Managing Organisational Change
A short video guide to doing well on the MOC Assignment
Where do I begin?
Study the briefing and guidance document
This video highlights the importance of…
Understanding both elements of the task
Understanding the assessment criteria
Choosing a good case study for the task
The key elements of your essay
Possible essay structures
What is good analysis?
The importance of having something to say
Understand the two aspects of the task
Essay Question (total word count 3,000 words plus/minus 10%):
Critically evaluate the implementation of a specific case of organisational change (two thirds of essay - approx. 2000 words on this)
Building on this, reflect on what you can personally learn from this case analysis about change management and how you might benefit from these insights in the future (one third of essay - approx. 1000 words on this)
The Assessment Criteria – T A C
| MARK | THEORY and LITERATURE KNOWLEDGE AND UNDERSTANDING | APPLICATION & ANALYSIS LINKING THEORY & PRACTICE | CRITICAL EVALUATION, SYNTHESIS & COHERENT ARGUMENT |
| 80 + | Demonstrates an outstanding knowledge and understanding of theories and concepts used. Shows outstanding evidence of reading widely. Outstandingly extensive reference to wide range of relevant literature beyond the core text. | Outstandingly insightful analysis that highlights and exposes key issues. Outstandingly extensive integration of theory with practice. Outstandingly well-chosen number and quality of examples. | Outstanding evidence of sound judgement, critical thinking and well supported evaluations. Outstanding development of strong, coherent argument. Outstanding address of the purpose of the assignment. Outstandingly adept handling of the material, well-reasoned, with a clear line of thought. |
How much does the case study matter?
Choose a case study…
that interests you
that gives you scope to demonstrate your capabilities in relation to the assessment criteria for MOC
It allows you to address the themes and topics covered within MOC and is focused on the people aspects of change management
It gives you scope to demonstrate your knowledge of theory and your ability in analysis & critical evaluation
If you have any concerns, check your choice of case study with your seminar tutor
Key elements of your essay
| Marks for T & C | Introductory overview | Include brief description of case, key theoretical perspectives to be used in the analysis, and your main argument/s. (c.150 words) |
| Case study introduction | Brief overview of key aspects of the case study that are relevant to your analysis (c.150 words) | |
| Marks for T, A, C | Case Analysis | Draw on a range of theories (concepts, models) to analyse the case. Structure your discussion around key themes: issues in the case or theoretical perspectives (e.g. Communication, Culture). Utilise two or three main theoretical perspectives (more than one Study Unit). Embed additional references to relevant theory. |
| Marks for T, C | Critical Evaluation | This is where you draw out the implications (the general lessons) from the analysis of this particular case study. Exercise judgement and critical thinking. Develop your argument. You can also make further links to other theories. |
| Marks for T, A, C | Personal Learning & Future Benefits | An analysis and discussion of what you have learned that is relevant to you and your experience, as well as to potential future benefits There will be further opportunities to make links to other theories and literature |
| Marks for C | Conclusion | Draw together the key threads of your argument that was summarised in the introduction and that has been developed throughout the essay (c.100 words) |
Possible Essay Structure (Example 1)
| Introductory overview | (see earlier slide) |
| Case study introduction | (see earlier slide) |
| Theme 1 | Case Analysis Critical Evaluation Personal Learning & Future Benefits |
| Theme 2 | Case Analysis Critical Evaluation Personal Learning & Future Benefits |
| Theme 3 | Case Analysis Critical Evaluation Personal Learning & Future Benefits |
| Conclusion | (see earlier slide) |
Possible Essay Structure (Example 2)
| Introductory overview | (see earlier slide) |
| Case study introduction | (see earlier slide) |
| Theme 1 | Case Analysis |
| Theme 2 | Case Analysis |
| Theme 3 | Case Analysis |
| Critical Evaluation | Drawing out the the different threads in your discussion to summarise key arguments |
| Personal Learning & Future Benefits | Drawing out key issues of relevance to your personal learning and future benefits |
| Conclusion | (see earlier slide) |
Clarity is important for all TAC marks
Whatever structure you choose for your essay, remember:
Answer the task that is set
Demonstrate that you are addressing the task:
Make it clear how you are approaching this in the introductory overview
Signpost at key moments, using key terms from the task briefing (e.g. ‘My personal learning from this is…’ and ‘In the future, I will…)
Analysis: Bringing Together Theory and Practice
Two levels of analysis (c.f. Blooms’ Taxonomy: Application and Analysis)
Linking theory and practice:
being able to identify theory that is relevant to the case study.
Do this for marks in the 50s
Using theory to examine and explore the case study
This underpins the development of persuasive arguments that leads to deeper insight
You begin to see and discuss things that others do not
Do this for marks in the 60s and above
From the Particular (of experience & practice) to the General (of theory) to the Particular… etc.
| Essay Component | Focus: Particular or General | Flow of the essay |
| Case Study | Particular | Starting with the particular experiences of organisational change in the case study… |
| Analysis: using theory to examine the case | General wisdom used to explore Particular experience | … we use theory that has been generalised from a range of similar & different situations to explain and explore the particular details of the case study… |
| Critical Evaluation | General | … and from this we can draw out general insights into the implications for successful people management in change situations |
| Personal Learning & Future Benefits | Particular | Now you shift to an analysis and discussion of what you have learned, as well as potential future benefits, which is particular to you… |
Have something to say & make a good argument
The best essays have an argument that runs from beginning to end
The discussion throughout the essay will introduce new ideas and arguments that contribute to this overall argument
An argument is persuasive, which you can achieve in a number of ways:
Well-supported ideas – the discussion of theory and/or the case study is clear and well-developed
Evidence of critical thinking – asking and answering good questions
Good skills of evaluation and judgement: the argument is sound and well-reasoned
The line of thought is clear, logical and easy to follow
What are some common pitfalls?
Choosing an unhelpful case – not focused on people change management and/or limited opportunities to apply relevant theory
Starting too late – having to rush
Not attending seminars and/or making poor use of the resources including the tutor
Failing to remember that it’s TAC that earns you marks
Make use of all feedback opportunities
Seminars are a regular opportunity to get feedback on your understanding and progress on the module
Attend regularly
Prepare well
Engage – discuss and ask questions
Use the feedback on the formative (practice) assignment to better understand…
What good use of theory looks like
How to develop an insightful analysis
how to build arguments that gain marks for criticality
Draw on your tutor’s expertise – make use of their Office Hours