HUMAN RESOURCE MANAGEMENT - 2019/0

Module code: MAN2133

Module Overview

The rationale for this module is to introduce students to the role of human resource management (HRM) in organisations.

The focus will be on the application of HRM in organisations as practised by general and HR managers, including recruitment and selection, performance management, and rewards and compensation. The module will also provide a broader view on the function and impact of HRM by discussing industrial relations, the psychological contract, and international aspects of HRM. The module builds foundations for the subsequent more advanced study of HRM, in particular the FHEQ Global and Contemporary HRM.

Module provider

Surrey Business School

Module Leader

STOKES Michelle (SBS)

Number of Credits: 15

ECTS Credits: 7.5

Framework: FHEQ Level 5

Module cap (Maximum number of students): N/A

Overall student workload

Independent Learning Hours: 117

Lecture Hours: 22

Tutorial Hours: 11

Module Availability

Semester 2

Prerequisites / Co-requisites

None.

Module content

Indicative content includes:


  • Introduction to Human Resource Management

  • The psychological contract

  • Organizational commitment and engagement

  • Recruitment and selection

  • Training and development

  • Performance management and appraisal

  • Compensation/reward

  • Industrial relations

  • International HRM


Assessment pattern

Assessment type Unit of assessment Weighting
School-timetabled exam/test 1 HOUR IN-CLASS TEST 30
Examination 120 MINUTE EXAM (CLOSED BOOK) 70

Alternative Assessment

Not applicable

Assessment Strategy

The assessment strategy is designed to provide students with the opportunity to demonstrate their knowledge and understanding of concepts and theories through discussion in tutorial seminars, a mid-semester class test and an exam at the end of the semester. Thus, the summative assessment for this module consists of:


  • A closed book examination at the end of the semester (2 hours)



The end-of-module examination will complement the formative assignment (see below) and enable students to demonstrate all 5 learning outcomes. Students will be asked to answer two open-ended essay-style questions (worth 70% of the final module mark). While the mid-semester class test (see below) focuses on knowledge of concepts and theories, the end-of-semester exam assesses the understanding and critical evaluation of applying these concepts and theories in practice. It will enable students to demonstrate all learning outcomes. Students will be encouraged to discuss concepts and theories by considering evidence and challenges in their application.

A mid-semester class-test assessing their knowledge on concepts and theories taught up to that point.

Formative assessment and feedback:


  • Students will receive ongoing feedback in the SurreyLearn discussion forum.

  • Results will help students to develop their knowledge during the remainder of the module and beyond.


Module aims

  • Provide an understanding of the role of Human Resource Management in organisations
  • Provide an introduction to key practices and policies used in the management of people such as staff selection, performance management, training and development
  • Discuss theories and concepts that help understand how HRM can contribute to organisational performance and the role it plays in Industrial Relations
  • This module will provide the basis for the Global and Contemporary HRM module which will build on it.

Learning outcomes

Attributes Developed
1 Demonstrate knowledge and understanding of key aspects of human resource management K
2 Demonstrate the ability to evaluate competing ideas and evidence underlying Human Resource Management Practices KC
3 Apply relevant knowledge and understanding to work situations such as selecting staff and managing performance. KCP
4 Identify and access relevant source material from a range of media, including books, journals, and industry sources CT
5 Communicate ideas effectively in writing T

Attributes Developed

C - Cognitive/analytical

K - Subject knowledge

T - Transferable skills

P - Professional/Practical skills

Methods of Teaching / Learning

The learning and teaching strategy is designed to develop an understanding of Human Resource Management (HRM) practices and the role HRM plays in organisations. Students will learn the essential practices for recruiting and selecting staff, managing performance, long term planning in recruitment as part of a talent management strategy, training and developing employees in organisations and reward management. The learning strategy is designed to (1) develop their knowledge for the application of transferable skills in practice, (2) encourage evidence-based critical thinking in applying their knowledge and adopting HR practices. The module also aims to give students an understanding of broader processes, theories and concepts that are important in HRM: the impact of industrial relations on HRM, the role of the psychological contract and trust in managing employee relationships and role HRM plays in contributing to organisational performance.

The learning and teaching methods include:


  • The key delivery method will be via weekly two-hour lectures, which set out the essential concepts and theoretical approaches (11 x 2-hour lectures).

  • Lectures will be supported by interactive learning exercises and case studies in tutor-directed learning through SurreyLearn.

  • Preparation for the mid-semester test will be encouraged through short weekly practice multiple-choice tests that students have to complete on SurreyLearn between week 2 and week 5.

  • Lecture notes and additional learning material will be available via SurreyLearn ahead of the lecture sessions, and students are encouraged to communicate both among themselves and with the teaching team via the discussion threads in SurreyLearn.

  • Electronic voting will be used in lectures where applicable.


Indicated Lecture Hours (which may also include seminars, tutorials, workshops and other contact time) are approximate and may include in-class tests where one or more of these are an assessment on the module. In-class tests are scheduled/organised separately to taught content and will be published on to student personal timetables, where they apply to taken modules, as soon as they are finalised by central administration. This will usually be after the initial publication of the teaching timetable for the relevant semester.

Reading list

https://readinglists.surrey.ac.uk
Upon accessing the reading list, please search for the module using the module code: MAN2133

Other information

N/A

Programmes this module appears in

Programme Semester Classification Qualifying conditions
International Business Management BSc (Hons) 2 Optional A weighted aggregate mark of 40% is required to pass the module
Business Management BSc (Hons) 2 Optional A weighted aggregate mark of 40% is required to pass the module

Please note that the information detailed within this record is accurate at the time of publishing and may be subject to change. This record contains information for the most up to date version of the programme / module for the 2019/0 academic year.