×îÐÂÌÇÐÄVlog

COMMGMT 3502NA - Human Resource Management III

Ngee Ann Academy - Trimester 1 - 2015

The aim of this course is to provide students with an understanding of contemporary HRM and the important strategic role that it plays in helping an organisation build and maintain competitive advantage. More specifically, the course will examine HR policies, practices, and systems in the areas of: planning and recruitment; ethical and legal frameworks for HR; employee selection; training and development; performance management; compensation; employee relations; diversity management; OH&S; employee separation; and HRM in a global environment.

  • General Course Information
    Course Details
    Course Code COMMGMT 3502NA
    Course Human Resource Management III
    Coordinating Unit Adelaide Business School
    Term Trimester 1
    Level Undergraduate
    Location/s Ngee Ann Academy
    Units 3
    Available for Study Abroad and Exchange Y
    Prerequisites COMMGMT 2500NA
    Assessment Exam/assignments/tests/tutorial work as prescribed at first lecture
    Course Staff

    Course Coordinator: Lois Whittall

    Course Timetable

    The full timetable of all activities for this course can be accessed from .

    FIRST INTENSIVE
    Date 8.30 – 9.30am 9.30am – 12pm 1.00pm – 2.15pm 2.30pm – 3.45pm
    13 Feb 2014 Lecture 1 Tutorial Group 1 Tutorial Group 2
    14 Feb 2014 Consultation Lecture 2 Tutorial Group 1 Tutorial Group 2
    15 Feb 2014 Lecture 3 Tutorial Group 1 Tutorial Group 2
    17 Feb 2014 Consultation Lecture 4 Tutorial Group 1 Tutorial Group 2
    18 Feb 2014 Consultation Lecture 5 Tutorial Group 1 Tutorial Group 2

    SECOND INTENSIVE
    Date 8.30 – 9.30am 9.30am – 12pm 1.30pm – 2.45pm Tutorial Group 1
    28 Mar 2014 Consultation Lecture 6 Tutorial Group 2 Tutorial Group 1
    29 Mar 2014 Consultation Lecture 7 Tutorial Group 2 Tutorial Group 1
    31 Mar 2014 Consultation Lecture 8 Tutorial Group 2 Tutorial Group 1
    1 Feb 2014 Consultation Consultation

    Note that tutorial times may change depending on the size of the class



  • Learning Outcomes
    Course Learning Outcomes
    By the end of this course, students should be able to:
    1. Recognise and discuss the critical role that effective people management plays in building and maintaining competitive advantage in contemporary organisations.
    2. Demonstrate an understanding of basic HR functions, and the theories, concepts, models, and methods that inform HR practice.
    3. Discuss the impact of regulatory frameworks (both ethical and legal) on HRM practice in a number of Asian countries, and demonstrate an understanding of how new legal ×îÐÂÌÇÐÄVlog affect employee relations.
    4. Apply HRM concepts and technical knowledge to the analysis of HRM problems, cases, and issues.
    5. Write a report that demonstrates an understanding of HRM issues.
    6. Prepare and deliver an informative, professional, and engaging oral presentation.
    7. Recognise and demonstrate the behaviours and attitudes required for effective teamwork.
    ×îÐÂÌÇÐÄVlog Graduate Attributes

    This course will provide students with an opportunity to develop the Graduate Attribute(s) specified below:

    ×îÐÂÌÇÐÄVlog Graduate Attribute Course Learning Outcome(s)
    Knowledge and understanding of the content and techniques of a chosen discipline at advanced levels that are internationally recognised. 1,2,3,4
    The ability to locate, analyse, evaluate and synthesise information from a wide variety of sources in a planned and timely manner. 4,5
    An ability to apply effective, creative and innovative solutions, both independently and cooperatively, to current and future problems. 5,6
    Skills of a high order in interpersonal understanding, teamwork and communication. 7
    A proficiency in the appropriate use of contemporary technologies. 5
    A commitment to continuous learning and the capacity to maintain intellectual curiosity throughout life. 1
    A commitment to the highest standards of professional endeavour and the ability to take a leadership role in the community. 1,2
    An awareness of ethical, social and cultural issues within a global context and their importance in the exercise of professional skills and responsibilities. 3
  • Learning Resources
    Required Resources
    The text book for the course will be:

    Dessler, G., & Tan, C.H.,. (2009). Human resource management, An Asian Perspective (2nd ed.). ×îÐÂÌÇÐÄVlog: Pearson.

