In line with the Business School's commitment to practice-based education and to a learning experience which is active, reflective, collaborative and creative, a large part of the assessment will relate to the demonstration of your ability to do HRM in practice. We will want to see that you understand the theory and have developed critical thinking skills which help you evaluate the relevance of what you have learned. All of this comes together in being able to demonstrate rigorous Human Resource practice for an organisation.
Methods of assessment vary according to the learning outcomes of a particular unit and the stage of the study. You will be assessed using a range of assessments during your studies. This will include a mixture of closed book examinations, coursework, reports, tests, posters, group work and presentations.
To assess this range of integration of theory and skills into sound practice, we use a range of methods encompassing summative and formative assessments. You will encounter many different kinds, including the ones listed below, some of which are used in combination, and for example, a report might be required as an outcome of a time-limited assessment task.
- Reports: you analyse a business problem and propose solutions.
- Presentations: present proposals as if to your manager, to the board of a company or to a client.
- Time-limited tasks: on a set day, you will be given a task which you will need to complete in a set time, such as 48 hours or five days.
- Academic writing: used to demonstrate clear, critical thinking, you might be asked to write an essay or a short summary of a theoretical debate.
- Appraisals: just as in business, you use appraisals to assess your own learning and to set your personal and academic development objectives.
- Projects: these are assessed in a number of ways depending on the task defined by our business partner.
Typically, you will need to prepare an analysis, report or presentation which is suitable for the business partner and a longer piece of work which sets out the -behind the scenes' work which underpinned the output for business. It is in the longer work that we expect to see explicitly your application of theory and critical thinking which underpin good HRM practice. You will usually also prepare a project review.
- Project reviews: you analyse and evaluate the way you worked on a project and set out how you would work more effectively on a similar task in future.
- Exams: as well as conventional exams using set questions and case studies, exams can be the outcome of a group task. You might work on a large task together and then sit an exam to show your individual learning from the task.
- Portfolio: you will plan and record your CPD activities using the CIPDs HR Profession Map as a guide to the knowledge, skills and behaviours you need to develop to be ready to work in HR.
For all assignments, you will have an assignment brief which clearly sets out what is required and you will be given the criteria which your tutors will use to mark your work. Throughout the course, your learning will be supported using various methods of formative assessment and feedback which will take place both in-class and off-class activities. Informal formative feedback will be an ongoing feature of the unit and will be provided through class discussion, presentations, etc.
You are encouraged to seek feedback and use it effectively. On-line activities such as discussion boards, videos, podcasts, etc. will also provide opportunities to obtain feedback and enhance your learning experience. This is to help students progress their studies and support their continuing development. You will receive feedback on all your assessments. Using this feedback is essential to improving your learning process and your grades on future assignments.
