University of Technology Sydney

21071 People Management (Project)

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 2025 is available in the Archives.

UTS: Business
Credit points: 6 cp

Subject level: Undergraduate

Result type: Grade and marks

There are course requisites for this subject. See access conditions.

Description

The subject provides students with the opportunity to apply the knowledge and skills developed prior to and during the managing people module to a research-based project. Using a project learning approach, students are required to work with either an industry client or base the project on a case study that mirrors the workplace environment. Student performance is assessed by taking into account the quality of the product produced, the depth of content understanding demonstrated, and the contributions made to the ongoing process of project completion.

Subject learning objectives (SLOs)

Upon successful completion of this subject students should be able to:
1. Apply theoretical approaches to work practice
2. Demonstrate a critical understanding of how to conduct research in an organisational setting
3. Apply the skills and knowledge necessary to carry out a major piece of independent work
4. Design a research project that includes first hand data collection

Contribution to the development of graduate attributes

The main aim of the project subject is to enable students to synthesise their learning throughout the managing people module. The subject requires students to demonstrate the ability to coordinate and understand the processes, techniques and tools for managing a complex project. The project scope reflects the knowledge areas that combine to support successful people management. The completed project should demonstrate a students' ability to conduct fieldwork, synthesise salient information and articulate original ideas and thought processes to make a practical contribution to the existing body of knowledge relevant to their profession.

This subject contributes to developing the following graduate attributes:

  • Communication and collaboration
  • Professional and technical competence

This subject also contributes specifically to introduce the following Program Learning Objectives:

  • Evaluate and apply principles of sustainability, ethical and social responsibility, and Indigenous values in a business environment (3.1)

Teaching and learning strategies

The subject is presented in seminar format. Essential principles are presented and analysed and students are lead through practical application exercises.

Content (topics)

  • Investigating and Researching people management issues
  • Choosing and narrowing the project topic
  • Generic processes, techniques and tools for project management
  • Preparing a project plan
  • Balancing theoretical frameworks with practical application
  • Skills for researching organisations
  • Project write up

Assessment

Assessment task 1: Literature Review (Individual)

Objective(s):

This addresses subject learning objective(s):

1

Weight: 40%
Length:

1500-1800 words

Assessment task 2: Research proposal (Individual)

Intent:

Part A: Written research proposal (worth 45%)

Part B: Proposal pitch (worth 15%)
Objective(s):

This addresses subject learning objective(s):

1, 2, 3 and 4

Weight: 60%
Length:

Part A: 1500 words (note: the word count from the literature review is excluded from this word limit).

Part B: 5 minute presentation

Minimum requirements

Students must achieve at least 50% of the subject’s total marks.

Recommended texts

Anderson, V. (2020) Research Methods in Human Resource Management: Investigation a business issue (4th Edition), CIPD Personnel, London. ISBN: 9780749483883

The text is available as an Ebook through UTS Library.

References

  1. Gill, J. & Johnson, P. (2002) Research Methods for Managers, 3rd ed, London: Sage.
  2. Lee, N., & Lings, I. (2008). Doing business research. A guide to theory and practice. Los Angeles: Sage.
  3. O’Leary, Z. (2004) Researching Real World Problems, Sage, London: Sage.
  4. Wood, R., Cogin, J. and Beckmann, J. (2009) Managerial Problem Solving: Frameworks, Tools, Techniques, McGraw Hill ISBN: 0070144702
  5. Zikmund W.G., Babin, B.J., Carr, J.C. and Griffin, M. (2013) Business Research Methods (9th Edition), South-Western College Publishing, USA. ISBN: 111182692