This written assessment is designed to assist students to develop skills in research and analysis pertaining to human resource issues and academic referencing. The secondary purpose of this assessment task is to give students the opportunity to enhance their critical thinking, and written communication skills.

Your task is to:

• Compile an Annotated Bibliography in preparation for the Assessment 2 Essay (1000 words ±10%). Identify three (3) academic peer reviewed journal articles relevant to the Assessment 2 Essay topic, i.e., 'The role of alternative work arrangements in addressing the emerging HRM challenges in Australia'. One (1) of these journal articles is prescribed (please refer to the assessment 1 resource folder in Moodle) and you must use it.
• Search the academic literature to identify an additional two (2) academic peer reviewed journal articles published between 2016 and now. It is recommended that you undertake your research via the online ‘search’ of CQUniversity Library. If you do not identify a recently published academic peer-reviewed journal article you will not receive any mark in relation to that article across the relevant marking criteria. These additional two (2) recent peer reviewed journal articles must not be those already provided on the Moodle site. Unpublished/pre-prints/editorials/conference papers/book chapters are NOT acceptable in this task, even if they are listed/marked as peer reviewed in the CQU library.
• Provide a brief overview of the main ideas of each of the journal articles. For each journal article you are to write approximately 300 words in total across two paragraphs, which are approximately of equal length. The first paragraph should describe the article and its research, summarising the main ideas, stating the hypothesis (if any), purpose, research methodology (if applicable), and conclusion/results. The second paragraph should identify how you will use the content of the article in relation to your Essay. These paragraphs must be written in third person.
• Use referencing (refer to the CQU APA Referencing Guide) to support your discussion in each of the paragraphs using the respective journal articles you have identified. You only need three (3) journal articles for this assessment however you will need additional research for the Assessment 2 - Essay.
• In addition, you are to provide a personal reflection in relation to the overall task (approximately 100 words). In this paragraph you are to write a considered personal reflection on the assessment task overall identifying what you have learned by undertaking this task; any challenges; and what you would do differently next time. The reflection must be written in first person and does not need to be referenced.

Notes:

Your Annotated Bibliography should be in the specified format. Please refer to the 'Guide to the Annotated Bibliography' available on the Moodle site.

Please do not commence this assessment without referring to the assessment information provided on the Moodle site.

Penalties for late submission are applied according to the CQU policy.

Assessment Item 1 - Marking Criteria for the Annotated Bibliography

• Research (15%): Demonstrate research undertaken of the academic literature and identify two (2) recent academic peer-reviewed journal articles in addition to the article provided to you (total 3) published between 2016 and now, and are relevant to the Assessment 2 essay topic.
• Analysis (45%): Provide a brief overview of the main ideas of each of the journal articles. For each journal article, you should write approximately 300 words in total across the two paragraphs, which are approximately of equal length. The first paragraph should describe the article and its research, summarising the main ideas, stating the hypothesis, purpose, research methodology (if applicable), and conclusion/results. The second paragraph should identify how you will use the identified article in Assessment 2. 
• Referencing (15%): Reference the journal articles according to the exact detail of the CQU APA Referencing Guide, in-text and in the reference list.
• Presentation and Communication (15%): Format as per the guidelines provided on the unit Moodle site; use clear and concise communication; structure sentences and paragraphs appropriately. Use appropriate language, grammar, spelling (Australian spelling), and punctuation. Other than the reflection component, your analysis paragraphs must be written in the third person.
• Reflection (10%): Provide a reflection of the task (in approx. 100 words in total), identifying what you have learned by undertaking this task, any challenges, and what you would do differently next time (Note: This must be written in first person and references are not required).

This assessment is designed to assist students to develop their analytical skills pertaining to human resource issues based on relevant human resource theories and models. The secondary purpose of this assessment task is to give students the opportunity to enhance their critical thinking, and written communication skills, particularly in the areas of developing an argument and essay writing. In this task, you are required to research and write an ACADEMIC ESSAY (1600 words +/- 10%). You should establish your argument and provide evidence from extensive research of academic and other appropriate scholarly sources to support your argument.  A minimum of five (5) recent (2016-2024) scholarly peer reviewed academic journal articles and the prescribed text book must be used. Other sources that make a significant contribution to the analysis may include industry and organisation specific examples.

