Assignment 2: Case Analysis—Hidden Figures

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Assignment 2 How to

The brief for Assignment 2 is as follows:

Assignment 2: Case Analysis—Hidden Figures (60%)

Please use the film Hidden Figures and analyse some of the OB issues at NASA. You are required to write an essay of 1500-words maximum* addressing the points below:

1. Watch Hidden Figures. The library has stocked several copies of the film and it is available to stream on Disney+, and available to rent from several platforms (Prime Video, etc.). Feel free to watch together with classmates if you like.

2. Describe how theory explains the behaviour of characters in the film. Choose two topics from weeks 7, 8, 9, and 10—power & influence, leadership, diversity management, and/or organisational culture & change. Identify examples of the topics you selected in the film (e.g. a character exhibiting power/influence, leadership, examples of the organisational culture, etc.). (suggested: 500 words for each topic area)

3. Suggest ways theory can guide improvements. For each of your selected topics, outline better practices for the characters you identify—that is, what suggestions could we take from OB theory that would improve the decisions and behaviour of characters in the film? (suggested: 500 words)

DUE: 6th January 2025, online submission via CANVAS (Word or PDF documents only)

*When totalling up your word count please note we want you to count the words in the essay only. Do not count the required titles, nor end of text reference section. Check Module Handbook for more details on word count.

How to approach Assignment 2 (Week 11 will also focus on Assignment support)

1. Watch the film (the case) carefully and take notes with regards to instances of OB theory you see from the class--do this before you start writing.

2. Introduction: start with a brief introduction that sets the tone of the essay. What is your main argument or point? State it clearly and use that to guide the rest of your essay. Make sure you are clear about which theories you chose and how they can apply. 

3. Body: identify examples for your chosen topics and provide suggestions for improvements to the character’s decisions and behaviour. There are some very stark and dramatic examples in the film. What examples of your chosen topic did you identify in the film? How can these theories explain the characters' behaviour? What would theory suggest could be done to improve the decisions and behaviour of the characters? Do more reading, outside of what we discussed in class, to see what concepts apply and what the limitations may be. Are there weaknesses in the theories that become apparent as you apply them to the case? How could these weaknesses be addressed?

Layout

1. Use font size 12

2. Please simply insert the title: "ULMS151 Assignment 2: Case Analysis" and state your word count in the Cover Page. DO NOT include your name or student ID.

3. The following pages fall under three main sections: Introduction, Body (subdivided by the topics), and Conclusions.

4. Double line space the essay.

5. Harvard referencing both for your in-text and end of text references (you do not need to cite the film or include anything for direct quotations, simply refer to it by the title)

6. The end-of text reference section (this will be your final page, and your 4thsection if you are numbering them) is titled References.

Case analyses tips

1. ALWAYS, answer the questions in light of theory/OB concepts/evidence – this is an academic essay and not a personal opinion essay.

2. Use resources that are credible and reliable – for example, never cite Wikipedia, simplypsychology.com, and the like in an academic essay. When you want to support your argument, go on Discover on the library site and find evidence there. Peer-reviewed journal articles are the gold standard. Do not copy text from a generative AI without referencing it, and don't reference AI sources to support your points

3. Be critical in your approach – evaluate actions from the case and use theory and evidence to support your critical appraisal. You are also invited to evaluate the theories themselves—what strengths or weaknesses do they have in this application?

4. Do not restate what is in the case. You can use examples from the case to support your point but make sure you use the word count to analyse and answer the questions in relation to OB theories.

5. Proofread your essay prior to submission.

Assessment criteria

Assignment 2 will be assessed using the following criteria:

Structure and Academic Writing Style (15%)

Coherence of the coursework and whether it answers the questions in sufficient breadth and depth. The extent to which the essay is written using an academic writing style (e.g., avoiding writing in the first person) and is structured around a clear introduction, body, and conclusion.

Depth of Understanding of Issues related to the Questions (30%)

The extent to which the coursework meets the key requirements of the brief: namely answering the required questions and the ability to use theory to analyse organisational behaviour related issues in addition to making sound conclusions and recommendations.

Analysis and Critique (30%)

Understanding and applying relevant theories and concepts, and evidence of critical analysis.

Quality of Research and Use of Sources (15%)

Use of relevant texts, journal articles and evidence of wider reading. Making sure sources are credible, valid, and reliable.

Referencing (10%)

The ability to correctly reference sources based on the Harvard Referencing Style.