THE UNIVERSITY of EDINBURGH

DEGREE REGULATIONS & PROGRAMMES OF STUDY 2017/2018

University Homepage
DRPS Homepage
DRPS Search
DRPS Contact
DRPS : Course Catalogue : Moray House School of Education : Education

Postgraduate Course: Human Resource Management (EDUA11272)

Course Outline
SchoolMoray House School of Education CollegeCollege of Humanities and Social Science
Credit level (Normal year taken)SCQF Level 11 (Postgraduate) AvailabilityAvailable to all students
SCQF Credits20 ECTS Credits10
SummaryThis course aims to provide learners with a rigorous framework of knowledge and understanding concerning people management and development that they will need whatever the degree of specialisation they later elect to follow. It has a number of distinct learning objectives. First, the course seeks to familiarise learners with major contemporary research evidence on employment and effective approaches to human resource (HR) and learning and development (L&D) practice. Research focusing on the links between people management practices and positive organisational outcomes is covered, as is research that highlights major contemporary changes and developments in practice. Second, the course introduces learners to major debates about theory and practice in the specific fields of leadership, flexibility and change management, the aim being to help them become effective managers as well as effective HR specialists, managing others fairly and effectively and increasing levels of engagement, commitment, motivation and performance. The course also introduces the major aims of HR and L&D and explores how these are achieved in practice in different types of organisational scenario. Finally, the course requires learners to reflect critically on theory and practice from an ethical and professional standpoint and provides opportunities for applied learning and continuous professional development.
Course description 1 Review and critically evaluate major contemporary research and debates in the fields of HRM and HRD. Major research studies on contemporary developments in the HRM and HRD fields published in the UK and overseas, including those carried out or sponsored by the CIPD; evidence on links between HR practice and business outcomes; measuring the value of the HR function; HRM and HRD practices in the most successful organisations; developing an effective interface between HR and line management through partnership working.

2 Evaluate major theories relating to motivation, commitment and engagement at work and how these are put into practice by organisations. Understand, explain and evaluate major theories relating to motivation, commitment and engagement at work and how these are put into practice by organisations; major motivation theories and their critics; the significance of effective leadership, reward, performance management and career development opportunities.

3 Debate and critically evaluate the characteristics of effective leadership and the methods used to develop leaders in organisations. Types of leadership and management styles and their impact; characteristics of successful and unsuccessful leaders; developing effective leaders in organisations.

4 Contribute to the promotion of flexible working and effective change management in organisations. Understand and contribute to the promotion of flexible working and effective change management in organisations; the growing significance of flexibility; different types of flexibility; the contribution made by HRM and HRD specialists to the promotion of flexible working; effective approaches to change management and major theories in the field; the central role played by people management practices in the effective management of change.

5 Critically discuss the aims and objectives of the HRM and HRD functions in organisations and how these are met in practice.
Organisation and job design; attracting and retaining people; motivating and managing performance; efficient administration of the employment relationship; managing employee relations; training and developing people; rewarding people.

6 Assess the contribution made by HRM and HRD specialists in different types of organisation. Major contemporary developments in HRM and HRD practice in larger private sector companies, small and medium-sized enterprises, public sector organisations, voluntary sector organisations and international corporations.

7 Promote professionalism and an ethical approach to HRM and HRD practice in organisations. Major debates about professionalism and ethics in organisations; common ethical dilemmas faced by managers and ways of resolving these; equity and fair-dealing; managing within the expectations of the law.
Entry Requirements (not applicable to Visiting Students)
Pre-requisites Co-requisites
Prohibited Combinations Other requirements None
Information for Visiting Students
Pre-requisitesNone
Course Delivery Information
Not being delivered
Learning Outcomes
On completion of this course, the student will be able to:
  1. 1 Review and critically evaluate major contemporary research and debates in the fields of human resource management (HRM) and human resource development (HRD).




  2. 2 Evaluate major theories relating to motivation, commitment and engagement at work and how these are put into practice by organisations.
  3. 3 Debate and critically evaluate the characteristics of effective leadership and the methods used to develop leaders in organisations.
  4. 4 Contribute to the promotion of flexible working and effective change management in organisations.
    5 Critically discuss the aims and objectives of the HRM and HRD function in organisations and how these are met in practice.
  5. 6 Assess the contribution made by HRM and HRD specialists in different types of organisation.
    7 Promote professionalism and an ethical approach to HRM and HRD practice in organisations.
Reading List
None
Additional Information
Graduate Attributes and Skills Not entered
Special Arrangements The course will be taught in a blended mode. Applicants need to be familiar with the use of IT
Keywordshumanresource management development
Contacts
Course organiserMr Peter Evans
Tel: (0131 6)51 6345
Email: peter.evans@ed.ac.uk
Course secretary
Navigation
Help & Information
Home
Introduction
Glossary
Search DPTs and Courses
Regulations
Regulations
Degree Programmes
Introduction
Browse DPTs
Courses
Introduction
Humanities and Social Science
Science and Engineering
Medicine and Veterinary Medicine
Other Information
Combined Course Timetable
Prospectuses
Important Information