Examine and investigate the strategic and operational importance of change for EDL
MG630 Change Management and Organisational Development
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Module code and title: |
MG630 Change Management and Organisational Development |
Module leader: |
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Assignment No. and type: |
PR1: 10-Minute (Individual or Paired) Presentation + 5 minutes for questions |
Assessment weighting: |
40% |
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Submission time and date: |
Sunday 04th May 2025 before 2.00 pm. |
Target feedback time and date: |
3 weeks after submission deadline |
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Note: In case of paired presentations:
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Assignment task 8 |
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CONTEXT Elegant Delights Ltd. (EDL) is a small regional chain of artisanal dessert shops with its headquarters in Chester. EDL was originally set up by Olivia Green. Its shares are now owned by family and friends of Thomas Green, the current Managing Director. Five other directors manage the company alongside Thomas. Over a three-year period, EDL has expanded by taking over independent dessert and specialty kitchenware shops in local towns in the North West of England. EDL now has 6 shops including the flagship store in Chester and is aiming to expand to 10 shops. As part of their ongoing expansion plans, EDL also wants to introduce an online ordering service using a new online software package. This would offer a nationwide delivery service to customers’ homes. This service would initially run from EDL’s headquarters in Chester but with plans to expand into a new manufacturing unit. The expansion through acquisitions and the introduction of the online dessert ordering service will result in restructuring changes within EDL. These would include:
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Each of the other 5 shops now has one shop manager. However, EDL would like to introduce one regional shop manager and have a pastry chef in each store. The Chester shop would continue to have a shop manager. In the smaller shops, the pastry chef will also act as the shop manager and manage any shop assistants. The proposed restructuring is not popular with the current employees. They feel that the reasons for the change, the need for the reorganisation of staff, and the final staffing structure have been poorly communicated to them. Thomas Green and his two fellow directors thought that the letters sent to staff and the notices on the staff noticeboards in each shop clearly communicated the reasons for the reorganisation and the new structure that was to be put in place. However, the restructuring process is causing uncertainty among staff. The staff have also experienced a loss of motivation and a loss of trust in Thomas Green and his fellow directors. There is an increase in voluntary staff turnover including the loss of managers. EDL will also have additional costs associated with the online business expansion which will include:
A number of the staff in current job roles had originally been employed in the shops before the takeover by EDL. Some of these staff are not very flexible and are resistant to any change in their job roles. Thomas Green is keen to continue to expand and develop the company and has recently refitted part of the Chester shop with a section selling party supplies. This has proven to be a success and Thomas now wants to introduce similar sections into the other shops. This development will impact current job roles and will involve some restructuring. Thomas is aware of the problems associated with planning change and restructuring and so he has contracted your management consultancy to help with the planning of this change. |
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This assignment has been designed to provide you with an opportunity to demonstrate your achievement of the following module learning outcomes: |
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LO 1: Understand the strategic and operational importance of change in organisations. |
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LO 2: Critically evaluate change management theory, strategies and tactical options including organisation development. |
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Task requirements |
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You have been hired by EDL to do some work around how the company has been affected by the VUCA environment in which they operate in. Before EDL commissions a report from you (CW1), they wish for you to offer them some insight as to how change management might help them, and what strategies/tactical options are available to see them through this difficult time. As an Individual or in a Pair, you are to:
Please see Tasks requirements below for further instructions.
