21720 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 2025 is available in the Archives.

UTS: Business: Management
Credit points: 6 cp

Subject level:

Postgraduate

Result type: Grade and marks

There are course requisites for this subject. See access conditions.
Anti-requisite(s): 21866 Human Resource Management: Concepts and Applications

Description

This subject presents an introduction to the field of human resource management (HRM). Topics covered include; the role and importance of strategic HRM; ethical considerations in HRM and contribution to good corporate governance; implications of HRM policies and procedures for human and other forms of sustainability; the importance of effective HR talent attraction and retention; the contribution of various HR functions such as recruitment, selection, motivation, rewards and incentives, performance management and appraisal, as well as training and development; and the role of key stakeholders and performance problems; managing diversity and EEO. The subject investigates frameworks that assist with crafting an effective HRM, identifying challenges (including ethical issues) and devising solutions. The subject also examines employee engagement and other leading edge HRM analytics. A key component of the subject is gaining skills in the ability to think critically about crafting a HRM system for global and Indigenous cultures, as well as the ability to use HRM tools that enhance organisational outcomes.

Subject learning objectives (SLOs)

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

1.	evaluate and appropriately communicate the various roles of HRM in an organisation, as well as the processes associated with those roles and their contribution to enhancing organisational outcomes
2.	apply the insights from relevant literature to the analysis and evaluation of HRM practices
3.	operationalise knowledge concerning the legal and other aspects of HRM both domestically and internationally
4.	assess the challenges facing HRM to ensure that policies, procedures and activities are consistent with the principles of ethics, good corporate governance and sustainability

Contribution to the development of graduate attributes

This subject focuses on the foundations and development of the human resource management function in the organisational context. The subject provides managers with functional-related competencies needed for the effective management of people in a work context and for problem solving and critical analysis of the challenges facing organisations concerning their human resources. The emphasis of this unit is given to the operational aspects of human resource management.

This subject contributes to the development of the following graduate attributes:

Social responsibility and cultural awareness
Professional and technical competence
Communication and collaboration

This subject also contributes specifically to develop the following Program Learning Objectives for the Master of Human Resource Management courses:

Apply critical thinking and advanced analytical skills to develop creative solutions that respond to community, Indigenous and business needs within a human resource context (1.1)
Integrate advanced knowledge of complex human resource management concepts, including Indigenous perspectives, and technical skills to lead professional practice in people management (4.1)

Teaching and learning strategies

The principal focus of the lectures and tutorials is to develop an understanding of the key issues and to understand current issues and debates. The material will be presented through lectures, class discussion, case studies (short videos and/or readings) and active learning. Our emphasis on active application is reflected in a major focus on experiential learning via storytelling, roleplay and narrative, video etc. This includes extensive collaboration among peers.

Students will receive formative feedback during class and through activities on Canvas. This includes formative feedback from their teachers and peers provided prior to census date through online materials and in-class practice presentations.

Content (topics)

Strategy and Global HRM
Job Analysis and Job Design
Attracting (Recruitment and Selection) and Retaining Talent
Managing Performance and Knowledge
Motivation, Pay and Rewards,
Work & Well-being, Employee Engagement, Contemporary HR Analytics
Managing Diversity, Leadership, Culture and Ethics

Assessment

Assessment task 1: Reflective Exercise (Individual)*

Intent:	Part A – Presentation (10%)* Part B – Reflection (20%)
Objective(s):	This addresses subject learning objective(s): 1, 2 and 3
Weight:	30%
Length:	See Canvas Assignments
Criteria:	Part A - Verbal Presentation Clarity of communication Engagement with audience Application of storytelling techniques taught in class to strategic HRM Ability to design engaging presentation elements that help tell a compelling story *Note: Late submission of the assessment task will not be marked and awarded a mark of zero. Part B - Written Reflection Depth of critical engagement with literature (HRM and other) Depth of critical reflection on communication skills (and engagement with appropriate communication literature) Appropriateness of analysis and critique Clarity of link between critical reflection and future applications

Assessment task 2: Business Presentation (Group)*

Objective(s):	This addresses subject learning objective(s): 1, 3 and 4
Weight:	30%
Length:	See Canvas
Criteria:	Clarity of communication Engagement with audience Application of storytelling techniques taught in class to strategic HRM Ability to design engaging visuals that help tell a compelling story *Note: Late submission of the assessment task will not be marked and awarded a mark of zero.

Assessment task 3: Case Study Report (Individual)

Objective(s):	This addresses subject learning objective(s): 1, 2, 3 and 4
Weight:	40%
Length:	See Canvas
Criteria:	Identification and discussion of HRM features Critical analysis and evaluation of HR system and challenges Appropriateness and justification of recommendations substantiated by research (ability to critically apply theory and research) Clarity of communication

Minimum requirements

To pass the subject, students must achieve at least 50% of the final overall grade.

Required texts

TBA

Required readings are available weekly in Canvas for each topic and tutorials. See Canvas Modules

Recommended texts

See Canvas Modules

Other resources

Journals are a major source of quality references and information. These can be accessed via the UTS library online. Some important journals in the HRM area:

The Asia-Pacific Journal of HRM
The International Journal of HRM
Human Resource Management Journal
Work, Employment and Sociey
Employee Relations
The Journal of Industrial Relations
Personnel Review
The Economic and Labour Relations Review