ACADEMIC WRITING BOOT CAMP - University of Technology Sydney
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ACADEMIC WRITING BOOT CAMP
Higher Education Language & Presentation Support (HELPS) University of Technology, Sydney Building 1, Level 5, Room 25 15 Broadway, Ultimo NSW 2007 PO box 123 Broadway 2007 NSW Australia +61 2 9514 9733 helps@uts.edu.au www.helps.uts.edu.au UTS: HELPS / FEBRUARY 2019
Assignment Writing Process
15-min drop-in consultations WriteNow! Assignment review session
(40min face-to-face or online)
1Writing Practice
This is a writing boot camp, which means you will be expected to engage in the entire assignment
writing process and produce a piece of writing by the conclusion of the program.
In response to the essay question below, produce an essay of up to 1000 words over these three
days. Some background readings and academic references have been provided to get you started.
You are expected to use the UTS Library databases or Google Scholar to look for at least one more
reference.
Essay Question
Social media is a widely used tool to develop an online presence, personal branding and
professional networks. However, if used improperly, it has the potential to be career-damaging. To
what extent do you agree with this statement?
Sources
Aula, P. 2010, ‘Social media, reputation risk and ambient publicity management’, Strategy &
Leadership, vol. 38, no. 6, pp. 43-9. (To access this article: https://www-emeraldinsight-
com.ezproxy.lib.uts.edu.au/doi/pdfplus/10.1108/10878571011088069)
Bolton, R.N., Parasuraman, A., Hoefnagels, A., Migchels, N., Kabadayi, S., Gruber, T., Loureiro, Y.K. &
Solnet, D. 2013, ‘Understanding Generation Y and their use of social media: a review and
research agenda’, Journal of Service Management, vol. 24, no. 3, pp. 245-67. (To access this
article: https://www-emeraldinsight-
com.ezproxy.lib.uts.edu.au/doi/pdfplus/10.1108/09564231311326987)
Jobvite 2014, Social recruiting survey 2014, viewed 28 November 2018,
.
O’Donnell, J.T. 2018, ‘3 new ways social media is going to impact your career in the near future’, Inc.,
12 April, viewed 28 November 2018, .
Ripton, J.T. n.d., 7 social media mistakes that could damage your career, CareerCast, viewed 28
November 2018, .
Note: The reading list above does not follow standard Harvard-UTS referencing format.
2Annotated Sample Essay
The following are general comments about the
structure and content of an academic essay written
Organisational Management in Health Care for university – they are not prescriptive and
Commented [DS1]: Watch a video on how to analyse an
assignment question at:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lKm0qCeoZgE
For a list of common key words used in assignment questions,
Question: Discuss whether there are benefits to formalisation for an organisation and its managers. view the table at:
https://www.uts.edu.au/sites/default/files/article/downloads/Task
%20Words%20Factsheet.pdf
Formalisation is an integral part of modern bureaucratic organisational structure. Organisations are required to adhere to Commented [A2]: The introductory paragraph is clearly linked
to the assignment question which requires the student (the writer)
formal practices and rules in order to ensure smooth functioning. The absence of rules and regulations may lead to chaos to discuss the benefits of formalisation for an organisation and its
managers.
and anarchy in an organisation and behavioural uncertainty within employees. Formalisation serves to determine the Watch a video on writing introductions at:
trajectory of an organisation. This essay will discuss the merits of formalisation with regard to an organisation and its https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EBBgfRao3ws
For tips on writing an introduction, go to:
managers in a healthcare context and cite the demerits of the overuse of formalisation. In addition, it will outline the https://www.uts.edu.au/current-students/support/helps/self-help-
challenges encountered by modern, formalised organisations and suggest possible solutions ns to overcome them.
overcome them resources/academic-writing/essay-writing
Commented [A3]: This is the thesis statement that clearly
There has been much academic dialogue with regard to defining the concept of formalisation. The literature on expresses the purpose of the writing and the position of the writer.
formalisation began with Max Weber’s concept of the bureaucratic form of organisation in the early part of the twentieth Commented [A4]: This sentence functions to outline or preview
the content of the essay in order to prepare the reader for what is to
century (Miller 2008). An organisation is a unit with defined boundaries which functions continuously to achieve common follow.
