School/Portfolio: The Faculty of Business
Course Code/ID: BUHRM 5912
Course Title: Human Resource Management
Teaching Location: ATMC Melbourne
Semester: 2/2014
Prerequisite(s): Nil
Corequisite(s): Nil
Exclusion(s): Nil
Credit Points/Progress Units: 15
ASCED Code: 080303

Adopted Reference Style
0 APA

1 COURSE ORGANISATION:

1.1 Student Responsibility
It is the responsibility of every student to be aware of the requirements for this course, and understand the specific details included in this document.

For full details of programs and school procedures, please refer to the University handbook (http://federation.edu.au/students/essential-info/publications/handbook) and Faculty Programs Handbooks available at http://federation.edu.au/faculties-and-schools/faculty-of-business/the-business-school/current-students

Students should be aware of the content of the handbooks, particularly:

• Special Consideration process and forms
• Assignment Coversheet
• Submission of tasks and assignments
• Grading codes
• Appeal process
• Unsatisfactory progress - Early Intervention

1.2 Staff
The most appropriate contact is your teacher. If necessary they will contact the Course Coordinator at the University.

Lecturer Tutor
Name: Ms. Genna Kaur
Phone:
Fax:
Email: gkaur7@atmc.vic.edu.au

Office:
Web:

1.3 Consultation Hours
Genna Kaur : Tuesday 2:30pm – 6:30pm

1.4 Prescribed Text
This course will be conducted on the presumption that students have a copy of:

This subject will be conducted on the presumption that students have a copy of:
Stone, R.J. (2014). Human Resource Management (8th ed.). Milton, QLD: John Wiley & Sons
Australia, Ltd. ISBN 978 0 730 30251 3

1.5 Plagiarism
Plagiarism is presenting someone else work as your own and is a serious offence with serious consequences. As set out in the University Regulation 6.1.1, students who are caught plagiarising will, for a first offence, be given a zero mark for that task. A second offence will result in a failing grade for the course(s) involved and any subsequent offence will be referred to the Student Discipline Committee. Student must be aware of the University Regulation 6.1.1 Student Plagiarism, available at http://www.federation.edu.au/__data/assets/pdf_file/0005/44996/r6_1_1plagiarism.pdf . The link to the library website for more information is: http://www.federation.edu.au/library/assignment-and-research-help/referencing

Students must:
• fully reference the source(s) of all material, even if you have re-expressed the ideas, facts or descriptions;
• acknowledge all direct quotations; and
• not submit work that has been researched and written by another person

Students will be informed of submission requirements for assignments, particularly if submitted through a task assessment drop box in Moodle.

For this course you must submit your assignment online via Moodle (Task-1 & 2).

1.6 Late Submission
Assessment tasks submitted after the due date, without prior approval/arrangement, will be penalised at 10% of the available marks per day. Requests for extension of time must be made with the lecturer concerned and based on Special Consideration guidelines http://policy.federation.edu.au/student_services_and_administration/enrolment/special_consideration/ch01.php

1.7 Course Evaluation
We welcome feedback as one way to keep improving this course. Students are encouraged to provide course feedback through eVALUate, the University’s online student feedback system. eVALUate will be accessed during Weeks 10 and 11 by the Student Survey dashboard system using UB student user names and passwords.

1.8 Moodle
Moodle is used to host course resources for all courses. Students can download lecture and tutorial notes to support class participation. Students login to the Moodle at https://ubonline.federation.edu.au/login/index.php.

2 OUTCOMES:
This course will cover the complexities of the HRM process and aims to:
• Introduce the fundamental concepts of human resource management
• Explore the critical relationships between human resource management and improved productivity and performance in organisations
• Develop an understanding of the impact of key human resource functions in the development of organisations
• Develop students’ capacity to identify and analyse significant human resource management issues within organisations.
• Develop an understanding of the critical human resource management literature

Knowledge
• Gain an understanding of the human resource management process within an organisation
• Understand the role of human resource management in strategic planning
• Determine different human resource management strategies
• Evaluate the effectiveness of human resource management functions
• Critically evaluate the broader human resource management literature

Skills
• Correctly interpret environmental influences that will impact upon human resource management
• Be able to determine the actual human resource management needs of an organisation
• Advise management about human resource management needs and benefits
• Be able to determine the most appropriate human resource management methods
• Successfully implement human resource management strategies
• Develop critical research, reading and evaluation skills

