This module covers the key concepts and issues involved in the management of people and in particular the practices and controversies associated with contemporary Human Resource Management (HRM). During the module, students will look at the environmental context within which HRM operates and consider the relationship between strategic management and HRM, both in a national and international context.  The module will examine the key issues and debates within the functional areas of employee resourcing, employee development, employee relations and performance management and reward. Finally the module will consider the ways in which HRM can add value to a business and evaluate the role of HR professionals and line managers in delivering effective HR interventions.

By the end of the module students should be able to:

• demonstrate knowledge and understanding of the origins and development of HRM and critically evaluate the reason for its prominence in the contemporary work environment;
• critically appraise the effect of HRM on the competitive advantage of the firm;
• critically evaluate the impact of HRM policies and practices in various industrial sectors and for various occupational groups,
• demonstrate comprehensive understanding of the relationship between HRM and more traditional forms of participation such as collective bargaining and industrial relations and evaluate the impact of the former on the latter.