COLLEGE OF BANKING AND FINANCIAL STUDIES

DEPARTMENT OF PROFESSIONAL STUDIES

Assignment front sheet – Assignment 2

Unit number and title Unit 21: Human Resource Management

Qualification Pearson BTEC Level 5 HND Diploma in Business

Semester Duration Fall 2014 - 2015
Semester Number 3
Start date 18th November 2014
Deadline/hand-in 18th December 2014
Assessor Ms. Fatin Alzadj and Ms. Zaynab Nadim
Assignment IV Dr. Madhava
Student Name
Student ID

Assessment In this assessment you will have the Evidence

Learning Outcome opportunity to present evidence that showsTask no. (Page no)
Criteria you are able to:
3.1 Assess the link between motivational theory
LO 3 1
and reward
Understand how to 3.2 Evaluate the process of job evaluation and
1
other factors determining pay
reward employees
3.3 Assess the effectiveness of reward systems in
in order to motivate 1
different contexts
and retain them 3.4 Examine the methods organizations use to
1
monitor employee performance
LO 4 4.1 Identify the reasons for cessation of
2
employment with an organization
Know the 4.2 Describe the employment exit procedures used
2
mechanisms for by two organizations
4.3 Consider the impact of the legal and regulatory
the cessation of
framework on employment cessation 2
employment arrangements.

1
Learner Declaration

I, certify that this assignment is my own work and not copied or plagiarised. It has not previously been
submitted as part of any assessment for this qualification. All the sources, from which information has
been obtained for this assignment, have been referenced. (Harvard format).
I further certify that I have read and understood the College of Banking and Financial Studies rules and
regulations about plagiarism and I agree to be bound by them.
Student signature: ___________________________ Date:------------------------------------------

Assignment brief

Assignment title Employees Motivation and Employment Cessation

Purpose of this assignment

To considers how to get the best out of the employees and to know the mechanisms for the cessation of
employment.
Case Study for Task 1

Microsoft is one of the wealthiest and most successful companies in the world. Even more
important, from a human resource perspective, is the fact that Microsoft is an employee-driven
organization. While other organizations base their success on better manufacturing techniques, or better
technology, Microsoft’s success is based on the effectiveness of their employees. Essentially, Microsoft
value their staff and realize the importance of their staff. This focus on employees may, in the future,
expand to all organizations. Microsoft then, is worth studying as an example of best practice in human
resource management. 
In the early days Bill Gates was a firm believer that employee ownership was critical in raising
motivation and employee retention. Once listed on the stock exchange, this continued, with the
company offering stock options to employees based on performance. Performance goals employees
were measured against were specific measurable ones, these performance objectives shortened to
SMART: Specific, Measurable, Attainable, Results-based, and Time-bound. This formal review system
also included more common evaluations by managers to ensure no unexpected deviations. The system
also included the process of employees evaluating themselves, these self-evaluations then being sent to
the manager who does their own evaluation. The employee and manager then meet to discuss the
review. Stock options awards are based on whether the employee is considered a long-term asset of the
company and awarded on this basis. This is an important symbol of Microsoft’s commitment to
retaining good employees.
Employees at Microsoft will be motivated by the environment the company provide. They do not
employ skilled people and expect them to be motivated; they employ intelligent and driven individuals

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and give them the environment and the opportunity to develop beyond their current level. The fit
between employee and organization is important to motivation and this is what Microsoft
ensures. Microsoft ensures that the goals of the organization are understood via its strong culture and by
employees being clearly aware of what is required of them. The people recruited and the systems within
the organization all serve to motivate the type of people that Microsoft values. 

Microsoft provides for its staff and also exactly what it expects, for them to be the very best they
can be. One employee of Microsoft describes this saying “the only way to achieve here is to push the
envelope of what you can do. Every day try to do better. Work smarter. Work harder. Innovate more.
People are focused 100% on performing their job as successfully as possible. The link can also be seen
here between the type of people that are employed and what is expected. Microsoft hires the very best
people, for these people to achieve self-actualization they need to be pushed harder than most and given
greater opportunity to achieve than most.

Task 1: LO3

3.1 Assess the link between motivational theory and reward system applied in the given case study. P,
M1,M2,M3, D1,D2,D3

3.2 Evaluate how the process of job evaluation and other factors determines employee’s pay. P,
M1,M2,M3, D1,D2,D3

3.3 Classify the various of reward systems and critically assess their effectiveness in at least two
organizations of your choice. P, M1,M2,M3, D1,D2,D3

3.4 As a HR Director, examine various methods through which Microsoft can device to monitor
employees’ performance. P, M1,M2,M3, D1,D2,D3

Case Study for Task 2

Reem has been employed for three years as a Clerical Assistant. During the past one year there have
been many problems with poor attendance and timekeeping. Reem’s manager has tried to establish
whether there is a problem underlying this poor attendance and time keeping, but has found no clear

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explanation. Reem has been counselled about this situation and has gone through the disciplinary
procedure, and she has been issued in the presence of her trade union representatives with a written
warning and a final written warning. The organization has done everything required under the statutory
discipline and dismissal procedures. The final written warning was issued only three weeks ago, and yet
since then Reem has already had one day absent from work and has been late twice. She has not
provided any good explanation for this, but simply says that she over slept and then did not feel like
coming to work.

