SOPTM

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As the Operations Manager of an organisation of your choice, you have been requested to

produce a report that encompasses the following aspects.

Tasks

1. Undertake a critical evaluation of the effectiveness of the current Operations Management

framework and the current Quality Management approach, in relation to the organisations

overall business strategy;

(Learning Outcomes covered L5: 1,2

- L4: 1,3,5,10

2. Provide recommendations to overcome the identified weaknesses found within the

organisation, with the view of improving its overall performance as well as the managementissues that may arise when implementing these recommendations. Further explain how these

issues can be managed.


- L4: 3,5,10

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As the HR Manager of an organisation of your choice, you have been asked to develop to a report

that addresses the following aspects.

Tasks

1. Taking into consideration the HR functions followed by the organisation, critically evaluate the

People Management Principles, Leadership approaches, the organisational culture and group

behavior within the organisation.

(Learning Outcomes covered L5: 1,3,5,6,7,8,9

- L4:1,2,3,4,5,7,8,9,10)

2. Highlight the human resources related issues found within the organisation and make

recommendations on how the People Management Principles can be adapted in order to

overcome these weaknesses and enhance employee performance.

(Learning Outcomes covered L5: 3,4,7

- L4:1,2,3,5,6,7,8,10)

3. Highlight the weaknesses in the organisational leadership approach in terms of supporting a

team environment within the organisation whilst identifying feasible leadership approaches and

management practices that can be incorporated in order facilitate a more conducive

environment for group dynamics and inter-personal relationships.

(Learning Outcomes covered L5: 6,7,8,9

- L4:1, 2,3,4,6,7,8,9,10)

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Systems, Operations, Performance and Team Management

Assessment Number: Three

Group Presentation: 20% of the overall module grade

Learning Outcomes Covered: 2,4,5,6,7,8,9

Presentation with handouts: maximum 20 slides and speakers notes

Assignment Brief

Introduction

This is the third and final component that assesses the overall module. The presentation should

address the tasks mentioned and you should ensure that they demonstrate that they have achievedthe outcomes stated. You should prepare a supporting handout in which you summarise the key

points of their presentation; you should also present the presentation slides and accompanying

speaker notes when submitting this assignment.

You are advised to develop the slides in professional manner. Ideally, you should refrain from

including a large amount of information within a slide. You are advised to maximise the use of visual

data on slides. You can use the slides to present important information in point form and use the

speaker notes to provide comprehensive information. You should maintain consistency between

what you present and what is contained within the handouts when presenting information during

assessment,

Marks will be awarded for the format of the presentation along with the information contained

within. Ensure that the speaker notes complement the slides as well as make sense without the

visual aid of the slides when presented alone.

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You are required to select an organisation of your choice and prepare a presentation that includes

the following aspects

Tasks

1. Define and explain the Soft Systems Methodology approach, list its strengths and weaknesses

and explain how it can be used to solve issues that can crop up within an organisation

(Learning Outcomes covered L5: 4

- L4: 1,5,10)

2. Define performance management and explain its importance for an organisation, appraisal

systems, reward and remuneration and training and development in terms of how it can

improve the overall organisational performance.


- L4:1:2,5,6,7,8,9,10)

3. Explain the importance of Team Management within an organisation by explaining the

importance of group dynamics within an organisation, how organisations can improve inter-

personal relationships and identify an accepted leadership approach that is conducive to group

behavior within the organisation

(Learning Outcomes covered L5: 5,6,8.9

- L4: 1,2,4,5,6,7,8,9,10)

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Assessment Criteria for Both Assessments

% Criteria

70-100%

Has presented an answer with an outstanding result with a minimal number of

errors

Reflects an excellent level of knowledge and understanding of related models,

theories and frameworks. Analytical techniques used are of high standards that

display the required breadth and depth.

Ability to apply models, theories and frameworks to interrelate andcontextualise findings is of high standards.

The analysis and interpretation of research related data, as well as the ability to

use the data to reach acceptable and accurate conclusions is outstanding.

