This task is designed to develop your ability to: contribute fruitfully to a group task; assess an organisational issue or problem as objectively as possible; appreciate the potential of theory in managerial decision making and problem solving; apply theory to ‘real life’; take managerial responsibility by designing a practical course of action.

     Task description:

In groups of no more than 5 (five) students you are to identify a problem situation (only one problem) in an organisation you have access to (preferably an organisation where at least one group member works or has worked recently). Do not focus on a problem that has already been solved.

A presentation covering the following points should be prepared:

Ø  Provide a brief introduction to the organisation (it is acceptable to withhold the name of the organisation).

Ø  Describe the problem, as much as possible in terms of the observable or measurable symptoms it manifests, for example: high percentage of faulty products; high employee turnover; deterioration of service quality; increased customer complaints; decreased market share; loss of profit;  negative/ unhelpful organisational culture etc.

Ø  The issue/problem should then be considered and analysed in terms of concepts/ models/ theories drawn from any two topics studied as part of this subject. Try to choose the topics that seem to offer the most useful insights into the problem. Do not try to deal with many models or concepts. Topics outside course coverage must not be selected.

Ø  Design an intervention (a change program or set of activities and procedures) utilising some aspect or aspects of your analysis. The intervention should be intended to solve or improve the situation. Please note you are not merely being asked for a list of recommendations.

Group members should present their considerations, analysis and intervention design to the class. The presentation should last between 20 and 30 minutes. Each member will present for more or less equal amount of time (5-6 minutes).  You will be penalised for exceeding 30 minutes. An additional 10 minutes is available for questions and answers.

A report of 1800-2000 words (there are penalties for exceeding the word limit) summarising your project must be submitted next day following the presentation (word files only). Your report must be correctly and adequately referenced (only one report from each group). Presentation mark 10 (individual mark); Report mark 20 (Group mark

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