Strategic Human Resource Management

Module Provider: International Business and Strategy
Number of credits: 20 [10 ECTS credits]
Level:6
Terms in which taught: Autumn term module
Pre-requisites:
Non-modular pre-requisites:
Co-requisites:
Modules excluded:
Module version for: 2016/7

Summary module description:
This is an advanced module in Strategic Human Resource Management, which examines how companies manage people at work, and appraises the relationships between strategy, HRM and performance.

Aims:
Decisions and choices in human resource management (HRM) have to take into account the priorities and objectives of the organisation, while also accommodating the needs and expectations of its employees. This module explores the tensions and dilemmas associated with trying to balance these two perspectives. It focuses on HRM options and choices that are ?strategic? because they involve thinking about how to respond to commercial imperatives, growth opportunities and business change. Students are expected to be able to understand links between the business models adopted by a firm, and the associated HR choices and activities.

Assessable learning outcomes:
1. To critically evaluate approaches to the strategic management of people in organisations
2. To explain how HRM can contribute to improvement of organisational performance
3. To explain the objectives and nature of specific areas of strategic HRM practices
4. To critically evaluate the tensions and dilemmas associated with strategic HRM
Additional outcomes:
The module content should help students navigate the graduate labour market in the UK, and by understanding more fully what future employers are likely to expect of them during the recruitment process, they should be better prepared as they enter the professional workplace. Students are encouraged to develop and apply creative as well as critical thinking.

Outline content:
1. Introduction to strategic HRM
2. SHRM approaches: strategic-fit
3. SHRM approach: HR advantage
4. SHRM practices: e.g. strategic staffing, strategic talent management, strategic performance management, strategic rewards
5. Designing HRM systems and architecture
6. Implementing HRM and performance impact

Brief description of teaching and learning methods:
The material will be covered through a combination of lectures, case studies and tutorials. A strong emphasis will be placed on student participation and on activities and discussions in classroom. In case studies during lectures, companies? approach to HRM will be presented and discussed to provide an opportunity to learn from real examples. In tutorials students will work in small groups through activities designed to increase their understanding of the core topics, including learning by doing and using creative problem-solving techniques.

Contact hours:
Lectures 20
Tutorials 4
Guided independent study 126
Total hours by term 150

Summative Assessment Methods:
Written exam 70
Written assignment including essay 30

Other information on summative assessment:
Coursework:
One piece of written work of 2,300-2,700 words. Students will be required to make recommendations about a firm's approach to managing its human resources with reference to the academic literature.

Relative percentage of coursework:
Coursework has a weight of 30% in the final assessment mark. Penalties for late submission of coursework will be in line with University policy.

Examination:
One 2-hour unseen written paper with a weight of 70% in the overall assessment of the module

Feedback on group work:
Students as a group will be required to present their discussion outcomes in tutorials and feedback on the presentations will be given to improve the performance of coursework.

Length of examination:
2 hours

Requirements for a pass:
A weighted average mark of coursework and examination of 40%.

Reassessment arrangements:
By written examination only. Re-examination for Finals takes place in September of the same year.