Answers reflect independent thought and clarity with an overall focused and

evaluative answer

Has followed appropriate Harvard referencing in the bibliography.

60-69%

The answer reflects an above average standard with errors. Reflects a good level of knowledge and understanding of related models,

theories and frameworks. The use of analytical techniques is evident throughout

the answer in a manner that reflects a very good level.

Ability to apply models, theories and frameworks to interrelate and

contextualise findings is of a good standard, however, is quite broad in certain

instances.

The analysis and interpretation of research related data, as well as the ability to

use the data to reach acceptable and accurate conclusions is of a good standard.


evaluative answer. Nevertheless, does not reflect consistency at all levels.

Has followed appropriate Harvard referencing in the bibliography.

50-59%

The answer reflects an above average standard with errors.

Reflects a general level of sound knowledge and understanding of related

models, theories and frameworks, though with notable errors. The use of

analytical techniques is evident throughout the answer in a manner that reflects

a very good level.

Ability to apply models, theories and frameworks to interrelate and

contextualise findings is of a reasonable level, however, the link between theoryand practice projected through the presentation of findings has been restricted.

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Reflects more assumptions rather than valid arguments based on analysis of

research data. However, has displayed sound interpretative and evaluative

abilities.


evaluative answer. Nevertheless, does not reflect consistency at all levels.

Relatively appropriate Harvard referencing is evident in the bibliography.

43-49%

Displays several shortcomings throughout the answer.

Reflects a limited level of knowledge and understanding of related models,

theories and frameworks.

The use of analytical techniques is also limited.

The degree of accuracy and research abilities are somewhat limited and the

interpretation and the application of findings reflect a superficial characteristic.

A certain level of appropriateness is evident in Harvard referencing in thebibliography.

40-42%

Answer reflected is weak and lacks proper focus.

Reflects a high level of poor grammar and spelling errors.

Understanding of subject knowledge, related models, theories and frameworks

is poor.

Contextualisation, interpretation, and evaluation are of poor standard.

The degree of accuracy and research abilities are somewhat limited and theinterpretation and the application of findings reflect a superficial characteristic.

Reflects basic level of Harvard referencing in the bibliography.

25-39%

Requires more work on overall answering skills.

Very little evidence of appropriate subject knowledge has been reflected.

The evidence of the use of appropriate models, theories and frameworks is

quite poor.

The analytical skills and contextualisation is almost non-existent. Answer produced has little relevance to the assignment briefs.

The overall output is well below the required standard.

0-24% Considerable amount of work is needed as the overall answer it quite weak and

unacceptable.

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Link of the requirements to the learning outcomes

Requirement Learning Outcome Level 5Learning Outcome Level 4 Personnel

Management and Personal development

Component One

Critically evaluate the following;

o effectiveness of the organisations current

operations management frameworko Quality Management Approaches

Recommendations on how the identifiedweaknesses can be overcome to improve theorganisations overall performance.Recommendations should be backed by soundjustifications.

Candidates are then required to analyse themanagement issues that may arise whenimplementing these recommendations.

Candidates should also provide explanationson how these issues can be managed.

1. Assess the role of systems and operationsmanagement in an organisation and itsintegration within the business.

2. Examine the main issues involved in quality

management and business excellence

1. Identify and use appropriate techniques for

effective written and oral presentation.

3. Obtain and manage data from a variety of

sources, using appropriate technology and

software packages.

5. Understand and critically evaluate the

underlying principles and concepts of the nature of

organisation.

10. Use simple psychometric and related

instruments for self-analysis and learning tools for

goal-setting, problem-solving and personal

reflective practice within a framework for personal

and career development.

Component Two

Candidates are required to critically evaluate the

HR related functions given below in relation to the

chosen organisation ;

People Management Principles Leadership approaches Organisational culture and group

behaviour

3. Analyse the people and management issues in

organisations

5. Evaluate the main ideas and principles

governing inter-personal relationships

6. Understand and apply the principles of group

dynamics, behaviour and facilitation in diverse

group and team based contexts



2. Explore a range of theories developed to aid the

understanding of learning and human behaviour,

reflecting on their learning experiences and

career development.

