Students are required to write a summary (2-3 pages) and critiques for one of the reading assignments prior to each class meeting. These assignments are designed to orient students to the topics presented and to encourage students to think critically about the material that will be presented in class. Students will receive points if they directly address the assignments and pose a critical aspect of the reading assignment (i.e., antithetical to what is stated in the assigned readings or covered in class). Questions may be posted for specific readings to give students an idea of topics to address.

Rummler & Brache (2013)

1. How would you grade these Performance Improvement Programs? Ch. 7, Page 87-90
2. What are the 14 steps involved in Performance Improvement and explain each of the involved steps? Ch. 8, Page 100-105
3. What are the 10 essential steps in Project Definition? Ch. 9, Page 110-139
4. What is the Process Relationship Map? Describe what is looks like and when do you use this map. Consider cultural values of individual employees. Ch. 9, Page 122-123
5. What is the Functional Relationship Map? Describe what it looks like and when you should use this map. Ch. 9, Page 125-130
6. What is the Process Improvement Project? Describe what it looks like and when you should use this map. Ch. 9, Page 134-139
7. What is the best way to make short-term contributions to show long-term potential? Explain these strategies. Ch. 16, Page 259-263.

REFERENCE

Rummler, G. A., & Brache, A. P. (2012).Improving performance: how to manage the white space on the organization chart, third edition (3rd ed.). Wiley.

OBM Reading Assignment Rubric

Criteria

Ratings

Pts

This criterion is linked to a Learning Outcome Summary of Key Concepts

5 pts Full Marks Provides a thorough, accurate summary of the key concepts from the reading, demonstrating a deep understanding of the material.

2.5 pts Half Marks Covers some key concepts but with significant omissions or misunderstandings.

0 pts No Marks No summary provided or the summary is wholly inaccurate.

5 pts

This criterion is linked to a Learning Outcome Critical Analysis

7 pts Full Marks Offers a sophisticated critique, effectively identifying and discussing multiple critical aspects, including points antithetical to the reading.

3.5 pts Half Marks Includes a critique with some depth, but may miss some critical aspects or the antithetical point is weakly argued.

0 pts No Marks No critique provided or the critique is wholly irrelevant.

7 pts

This criterion is linked to a Learning Outcome Integration with Class Topics

4 pts Full Marks Insightfully integrates the reading with topics covered in class, showing clear connections and relevance.

2 pts Half Marks Attempts to connect with class topics but the integration is unclear or weak.

0 pts No Marks No connection made to class topics.

4 pts

This criterion is linked to a Learning Outcome Clarity and Organization

2 pts Full Marks Writing is clear, well-organized, and easy to follow. Each section is logically structured and transitions smoothly.

1 pts Half Marks Writing is generally clear, but some areas may lack organization or coherence.

0 pts No Marks Writing is unclear and poorly organized, making it difficult to follow.

2 pts

This criterion is linked to a Learning Outcome Grammar and APA Style

2 pts Full Marks No grammatical errors, and the paper follows APA style perfectly.

1 pts Half Marks A few minor grammatical errors and/or APA style issues.

0 pts No Marks Frequent grammatical errors and/or significant issues with APA style.

2 pts