Semester 2

This module explores a range of contemporary issues in human resource management (including human resource development). 
As the module focuses on ‘issues’ and their relevance, the content will change to reflect contemporary themes and priorities. It is a feature of the module that staff contributions are based on relevant special interests informed by research and/or professional engagement. 
There is a cohering theme of managing and enhancing employee performance, including both prescribed job performance and other desirable work behaviours such as organisational citizenship and innovative contributions. 
The module emphasises critical consideration of the practical implications of recent studies. 

OBA, MPC 

The key aim of this module is to develop a critical understanding of selected contemporary issues in human resource management and development 

On successful completion of this module the students will be able to: 
·        Demonstrate knowledge of major theories and research findings regarding the topics covered in the module (K) 
·        Identify practical implications of major theories and findings for human resource management and development (C, P) 
·        Discuss the impact of different human resource management and development approaches upon employee performance and creativity (K, C) 
·        Critically evaluate and compare the effectiveness of various human resource management and development practices (e.g. performance appraisal systems, leadership development initiatives, organisational change programmes, etc.) (K, C) 
·        Identify, synthesise and structure information regarding the module topics from academic books and journals (T) 
·        Communicate ideas effectively in writing (T) 
Learning outcomes are categorised as: 
·        Subject knowledge and understanding (K) 
·        Cognitive skills (C) 
·        Practical/professional skills (P) 
·        Transferable skills (T) 
·        Other 

Indicative topics (actual topics offered will be a selection from these topics,  according to contemporary relevance and the availability of staff expertise): 
·        The management of change, creativity and/or innovation 
·        Diversity management, equal opportunities 
·        Managing and improving organisational relationships
·        Cognition and decision-making 
·        Psychometric testing, recruitment 
·        Emotion in organisations  
·        Organisational change 
·        Organisational learning 
·        Knowledge management 
·        Trust 
·        Management development, executive coaching 
·        Human resource consultancy 
·        Performance appraisal and performance management 
·        The management of multicultural teams 
·        Etc. 

Lectures, seminars, active learning exercises, case studies, independent learning.
Total student learning time 200 hours. 
The teaching and learning strategy is designed to develop the students’ awareness of contemporary issues in human resource management and development, drawing upon theory, empirical research and practice. The strong emphasis on connections between research and practice is reflected in discussion of the practical implications of research findings; analysis of case studies; and critical evaluation of relevant academic research. 
The essay plan provides an opportunity for formative feedback.
The teaching and learning methods involve twelve weekly sessions including. Through lectures, active learning exercises, case studies and more, students will explore connections between research and practice.  The sessions are likely to include seminar-style sessions for smaller groups of students, particularly to support preparation for the assessed work. ULearn will be used to host resources and provide a medium for discussion (where appropriate). 
Assessment Strategy: 
The essay plan is submitted part way through the module. It provides a vehicle for formative feedback as well as contributing towards the final grade. 
Students will be allowed to choose from a range of essay topics related to the taught sessions. A major requirement of the essay will be to discuss the practical implications of recent academic publications. 

Essential Reading
There is no prescribed text. Reading will emphasise journal articles recommended by contributors. Typically students will be asked to access and read recent high-quality journal articles, with an emphasis on those describing recent empirical studies. 
Students are expect to draw further reading from journals such as the following: 
·        Academy of Management Journal 
·        Administrative Science Quarterly 
·        Equal Opportunities International 
·        Human Performance 
·        Human Relations 
·        Human Resource Development International 
·        Human Resource Development Review 
·        International Journal of Selection and Assessment 
·        International Journal of Human Resource Management
·        Journal of Applied Psychology
·        Journal of Occupational and Organisational Psychology 
·        Journal of Organizational Behaviour
·        Journal of Organisational Change Management
·        Leadership Quarterly 
·        Management Learning
·        Organization 
·        Organization Studies 
·        Organizational Dynamics 
·        Personnel Psychology 
Recommended Reading 
Background Reading