3. Obtain and manage data from a variety of

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Candidates are required to highlight the human

resources related issues found within the

organisation.

Task One

Candidates should make recommendations on

how the People Management Principles can be

adapted in order to overcome the identified

weaknesses and enhance employee performance.

Candidates are required to highlight the

weaknesses in the organisational leadership

approach in supporting a team environment within

the organisation.

Task Two

Candidates should identify feasible leadership

approaches and management practices that can

be incorporated in order to facilitate a more

conducive environment for group dynamics and

inter-personal relationships.

7. Apply organisational behaviour and learning

theory to the business context

8. Critically analyse the factors influencing

individual behaviour in teams

9. Demonstrate effective management practice

and behavioural skills in a team environment to

generate personal and organisational

performance.

sources, using appropriate technology and

software packages.

4. Explore the advantages and disadvantages of

group working, using appropriate strategies to

manage the process.



organisation.

6. Understand and appreciate the contribution of

managing people effectively.

7. Explore and reflect on a range of theories

developed to aid the understanding of learning

and human behaviour.

8. Examine the application of theories in real world

organisational settings.

9. Apply a range of theories and concepts on

organisational design, structure and management

in the analysis of managing employees with

specific reference to leadership, power, motivation

and teamwork.






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Component Three

The presentation should include a briefexplanation on SSM, its general uses, as well asits strengths and weaknesses.

It should further identify and explain anOperational issue identified in component one.

Candidates should then use the 7-stage approach

of SSM to provide recommendations on how toovercome the identified obstacles.Recommendations should be backed by soundjustifications.

1. Assess the role of systems and operationsmanagement in an organisation and its integrationwithin the business.

2. Examine the main issues involved in quality

management and business excellence

4. Evaluate the role of Soft Systems Methodology

(SSM) in analysing and defining business

requirements

5. Evaluate the main ideas and principles

governing inter-personal relationships

6. Understand and apply the principles of group

dynamics, behaviour and facilitation in diverse

group and team based contexts

7. Apply organisational behaviour and learning

theory to the business context

8. Critically analyse the factors influencing

individual behaviour in teams

9. Demonstrate effective management practice

and behavioural skills in a team environment to

generate personal and organisationalperformance.



2. Explore a range of theories developed to aid the

understanding of learning and human behaviour,

reflecting on their learning experiences and

career development.

4. Explore the advantages and disadvantages of

group working, using appropriate strategies to

manage the process.



organisation.

6. Understand and appreciate the contribution of

managing people effectively.

7. Explore and reflect on a range of theories

developed to aid the understanding of learning

and human behaviour.

8. Examine the application of theories in real world

organisational settings

9. Apply a range of theories and concepts on

organisational design, structure and management

in the analysis of managing employees with

specific reference to leadership, power, motivation

and teamwork.


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Student Name:Student Number:

Assignment One: Written Assignment

Work is assessed according to the assessment criteria

Task Comment Marks

allocated

Marks

Received

Candidates should first identify the

organisations overall business strategy

Candidates should then analyse theeffectiveness of the Operations Management

framework in terms of its strengths and

weaknesses. Candidates should make

adequate affiliation of these aspects to the

identified business strategy. The operations

framework can be discussed in terms of:

The input-process-output models;

4Vs typology;

Business process mapping; etc

Candidates should then identify and explain

the advantages and disadvantages of theQuality Management approach followed by

the organisation. Candidates should make

adequate affiliation of these aspects to the

identified business strategy. The Quality

Management approach can be discussed in

terms of concepts such as the eight principles

of quality management etc.

Candidates are then required to make

recommendations on how the weaknesses

identified can be overcome. It is imperative

that candidates use the analysis conductedabove to identify the weaknesses.