Values
• Appreciate the important role human resource management plays in the workplace
• Believe in the need for organisations to utilise effective human resource management strategies
• Want to contribute to the effective human resource management of staff in an organisation
• Support the role that effective human resource management can play in improving the quality of work life for individuals and in improving organisational effectiveness

3 CONTENT:
Topics and sub-topics may include:
• The scope, objectives and application of HRM
• HR planning
• Job analysis, design and evaluation
• Recruitment, selection, retention
• Research practice in HRM
• Reward and compensation systems
• Industrial relations
• Workplace issues and themes such as diversity, equal opportunity, quality management and global perspectives of HRM

4 LEARNING TASKS AND ASSESSMENT:

Summary
It is emphasised that this course requires a significant commitment outside of formal class contact. The learning tasks in this course may include classes (lectures, tutorials or seminars), required reading, the preparation of answers to set questions, exercises and problems, and self-study. In addition, students may be required to complete an assignment, test or examination.

The table below is an example of the suggested time allocations for this course.
Classes 3 hours per topic for 12 topics 36 hours
Reading 2 hours per topic for 12 topics 24 hours
Preparation of set questions, exercises and problems 4 hours per topic for 12 topics 48 hours
Preparation of assignment 20 hours
Study and revision for test and end of semester examination 22 hours
TOTAL 150 hours

Attendance and Participation
It is in students’ interest to make every effort to attend all the classes for this course and to complete all preparatory and assessment tasks. It is our experience that those students who do not attend class or carry out the associated activities are more likely to do poorly or to fail the course completely.

Learning Task Assessment Weighting Week Due
Researching, sourcing, comprehending, interpreting, analysing, drafting and writing Essay
(Individual) 20%
Week-5
Researching, sourcing, comprehending, analysing, preparing, writing, presenting and reflecting Presentation and report
(Group project) 30% Week
9-10
Reading, comprehending and reflecting Examination 50% TBA

Note on Assessment

At the University a PASS is usually achieved at 50%. For courses listed below, a mark of at least 40% in the examination must additionally be achieved.

BUACC1506, BUACC1507, BUACC1521, BUEBU1501, BUECO1507, BUECO1508, BUENT1531, BUHRM1501, BULAW1502, BULAW1503, BUMGT1501, BUMKT1501, BUMKT1503, BUTSM1501, BUTSM1502, BUACC5901, BUACC5930, BUACC5937, BUECO5903, BUHRM5912, BULAW5911, BULAW5914, BULAW5915, BUMGT5921, BUMKT5901, BUMKT5922.

Students are strongly advised to attempt ALL assessment tasks. Students who do not submit a task(s) or fail a task(s) in the semester will be identified as a ‘student at risk’ of unsatisfactory academic progress (outlined in the Faculty Handbooks) and will be directed to the Faculty’s Intervention Program. Students who encounter difficulties or who are otherwise concerned regarding their progress should consult their lecturer.

Assessment criteria set out the details by which performance in each task will be judged. This information will give a clear and explicit understanding of the expected standards to be achieved relative to the marks awarded.

Assessment details and criteria

Task-1
Individual Assignment (Essay). Word limit: 1800 (There are penalties for exceeding the word limit).
Due in Week-5. Worth 20%.

Due Date: Friday 22nd August 2014 by 11:00 pm (Week 5) online via MOODLE

Attention! Submit this assignment online via Moodle (word files only/ no PDF). If a hard copy is needed, submit it as per your lecturer's instruction. Late submission without a valid reason will attract penalty @ 10% per day.

Thoroughly investigate one of the following topic areas and discuss in relation to Human Resource Management.

Topic 1: HRM functions must be integrated with each other and with strategic issues if they are to make a contribution to HR outcomes or the ‘bottom line’ for the organisation. Discuss this statement, with reference to relevant HRM literature.

Topic 2: Technology is the key to unlocking the productive potential of human resources.
Do you agree or disagree? Discuss this statement, with reference to relevant HRM literature.

You should draw on real-life work situations, research evidence and relevant HRM literature beyond your text book to substantiate and illuminate your viewpoints.

Criteria for Assessment:
• demonstrated understanding of the HRM topic;
• quality and completeness of the analysis and discussion;
• ability to analyse critical incidents and to apply HRM solutions;
• Written expression & correct presentation (format, completed and signed cover page, word count, line spacing, spell check etc.), and clarity of expression; and
• Evidence of appropriate reading & research (academic and other relevant journals, text and reference books), Use of in-text reference, completion of a full reference list using APA style.

