Content and Structure
This assessment is based on the application of the history of management theory to
contemporary organisations and builds on the tutorial activities undertaken in the first half
of the module.
Students will decide on the appropriate structure and content but we would expect to see
the following elements:
 Introduction: setting the context, addressing the question, the approach to
answering the question
 Main body of the assignment
o Review of relevant classical and human relations theories, identifying key
themes or factors. There is no expectation to review all theories
comprehensively within the scope of a 3,000-word assignment. However, we
expect you to demonstrate an understanding of some of the principal
theoretical contributions, supported by literature and wider reading.
o Cases or examples: you should identify recent or contemporary examples of
the influence of classical and human relations approaches in organisations –
using the themes or factors discussed in your review of literature.
Identify relevant practices, policies and approaches of organisations; these
should be suitably evidenced. For example, classical and human relations
approaches to management have different conceptions of motivation,
incentives and rewards, ways of organising work and tasks etc. How are these
reflected in company policies?
To help guide your search, you may want to think of industry sectors and
then select companies, for example, the automotive industry – Volkswagen;
Information Technology – Google.

Conclusion: bring together your main points; address the main question, i.e. evaluate
the influence of classical and human relations approaches in management today.