goals of a consciously managed group of people. The majority of organisations expect employees to perform their tasks Commented [A5]: Reference to definition of
concepts/terminology is important in academic or specialised
by abiding to certain rules and regulations. Formalisation is the extent to which such tasks and procedures are writing in order to narrow the scope of the topic. However, it is also
standardised in an organisation. The selection criteria for jobs, written rules and policies, training, orientation programs important to ensure that the writing is understandable by a general
educated reader.
and rituals are some of the various formalisation techniques employed by an organisation. The degree of formalisation
Commented [DS6]: Notice the use of formal language (both in
varies broadly amongst different organisations and also at different levels within the same organisation (Robbins & terms of vocabulary choice and sentence structure) here and
Barnwell 2006). Hospitals and healthcare centres are also types of organisations which function similarly and are normally throughout the essay.
For tips on distinguishing between formal and informal language,
formalised with regards to role requirements, duty timings and procedures. go to: https://www.uts.edu.au/current-students/support/helps/self-
help-resources/grammar/formal-and-informal-language
Organisations use formalisation to standardise employees’ behaviour and even predict their behaviour in non-routine Commented [A7]: Explicit topic sentence conveys the theme of
situations. The repetition of the same tasks regularly results in consistent and uniform outputs. It also yields economic this particular body paragraph (often placed at the beginning of the
paragraph). The paragraph continues to elaborate on that topic or
benefits to employers as highly formalised jobs require lesser skills and, therefore, lesser pay. Formalisation is also useful theme providing evidence from academic sources of literature.
Watch a video for tips on how to write a well-developed body
in managing contingencies and risks. For instance, managers are restricted in working to fixed budgets, banks have paragraph:
stringent rules for lending funds and pilots follow strict procedures. Such practices minimise the risk of major loss that https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XA-joXQKyXE
can occur from the actions of a single person (Robbins & Barnwell 2006). In general, it is anticipated that formalising helps Commented [A8]: It is important to use scholarly literature
(evidence) to support the argument. Paraphrasing is an effective
in standardising and controlling processes to obtain predictable outcomes (Noon et al. 2013). It has also been proven by way to integrate the ideas of others by rephrasing the original in
empirical studies that organisational formalisation can have a positive impact on team empowerment by reducing your own words and avoid plagiarism when borrowing from a
source. It is a restatement of the ideas in the original source and
uncertainty within the firm and providing goal clarity and guidance. It even prevents managers from taking arbitrary and includes the same information/details, but is written in the student's
own words.
inconsistent decisions (Hempel, Zhang & Han 2012). One of the studies carried out by Bunderson and Boumgarden (2010) Watch a video for tips on paraphrasing at:
also suggests that self-managed teams, which are formally structured, promote better learning because in a safe and https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=a6CUB64_nUY
For help on synthesising ideas and how to paraphrase, go to:
predictable environment knowledge is freely shared and conflicts are fewer. Thus, formalisation has positive implications https://www.uts.edu.au/current-students/support/helps/self-help-
at various levels in an organisation. resources/academic-writing/paraphrasing
Commented [A9]: Concluding statement summarises the main
Contrastingly, it has been argued that if overused it can have detrimental effects on the organisation and its managers. point in the paragraph which the writer wishes to emphasise and
this links back to the essay question/topic.
Noon et al. (2013) contend that there is an optimum limit to which formalisation can be applied beyond which its basic
Commented [A10]: A counter-argument is provided here which
use is undermined. Hyperformalisation may force managers to act like robots whose only intention is to comply with helps to strengthen the writer’s main claim or assertion.
defined protocols and accomplish tasks. Some managers might adhere to rules in the fear of making errors and some may Commented [DS11]: Citations refer to the original source when
someone else’s ideas or concepts have been used. Reporting
manipulate their decisions under the shield of formal procedures. A plethora of rules to follow commonly referred to as
verbs help to present and reflect the student’s (writer’s) attitude to
red tape, which may seem futile and burdensome to managers, can result in workplace alienation and in turn reduce the 'sourced information'. For a list of reporting verbs and advice
on how best to use them, go to: https://www.uts.edu.au/current- ...
