Module: Strategic Human Resource Management

Latest Module Specifications

Current Academic Year 2025 - 2026

Module Title	Strategic Human Resource Management
Module Code	MNA1087 (ITS: HR569)
Faculty	DCU Business School	School	DCU Business School
NFQ level	9	Credit Rating	5

Description

This module focuses on the nature of Strategic Human Resource Management (SHRM) from both a firm and an employee perspective. The module provides a research-focused/ evidence-based appraisal of the topic according to the following key themes: (1) the strategic role of HR in the organisation; (2) the role of the HR function/ HR professional in strategic HRM; (3) designing and aligning HR systems for high performance; (4) linking HR practices to performance; (5) the experiences of employees who are at the ‘receiving end’ of HR practices; and (6) a critical overview of SHRM research. The module examines the nature of HR strategies, systems and practices and the theories underpinning the creation of HR systems that may lead to high performance outcomes. It also evaluates the strategic importance of the HR practices that comprise these systems in engaging employees.

Learning Outcomes

1. Assess the importance of context in understanding developments in Strategic HRM, including international, legal, cultural and ethical perspectives;
2. Evaluate the nature of HRM and the role of the HR function and HR manager within the organisation;
3. Evaluate the relationship between business strategy, HRM, engagement and performance;
4. Critique models of, and research on, Strategic HRM at a variety of levels from a research and practical perspective.
5. Apply learning from the module to show how specific areas of HRM operate strategically in an organisation.

*Type*	*Hours*	*Description*
Workload	Full time hours per semester
Lecture	24	Weekly
Independent Study	30	Case Preparation
Group work	20	Preparation for assignment
Assignment Completion	45	Individual Essay
Seminars	6	No Description
Total Workload: 125

Section Breakdown
CRN	21334	Part of Term	Semester 2
Coursework	0%	Examination Weight	0%
Grade Scale	40PASS	Pass Both Elements	Y
Resit Category	RC1	Best Mark	N
Module Co-ordinator	Edel Conway	Module Teacher	Brian Harney

Type	Description	% of total	Assessment Date
Assessment Breakdown
Project	Group assignment with presentation	35%	Week 9
Report(s)	Individual assignment	65%	Week 12

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

Role of HR
Overview of role of HR, evolution of the function, key tasks of the HR Manager

Strategic HR
Critical evaluation of the models linking HR to organisational strategy including their key components and the dynamics of implementation

HRM Performance 1 and 2
Discussion of key contributions and debate over the evolution and progress of the HRM Performance agenda

Indicative Reading List

Books:

Wilkinson, Dundon, T., & Redman, T.: 2021, Contemporary Human Resource Management: Text and Cases, 6, Sage, London, 978-1-5297-58

Articles:
None

Other Resources

None