This module is not currently running in 2024 to 2025.
This module will provide students with a range of theoretical and practical knowledge, providing them with the opportunity to think critically and evaluate the theory and practice of reward and performance management. This will enable students to develop and apply reward and performance management tools and techniques to specific organisational contents in which they might operate.
Topics of study are:
- Theories of reward/performance management in context:
- Understanding the role of internal and external labour markets in reward/performance management: the changing world of work and major features of national and international employment markets.
- Understanding strategic reward/performance management practices.
- Understanding the role of paying for performance
- Understanding the linking practices for reward and performance management: job evaluation and the balanced scorecard
- Evaluating the success of reward/performance management practices
Total contact hours: 24
Private study hours: 126
Total study hours: 150
Main assessment methods
Individual essay (2000 words) (40%)
Examination, 2 hours (60%)
Reassessment methods
100% Exam
Armstrong, M. (2015). Armstrong's Handbook of Reward Management Practice: Improving Performance through Reward. 5th Edn. London: Kogan Page
Perkins, S. J., White, G., & Jones, S. (2016). Reward Management: Alternatives, Consequences and Context. 3rd Edn. London: CIPD.
Shields, J., et al. (2015). Managing Employee Performance and Reward: Concepts, Practices, Strategies. 2nd Edn. Cambridge: Cambridge University Press.
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 conceptual apparatus and theoretical debates informing reward & performance management.
- Critically analyse the relationship between the environment, strategy and systems of reward & performance management.
- Systematically decide and communicate strategic reward & performance aims, objectives, priorities and targets.
- Plan effective reward/performance management policies and practices to improve organisational and employee performance.
- Design internally consistent reward structures that recognise labour market and equity constraints.
- Critically evaluate key issues in the effectiveness of reward & performance management.
The intended generic learning outcomes.
On successfully completing the module students will be able to:
- Set reward & performance management in the wider context of general organisational management.
- Develop their ability to critically assess and evaluate the impact of reward & performance management approaches on the management of human resources and
organisational performance.
- Develop analytical skills by linking theoretical perspectives to contemporary organisational situations.
- Develop ability to develop relevant strategies and policies.
- Plan work, working independently, and in groups.
- Develop ability to write coherently and write critically.
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