In role as a management consultant, write a report to Simon Chance on one of the following issues that are relevant to the Junction Hotel Assessment brief/s: There are two assessments for this module:
(1) Written Coursework (individual) – is an assignment requiring you to write a report. It is weighted 50% of the overall module mark.
(2) Final written examination weighted 50% of the overall module mark.
Both assessments are to be marked anonymously as per https://www.canterbury.ac.uk/our-students/ug-current/academic-services/assessments/exams-and-coursework-procedures
Assessment 1: Written Coursework – Individual Report (2000 words) weighted 50% This is an individual assignment. The word count for the report is 2000 words (excluding front title page, executive summary, contents page, reference list and appendix).
The assessment provides you the opportunity to demonstrate your understanding of key concepts, themes and theories relating to how individuals work, are managed and organised in organisational settings. You will explain and apply appropriate theory and models to evaluate organisational practice through use of the ‘running’ Junction Hotel case study from the core text. You will write a report.
Task: In role as a management consultant, write a report to Simon Chance on one of the following issues that are relevant to the Junction Hotel:
Choice of report titles:
Evaluation of rational organizational design and bureaucracy at the Junction Hotel. Evaluation of rational work design at the; Junction Hotel. Evaluation of contemporary models of rationalisation at the Junction Hotel. Evaluation of groups and team working at the Junction Hotel. Evaluation of motivation of employees at the Junction Hotel. Evaluation of knowledge and learning practice at the Junction Hotel. Evaluation of communication at the Junction Hotel. Compulsory Report Structure and Content In the report you will include the specific content as detailed below and you will do so in a professional report format. You must follow these guidelines below to structure and organise your report.
Report guidelines: Front Title page (on a separate page)
To: Simon Chance
From: [insert a consultancy company name]
Title of report [as per chosen topic]
Date [insert submission date]
Executive summary (on a separate page) Provide an overview of the whole report and the key issues, findings, conclusions and any recommendations. Its aim is to give the reader a general idea of the purpose of the report and contents in a ‘nutshell’. Even though it appears in the beginning, you will write it once the report is complete!
Contents page (on a separate page) Show and list all the numbered sections of the report and what page numbers they correspond to. See below for the specific sections and contents.
Example:
Executive summary
1.0 Introduction
2.0 Explanation of theory and concepts of [include relevant topic]
3.0 Evaluation of the Junction Hotel
4.0 Conclusion
5.0 Recommendation
6.0 Bibliography/reference list
7.0 Appendix
Page
2
3
4
6
8
9
10
11
1.0 Introduction (on a separate page) In a few sentences inform what your report will cover, pointing out the purpose of the report, brief background information about the Junction Hotel to provide context, outline the report’s structure (what will be in section 2.0), and you might indicate the conclusion of the report. Be guided by your assignment information and chosen title as shown above.
2.0 Theory and concepts: Explanation of [add a relevant section heading as per chosen topic] In this section you must:
You must define the concept of [for example motivation].
Explain some of the key theories and frameworks or models.
Explain why the concept/theory is of value to organisations and employees.
3.0 Evaluation of the Junction Hotel In this section you must:
Apply the concepts and theory to understand and evaluate this issue at the Junction Hotel.
Make sure you provide examples that are drawn from the case study materials, resources and core text.
4.0 Conclusion Summarise the key points in your report to act as a focus for your recommendation section. Do not include any new points here.
5.0 Recommendation Based on the discussion above, recommend and provide reasons or one change that Simon Chance can introduce at the hotel.
6.0 Bibliography/Reference list Remember to include a bibliography of sources.
A minimum of 5 appropriate sources that are correctly Harvard referenced (with in-text citations also) are required.
7.0 Appendices (optional) You may include an appendix – additional information, visual data etc. This must be information that supports your discussion above but is not essential to its explanation. One page of A4 maximum.
And finally:
Use short sentences, concise business language and ensure the report is coherent and well presented. Your report should be impersonal, written in the 3rd person narrative. No use of the first-person narrative ‘I’. Make sure your report fulfils its purpose. In other words, have you done what you said you would do in the introduction? Does it match the assignment instructions, and you have concluded effectively? Size 12 font and preferably Times New Roman and 1.5 line spacing please. Harvard referenced in-text citations and reference list. Full details and guidance on report format is available from the module Blackboard, Learning Hub and from the module Blackboard for ‘Academic Skills for Business and Management’ module.
Assessment 1 grading criteria Criterion
Knowledge & understanding
- Knowledge & application of subject and theories
45%
Cognitive skills
- Referencing in Harvard style both in-text and reference list a minimum of five appropriate sources
15%
- Conclusions made concerning the Junction Hotel
10%
Transferable skills
- Communication & presentation in prescribed report format
20%
- Including accuracy of spelling, grammar, punctuation & numeracy in the report
10%
Full and detailed assessment criteria are provided on the module Blackboard in the Assessments folder and in appendix A in this handbook.
Study Skills: The importance of connecting the themes together.
It is tempting to look only at the topics that are closely associated with a particular assessment question or topic or only read the chapter concerned. However, in practice, and indeed to really understand the theory, it is important to understand how each aspect of organizational behaviour (OB) connects to other aspects. Strong answers show an awareness of the connection between themes. Intelligent management understands the connections between one intervention and other aspects of the organisation.
It is therefore essential to appreciate the connections between the themes. By showing these connections, you are able to present a stronger level of understanding of the particular topic as it demonstrates an awareness of how the individual theory is impacted by the wider field of OB and the deeper issues that theorists are seeking to explore. Therefore, when you come to write this report (or study for the exam) do not simply focus on one topic alone but try to make connections back to other themes.
Excerpt taken from King and Lawley (2013, p. 581).
Assessment 2 – Computer-Based Examination weighted 50% Examination date: This will be in semester 2 assessment period. The date and venue will be confirm. Week commencing 28th September 2026.
Assessment 2 consists of two types of questions. All the topics will be included in the exam and there will be a multiple-choice section, and you will need to answer two essay questions. Time: 2 hours.
The total of 100 marks is divided between 25 multiple-choice questions and two essay questions. Each multiple-choice question is worth 2 marks, while each essay question is worth 25 marks. All 25 multiple-choice questions are compulsory. For the essay section, you will be provided with 8 questions, from which you must answer any two questions.
Exam guidance, revision sessions, practise questions and a mock are part of the module and resources are provided on the module Blackboard.
Assessment 2 grading criteria Criterion
Each essay question is worth 25 marks
Transferable skills
- Communication & presentation. Produce an essay with an introduction, main body, conclusions & logical progression of ideas
5 marks
- The essay has clarity of expression. Incl. accuracy of spelling, grammar, punctuation & numeracy (where appropriate)
3 marks
Knowledge & understanding
- Knowledge & application of subject and theories
Definition Explanation Range of theoretical knowledge Applied example(s) 12 marks
Cognitive skills
- Referencing in Harvard style it if is provided in the exam paper response: in-text citations and/or reference list
2 marks
- Conclusions drawn in the essay
3 marks
Full and detailed assessment criteria are provided on the module Blackboard in the Assessments folder and in appendix A in this handbook