Assignment Brief Template 23/24
Topic
Academic year / semester
Module code and title
Module Leader
Assignment name
Assignment type
Assignment weighting and size
Assessment unpacking video location
‘What’s my assignment?’ unpacking dates
Formative submission date
Formative submission method
Formative feedback date (if applicable)
Summative (i.e., final) submission date
Summative submission method
Assignment requirements
Detail
2023/2024 Semester 1
7HR034: Contemporary Issues in Human Resources- an International Perspective
Kate Moseley
Portfolio of 2 academic papers and a personal reflection
Individual Portfolio
100% and 4,000 words + 10%
See the Assessment Information & Support Topic, on the Assessment Information and Support Page in Canvas
1. Week 1- in module introduction.
2. Week 4 – for late starters.
3. week 8 -prior to formative submission.
4. week 12- prior to final submission.
Semester week 9- specific date to be confirmed
Online via Canvas Assignments menu item
 Individual Feedback points for improvement via canvas
 Group feedback week 12
By 1400 hrs, approximately 2 weeks after the end of module- specific date to be confirmed
Online via Canvas Assignments menu item
The following 3 questions make up the individual portfolio. These papers should be written by utilizing the relevant
topics covered in the module, along with concepts and opinions taken from academic journals and reputable web
sites. They should be written in an academic essay style and fully referenced throughout using Harvard system
only.
1. Critically evaluate the implications of the 4 IR for human resource management in developing countries
(1,500 words)
2. Synthesise and debate the principles and concepts underpinning the work of the International Labour
Organisation (1,500 words)
3. Identify 3 topics covered in the module and using Gibbs model of reflection discuss how they will assist you
in your future management role? (1,000 words)
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Topic Detail
Learning outcomes LO1: Synthesise the emerging employment related issues in the external global environment.
LO2: Evaluate the range of people practices prevalent within organisations including developing countries,
international and multinationals.
LO3: Analyse and understand ethical and cross-cultural management and change factors within organisations.
LO4: Critically evaluate the theories, concepts and approaches to people management / human resource
management and development from an international perspective.
Assessment criteria  Content 15%
(see rubric below for performance criteria)  Theory and frameworks 15%
 Sources 15%
 Analysis & critique 15%
 Academic writing 15%
 Reflection 15%
 Presentation & referencing 10%

Characteristics of a good submission
Additional instructions
1. Include the correct content from topics covered in the module material showing understanding of the
question and the content.
2. A minimum of 30 articles from the list of recommended online peer reviewed journals.
3. Referenced writer criticisms of the theory, frameworks and concepts within the essay debate is included in
most paragraphs.
4. Minimum explanation, description with emphasis on analysis and critique using concise language.
5. Evidence of competence in academic writing style and Harvard referencing.
RECOMMENDED PRESENTATION & FORMAT INSTRUCTIONS
 Portfolio should be within one Microsoft Word document and be in written in academic essay style.
 Each essay should be followed by the reference list applicable to the specific question.
 No contents list required and should not be included.
 Each essay question response should be on a new page.
 Do not use bullet points in this type of academic paper.
 Utilise academic essay style only
Font:
•Word-processed typeface size 12.
•Times New Roman or Arial
Images and Diagrams:

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Topic
Professional Body requirements
University regulations
Support
Date by which feedback will be provided
Detail
Do not use images and diagrams apart from on your front cover
Justification:
The report should be justified right and left.
Page Numbering:
•Pages numbers must be numbered consecutively throughout.
•Pages numbers should be located centrally at the bottom of each page.
Spacing and Indentation:
•Line spacing of 1.5 must be used for typescript of the main text, except for indented quotations or tables when
single spacing may be used.
•New paragraphs should begin flush with the left-hand margin.
•Any abbreviations used should be those in normal use
NB. The above format is normally required by the editors of academic journals and therefore it is good practice to
extend this to your master’s assessments.
Mapped against the CIPD Associate membership standards as follows:
B01.03C Challenge decisions and actions which are not ethical, explaining the organisation risks.
B04.01C Role-model and advocate the value of including others and embracing difference.
B04.03C Build collaborative relationships across organisation boundaries, cultures and other disciplines.
B06.05C Assimilate evidence and ideas to identify themes and connections and gain insight on the whole issue and
its wider implication.
K02.02C How to apply models of systemic thinking to a range of people practices.
K02.05C Different ethical perspectives, and how different mind sets and values influence internal and external
decision-making.
University’s Academic Regulations
Academic Integrity Policy
Level and Mark Descriptors
Student Support and Wellbeing
Study Guides
Skills for Learning – Introduction to Academic Study Skills
Academic English Language Skills
You should also refer to your Course and Module Guides
4 weeks after submission date
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Topic Detail
Feedback format Rubric in canvas with relevant comments also request accepted for an individual tutorial for oral feedback if
required
Resit details Dates TBC:
Amend and resubmit the above assignment taking into account feedback performance criteria contained in the
rubric and comments

