OTHM Level 7 Assignment Structure Guide

(Applicable to all Human Resources units)

1. Understanding the Assignment Requirements

Before writing, thoroughly review:

 Learning Outcomes (LOs) – these describe the knowledge and skills you must demonstrate.
 Assessment Criteria (ACs) – these specify the evidence or actions required to meet each outcome.
 Command words – terms such as critically evaluate, analyse, assess, compare indicate the required depth
of thinking.
 Assignment brief – defines context, case study (if any), and any specific structure required.

It is essential that your response explicitly addresses every AC under each LO. Create a mapping plan before
writing, showing which section will cover each LO and AC.

Learning Outcome Assessment Criteria Section Title Planned Word Count

LO1 1.1, 1.2 Section 1 1200
LO2 2.1, 2.2 Section 2 1300
LO3 3.1, 3.2 Section 3 1000

2. Assignment Structure

All OTHM Level 7 assignments should follow a formal academic report format.

A. Title Page

Include:

 Unit number and title

 Assignment title
 Student name and ID
 Date of submission
  Word count

B. Table of Contents

Automatically generated after completing the document, with page numbers for all sections and sub-sections.

C. Introduction (approximately 10–15% of total word count)

Purpose:

To introduce the topic, set the context, and outline the report’s aims.

Content:

1. Background and context – define the scope of the topic and why it matters in human resource
management.
2. Purpose of the report – clearly state what the assignment will explore or evaluate.
3. Contextual framework – identify the organisation or sector being referenced, if applicable.
4. Structure overview – outline what each section will cover and how it links to the learning outcomes.

Example (abridged):

This report critically examines the strategic contribution of human resource management to organisational
performance. It analyses theoretical frameworks and evaluates their application within a multinational organisation.
The discussion is structured around the assignment’s learning outcomes, beginning with strategic HR alignment,
followed by performance management and employee engagement.

D. Main Body (approximately 70–80% of total word count)

The main body forms the core analytical section of the assignment. Each major section should correspond to one
learning outcome. Within each, address all associated assessment criteria.

Each section should follow a consistent analytical pattern:

1. Introduction to the Section

Briefly introduce the learning outcome and explain what will be discussed. Define key concepts relevant to this part
of the assignment.

2. Theoretical Foundation

Present and analyse academic theories, models, or frameworks relevant to the learning outcome. Discuss different
perspectives from scholars and practitioners. Compare and contrast alternative viewpoints, showing awareness of
theoretical debates and limitations.

3. Critical Analysis

Apply the theories to the issue being explored. Evaluate their strengths, weaknesses, and relevance to current HR
practice. Discuss how they inform decision-making, strategy, or policy. Integrate supporting evidence from
academic and professional sources.

4. Application to Organisational Context

Demonstrate how the theories or principles apply to real-world HR situations. This may include examples from a
specific organisation, industry sector, or case study. Evaluate practical implications and discuss potential outcomes
of different approaches.

5. Evaluation and Discussion

Summarise the key insights from this section, critically assessing what has been learned. Identify gaps, challenges,
and recommendations emerging from your analysis. Where appropriate, link this discussion to subsequent sections.

Recommended internal structure for each LO section:

1. Overview of the learning outcome (introduction)

2. Relevant theories and models (theoretical foundation)
3. Critical analysis and comparison of ideas
4. Practical application to HR context
 5. Summary of findings (evaluation)

E. Conclusion (approximately 10–15% of total word count)

Purpose:

To consolidate the key findings from the main discussion and demonstrate synthesis of theory and practice.

Content:

1. Summarise the main insights from each section, showing how the learning outcomes have been met.
2. Integrate theoretical and practical perspectives, highlighting their relationship.
3. Reflect on the implications for strategic human resource management and future professional practice.
4. Do not introduce any new information or examples here.

Example (abridged):

In conclusion, strategic human resource management enhances organisational effectiveness by aligning workforce
capability with business objectives. However, sustainable success depends on the integration of data-driven HR
practices, ethical leadership, and adaptive learning cultures capable of responding to organisational change.

F. Recommendations (if required)

If the brief requests recommendations, include a separate section after the conclusion.

Content:

 Propose actions that address the challenges identified in your analysis.

 Each recommendation should be realistic, justified, and evidence-based.
 Organise by priority or timeframe (short-, medium-, long-term).
 Ensure each recommendation is directly linked to findings from the report.

Example format:

Recommendation Justification Expected Outcome

Implement a leadership development Builds internal talent and aligns with succession Increased retention and
programme planning objectives performance
G. References

Include all sources cited within the text in a reference list at the end of the report, following a consistent Harvard
format. (No further explanation provided as requested.)

H. Appendices (if applicable)

Include supplementary materials that support your analysis, such as diagrams, charts, policies, or extended data.
Label clearly (Appendix 1, Appendix 2, etc.). Do not include essential content that should appear in the main body.

3. Writing Approach and Style

At Level 7, your writing should reflect analytical and evaluative depth rather than descriptive summaries.

Area Expectation
Tone Formal, objective, academic. Avoid first-person unless explicitly allowed.
Structure Logical progression from concept to analysis to evaluation. Use clear subheadings.
Criticality Examine differing perspectives, question assumptions, and synthesise information.
Integration Connect theory to practice and demonstrate understanding of organisational implications.
Clarity Use precise, well-structured sentences and maintain logical flow between paragraphs.
Evidence Support arguments with credible, current academic and professional sources.
Balance Ensure equal attention to theory, analysis, and application. Avoid lengthy description.

Use the PEEL method within paragraphs to ensure academic coherence:

 Point – state the argument.

 Evidence – support with theory or research.
 Explain – interpret the evidence and its implications.
 Link – connect to the next idea or the assignment objective.

4. Ensuring All Learning Outcomes Are Covered

To confirm that every LO and AC is addressed:

1. Deconstruct the brief – paraphrase each learning outcome in your own words to clarify what is required.
2. Plan your word count – distribute words evenly based on the complexity or weighting of each LO.
3. Cross-map your draft – after writing, review each section to confirm that all ACs are explicitly covered.
 4. Use clear section headings – reference each LO in your headings (e.g., “LO2: The Strategic Role of
Employee Engagement”).
5. Self-review – read through the OTHM grading criteria for Pass, Merit, and Distinction and assess whether
your work demonstrates critical evaluation, synthesis, and originality.

5. Pre-Submission Checklist
 All Learning Outcomes and Assessment Criteria have been addressed.
 The report follows a clear and consistent structure.
 The introduction and conclusion align and support the report’s purpose.
 Critical discussion outweighs descriptive content.
 Theoretical frameworks are integrated with practical examples.
 Each paragraph has a clear analytical purpose.
 All sources are cited correctly and consistently.
 Grammar, spelling, and punctuation are accurate.
 Word count is within the specified range.