Category: Business

 
Write a 350- to 700-word paper summarizing the basics of that viewpoint including highlighting at least one of the key figures related to that viewpoint

View Point Paper
Behavioral Viewpoint: Behaviorism, Human Relations, & Behavioral Science To understand how people are motivated to achieve, what can I learn from the behavioral viewpoint? THE BIG PICTURE The second of the three historical management perspectives was the behavioral viewpoint, which emphasized the importance of understanding human behavior and of motivating employees toward achievement. The behavioral viewpoint developed over three phases: (1) Early behaviorism was pioneered by Hugo Munsterberg, Mary Parker Follett, and Elton Mayo. (2) The human relations movement was pioneered by Abraham Maslow (who proposed a hierarchy of needs) and Douglas McGregor (who proposed a Theory X and Theory Y view to explain managers� attitudes toward workers). (3) The behavioral science approach relied on scientific research for developing theories about behavior useful to managers.

The behavioral viewpoint emphasized the importance of understanding human behavior and of motivating employees toward achievement. The behavioral viewpoint developed over three phases: (1) early behaviorism, (2) the human relations movement, and (3) behavioral science.

Early Behaviorism: Pioneered by Munsterberg, Follett, & Mayo

The three people who pioneered behavioral theory were Hugo Munsterberg, Mary Parker Follett, and Elton Mayo.

Hugo Munsterberg & the First Application of Psychology to Industry Called �the father of industrial psychology,� German-born Hugo Munsterberg had a PhD in psychology and a medical degree and joined the faculty at Harvard University in 1892. Munsterberg suggested that psychologists could contribute to industry in three ways. They could:

1. Study jobs and determine which people are best suited to specific jobs.

2. Identify the psychological conditions under which employees do their best work.

3. Devise management strategies to influence employees to follow management�s interests.

Why Munsterberg Is Important: His ideas led to the field of industrial psychology, the study of human behavior in workplaces, which is still taught in colleges today.

Mary Parker Follett & Power Sharing among Employees & Managers A Massachusetts social worker and social philosopher, Mary Parker Follett was lauded on her death in 1933 as �one of the most important women America has yet produced in the fields of civics and sociology.� Instead of following the usual hierarchical arrangement of managers as order givers and employees as order takers, Follett thought organizations should become more democratic, with managers and employees working cooperatively.

Page 50The following ideas were among her most important:

1. Organizations should be operated as �communities,� with managers and subordinates working together in harmony.

2. Conflicts should be resolved by having managers and workers talk over differences and find solutions that would satisfy both parties�a process she called integration.

3. The work process should be under the control of workers with the relevant knowledge, rather than of managers, who should act as facilitators.

Why Follett Is Important: With these and other ideas, Follett anticipated some of today�s concepts of �self-managed teams,� �worker empowerment,� and �interdepartmental teams��that is, members of different departments working together on joint projects.
Elton Mayo & the Supposed �Hawthorne Effect� Do you think workers would be more productive if they thought they were receiving special attention? This was the conclusion drawn by a Harvard research group in the late 1920s. Conducted by Elton Mayo and his associates at Western Electric�s Hawthorne (Chicago) plant, what came to be called the Hawthorne studies began with an investigation into whether workplace lighting level affected worker productivity. (This was the type of study that Taylor or the Gilbreths might have done.) In later experiments, other variables were altered, such as wage levels, rest periods, and length of workday. Worker performance varied but tended to increase over time, leading Mayo and his colleagues to hypothesize what came to be known as the Hawthorne effect�namely, that employees worked harder if they received added attention, if they thought that managers cared about their welfare and that supervisors paid special attention to them. However, later investigators found flaws in the studies, such as variations in ventilation and lighting or inadequate follow-through, that were overlooked by the original researchers. Critics also point out that it�s doubtful that workers improved their productivity merely on the basis of receiving more attention rather than because of a particular instructional method or social innovation.15 Why the Hawthorne Studies Are Important: Ultimately, the Hawthorne studies were faulted for being poorly designed and not having enough empirical data to support the conclusions. Nevertheless, they succeeded in drawing attention to the importance of �social man� (social beings) and how managers using good human relations could improve worker productivity. This in turn led to the so-called human relations movement in the 1950s and 1960s.