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RUBRIC FOR 7HR034: Contemporary Issues in Human Resources- an International Perspective
CRITERIA
CONTENT
Appropriate concepts from the module content
in canvas and addresses the questions
THEORY AND FRAMEWORKS
Theory and frameworks used in the key areas
identified in the brief as well as other relevant
frameworks
SOURCES
Extensive use of peer reviewed journal articles
and other reputable sources
ANALYSIS AND CRITIQUE
Considers the issues within concepts and debates
the limitations of these concepts including the
methodology and philosophy underpinning the
concepts
ACADEMIC WRITING
Evidence of good standards of academic writing
in comparison to published academic work
REFLECTION
Personal reflection on the module content as
directed in the assignment brief including use of
reflective model, discussion of reflection using
citations.
PRESENTATION AND HARVARD REFERENCING
Shows skill in use of Harvard referencing and
citations both within text and in reference list.
Uses recommended presentation format and
style as identified in the assignment brief.
DISTINCTION 100%-70%
15-11 pts
Portfolio demonstrates originality and depth in the
INTERNATIONAL HUMAN RESOURCES content at a
very high standard with the potential for publication.
Some insightful use of international HUMAN
RESOURCES concepts and theory which is of a very
high standard demonstrating masters level
perspectives
Sources are synthesised from high ranked journals
which have been analysed and applied to the topic
through academic debate to a very good standard.
Citations from appropriate INTERNATIONAL HUMAN
RESOURCES and other related journals synthesised
Portfolio consistently demonstrates application of
theory/critical analysis and contests the
INTERNATIONAL HUMAN RESOURCES published
literature through high level of debate to a very high
standard
Mostly a very good standard Clarity of expression is
very good with consistent/ accurate use of
grammar /spelling using academic writing style.
Strong evidence of deep reflection to a very high
standard including self-questioning and clear
recognition of learning. Use of reflective model
including critique of the model used. Application to
current and future personal development
10-9 pts
Presentation standard of the portfolio is to a very
high standard, using academic protocols and
recommended format. Referencing clear, relevant
and accurate using the Harvard system
MERIT 69%-60%
10-9 pts
Overall, the work is good, the portfolio is insightful and
has an appropriate selection of INTERNATIONAL HUMAN
RESOURCES content from the module material, content
offered is insightful and all content is appropriate
Appropriate INTERNATIONAL HUMAN RESOURCES
theory or frameworks in the key areas are identified in
the response, the work is of a good standard and
consistent across all the tasks and includes a minimum
of 3 key INTERNATIONAL HUMAN RESOURCES concepts
in each paper
Overall good use of literature with at least 60% from a
variety of high ranked peer reviewed academic journals
and other well-regarded sources used to developing
debate. Appropriate HR & INTERNATIONAL HUMAN
RESOURCES related journals used and consistently
across the portfolio.
Some engagement with INTERNATIONAL HUMAN
RESOURCES critical perspectives and some comparison
of author’s views. Good application and questioning of
theory or views etc. although inconsistent across all
questions.
Sound academic writing showing some potential.
Thoughts and ideas clearly expressed. Grammar and
spelling accurate and fluent to a good standard
Use of reflective model in the response. Evidence of in-
depth reflection and indications of the effect of the
module on personal development. Some reflection may
be inappropriate or in insufficient depth
8-7 pts
Presentation overall of a good standard with few errors
in requested presentation format. Referencing relevant
and mostly accurate using the Harvard system. Mainly
follows the recommended format in the assessment
brief
5
PASS 59%-50%
8-7.5 pts
Some INTERNATIONAL HUMAN RESOURCES
topics/content from the module material
included but not always appropriately. Content is
sometimes weak in relation to the question
posed
A minimum 3 key theories and ideas from
INTERNATIONAL HUMAN RESOURCES are
included each paper in an appropriate manner
although not consistently across all tasks.
Clear evidence of secondary research of relevant
literature. Use of authors views, using at least 30
relevant academic sources including peer
reviewed articles although not consistent across
the portfolio
There is some critical analysis of INTERNATIONAL
HUMAN RESOURCES concepts and frameworks
but mainly explores the issues in genera.l overall
the portfolio is descriptive but meets learning
outcomes utilising only a limited level of critical
analysis
Academic language and writing style mainly
fluent but limited Grammar and spelling mainly
accurate providing evidence of a sound academic
style
Evidence of personal learning and development
identified with examples drawn from the module.
Mostly aspects are descriptive or superficial with
no use of a m
6-5 pts
Presentation has limitations including some
errors in format in comparison to recommended
layout and format. Minor inconsistencies/
inaccuracies in referencing. Adequate use of the
Harvard system
FAIL 49%-0% %
7-0 pts
In most papers content is off-topic, vague,
or generic. Limited appropriate selection
15%
of INTERNATIONAL HUMAN RESOURCES
content. Some key aspects
missed/misconstrued.
Limited or lack of INTERNATIONAL HUMAN
RESOURCES theory in most tasks. Including
inconsistent or evidence of 15%
misunderstanding of INTERNATIONAL
HUMAN RESOURCES theory or frameworks
or concepts
Limited number and range of secondary
research in evidence. Little or no evidence
of reading research around 15%
INTERNATIONAL HUMAN RESOURCES
A descriptive portfolio which has very little
critical analysis in regard to
INTERNATIONAL HUMAN RESOURCES 15%
concepts. Lack of evidence provided to
achieve masters level work and module
learning outcomes
Meaning not always apparent, language
not fluent, grammar/spelling is often 15%
inaccurate. Clumsy in flow/ grammar
The reflection is mainly descriptive and
superficial. There is limited linking of ideas
15%
or insights into how the module content
might contribute to personal/ career
development.
4-0 pts
Structure and presentation is not of an
acceptable standard for masters level.
does not follow recommended format in 10%
briefing. Referencing mainly inaccurate or
absent. Limited use of the Harvard system
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