Human Resource Management and Development

This module is designed to prepare students to undertake the role of a HR manager in an international context. To enable you to do this, you will examine the changing nature of organisations in a global context, and the debates around whether HR policy and practice is becoming truly global or whether national and cultural sensibilities prevent this. You will also be equipped with the skills needed to apply theoretical concepts relating to organisation design and development in practice.

In addition to understanding how you may organise and manage people, it is essential to develop a critical self-awareness and understanding of different leadership styles and skills and how these can be applied to a range of situations. This module will develop your self-awareness and understanding of leadership skills and behaviours and how these can motivate and engage employees - including those from different cultural contexts - and secure their commitment in times of both stability and change. This will include learning how to manage inter-personal conflict and how to create cohesive and effective teams for the benefit of both organisations and employees through the use of different strategies such as flexible working.

On this module you will examine the role of trade unions and other non-union groups in different countries. You will look at employment law in the British context, and how this impacts on HR practice. This module will include a visit to an employment tribunal and links to the annual programme of speakers at Manchester Industrial Relations Society.

You will look at the changing nature of the workforce and the way in which increasing diversity can be an organisational asset. You will develop your strategic skills, looking at analysis of trends, developing effective, legally compliant resourcing and retention strategies and evaluating process, policies and practices for recruitment and performance. You will use classroom-based performance management scenarios with fellow students to analyse real-world performance management scenarios and discuss different approaches to handling performance conversations. An important part of this module looks at a critical understanding of performance and performance management, including high performance work practices, and the boundary between motivation for performance and abuse. You will also consider how to advise business managers in their setting of performance priorities, objectives and targets.

The paid Work Placement gives you the chance to undertake a six month project with an organisation located regionally, nationally or internationally. By exploring a key issue impacting an organisation, you will apply the theoretical knowledge gained through your studies and develop and use appropriate problem-solving skills in a real-world environment.

You will create an initial 1,500 word research proposal then compile an 8,500 – 10,000 word portfolio of evidence that shows the work undertaken, the deliverables created, the impact achieved, the theories and concepts applied, the data gathering activities undertaken and a critical reflection by the student of their work practices and learning. In addition, you will share your findings with key stakeholders. This will generally be a presentation to an audience but might be a poster presentation or a video recording.

Assessment:
10% project proposal
80% portfolio
10% presentation

An advanced-level applied research pathway based on a real-world business problem and examining an issue important to an organisation.   The Dissertation path gives you the opportunity to apply the theoretical and practical knowledge gained from the taught elements of the programme to a current organisational issue and deploy and effectively use appropriate problem-solving skills through critical self-reflection and methodical, systematic research.  It is an excellent option if you are considering moving into academic research and PhD studies.

You will create an initial 1,500 word research proposal consisting of research questions, aims and objectives, and the rationale for undertaking the study.  The 12,000 – 15,000 word dissertation will include literature review, research methodology, analysis of findings, conclusions, recommendations and a critical reflection of your learning. In addition, you will share your findings with key stakeholders. This will generally be a presentation to an audience but might be a poster presentation or a video recording.

Assessment:

10% project proposal
80% portfolio
10% presentation