The purpose of this assignment is to provide learners with understanding and skills to assess the need for strategic
change in organizations and how to empower them to take engagement actively in the process of strategic change
management.
Scenario
It is the realities of today, change is imperative for a healthy and sustainable success of today’s organizations. To this
end, every organization undergoes a change process so as to compete with the changing market circumstances. You
are required to identify the need for change in any department or area in your chosen organization and you have to
state why there is a need for change and how will you plan and implement it effectively.
Task 1
Understand the background to organisational strategic change
1.1 Discuss models of strategic change and their differences (AC 1.1).
1.2 Evaluate the relevance of models of strategic change to your chosen organisations in the current
Economy (as of the current situation which is the best suitable model) (AC 1.2).
1.3 Assess the value of using strategic intervention techniques in your chosen organisations (AC 1.3).
Task 2
Understanding the issues related to strategic change in an organisation
2.1 Examine the need for strategic change in the chosen organisation (explain where or which part of the
organization you intend to bring change) (A.C 2.1).
2.2 Assess the factors that are driving the need for strategic change in your chosen organisation. (A.C 2.2)
2.3 Assess the resource implications of the chosen organisation not responding to strategic change in light of
financial, human and physical resources (A.C 2.3).
Task 3
Be able to lead stakeholders in developing a strategy for change
 Develop appropriate and efficient systems to involve stakeholders in the planning of change. (A.C 3.1)
 Develop a change management strategy for your chosen organization and show how stakeholders’
involvement in the change initiative is ensured. (A.C 3.2)
 Evaluate the systems (which you have developed in 3.1) used to involve stakeholders in the planning of
change. (A.C 3.3).
 Create a strategy for managing resistance to change; you need to address the issues involved and provide a
workable approach to overcome resistance to change. (A.C 3.4)
Task 4
Be able to plan to implement modules for ensuring ongoing change.
 Develop appropriate models for change in your selected organization which have to reflect the circumstances
facing the organization (A.C 4.1)
 Develop a plan on how you will implement the change plan. (A.C 4.2)
 Develop appropriate measures to monitor progress by explaining how you will monitor the progress of the
implemented change (A.C 4.3).
Assessment
Learners need to research information from a chosen organisation and develop a report on planning strategic
change in that organisation.
For AC1.1, learners need to show that they understand the different approaches to models of change management.
They need to discuss a minimum of three established models, highlighting the differences in approach.
For AC1.2, in the introduction to their report learners need to evaluate the relevance of the models of strategic
change, using examples from organisations. They need to explain why the models for change are appropriate in
their selected examples.
For AC1.3, learners will be expected to assess the value of using strategic intervention techniques that are used in
organisations. These need to be applied to the organisation in their report.
For AC 2.1 and 2.2, it is expected that learners will show an understanding of the forces that are impacting on an
organisation and driving the need for change. Showing understanding needs to be more than just a list of forces and
change drivers. Learners need to demonstrate that they have researched and examined the current position of the
organisation and that they are able to assess the factors in the organisation that are driving the need for change.
For AC2.3, learners need to assess the resource implications of the organisation not responding to change. It is
expected that learners will assess the relevant financial, human and physical resources. They are not expected to cost
the resource implications for the organisation.
For AC3.1, learners need to develop systems to involve stakeholders in the planning of change. The systems
need to be appropriate and workable in the selected organisation.
For AC3.2, learners need to show that they understand the different strategies that are available in the process of
change management. They need to develop an appropriate strategy for change in the selected organisation and
show how they would involve stakeholders in the development of this strategy.
For AC3.3, learners need to make judgements on the effectiveness of the systems used to involve stakeholders in
the development of a change strategy. They need to evaluate the process, taking account of anything that worked
well and anything that did not work well or could have worked better.
For AC3.4, learners need to show that they recognise that resistance to change can show itself in different ways. If
managed badly, resistance can become entrenched and spread throughout the organisation. Learners need to create
a strategy for managing resistance to change that is appropriate to their selected organisation. It needs to address
the issues and provide a workable approach to overcome the resistance.
For AC4.1, learners need to develop appropriate models for ongoing change in their selected organisation. The
models need to reflect the circumstances facing the organisation.
For AC4.2, learners need to show how they would plan to implement the model for change in their selected
organisation. Internal and external circumstances impacting on the organisation also need to be considered.
For AC4.3, learners need to develop measures to monitor the progress of the change model once it is launched. The
measures will need to be practical, workable and appropriate to the organisational context.
Guidelines for the Assignment:
 Use standard Arial font size 11.
 Use 1.5 line spacing.
 Have a 2.5 centimeter margin on the left hand side of the page and a 2 centimeter margin on the right hand
side.
 Include page numbers.
 Headings: use 16 point Arial Bold for first level headings, and 14 point Arial Bold for second level headings. If a
third level heading is required, use 12 point Arial Bold.
 Attach a completed Statement and Confirmation of Own Work to the front of the paper copy of your
assignment.
 The first page of your assignment should be a title page, which should also state your name, Edexcel BTEC ID
number and the name of the Centre where you are studying.
 Include a table of contents.
 Start each task on a new page and include the question at the top of the page.
 Ensure any diagrams, screen shots, PowerPoint slides, etc fit correctly on the page and are referenced, for
example, Fig. 1, Fig. 2, etc.
 Check spelling, grammar and punctuation.
 You should also ensure that you proof read your document, because the above checks do not always pick up
every mistake.
 Use accurate Harvard referencing and include a bibliography.
 Ensure you are aware of the word limit for the assignment (3000-3500 word limit) and any regulations that
apply if you exceed the word limit.
 Include the total word count at the end of the assignment.
Note:
All work must be delivered in hard copy and soft copy; all assignments should be properly referenced.

