TALENT MANAGEMENT
The assessment for the Talent Management module consists of 1 element:
o Essay (from choice) – 1800 words
The essay must be completed with 1800 words allocated per piece of work. Please pay careful attention to the wording of the question as detailed below:
Essay Question – a critical analysis of a contemporary issue in talent management (from a choice).
Fig 1.0 Talent Pipeline [Source: Adapted from CIPD, 2006]
Critically analyse one of the key components of Talent Management (as underlined in Fig 1.0 above), with specific reference to the impact on the employment relationship.
Word count
• Length: 1800 words for the question
• State word count in answer (excluding reference list and any appendices)
• Should be no less than -10% on the question, or you will risk losing marks.
Format Please type on one side of the page only, using A4 size white paper. Do not use font size any smaller than 12 point.
Guidance for the essay:
Try to avoid simply describing the component of the Talent Pipeline (CIPD, 2006) used in your essay. Try to highlight how the component positively and/or negatively impacts the employment relationship. Remember that critical evaluation involves a balanced analysis of a topic. Try to have a balance in pros and cons – nothing is ever all good or all bad.
Most talent management processes and decisions – and text books – discuss talent management processes from the perspective of the employer or the manager. Consider the perspective of the applicant / employee as well as this gives a broader appreciation of relevant issues. Think too about line managers rather than merely the HR view.
Think about what impact means (e.g. cost, speed, good decisions, views of those involved, legality, fairness etc.). This will ensure that your answer addresses key issues.
Generic Guidance:
Your own experience within an organisation
You can analyse your own experience within an organisation however please remember that
• You must write concisely and not use valuable words describing situations
• You must be analytical, rather than merely telling a story; analyse why the situation was as it was, the implications of this and how this compared to good practice
• Don’t rely solely on your own experience for examples – these only represent one view.
