module specification

The module is designed to enable intermediate level students to understand the key developments of the contemporary workplace environment both within and beyond the organisational context. Given the focus on the contemporary workplace, the module particularly explores the changes and challenges modern organisations have to face in regards to human resources, performance management, employee relations and psychology within the changing organisational environment.

The module aims to enable students to gain a deeper understanding of the contemporary workplace outlining its key changes and challenges. It explores the underpinning theories and practices that contextualise and develop the contemporary workplace.
Subject-specific Skills:

• Critically assess a range of contemporary workplace practices
• Demonstrate independent thinking and the ability to work both individually and in a group
• Critically reflect on the issues discussed in the module

Key Skills:

• Academic writing/literacy
• Oral communication
• Researching skills
• Application of knowledge and presenting data
• Critical thinking
• Problem-solving
• Enterprise skills
• Commercial awareness
• Self-assessment and reflection

Contemporary Changes and Trends in Work and Employment

• Global context:  society, economy and organisation
• Changing structure of work and employment
• Evolving role of HRM: New innovative approaches
• Flexible  work patterns for competitive advantage

Employee Relations

• Contemporary employment relationships and trade unions
• Employee engagement, empowerment and involvement
• The case of diversity: trends and challenges
• Ethical issues and challenges in HR

The learning and teaching strategy will encompass a combination of lectures, seminars workshops and online work. This will include tutor led lectures, student class discussions, case studies, individual and group exercises to enable students to enhance their understanding of the themes and topics as well as developing their ability to look at and analyse the wider context of HRM. Sessions will be supported by web based resources.

On successful completion of the module, students will be able to demonstrate:

1. An understanding of business and external contextual factors affecting the contemporary workplace and the HR function.
2. Broader theoretical and practical knowledge of the dynamics of work re-organisation, psychological contract, employee engagement and employment relationships.
3. Appropriate research, analytical and communication skills.

The module will have two formal assessments:

1. Group presentation
2. Written coursework – 3,000 word essay (online submission)

The group presentation will provide an opportunity for students to assess contextual factors affecting the contemporary workplace and the HR function using evidence from a variety of organisations. The main aim is to explore the changes and challenges modern organisations have to face, what influences them and how these are experienced by those working in these organisations (learning outcomes 1 and 3).

The essay will allow students to explore in-depth a specific question focused on contemporary employment relations issues (learning outcomes 1, 2 and 3).

Aguinis, H. (2009) Performance Management, Second Edition,, New Jersey, Pearson, Prentice Hall.
Arnold, A & Randall, R (2010 ) Work Psychology,  Understanding Human behaviour in the Workplace, 5th edition, Pearson Education, Essex.
Armstrong, M. (2009) Armstrong's handbook of performance management: an evidence-based guide to delivering high performance.  London, Kogan Page  (available as an e book)
Armstrong, M. and Baron, A. (2005) Managing Performance, London, CIPD.
Bratton, J. (2007) Work and Organizational Behaviour: Understanding the Workplace. Palgrave McMillan.
Baruch, Y. (2010) Managing Careers: Theory and Practice, FT-Prentice Hall, London.
Bolton S. and Houlihan, M. (2009) Work Matters: Critical Reflections on Contemporary Work (Critical Perspectives on Work and Employment), Palgrave Macmillan.
Burnes, B.(2009) Managing Change, 5th Ed., Prentice Hall, London (e resource)
Crane, A & Matten, D (2010) Business Ethics, 3rd Edition, Oxford University Press, Oxford.
Coyle-Shapiro, J. Shore, L., Taylor, S. and Tetrick, L. (2005) The Employment Relationship – Examining Psychological and Contextual Perspectives. Oxford University Press
Donkin, R. (2009) The Future Work, Palgrave Macmillan.
Greenhouse, J.H. et al.,(2010) Career Management 4th Ed. Sage Publication Ltd. London
Huczyski, A. & Buchanan, D. (2010) Organisational Behaviour, 7th Ed. Pearson Education.
Kirton, G. and Green, M. (2010) The Dynamics of Managing Diversity: A Critical Approach. 3rd Ed. Butterworth Heinemann, Oxford.
Martin, G. et al.,(2008) Technology, Outsourcing and Transforming HR. Butterworth – Heinmann, Oxford.
Meister, J. and Willyerd, K. (2010) The 2020 Workplace: How Innovative Companies Attract, Develop and Keep Tomorrow’s Employees Today, Collins Business.
Mullins, L.  (2010)  Management & Organisational Behaviour.  9th ed. Pearson, Harlow
Noon, M. & Blyton, P. (2006) The Realities of Work, Basingstoke: Palgrave (3rd edition).
Scase, R. (2000) Britain in 2010: The New Business Landscape, Capstone Publisher.
Thompson, P. and McHugh, D. (2009) Work Organisations: A Critical Approach, 4th Ed. London:  Palgrave Mcmillan.
Thompson and Smith (2010), Working Life: Renewing Labour process Analysis, Routledge.
Williams, S. and Adam-Smith D., (2010) Contemporary Employment Relations. Critical Introduction. 2nd Ed. Oxford University Press.
Woods, S. and West M. (2010) The Psychology of Work and Organisations, Learning Business Press.
Journals
Diversity & Inclusion
Equality
Harvard Business Review
Human Resource Management Journal
Industrial Relations Journal
International Journal of Human Resource Management
Journal of Management Studies
Journal of Organizational Behavior
Journal of Organizational Change Management
Labour Research
Personnel Review
Personnel Today
Work, Employment and Society
Websites
www.cipd.co.uk
www.peoplemanagement.co.uk
www.theworkfoundation.com www.acas.gov.uk