Assessment guidelines: The work should provide an evaluation of a Strategic HR issue (or set of issues). Particular emphasis will be given to the evaluation of the links between theory and practice. I will be expected to demonstrate good standards of scholarship (and research, where appropriate). ASSIGNMENT TITLE: Critically evaluate the effect(s) of the ‘UK’ economic crisis on businesses which recruit from the international graduate recruitment market. How might any such effects affect: a) an organisation’s business/strategic operations. Also consider b) what the implications could be for your own job prospects? I am required to offer a more detailed examination of the issue in question, including an explicit rationale justifying the value of the issue chosen. In all cases I should give a reasoned account of why my issue is worth investigating and what I hope to achieve (i.e. a clear aim and objectives). Assessment detail: Text must be presented in line and a half (1 & #189;) spaced format. The formal HARVARD referencing system MUST be used. Citation references must also be included in full. Simply, all author sources MUST be suitably acknowledged. Literature: My paper should make good use of available literature. I should draw upon a variety of sources, including textbooks, practitioner journals, news and internet sources and particularly contemporary scholarly journals. In all cases however I am encouraged to approach this material from a productively ‘critical’ perspective i.e. examine the evidence for assumptions that are made (and try to identify any vested interests that may inform them), evaluate the methods used to collect data, consider the plausibility of the concepts and theories being used, determine whether conclusions really do follow from preceding argument/evidence. Use the literature to examine the nature of the issues(s) I am investigating. For example I should consider how have others treated it, are there differences in perspective, which approach appears most plausible and why? Through this I may raise specific questions I feel need to be addressed. For example this may be because they point towards ambiguity in theory, they are particularly relevant to my work, experience or both. In this way I can give my paper a clear focus and make an explicit connection between theory and practice. The nature of the connection may vary: I might find that my own experience resonates with one particular theoretical perspective but not another; alternatively my experience might cause me to question the theory that is available. In the latter case I could either suggest how theory might be modified/developed or I could try to explain why my experience deviates. Research: My research should be based on data that has been collected by others (secondary data. i.e. journal articles). A primary research approach is not valid for this unit. Where I use my own pre-existing data, it is essential I consider all the issues of good research practice. It is important I work towards a position where I can actively demonstrate that I understand the primary module issues e.g. incorporating Strategy/HRM and Internationalisation. Therefore, make sure that the research clearly and explicitly related to the issue(s) I am exploring. Though it may sound straightforward, this is not in fact as easy as it sounds. Conclusions: My conclusions should pull together the issues of theory and practice. Ask myself the following questions: Does my research confirm or challenge the literature in the area of investigation? What are the implications of my results for a) theory and the knowledge of the issue(s); b) professional practice? If appropriate I can also add recommendations for my own organisation or the profession. Make sure that any recommendations are actually derived from or backed up by I investigation and not just tacked on to the end. References: As described earlier in this document, the formal HARVARD referencing system MUST be used. Citation references must also be included in full. Simply put, all author sources MUST be suitably acknowledged. My paper will be assessed as follows: Interim assessment report. 10% PASS/ 0%FAIL only and, will be included as part of the total mark. 10% Definition and rationale for the problem to be investigated 20% Discussion of relevant literature and theory 20% * Research enquiry and critical evaluation 20% * Conclusions and recommendations 20% References, presentation and adherence to guidelines 10% Associated assessment / marking keywords: Content CLARITY Topic FOCUS Enquiry and evaluation JUSTIFICATION Assignment STRUCTURE HARVARD STYLE REFERENCES * These two proportions may be adjusted depending on the nature of the research involved.