BUSM2301 – Introduction to Organisational Behaviour

Analysing the Assignment 1 Task

1. Read the information below.

Before you research for or write an assignment, you should analyse the task / question /
instructions. Task analysis helps us to find out exactly what the question is asking for, and
ensures that we have correct focus in our answer. One strategy for question analysis is called
MDUP:

M
Main ideas in the question or task - all the ‘content’ words and phrases in the task, as
well the general and specific discipline of the subject. These main ideas become search
terms in your research.

D Directive verbs - the words that tell you to do something. For example “analyse” or
“evaluate”. These words tell you how to respond to the task.

U Underlying question. Often—but not always—we need to answer an unstated question

before we can respond appropriately to the task. To find it, think deeply about
controversies in the discipline and relate them to the wider, real-world context.

P Predictive thesis. This is your initial answer to the essay task, based on what you already
know. Your predictive thesis gives you a place to start your thinking and helps direct your
first research efforts. Often, our predictive thesis is very different to our final argument, as
our research influences our ideas and our argument evolves.

Main Ideas: commercial law,

legally binding contracts, mere
agreements, legal consequences,
case illustrations

DAnirective
example
Words:essay task…
explain… how = describe the process; using = apply cases to description; distinguish(ed) = show

ally binding contracts are distinguished from mere agreements which have no legal conse

Underlying question: What’s the difference between contracts and agreements? What are the implications of th

Predictive thesis: Contracts are written, agreements are spoken. To protect themselves, businesses should
 BUSM2301 – Introduction to Organisational Behaviour

2. Perform MDUP Task Analysis on Assignment 1

“Using relevant literature and reflecting on your experiences in your Work Group, you are required to write a
1500 word essay (including references and appendix) on what you think about the following: 

As discussed by McShane, Olekalns and Travaglione, (2010) self-directed teams (SDT’s) are cross-functional
work groups organised around work processes. SDT’s have a high degree of autonomy, which is proven to
increase productivity.”

M Main Ideas:

D Directive Words:

U Underlying Question:

P Predictive Thesis: