Unit rationale, description and aim
Effective management of people is fundamental to the success of organisations and the achievement of business strategy and objectives. This unit provides students with knowledge of contemporary human resource management (HRM) frameworks, practices, and ethical responsibilities. Students will critically examine strategic human resource management, recruitment and selection, training and development, performance management, remuneration and benefits, employment relations, wellbeing, and approaches to measuring HRM effectiveness. The impact of technology, digitalisation, and workforce transformation on HRM will also be evaluated.
The aim of this unit is to develop students’ ability to design, analyse and critically evaluate HRM strategies and practices that contribute to organisational sustainability and performance, while upholding the dignity of the human person and the common good.
Campus offering
No unit offerings are currently available for this unit.Learning outcomes
To successfully complete this unit you will be able to demonstrate you have achieved the learning outcomes (LO) detailed in the below table.
Each outcome is informed by a number of graduate capabilities (GC) to ensure your work in this, and every unit, is part of a larger goal of graduating from ACU with the attributes of insight, empathy, imagination and impact.
Explore the graduate capabilities.
Analyse internal and external business environment...
Learning Outcome 01
Apply HRM practices (e.g. strategic HR management,...
Learning Outcome 02
Critically evaluate how HRM practices can be manag...
Learning Outcome 03
Content
Topics will include:
· The strategic role of human resource management and business environment influences
· Workplace management, employee attraction, selection and retention
· Managing a diverse workforce
· Employee learning, training and development, performance management
· Remuneration, benefits and employment relations
· Employee wellbeing
· Technology, digitalisation, and the future of HRM
· Measuring HRM effectiveness and strategic contribution
Assessment strategy and rationale
In this unit, two (2) main pieces of assessment are used to achieve the learning outcomes. Completing these assessment tasks will benefit a HR manager in several ways as these tasks not only help in evaluating the theoretical knowledge of HRM but also in assessing the practical application of this knowledge. The first requires students to reflect critically on their learning and engagement with key HRM topics. This reflection helps HR managers understand how well they grasp essential HR concepts and their ability to apply these concepts in real-world scenarios. It also encourages continuous learning and self-improvement, which are crucial for effective HR management. The second is a practical organisational study report and presentation, enabling students to demonstrate their ability to apply HRM knowledge in real-world business contexts. For HR managers, this means they can assess the practical skills and competencies of their team members, ensuring they are capable of handling real-world HR challenges effectively.
Overview of assessments
Assessment Task: Reflective Learning Journal T...
Assessment Task: Reflective Learning Journal
This assessment task consists of a 1200-word written reflective learning portfolio focusing on three HRM topics covered in the unit. Each reflection (approximately 400 words) should critically analyse the topic, draw on relevant literature, and connect personal/professional experience where appropriate.
· What did I learn about this HRM topic?
· How does this HRM topic relate to my prior knowledge and/or experience?
· Were any of my assumptions challenged? How?
· What I have learnt about my assumptions and/or new knowledge of this HRM topic ?
· How might I apply this learning in a future HR role or business context?
Submission Type: Individual
Assessment Method: Learning Journal
Artefact: Written reflective journal (3 topics, 400 words/ topic)
Due date: Week 3
45%
Assessment Task 2: Organisation study report Th...
Assessment Task 2: Organisation study report
This assessment task consists of a 1200-word written report and video recorded presentation (10 mins). For the purpose of this task, you will take the role of an HR manager who will analyse a contemporary HRM issue within a chosen organisation and provide evidence-based recommendations for senior management. Issues will be drawn from topics such as employee wellbeing, managing workforce diversity, or the impact of technology on HRM. Only publicly available information should be used for the purpose of this assessment task. The purpose of this assessment task is to assist students as HR managers in drafting effective action plans (completed as part of the written report) and making recommendations to senior management (via the video presentation) taking into account ethical perspectives, and consideration of human wellbeing and dignity. The two components of the assessment task (written report and video presentation) hence will complement one another.
