Unit rationale, description and aim
This unit aims to develop students' conceptual understanding of the field of Human Resource Management (HRM) and acquire a range of knowledge and skills that will equip them to understand and deal effectively with HRM-related issues in the workplace. Students will be introduced to key HRM concepts, theories, processes, functions and practices that are designed to attract, motivate, and retain employees for organisational success. Students will learn to analyse the relationship between strategy and core HRM activities such as recruitment, selection, performance appraisal and pay systems, performance, planning and development, diversity and equity issues. In addition, they will gain an understanding of the current challenges and issues that shape the implementation of human resource management practices, policies, and systems.
The effective management of human resources is an important factor in achieving sustainable business outcomes through ethical practices. Students will develop knowledge of and critique the strategies, theories and practices of human resource management, to better understand how they contribute to the ethical stewardship of people at work, ensuring employees are treated with human dignity, equity and respect at work while achieving business objectives. Students will apply their competencies (knowledge, skill, and abilities) gained from this unit to create value for business and society, in both local and global arenas.
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.
Contextualise the frameworks and systems for HRM, ...
Learning Outcome 01
Analyse the appropriateness of approaches to HRM f...
Learning Outcome 02
Demonstrate practical skills in performing HRM fun...
Learning Outcome 03
Apply HRM concepts and theories to the application...
Learning Outcome 04
Use academic writing and referencing appropriate t...
Learning Outcome 05
Content
Students will be exposed to an overall introduction to the following topics:
· Strategic HRM and HR Planning
· Recruitment
· Selection
· Remuneration and rewards
· Performance Management & Appraisal (Training and Development Opportunities)
· Building an Ethical Culture, Managing Diversity & Inclusion
· HR, labour law and employment relations
· Safety and wellbeing
Assessment strategy and rationale
In order to pass this unit, students must achieve an aggregate mark of at least 50%. Marking is based on rubrics aligned with the unit’s learning outcomes. A final grade will reflect students’ overall achievement in the unit.
The assessment strategy allows students to progressively develop their knowledge, skills, and behaviours in human resource management. In Assessment 1, students produce an individual written reflection report. They engage with key HR topics, develop an annotated bibliography, and reflect on their learning through workshops and peer discussions. This supports critical thinking and reflective practice. In Assessment 2, students complete an individual 15-minute oral presentation. They analyse an organisation’s external and internal environment, considering ethical, social, and sustainability issues. The task requires students to apply research, communication, and critical thinking skills to propose creative and sustainable HR solutions. In Assessment 3, students produce an individual industry and/or problem-based report. This final task enables them to integrate their HR knowledge and ethical understanding to analyse a real-world HR issue and develop a practical, responsible recommendation.
Each task builds on the previous one, reinforcing the importance of sustained engagement and weekly learning throughout the unit.
Overview of assessments
Assessment 1: Written Reflection Report Thi...
Assessment 1: Written Reflection Report
This assessment requires students to learn about key HR topic areas and produce an annotated bibliography. Students will discuss their work during workshops, share their ideas with peers and then reflect on their learning experience. This will then be presented in a written reflective report (1,500 words).
Submission Type: individual
Assessment Method: Reflective in Practice Report
Artefact: Written Report
30%
Assessment Task 2: Oral Presentation This assess...
Assessment Task 2: Oral Presentation
This assessment task consists of a 15 minute video presentation. It requires students to draw on their communication, research and critical thinking skills to demonstrate their knowledge of an organisation’s external and internal environment including ethical, social, and sustainability issues and the impact this will have on the chosen HR issue . The presentation should include discussion of the chosen HR issue and offer creative and workable solutions that are sustainable and meet the organisation’s objectives.
Submission Type: Individual
Assessment Method: Oral Presentation
Artefact: Video recording
30%
Assessment Task 3: Industry and/or Problem Based ...
Assessment Task 3: Industry and/or Problem Based Report
Submission Type: Individual
Assessment Method: Report
40%
Learning and teaching strategy and rationale
This unit aims to develop students' conceptual understanding of the field of HRM so that they can acquire a range of knowledge and skills that will equip them to understand and deal effectively with HRM-related issues in the workplace. Students will examine the policies, functions and practices that are designed to attract, motivate, and retain employees for organisational success. This unit takes an active learning approach to guide students in the analysis and synthesis of knowledge associated with HRM to gain business driven capabilities.
This unit takes a formative approach specifically scaffolded, to support students in developing the relational skills required for a solution focused HRM practices by tapping into the knowledge of peers by sharing stories and insights and reflecting on experiences. The rationale is to encourage deep learning, building on foundation material during class to develop critical thinking skills, and prepare students to face the various challenges confronting HR practitioners in managing people at work. A variety of learning materials will be used to enable students to apply key concepts to issues confronting industry and practice.
The unit is offered in Attendance and Online modes to accommodate varied learning needs and improve access for isolated or marginalised groups.