 
Business information and communication flow
Produce a formal report in which you provide a critical evaluation of the role of ERP and CRM systems in an organisation of your choice (MUST BE UK BASED ORGANISATION).

Describe the role played by wireless networks and other types of networks in involving different parts of the organisation, or other organisations.
Outline and critically discuss the business functions performed by the ERP and CRM systems, the flow of data and information in the ERP and CRM systems.
Evaluate how management, and other users, can use the information from these systems both tactically and strategically and state what form the information may take, and address issues with mobile devices and BYOD.
State your conclusions, and make appropriate recommendations.

Learning outcomes to be examined in this assessment:
1. Understand the nature and content of MICS and how they improve management decision-making.
2. Evaluate the strategy of MICS in different types of organisations.
3. Demonstrate how MICS are able to integrate the various management functions to enhance the overall performance of organisations.

Assessment criteria Explanatory comments on the assessment criteria Maximum marks for each section
Content, style, relevance, originality Employs a wide range of recent journal literature to provide a clear and detailed picture of the current situation 30
Format, referencing, bibliography Structured as a professional report, fully using the Harvard Reference System 20
Constructive critical analysis, introduction, conclusion Shows clear analysis and evaluation of the findings and clearly indicates how management decisions impact the results 50

Students should conform to the conventions of the above assessment format in the preparation of their assignments. The relevant assessment criteria have been stated to enable and guide students in the preparation of their work. Achievement of the learning outcomes and the application of relevant theories to the assessment task should be demonstrated.
How to structure the assignment report
Title Page
Assignment title, module code, full name and student code, as well as submission date.
Table of Contents
A list all the chapters, sections, headings and sub-headings. Appendices and Figures should be provided as well as all page numbers as clearly as possible.
Introduction
This provides an overview of the topic being considered and how you will approach it.
Findings and Analysis
• This is the substance of your report. The structure will vary depending on the material being presented. Headings and sub-headings should be used to indicate clearly the different sections
• The following headings may help to add structure: situation; problem; solution; evaluation. It is not sufficient simply to describe a situation. Analysis and a critical approach are essential
• Charts, diagrams and tables can be used to reinforce your arguments, although it may be better to include the more complex ones as an appendix.
Conclusions
These draw out the implications of your findings. Deductions are based on the facts described in the findings and analysis. Remember not to include any new material here.
Recommendations
Indicate what you think should be done to improve or develop the situation in specific ways. Highlight the steps for action.
References
This is a record of all the named sources you have quoted from or reproduced in your report. Please use The Harvard System for all references
Bibliography
It contains all reading you have conducted in preparation for writing the report but have not used in reference. It allows the reader to assess whether the background reading undertaken was balanced and a variety of courses utilised.
Appendices
Detailed documentation of points made in the findings. Examples include: technical data, questionnaires, letters sent, tables, charts or leaflets. An appendix contains supplementary information that you consider to be too long, complicated or not quite relevant to include in the main section of the report, but is still relevant to your reader. Each appendix should be referred to in your text. You should not include something as an appendix if it is not discussed in the report.

