Course Details in 2023/24 Session

Module Title	LM Human Resource Management and Ethics at Work
School	Birmingham Business School
Department	Birmingham Business School
Module Code	07 37326
Module Lead	Prof Tony Dobbins
Level	Masters Level
Credits	20
Semester	Semester 1
Pre-requisites
Co-requisites
Restrictions	None
Exclusions
Description	This core module provides students with an introductory critical perspective on Human Resource Management. It critically examines and connects academic literature/concepts and real world HR practice. In so doing, it analyses people management and the employment relationship in a wider regulatory, social and political economy context. It emphasises that different stakeholders (employers and workers/unions, the state) may have conflicting concerns, as well as mutual interests, about work and employment. There is a strong emphasis on the ethics of HRM, responsible HR practice/the ‘good employer’, fairness and equality for employees at work. The broad topic areas usually covered include the origins and meanings of Human Resource Management (HRM), debates about HRM strategy and managing performance, ethical aspects of HRM, and the four main functional areas of HRM (resourcing organisations, Human Resource Development, reward, employee relations/voice/democracy at work). The module also examines various contemporary issues affecting people management, which may change from year to year; such as working time flexibility, and new technology and the future of work.
Learning Outcomes	By the end of the module students should be able to: Critically analyse HRM, the employment relationship and its different stakeholders. Apply the appropriate HR strategies, functions and people practices (resourcing organisations, Human Resource Development, reward, employee relations/employee voice) to enhance conceptual and practical understanding of the complexities of managing the employment relationship. Analyse both academic concepts and real life practices of HRM and employment relations. Evaluate HRM academic concepts and real life practice in their wider external context (political economy, labour markets, technology, society and culture, employment law/regulation of work, future of work, etc). Evaluate the role and impact of HRM to enable more responsible business and citizens in the world of work and wider society (e.g., employee voice and influence at work, ethical HR best practice, valuing people, equality, fairness, working inclusively, employee well-being). Critically analyse links between HR strategies and HR practices. Apply critical thinking and analytical skills, notably, the ability to filter and assess complex arguments.
Assessment	37326-01 : Individual Report : Coursework (40%) 37326-02 : Individual Assignment : Coursework (60%)
Assessment Methods & Exceptions	Assessment One 2000-word individual essay (60%) One 1500-word individual policy/practice report (40%) Reassessment Reassessment by failed component. Students who fail the essay should submit another essay (2000 words). Students who fail the policy/practice report should submit another report (1500 words).
Other
Reading List