The module aims to produce confident students who can deploy their knowledge of contemporary Human Resources to critically investigate and devise responses to complex HR management issues. Students will be introduced to a broad selection of theoretical approaches and perspectives from the human resources management literature, with a view to broaden their knowledge and prepare them to manage the challenges of modern organisations in various contexts.

(LO1) Students will be able to critically evaluate the key components, theories and frameworks of contemporary human resources management (HRM)

(LO2) Students will be able to formulate critical questions about human resource management and the tools to address them.

(LO3) Students will be able to critically evaluate human resource activities for their potential consequences in terms of employee equality, control, exploitation, inclusion, health and wellbeing.

(LO4) Students will be able to critically evaluate the changing nature of managing HR in contemporary organisations and their environments

(S1) Problem solving skills

(S2) Commercial awareness

(S3) Organisational skills

(S4) Communication skills

(S5) International awareness

(S6) Ethical awareness

(S7) Teamwork

Teaching Method: Lecture
Description: Weekly 2-hour lecture covering relevant theory, concepts, and frameworks which students will apply (in seminars) to contemporary organisational contexts
Scheduled Directed Student Hours: 24
Attendance Recorded: Yes

Teaching Method: Seminar
Description: Bi-Weekly 2-hour case-based seminars where students apply the theory / frameworks from the lectures to a contemporary business problem. Students will be encouraged to develop and present solutions for formative feedback. Seminars will be focused on applying concepts and preparing students for their group work presentation
Scheduled Directed Student Hours: 12
Attendance Recorded: Yes

Self-Directed Learning Hours: 114
Self-directed learning hours can involve additional reading, research and preparation relating to development of knowledge of the module topic areas or in preparation for the assessments. Bi-weekly seminars will involve formative presentation so it is expected that self-directed learning would also involve preparation for these seminars with students working in their groups.

Skills/Other Attributes Mapping

Skills / attributes: Ethical awareness
How this is developed: By engaging with the seminar, lecture, and team work for the assessment activities.
Mode of assessment (if applicable): Examination and group presentation

Skills / attributes: International awareness
How this is developed: A variety of case studies from international contexts will be used to highlight the challenges faced by contemporary HR managers, developing the students’ awareness of business operations on an international scale.
Mode of assessment (if applicable): Examination and group presentation

Skills / attributes: Communication skills
How this is developed: The assessments require students to communicate via presentation and via written communications. Students will develop their skills by participatin g in practice presentations during seminars and by completing the assessment requirements.
Mode of assessment (if applicable): Examination and group presentation

Skills / attributes: Organisational skills
How this is developed: Students will be required to engage with pre-reading and to prepare formative presentation activities, this will require students to effectively organise themselves and teammates so that work may be adequately completed.
Mode of assessment (if applicable): Examination and group presentation

Skills / attributes: Commercial awareness
How this is developed: The cases employed during this module are all of a contemporary nature and reflect the activities of businesses., engaging with these cases and with the lecture content will improve student commercial awareness
Mode of assessment (if applicable): Examination and group presentation

Skills / attributes: Problem solving skills
How this is developed: The cases provided by the module team are problem based and the students will be required to discuss, define and present solutions for these problems. Students will build their confidence and problem- solving skills over the course of the module based on the formative feedback provided in seminars
Mode of assessment (if applicable): Examination and group presentation

Skills / Attributes: Teamwork
How this is developed: Seminars are team- based and students will work closely with colleagues to develop their case assessment presentation
Mode of assessment (if applicable): Group Presentation

Topic areas include:
• Introduction to Strategic HRM
• HRM in Global, Neoliberal Capitalist Contexts
• Power Processes at Play in HRM
• Employee Health and Wellbeing
• Technological Change, HRM and the Future of Work
• HR Analytics – the Use of Data in the Management of HR
• Developing Equality, Diversity & Inclusion (EDI) Strategy
• The Role of Ethical HRM in Addressing Exploitation and Modern Slavery
• Other Relevant Contemporary HRM Issues