Optional Assignment 1

HRM 301
M. Somers
Optional Assignment 1
Performance Management
Overview
This assignment asks you to analyze and improve a performance management system.
Purpose and Relevance
The purpose of the assignment is to help you better understand how performance
management systems (goals and rewards) direct individual behavior in organizations.
Assignment Format and Source Material
The assignment is in a take-home format that requires thinking and analysis.
The relevant material for the analysis required in the assignment comes from course
lectures and readings.
The Assignment
The assignment requires you to analyze a performance management system that you are
faced with every semesterassessment of learning through grades. The stated purpose
of grades is to assess learning (that is, recognize and reward student performance) and to
guide students to improve in future.
To proceed,

Using principles of performance management, assess how effective grades are in

directing and rewarding student performance. Focus on how well grading
systems set expectations, provide meaningful feedback and entice students to do
their best.
Then, using the same principles of performance management, propose changes in
how student performance is assessed that are designed to improve performance
and increase motivation.

Specifications and Grading Criteria

Specifications

This assignment is a significant portion of your grade. Your analyses and your
recommendations should be specific and they should be based on principles of
performance management, and not personal opinions.

Grading Criteria

a. Are principles of performance management evident in the analysis of

grading systems? Are concepts from the course identified and applied
correctly? Is the analysis thorough and comprehensive?
b. Are deficiencies in the evaluation of student performance using grades
clearly identified and thoroughly discussed? Are they based on personal
opinions and experiences or on performance management principles?
c. Are meaningful changes to improve management of student performance
proposed? Are they specific? realistic? easily implemented?