Managing Groups:

a.             Form a group of 4 (optional 5 members per group if the total takers is odd number)

b.            Develop group structure (latest by W2):

i.              Name & Logo

ii.            Organization Chart

iii.           Jobs & Responsibilities of each (Assisting post is not permitted, this is to avoid redundancy of tasks.)

iv.           Team Agreement (A one page binding contract; it breaks down the rules and regulations of the group, each group are to develop the TA in W2 and should be presented in proposal presentation slot in W3. Each member of the group must counter sign the TA)

c.              We all need learn to work with group and committees of people and we will find there will be a diversity of opinion and enthusiasm. We need to feel our contributions are valued, and equally we need to see that each member is marking a fair contribution. One of the most frustrating problems in a professional working group is the failure of member to carry out assigned tasks, meet set deadlines and show up for required meetings.

In the workplace there are ways in which individuals are made accountable for their output, or lack of it, and similar policies have been established for your presentation group to apply should it prove necessary.

Groups or individuals considering the following procedures should discuss their concerns with their tutor.

FIRING

If a group member fails to carry through on assigned tasks, is persistently absent from meetings, or otherwise makes substantially fewer contributions that others, the other group members can place the individual concern on probation through a majority vote.

A notice of probation must give in writing to the non-contributing member, with a copy forwarded to your tutor or to me. That notice must cite specific reasons for the probation and what needs to be done to get of probation. A minimum of four days should be allowed for the individual to approve their performance.

There are needs to be consensus with the remaining members of the group that there was no improvement over this time and a notice of dismissal should be prepared for the dismissed group member, with a copy to your tutor.

QUITTING

If you feel your group is on the wrong track or is not making satisfactory progress, and you can’t persuade them to meet your expectations, you may resign by writing to your group, with a copy provided to your tutor. Resignations do not require advance notice.

HIRING NEW GROUP MEMBERS AND ESTABLISHING NEW TEAMS:

Individuals who are fired or quit a group may seek to be hired by another group (no more than 4 members) or choose to band together to form a new group.

THE CONSEQUENCES

Leaving your group and looking for a new one tends to be a time-consuming and ineffective step and I would strongly recommend you find solution within your original team. Students who are fired or resign must produce a presentation of the same standard as expected by the other teams. This is a group project and outcomes expectations will reflect the quality that can be produced through group effort and will be graded accordingly – i.e. no special treatment if you end up working on your own, and NO EXTENSIONS due to group break-ups.