Please use UK English and I will attach the full outline of the assignment as well as all the lecture notes to help you ensure you use all the relevant theories etc.

 
Assignment 1: Evaluating Knowledge Management sources (10%)
Aim: To encourage you to explore the wide range of both professional and academic sources and communities interested in and offering information on knowledge management
Brief: You are asked to identify and evaluate TEN key sources that provide information on knowledge management and that you would recommend to others. Such sources should include a mixture of websites and portals, practitioner journals, and academic journals. Write a short 100-150 word review on each, indicating the scope and purpose of the source, its authority, its intended audience, and why you have included it in your recommendations.

Assignment 2: Information and Knowledge tools, technologies and artifacts (30%)
Aim: To develop an understanding as to why and how ONE specific knowledge tool, systems other artifact contributes to information and knowledge-based activities within organizations or communities. Further, through (non-assessed) presentations, students will share their knowledge of these technologies.
Brief: You should choose ONE specific knowledge management tool, technology or artifact and to prepare a short presentation to inform your fellow course members about this technology, and its contribution to knowledge management within organizations. In other words, you should assume that they know no more than you did about the technology before you started to read about it. Some examples are: intranets, group work systems, search engines, collaborative learning systems, social media, crowd computing, artificial intelligence and expert systems, geographical information systems, and data warehouses. You should be able to find sufficient information for this task in textbooks, but make sure that you read more than one, and update your understanding with reference to recent web pages and other current sources. On the basis of this research you are asked to write a brief, 1500 word report to hand-in, and to prepare a basic 10 minute (non-assessed) presentation to share your findings with other students.
Assignment 3: Communities of practice (20%)
Aim: to better understand the experience and processes of associated with the social dimension of the exchange and sharing of knowledge and information, through the study of a specific community of practice or social networking site.
Brief: You are asked to identify ONE community of practice, or social networking website. You may choose either a business or professional community (e.g. health professionals; security experts) or a social community (e.g. parents; music enthusiasts; F1 motor sports spectators). (If you are unsure about the distinction between these two concepts as they apply to your selection for this assignment please discuss this with a tutor). Write a brief, 1000 word report, covering the following aspects of the community:
• A profile of its members (who are they, where are they, etc?)
• The benefits that it delivers to members (why do people join? Are people exchanging information and knowledge, or social support and friendship?) and any organizations associated with the community
• Recent discussion topics/themes
• Comments on governance structures or controls
• An evaluation as to the long-term sustainability of the community
Assignment 5: Reflection on learning process (10%)
Aim: To demonstrate that you can apply some of the concepts in this unit, in particular those relating to learning, and reflect on your learning process for the unit
Brief: You are asked to write a short concluding comment (750 words) evaluating your learning on this unit. This statement might include:
• An indication of what skills and knowledge you feel that you have acquired through this unit, with specific reference to how they may be useful to your future
• An evaluation of the learning process including: any things that you found difficult, any particular successes, and anything that you have learnt about yourself through the study process.