organisation commitment and job satisfaction. It renders powerlessness to them by hampering their freedom to decision
Commented [A12]: These supporting sentences elaborate on
making (Dehart-Davis & Pandey 2005). Excessive formalisation of a manager’s tasks decreases their efforts to pursue the topic to develop the argument and demonstrate the writer is
different goals and does not give them the opportunities to broaden their skills, thereby negatively affecting their exercising critical thinking skills. Watch a video on critical
thinking skills at:
versatility (Mom, van den Bosch & Volberda 2009). Hence, formalisation should be used discreetly and one should not https://www.youtube.com/watch?time_continue=1&v=-xh9qKXbL.T.I.
allow it to overpower the basic aim of the organisation. It should be used in such a way that it promotes and Commented [A13]: The writer is presenting a strong
argument/claim here that is substantiated by evidence.
accommodates other elements required for organisational growth.
Commented [A14]: Key words link back to the outline in the
introductory paragraph and the assignment question. Refer to
The traditional concept of viewing formalisation as basically restrictive needs rectification - instead formalisation can Comment [A3].
coexist with other components of an organisation to produce superior outcomes. Formalisation and decentralisation
3seemingly appear to contradict each other with the former limiting the autonomy and discretion of employees and the Commented [A15]: The writer’s voice uses hedging language
such as “appear”. This is characteristic of academic writing and
latter working in reverse. However, complex institutions with multiple hierarchical structures require the implementation conveys the writer’s opinion or attitude in a cautious way
of both these techniques simultaneously in order to obtain improved results. For instance, under decentralisation, nurses (modality).
should be allowed to make impromptu decisions in emergency situations when the treating physician is unavailable
instead of adhering unquestioningly to set standards. Yet, on a daily basis under formalisation, they should perform their Commented [A16]: Notice the formal, academic style and tone
which is reflected throughout this essay. Important points are made
scheduled tasks including timely medications and temperature measurements to ensure safety and quality in the hospital in an objective way.
(Meirovich, Brender-Ilan & Meirovich 2007). It should also be noted that while decentralisation empowers lower level
For a guide to the difference between formal and informal
organisational staff to make decisions, formalisation sets boundaries and guides them to make consistent decisions language, go to:
(Hempel, Zhang & Han 2012). http://www.uts.edu.au/current-students/support/helps/self-help-
resources/grammar/formal-and-informal-language
The rigidity of formalisation is also believed to limit knowledge integration and innovation. Nevertheless, process Commented [A17]: Note the effective use of transition signals.
These are linking words that connect ideas and add cohesion
formalisation is proven to foster innovation performance by providing structure and rules for innovation (Labitzke, making it easier for the reader to understand the relationship
Svoboda & Schultz 2014). Further, organisational routines that encourage regular interaction by employees are believed between ideas.
to enhance knowledge integration by providing a platform for shared ideas (Patnayakuni, Rupell & Rai 2007). Another Download a list of transitions signals here:
study also proved that formalisation and flexibility, which may seem mutually exclusive, can actually complement each https://www.uts.edu.au/sites/default/files/article/downloads/Trans
ition%20Signals%20Factsheet_0.pdf
other. It is suggested that formal rules can be used as a tool kit of options and the decision to apply them according to
For more information on linking words (sometimes called transition
circumstances should be vested with managers (Mattes 2014). This shows that properly designed procedures can foster signals), go to:
organisational growth. http://www.uts.edu.au/current-students/support/helps/self-help-
resources/grammar/transition-signals
Various studies explain the importance of using formalisation with other beneficial strategies. It is imperative to generate
organisational ambidexterity by coherently using formalisation together with other organisational components.
Furthermore, it is important to consider that the effectiveness of formalisation depends on the extent to which set rules
are followed and not on how well they are defined. Overuse of formal procedures can undermine their basic utility and
hinder the progress of an organisation. Hence, it is vital to be clear about the optimal level of formalisation for an
organisation and leverage this to achieve desired outcomes. Hence, formalisation can steer the progress of an
organisation if used carefully and prudently. Commented [DS18]: The conclusion effectively and succinctly
summarises the key points of the essay (and does NOT introduce
any new information/evidence at this stage). Positive and negative
Reference List: aspects relating to the subject matter are reiterated here. This helps
to link back to the main issue of formalisation in healthcare settings
Bunderson, J.S. & Boumgarden, P. 2010, 'Structure and learning in self-managed teams: why “bureaucratic” teams can be better learners', Organization and renders a more ‘balanced’ discussion in the essay. This section
may suggest recommendations, or indicate the significance or
Science, vol. 21, no. 3, pp. 609-24.
implications that follow from the conclusion.
