Module: BMA6102-20 Strategic Human Resource Management

Level: 6

Credit Value: 20

Module Tutor: Darius Nedjati-Gilani

Module Tutor Contact Details: d.nedjati-gilani@bathspa.ac.uk

1.Brief description and aims of module

The module develops your knowledge of Human Resource Management from an academic perspective as well as considering how it can help organisations achieve their strategic objectives. You will also have the opportunity to complete a real project with an organisation within the field of Human Resource Management.  Employers in the past have included Ark Data Centres, Bath & North East Somerset Council, Nine Feet Tall, Nutricia, Butlins, Siemens and Wiltshire Council.

This module aims to develop the following desirable graduate attributes:

• Digitally literate, able to work at the interface of creativity and technology.

• Creative thinkers, doers and makers.

• Critical thinkers, able to express their ideas in written and oral form, and possessing information literacy

2.Outline syllabus

Through the lecture and seminars you’ll gain an understanding of the purpose and different strategic approaches to HRM, e.g. best practice HRM versus best fit HRM, and the role of line managers.  In the second part of the module, students will then take on projects in groups, which have been set by real organisations.  You’ll be developing your project management skills while you explore a topical area of relevance within the field. It is hoped that this approach will enable you to contrast academic and practitioner approaches to the topic and as a result equip you for study and/or work in this area or any area of business. Seminars will include visits by HR practitioners and project work.

3.Teaching and learning activities

In the first part of the module we will cover the theory of SHRM. The all group seminar will be run in a lecture style covering around five SHRM topics and the smaller seminars will explore these topics further.  In the second part of the module, there is some flexibility in regard to the content of all student seminars but we will cover project planning and include feedback sessions on your progress in relation to your group project. You will be visiting your employer and there will be opportunities in class to meet with HR practitioners. 

Assessment Item 1:

• Assessment Type: Course Work

• Description: Report (2,000 words)

• % Weighting: 40%

Assessment Item 2:

• Assessment Type: Course Work

• Description: Group project (report and presentation to employer)

• % Weighting: 60%