Introductory description

Organisations achieve their objectives through people. The strategic and operational management of people is a crucial concern therefore for any organisation and its leaders and managers who are keen to succeed as more complex business models and organisation structures emerge. Understanding how to gain the motivation and commitment of an organisations most important resource is crucial for modern leaders and managers as they shape and reshape organisations to meet business need. Technical and analytical expertise are no longer enough and this module reinforces the message that people management is a strategic issue. The module equips candidates with knowledge and appreciation of a broad range of core concepts, theories and models. It also equips them with a range of practical skills including problem solving, critical thinking, team working and presentation.

Module aims

Outline syllabus

This is an indicative module outline only to give an indication of the sort of topics that may be covered. Actual sessions held may differ.

Understanding Yourself and Others: Personality, Perception and Emotions; Motivation at work; Stress and Well-being; Team-working

Understanding the Organisation: Organisation Design and Structure; Organisational Culture; Global Culture; Power and Politics; Organisational Conflict

Strategy, Leadership and Management: Context and Business Strategy; Human Resource Management Strategy; Leadership; Decision Making; Execution and Change Management

Achieving High Performance through People: High Performance Work Systems; Workforce Planning; Employee Branding; Resourcing; Talent Development; Performance Management; Reward; Talent Development; Employee Engagement; Retention; Diversity and Inclusion; Ethics at work

Learning outcomes

By the end of the module, students should be able to:

• 1. Apply the principles of Strategic Human Resource Management contingently within a business context and critically evaluate a range of Human Resource (HR) strategic approaches;
• 2. Utilise principles and philosophies that underline an integrated and holistic approach to people management practice as it relates to the achievement of effective performance at both organisational and individual level;
• 3. Understand organisational culture and structure and analyse and evaluate its importance in determining employee behaviour;
• 4. Compare, contrast, and apply organisational behaviour and psychological theories that underpin the practice of people management
• 5. Recognise the importance of their future contribution and role as leaders as they manage themselves and others to reach their full potential.

Indicative reading list

Buchanan, D. and Huczynski, A. (2017). Organizational Behaviour. London: Pearson Publishing.

Clegg, S., Schweitzer, J., Whittle, A. and Pitelis, C. (2017). Strategy: Theory and Practice. London: Sage Publications.

Torrington, D., Hall L., Taylor S., and Atkinson C. (2017). Human Resource Management. London: Pearson Publishing.

Mullins, L. (2016). Management and Organisational Behaviour. London: Pearson Publishing.

International

• Intercultural Skills
• Language Skills

Subject specific skills

Case study research and analysis

Transferable skills

Teamworking, Problem Solving, Critical Analysis; Presentation; Written Communication; Verbal Communication