Contemporary Developments in HRM/OB

Code

BUSI4476

School

Business

Level

4

Credits

20

Semesters

Spring UK

Summary

This module provides students with a comprehensive overview of contemporary issues in organisational behaviour and human resource management practices. Students are invited to critically examine and explore a variety of contemporary topics ranging from issues of wellness and coaching to metrics and managerial control. The module uses practical examples, case studies and contemporary research to provide opportunities for critique, debate and discussion.

Target Students

Core module for MSc Human Resource Management and Organisation students. Also available to MSc Exchange students.

Classes

• One 2-hour seminar
• One 2-hour lecture each week for 10 weeks
• One 2-hour lecture each week for 10 weeks

This module is taught through a combination of lectures, lecture engagement sessions and seminars.

Assessment

• 70% Coursework: 3,000 words. Reassessment is 100% coursework (4,000 words).
• 30% Presentation: 10 minutes. Reassessment is 100% coursework (4,000 words).

Assessed by end of spring semester

Educational Aims

Learning Outcomes

Knowledge and Understanding

●     The dynamics of the global economy and international business &/or an awareness of cultural, legal/regulatory, political, and economic differences across countries &/or an appreciation of management issues from a global perspective.

●     People and strategic and operational HRM, meeting future organisational requirements, people development, HR systems

●     The management of resources

●     The management of operations

●     Communications and the comprehension and use of relevant communications for application in business and management, including the use of digital tools

●     The importance of sustainability issues, including an understanding of the challenges and opportunities arising from the activities of people and organisations on the economic, social and environmental conditions of the future.

●     Leadership and management of people within organisations and leadership, organisational behaviour and motivation 

Intellectual Skills
•    Being able to think critically and be creative: manage the creative processes in self and others; organise thoughts, analyse, synthesise and critically appraise. This includes the capability to identify assumptions, evaluate statements in terms of evidence, detect false logic or reasoning, identify implicit values, define terms adequately and generalise appropriately
•    Being able to solve complex problems and make decisions: establish criteria, using appropriate decision-making techniques including identifying, formulating and solving business problems; and the ability to create, identify and evaluate options; the ability to implement and review decisions
 

Professional Practical Skills
•    Effective performance within team environments and the ability to recognise and utilise individuals' contributions in group processes and to negotiate and persuade or influence others; team selection, delegation, development and management.  Leadership and performance management: selecting appropriate leadership style for different situations; setting objectives, motivating, monitoring performance, coaching and mentoring
•    The ability to recognise the need for and initiate change and to be able to manage change
•    The ability to recognise and address ethical dilemmas, corporate social responsibility and sustainability issues, applying ethical and organisational values to situations and choices

Transferable (Key) Skills
•    Effective communication: networking, listening, oral and written communication of complex ideas and arguments, using a range of media, including the preparation of business reports
•    Soft skills: understanding the needs of others and empathy towards them; sensitivity to diversity in people and in different situations

Conveners

• Dr Sara Turner