Case Study – Zurich UK Life (Organisational Change and Leadership)
Individual case-based essay (100%)
The assignment is an individually written essay of 2000 words (+/- 10%). The assignment task is to critically analyse a case study on organisational change by applying theories from the following topics:
1. Organisational Change (mandatory)
AND
2. Leadership
Students are provided with a written case study of Organisational Change in an organisational context. Students are required to read the case study and critically analyse the case study according to the assignment instructions above and following the more detailed guidance below.
• Briefly describe the case study:
– Provide a brief description of the organisation and the problems it is addressing. Here you can draw upon the case study and any other sources from your own independent research.
• Describe and review theories of Organisational Change AND another topic of your choice that you will use to analyse your situation
– Select relevant theories
– Provide a description of the theories you are using drawing on MPTO unit resources and independent research and review the theory/theories.
• Critically analyse your situation by applying these theories to the case study
– This means the analysing the case study using the “lens” provided by the theories (e.g. identifying what type of change is taking place within the case study and providing evidence from the data in the case study of this).
– Explore how the theories provide a framework for understanding why change is taking place, what type of change is taking place, the process of change, could change have been handled better, was it successful and why?
• Conclude your essay
– Bring together the key points from your critical analysis.
– Address the extent to which the models you are using capture what happened in the case study and are useful in providing a framework for managers involved in organisational change initiatives
• Provide a critical reflection on how your learning from this case study can contribute to your professional development. Some examples of the questions you might ask yourself to further your professional development:
– What do you take from the lessons learned from your analysis of managing change?
– What considerations would you take into account when managing change?
– How might you overcome resistance to change?
Format of the assignment
· Font size 12 Calibri or equivalent
· MMU standard Harvard referencing is essential (A PDF copy can be found on Moodle).
· Use headings and subheadings to structure your argument
· You need to ensure that you write in an academic style and include appropriate academic references. In your reflection on professional development you are permitted to using the first person since you are reflecting on your future professional practice.
