HRM-31120 - Module Specification
Keele Business School
Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences

Programme/Approved Electives for 2024/25

Available as a Free Standing Elective

Co-requisites

None

Prerequisites

Barred Combinations

None

Description for 2024/25

This module offers students a critical insight into the nature of contemporary HRM.
It will familiarise students with new methods and ideas of work organisation and the management of labour. It examines the impact of these developments on the employment relationship, and seeks explanations though an analysis of global economic pressures. Students will also be introduced to research methods and data sources used in contemporary HRM research.
The combination of teaching of substantive HRM topics and research methods prepares the students for a small piece of research into a relevant HRM topic, with a Research Report forming the basis of the final assessment.
The module covers concepts and issues that also have relevance for other management related disciplines and practices such as logistics, operations and marketing.

This module analyses central issues and themes that dominate contemporary debate and research in the management of labour through critical examination of the idea of Human Resource Management (HRM) as a strategic function and an overview of new forms of work organisation and employment.
The module is also designed to provide students with the opportunity to undertake a programme of independent study.

Intended Learning Outcomes

evaluate the literature on management styles and relate these to Strategic HRM models: 1
critically assess the meaning of 'strategic' in Strategic HRM and relate to literature on High Performance Workplaces and the management of organisation performance: 1
critically assess new methods of work organisation and relate to organisational restructuring and change management: 1
develop a critical awareness of the application of key HRM techniques and topics: 1
identify and evaluate appropriate methods and data sources used in HRM research: 1
reflect on the economic pressures which drive most contemporary managerial strategies: 1

Study hours

20 Hours of Lectures and Tutorial based work
10 hours research plan preparation
30 hours independent research into selected topic
40 hours research report assessment preparation
50 hours private study

School Rules

Managing Human Resources (level 5 module) and/or
Employee Resourcing (level 5 module)

Description of Module Assessment