Assisgment 2 – Literature Review and
Report
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Word Count:2000
Task Description:
Students are required to write a Literature Review and Report
based on a management problem or issue, which they identify in a nominated case
study. This item of assessment is designed to enable students to develop their
skills in problem identification and problem solving, critical thinking,
research and report writing, as well as their understanding of the chosen
topic. Students are assessed on their analytical, reflective and evaluative
skills using the assessment rubric that can be accessed below.
We will discuss how to research and write a successful
literature review in week 7 of the course. This will provide you with the
opportunity to ask any questions that you might have regarding this assignment.
To start, read the following case
study:
Case Study – Google: one of Australia’s best places to work
(page 364-366 in the Schermerhorn text book- access a copy .secure.griffith.edu.au/@@AB4D2A6A81778DB9FA7F599EF8D76DBC/courses/1/IBA111_2123_OT/content/_2148797_1/embedded/Google%20case%20study.pdf”>here ).
Having read the case study you will realise that the focus of
this assignment is the issue of employee motivation and rewards. The Google
case study provides one insight into how a company can successfully motivate
its employees. However, this is a hotly contested topic and you’ll find many
theories and practical approaches to the issue of how best to motivate staff. You
must find at least five refereed journal articles that are relevant to this
discussion. In order to find appropriate sources, students will engage in
e-library and online searches for refereed journal articles, evaluate the
standing of journals, identify the author’s argument and compare it with the
arguments of other authors in their research. This is the Literature Review
part of the assessment. Guidance on this assessment item will be provided in
the early weeks of the course (particularly in week 7). Material relating to
this assignment will also be provided under the ‘Assessment’ on the course
site.
NB. STUDENTS MUST SOURCE A MINIMUM OF FIVE (5) REFEREED JOURNAL
ARTICLES. FAILING TO DO THIS WILL RESULT IN LOWER MARKS FOR THE ASSESSMENT
In writing their Literature Review and Report students must NOT
use dot points. A recommended structure is:
1. Introduction & Problem Identification (1-2
paragraphs)
This section should include the following components: a brief
description of the research problem identified from the case, a rationale for
investigating it, and a brief but clear statement of the argument to be
developed in the Review (for example, a statement such as: ‘This paper will
argue that, in order to achieve higher levels of motivation and performance
from their staff, the company needs to redesign the way work is organised and
performed. Research indicates that the Hackman and Oldman (1980) model provides
the best overall outcomes’). The statement of argument becomes central to the
development of your Review. It needs to be given some thought. A second
paragraph may further explain the problem/potential problem by providing
evidence from the case and supported by academic literature.
2. Literature Themes or Arguments (3-5 paragraphs)
In this section identify two arguments or themes in the research
in relation to the identified problem. You will find, in all areas of research,
at least two (and often more) perspectives or arguments on any issue. (For
example, some researchers think extrinsic rewards such as money are the best way
to motivate staff; others believe the key is intrinsic rewards associated with
having interesting and fulfilling jobs). You need to evaluate these arguments
critically and work out which is the best supported and has the most
application to your case. For each argument (or theme), address the following
questions:
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Which authors support or agree with
a particular argument? What evidence do they use? Which authors disagree with
this argument? What evidence do they use?
3. Recommendations & Conclusion (1 paragraph each)
Summing up your problem, the different perspectives you find and
the perspective that you feel is best supported by the research you considered.
You also need to make recommendations that will solve the problem.
