Module: People Management

Latest Module Specifications

Current Academic Year 2025 - 2026

Module Title	People Management
Module Code	MNA1048 (ITS: HR308)
Faculty	DCU Business School	School	DCU Business School
NFQ level	8	Credit Rating	5

Description

This module equips students with an understanding of the emergence of HRM, the role HRM plays in contemporary organisations and the range of people management strategies and practices that organisations deploy to secure a lasting, strategic competitive advantage from their human resources. Upon successful completion of the module students will possess an insight into HRM theory, strategy and practices and they will be able to critically assess HRM and its application in organisational life. Students will also be provided with an insight into the contemporary debates relating to HRM and the role HRM plays in contributing to organisational success. The module also enables students to make more informed career decisions and thus prepare for future employment opportunities.

Learning Outcomes

1. An understanding of how HRM theory and practice has emerged to play a key role in shaping organisational and working life.
2. 1D87CA96-5D47-0001-4C93-893016BA1FBA
3. An ability to apply HRM theory and practices in real life situations to design practical HRM solutions that could yield competitive benefits for organisations.

*Type*	*Hours*	*Description*
Workload	Full time hours per semester
Lecture	24	Weekly lecture
Independent Study	101	Reading, assessment preparation
Total Workload: 125

Section Breakdown
CRN	11058	Part of Term	Semester 1
Coursework	0%	Examination Weight	0%
Grade Scale	40PASS	Pass Both Elements	Y
Resit Category	RC1	Best Mark	N
Module Co-ordinator	Aurora Trif	Module Teacher	Niamh Daly

Type	Description	% of total	Assessment Date
Assessment Breakdown
Portfolio	Personal Development Portfolio	25%	Week 8
Formal Examination	End-of-Semester Final Examination	75%	End-of-Semester

Reassessment Requirement Type
Resit arrangements are explained by the following categories; RC1: A resit is available for both^* components of the module. RC2: No resit is available for a 100% coursework module. RC3: No resit is available for the coursework component where there is a coursework and summative examination element. ^* ‘Both’ is used in the context of the module having a coursework/summative examination split; where the module is 100% coursework, there will also be a resit of the assessment

Pre-requisite	None
Co-requisite	None
Compatibles	None
Incompatibles	None

All module information is indicative and subject to change. For further information,students are advised to refer to the University's Marks and Standards and Programme Specific Regulations at: http://www.dcu.ie/registry/examinations/index.shtml

Indicative Content and Learning Activities

Introduction to HRM
Evolution and development of HRM, HRM philosophy and principles, objectives and functions, theoretical issues and debates, contemporary trends and challenges.

Strategic HRM
Connecting business and HRM strategy, theories of strategic HRM, models, techniques and trends within strategic HRM.

International HRM
Globalisation, national cultures and national institutions.

HRM work organisation and resourcing
Principles of organisation structure, work and job design, characteristics of knowledge work, flexibility, manpower planning, recruitment and selection and retention.

Reward management
Monetary and non-monetary rewards, performance related pay, nature and purpose of performance management, stages and process of performance management.

Employee participation and engagement
Mechanisms of employee participation in decision-making. Union and non-union forms of participation. The influence of job demands and job resources on work engagement.

Equality and managing diversity
Equality, diversity and the law, managing diversity and the role of HRM.

Managing workplace conflict
Handling collective and individual conflict at work.

Indicative Reading List

Books:

Gunnigle, P., Heraty, N. and Morley, M.: 2011, Human Resource Management in Ireland, 4th, Gill and Macmillan, Dublin,
Torrington, D., Hall, L. and Taylor, S.: 2011, Human Resource Management, 8th, FT Prentice Hall, Essex,
Bratton, J and Gold, J.: 2012, Human Resource Management: Theory and Practice, 5th, Macmillan Press, London,
Armstrong, M.: 2006, A Handbook of Human Resource Management Practice, 10th, Kogan Page, London,
Cottrell, S.: 2003, Skills for Success, Palgrave, Basingstoke,
Dowling, P., M. Festing, M. and A. Engle: 2008, International Human Resource Management, Cengage Learning,

Articles:

0: Additional readings may be recommended in class.,

Other Resources

1: Lecture Handouts, Dr. Aurora Trif, Module Materials,