Task 2: LO 4
4.1 Identify and discuss in clear terms the reasons for cessation of employment in the given case study.
P, M1,M2,M3, D1,D2,D3

4.2 Critically describe the employment exit procedures between any two organizations of your choice.
P, M1,M2,M3, D1,D2,D3

4.3 By considering the impact of the legal and regulatory framework on employment cessation
arrangements, does Reem in the above case have grounds, in law, for claiming unfair dismissal at an
employment tribunal? Give reasons for your view. P, M1,M2,M3, D1,D2,D3

Grade Descriptors
Pass Grade A pass grade is achieved by meeting all the requirements defined in the assessment
criteria for pass for each unit

In addition to the above PASS criteria, this assignment gives you the opportunity to submit evidence
in order to achieve the following MERIT and DISTINCTION grades
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In order to achieve a Merit the student must:

Merit Grade Indicative characteristic/s Contextualisation

Descriptor

M1:  Effective judgments have been To achieve M1, you have to do as for
Identify and made a pass but with more detailed and
apply strategies  Complex problems with more than
analytical responses.
to find one variable have been explored
appropriate  An effective approach to study and
solutions research has been applied
M2 :  Relevant theories and techniques To achieve M2 you have to will refer
Select / have been applied to relevant theories/practical models
design and  A range of methods and techniques
and techniques to examine the main
apply have been applied
appropriate  A range of source information has areas specified in the assignment
methods / been used
techniques  The selection of methods and
techniques/sources has been
justified
 The design of methods/techniques
has been justified
 Complex information/data has been
synthesised and processed
 Appropriate learning
methods/techniques have been
applied
M3:  The appropriate structure and To achieve M3 the work you present
Present and approach has been used should include range of information
communicate  Coherent, logical development of
sources / data are in making the
appropriate principles/concepts for the intended
findings audience formal report. Information / data
 A range of methods of presentation used are synthesized and justified
have been used and technical
language has been accurately used
 Communication has taken place in
familiar and unfamiliar contexts
 The communication is appropriate
for familiar and unfamiliar
audiences and appropriate media
have been used
In order to achieve Distinction a the student must:

Distinction Contextualisation
Grade Indicative characteristic/s
Descriptor

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D1  Conclusions have been arrived To achieve D1 you should use familiar and
Use critical at through synthesis of ideas unfamiliar contexts.
reflection to and have been justified.
evaluate own  The validity of results has been
work and justify evaluated using defined criteria.
valid  Self-criticism of approach has
conclusions taken place.
 Realistic improvements have
been proposed against defined
characteristics for success
D2  Autonomy/independence has To achieve D2 you will should
Take been demonstrated  Critically analyse the main areas
responsibility  Substantial activities, projects specified in the assignment in terms
for managing or investigations have been of theory and practical application.
and organising planned, managed and  Be able to justify Conclusions and
activities organized. recommendations.
 Activities have been managed.
 The unforeseen has been
accommodated
 The importance of
interdependence has been
recognised and achieved.
D3  Ideas have been generated and To achieve D3 your work will show:
Demonstrate decisions taken.  All tasks have been completed to a
convergent/  Self-evaluation has taken place. very high standard, and the content of
lateral/ creative  Convergent and lateral thinking the assignment has been selected with
thinking has been applied consistent success and showing a high
 Problems have been solved degree of analysis.
 Innovation and creative through  The presentation and style of the
throughout report is of a high standard, and
 Receptiveness to new ideas is demonstrates fluent use and
evident understanding of the technical
 Effective thinking has taken language.
place in unfamiliar contexts

Summary of Grades
In order to achieve a Pass in a unit
In order to achieve a Merit in a unit
In order to achieve a Distinction in a
unit
 all learning outcomes and associated assessment criteria
have been met
 all learning outcomes and associated assessment criteria
have been met
 all merit grade descriptors are achieved
 all learning outcomes and associated assessment criteria
 have been met
 all merit and all distinction grade descriptors are
achieved
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Evidence Evidence
Summary of evidence required by student
checklist presented

Task 1 Understand how to reward employees in order to motivate and retain them

Task 2 Know the mechanisms for the cessation of employment

Guidance notes
1. Use standard document formats and structures.
2. Word processes the documents.
3. Use 12 point Arial or Times New Roman script.
4. Provide a list of references and use the Harvard referencing system.
5. Complete the title page and sign the statement of authenticity.
6. Upload the entire assignment in MS word format only on Turnitin.
7. Staple only once to keep the pages of your work together.
8. Unless there is an agreed reason for late submission, late work will only be marked on the next
occasion the unit is taught .

Submit the work along with the Turnitin Index to your assessor in their faculty offices by on { 2014}.

Please Note: Grades given are subjected to External Verification

Class ID: 8672168

Enrolment Password: HRM1