HRM-40042 - 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

None

Barred Combinations

None

Description for 2024/25

This module introduces a rich and classic literature on the foundations of the employment relationship, as an essential precursor to the detailed study of HRM. The module takes a strongly theoretical approach throughout, and is designed to encourage individual and original study and thought processes, using a range of multi-disciplinary literatures from the `classic¿ to the `modern¿ on core themes which have a global relevance.
At the same time, the module is intended as an introduction to study and all core subjects are introduced from first principles, with group work encouraged to facilitate cooperative study, social interaction and development of linguistic/terminological skills, with referencing and essay-writing skills carefully discussed in the course of the module.
The organisation and core content of the module relates to:
1. the nature of `labour¿, labour markets and labour processes;
2. the `perspectives¿ on the employment relationship;
3. job regulation and the contract of employment;
4. the state and employers;
5. contemporary HRM thought in the context of earlier labour management traditions, notably:
- the right to manage itself and its bases;
- scientific management;
- human and neo-human relations.

The module aims to provide students with an overview of employers and the management of labour. In particular to analyse:
- main theories relating to the study of the employment relationship
- the nature of the employment relationship, labour markets and labour processes and job regulation
- the state and employers
- managerial origins, rights and authority
- features of managerial organisation and structure
- the main theories of worker behaviour
- the role of HRM in the management of labour

Intended Learning Outcomes

describe the essential features of the contract of employment and assess the basis of managerial authority: 2,3
assess the relevance of concepts dealing with labour markets and processes: 2,3
evaluate the three perspectives on the employment relationship, and differentiate their conceptions of power and control in the relationship: 1,2,3
assess the role of the state and employers in the management of employees and the implications for HRM: 2,3
critically assess the basis of managerial authority and assess the development and function of the managers responsible for the management of labour: 2,3
compare and contrast the features of scientific management and human relations and evaluate their relevance for managerial practice: 3
identify and critically assess the main HRM techniques and their contingent nature: 3

Study hours

32 hours lectures
10 hours tutorials
6 hours tutor-led structured feedback
42 hours lecture and tutorial preparation
60 hours assignment preparation
150 hours private study

School Rules

None

Description of Module Assessment