HRM-40039 - Module Specification
Keele Business School
Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences

Programme/Approved Electives for 2024/25

Available as a Free Standing Elective

Co-requisites

None

Prerequisites

None

Barred Combinations

None

Description for 2024/25

This module provides students with an opportunity to convert theoretical knowledge into practical employment relations solutions. Students will have access to senior and experienced HRM and employment relations practitioners to make them aware of the challenges that managing people raises. They will undertake a series of workshops that complement the taught modules and the portfolio that they produce will enable them to reflect on, and consider solutions to, the complex problems that arise in all organisations. In this way students will be able to prepare for their future careers in whatever business role they take up, given that all management positions are likely to include responsibility for managing people. The workshops will specifically provide opportunities for students to:
- engage in discussion with senior practitioners;
- practice developing solutions to complex HRM problems;
- develop interpersonal skills in group working and discussion of sensitive HRM issues, such as managing diverse groups of workers;
- develop negotiating skills;
- improve their ability to make judgements and develop solutions in time-constrained workshops;
- independently demonstrate their understanding of how HRM policies need to be integrated and to take account of external pressures on organisations.

The module aims to provide students with an opportunity to reflect on the taught modules by:
- engaging with external speakers with relevant experience
- undertaking a series of practical activities
- linking specialist workshops to CIPD standards and other taught modules
- reflection on challenges and possibilities in managing HRM

Intended Learning Outcomes

evaluate the challenges of globalisation in managing the employment relationship: 1,2
demonstrate understanding of EU influence on employee voice: 1,2
critically assess the demands of managing a diverse workforce: 1,2
identify the contradictory factors affecting a reward strategy: 1,2
develop practical skills in negotiation: 1,2
critically analyse the demands of corporate social responsibility and ethics: 1,2
develop a critical understanding of the barriers to change: 1,2
develop practical skills in handling disciplinary situations: 1,2
analyse the external influences on HRM strategies: 1,2

Study hours

20 hours workshops
30 hours workshop preparation
30 hours assignment preparation
70 hours private study

School Rules

None

Description of Module Assessment