Module Code: H8CIHRM
Long Title Contemporary Issues in HRM
Title Contemporary Issues in HRM
Module Level: LEVEL 8
EQF Level: 6
EHEA Level: First Cycle
Credits: 10
Module Coordinator: COLETTE DARCY
Module Author: BRONWYN MCFARLANE
Departments: School of Business
Specifications of the qualifications and experience required of staff  
Learning Outcomes
On successful completion of this module the learner will be able to:
# Learning Outcome Description
LO1 Recognise the key emerging issues associated with HRM
LO2 Evaluate what challenges these issues pose to our existing understanding of the literature and theory in this area
LO3 Critique individual and organisational strategies and approaches in coping with contemporary and emerging HR issues
LO4 Evaluate evidence from case studies and the practitioner literature of the existence of new management and organisational practices in HRM.
LO5 Examine current trends in HRM and critically debate their practical implications for organisations and employees.
Dependencies
Module Recommendations

This is prior learning (or a practical skill) that is required before enrolment on this module. While the prior learning is expressed as named NCI module(s) it also allows for learning (in another module or modules) which is equivalent to the learning specified in the named module(s).
No recommendations listed
Co-requisite Modules
No Co-requisite modules listed
Entry requirements

As per programme requirements (outlined in 4.2.2 Minimum requirements for general learning)
 

Module Content & Assessment

Indicative Content
Diversity and Inclusion – a critical analysis
Context of managing diversity Implementing diversity initiatives – strategic challenges & limitations Developing an anti-racism strategy Critique of Global diversity management Do diversity & inclusion initiatives really deliver?
Workplace Bullying
Defining workplace bullying and its prevalence The role of power and dependency in workplace bullying Bullying behaviours, frequency and risk groups Organisational and individual impacts Antecedents individual, environmental Prevention and management – evaluation of efficacy
Emotion at Work
Emotion in Management Theory & Practice Bolton’s typology of emotion management Harmful Aspects of emotional labour – burnout and wellbeing Coping strategies Emotional Intelligence Resilience
Wellbeing
Defining Wellbeing From welfare to wellbeing – the HRM role Wellbeing and performance Competing perspectives – mutual gains or conflicting outcomes Absence management and wellbeing Critique of HRM approaches to wellbeing Trends in workplace wellbeing Wellbeing – strategies and practice
HRM and Technology
Technology and work – issues and debates Control and surveillance Facing the challenges of new technologies Features of algorithmic control in the workplace Social media and algorithmic management: recruitment and selection HRM role managing social media and digital technologies
The Future of Work
New technologies and the future of work Rise of digital platforms and precarious work How AI, robots and automation is shaping work – ethical considerations and the role of HRM Climate change and the future of work Downsizing dirty industries Ensuring a just transition – ethical considerations Ageing populations and the demographic shift Investing in a care workforce Active ageing, Age discrimination Issues and later retirement
Assessment Breakdown%
Coursework100.00%

Assessments

Full Time

Coursework
Assessment Type: Continuous Assessment % of total: 100
Assessment Date: n/a Outcome addressed: 1,2,3,4,5
Non-Marked: No
Assessment Description:
Learners will be given an essay focused on exploring one or more of the topics from the module in some depth, using appropriate academic and practitioner literature. Learners will be required to provide evidence of critical insight into contemporary issues. Marks will be awarded based on clarity, structure, relevant examples & literature used, depth of topic knowledge and critical evaluation. The assignment brief will be issued to learners at the start of the module
Assessment Type: Formative Assessment % of total: Non-Marked
Assessment Date: n/a Outcome addressed: 1,2,3,4,5
Non-Marked: Yes
Assessment Description:
A number of formative assessments (case studies and group exercises) will be given during class. Students will work on these in small groups (or on their own). Groups and/or individuals will present back their findings and recommendations. Discussion will be facilitated and in class feedback on their presentation and understanding of the key topics in the cases/ exercise will be given.
No End of Module Assessment
No Workplace Assessment
Reassessment Requirement
Repeat examination
Reassessment of this module will consist of a repeat examination. It is possible that there will also be a requirement to be reassessed in a coursework element.
Reassessment Description
Individual feedback will be provided to the student. Repeat assessment will be a reworked essay or case study based on feedback given and scheduled for submission at the end of the stage.

NCIRL reserves the right to alter the nature and timings of assessment

 

Module Workload

Module Target Workload Hours 0 Hours
Workload: Full Time
Workload Type Workload Description Hours Frequency Average Weekly Learner Workload
Lecture Classroom and demonstrations 32 Per Semester 2.67
Directed Learning Directed e-learning 6 Per Semester 0.50
Independent Learning Independent learning 212 Per Semester 17.67
Total Weekly Contact Hours 3.17
 

Module Resources

Recommended Book Resources
  • (2016), Wilkinson, A., Redman, T. and Dundon T. (2021) Contemporary human resource management: text and cases; Sage Publishing. (6th edition)., Pearson, Harlow.
Supplementary Book Resources
  • Carbery, R. & Cross, C. (2019), Human Resource Management, 2nd Ed. Palgrave Macmillan Basingstoke, Hard copies available. Ebook available in library.
  • Armstrong, M & Taylor, S. (2020), Handbook of Human Resource Management Practice, 15th Edition. Kogan Page (Other editions also suitable) EBook available in library.
  • Torrington, D. Hall, L. & Taylor, S. & Atkinson, C. (2020), Human Resource Management, 11th Edition. Kogan Page.
Recommended Article/Paper Resources
  • Human Resource Management Journal provocation Series Papers: HRM in the 21st century.
  • International Journal of HRM.
  • European Journal of Work and Organisational Psychology.
  • Human Resource Management Review.
  • Journal of Human Resources.
Supplementary Article/Paper Resources
  • CIPD. People Management.
  • Irish Journal of Management.
Other Resources
Discussion Note: