Human Resource Management

This unit introduces students to the study of human resources management (HRM). It provides a discussion of the nature and development of human resources management, together with a discussion of the many theories associated with different aspects of HRM.
Students will learn how HRM has developed from an administrative function – carried out by the old personnel manager – to a strategic activity closely related to organisational goals and overall business competitiveness. This unit covers important areas of HRM such as equal employment opportunity, workplace legislation, industrial relations, enterprise bargaining, performance management, strategic remuneration, employee motivation, training and development, and how to adapt to and manage organisational change.
This unit concludes with a look at a number of specific case studies in which some of the issues referred to above are placed within an organisational or business context.

Learning Outcomes

  • Identify and describe the responsibilities involved in Human Resource Management including strategic planning, training and development, performance appraisal and human resource service delivery
  • Describe the impact of workplace change on an organisation and explain the role of Organisational Development
  • Administer human resource policies and procedures
  • Administer staff performance feedback systems, undertake performance management and review and update remuneration strategies
  • Describe the role motivation and incentives in job performance and implement solutions to employee/industrial issues
  • Assess interpersonal communication systems and work/life needs within an organisation

Content Areas

  • Current Issues for Human Resource Management
  • Legislation and HRM
  • Equal Employment Opportunities and Current Trends
  • Organisational Planning
  • Interpersonal Communication Systems within Organisations
  • Current Issues in Workplace Reform
  • Implications of Workplace Reform
  • The Management of Performance
  • Strategic Remuneration Management
  • Training and Development
  • Future Directions in HRM
  • People Management Practices and Unit Review

Unit Duration and Workload

This unit involves a total of 36 hours of face to face delivery of self directed study including educator contact in flexible delivery modes, generating a further 54 hours of self-study per unit including research and related study activities, including assessment. This translates to 7.5 hours per week for the unit.