All presentations must be recorded for moderation purposes. Presentations must be uploaded on your LSST One Drive and the link shared with your Lecturer. |
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Referencing and research requirements |
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Please reference your work according to the Harvard style as defined in Cite Them Right Online (http://www.citethemrightonline.com). This information is also available in book form: Pears, R. and |
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Shields, G. (2019) Cite them right: the essential reference guide. 11th ed. Basingstoke: Palgrave Macmillan. Copies are available via the University library. Minimum requirements:
Professional Bodies, Professional and Credible Videos, Professional and Credible Podcasts References older than 10 years must be supported by a more recent reference. |
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How your work will be assessed |
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Your work will be assessed against the assessment criteria which have been provided at the end of this brief. As this is a group presentation, a record of individual contribution must be submitted as part of the assignment for all members of the group which details the role played in the creation of the assignment and includes a record of all communications engaged with. These criteria have been designed specifically for this assignment and are intended to measure the extent to which you have demonstrated your achievement of its associated learning outcomes (see above). They have been aligned with the institutional grade descriptor appropriate for your level. The assessment criteria provide a basis for fair and consistent marking and indicate what is expected of you in this assignment. It is strongly recommended that you engage with them while you are working on the assignment and use them in combination with any feedback you receive once your work has been marked to help you plan for future learning and development. |
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Submission details |
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You are reminded of the University’s regulations on academic misconduct, which can be viewed on the University website: https://www.bucks.ac.uk/current-students/registry-helpdesk-and-academic-advice/academic-integrity-and-misconduct. In submitting your assignment, you are acknowledging that you have read and understood these regulations. |
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Please also note that work that is submitted up to 10 working days beyond the submission date will be considered a late submission. Late submissions will be marked and the actual mark recorded, but will be capped at the pass mark (typically 40%), provided that the work is of a passing standard. Work submitted after this period will not be marked and will be treated as a non-submission. |
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Before you submit |
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Fit to Submit - Assignment Checklist
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This brief assignment checklist is designed to help you avoid some of the most common mistakes students make in their coursework. Have you read the assignment brief? If not, do so now! In it you will find details of the assessment task, word count, the assessment criteria your work is marked against, and the learning outcomes – the basis for the assessment strategy in each module. Students often lose marks by forgetting some of the more straightforward elements of their assignments. We recommend that you “tick off” each of the points below as you prepare your work for submission. If you need any help, ask your tutor and/or visit https://bucks.ac.uk/students/academicadvice/assessment-and-examination Have you read and understood the assessment criteria? Have you met the learning outcomes? You will lose marks and your work may even be failed if you have not. Have you demonstrated you can think and write critically in the completed work? This means you have supported your arguments/explanations appropriately e.g. using relevant academic sources and you have offered discussion points which extends your own or others’ viewpoints to make reasoned conclusions/judgements. Have you maintained an appropriate tone throughout your work? Is your work formal, focused, developed and clear? Have you checked that thereferencingin your assignment is in line with your programme requirements? |
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Have you proof-read your work and used spellcheck software to check your spelling and grammar? Have you checked the presentation of your work is as specified by your tutor, for example, are font size, colour, style, line spacing and margins as the tutor specified? Have you kept to the word count (or equivalent)? If you are not sure, check with your tutor Can you confirm that the work submitted is your own and maintains academicintegrity? |
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Fail |
Fail |
Pass |
Pass |
Pass |
Pass |
Pass |
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0-34 (F) – Fail |
35-39 E – Marginal fail |
40-49 (D) |
50-59 (C) |
60-69 (B) |
70-79 (A) |
80-100 (A+) |
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Not successful |
Below required standard |
Satisfactory |
Good |
Very Good |
Excellent |
Outstanding |
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Knowledge and |
The work |
The work |
The work |
The work |
The work |
The work |
The work |
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understanding |
demonstrates a |
demonstrates |
demonstrates a basic |
demonstrates a sound |
demonstrates a |
demonstrates a highly |
demonstrates an |
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30% |
limited and/or |
insufficient |
yet systematic |
breadth and depth of |
sophisticated and |
accomplished |
exceptional systematic |
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substantially |
understanding of key |
understanding of key |
systematic |
critical systematic |
systematic |
understanding of key |
