Instructions for Assessment: HRD and Adult Workplace Learning (Individual Essay)

Overview

Photo shared under Creative Commons license (Pexels)
This task involves individually researching and writing an essay, examining a current area in human resource development (HRD) and adult workplace learning. The specific topic is provided under Specific Instructions.
This essay will be approximately 1,500 words in length – excluding the reference list and cover page.
This assessment requires you to explore the following topic: employability
Overall, your essay should provide:

• A thorough description and critical analysis of the relevant academic literature in human resource development and learning and development to address your essay question.
• Appropriate and well-integrated supporting references to research studies and organisational case studies.
• A reflection that relates your analysis to your personal adult learning experience, career development, work-related learning goals and/or work experience. It might also include other real world examples that you have observed.
• An evaluation of the importance of your chosen topic/theory(ies) to HRD and/or adult learning and development within contemporary organisations.
• An indication of related issues, trends, and HRD practices.

Specific Instructions

This assessment requires you to explore the following topic: employability.
Do some initial reading and research on this topic so that you can formulate your own research essay “question.” This will help to further guide your research and to focus on your essay.
Please also read all of the instructions and the marking rubric for this assessment.
Assessment quality:

• You need to take an analytical and critical perspective consistent with the expectations of a postgraduate student.
• Your research essay should demonstrate a sound grasp of the academic HRD and adult learning literature and draw on relevant theoretical concepts and frameworks.
• The analysis should be academic and based on a minimum of 10 academic and peer-reviewed journal articles not already provided on the LMS.
• Your reflection needs to be specific and clearly related to the analysis.
• You may include additional information obtained from credible sources (e.g., articles provided in class, textbooks, chapters, practitioner articles, organisation or industry reports, etc.). Note that Wikipedia and similar sources are NOT acceptable for any assessments in this subject.

Assessment structure:
Your final assessment should include the following elements: 
 

• An essay question that is appropriately framed and focused.
• An appropriate introduction, body and conclusion that responds to your essay question.
• A well-formulated introduction that includes a thesis statement (i.e., a brief interpretation of your research question including your opinion or claim) and clear reference to your conclusion.
• Thorough explanation, reflection and critical analysis of your essay question with some final synthesis.
• Application and critical analysis of appropriate academic research and theory from HRD and Learning and Development, cited appropriately.
• Personal reflection that applies your specific academic analysis to your own workplace learning, career development and/or work-related learning goals in a logical and thoughtful way.
• Development of logical and well-supported arguments. The latter involves the use of supporting research, case study examples, and/or observation.
• Overall clarity of expression and an integrated structure.
• See also ‘Assessment format requirements’ (below).

Assessment Format Requirements

This assignment should be written in a neat, professional and engaging manner using essay format, meaning that you need to develop coherent, well-supported and logical arguments following a basic essay structure. A concise guide for writing essays in business school is provided here: https://www.business.unsw.edu.au/Students-Site/Documents/Writinganessay.pdf. Another great resource for essay writing is here: https://nest.latrobe/write-effective-essay-english/.

• It should include a cover page with your research question and your student details.
• Correct grammar, spelling, and transitions.
• Include page numbering in the footer of the document.
• Use 12-point standard font, 1.5 or double spacing, and 2.54cm (1 inch) margins on all sides.
• Use Academy of Management referencing for in-text citations and your reference list.

Referencing Requirements

Use the Academy of Management referencing style for all in-text citations and refe