outstanding
Hasty, flow/
barely adequate. management may may be barely management may management is a very Time management standard. Time
dull/clumsy. Time effective/inclusive
management is be barely adequate. be appropriately good standard. to an excellent management to an Time management to an
completely adequate. developed. standard. excellent standard. excellent standard.
inadequate.
16
MGT 6B4, Optimising Operations and Change 2020/21
5.3 Common Assessment Scale
The scale consists of eight different numeric bands (0-8) with their matching descriptors of students’ performance. In order to award a final mark, first a numeric band will be given to the assessed piece, according to the descriptors that suit each piece of work. After this process, and following the conversion table below, academics will decide the most suitable percentage within the range proposed for the band awarded.
Bands Generic descriptors
• All learning outcomes and task specifications have been achieved to an exceptionally high standard (according to the level of study).
• The outcome of the assessment task is presentable in a professional context and may extend
8 practical or theoretical knowledge in the field. It displays an exceptionally high level of
understanding, evaluation, insight, analysis, reflection and/or criticality (according to the level of
study), and connections are developed both within and beyond the task set.
• The work’s organisation, structure and presentation are developed to an exceptionally high standard.
• All learning outcomes and task specifications have been achieved to an outstanding standard (according to the level of study).
7 The outcome of the assessment demonstrates an outstanding display of understanding, exploration, evaluation, insight, analysis, reflection, criticality and/or research (according to the level of study). Connections are developed both within and beyond the task set.
• The work’s organisation, structure and presentation are developed to an outstanding standard.
• All learning outcomes and task specifications have been achieved to high standard (according to the level of study).
6 The outcome of the assessment demonstrates an excellent display of understanding, exploration, evaluation, insight analysis, reflection, criticality and/or research (according to the level of study), and connections are developed both within and beyond the task set.
• The work’s organisation, structure and presentation may be developed to an excellent standard.
• All learning outcomes have been achieved at a good and some to a very good standard (according to the level of study).
5 The outcome of the assessment demonstrates a very good level of understanding, exploration, evaluation, analysis, reflection, criticality, some insight and/or very good research (according to the level of study), and connections are established within the task set, and in some cases reaching beyond.
• The work’s organisation, structure and presentation may be developed to a very good standard.
• Most learning outcomes have been met at a good standard (according to the level of study).
4 The outcome of the assessment demonstrates a good understanding, exploration, evaluation, analysis, and some reflection, criticality and/or appropriate research. (According to the level of study)
• The work’s organisation, structure and presentation may be appropriately developed.
• All learning outcomes have been met to a minimum satisfactory standard (according to the level of
3 study).
• The outcome of the assessment shows an adequate understanding, of major ideas, with little insight and basic research. Limited level of analysis, reflection and/or criticality (according to the level of
MGT 6B4, Optimising Operations and Change 2020/21 17
study).
• The outcome of the task shows ability to paraphrase concepts and theories, with limited ability to make connections.
• The work may be disorganised, and the structure and presentation may be barely adequate.
• Most learning outcomes have almost been met, whilst the rest have not (according to the level of study).
2 The outcome of the assessment shows a limited understanding of major ideas, with little insight, very basic research, and very limited ability to make connections. No analysis, reflection and/or criticality (according to the level of study)
• The work may be disorganised, and the structure and presentation may be barely adequate.
• The majority of the learning outcomes have not been met (according to the Level). The outcome of the assessment task is incomplete, flawed, very limited and/or presents significant inaccuracies.
1 The outcome of the assessment shows very limited understanding with no insight, and very limited ability to make connections within basic ideas in the field, very fragmented. Lacks research. No analysis, reflection or criticality (according to the level of study)
• The work is disorganised, and unstructured. Presentation is barely adequate.
• None of the learning outcomes have been met. The task has not been addressed by the student, or there is no assessable task.
0 The outcome of the assessment shows no understanding of basic ideas, with no insight and shows no ability to make connections within basic ideas in the field, or the connections are completely irrelevant. Lacks research. No understanding, analysis, reflection nor criticality.
• The work completely lacks organisation and structure. Presentation is completely inadequate.
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