Module: Contemporary Issues & The Future of Learning & Development

Latest Module Specifications

Current Academic Year 2025 - 2026

Module Title	Contemporary Issues & The Future of Learning & Development
Module Code	MNA1056 (ITS: HR5013)
Faculty	DCU Business School	School	DCU Business School
NFQ level	9	Credit Rating	5

Description

This module will explore current issues impacting learning and development and future trends. This module combines the best available scientific evidence on these issues and trends from notable academics and researchers with case examples from learning and development professionals globally. It will explore the connection between scientific research evidence and its application to practice. This module will be delivered in a collaboration between the IITD and DCU Business School.

Learning Outcomes

1. 1E4950F7-C505-0001-A47C-BA10AFB019EC
2. Describe current trends and issues in Learning and Development research
5. 1
6. 1E4950F7-C7FB-0001-1FEB-78003D4717F5
7. Assess the potential contribution of L&D academic research to organisational practice
10. 2
11. 1E4950F7-CF5D-0001-E21F-13701EA5A8B0
12. Analyse and critique theory and research on L&D, and convert theory and research into practice
15. 3
16. 1E4950F7-D27C-0001-3F43-1B2717F013B4
17. Demonstrate understanding of the key tradeoffs faced by L&D researchers in designing research studies
20. 4
21. 1E4950F7-DE15-0001-723B-597710801DD1
22. Apply your understanding of contemporary L&D issues to evaluate the challenges and opportunities of developing people in organisations
25. 5
26. 1E4950F7-E26E-0001-B1EC-12F0B9CEA290
27. Generate research-informed solutions for the implementation of organisational development and change
30. 6

*Type*	*Hours*	*Description*
Workload	Full time hours per semester
Lecture	24	Classroom and/or online lectures
Independent Study	50	Reading and preparation for each workshop
Assignment Completion	40	Prepare and submit final written assignment
Online activity	10	Identify topic and complete five online reflective activities
Assessment Feedback	1	Review and reflect on assignment feedback
Total Workload: 125

Section Breakdown
CRN	20729	Part of Term	Semester 2
Coursework	100%	Examination Weight	0%
Grade Scale	40PASS	Pass Both Elements	N
Resit Category	RC1	Best Mark	N
Module Co-ordinator	Brian Harney	Module Teacher

Type	Description	% of total	Assessment Date
Assessment Breakdown
Essay	Students will submit an essay or case study which explores one of the topics covered in the module in depth, demonstrating the strengths and limitations of that research in devising solutions to a practical HR problem from their organisational experience.	80%	n/a
Completion of online activity	Students will use LOOP Forum to submit five short analyses of the practice implications of the all of the Research Topics except the one chosen for their Essay/Case Study. Each analysis will be a maximum of 300 words in the form of a email to the leadership team of their current organisation, or one with which they are familiar, summarising the practical implications of the research reported in each case.	20%	n/a

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

n/a
Content will vary but will focus on the world class L&D research being conducted within DCU Business School and across our global network.

Indicative Reading List

Books:
None

Articles:
None

Other Resources

None