Module Catalogue 2024/25

Pre Requisite Comment

N/A

Co Requisite Comment

N/A

Aims

This module focuses on ways in which we think about employment and global HRM. This is important because how we think about any topic fundamentally frames how we "make a difference" as practitioners. The key purpose of the module is to provide students with different ways of thinking about HRM so students can develop the skills and knowledge needed to support the development of more humane workplaces.

The topic introduced will look at contemporary issues employment and global HRM and how our thinking about these issues shapes our understanding of the challenges they pose to HRM practitioners. Topics will include the changing structure of employers and global organisation of production; labour markets as "special" institutions; the employment of migrant workers; bodies at work; minds at work; and, the professionalisation of HRM.

Outline Of Syllabus

The syllabus may change from year to year to reflect current research. Topics likely to be include, but are not limited to:

1. Thinking differently about global organisational structures
2. Thinking differently about labour market institutions
3. Thinking differently about migration, work, and employment
4. Thinking differently about bodies at work: aesthetic and emotional labour
5. Thinking differently about minds at work
6. Thinking differently about the professionalisation of the HR function

Intended Knowledge Outcomes

1. Use social theory to understanding of key issues within contemporary work and organizations, and how these relate to the practices of HRM.
2. Understand the relationship between diverse individuals, different workplace experiences and contemporary workplace settings.
3. To understand contemporary social trends and the consequences of these for workers, organization and the possibilities of HRM
4. Critically discuss the role of power and social institutions in affecting social processes at work and how these impact HRM.
5. Explain and evaluate the relationship between individuals, institutions and wider societal structures.

Intended Skill Outcomes

At the end of the module students should be able to evaluate and critically debate the relationship between individual, work, organisations and wider society, and the role of HRM within this context.

They should be able to use social theory to understand and evaluate contemporary workplaces settings.

They should understand the practical implication of contemporary social processes for the history, emergence and potential of HRM.

Teaching Rationale And Relationship

Relevant theory and examples will be introduced during the lectures and and further developed in the classroom through discussion and other activities. Depth of learning will be achieved by directed and supplementary reading. Students will consolidate their knowledge by completing a 2,000 word essay.

Skills development will be achieved through individual and group activities.

Assessment Rationale And Relationship

The assessment is designed to test the knowledge and understanding of the students in relation to the areas taught and developed in the module.

General Notes

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