This assignment is designed to: • assist students in examining and understanding how HR operates in practice as compared to what is found in research/academic literature; • familiarise students with the gap which may exist between espoused HR policy and actual HR practice within work organisations; • encourage students to develop a critical understanding of the extent to which organisations adhere to espoused HRM policies; • encourage students to explore the complicated relationship among top management, line managers, HR managers and employees and its effect on HR policies and practices; • encourage students to develop sound analytical skills based on in-depth literature research, theories, case studies and work practices. Assessment criteria This assignment is essentially about the management of a practical HR issue. You are using research/academic literature to conduct your analysis. Particular importance will be given to the quality of your arguments on ways of effectively managing the issue that you have chosen to analyse. In addition, your assignment will be evaluated upon: • whether it answers the question set, keeps to the topic and covers only relevant issues; • good use of evidence (academic literature) to justify and support your arguments. Sufficient application of academic literature is vital (please try to demonstrate your understanding of the literature by discussing research and findings, not just providing a citation(s) to accompany a one line précis of a research result); • sourcing at least 60% of your references from academic journals; • applying relevant theories; • building a sound argument using analysis, explanation and interpretation; • demonstrating original thinking based on clearly evaluated evidence and logic; • treating sources critically and carefully, acknowledging their subjectivity, strengths and weaknesses; • taking a critical orientation to the topic, theories and readings; • providing an overarching, well structured, clear and consistent line of reasoning across the assignment including an effective introduction and conclusion; • using a clear, coherent structure in the essay, quality of expression and correctly using the Harvard referencing method as explained in the study materials provided. Avoid ‘cutting and pasting'' (copying) verbatim paragraphs and long quotations from source materials. Cut and paste excerpts will be crossed out and will not be considered as part of the essay. Appendices are not required.