Writing Assignment – HRMG 5000
The written assignment for this course is practical in content, meant to sharpen analytic and thinking processes. The assignment requires individual research and thoughtful reflection to provide maximum value. It will allow you to:
• experience data gathering, critical analysis, and application in a real environment
• present findings in a written document that is professional in content and format
• present the topic and critically provide analysis that tests a hypothesis, or presents all sides of an argument, or topic. You must do more than simply define the subject.
• gain reinforcement of the material you are reading and discussing in class.
The guidelines for the written assignment are below.
Writing Assignment: The Process
This basis of this term paper is to describe your topic as it relates to Human Resources. Your professional opinion paper will present an argument for or against a current HR practice or theory presenting both sides of the position. Your writing should be logical and you will want to support your argument with thorough research and analysis. Some topic examples are: “Non-monetary rewards enhance productivity;” “Wrongful Termination suits are rarely successful;” or “Pay for Performance does not improve performance.”
• Your paper should present your ideas professionally, with clear syntax, correct grammar and spelling. Your paper should be typed in 12-point type using the American Psychological Association (APA) style guide. MLA style is acceptable with permission. The page length depends on the spacing format you use. The body of your paper should be a minimum of four pages, single-spaced or eight pages, double-spaced. A title page and reference page are required and do NOT count toward the page length requirement. Your paper must contain one-inch margins.
• You must conduct a short literature review of this process by using books, journals, or other scholarly material. You can use your textbook as one source only, but you should include at least nine additional sources. A total number of ten sources are required. Personal interviews are not an acceptable source. Government plan documents are not acceptable as primary sources. They may be used for sample data references. You are encouraged to use the Webster library system and writing center for assistance. You will be informed if turnitin will be used.
Writing Assignment: Case Studies
You must analyze and respond in writing to two case studies. The case studies must demonstrate relevance to the theme of your paper and reinforce technical, academic, or subject/content information. It is preferred the case studies be actual cases litigated in a court of law or heard before an arbitrator, however, they may be workplace case studies, or work events that are explained in research that is peer reviewed and published.
Writing Assignment: Communication skills
Your writing assignment is expected to consider the following areas of relevancy to the subject:
• Globalization—An important outcome of this course will be the realization that organizational communication principles must be modified when applying them to diverse and complex international situations that differ in culture, technology, infrastructure, language, ideology, and sense of time.
• Technology fluency— An important outcome of this course is to emphasize the increasing importance of technology in organizational communication, as well as communication in virtual environments.
• Historical perspective—An important outcome of this course is to integrate the historical development of HR theory to provide a context for current theories and practice.
• Civic responsibility— An important outcome of this course will explore ethical behavior of leadership and the role of organizational communication in society.
• Critical thinking—Your writing should reflect the development of your critical thinking skills. These skills are demonstrated by properly identifying problems to be solved, assessing the validity of a proposition or argument, considering and evaluating alternatives, using the literature to support your arguments, and arriving at a supported.
Grading Scale
A= 90-100
B= 80-89
C= 70-79
D= 60-69
F= 0-59
Following are the standards for evaluating written assignments:
1. adequately provides a balanced view of a topic; states a position and includes counterarguments and counter examples suggested by assignment readings and independent research; and provides correct citation of authors (A, B, or C).
2. states a position or thesis but does not provide topic balance or adequately address the questions presented by the position or thesis (C, D, or F).
3. is dishonest, which includes research that is improperly cited (grade F).
4. is incomprehensible because of grammatical errors and poor writing (C, D, or F).
5. Late Assignments – Term Papers will NOT be accepted late unless you have explicit permission from the professor. Term papers may be submitted early.
