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Management of Human Resources - MAN00007I

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  • Department: The York Management School
  • Credit value: 20 credits
  • Credit level: I
  • Academic year of delivery: 2024-25

Module summary

The module is designed to help students develop their research and writing skills in preparation for the final year. Using the study of Human Resource Management as its focus, it asks students to research and present their responses to challenging questions about workplace people management practices and systems.

Module will run

Occurrence Teaching period
A Semester 1 2024-25

Module aims

This module raises awareness of current and ongoing debates in the field of HRM and invites students to consider challenging questions about workplace people management practices and systems, and to reflect upon potential workplace solutions. Students are expected to engage critically with the ideas and research underpinning HR theory, advice and practice,, and to consider HRM in relation to wider trends in organisational behaviour and the social and political environment.

Module learning outcomes

  • Critically analyse the context in which HRM operates and its impact on HRM policies and practices.

  • Develop an awareness of strategic thinking and the importance of managing tensions between multiple stakeholders.

  • Understand the purposes and core policies and practices of HRM in the areas of employee resourcing, performance and reward management.

  • Apply relevant concepts and theories in producing authoritative written verbal arguments in response to HRM policies and practices.

Academic and graduate skills developed:

  • essay/report writing

  • argument building

  • referencing

  • information literate

  • analytical and critical thinking

  • academic writing

  • working with others

  • communication

Module content

Whilst there is some core content each year (topics 1-5), additional lecture/seminar topics may vary slightly from year to year, depending on what is topical at the time, and on who may be teaching/guest lecturing on the module. For a sample year:

1.Introduction to HRM

2. HRM in context

3. Managing the HR function

4. Reward management

5. Recruitment and Selection

6. Trust and HRM

7. Equality, Diversity and Inclusion

8. Line managers and HRM

9. Flexible working and employee wellbeing

10. HRM in small businesses

11. Module recap and assessment preparation

Indicative assessment

Task % of module mark
Essay/coursework 100

Special assessment rules

None

Indicative reassessment

Task % of module mark
Essay/coursework 100

Module feedback

Feedback will be given in accordance with the University Policy on feedback in the Guide to Assessment as well as in line with the School policy.

Indicative reading

Torrington, D, Hall, L, Taylor, S et al. (2014). Human resource management. Harlow, England : Pearson


The information on this page is indicative of the module that is currently on offer. The University constantly explores ways to enhance and improve its degree programmes and therefore reserves the right to make variations to the content and method of delivery of modules, and to discontinue modules, if such action is reasonably considered to be necessary. In some instances it may be appropriate for the University to notify and consult with affected students about module changes in accordance with the University's policy on the Approval of Modifications to Existing Taught Programmes of Study.