Managing people in an organisation is the core capability needed to succeed and grow in today's highly dynamic business environment. How can managers best organise their human resources to achieve competitive advantage? You'll develop an insight into key concepts and theories of human resource management (HRM) and organisational behaviour (OB).
It is essential to understand the interaction between HRM policies and practices, the management and the workforce, and the links with organisational performance (the outputs and achievement of results). Learn to make informed business decisions regarding people by critically analysing and applying the theories & tools of HRM and OB to deliver success for business.
The module will be taught by lectures, seminars, PC lab seminars and private study.
Total Contact Hours: 21
Private Study Hours: 129
Main assessment methods
Individual Essay – 3,000 words (40%)
Exam – 2 hour, unseen, closed book – (60%)
Reassessment methods
Reassessment will be by 100% closed book 2 hour examination
Core textbook:
Clegg, S. R., Kornberger, M., and Pitsis, T. (2011). Managing and organizations: An introduction to theory and practice. London: Sage
Further indicative readings:
Redman T. and Wilkinson A. (2013). Contemporary Human Resource Management: Text and Cases. London: FT Prentice Hall
Robbins, S. P., and Judge, T. A. (2001). Organizational Behavior. New Jersey: Pearson
Storey J. (2007). Human Resource Management: A Critical Text. London: Thomson
Torrington D., Hall, L. and Taylor S. (2008). Human Resource Management. Harlow: FT Prentice Hall
Beardwell, J. and Claydon, T. (2010). Human Resource Management: A Contemporary Approach. 6th edn. London: FT Prentice Hall
Kramar, R. and Syed, J. (2012). Human Resource Management in a Global Context. Basingstoke: Palgrave MacMillan
See the library reading list for this module (Medway)
The intended subject specific learning outcomes.
On successfully completing the module students will be able to:
- Critically evaluate and apply the theory of strategic human resource management (HRM) and its links with wider theories.
- Critically evaluate the links between strategic HRM and business strategy.
- Critically assess the role of strategic HRM in the performance of organisations.
- Through an analysis of case study materials, critique current issues in organisational behaviour (OB) and HRM in a variety of work settings.
- Critically evaluate and apply the theory of organisational wellbeing, particularly related to mental health/stress in the workplace and as part of strategic human resource management.
The intended generic learning outcomes.
On successfully completing the module students will be able to:
- Demonstrate an ability to organise and present an analysis as a considered viewpoint.
- Demonstrate the ability to apply critical thinking to a range of competing theories and frameworks.
- Demonstrate an ability to find, select, organise and synthesise complex information.
- Demonstrate initiative and personal responsibility in undertaking independent and self-managed learning.
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