Course Title: Contemporary Issues in Human Resource Management

Part A: Course Overview

Course Title: Contemporary Issues in Human Resource Management

Credit Points: 12

Course Code	Campus	Career	School	Learning Mode	Teaching Period(s)
BUSM3891	City Campus	Postgraduate	630H Management	Face-to-Face	Sem 2 2006, Sem 2 2007

Course Coordinator: Associate Professor Alan Nankervis

Course Coordinator Phone: +61 3 99251650

Course Coordinator Email:Alan.Nankervis@rmit.edu.au

Course Coordinator Location: N/A

Course Coordinator Availability: N/A

Pre-requisite Courses and Assumed Knowledge and Capabilities

The course assumes some understanding of management theory.

Course Description

This course is designed to introduce the study of HRM through a discussion of its concepts and theories, and the strategic, managerial and operational roles of HRM in organisations. You will participate in the study of the factors which shape HR policies, systems and practices, and their implementation; the professional roles of HR practitioners; measures of the effectiveness of HR policies and practices; and the contributions of HRM to organisational strategies and goals.

Objectives/Learning Outcomes/Capability Development

On completion of this course you will be able to:
1. Analyse the concept of HRM and its potential for facilitating the achievement of business goals of an organisation
2. Identify the policy and practice implications of the range of HRM functions and the roles and responsibilities of HRM and Line Managers in these functions;
3. Evaluate the relationship between human resource management and strategic business planning processes;
4. Critique frameworks and tools relating to HR practice.
5. Discuss current and emerging issues and trends relevant to human resource management and planning.

Overview of Learning Activities

You will be required to engage with a range of relevant topics by actively participating in seminars and class discussions. You will be expected to apply the theories and frameworks introduced in class to cases and situations discussed in class.

Overview of Learning Resources

In addition to the recommended texts you will be expected to access the academic and professional journals available through the RMIT library. A list of recommended journals and texts will be provided.

Overview of Assessment

You will be asked to demonstrate your learning through both group and individual assessment tasks. These will include a small group debate, a case study analysis, and an individual HRM policy analysis.