Task-2
Group Project (Presentation and Report) Worth (5+25) =30%

This task is designed to develop your ability to:
• contribute fruitfully to a group task;
• assess a HRM issue or problem as objectively as possible;
• appreciate the potential of theory in managerial decision making and
problem solving;
• apply theory to ‘real life’;
• take responsibility by designing a practical course of action (rather than merely making recommendations).

Task description
Students will form groups of around four during class in week 3/4. Each group should identify a problem situation (HR problem) in an organisation they have access to- preferably an organisation where at least one group member works or has worked recently. The focus has to be on an unresolved problem (only one problem).

A presentation covering the following points should be prepared:

• Provide a brief introduction to the organisation (it is acceptable to withhold the name of the organisation).

• Describe the problem, as much as possible in terms of the observable or measurable symptoms it manifests, for example: employee unrest, frequent industrial action, high absenteeism, workplace bullying/harassment, low morale, loss of profit, sabotage etc.

• The issue/problem should then be considered and analysed in terms of concepts/models/theories drawn from any two topics studied as part of this subject. To give some examples, your group may choose to adopt different negotiation tactics, change the existing recruitment and selection method, or re-design jobs, or arrange special training program and so on. Try to choose the topic that seems to offer the most useful insights into the problem. Topics must be taken from HRM course.

• Design a change program or set of activities and procedures utilising some aspect or aspects of your analysis (actual action plan). The change program should be intended to solve or improve the situation. Please note you are not merely being asked for a list of recommendations.

Note: It is not necessary to interview any managers or distribute questionnaires to complete this project.

Group members should present their project to the class. The presentation schedule will be negotiated in class. The presentation should last between 20 and 30 minutes. Each member will present for more or less equal amount of time i.e., about 7 minutes each. An additional 8-10 minutes is available for questions and answers. Support your presentation with appropriate visuals such as computer slides and handouts.

A report of 1800-2000 words summarising your project must be submitted online via MOODLE in week 9 before 11pm (word files only/ no PDF). There are penalties for exceeding the word limit. Visual material used in the presentation may be included as an appendix. The report must have a cover page- duly completed and it must also be correctly and adequately referenced using APA style.

Attention! Submit this assignment online via Moodle (word files only/ no PDF). If a hard copy is needed, submit it as per your lecturer's instruction. Late submission without a valid reason will attract penalty @ 10% per day.

Report Due Date : Friday 19th September 2014 by 11:00 pm (Week 9) online via MOODLE
Presentations : During Class in weeks 10 & 11

Group project: Assessment Criteria

The presentation mark (Worth 5%) will be based on the following criteria: (individual mark)
• Platform skill and presentation – posture, gesture, eye contact, flow of speech, language proficiency, level of confidence (Poor marks for reading)
• Demonstration of understanding of the presentation material
• Handling questions and answers
• Appropriate introduction, conclusion and time management
Note: Individual member’s presentation mark will vary depending on the over-all quality of their presentation. The lecturer/tutor will allocate this mark.

The report mark (Worth 25%). Each of the group members generally will be awarded the same mark unless the lecturer is convinced that all members did not contribute adequately to prepare the report. Marks may then vary among the group members depending on their degree of contributions.

It will be based on:
• The presence of an introduction to the organisation;
• The detailed description of a suitable problem for analysis with pros and cons;
• Effective use of material from two subject topics;
• Use of analysis in developing ‘change program’ and apparent efficacy of ‘change program’;
• Over-all quality and completeness of response to the presentation topic;
• Clarity of expression and correct presentation: format, completed and signed cover page, word count, line spacing, spell check; and
• Use of in-text reference, completion of a full reference list following APA style (sufficient and appropriate material from relevant and credible sources to effectively support the key points.

Task-3
Final examination: Worth 50%

A closed book examination of three hours duration will be conducted in the examination period. The purpose of the examination is to provide an opportunity for the student to demonstrate an understanding of the subject and the achievement of the objectives of the unit.

The structure of the exam will be announced in week-12.

Criteria for Assessment:
• understanding of the terms and concepts.
• demonstrated understanding of the HRM issues;
• quality and completeness of response to the topic; and
• the ability to apply learning.

5 SEQUENCE:

As semesters and contact hours vary between teaching locations, delivery is usually scheduled across three hours a week for 12 weeks. As the University offers many programs in a variety of formats please contact local lecturers for further information about the schedule.

Please note that the sequence and content of lectures and tutorials may need to be changed and the following information should be used as a guide.

