For BML701, HR and OD students write a business report on why contextual understanding shapes their work. The task links external forces and internal organisational factors to strategy, behaviour, management and sustainability, and asks for a cost-benefit view of how HR and OD drive a transformational change in a chosen case organisation, often a Singapore employer coping with labour shortages and new working patterns.

Module Assessment Overview

Assignment: Business Report (75%)

Students are required to write a business report explaining the importance of contextual understanding for the HR&OD professional. Attention needs to be paid to factors that impact on organisational strategy, behaviour, management and sustainability, with particular reference to the work of HR and OD. The impact of organisational change and/or innovation should also be included.

Presentation (25%)

Students make a 10-minute presentation (1,000-word equivalent) on a case organisation, including a contextual analysis and recommendations for areas of focus in terms of the workplace, the workforce and the nature of work, and actions to be taken by HR&OD professionals.

Assessment Criteria – Business Report (75%)

• Evaluation (identification) of external (PESTLE) and internal environmental (6Ps) factors impacting strategic organisational decisions and the work of HR and OD (LO1).
• Reference to, and application of, appropriate theory with case study examples, evidenced with appropriate academic referencing (LO1, LO2, LO3).
• Analysis (cost-benefit analysis) of the contribution of HR and OD to a transformational change and/or innovation in a case organisation (LO2).
• Presentation and academic style appropriate to a business report (LO4).

Assessment Criteria – Presentation (25%)

• Reference to, and application of, appropriate theory and analytical tools with criticality, evidenced with appropriate academic referencing (LO2).
• Confidence and credibility in making recommendations and suggesting actions to be taken (LO2).

Report Requirements

• Word count: 3,000 words (+300).
• Business report format; supporting figures such as cost-benefit tables are best placed in appendices.
• APA referencing.