*self funders only
Purpose and aim of unit
The purpose of this unit is to introduce learners to human resources (HR) activity and to the role of the HR function in organisations in general terms. It focuses on the aims and objectives of HR departments in contemporary organisations and particularly on the ways that these are evolving. Different ways of delivering HR objectives and emerging developments in the management of the employment relationship are explored as well as the methods that can be used to demonstrate that the function adds value for organisations. The unit also aims to inform learners about published research evidence linking HR activity with positive organisational outcomes. The case for professionalism and an ethical approach to HR is introduced, as is the role played by HR managers in facilitating and promoting effective change management.
This unit is suitable for persons who:
• seek to develop a career in HR management and development
• are working in the field of HR management and development and need to extend their knowledge and skills
• have responsibility for implementing HR policies and strategies
• need to understand the role of HR in the wider organisational and environmental context.
Learning outcomes
On completion of this unit, learners will:
1 Understand the purpose and key objectives of the HR function in contemporary organisations.
2 Understand how HR objectives are delivered in different organisations.
3 Understand how the HR function can be evaluated in terms of value added and organisation performance.
4 Understand the relationship between organisational performance and
Learning outcomes
The learner will: |
Assessment criteria
The learner can: |
1 Understand the purpose and key objectives of the HR function in contemporary organisations. | 1.1 Summarise the organisational objectives that the HR function is responsible for delivering and how these are evolving in contemporary organisations.
1.2 Explain the major theories of effective change management and how these are implemented and evaluated. 1.3 Evaluate the business case for managing HR in a professional, ethical and just manner. |
2 Understand how HR objectives are delivered in different organisations. | 2.1 Explain the different ways in which HR objectives can be delivered in organisations.
2.2 Analyse how the HR function varies between organisations in different sectors and of different sizes. |
3 Understand how the HR function can be evaluated in terms of value added and contribution to organisation performance. | 3.1 Discuss the main criteria and methods used to evaluate the contribution of the HR function. |
4 Understand the relationship between organisational performance and effective HR management and development. | 4.1 Identify and evaluate research evidence linking HR practices with positive organisational outcomes.
4.2 Explain how high-performance working and investment in human capital impact on organisational practice. |
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