Module
General Management (GMAN01-7)
NQF LEVEL 7
FORMATIVE ASSESSMENT ASSIGNMENT A
Assignment (GMAN01-7/DLO1 03/2025
Due Date
27 January 2025
Exam Date
17 March 2025
Marks
10
Assignment A (GMAN01-7/DLO1 03/2025)
Important please read this section before starting your assignment.
The purpose of the assignment is to test your competence and mastery of the applicable module outcomes. Therefore, it is of the utmost importance that we see your answers/thoughts/ideas expressed in your own words. You will be penalised for simply copying theory without explanation or application to the scenario/s provided. You should use the theory in support of your own answer. No marks will be awarded for theory copied from any source.
Any sources used when researching and drafting your answers must be referenced correctly, as stipulated in the Milpark Reference Guide. You must work through the reference guide to ensure your assignment complies with the referencing requirements. Note also that even if you reference a source correctly, you cannot simply copy reams of information directly from it. As stated previously, answers should be drafted in your own words.
Use of artificial intelligence (AI) tools for this assignment: the Milpark Good Conduct and Disciplinary Policy provides that using AI tools when drafting an assessment is academic misconduct, unless express written instructions are issued by Milpark permitting the use of such tools in specific circumstances. For the purposes of this assignment, only the use of AI language and/or writing tools is permitted. You may only use Grammarly, QuillBot or Copilot for this purpose. The use of any generative AI tools (e.g. ChatGPT or Google Gemini) is prohibited. Failure to comply with this prohibition will result in sanctions being imposed.
If you are unsure whether you are permitted to use a specific application or tool, please reach out to your module tutor or academic owner for confirmation before simply proceeding.
AI Use Declaration
Important: ALL assignments must include this declaration, regardless of whether or not you used AI tools
The AI Use Declaration is a personal acknowledgement that describes how you used AI tools/technologies to prepare your assignment. The declaration aims to create clarity and transparency regarding the following:
The name and version of the AI tool/s with the URL used
The prompt/s you used in the AI tool/s
A brief explanation (no longer than two sentences) of how the output from the AI tools/technologies was used in the process of completing your assignment.
Please include the declaration in the following format at the end of your assignment before your Reference List:
Declaration of AI Use
I acknowledge the use of [AI tool/technology name] and [URL/link] to generate
Prompt/s: I entered the following prompt/s
Use: I used the output to …/I modified the output to
OR
I have not used any AI tools or technologies to prepare this assignment.
Example 1
I acknowledge using Google Gemini [https://gemini.google.com/] to generate an outline for my assignment.
I entered the following prompt:
Provide an outline for a 500-word essay on the impact of climate change on rural communities in South Africa.
I used the output at the initial stage of the assignment process to help plan my answer structure. I modified the outline generated, discarding several suggested paragraphs and replacing them with my own ideas based on the additional research and reading I completed and referenced below.
Example 2
I acknowledge the use of Grammarly [https://www.grammarly.com/] in helping me to proofread and review my assignment during the final editing stage.
I used the following features:
Clarity, correctness.
I used the following prompt/s:
Suggest ways to make my writing more scholarly.
I reviewed the feedback generated by Grammarly critically and, based on this, revised the writing using my own words and expressions.
SECTION A (10 MARKS)
Question 1 (10 marks)
Read the case study below and answer the question that follows:
No Elon, DEI must not DIE, and heres how we can make it stick
We know that diversity wins in business as in life, but why is it such a struggle to create truly diverse and inclusive workplaces? New research digs deep to explore how leaders in South Africa can bring about real change.
Diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) has become a lightning rod in the US political and culture wars. Last December, Elon Musk posted on his social media platform, X (formerly Twitter), that DEI must DIE, and this week, motorcycle maker Harley-Davidson became the latest manufacturer to drop DEI initiatives amid sustained pressure from anti-DEI activist Robby Starbuck.
Meanwhile, in the rest of the universe, DEI is recognised as a secret elixir to building successful and sustainable organisations benefiting everything from talent attraction and retention to bottom-line profits, with ample data and research to back this up.
Just as genetic diversity is crucial for the planets survival, so diversity is a winning strategy in business because it strengthens the ability of individuals and groups to resist diseases, disruption and other stresses. In other words, resilience.
Diversity is especially important in a globalised world where business is conducted across borders, among divergent cultures and peoples. Its encouraging, therefore, that despite pockets of backlash in the US, theres been a burgeoning interest in DEI worldwide.
But and its a BIG but even the most well-intentioned diversity efforts can flounder unless the delicate relationship between perception, commitment, identity and trust is maintained. And this can further fuel the backlash. What this really tells us is that change is hard. Upending and overhauling entrenched systems is painful and requires commitment and nerve. Fortunately, some organisations are blazing a trail to show us the way.
Required:
Reflect on Elon Musks statement that DEI must DIE and the subsequent actions by companies like Harley-Davidson.
You have been appointed as a human resources adviser to Elon Musk. Explain how his company employees productivity could improve by applying the following Hawthorne contributions to management’s behavioural (human- relations) viewpoint.
Hawthorne effect: When employees are given special attention, productivity will likely change regardless of whether working conditions change. Support your answer with information from the case (3)
Informal work groups and the social environment of employees greatly influence productivity. Support your answer with information from the case (3)
Awareness of employees feelings and involvement in decision-making reduces resistance to change. Support your answer with information from the case (3)
In your opinion, is Elon Musk correct in his view that DEI must DIE? Motivate your (1)