20104 Introduction to Human Resource Management
Warning: The information on this page is indicative. The subject outline for a
particular session, location and mode of offering is the authoritative source
of all information about the subject for that offering. Required texts, recommended texts and references in particular are likely to change. Students will be provided with a subject outline once they enrol in the subject.
Subject handbook information prior to 2024 is available in the Archives.
Credit points: 6 cp
Subject level:
Undergraduate
Result type: Grade and marksThere are course requisites for this subject. See access conditions.
Description
This subject is designed to give students an understanding of human resource management (HRM) by examining the structures and processes of HRM from the points of view of the employer, employee, government and other stakeholders. It examines the relationship between human resources practices and organisational strategy, and utilises the flow model concept to introduce some of the key processes of people management, which are treated at theoretical and skills levels. The subject aims to provide an introduction to the formal employment relationship, the relevant legislation and practical application of competencies in order to establish a fundamental basis of HRM.
Subject learning objectives (SLOs)
| 1. | discuss the purpose, scope and development of HRM in Australia and the strategic role played by HRM in contemporary organisations |
|---|---|
| 2. | explain how factors in the external and internal environments influence the development of HRM theories and functions |
| 3. | discuss the relationship between human resource practice and organisational strategy |
| 4. | competently apply theoretical and conceptual knowledge of HRM through a series of decisional exercises |
Contribution to the development of graduate attributes
This unit contributes to the course by examining the structures and processes of human resource management (HRM) from the points of view of the employer, employee, government and other stakeholders. It examines the relationship between human resources practices and organisational strategy, and utilises the flow model concept to introduce some of the key processes of people management, which are treated at a theoretical and skill level. The subject aims to provide an introduction to the formal employment relationship, the relevant legislation and practical application of competencies in order to establish a fundamental basis of HRM.
This subject contributes to the development of the following graduate attributes:
- Business knowledge and concepts
- Critical thinking, creativity and analytical skills
This subject also contributes specifically to develop the following Program Learning Objectives (PLOs):
- Show an understanding of essential concepts necessary for a career in business (1.1)
- Locate, select and analyse relevant data and resources (2.1)
- Critically evaluate data and resources in the context of relevant academic literature (2.2)
Teaching and learning strategies
The subject will be taught using a combination of large lectures and smaller tutorials. The lectures provide the structure of the topic area, discussion of the theory and some practical examples. Tutorials provide an opportunity to discuss ideas, issues and make practical application of the theory, as well as encouraging students to think in a creative manner to solve real world problems. Use is made of the UTS web-based communication tool Canvas, which will be used to share information, provide feedback and encourage interaction between staff and students.
Content (topics)
- The evolution and context of human resource management
- Analysing and designing jobs
- Attracting and retaining talent
- Effective employee selection and development
- Performance and compensation management
- Perspectives of occupational health and safety, understanding the law and managing occupational health and safety programs
- The evaluation of human resource management and the future workplace, and social challenges for human resource management
Assessment
Assessment task 1: Tutorial Exercise (Group)
| Weight: | 20% |
|---|---|
| Length: | The expected presentation duration is 20 minutes with a 5-minutes Q&A. Please submit your presentation PowerPoint slides through the Assignment Folder. Please be aware: each group only requires one member to submit one presentation PowerPoint slides on behalf of the whole group. Each group needs to submit a copy of the following:
|
Assessment task 2: Essay (Individual)
| Weight: | 30% |
|---|---|
| Length: | The word length for the essay should not exceed 1400 words (excluding references). (+ or - 5% is accepted). |
Assessment task 3: Final Examination (Individual)
| Weight: | 50% |
|---|---|
| Length: | The exam duration is two hours plus ten minutes reading time. |
Minimum requirements
To pass the subject, students must achieve at least 50% of the subject’s total marks and complete all items of assessment. A minimum of 80% tutorial attendance is also necessary to fulfil the subject requirements.
Recommended texts
1. Nankervis, AR., Baird, M., Coffey, J. and Shields, J. 2023, Human Resource Management: Strategy and Practice, 11th edition, Cengage Learning Australia.
2. UTS Business School Writing Guide 2020:
https://www.uts.edu.au/sites/default/files/2020-02/UTS%20Business%20writing%20guide%202020_0.pdf
Other resources
Recommended Journals
In addition to the above resources, students should scan referred journals for content relevant to this subject. The UTS Library subscribes to most of the academic journals listed below in either paper-based (hardcopy) or electronic (online) form. Students should consult the library on the process to access electronic journal subscriptions. The following academic journals and publications are likely to prove relevant and useful for this subject:
- Academy of Management Journal
- Academy of Management Review
- Asia Pacific Journal of Human Resource Management
- British Journal of Industrial Relations
- California Management Review
- Harvard Business Review
- Human Resource Management
- Human Resource Management Journal
- Human Resource Management Review
- Human Resource Planning
- Industrial Relations Journal
- International Journal of Human Resource Management
- International Journal of Manpower Studies
- Journal of Applied Psychology
- Journal of Managerial Psychology
- Journal of Industrial Relations
- Personnel Review
- Personnel Psychology
- Public Personnel Management
Canvas
Canvas is an integrated teaching and learning component of this subject. As a UTS student you are required to become familiar with this platform, which is now used in the Bachelor of Business degree.
In this subject, Canvas will be used for the following purposes:
- as a noticeboard for announcements relating to the subject
- to provide subject support materials such as the subject outline and lecture slides
- to provide external links to useful web pages.