    PLEASE NOTE THAT YOU NEED THE TEXT BOOK BEFORE THE COURSE STARTS SO THAT YOU CAN DO PRE-READING
    Recommended Resources
    Reading is considered to be an essential part of the course, and students are expected to access and critically analyse the relevant literature. Apart from becoming familiar with the contents of the main text, students are also strongly urged to refer to academic journals in the area of (or relevant to) HRM. The following journals (all of which are available online from the Barr Smith Library) are recommended:

    Asia Pacific Journal of Human Resources (online)
    Harvard Business Review (online)
    Human Relations (online)
    Human Resource Management Review (online)
    Human Resource Planning (online)
    International Journal of Human Resource Management (online)
    Journal of Applied Psychology (online)
    Journal of Human Resources (online)
    Journal of Industrial Relations (online)
    Personnel Journal (online)
    Training and Development (online)
    Online Learning
    Please refer to MyUni for learning materials
  • Learning & Teaching Activities
    Learning & Teaching Modes
    This course is taught in intensive mode with two week long intensives. Each day there is a two hour lecture and a one hour tutorial. Tutorials are an important component of your learning in this course. Students are expected to attend all classes and ensure that they complete the required exercises and assignments before coming to class. Students are encouraged to actively participate in tutorial discussions as a way of developing sound communication skills, highly valued by employers and professional bodies.
    Workload

    The information below is provided as a guide to assist students in engaging appropriately with the course requirements.

    The information below is provided as a guide to assist students in engaging appropriately with the course requirements.

    The ×îÐÂÌÇÐÄVlog expects full-time students (i.e. those taking 12 units per semester) to devote a total of 48 hours per week to their studies. This means that for a three-unit course you are expected to commit approximately 9 hours of private study outside of your regular classes. This time commitment will include reading the relevant text book chapter, preparing for tutorials, and other assessment tasks.
    Learning Activities Summary
    Day Date Lecture Topic Prescribed Text Book Reading[1]
    1 13 Feb 2014 Introduction to HRM Chapters 1 - 2
    2 14 Feb 2014 Strategic HR Chapter 3
    3 15 Feb 2014 Recruitment and Placement:
    Job Analysis; HR Planning and Recruiting;
    Employee Testing and Selection: Interviewing Candidates
    Chapters 4 - 7
    4 17 Feb 2014 Training and Developing Employees Chapter 8
    5 18 Feb 2014 Performance Management and Appraisal Chapter 9
    6 28 Mar 2014 Compensation Chapters 11 & 12
    7 29 Mar 2014 Employee Relations Chapters 14 & 15
    8 31 Mar 2014 Employee Health and Safety
    Managing Global HRM
    Chapters 16 &17




  • Assessment

    The ×îÐÂÌÇÐÄVlog's policy on Assessment for Coursework Programs is based on the following four principles:

    1. Assessment must encourage and reinforce learning.
    2. Assessment must enable robust and fair judgements about student performance.
    3. Assessment practices must be fair and equitable to students and give them the opportunity to demonstrate what they have learned.
    4. Assessment must maintain academic standards.

    Assessment Summary
    Assessment item Due date and time Weighting Related learning outcome
    Individual assignment Wednesday 12 March 2014 30% 2, 4
    Group Presentations 28, 29, 31 March 2014 10% 2, 4, 5, 6, 7
    Reports from Group Project Wednesday 9 April 2014 20% 6, 7
    Exam 5 May 2014 (to be confirmed) 40% 1, 2, 3, 4
    Total 100%



    Assessment Related Requirements
    Attendance

    Statutory obligations in Singapore are such that attendance in person is a compulsory condition of passing a course. Our specific requirements are that students must attend at least 80% of class sessions to be graded for that course. For these purposes the first intensive week comprises 5 lectures and 5 tutorial sessions and the second comprises 3 lectures and 3 tutorial sessions.

    Students failing to meet 80% attendance requirements will be automatically graded 0% Fail (F) on their transcripts.It is a requirement that students attend ALL tutorials.

