Assignment 1 is a 2,500-word response to a case study. It is weighted at 40% of the module assessment.
Assignment Brief
Assignment 1 is a 2,500-word response to a case study. It is weighted at 40% of the module assessment.
Introduction
After reviewing the readings and learning materials up to Week 9, you should answer the given questions of the selected case study. The case study deals with the concept of multicultural teams, as they exist in companies in the globalised world. It also discusses the rationale behind companies opting for multicultural teams as against a homogeneous team.
The case study revolves around a multicultural team at Smart Software Company (SSC), India. It deals with the problems and challenges faced by David Smith (Smith), who headed the multicultural team. What were the reasons behind those problems? What strategy should Smith have used in handling his multicultural team so that it could produce effective business results? The case study helps in discussing the problems that may arise and the solutions to those problems that will help in the smooth functioning of a multicultural team.
The case attempts to achieve the following pedagogical objectives:
To discuss the implications of globalisation on the role of a manager
To discuss the rationale behind companies having multicultural teams and to analyse their merits and demeritsTo identify the challenges and solutions in handling a multicultural team.
Task
Review the reading and course material of each week.
Read the case study.
Perform additional research using the online library and other scholarly resources.
Answer the given questionsYour answer should be formatted as a case study analysis, including the following parts:
Introduction
Part 1
Part 2
Part 3
Conclusions
Recommendations
You may use diagrams in your response too.
The questions are:
Part 1: Globalisation and Organisational Behaviour
How has globalisation affected businesses in the context of organisational behaviour? Explain using examples.
Analyse if multicultural teams are inevitable in the age of globalisation.
Part 2: Multicultural Teams at SSC
Referring to Exhibit I of the case study, examine the composition of Smiths team. On what parameters did Smith choose his team members? What was the rationale behind the multicultural team at SSC?
How does culture affect a multicultural team? What factors might pose problems in the smooth functioning of a multicultural team? Explain using examples from the case study.
Part 3: Managing Multicultural Teams
How can companies ensure the effective functioning of a multicultural team? What attributes should be kept in mind before constituting a multicultural team?
Conclusion: The Big Picture
Considering the various problems involved in handling multicultural teams, should companies constitute multicultural teams?
Assignment Criteria and Grades
This assignment addresses Module Learning Outcomes 1, 2 and 4. For the Module Learning Outcomes, please visit the Course Hub.
Your analysis must be no more than 2,500 words long. Your answer must be supported with at least 10 academic references. Only journal articles and book chapters are considered academic references. You can also use articles by credible sources such as governmental organisations, Harvard Business Review, Forbes etc as supporting material. You must submit it as either a Microsoft Word (.doc or .docx) or PDF format file, via Canvas in the Assignments tab.
Assignment 1 is marked out of 100, considering the following assessment criteria:
Content development and accurate answering of the given questions including: quality of analysis; clarity and coherence of the argument; critical approach; engagement of varied theoretical perspectives [40 marks]
Use of academic principles and support with credible academic sources including: quantity and quality of sources used [30 marks]
Writing skills including: organisation and structure of the paper; flow of argument; English language (grammar, syntax, spelling) [10 marks]
Clear, realistic recommendations of potential further improvements [10 marks]
Harvard style referencing including: Correct and systematic in-text citation, reference list, formatting [10 marks]
Please refer to the Course Hub to interpret your grade on any item of assessment. Please note that all grades are provisional until approved by the Universitys module board process, which sees work examined by a moderator and external moderator, before your final grade appears on your transcript of results.
In addition to viewing your grade for a piece of work, please also review the comments that the marking tutors have added to the document itself. Within the module, open the document that you submitted in order to see tutor comments.
Additional Guidance
A good piece of work will be attractively styled and logically structured, with a good standard of written English. Some recommendations on response structure are provided below, but if you are in any doubt about your writing skills, please take advice from the Skills Team.
Please do not simply reproduce the information presented in the case study. Try to provide analysis using appropriate tools and methodologies. What you write is best if supported by evidence. You can find out a lot about globalisation and multicultural teams, and/or our online library resources. Apply what you have managed to find out about the area as a whole, and construct reasoned arguments that lead to workable solutions. Ideally, your recommendations will be detailed enough that the reader will know exactly what to do, and in what order. Formulate a plan that is supported by acquired data and reasoned arguments, having identified where opportunities and threats exist. Your recommendations ought to be logical. Keep in mind the topic of the module you are studying, and do not introduce too many themes from outside logistics and supply chain management.
Do not cut and paste phrases or paragraphs from published sources without citing your sources. You should seek to use your own words to explain concepts and theories, while acknowledging the work of other scholars.