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inaccurate or no |
aspects of a VUCA |
aspects of a VUCA |
understanding of a |
understanding of a |
understanding of a |
aspects of a VUCA |
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understanding of key |
environment and how |
environment and how |
VUCA environment and |
VUCA environment and |
VUCA environment and |
environment and how |
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aspects of what |
and where EDL sits |
and where EDL sits |
how and where EDL sits |
how and where EDL sits |
how and where EDL sits |
and EDL sits within it. |
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constitutes a VUCA |
within it. Some |
within it. Some |
within it. There is some |
within it. There are |
within it. Excellent |
Outstanding |
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environment and how |
coherent and detailed |
coherent and detailed |
coherent and detailed |
coherent and detailed |
identification of change |
identification of change |
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and where EDL sits |
knowledge around |
knowledge around |
links with change and |
links with change and |
and organisational |
and organisational |
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within it. |
change and |
change and |
organisational |
organisational |
development, and |
development, and its |
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Examples of coherent |
organisational |
organisational |
development, as well as |
development. The |
demonstration of its |
impact on corporate |
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and detailed |
development. Passing |
development with links |
the impact these have |
impact on corporate |
impact on corporate |
strategy and/or tactical |
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knowledge around |
consideration given to |
to the importance of |
on corporate strategy |
strategy and/or tactical |
strategy and/or tactical |
options available to |
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change and |
the importance of |
corporate strategy |
and/or tactical options |
options available to EDL |
options available to |
EDL. The work is |
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organisational |
corporate strategy |
and/or tactical options |
available to EDL. There |
well documented and |
EDL, beyond what has |
coherent and detailed, |
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development is missing. |
and/or tactical options |
available to EDL. There |
is good engagement |
supported overall by |
been taught. The |
demonstrating |
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No consideration given |
available to EDL. |
is limited engagement |
with recent research |
very good engagement |
supported overall by |
knowledge |
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to the importance of |
Recent research is |
with recent research to |
from a limited range of |
with recent research |
very good engagement |
well beyond what has |
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corporate strategy |
limited to support work. |
support work. |
sources to support |
from a good range of |
knowledge is supported |
been taught, all of |
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and/or tactical options |
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work. |
sources to support |
by recent research from |
which is informed by |
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available to EDL. |
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work. |
an excellent range of |
recent research from an |
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Recent research is |
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sources to support |
excellent range of |
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missing to support |
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work. |
sources to support |
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work. |
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work. |
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Analysis and criticality 30% |
The work demonstrates a limited or no ability of analysis and enquiry. Conceptual understanding of change management is limited thus the work does not: • devise and sustain arguments how corporate strategy and/or tactical options available to EDL are affected by the current VUCA environment. • describe and comment upon aspects of current research and scholarship, with little or no appreciation of the uncertainty, ambiguity, and limits of knowledge; • use relevant and appropriate sources resulting in few if any scholarly reviews. Examine and investigate the strategic and operational importance of change for EDL |
The work demonstrates an insufficient ability of analysis and enquiry. Conceptual understanding of change management is evident and enables the work to partially demonstrate: • use of theory and corporate models to devise and sustain arguments, and solve problems around how corporate strategy and/or tactical options available to EDL are affected by the current VUCA environment. • the ability to describe and comment upon aspects of current research and scholarship, albeit with only a developing appreciation of the uncertainty, ambiguity, and limits of knowledge; There is a limited range of independently selected relevant and appropriate scholarly sources. |
The work demonstrates a sufficient analysis and enquiry. A basic yet sufficient Conceptual understanding of change management is evident that enables the work to demonstrate:
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The work demonstrates a sound ability of analysis and enquiry. A sound conceptual understanding of change management is evident that enables the work to demonstrate:
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The work demonstrates a sophisticated ability of analysis. A sophisticated conceptual understanding of change management is evident that enables the work to demonstrate:
and sustain arguments and solve problems, in relation to how corporate strategy and/or tactical options available to EDL are affected by the current VUCA environment.