    To gain a pass in this course, a mark of at least 45% must be obtained in the examination as well as a total of at least 50% overall. Students not achieving the minimum exam mark will be awarded no more than 49%.
    Assessment Detail

    Individual assignment (weighting – 20%)

    The Case of Oticon

    Read the case at the end of this course outline and answer the following questions:

    What does the case describe in terms of changes in the way that people worked at Oticon? (10%)

    Explore the connection between the changes in the way that people worked and Oticon's overall business strategy. (20%)

    Identify one HR topic which management would need to consider as a result of the changes at Oticon. Complete a literature review relating to the topic and on the basis of your research make recommendations to Oticon's management on its HR policy in relation to the topic. (50%) (Examples of topics: Compensation, training, performance management etc.)

    What options are there for the design of the whole HR function at Oticon and what would you recommend to management in terms of the HR role? (20%)

    Overall Word Limit: 1,500 words
    (The percentages above relate to the percentage of marks awarded to each question)

    Assignment Due: Wednesday 12 March 2014

    Group project (weighting total: 30% - presentation 10% and group report 20%)

    Part A – Group Work
    Interview a Firm Manager
    In groups of 3 - 4 organise to interview a manager of a medium to large company or organisation (you should try to find one with more than 100 staff if possible). If you have a contact please follow up – otherwise your lecturer will help you to find one.
    Before you go to the interview follow these steps:
    1. Research the company or organisation using any sources available (published annual reports, newspaper or online reports)
    2. Find out what has been written on the topic of HR strategy and on the HR operational area that you have chosen (see point 3e below) in the last 10 years by researching academic or practitioner journals and magazines (Adelaide Library Summon is a good starting point for your research). As a group you should find at least 10 peer reviewed articles.
    3. Using the literature to help you, develop a set of questions to find out about:
      a. The firm – a little bit about what it does, whether it is public or private, government or not-for-profit.
      b. The number of staff and key areas of activity
      c. The firm's overall strategy: what are the key objectives?
      (note: you might find out some of this information from other sources)
      d. The firm's HR strategy
      e. Information about one area of HR operation. For example recruitment and selection; training and development; compensation; performance management
    The interview
    1. All group members must go
    2. Take no more than one hour of the HR manager's time (don't be late!)
    3. Either record the interview (but ask permission first) or take careful notes
    4. If the manager would prefer anonymity assure him / her that you will not include organisation or company names in any report.
    After the interview
    1. Write up your notes and distribute to the whole group
    2. Discuss your findings, identifying key points
    3. Prepare a short presentation explaining to the class your key findings (to be presented on 28, 29 or 31 March 2014) Your presentation should be no more than 15 minutes long with 5 minutes for questions.
    Part B Your report
    Present your findings as a short research report (no more than 2,500 words) using the following structure:
    • Title of the report: this should be a concise description of your report (no more than 10 words)
    • Table of contents: list all major sections with page numbers (words don't count).
    • Introduction: Set the scene for the reader by explaining the objectives of your report and how you intend to present your findings i.e. a brief structure of the report.
    • Literature review: summarize your findings from the literature search. This section should be around 500 – 600 word and should be comprehensively supported by appropriate referencing.
    • Firm Background In this section you should introduce the firm providing key information about its size and key business objectives.
    • HR Strategy: Briefly explain the firm's HR strategy and how it supports the business strategy
    • HR Operation: Briefly explain how the HR operation which you research supports the business strategy.
    • Conclusion and recommendations: Using the literature write a short summary of your findings as well as some concise and practical recommendations for how HR strategy and operational practices might be improved.
    • Supplementary material:
      o Reference list: use the Harvard Referencing Style
      o Appendix: attach a copy of your interview transcript and notes (not part of the word count)
    Please note the following important points:
    • The report should be in Times New Roman 12 point font (or similar) with 1.5 spacing. Overall presentation should reflect an appropriate business format.
    • Unreferenced reports, or those that do not include a minimum of 10 references, will receive a grade of 50% or less. The quality of your references will impact your grade.
    • The title page of your report should list the names of your team members and should include the following statement:
      "This report is based on materials compiled by group members of our team. We have all attended meetings and contributed to the research and writing of the report. By emailing this document to our lecturer we declare that this submission is our own work and does not involve plagiarism or collusion. We give permission for my assignment to be scanned for electronic checking of plagiarism."
      Group Reports due on Wednesday 9 April 2014
    Examination (weighting – 50%)
    There will be a 3 hour closed book examination during the examination period. Further details will be provided later in the semester.