Week TOPIC READINGS
1 Strategic HRM Reading : Chapter- 1 (Text book)
Tutorial: Review the course description (Assessments and Referencing requirements)
Debate: Arrange a mini debate on the following topic: 'By calling itself human resources, HRM dehumanises people- turning them into assets'.

2 HR planning,
HRIMS Reading: Chapter 2 & 3 (Text book)
Tutorial: Case study- Jet Red's New Business Strategies, pp 50-52. Answer questions 1- 4 only
Forum: Conduct a mini survey of class members, using the questionnaire on page 88 of the textbook. Critically discuss the findings.

3 HRM and the law,
Job analysis, job design and quality of work life Reading: Chapter 4 & 5 (Text book)
Tutorial: Case study- Outsourcing at OZ Airlines, pp. 90-91. Answer all questions
Forum: Conduct a mini survey of class members, using the questionnaire on page 115 of the textbook. Critically discuss the findings.

4 Recruiting human resources, Employee selection Reading: Chapters 6 & 7 (Text book)
Tutorial: Case study- The Hairdressing Roster on page 156 and Doing Business at OZ Widget Co, pp. 200-201. Answer all questions.

5 Appraising and managing performance,
HRD
Reading: Chapter 8 & 9 (Text book)
Tutorial: Case study- To Quota or Not To Quota, pp. 243-244. Answer all questions.
Ethical Dilemma- What's OK for me, is not OK for you, pp. 292-293. Answer questions 1- 4.

6 Employee Remuneration, Employee benefits Reading: Chapters 12 &13 (Text book)
Tutorial: What Performance Appraisal; and
The Stressed Sales Representative.
7 Industrial Relations
Reading: Chapters 14 (Text book)
Tutorial: Case Study- To Bonus or not to Bonus, p. 501. Answer all questions.
Online exercise: Work in partnership with another student. Pick an organisation of your choice and visit their website. Take note and report back to class evaluating the attractiveness of the employee benefits offered.

8 Employee health and safety Reading: Chapter 17 (Text book)
Forum: Conduct a mini survey of class members, using the questionnaire on page 581 of the textbook. Critically discuss the findings.
Tutorial: Case Study- Beaconsfield gold mine

9 Managing Diversity Reading: Chapter 18 (Text book)
Case Study: The morning-after email. Answer all questions.
Tutorial: Project presentation
10 International HRM, Managing International Assignments Reading: Chapters 19 & 20 (Text book)
Tutorial: Managing diversity and competitive advantage.
Tutorial: Project presentation
11 Social Responsibility, Ethics and Sustainability in the context of HRM Reading: Chapter 2 (Strategic HRM, 2011 3e by Jeffrey A Mello, South Western-Cengage Learning, Ohio, USA pp. 39-59.)
Tutorial: Ethical Dilemma- Mixing Body Parts With Business, pp. 781-782. Answer all questions.
12 Review Session Course/ Exam review

6 ADDITIONAL RESOURCES:

Additional useful references:

The following list may be used as a guide. Useful sources are likely to include referred journal articles and text and reference books. The internet can be a useful source for material (but must be used with caution and discrimination) and journal articles may be located via library databases.

Banister, R. & Harding, J. (2004). Human Resource Management An Introduction to the Australian Workplace. Australia: Pearson.

Boxall, P. & J. Purcell (2003). Strategy and Human Resource Management. Houndmills, Basingstoke: Palgrave MacMillan.

Bratton, J. & Gold, J. (2003). Human Resource Management: Theory and Practice, (3rd
Ed.). Houndmills Hampshire: Macmillan.

Bruce, P.J. (2003). Human Resource Management Casebook (2nd ed.). Riverwood, NSW:
Prentice Hall.

Cole, K. (2007). Workplace Relations in Australia A Practical Guide To Workchoices.
Australia: Pearson

Cooper, R. (2009). Forward with Fairness? Industrial Relations under Labor in 2008, Journal of Industrial Relations, Vol. 51, No. 3, pp. 285-296.

De Cieri, H., Kramar, R., Noe, R.A., Hollenbeck, J.R., Gerhart, B. & Wright, P. M. (2005).
HumanResource Management in Australia (2nd ed.). Australia: McGraw-Hill.

Dessler, G, (2004). Human Resource Management. (10th Ed.), New Jersey: Prentice Hall.

