Effective Techniques for Open Book Examinations

Always Read the Question Carefully

Essentially there are a few basic techniques in dealing effectively with this examination – the examination for this module is no different to any other open book with a timeline of a week, although the fourth point below is specific to this module. You will have the following information in your related study guide:

·Always read the question carefully! This means not rushing to answer a question just because you see a key word in the question. If you have revised in one of these areas there is a temptation to rush towards an ‘answer’ because you recognise the word – without actually understanding the question being asked!

·Do what the question asks you to do! This is about looking for key operators in a question such as: briefly explain – this means briefly! Critically discuss – this means comparing and contrasting at least two views on a topic/issue whereas describe simply means describe and does not require you to critically discuss anything.

 Similarly the word analyse is also asking you to demonstrate something but in addition to explain the meaning of your analysis. The point I am making here is that every examination question will contain key operator words, which you should use to help you understand exactly what the examiner is expecting from you.

·Time management – if you feel you are spending too long on a question then you probably are! It is more effective for you to move on to the next question since the law of diminishing returns applies – that is, you will most likely gain more marks for time spent on a new question than for the same time spent on a current question.

·You are studying for a Masters Degree. It is therefore incumbent upon you to use the tools of analysis of these disciplines to demonstrate that you can use them and understand what they mean. It follows that you need not define every single piece of terminology but you should use it in a context which shows that you understand its meaning.

Word count and presentation

You are required to submit the work not exceeding 1500 words (+- 10%) per question.

If using tables/images provide labels and references. Write in a suitable academic style.  

Submission

Your individual open book exam should be submitted by (Time and Date to be Confirmed) via the Turnitin submission link.  Your file name should provide your matriculation number, taking the format of 401xxxxx MOC.  Your name should NOT appear.  

Weighting

The assignment accounts for 50% of your overall mark on this module.  

Follow the APA referencing system throughout. All references provided in your list should link to a corresponding within text citation.

Plagiarism

Always provide a reference to support your arguments, ensuring that you cite all sources you draw ideas from and that you attribute any quotes appropriately to the author. Turnitin software may be used to detect plagiarism.

Plagiarism is considered a breach of academic conduct regulations, dealt with in accordance with the University’s Student Disciplinary Regulations and Academic Conduct: Code of Practice for Staff and Students. Please see the following website for further advice and information on avoiding plagiarism.

An example of the type of examination questions for this module is provided below:

The duration of the examination is one full week. There are a total of five questions and you are required to answer only two. The exam is open book and all the questions carry equal marks.

Sample Question

Groups in organisational settings make life more predictable and evolve into “a structure of complementary roles and a set of rules or norms to regulate behaviour of their members and if necessary, pressure to conform is brought to bear on people who step out of line” Rollinson: (2010)

Critically discuss this statement by evaluating the important elements that make a group or team function effectively in the context of work and the organisation.

Guideline Answer:

In attempting to answer this question, you should explore the factors that affect the operations of groups. These include group formation, group roles and norms, group conformity, group cohesiveness and groupthink. Relevant theories should be drawn upon to support the argument. Good answers will also display an understanding of some of the issues surrounding group problems such as conflict and groupthink.

Sample Question

(a)Conflict within an organisation is an inevitable feature of management and organisational behaviour”. To what extent do you accept this?  

(b) Using illustrative examples, suggest some ways that management can attempt to avoid the harmful effects of conflict.