The Real World of Management (MAN6006 TRWM) Individual Assignment (100% of the module assessment) The assignment requirements: • Kurt Lewin proposed that “there is nothing so practical as a good theory” (Lewin, 1951). • It is with this in mind that the purpose of this module is to critically research, explore and evaluate academic theories and concepts within a real world context. • This will be accomplished by the on-going development of a critical e-portfolio in which you compare, contrast and critically evaluate the potential linkages, tensions and contradictions between a chosen academic conceptual framework and its lived experience. • Ideally your portfolio should draw on your own primary research in terms of people’s views, experience and stories and a range of appropriate academic literature. Secondary research can also be used to support and enhance the discussion. • This e-portfolio will be developed using PPT Slides or other online platforms and should include approximately 3,000 words of critical commentary. Developing the portfolio: Please note this assignment must be seen as a distinct piece assessment, and should not be based on any assignments currently or previously submitted for assessment. • From past experience the portfolios achieving the higher marks were built on an ongoing basis through gathering and uploading appropriate evidence - for example: media files, photographs, web links, video clips, text downloads, to support analysis and evaluation of the concept(s), emerging themes and their application to the real world of management and organisations. • Your portfolio should have an introductory page which clearly sets out your focus i.e. key questions/issues you will you be focusing on through the research project. What factors have led you to choose the focus – your rationale? • The stronger portfolios will draw their research from a range of sources to introduce different perspectives. However, what tends to make the stronger portfolios more thoughtful and unique is to introduce peoples’ lived experience. This can be achieved by uploading video, audio or transcripts of their stories and insights. Secondary research can be used to compare and contrast these experiences. It is your responsibility as a researcher to ensure that permission has been requested and given from individual participants before uploading the data material to the portfolio. Although it is possible to work with secondary sources care should be taken to ensure that these are not simply used in a descriptive manner and that they are utilised to develop a critical discussion based on the focus established. The stronger portfolios will also identify and demonstrate an understanding of theoretical perspectives drawn from a range of academic literature selected as relevant to your portfolio’s focus and emerging themes. Individual ASSIGNMENT TOPIC: Research main theme of study: Managing cultural diversity in the workplace Topic of discussion: Cultural awareness and team performance in a multicultural team Rationale for choosing this team: To understand the different culture to enhance communication, productivity and unity in the workplace Theory statement on this topic: Respecting and understanding of cultural differences leads to better performance in multicultural team WRITE YOUR REPORT IN THE FOLLOWING FORMAT. Please also refer to the attached PPT slides to work on this assignment. 1) Literature review a. Definitions b. Explanation of theories c. Criticisms 2) Evidences a. Briefly describe your methodology for collecting your evidence b. Secondary evidence – studies conducted by others i. Survey ii. Pictures / tables / charts iii. Videos iv. Audio, Video, Youtube etc… v. Stories c. These evidences should be used to support BOTH your pros and cons arguments later. 3) Critical commentary (ARGUE) this is the most important part of the whole report* a. Argument FOR the theory statement on this topic b. Argument AGAINST the theory statement on this topic c. Use evidence found in earlier section in your arguments d. Do NOT come to a conclusion immediately e. The idea here is to provide a balanced and objective set of arguments. 4) Conclusion a. Your final position on each theory – overall do you agree or disagree? b. Weigh the pros and cons – whichever side is greater, wins. Use this to justify your final position. 5) References (Minimum 25)