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The work demonstrates a highly accomplished ability of analysis and enquiry. A highly accomplished conceptual understanding of change management is evident that enables the work to demonstrate:
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The work demonstrates an exceptional ability of analysis and enquiry. A superior conceptual understanding of change management is evident that enables the work to demonstrate:
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Application and Practice 20% |
Work demonstrates a limited or no ability to select appropriate change management theories and corporate models to develop and apply knowledge and understanding in the |
Work demonstrates an insufficient ability to select and apply appropriate change management theories and corporate models to develop and apply knowledge and understanding in the |
Work demonstrates a sufficient ability to select and apply appropriate change management theories and corporate models to develop and apply knowledge and understanding in the |
Work demonstrates an ability to select and apply in a consistent and informed manner appropriate change management theories and corporate models to develop and apply knowledge and |
Work demonstrates an ability to select and apply in a capable and effective manner appropriate change management theories and corporate models to develop and apply knowledge and |
Work demonstrates an ability to select and apply in a highly accomplished manner appropriate change management theories and corporate models to develop and apply knowledge and |
Work demonstrates an ability to select and apply in a highly accomplished and innovative manner appropriate change management theories and corporate models to develop and apply |
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context of EDL’s operational situation. Presentation of research and findings is not clear or effective, or interpretation of information (i.e. statistics) ineffective and/or incomplete. Recommendations are missing. |
context of EDL’s operational situation. Presentation of research and findings is often not clear or effective, or only in a limited range of formats, and gathering, processing and interpretation of data ineffective and/or inefficient. Recommendations are inappropriate for EDL. LO 1: Understand the strategic and operational importance of change in organisations |
context of EDL’s operational situation. Presents research and findings in several formats, and gathers, processes and interpret data efficiently. Recommendations have been made that are somewhat appropriate but unfocused, not taking into consideration key areas of note identified within the presentation. |
understanding in the context of EDL’s operational situation. Consistently presents research and findings effectively and appropriately, in many formats, and gathers, process and interpret data efficiently and effectively, making good use of the appendices. Recommendations have been made that are appropriate but gives limited consideration to the key areas of note identified within the presentation and no consideration given to the possible implementation challenges of these. |
understanding in the context of EDL’s operational situation. Consistently presents thorough research and findings perceptively and appropriately, in a wide range of formats, and gathers, process and interpret a wide range of complex data efficiently and effectively, making very good use of the appendices. Recommendations have been made that are appropriate, take into consideration key areas of note identified within the presentation, and give good consideration to the possible implementation challenges of these. |
understanding in the context of EDL’s operational situation. Consistently presents thorough research and findings perceptively, convincingly, and appropriately, in wide range of formats, and gathers, processes and interpret a wide range of complex data efficiently and effectively, making excellent use of the appendices. Recommendations have been made that are appropriate, take into consideration key areas of note identified within the presentation, and give excellent consideration to the possible implementation challenges of these. Minimal costing considerations have been provided. |
knowledge and understanding in the context of EDL’s operational situation. Consistently presents thorough research and findings perceptively authoritatively, and appropriately, in wide range of formats, and gather, process and interpret a wide range of complex data efficiently and effectively, making outstanding use of the appendices. Recommendations have been made that are appropriate, take into consideration key areas of note identified within the presentation, and give excellent consideration to the possible implementation challenges of these. Detailed costing considerations have been provided. |
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Transferable skills 20% This should include evidence of:
(PowerPoint), verbal and electronic communication
motivation, organisation, and time-management |
Not able to respond to questions, not able to consult any supporting information Overall sloppy presentation on slides, lacking careful spell and grammar checks. Work demonstrates limited or no ability to: -communicate information, ideas, problems and solutions accurately and reliably utilising relevant communication skills (level of written communication) |
Some attempt made to respond to questions, but limited understanding shown of the issues. Patchy attention to detail. Work demonstrates insufficient ability to: -communicate information, ideas, problems and solutions accurately and reliably utilising relevant communication skills (level of written communication) |
Waffle and padding evident, not familiar with the entirety of issues facing the company. More thought needed to be given to clarity of presentation and spell and grammar checks. Work demonstrates a sufficient ability to: -communicate information, ideas, problems and solutions accurately and reliably utilising relevant communication skills (level of written communication) |
Some questions handled better than others but some confidence inspired. Slides mostly clear with very few errors
Work demonstrates a Consistent and confident ability to: -communicate information, ideas, problems and solutions accurately and reliably utilising relevant communication skills (level of written communication) |
Mostly good question handling, some supporting evidence available to consult, inspired confidence. Clear visuals and carefully spell and grammar checked Work demonstrates a Highly proficient ability to: -communicate information, ideas, problems and solutions accurately and reliably utilising relevant communication skills (level of written communication) |
Fluent question handling, drawing on additional supporting information; very familiar with all issues facing the company. Very clear visuals and carefully spell and grammar checked Work demonstrates a Highly accomplished ability to: -communicate information, ideas, problems and solutions accurately and reliably utilising relevant communication skills |
Task completed with a high degree of accuracy, coordination, and proficiency. Excellent use of English.. All responses fully backed up with evidence of wider reading and research. Work demonstrates a exceptional ability to: -communicate information, ideas, problems and solutions accurately and reliably utilising relevant communication skills (level of written communication) |
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- Present to a professional standard Fewer than 10 appropriate references present and Harvard Referencing system not followed. |
- Presents to a professional standard Fewer than 10 appropriate references present and Harvard Referencing system not followed. |
- Present to a professional standard A minimum of 10 appropriate references are present and Harvard Referencing system sometimes followed. |
- Presents to a professional standard More than 10 appropriate references present and Harvard Referencing system sometimes followed. |
- Presents to a professional standard More than 10 appropriate references present and Harvard Referencing system often followed. |
- Presents to a professional standard More than 10 appropriate references present and Harvard Referencing system always followed. |
- Presents to a professional standard More than 10 appropriate references present and Harvard Referencing system always followed. |
All About MG630 Change Management and Organisational Development Assignment
Change Management and Organisational Development (OD) are integral to modern businesses striving for resilience, adaptability, and sustainable growth. The MG630 assignment explores theories, frameworks, and practical applications that drive successful transformation within organisations. Below is a comprehensive discussion that offers fresh insights into this field, ensuring originality and depth.
