This module is not currently running in 2024 to 2025.
Key elements of professional HRM&D competence in organisations are a strategic business orientation and a concern with adding value through HR practice. This module introduces students to the aims and objectives of HRM&D function in organisations and how these are met in practice
The module is designed to introduce students to the range of practical skills required by HR professionals. Building on their understanding of the basic notions in the field, students will learn current best practices and procedures within organisations.
The module will include core lectures but its focus will be on case studies, practice based workshops and directed learning activities. These will include activities around various HRM functions within an ethical and legislative framework.
Topics of study are as follows:
- Aims and objectives of HRM&D functions and current developments
- Human Resource Management & Development in different organisational contexts
- Effective leadership and methods of leadership development
- Employee motivation, commitment and engagement
- Flexible working
- Change management
- Ethical issues and practices in HRM&D
- Contemporary research and debates in Human Resource Management
Total contact hours: 25
Private study hours: 125
Total study hours: 150
Main assessment methods
Individual Assignment (2000 words) (40%)
Examination, 2 hour (60%).
Reassessment methods
100% Exam
Armstrong, M. (2014) Armstrong's Handbook of Human Resource Management Practice 13th Edn. London: Kogan Page
Beardwell J. and Thompson, A. (2014) Human Resource Management: A contemporary approach, 7th Edn. Harlow: FT Prentice Hall
Bratton & Gold (2017) Human Resource Management: Theory & Practice, 3rd Edn. Basingstoke: Palgrave Macmillan
Kramar R. and Syed J. (2012) Human resource management in a global context, Basingstoke: Palgrave Macmillan
Marchington, M. and Wilkinson, A. (2012). Human Resource Management at Work: People and Management Development. 5th Edn. London: CIPD
Redman, T. and Wilkinson, A. (2013) Contemporary Human Resource Management: Text and Cases 4th Edn. Harlow: Pearson
Torrington, D., Hall, L. & Taylor, S., and Atkinson, C (2014), Human Resource Management, 9th Edn. London: FT Prentice Hall
Truss, C., Mankin, D. and Kelliher, C. (2012). Strategic Human Resource Management. Oxford: OUP
Wilton, N. (2013). An Introduction to Human Resource Management. 2nd Edn. London: Sage
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 analyse and evaluate the aims and objectives of the HRM&D function in organisations and how these are met in practice.
- Assess the contribution made by HRM&D specialists in different types of organisation.
- Critically analyse and discuss existing literature on contemporary HR policy and practice.
- Understand the requirement to secure compliance of all appropriate ethical and legal obligations, particularly equality of opportunity and diversity in HRM&D to promote professionalism and an ethical approach to HRM and HRD practice in organisations.
- Understand the characteristics of effective leadership and development of leaders in organisations
- Evaluate the theories of motivation, commitment and employee engagement.
- Understand the roles of flexible working and effective change management in organisations.
The intended generic learning outcomes.
On successfully completing the module students will be able to:
- Set HRM and development in the wider context of general organisational management.
- Develop their abilities to critically assess and evaluate the impact of HRM and Development practices on the performance of organisations.
- Develop their analytical skills by linking theoretical perspectives to contemporary organisational situations throughout the course of the module.
- Plan their work, working independently, and in groups.
- Develop their ability to write coherently and critically
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