This module in Human Resource Management - Contemporary Issues is mandatory for final year students undertaking the BSc in Human Resource Management. The module runs over one semester and looks at current trends in HRM, encouraging discussion and debate on the implications for organisations and society.
It is essential for students soon to be entering the world of work within the field of human resource management (HRM) to be familiar with current issues and practices. Whether employed functionally in the HR department of an organisation, or engaged in a managerial capacity, keeping abreast of the changes and challenges in dealing with employees is a prerequisite in business today.
This module provides students with an insight into contemporary topics in HRM. The module considers themes such as careers, flexibility and empowerment, social media, workplace harassment and bullying, stress, work-life balance, redundancy, and ethical issues. It aims to give the appropriate grounding for handling these matters in the practical world by balancing theory and contemporary research with realistic application in actual business contexts.
Students will understand the theoretical concepts covered and their practical implications for managers. They will be familiar with current issues and trends in HRM and their relevance for organisations and society. The requirement to reflect upon and analyse the potential and actual implications of contemporary issues will be highlighted, as well as the importance of applying theories and research to practice in different situations, organisations and cultures.
This module covers contemporary issues in the five key activities of human resource management (employee resourcing, employee performance, employee reward, employee development and employee relations), including, but not limited to:
- HRM in changing times.
- Psychological contract.
- Downsizing and redundancy.
- Managing underperformance, including absence management.
- Knowledge workers and talent development.
- Reward systems.
- Careers, flexibility and empowerment.
- Social media.
- Workplace harassment and bullying.
- Workplace stress.
- Work-life balance.
- Ethical considerations.
Statements about the various types of learning and teaching methods that are used in the delivery of the module
The lectures focus on contemporary, sometimes controversial, theories and research in the subject, with discussion, analysis and application encouraged in class. Students are expected to participate in class, through self-directed learning, advance preparation and in-class break out groups.
| Module Content & Assessment | |
|---|---|
| Assessment Breakdown | % |
| Formal Examination | 60 |
| Other Assessment(s) | 40 |