    Submission
    1. Please note that all requests for extensions should be directed in writing to the Lecturer-in charge no later than 48 hours before the due date. Extension requests after this time will only be granted for exceptional circumstances. This does not include poor time management or poor file management.
    2. Extensions to the due date of individual and group assessment may be granted under special circumstances. An extension request based on illness or on exceptional personal circumstances must include the "Supporting Statement / Certification Form" that is on p. 4 of the Supplementary Assessment application available at:
      Students applying for an extension based on medical reasons must visit their medical practitioner, with the approved ×îÐÂÌÇÐÄVlog form, and have the medical practitioner complete it. A normal doctor's certificate will not be accepted.
    3. All assignments are to be lodged at, or prior to, the due date and time. A late assignment where no extension has been granted will be penalised by a reduction of 5% of the mark given for each day, or part of a day, that it is late.
    4. Assessment marks prior to the final exam will be displayed on the course website. Students are encouraged to check their marks and notify the Lecturer-in-Charge of any discrepancies.
    5. Legible hand-writing and the quality of English expression are considered to be integral parts of the assessment process. Marks may be deducted in the final examination because of poor handwriting.
    6. Students in this course are not permitted to take a DICTIONARY (English or English-Foreign) into the examination.
    Presentation of Assignments
    1. Students must retain a copy of all assignments submitted.
    2. All individual assignments must be attached to an Assignment Cover Sheet and emailed to your lecturer (see below for copy).
    3. All group assignments must be attached to a Group Assignment Cover Sheet and emailed to your lecturer (see below)
    4. Students may not submit work for an assignment that has previously been submitted for this course or any other course.
    5. Your lecturer can refuse to accept assignments that do not have a signed acknowledgement of the ×îÐÂÌÇÐÄVlog’s Policy on Plagiarism:
    Course Grading

    Grades for your performance in this course will be awarded in accordance with the following scheme:

    M10 (Coursework Mark Scheme)
    Grade Mark Description
    FNS   Fail No Submission
    F 1-49 Fail
    P 50-64 Pass
    C 65-74 Credit
    D 75-84 Distinction
    HD 85-100 High Distinction
    CN   Continuing
    NFE   No Formal Examination
    RP   Result Pending

    Further details of the grades/results can be obtained from Examinations.

    Grade Descriptors are available which provide a general guide to the standard of work that is expected at each grade level. More information at Assessment for Coursework Programs.

    Final results for this course will be made available through .

  • Student Feedback

    The ×îÐÂÌÇÐÄVlog places a high priority on approaches to learning and teaching that enhance the student experience. Feedback is sought from students in a variety of ways including on-going engagement with staff, the use of online discussion boards and the use of Student Experience of Learning and Teaching (SELT) surveys as well as GOS surveys and Program reviews.

    SELTs are an important source of information to inform individual teaching practice, decisions about teaching duties, and course and program curriculum design. They enable the ×îÐÂÌÇÐÄVlog to assess how effectively its learning environments and teaching practices facilitate student engagement and learning outcomes. Under the current SELT Policy (http://www.adelaide.edu.au/policies/101/) course SELTs are mandated and must be conducted at the conclusion of each term/semester/trimester for every course offering. Feedback on issues raised through course SELT surveys is made available to enrolled students through various resources (e.g. MyUni). In addition aggregated course SELT data is available.

    This course is regularly revised and updated to reflect student feedback.
  • Student Support
  • Policies & Guidelines
  • Fraud Awareness

    Students are reminded that in order to maintain the academic integrity of all programs and courses, the university has a zero-tolerance approach to students offering money or significant value goods or services to any staff member who is involved in their teaching or assessment. Students offering lecturers or tutors or professional staff anything more than a small token of appreciation is totally unacceptable, in any circumstances. Staff members are obliged to report all such incidents to their supervisor/manager, who will refer them for action under the university's student’s disciplinary procedures.

The ×îÐÂÌÇÐÄVlog of Adelaide is committed to regular reviews of the courses and programs it offers to students. The ×îÐÂÌÇÐÄVlog of Adelaide therefore reserves the right to discontinue or vary programs and courses without notice. Please read the important information contained in the disclaimer.