1. Managing People: Essay Guidance 2018/19

2. Aims and Objectives Outline the essay options for this year
Overview the marking criteria
Formatting guidance
Outline key points relating to each question
Q&A to answer any remaining questions

3. Essay Questions
Students are required to select one question from the list of three below:
Q1. Is there a business case for diversity? Support your answer with reference to the literature. 
Q2. Given that interviews are not the most reliable selection technique (Cooper, Robertson & Tinline 2003 and Shackleton & Newell 1991), why are they so popular?
Q3. How important is national culture in IHRM?
Answers should be 1,500 words. You have a +/- 10% margin. References are not included in the word count.
Submission via Blackboard on 7th May

4. Marking Criteria Subject Knowledge – 20% Critical Evaluation – 30%
Ability to Construct an Argument and Relevance of Content – 25%
Use of Literature and Other Sources – 10%
Writing Quality – 15%

5. Subject Knowledge
Clear understanding of the theoretically context of the topic
Evidence of reading the recommended reading and ability to find further credible sources
Ability to discuss the significance and validity of theory and key ideas
Understanding of contingency factors (size, age, culture, employees, industry etc.)

6. Critical Evaluation Opinions are presented and defended
The validity and reliability of ideas is discussed
Links between theory, research and relevant examples are present
A clear attempt not just to describe key points but to critically evaluate them by comparing and contrasting different literature

7. Ability to Construct an Argument and Relevance of Content
Need a thorough and rigorous argument
All ideas and arguments need to be discussed and critiqued in detail
Show originality of thought
All material is relevant and from credible academic sources
Evidence of independent research into the literature and topic

8. Use of Literature and Other Sources
Appropriate use of external sources
Focus on academic journal articles
Evidence of independent research (citing beyond the slides and reading list)
Conforming precisely to UWE Harvard referencing style
Avoiding direct quotes and paraphrasing to evidence understanding
Avoidance of web-based and media sources

9. Writing Quality
Exclusive use of academic vocabulary (no use of first person, formal language etc.)
No spelling or grammatical errors
Professional presentation
Clear and logical structure to the essay
Includes introduction and conclusion
Use of literature to support arguments
Signposting of key areas

10. Professional Presentation
Need to write the chosen question, student number and word count at the start of the essay
Formal cover page is not needed
Main body:
Size 11 or 12 text
Times Roman, Aria or Calibri font
1.5 line spacing
Alignment: justified
Text Colour: Black
Subtitles are not needed in an essay of this length. If used the essay must still flow well

11. Answering the Question
Define key terms
Outline the structure of the essay
Split your answer into sensible sections ( “for and against”, set of dimensions or different stages of process etc.)
For each section provide definitions of the key areas, present your argument and critique to discuss the validity/reliability
Support all ideas, points and arguments with reference to the literature
Ensure citations are from a wide variety of sources
End with a strong conclusion that brings together the main points

12. Support Q&A now Drop-In during next week’s tutorial
In place of next week’s lecture there will be another drop in (details to follow)
*Must ask any questions and seek any guidance before teaching finishes at the end of term even though the hand-in is next term*

13. Questions?