University of Technology, Sydney

Staff directory | Campus maps | Newsroom | What's on

21724 Strategic Human Resource Management

UTS: Business: Management
Credit points: 6 cp

Subject level: Postgraduate

Result Type: Grade and marks

Handbook description

This subject develops the ability to locate, critically analyse and explain the relevance of the recent literature in key areas of human resource management (HRM). It emphasises strategic models of HRM, and the links between HRM and recent trends in management theory and practice.

Subject objectives/outcomes

On successful completion of this subject students should be able to:

  1. analyse and explain the relevance of the recent literature in key areas of strategic human resource management
  2. critique existing programs in areas such as human resource planning, staff appraisal, recruitment and selection, training and staff development and career development and to make practical recommendations as to how these programs could be better designed and implemented
  3. critically analyse the concept of strategic human resource management in terms of internal consistency, limitations to its applicability and alternative views
  4. analyse alternative approaches to organisational change, such as downsizing, reengineering, total quality management, learning organisations and knowledge management and explain their implications for human resource management strategy and practice
  5. evaluate current trends in management and organisation, such as the growing internationalisation of business, the tendency to outsource, the widespread use of management consultants, the 'virtual' workforce and the growing concern about environmental sustainability.

Contribution to graduate profile

This subject adopts a 'macro' or 'strategic' approach to HRM through a critical analysis of recent literature on the role of Human Resource Management in organisations and through consideration of the application of this literature to work organisations. Various models of strategic HRM and the strategic relationships between HRM and programs of management and organisational change are considered. The focus is upon the reflective applicability of leading edge HRM theory and research findings to changing organisational settings. For students undertaking the HRM major or sub-major, the subject enhances student work-readiness and capacity to undertake leadership roles in the specialised area of HRM. More broadly, for all students the subject develops increased capacity to apply theory to practice and to develop strategic approaches in the face of changing business conditions.

Teaching and learning strategies

Students will have the option of taking this subject via face to face classes, UTSOnline or distance education.

Content

  • Changing concepts of HRM; models of strategic HRM
  • 'Best practice' views of HRM
  • Strategic approaches to human resource planning and staff appraisal
  • Strategic approaches to recruitment/selection and training/staff development
  • Strategic approaches to career development
  • HRM and organisational change: downsizing
  • HRM and organisational change: total quality management and reengineering
  • HRM and organisational change: learning organisations and knowledge management
  • HRM and current issues: international HRM
  • HRM and current issues: outsourcing HRM
  • HRM and management consultancy
  • HRM and current issues: HRM and environmental sustainability
  • HRM and current issues: HRM in virtual organisations; HRM and management trends.

Assessment

Assessment item 1: Major Assignment: Literature Review/Recommendations (Individual)

Objective(s): 1-2
Weighting: 50%
Task: Each student will conduct a literature review on one or more aspects of a subject topic and use the results of this review to formulate recommendations as to how these aspects of the topic should be handled by Human Resource Management staff in a work organisation. The student will read and critically review three recent and relevant articles in addition to the one or two on the topic in the required readings. Addresses objectives 1 and 2.

Assessment item 2: Oral Presentation (Individual)

Objective(s): 1-5
Weighting: 20%
Task: All students in class attendance mode will be expected to give one oral presentation in class. This presentation must take the form of either a "case study" of the application to an organisation of a required article for that particular week, or a critical analysis of a recent article relevant to a topic covered in that week which is not one of the articles from the required readings. Addresses objectives 1-5.

Assessment item 3: Organisational Case Studies and/or Critical Analysis of Articles (Individual)

Objective(s): 1-5
Weighting: 30%
Task: (50% for distance/online mode) Addresses objectives 1-5.

Required text(s)

A collection of articles will be used in lieu of a standard text. These should be read before the relevant class session. The articles are placed on UTSOnline. Additional relevant materials may be handed out in class, as appropriate.

Faculty of Business, 2006, Guide to Writing Assignments, Faculty of Business, University of Technology, Sydney.

Recommended text(s)

Salaman, G, Storey, J and Billsberry, J (ed), 2005, Strategic Human Resource Management: Theory and Practice, 2nd edn, Sage: London.