MM339-Strategic Human Resource Management

Module Provider: International Business and Strategy
Number of credits: 20 [10 ECTS credits]
Level:6
Terms in which taught: Autumn term module
Pre-requisites:
Non-modular pre-requisites:
Co-requisites:
Modules excluded:
Current from: 2018/9

Email: c.chung@henley.reading.ac.uk

Type of module:

Summary module description:
This is an advanced module in Strategic Human Resource Management, which examines how companies manage people at work, and appraises the relationships between strategy, HRM and performance.

Aims:
Decisions and choices in human resource management (HRM) have to take into account the priorities and objectives of the organisation, while also accommodating the needs and expectations of its employees. This module explores the tensions and dilemmas associated with trying to balance these two perspectives. It focuses on HRM options and choices that are 􀀑strategic􀀒 because they involve thinking about how to respond to commercial imperatives, growth opportunities and business change. Students are expected to be able to understand links between the business models adopted by a firm, and the associated HR choices and activities.

Assessable learning outcomes:
1. To critically evaluate approaches to the strategic management of people in organisations
2. To explain how HRM can contribute to improvement of organisational performance
3. To explain the objectives and nature of specific areas of strategic HRM practices
4. To critically evaluate the tensions and dilemmas associated with strategic HRM

Additional outcomes:
The module content should help students navigate the graduate labour market in the UK, and by understanding more fully what future employers are likely to expect of them during the recruitment process, they should be better prepared as they enter the professional workplace. Students are encouraged to develop and apply creative as well as critical thinking.

Outline content:

1. Introduction to strategic HRM and HRM goals

2. Strategy and HRM

3. SHRM approaches: strategic-fit

4. SHRM approach: HR advantage

5. SHRM practices: e.g. strategic staffing, strategic talent management, strategic performance management, strategic rewards

6.. Designing HRM systems and architecture

7.. Implementing HRM and performance impacts

Brief description of teaching and learning methods:
The material will be covered through a combination of lectures, case studies and tutorials. A strong emphasis will be placed on student participation and on activities and discussions in classroom. In case studies during lectures, companies􀀒 approach to HRM will be presented and discussed to provide an opportunity to learn from real examples. In tutorials students will work in small groups through activities designed to increase their understanding of the core topics, including learning by doing and using creative problem-solving techniques.

Summative assessment- Examinations:

One 2-hour unseen written paper with a weight of 70% in the overall assessment of the module.

Summative assessment- Coursework and in-class tests:

One piece of written work of 2,500 words (plus/minus 10% leeway allowed). Students will be required to make recommendations about a firm's approach to managing its human resources with reference to the academic literature (submission date: the final week of Autumn term).

Formative assessment methods:

Feedback on group work:

Students as a group will be required to present their discussion outcomes in tutorials and feedback on the presentations will be given to improve the performance of coursework.

Penalties for late submission:

The Module Convenor will apply the following penalties for work submitted late, in accordance with the University policy. 

·  where the piece of work is submitted up to one calendar week after the original deadline (or any formally agreed extension to the deadline): 10% of the total marks available for the piece of work will be deducted from the mark for each working day (or part thereof) following the deadline up to a total of five working days;

·  where the piece of work is submitted more than five working days after the original deadline (or any formally agreed extension to the deadline): a mark of zero will be recorded.

The University policy statement on penalties for late submission can be found at: http://www.reading.ac.uk/web/FILES/qualitysupport/penaltiesforlatesubmission.pdf

You are strongly advised to ensure that coursework is submitted by the relevant deadline. You should note that it is advisable to submit work in an unfinished state rather than to fail to submit any work.

Assessment requirements for a pass:
A weighted average mark of coursework and examination of 40%.

Reassessment arrangements:
By written examination only. Re-examination for Finals takes place in September of the same year.

Additional Costs (specified where applicable):

Required text book £46.99 (RRP)

Last updated: 20 April 2018