1. Understanding Change Management in a Volatile World
Traditional change management models, such as Kotter’s Eight-Step Process or Lewin’s Three-Stage Model, offer structured approaches to implementing change. However, contemporary organisations operate in an increasingly complex and unpredictable environment, requiring more dynamic models like the VUCA (Volatility, Uncertainty, Complexity, Ambiguity) approach. Leaders must adopt agile change strategies that enable rapid response to external disruptions, such as economic downturns, technological advancements, or shifts in consumer behaviour.
2. Organisational Development as a Catalyst for Change
OD focuses on long-term improvements in an organisation’s efficiency, culture, and employee engagement. Unlike conventional change management, OD incorporates continuous transformation rather than one-off projects. Emerging trends in OD include:
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Behavioural Economics in Change Management: Integrating psychological insights into employee decision-making can drive engagement and reduce resistance to change. Nudge theory, for example, leverages subtle cues to guide individuals towards positive change behaviours.
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AI and Data-Driven Change Strategies: Advanced analytics and artificial intelligence allow organisations to predict change readiness and tailor interventions accordingly. AI-driven sentiment analysis can help assess workforce emotions during transitions.
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Neuroscience-Based Leadership in OD: Understanding how the brain processes change can improve communication and decision-making. Neuroplasticity research suggests that fostering a growth mindset among employees enhances adaptability.
3. Resistance to Change – A Hidden Opportunity
While resistance to change is often perceived negatively, it can be an invaluable feedback mechanism. Instead of mitigating resistance outright, leaders should use resistance as a diagnostic tool to refine change strategies. Reverse mentoring, where junior employees guide senior leaders on digital transformation or diversity initiatives, is an emerging OD practice that turns resistance into learning opportunities.
4. The Role of Organisational Culture in Change
Culture shapes how employees perceive and react to change. The Denison Culture Model, which emphasises adaptability, mission, consistency, and involvement, can be instrumental in diagnosing cultural barriers to change. Forward-thinking companies such as Spotify use a "squad-based structure", promoting decentralised decision-making and cross-functional collaboration to embed change within the organisation.
5. Sustainable Change: Beyond Implementation
Sustaining change is more challenging than initiating it. The 4Es Model (Engage, Educate, Empower, and Embed) ensures that change is deeply integrated into organisational DNA:
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Engage: Involve stakeholders early using storytelling and co-creation methods.
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Educate: Provide ongoing training and upskilling to enhance change competence.
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Empower: Decentralise decision-making to encourage ownership at all levels.
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Embed: Reinforce change through reward systems, feedback loops, and continuous improvement.
6. Case Study Insights – Learning from Innovators
Organisations like Unilever and Netflix have successfully navigated change through "sense and respond" approaches, leveraging market analytics and workforce insights to adapt strategies dynamically. Examining these case studies can provide a rich understanding of practical OD applications.
The MG630 Change Management and Organisational Development assignment presents an opportunity to explore how businesses navigate change in a fast-paced world. By incorporating emerging trends such as behavioural economics, neuroscience, AI-driven insights, and culture-driven transformation, students can develop innovative solutions that transcend traditional frameworks. Change is not just an event but a continuous journey, requiring a blend of strategic foresight, adaptability, and a people-centric approach to drive sustainable organisational success.