This new employment context in Australia is largely being shaped by the still developing 'Alternative Work Arrangements' (AWAs). While AWAs such as remote work and flexible work arrangements may help address some persisting human resource management (HRM) challenges (e.g., labour shortages, inclusiveness, performance management), many Australian industries are still struggling to attract and retain employees for a sustainable performance. In your essay titled 'The role of  alternative work arrangements in addressing the emerging HRM challenges in Australia', you should:

• discuss how the unique aspects or variations of the emerging AWAs may influence the HRM practices in Australia in the new employment context
• critically discuss the strategic HRM implications of adapting AWAs for Australian organisations/industries.
• Focus on strategic implications for at least three of the related HR functions such as HR planning, job design, recruitment, HRIS, engagement, retention, training and development, work life balance, international HRM, performance management, diversity management/inclusion/indigenisation, health and safety, industrial relations, remunerations and benefits.
• critically discuss associated challenges and opportunities for employers and the employees (all employees in the workforce and not just the ones currently enjoying AWAs).
• incorporate examples from Australian organisations or industries (or international organisations operating in Australia) to support your discussion where possible.

Notes:

Please do not commence this Assessment without referring to the 'Marking Rubric' provided in the Unit Moodle site.

Penalties for late submission are applied according to the CQU policy.

 Assessment Item 2 - Marking Criteria for the Essay

• Research (20%): The essay demonstrates extensive research and understanding of the topic. Students should have a minimum of six (6) recent (2016-2024) scholarly references, which must include the prescribed textbook and five (5) recent and relevant academic peer-reviewed journals to be eligible for a pass on this criterion. The research integrated throughout the essay to support the argument.
• Analysis (35%): The essay demonstrates a critical analysis of the topic and a clearly integrated and well‑developed argument throughout to address all parts of the assessment task. There is clear evidence of how a number of HRM functions link to each other and the broader organisational strategy.
• Application of literature/theory (15%): The essay demonstrates the application of the relevant concepts, frameworks, and theories in relation to the topic. Specific examples from Australian industry/organisations have been incorporated to highlight application in the real-world setting.
• Referencing (5%): The references list and the in-text referencing comply with the exact detail of the CQU APA Referencing Guide. The referencing is appropriate and sufficient throughout the essay.
• Presentation (20%): The essay is appropriately structured (introduction, body, and conclusion) with no headings, has relevant information order and flow, paragraphs are used effectively, and includes a well-formulated introduction and conclusion.
• Communication (5%): The essay uses clear and concise communication, appropriate language, grammar, spelling (Australian spelling), and punctuation.

• provide a brief summary of the news story;
• identify at least three key HRM issues raised and discuss them in relation to the relevant concepts, frameworks, and theories from the Unit; and
• make recommendations for the future.

 Assessment Item 3 - Marking Criteria for the Business Report

• Research (25%): The report demonstrates extensive research and understanding of the topic. Students should have a minimum of seven (7) recent scholarly references, which must include the prescribed textbook and six (6) recent academic peer reviewed journal articles, to be eligible for a pass on this criterion. The research is used in an integrated manner throughout the report to evidence the argument.
• Analysis (35%): The report demonstrates critical analysis, provides a clearly integrated and well-developed argument throughout, and links to the appropriate recommendations. The strategic role of HR in the 21st century organisations is articulated.
• Application of literature/theory (15%): The report demonstrates application of the relevant concepts, frameworks, and theories related to the topic. Specific examples from industry/organisations (from Australia and elsewhere as relevant) have been incorporated to highlight application in the real-world setting.
• Referencing (5%): The reference list and in-text referencing comply with the exact detail of the CQU APA Referencing Guide. The referencing is appropriate and sufficient throughout the report.
• Presentation (15%): The report is appropriately structured, includes a well‑formulated introduction and conclusion, uses relevant topic headings in the body, and specific recommendations are stated. References are included.
• Communication (5%): The report uses clear and concise communication, appropriate language, grammar, spelling (Australian spelling), and punctuation.