ESSAY (2,000 words): Organisational Culture

Part A: What are the essential elements of a strong organisational culture? How can leadership ensure an inclusive and multicultural organisation? Refer to theory in your answer. (1500 words +/- 10%)

AND Part B: Critically reflect and discuss your own observations of multiculturalism in an organisation known to you. Provide examples to explain how management and leadership may have influenced, or failed to influence, multiculturalism in the organisation known to you. (300 words +/-10%)

Plus introduction (100 words +/- 10%) and conclusion (100 words +/- 10%).

Please see Assessment 3 marking criteria for a detailed explanation of the allocation of marks in this assessment.
 

Rationale

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This assessment task will work towards assessing the following learning outcome/s:

• be able to express opinions on management issues with clarity, from both personal and more objective positions that are backed up with sound evidence and analysis.
• be able to apply management theory in order to analyse management dilemmas and problems, and provide recommendations for action.

This assessment will assist you learn to:

• demonstrate your understanding of the challenges that managers face
• learn about and identity the skills and abilities required for managing
• perform in-depth research on matters relating to contemporary management
• develop your critical thinking skills so you can present a balanced view of management theory and organisational practice
• critically reflect on your own philosophy, goals and skills about managing
• develop and practice your formal written communication skills (academic literacy and numeracy)
• develop your APA citation and referencing skills (academic literacy and numeracy)

Marking criteria and standards

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ASSESSMENT 3 ESSAY MARKING GUIDE* (30%)

CriteriaHD – Outstanding Achievement 85% – 100%DI – High Achievement 75% – 84%CR – Above Satisfactory Achievement 65% – 74%PS – Satisfactory Achievement 50% – 64%FL – Unsatisfactory Achievement    0 – 49%1. Introduction defining main concepts and explaining line of reasoning for both A and B. (100 words = 2 marks)
Exceptionally clear and well researched introduction inclusive of all aspects of an essay introduction i.e. main topic definition(s), essay purpose, plan, and line of reasoningVery clear well researched introduction inclusive of all aspects of an essay introduction i.e. main topic definition(s), essay purpose, plan, and line of reasoningClear well researched introduction inclusive of most aspects of an essay introduction i.e. main topic definition(s), essay purpose, plan, and line of reasoning.Includes many aspects of an introduction i.e. topic definitions, essay purpose, plan, and line of reasoning.Poorly researched and missing several elements of an essay introduction, i.e.  topic definitions, essay purpose, plan, and line of reasoning2. Identification, use, application, and critical analysis of theory to examine Part A of essay.
(1500 words = 5 marks)Concise overview and critical evaluation of relevant theory. Theory is integrated exceptionally well into argument.Concise overview and critical analysis of relevant theory. Theory is integrated and linked well to argument.Identification and explanation of relevant theory. Theory linked to point of view and/or argument.Includes some relevant theory and makes attempts to use theory to support point of view and/or argument.Relevant theory on the topic missing and/or none/ poor attempt to use theory to support point of view and/or argument.3 .Critical reflection, discussion, and examples in part B. (300 words = 5 marks)
Consistently demonstrates and integrates critical/reflective evaluation. Evidence of superior reflective thinking skills.
Mostly demonstrates and integrates critical/reflective analysis. Evidence of superior reflective thinking skills.
Demonstrates and integrates critical/reflective analysis. Evidence of reflective thinking skills.
Some attempt at critical/reflective analysis.
Does not demonstrate any attempt at critical/reflective analysis.
4 .Conclusion in relation to both parts A and B.(100 words = 5 marks) [meets subject LO4)
Well-constructed and clear conclusion with strong links to main arguments in essay.Well-constructed and clear conclusion supported by main arguments in essay.Clear conclusion that reflects main arguments in essay.Conclusion reflects main arguments in essay.Conclusion not evident and/or does not relate to main arguments in essay.5. Suitable refereed academic journal articles used to good effect in essay. (.5 for each suitable journal article up to 4). (5 marks) 
[meets subject LO5]
4+ highly relevant refereed journal articles presented in perfect APA style. Articles used to outstanding effect in essay.3 very relevant refereed journal articles presented in perfect APA style. Articles used to very good effect in essay.2 relevant refereed journal articles presented in APA referencing style. Articles used to good effect in essay..2 potentially relevant refereed journal articles presented in near-perfect APA referencing style. Articles used to some effect in essay.>2 relevant refereed journal articles, and/or not in perfect APA referencing style. Articles not used to good effect in essay.6. Use and application of APA citation and referencing techniques. (5 marks)
Outstanding use and application of APA citation and referencing techniques.
Very good use and application of APA citation and referencing techniques.Good use and application of APA citation and referencing techniques.Satisfactory use and application of APA citation and referencing techniques.Unsatisfactory use and application of APA citation and referencing techniques.7. Level of comprehension provided to reader. (3 marks)Outstanding expression and presentation. Fluent writing style appropriate to the style of paper. Grammar and spelling accurate. Very considerate to the reader. Meets essay presentation guidelines.
Very good expression and presentation. Language fluent, few errors in grammar, spelling and syntax. Mainly considerate of the reader. Meets essay presentation guidelines.Good expression and presentation. Language mainly fluent grammar and spelling mainly accurate. Needs more consideration given to the needs of the reader. Mainly meets essay presentation guidelines.Satisfactory expression and presentation. Meaning apparent but language not always fluent, grammar and/or spelling contain errors. Minimal consideration given to the reader. Meets most essay presentation guidelines.Unsatisfactory expression and presentation. Meaning unclear and/or grammar and/or spelling contain frequent errors. No consideration given to the reader. Poor presentation e.g. single spacing, no paragraphs.* Students must use the CSU American Psychological Association (APA6th) referencing style. Penalties may be applied for: 10% over word limit / failure to cite sources / referencing errors / omissions / plagiarism (Plagiarism carries a large penalty see Handbook).  

Presentation

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The following points are an important guide for presenting assessment items:

• To introduce the essay, create a title page including a title (topic of the essay), your name and student ID, date the essay was written.
• Clearly structure your paragraphs.
• Use design elements to create a professional-looking paper.
• Provide a single reference list (“References”) that starts on a new page (for example, use “Ctrl+Enter”)
• Use 1.5 spacing throughout the report.
• Use a standard 12 point font such as Times New Roman, Calibri or Arial.
• Left-justify body text.

Requirements

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• Always keep a copy of your assessments.
• Most importantly, always use your spelling and grammar checker. Remember this does not pick up all errors, so you must also manually and carefully edit your work.
• Always cite and reference all sources of information used in assessments (see plagiarism below).
• Do not include personal experience or comments.
• Indicate the number of words (do not include: what is inside citation brackets or in reference list; title page; table of content)
• If you do use images or graphs in your assignment, please make sure they are small size image files (total less than 1 mb)
• Submit your assessment in a WORD format (not PDF or Pages).