Summary from the 2nd tutorial (13 Dec 2000)

We were having our 2nd tutorial on 13 December and the agenda was following:

1. Feedback on TMA11
2. Motivation and Job Design - THE WHARF HOTEL Case Study
3. Decision-Making and Planning - CAR REPLACEMENT Case Study
4. Preparation for TMA12

Ad 1)

there were 19 TMAs presented, the marking average was 50,2. It is a good start, this average for the first TMA is usually a bit lower in BZCE654.

General comments on TMA writing

• use appropriate structure and format (business report vs. narrative parts) - see Course Book No 2, pages 121-122)
• in background information (such as diary record in TMA11, or interview record in TMA12) use specific, concrete examples  - no general statements
• in PT3 forms, please use English hand-written digits:   1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 
• whenever using a course theory (Mintzberg, Fayol, Herzberg,...), do not forget to explain it first, preferably in your own words (imagine that you address the report to your manager in your company - he is probably not familiar with the course ideas, so you should briefly explain)
• use your TMA for addressing a LIVING, REAL issue in your job (even if you find useful to produce 2 versions in respect to different word count limit or layout requirements, then)
• TMA conclusion should be practical, useful - such as an Action Plan, recommendation for management action etc (learning by doing!).

 ad 4)

Special instructions for TMA12

• basic resources: Coursebook 4 (+ some inputs form Coursebook 3), video 2 and 3 - Motivation at OXFAM, Job Redesign at ICL; Writers On Organisation and Effective Manager: Perspectives and Illustrations
• task a): for the interview, a thorough preparation of the structure, the order and formulation of questions asked, is needed. Keep in mind, that one of the main goals of the interview is to find out, what is different or unique for the individuals interviewed. So you really should avoid questions which call for stereotype answers.
• Record the interviews with specific, concrete facts, use quotations (see also Note 4 in TMA Handbook).
• When interviewing people and asking them questions about their private world (and values, needs and desires are the most private things!), you have to be critical in accepting what you hear. Sometimes people are even not frank to themselves; sometimes – especially speaking to someone who controls their resources, such as salary – they rather tend to say what they think their boss would like to hear, sometimes they simply are not willing to open their secrets to the other person. Watch their gestures, their body language, compare their words with their behaviour, with other, but RELIABLE information. Do not refer to rumours and hints from other people – they might follow their own motives.
• for this TMA again, the course package offers you a whole range of concepts and theories from which you can select. Use your freedom and judgment; my recommendation (but do not take it as a MUST or a COMPLETE list!) is: Maslow-Alderfer, Herzberg, Hackman and Oldham.

Good luck!

Hynek Kratky, 14-Dec-2000

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