Module overview
This course introduces contemporary themes associated with HRM, with the objective of creating an in-depth and critical exploration of some of the challenges that we face in the workplace today. Such issues include topics such as, managing diversity, changing patterns of work and careers, working ethically, how Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) fits into HR; well-being at work and work-life balance in the context of HRM. This will involve learning about the multiple and often competing perspectives that pertain to HRM in today’s workplace.
Aims and Objectives
Learning Outcomes
Subject Specific Intellectual and Research Skills
Having successfully completed this module you will be able to:
- evaluate the relative strengths and weaknesses of HR function in terms of diversity management in contemporary work organizations;
- develop and maintain up-to-date knowledge of contemporary themes and issues associated with HRM, with their implications at strategic, policy and operational levels;
- operate with appropriate sensitivity and responsiveness in managing global workforce and changing needs of employees in terms of work-life balance and flexible work arrangements.
- manage or professionally influence management of human resources in organisations of different size, scope and ownership structure;
- plan for and organise recruitment, selection, appraisal, training and career development of employees, taking into account the contemporary issues of diversity, career management, and ethical and responsible leadership;
Knowledge and Understanding
Having successfully completed this module, you will be able to demonstrate knowledge and understanding of:
- principles and main challenges of diversity management, and implications for policy makers and HR specialists;
- changing notions of career and career development, with an emphasis on boundaryless careers and career self-management;
- the global workforce and related challenges facing HR practitioners.
- corporate social responsibility (CSR) and HRM implications, including ethical and responsible leadership;
- differences between a range of theoretical perspectives suitable to analyse and review “theories in use”, taken for granted assumptions and approaches to HRM in contemporary organisations;
Transferable and Generic Skills
Having successfully completed this module you will be able to:
- develop your personal skills including, academic and reflective writing, reflective and problem based learning skills, and knowledge sharing.
- develop effective HRM policies and practices with appropriate sensitivity and responsiveness to diversity management, pursuit of CSR as a part of the HR function in addition other strategic areas of organisational management;
- work in, and contribute effectively to, contemporary organisations in terms of awareness of contemporary issues involved in HRM;
- develop in-depth and critical evaluation skills using multiple and competing perspectives in constructing written and oral arguments;
- recognise the limitations of contemporary organisations in managing challenges involved in diversity management, ethical and responsible leadership and how to tackle those limitations;
Syllabus
Setting the context
Theoretical approaches for critical thinking – what are organisations?
HRM in the Contemporary workplace
Contemporary Career Perspectives
Flexibility and the Flexible firm
The future of work & HRM: The Gig economy
Diversity at the Workplace
Crisis Management: The Role of HRM
Workplace ethics & Sustainable HRM
Work-life balance (WLB) & the Future of Work
Learning and Teaching
Teaching and learning methods
Teaching methods include:
Lectures, case studies, directed reading, small and large group discussion, debating, learning tasks and mini- presentations during lectures, and practitioner involvement.
Learning activities include:
- Critical understanding of key issues and debates in the field
- Directed reading
- Individual reflexive report
Type | Hours |
---|---|
Teaching | 24 |
Independent Study | 126 |
Total study time | 150 |
Resources & Reading list
General Resources
Journal of Business Ethics..
The International Journal of Human Resource Management. Journal
Human Relations. Journal
Guidance:. There is no mandatory text; however these will be referred to throughout the module, and some chapters will be placed on Blackboard. References from quality journals will also be given on blackboard as mandatory reading. You may also like to look at the listed journals.
Human Resource Management. Journal
Journal of Management. Journal
Textbooks
Peter Holland (2019). Contemporary HRM issues in the 21st century.
Konrad, A. M. (2006). Cases in Gender and Diversity in Organisations. London: Sage Publications.
Meyer, E & Ashleigh, M.J. George J.M & Jones, G.R (2007). Contemporary Management (European Edition). UK: McGraw-Hill.
Assessment
Formative
This is how we’ll give you feedback as you are learning. It is not a formal test or exam.
Assessment
- Assessment Type: Formative
- Feedback: You will be given feedback throughout the module within lectures after case study assignments and discussions on each topic within your action learning sets which will be based on your individual learning styles.
- Final Assessment: No
- Group Work: No
Summative
This is how we’ll formally assess what you have learned in this module.
Method | Percentage contribution |
---|---|
Portfolio | 100% |
Referral
This is how we’ll assess you if you don’t meet the criteria to pass this module.
Method | Percentage contribution |
---|---|
Portfolio | 100% |
Repeat
An internal repeat is where you take all of your modules again, including any you passed. An external repeat is where you only re-take the modules you failed.
Method | Percentage contribution |
---|---|
Portfolio | 100% |
Repeat Information
Repeat type: Internal & External