Units

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Sample subject outline - Semester 1 2013

Note: Subject outlines often change before the semester begins. Below is a sample outline.

Rationale

This unit provides you with a broad overview of the role and functions of human resource management (HRM) and explores the contribution of HRM to business performance and quality of work life.

Aims

This unit will give you a foundation for professional practice in HRM and, more broadly, a practical introduction to the ways that organisations go about aligning the contributions of their people with business goals.

Objectives

Course Learning Goals (Undergraduate)
The QUT Business School has established the Assurance of Learning (AOL) Goals to meet contemporary industry needs and standards. Achieving these learning outcomes will assist you to meet the desired graduate outcomes set at QUT - aligned with other internationally renowned business schools. Students will develop the following capabilities relevant to a contemporary global and sustainable business environment:

Have knowledge and skills pertinent to a particular discipline (KS)

1.1 Integrate and apply disciplinary theory and skills to practical situations
1.2 Incorporate the use of technology appropriate to the discipline and context

Be critical thinkers and effective problem solvers (CTA)

2.1 Identify, research and critically analyse information relevant to a business problem or issue, be able to synthesise that information in order to evaluate potential solutions, make recommendations or otherwise effectively address the problem or issue

Be professional communicators in an intercultural context (PC)

3.1 Communicate effectively through written tasks appropriate to varied contexts and audiences
3.2 Communicate effectively through professional oral presentations appropriate to varied contexts and audiences

Be able to work effectively in a Team Environment (TW)

4.1 Demonstrate effective team skills in order to contribute appropriately to the production of a group output

Have a Social and Ethical Understanding (SEU)

5.1 Apply ethical reasoning, standards or codes of practice relevant to the discipline and make decisions that are informed by social and cultural understanding

Unit Objectives
Upon completion of this unit, you should be able to:

1. Explain the business context of HRM.
2. Explain the roles, functions and strategies of HRM in organisations.
3. Analyse and evaluate the practical implementation of HRM strategies.
4. Demonstrate skills and discrimination in locating and using data and information on HRM from range of sources.

The specific course learning goals and unit objectives that apply to this unit are shown in the assessment section of this unit outline.

Content

HRM IN CONTEXT

HRM, its evolution and contemporary context

Roles, functions and competencies of HRM

The global context of HRM and the Australian economy

Industrial relations

HR Planning and HRIS

HRM FUNCTIONS

Work design

Attracting and retaining employees

Employee Selection

Developing human resources

Performance management

Reward management

Occupational Health and Safety

Wellness at work

HRM AND FUTURE CHALLENGES

Challenges for the future of HRM

Competencies of the HR Professional

Approaches to Teaching and Learning

We use a workshop model for teaching in this unit to encourage active participation by students. Activities during workshops may include case studies, real-world examples, scenarios and group activities.

This unit uses the SafeAssign tool in BlackBoard. SafeAssign is a text matching tool that assists students to develop the academic skills required to correctly use and cite reference material as well as to check citations and determine possible instances of plagiarism. You will be expected to submit draft and/or final versions of one or more assignments using SafeAssign. Your Unit Coordinator will provide detailed information on how the software will be used in this unit.

Assessment

There are 3 pieces of assessment in this unit: quizzes, a case study and a final examination. The quizzes have two functions: they help you ensure week by week that you understand the material and identify areas of weakness; and they help you build your HRM knowledge to tackle the other two pieces of assessment. The case study allows you to apply material learnt in class to an employment situation, and to both problem-solve and consider the potential implications of undertaking particular strategies. This is useful practice for 'real world' HRM positions where you may well be faced with such dilemmas. The final examination tests your overall knowledge and comprehension of the unit's material.Students will receive feedback in various forms throughout the semester which may include:

Informal: worked examples, such as verbal feedback in class, personal consultation

Formal: in writing, such as checklists (e.g. criteria sheets), written commentary

Direct: to individual students, either in written form or in consultation

Indirect: to the whole class

Assessment name: Quiz/Test
Description: Each quiz will be completed online in Blackboard. Further details will be provided in the Week 1 document and in class.
Length/Durtion: 20 minutes per quiz
Formative or Summative: Formative and Summative
Relates to objectives: Unit objectives: 1, 2 and AOL goals: KS (1.1), CTA (2.1)
Weight: 25%
Internal or external: Internal
Group or individual: Individual
Due date: Weeks 2-13

Assessment name: Case Study
Description: Students will analyse the assigned case, explaining the issues/problems through theories/models covered in lectures. Based on literature, they will provide recommendations on how these problems can be overcome.
Length/Duration: 1,500 words
Formative or Summative: Formative and Summative
Relates to objectives: Unit objectives: 3, 4 and AOL goals: KS (1.1), CTA (2.1), PC (3.1)
Weight: 35%
Internal or external: Internal
Group or individual: Individual
Due date: Week 8

Assessment name: Final Examination
Description: The exam consists of true/false, multiple choice and short answer questions. The exam will sample a range of content covered throughout the entire semester. Additional details will be advised in lectures.
Length/Duration: 1.5 hours + 10 minutes perusal
Formative or Summative: Summative
Relates to objectives: Unit objectives: 1, 2, 3 and AOL goals: KS (1.1)
Weight: 40%
Internal or external: Internal
Group or individual: Individual
Due date: Central Exam Period

Academic Honesty

QUT is committed to maintaining high academic standards to protect the value of its qualifications. To assist you in assuring the academic integrity of your assessment you are encouraged to make use of the support materials and services available to help you consider and check your assessment items. Important information about the university's approach to academic integrity of assessment is on your unit Blackboard site.

A breach of academic integrity is regarded as Student Misconduct and can lead to the imposition of penalties.

Resource materials

Prescribed texts:
Stone, R. J. (2010). Managing Human Resources (3rd ed.). Milton: Wiley.


References
Additional references may be provided on the Blackboard site for this unit.

Risk assessment statement

There are no out-of-the-ordinary risks associated with lectures or tutorials in this unit. You should, however, familiarise yourself with evacuation procedures operating in the buildings in which you attend classes and take the time to
view the Emergency video.

Disclaimer - Offer of some units is subject to viability, and information in these Unit Outlines is subject to change prior to commencement of semester.

Last modified: 17-Jan-2013