Dehart-Davis, L. & Pandey, S.K. 2005, 'Red tape and public employees: does perceived rule dysfunction alienate managers?', Journal of Public Administration Watch the video on how to write a conclusion here:
Research & Theory, vol. 15, no. 1, p. 133. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-uOmIaGQUg0
Hempel, P.S., Zhang, Z.-X. & Han, Y. 2012, 'Team empowerment and the organizational context: decentralization and the contrasting effects of After you have finished your draft, use the Writing & Editing
formalization', Journal of Management, vol. 38, no. 2, pp. 475-501. Checklist at this link:
https://www.uts.edu.au/sites/default/files/article/downloads/editin
Labitzke, G., Svoboda, S. & Schultz, C. 2014, 'The role of dedicated innovation functions for innovation process control and performance – an empirical g_checklist.pdf
study among hospitals', Creativity and Innovation Management, vol. 23, no. 3, pp. 235-51. Commented [A19]: All citation details are presented here and
must be linked to in-text references provided in the body of the
Mattes, J. 2014, 'Formalisation and flexibilisation in organisations – dynamic and selective approaches in corporate innovation processes', European essay. There is evidence of extensive reading here from both
Management Journal, vol. 32, no. 3, pp. 475-86. domestic and international current literature. It is academically
reliable, peer-reviewed and from authoritative sources.
Meirovich, G., Brender-Ilan, Y. & Meirovich, A. 2007, 'Quality of hospital service: the impact of formalization and decentralization', International Journal of
Health Care Quality Assurance, vol. 20, no. 3, pp. 240-52. The reference list conforms to Harvard-UTS Referencing
conventions. For a guide to this style of referencing, go to:
Miller, C.Z. 2008, Formalization and innovation: an ethnographic study of process formalization, ProQuest, USA. http://www.lib.uts.edu.au/sites/default/files/attachments/page/Int
eractiveHarvardUTSGuide.pdf
Mom, T.J.M., van den Bosch, F.A.J. & Volberda, H.W. 2009, 'Understanding variation in managers' ambidexterity: investigating direct and interaction effects
Always check with your course/subject co-ordinator, lecturer or
of formal structural and personal coordination mechanisms', Organization Science, vol. 20, no. 4, pp. 812-28. tutor exactly which referencing system you should use. Many
assessments specify that the reference list should appear on a
Noon, M., Healy, G., Forson, C. & Oikelome, F. 2013, 'The equality effects of the “hyper-formalization” of selection', British Journal of Management, vol. 24, separate page. Also check whether your reference list
no. 3, pp. 333-46. should/should not be included when submitting work electronically
through Turnitin®. For tips and advice on how to avoid plagiarism,
Patnayakuni, R., Ruppel, C.P. & Rai, A. 2007, ‘Managing the complementarity of knowledge integration and process formalization for systems development go to: https://avoidingplagiarism.uts.edu.au/
performance’, Journal of the Association for Information Systems, vol. 7, no. 8, pp. 545-67.
Robbins, S. & Barnwell, N. 2006, Organisation theory: concepts and cases, Pearson Education Australia, Frenchs Forest, N.S.W.
NOTE: This entire paper has been submitted to Turnitin and other anti-plagiarism
software. Under no circumstances copy from this or any other paper.
4Social media is a widely used tool to develop an online presence,
personal branding and professional networks. However, if used
improperly, it has the potential to be career-damaging. To what
extent do you agree with this statement?
Introduction (background information + essay purpose/thesis + essay outline)
Body paragraphs (topic sentence + supporting sentences + concluding sentence)
56
7
Conclusion (restate purpose/thesis + summarise arguments + implications/final thoughts)
8Reference list
9You can also read