Submission Type: Individual
Assessment Method: Report & Presentation
Artefact: Written report (1200 words) and video recorded presentation (10 mins)
Due date: Week 6
55%
Learning and teaching strategy and rationale
Teaching and Learning Approach
Applied practice and active engagement are central to learning in accounting. Students are expected to adopt an active learning strategy, developing their skills and knowledge by doing. ACU’s teaching approach emphasises learning outcomes in knowledge, capabilities, and professional readiness. It encourages students to be active participants while recognising that learning involves both active and receptive processes, constructing meaning for oneself, and learning collaboratively. ACU promotes autonomous and self-motivated learning that is critical, reflective, and focused on mastering content and skills.
Representative texts and references
Ayanponle LO, Awonuga KF, Asuzu OF, Daraojimba RE, Elufioye OA and Daraojimba OD (2024) A review of innovative HR strategies in enhancing workforce efficiency in the US, International Journal of Science and Research Archive, 11(01), 817–827. https://doi.org/10.30574/ijsra.2024.11.1.0152
Deng H, Lu Y, Fan D, Liu W and Xia Y (2024) The Power of Precision: How Algorithmic Monitoring and Performance Management Enhances Employee Workplace Well-Being, New Technology, Work and Employment. https://doi.org/10.1111/ntwe.12328
Groenewald CA, Groenewald ES, Uy FT, Kilag OKT, Abendan CFK and Pernites MJF (2024) Adapting HRM Practices to Globalization: Strategies for Success in a Borderless Economy, International Multidisciplinary Journal of Research for Research for Innovation, Sustainability, and Excellence, 1(3). ISSN ONLINE: 3028-032X. ISSN PRINT: 3028-0370
Joyce PR, Selvaraj FJ, Manoharan G, Priya C, Vijayalakshmi R, Dwivedi PK, Gupta S and Veerakumar K (2024) To Study The Role Of Marketing In Human Resource Management, Migration Letters,21 (S2) 1191-1196. ISSN: 1741-8984 (Print) ISSN: 1741-8992 (Online)
Justice Mezenyele A (2024) Stress Management and Employees’ Productivity Performance: A Psychological Approach to Organizational Wellbeing, International Journal of Innovative Social & Science Education Research, 12(1):147-160.
Madero-Gómez SM, Rubio Leal YL, Olivas-Luján M and Yusliza MY (2023) Companies Could Benefit When They Focus on Employee Wellbeing and the Environment: A Systematic Review of Sustainable Human Resource Management. Sustainability, 15(6):5435. https://doi.org/10.3390/su15065435
Ogunyemi K (2024) Humanistic Management in the Gig Economy. ISBN (hardcover) 978-3-031-59943-9. ISBN (softcover) 978-3-031-59946-0. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-031-59944-6
Prasad BV, Hamraaia MHY, Sharma A, Sahana BC and Pereira CS (2024) The Impact of Technology on Human Resource Management: Trends and Challenges, Educational Administration: Theory and Practice, 30(5), 9746-9752. ISSN: 2148-2403
Roul J, Mohapatra LM, Pradhan AK and Kamesh AVS (2024) Analysing the role of modern information technologies in HRM: management perspective and future agenda, Kybernetes; The international journal of cybernetics, systems and management sciences. https://doi.org/10.1108/K-11-2023-2512
Singh R, Joshi A, Raghuveer K and Kumar V (2025) Evaluating HRM practices for embracing the digital circular economy in Indian manufacturing firms: an analytical study, Strategy & Leadership, 53(1): 49–72. https://doi.org/10.1108/SL-10-2024-0115
Sun Y and Jung H (2024) Machine Learning (ML) Modeling, IoT, and Optimizing Organizational Operations through Integrated Strategies: The Role of Technology and Human Resource Management. Sustainability. 16(16):6751. https://doi.org/10.3390/su16166751
Wahyuningtiyas N, Pramita C, Winarno A and Pratikto H (2024) Fostering Human Dignity Through Human Resource Development: Ethical Practices, Cultural Variations, and Emerging Trends, Social Science Studies, 4(6). https://profesionalmudacendekia.com/index.php/sss/article/view/1258
Journal such as:
- Asia-Pacific Journal of Human Resources
- HR Monthly
- Human Resources Management
- Human Resource Management Journal
- International Journal of Human Resource Management
- Journal of Human Resources
- Journal of Industrial Relations
- Personnel Review