Assessment details

Research key aspects of planning as well as contingency[1] factors in organisations, and evaluate the relevance of organisational design in today’s increasingly complex environments. Your essay should address the following question:

In addressing this question, you may wish to consider the following points:

• Why does society need organisations? Why do organisations exist?
• What are the distinctive features of an organisation?
• How much control can organised activity exercise over its environment(s)?
• What are the distinctive features of contemporary organisational environments?
• What can organisations do to become and stay successful in such conditions?

When expressing your own opinions in response to the essay question, it is acceptable to write in the first person. However, make sure that all your claims are supported by well-reasoned explanations and, where applicable, evidence. You are free to use references from the prescribed and recommended literature, but not excessively (5-10 references should be sufficient). Reference to your own professional or work experience, where relevant, is also acceptable.

Assessment Requirement
Word limit: 1,500

Assessment criteria

1. Knowledge and interpretation of relevant key concepts and issues
2. Analysis of relations between phenomena in discussion, using sound argumentation and relevant evidence
3. Reflection and independence of thought in critically evaluating the referenced material and relating it to personal experience

Organisation and presentation of ideas

[1] Contingency: a) a future event or circumstance which is possible but cannot be predicted with certainty, b) a provision for a possible event or circumstance, c) an incidental expense
(Oxford dictionary, retrieved from https://en.oxforddictionaries.com/definition/contingency, 24/07/2017)