1. Home
  2. Study
  3. Modules
  4. (HRMG3003) Human Resource Management Contemporary Issues

Module Overview

Human Resource Management Contemporary Issues

This module in Human Resource Management – Contemporary Issues is an option for third year students in Business & Management and in Business and Law. The module runs over 18 weeks and looks at current trends in HRM, encouraging discussion/debate on the implications for organisations and society. It provides students with an understanding of the rapidly changing workplace and the changing role of HRM in organisations. It aims to analyse the contemporary issues faced by organisations with a focus on the changing job market, globalisation and the new challenges in the business environment. The module also assesses both the employee expectations and management expectations of the HR function in the 21st century. Key themes examined include the changing nature of work, ethics, workplace well-being, managing diversity and inclusion, HRM in SMEs, and the evolving role of the line manager in HRM. The module aims to give the correct grounding for handling these topics in the practical world by balancing theory and contemporary research with practical application in real-life business contexts.

It is essential for students in Business & Management & Law to be familiar with current issues and practices in Human Resource Management (HRM). Whether working functionally in the HR department of an organisation or working in a managerial capacity, keeping abreast of the changes and challenges in dealing with employees is a prerequisite in business today.

The aims of this module in HRM are to:

  • Familiarise students with current issues in HRM - relevant theories, key literature and contemporary research and challenges in the area
  • Instil the value of being and keeping abreast of current issues in HRM in order to remain ahead of ways in which to increase organisational effectiveness through people
  • Motivate students to discuss and critique rhetoric with practice
  • Encourage students to assess if successful HR practices may be applicable across organisations/in different situations
Module Code

HRMG3003

ECTS Credits

10

*Curricular information is subject to change
This module covers the following content (order of coverage in class may change, with some topics being covered in the second semester) 
  • The Changing World of Work
  • Technological Developments and HRM
  • Managing Diversity and Equality in the Workplace
  • Ethics, CSR and HRM, Sustainability
  • Employee Well-being
  • Changing World of Work
  • Line Managers and HRM
  • HRM in SMEs
  • Workplace Bullying
  • HRM and Organisational Performance
n/a
  • The Changing World of Work
  • Technological Developments and HRM
  • Managing Diversity and Equality in the Workplace
  • Ethics, CSR and HRM
  • Employee Well-being
  • Changing World of Work
  • Line Managers and HRM
  • HRM in SMEs
  • Workplace Bullying
  • HRM and Organisational Performance

This module continues over two semesters: a total of twenty-four weeks of lectures (twelve weeks per semester), with two hours of lectures/class discussion per week. 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.

Learning activities to help attainment of learning outcomes include lectures, guided discussion, case study analysis, consideration of topical / current in-media issues, guidance on CA requirements, and preparation for the end of year assessment. It is also expected that there will be at least one visiting lecture/session taking place.

Students will be encouraged to be candid and open in class discussion so as to ensure a greater synergy and enhanced learning dynamic. Students will also be encouraged to relate the key topics of the module to the management of the organisations which they are familiar with and to the problems managers may encounter.

Students will be encouraged to develop their learning skills by self-directed study supported by the extensive resources (books, journals and databases) available through the library. Pre-class readings and during module assignment will contribute positively to the teaching and learning on the module.

Module Content & Assessment
Assessment Breakdown %
Formal Examination50
Other Assessment(s)50