Registry

Module Specifications

Archived Version 2006 - 2007

Module Title	Introduction To Human Resource Management
Module Code	HR201
School	DCUBS
Online Module Resources
Level	2	Credit Rating	5
Pre-requisite	None
Co-requisite	None

Module Aims

This module provides a broad introduction to human resource management (HRM) in modern organisations and is designed to give business studies students a strong theoretical and practical knowledge of HRM within the context of global economic developments. It provides students with an understanding of the issues involved in the staffing of organisations, including the recruitment and selection of staff, their training and development, and the ways in which their performance can be assessed and rewarded. The module also affords students the opportunity to identify, assess and develop the key skills which will greatly enhance their employability throughout their career, and enables them to make more informed career decisions and thus prepare effectively for future employment opportunities.

Learning Outcomes

· Students will develop a practical and theoretical insight into current practices and contemporary developments in human resource management.
· Students will be able to identify and understand key HRM issues, including the recruitment and selection of staff, their training and development, and the manner in which their work performance can be assessed and rewarded in the context of both large and small organisations.
· Students will be able to evaluate their key competencies and skills in areas such as problem solving, decision making and leadership through a process of reflection and will capture this learning in a personal and professional development portfolio.
· Students will gain an understanding of the processes involved in seeking and gaining employment and will be able to prepare a curriculum vitae and covering letter to enhance the effectiveness of their job applications.
· Students will develop team-working and proficient research skills through the completion of a group-based research project.
· Students will apply the knowledge gained throughout the module to their own personal and professional development planning (PDPP) throughout their programme of study and their future careers.

Indicative Time Allowances
	Hours
Lectures	24
Tutorials	0
Laboratories	0
Seminars	0
Independent Learning Time	51

Total	75
Placements
Assignments

NOTE

Assume that a 5 credit module load represents approximately 75 hours' work, which includes all teaching, in-course assignments, laboratory work or other specialised training and an estimated private learning time associated with the module.

Indicative Syllabus

· Introduction to Human Resource Management: HRM in practice in Irish organisations
· Strategic HRM
· Human Resource Planning & the Labour Market
· Recruitment & Selection
· Human Resource Development
· Managing Performance, including Performance Appraisal and Reward Management
· HR and Technology: Human Resource Information Systems (HRIS)
· Contemporary Issues and Debates in HRM

Assessment
Continuous Assessment	50%	Examination Weight	50%

Indicative Reading List

Essential Reading

Gunnigle, P., Heraty, N. & Morley, M. (2006) Human Resource Management in Ireland (3rd Edition), Dublin: Gill & Macmillan.

Torrington, D., Hall, L. & Taylor, S. (2005) Human Resource Management, Essex: Prentice-Hall.

*Cottrell, S. (2003) Skills for Success, Basingstoke: Palgrave.

*Some students will have this textbook if they completed the Skills for Success module (HR118) in first year.

Highly Recommended

Bratton, J. & Gold, J. (2003) Human Resource Management: Theory and Practice (3rd Edition). Basingstoke: Palgrave.

Foot, M. & Hook, C. (2005) Introducing Human Resource Management, Essex: Prentice-Hall.

Maund, L. (2001) An Introduction to Human Resource Management, London: Palgrave.

Armstrong, M. (2006), A Handbook of Human Resource Management Practice, London: Kogan Page.

Roche, W., Monks, K. & Walsh, J. (1998), Human Resource Strategies, Dublin: Oak Tree Press.

Garavan, T.N., Hogan, C., Cahir O’Donnell, A. (2003), Making Training and Development Work: A Best Practice Guide, Dublin: Oak Tree Press.

Stewart, J. (1999), Employee Development Practice, London: Financial Times.

Fletcher, C. (1997) Appraisal: Routes to Improved Performance. London: IPM.

Ulrich, D. (1997), Human Resource Champions: the next agenda for adding value and delivering results, Boston: Harvard School Business Press.

Note: Other supplementary readings are available in the library (Shelfmark 658.3).

Journals
In addition to the list of essential journal readings enclosed, students are advised to consult the following journals on a regular basis during the semester:

· Human Resource Management Journal
· People Management
· Personnel Review
· Journal of European Industrial Training
· Employee Relations
· Industrial Relations News
· Irish Journal of Management
· Harvard Business Review
· Business and Finance

Programme or List of Programmes

BME

BEng Manufacturing Engineering &Business

Bachelor of Business Studies

BSSA

Study Abroad (DCU Business School)

BSSAO

Study Abroad (DCU Business School)

EBF

BA in European Business (French)

EBG

BA in European Business (German)