Critical thinking Essay

(Choose Topic Option 1 OR 2. Complete BOTH Parts A and B of your chosen topic) Note: it is quite acceptable to use the first person (‘I’ statements) in this essay. TOPIC OPTION 1 – INFORMATION AND DECISION MAKING Part A: What are some of the impediments to good decision making? Given the availability of copious information, why do good managers still make bad decision? (Schernerhorn et al., 2011, p.73). Explain referring to theory in your answer. (Approximately 1700 words). AND Part B: Critically reflect on your own ability to make good decisions. Use examples from your own experience to explain how your decision making process influenced the outcomes of those decisions. (Approximately 300 words). OR TOPIC OPTION 2 - HISTORICAL FOUNDATIONS OF MANAGEMENT Part A: Do the principles of 'Classical Approaches to Management' still generally hold true or are these traditional ideas just constraining for contemporary firms? Refer to theory on pp.87-92 of Schermerhorn et al (2011) in your answer. (Approximately 1700 words). AND Part B: Choose one of these classical approaches (either scientific management, bureaucratic management or administrative principles). Compare and contrast one of these approaches with your current management style. If you are not yet a manager then you can write how you would/would not like to behave as a manager in the future. (Approximately 300 words). [word counts do not include references, reference list and headings and you may vary within 10% of these word limits] Rationale The aims of the assessment are: • to provide you with an opportunity to demonstrate an understanding of the sorts of challenges that managers face • to encourage in-depth research on the context of contemporary management and the skills and abilities that are required when managing in this changing context. • to develop skills in presenting a balanced presentation of management theory and organisational practice to the reader. • to develop and practice formal written communication skills. • to critically reflect on your own philosophy, goals and skills around managing. Marking criteria To PASS this assessment you must: You should refer to your textbook as well as a minimum of five academic references. Make use of scholarly sources and academic journals. The required number of references does not include the prescribed textbook or lecture notes but may include study guide readings. make use of specific organisational examples to illustrate your arguments. Explain key theoretical concepts related to your chosen topic Reference accurately according to APA system Your assignment will be graded taking into account the extent to which you have: · answered the question set, kept to the topic and covered only relevant issues; · expressed other people’s ideas in your own words and gone beyond what they have said on the topic by integrating a range of literature; · demonstrated that you understand the statement, the issues it covers and the debates it gives rise to; · taken a critical orientation to the argument put by the statement that recognises, considers and weighs-up competing viewpoints; · shown in the content of your essay that you have read the relevant literature; · structured your essay into a clear flow of argument or reasoning that makes sense and is persuasive; · been clear and concise in your expression; · paid attention to the rules of writing in relation to paragraphing, punctuation, spelling, etc.; · appropriately cited references; · kept to the approximate word length; and · gone beyond mere description.