MN5470 Managing Human Resources

Indicative module guide 2024-2025

Module type and semester

Core (20 credits), Semester 2

Module coordinator

Dr Alina Baluch

Contact

Dr Baluch: amb33@st-andrews.ac.uk

Aims

This module reviews the key theoretical and practical aspects involved in managing human resources. The module content covers both the strategic and operational requirements necessary to secure, develop, reward and retain employees and to ensure their maximum contribution to organisational performance. Individual, organisational and contextual factors that influence the management of people are also considered. Throughout the module there is an emphasis on the analytical, critical and evaluative study of the subject.

Method of teaching and learning

One three-hour lecture/teaching session each week. Each session will combine an element of lecture, small group discussion, case study work and plenary discussion.

Learning outcomes

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

  • analyse the main factors involved in the effective management of people at work
  • identify the factors in the environment that are likely to impact on the organisation’s management of people
  • assess the individual and organisational factors that influence the strategic management and development of human resources and personal development plans – including the student’s own as a worked example
  • analyse the main approaches to performance management within organisations
  • explain the main dimensions of the employment relationship
  • apply operational and strategic measures to evaluate human resource policies and practices
  • evaluate key theoretical perspectives and empirical research in the field of HRM.

Indicative topic outline

An outline of the lecture programme is indicated below.  This is subject to change; a confirmed lecture programme will be issued at the start of teaching.

Week 1

Introduction to Human Resource Management and Course Overview

Week 2

Strategic HRM and the Organisational Environment

Week 3

Workshop: Theory and Empirical Research in the Field of HRM

Week 4

HR Planning and Recruitment

Week 5

Selection

[Spring Vacation Week]

Week 6

Employee Rewards and Motivation

Week 7

Performance Management

Week 8

Employee Development

Week 9

Current Issues in HRM

Week 10

Independent Learning Week (no class)

Week 11

Work Organisation and Team-working

Week 12

Revision session

Week 13 and 14

Revision period

Week 15 and 16

Exam period

Assessment

  • Coursework One: Individual essay of 2,000 words maximum (allowed +/- 10%, excluding references); to be submitted via MMS. Details of the essay topic will be provided in due course. This essay is worth 30% of the assessment for the module.
  • Coursework Two: Group case study report that consists of 4 written assignments; to be submitted via MMS. Additional details will be provided in due course. This group report is worth 20% of the assessment for the module.
  • Coursework Three: Final individual reflective essay of 2,000 words maximum (allowed +/- 10%, excluding references); to be submitted to MMS. Details of the essay topic will be provided in due course. This final essay is worth 50% of the assessment for the module.

Reading list

Module text

Please purchase or have regular access to this text.

  • Boxall, P., Purcell, J. and Wright, P. (2007) The Oxford Handbook of Human Resource Management. Oxford: Oxford University Press.

In addition, you will be assigned weekly journal article readings.

Other key texts

  • Beech, N., Martin, G. and McKenna, E. (2019) Human Resource Management: A concise analysis (4th edition). Routledge.
  • Boxall, P. and Purcell, J. (2016) Strategy and Human Resource Management (4th ed). London: Palgrave.
  • Gold, J., Bratton, J., Steele, B. and Bratton, A. (2022) Human Resource Management: A Critical Approach (7th ed). London: Bloomsbury Academic.
  • Gold, M. and Smith, C. (2022) Where’s the ‘Human’ in Human Resource Management? Bristol: Bristol University Press.
  • Marchington, M., Wilkinson, A., Donnelly, R. and Kynighou, A. (2021) Human Resource Management at Work (7th ed). London: CIPD Kogan Page.
  • Wilkinson, A., Redman, T. and Dundon, T. (2017). Contemporary Human Resource Management: Text and Cases (5th ed). Harlow: Pearson.

Associated texts

These associated texts may be used as a source of further reading.

  • Beardwell, J. and Thompson, A. (2017) Human Resource Management: A Contemporary Approach (8th ed). Harlow: Pearson.
  • Collings, D.G. and Wood, G. (2009) Human Resource Management: A Critical Approach. London: Routledge.
  • Rowley, C. and Jackson, K. (2011) Human Resource Management: The Key Concepts. London: Routledge.
  • Storey, J. (ed) (2007) Human Resource Management: A Critical Text (3rd ed). London: Thomson.
  • Torrington, D. Hall. L., Taylor, S. and Atkinson, C. (2017) Human Resource Management (10th ed). London, FT Prentice Hall.

Journals

Reference will also be made to articles from a range of journals, for example:

  • Human Resource Management
  • Human Resource Management Journal
  • The British Journal of Industrial Relations
  • British Journal of Management
  • The International Journal of Human Resource Management
  • Employee Relations
  • Industrial Relations Journal
  • Harvard Business Review
  • Human Relations
  • New Technology, Work and Employment
  • Work, Employment and Society.

22 January 2025

Organisation of modules may be subject to change without notice.