This module is not currently running in 2024 to 2025.
Learning and development and its central contribution to talent management is recognised and acknowledged to be a significant lever in achieving economic, social and cultural aspirations, ambitions and objectives of governments, work organisations and individuals. This module will develop a critical understanding of the potential and limitations of the contribution of learning and talent development policies and strategies to formulating and achieving objectives at national, organisational, group and individual levels and will enable the development of intellectual, social, professional and personal skills to perform effectively in associated professional roles. The module requires learners to reflect critically on theory and practice from an ethical and professional standpoint, explores the implications for professional practice and provides opportunities for applied learning and continuous professional development.
Topic that may be included are as follows:
• Learning and development in context: the changing world of work and organisations
• The strategic importance of learning and development and approaches to learning and development
• Learning and development as a change agent
• Learning and talent development strategies, planning, interventions and activities
• The role of internal and external partners and stakeholders in learning and development
• Management and Career Development
• Principles of effective planning, design and delivery of planned learning events, and their practical application
• Developments in new technology and their implication for learning and development
• Learning and development and training delivery
• The evaluation and assessment of learning and development outcomes and investment in a range of contexts
• The role and tasks of the ethical practitioner
• The importance of continuing professional self-development
Total contact hours: 24
Private study hours: 126
Total study hours: 150
Main assessment methods
Group Oral Presentation (15%)
Essay (2000 words) (25%)
Examination, 2 hour (60%).
Reassessment method:
100% examination
Beevers, K. & Rea A. (2016) Learning and Development Practice in the Workplace, London: CIPD
Garvey, R, Stokes, P and Megginson, D. (2009). Coaching and Mentoring: Theory and Practice. London: Sage
Harrison, R. (2009). Learning and Development (5th Edition). London: CIPD
Page-Tickle R. (2014). Learning and Development. London: CIPD
Prusak, L & Matson, E (2006). Knowledge Management and Organizational Learning: A Reader. Oxford: OUP.
Sadler-Smith, E. (2006). Learning and Development for Managers: Perspectives from Research and Practice. London: Blackwell Publishing
Stewart J. & Rogers P. (2017) Studying Learning & Development, London: CIPD
Walton J. and Valentin C. (2013) Human Resource Development, London: Palgrave
Wilson, J.P (2009) Ed. Human Resource Development: Learning and Training for individuals and organizations. London: Kogan Page
See the library reading list for this module (Canterbury)
The intended subject specific learning outcomes.
On successfully completing the module students will be able to:
- Critically evaluate the theory and contemporary research in the field of HRM & HRD.
- Critically analyse and evaluate the formulation and implementation of processes of learning and talent development strategies for defining and achieving current and future effectiveness.
- Critically assess the approaches and principle of a range of learning and talent dvelopment strategies, policies and methods and their potential to motivate learners, achieve engagement at work and build commitment to organisational goals and values.
- Critically assess the role and influence the politics of learning and talent development policy development.
- Understand the requirement to secure compliance of all appropriate ethical and legal obligations, particularly equality of opportunity and diversity in learning and training development and to continuous personal and professional development.
- Understand how to work effectively and collaborative with key internal and external partners and stakeholders to manage the learning and development process effectively and lead the initiation, development and implementation of learning and development strategies, interventions and activities.
The intended generic learning outcomes.
On successfully completing the module students will be able to:
- Set learning and development in the wider context of general organisational management.
- Critically assess and evaluate the impact of learning and development on the performance of organisations.
- Have developed analytical skills by linking theoretical perspectives to contemporary organisational situations throughout the course of the module.
- Plan work, working independently, and in groups.
- Have developed the ability to write coherently and write critically.
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