Dessler, G., Griffiths, J. & Lloyd-Walker, B. (2007). HRM. (3rd Ed.), Australia: Pearson
Education

Evans, Paul, Pucik, Vladimir, and Barsoux, Jean-Louis, (2002). The Global Challenge:
Frameworks for International Human Resource Management, New York: McGraw-Hill Irwin.

Fisher, Cynthia, Schoenfeldt, Lyle, and Shaw, James, (2003) Human Resource
Management, (5th Ed.). New York: Houghton Mifflin.

Florian, P. (2009). Determinants of Work-life Balance: Shortcomings in the Contemporary Measurement of WLB in Large-scale Surveys. Social Indicators Research, Vol. 92, No. 3 / July, pp. 449-469.

Foot, M. & Hook, C. (2005). Introducing Human Resource Management 4th ed. England:
Prentice Hall.

Hartel, C.E.J., Fujimoto, Y., Strybosch, V.E., & Fitzpatrick, K (2007). Human Resource
Management Transforming Theory into Innovative Practice. Australia: Pearson

Kramar, R., Bartram, T., De Cieri, H., Noe, R.A., Hollenbeck, J.R., Gerhart, B. & Wright, P. M. (2014). Human Resource Management in Australia: Strategy, People, Performance, 5th ed. McGraw-Hill Co. Sydney, Australia.

McKenna, E. & Beech, N. (2008). Human resource Management A Concise Analysis (2nd
Edition). United Kingdom: Prentice Hall

Mello, J. A. (2011). Strategic HRM 3rd ed. South Western-Cengage Learning, Ohio, USA
Nankervis, A., Compton, R., Baird, M., & Coffey, J. (2011). Human Resource Management:
Strategy and Practice, 7th Edition, Cengage Learning, Australia.

Sappey, R., Burgess, J., Lyons, M. & Buultjens, J. (2009). Industrial Relations in Australia Work and Workplaces 2nd ed. Australia: Pearson

Shen, J., Chanda, A., D'Netto, B. & Monga, M. (2009). Managing diversity through human resource management: an international perspective and conceptual framework, The International Journal of Human Resource Management, Vol. 20, Issue-2, February, pp. 235 – 251.

Takeuchi, N. (2009). How Japanese manufacturing firms align their human resource policies with business strategies: testing a contingency performance prediction in a Japanese context. The International Journal of Human Resource Management, Vol. 20, Issue-1, January, pp. 34–56.

Taormina, R. J. & Gao, J. H. (2009) Identifying acceptable performance appraisal criteria: An international perspective. Asia Pacific Journal of Human Resources, Vol. 47, No.1, pp.102-125.

Teicher, J., Holland, P., and Gough. R. (Eds.), (2006). Employee Relations Management, Second Edition. Frenchs Forest, NSW: Prentice-Hall.

NOTE: You should not restrict your reading to the listed texts. To successfully complete this subject you are strongly encouraged to also read HRM and related peer reviewed journals and peruse selected newspapers and other news magazine articles for issues relevant to HRM.

Some useful resources:
Journals
Asia Pacific Journal of Human Resources
http://apj.sagepub.com/

Human Resource Management Journal
http://www.wiley.com/bw/journal.asp?ref=0954-5395

International Journal of Employment Studies http://search.informit.com.au/browseJournalTitle;res=IELHSS;issn=1039-6993

Personnel Journal
https://www.researchgate.net/journal/0031-5745_The_Personnel_journal

Personnel Review http://www.emeraldinsight.com/Insight/viewContainer.do;jsessionid=F524F0CD24543E51A022C13586D392B1?containerType=Journal&containerId=113

The International Journal of Human Resource Management http://www.tandf.co.uk/journals/titles/09585192.asp

Web sites:
Australian Human Resources Institute
http://www.ahri.com.au/

Society for Human Resource Management
http://www.shrm.org/

Great place to find articles on HR topics
http://scholar.google.com.au/

The link to the library website for more information is: http://www.federation.edu.au/current-students/assistance,-support-and-services/academic-support/learning-and-study/resources/general-guide-for-the-presentation-of-academic-work

BUHRM 5912 ASSIGNMENT 1 (1700 – 1900 words)
Essay structure
1. Assignment cover template (Student ID & name, essay topic, lecture/tutor name, word count)
2. Executive summary (1 paragraph)
3. Introduction (1 paragraph) – of topic and general theory
4. Body – to cover the arguments supported by examples and in-text-referencing
5. Conclusion (1 paragraph)
6. Reference list (minimum 5 sources)
7. Marking criteria-assignment 1 (please attach at the end of report)