Recommendations should be made in terms

of improved operations processes and

systems and should not be generic

explanations in nature.

Candidates are required identify management

issues that can arise when implementing the

recommendations made above. Furthermore,

candidates should explain how these issues

can be managed.

03

10

10

07

06

Structure and presentation of work including

use of Harvard referencing

04

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Assignment Two: Written Assignment


Task Comment Marks

allocated

Marks

Received

Candidates should first identify and briefly

explain the strengths and weaknesses of the

people management principles followed by

the organisations. This can be determined

through HR activities such as:

Task One

Motivation;

Reward and remuneration;

Training and development; etc

Candidates are then required to identify the

current leadership approach followed by the

organisation and identify and explain itsstrengths and weaknesses.

Candidates can then identify and explain the

organisational culture and group behaviour in

terms of their strengths and weaknesses.

Candidates should explain if the environment

is conducive for group/team dynamics or

more towards an individualistic orientation.

Candidates are required to use the

weaknesses found in task one to identify andexplain the human resources issues within the

organisation.

Task Two

Candidates should then make

recommendations on how the people

management principles need to be changed

or adapted to overcome them. It is important

that candidates explain how these

recommendations would enhance employee

performance. Recommendations should not

be generic in nature.

Candidates are required to use the

weaknesses found in the task one to identify

and explain how the organisations leadership

approach falls short of creating an

environment conducive to group behaviour

and dynamics.

Task Three

Candidates should then make

recommendations on how the leadership

approaches followed by the organisation

needs to be changed or adapted to overcomethem. It is important that candidates explain

how these recommendations would enhance

03

03

03

03

10

04

10

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group behaviour and team dynamics.

Recommendations should not be generic in

nature.

Structure and presentation of work including

use of Harvard referencing

04

Total 40

Overall comments:

Second markers comments:

First Marker: Second Marker: Agreed Mark: %

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Assignment Three: Group Presentation


Task Comment Marks

allocated

Marks

Received

Candidates are required to reflect a

collaborative effort by all members of the

group.

Candidates are first required to provide a

brief explanation on SSM in terms of what it

can be used for and a generic description on

how it can be incorporated within an

organisation. Candidates are then required to

list down its conceptual advantages and

disadvantages.

E.g. having a hypothetical basis could prove

to be impractical in real worldimplementation. This can be a disadvantage

of following the SSM approach

Candidates can then explain how the SSM

approach can be used to solve issues within

organisations. Candidates can incorporate the

7 stage approach of the SSM to explain the

intended scenario.

Entering the problem situation.

Expressing the problem situation.

Formulating root definitions of relevant

systems.Building Conceptual Models of Human

Activity Systems.

Comparing the models with the real world.

Defining changes that are desirable and

feasible.

Taking action to improve the real world

situation.

The use of SSM should incorporate elements

such as root definitions, CATWOE analysis,

conceptual models of human activity systems

etc.

Candidates are then required to explain about

performance management. This includes:

Definition and explanation on how

important performance management is

for an organisation

Appraisal Systems

Reward and remuneration

Training and Development

Candidates are required to emphasise how

these factors would result in overall

organisational performance in a positive

manner. For instance, proper appraisals and

rewards systems in place can motivate

employees to perform better on the job.

03

03

04

02

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When elaborating on Team Management,

candidates are required to emphasize the

following aspects:

The importance of group dynamics within

an organisation. Candidates can focus on

facts such as how group dynamics can beused as means to involve employees in

decision making etc.

How organisations can improve inter-

personal relationships. Candidates can

use elements such as two-way

communication etc. to emphasise this

aspect

identify an accepted leadership approach

that is conducive to group behaviour

within the organisation. Candidates

should provide adequate justifications to

sustain their decision on choosing anyparticular leadership approach.

02

02

02

Candidates are required to follow a

professional format of presentation, structure

and language02

Total 20

Overall comments:

Second markers comments:

First Marker: Second Marker: Agreed Mark:

Overall total:

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