Overview
Organisations are facing a crisis in productivity and global business competition which is threatening their very existence in the market. Coupled with this challenge is the demand that organisations deliver an increased quality of work life to employees and comply with an intricate and complex set of laws, regulations and court decisions. This unit provides you with an introduction to human resource management (HRM), and to frameworks and models that explain the core functions of HRM such as planning, recruitment, development, reward and motivating employees. In this unit, you will examine how human resources functions, strategies, and practices help an organisation to perform efficiently and effectively, and assist organisations to achieve a sustained competitive advantage. You will also examine the role of HRM in diverse organisations and different cultural contexts to understand what constitutes ethical human resource management.
Details
Pre-requisites or Co-requisites
There are no requisites for this unit.
Important note: Students enrolled in a subsequent unit who failed their pre-requisite unit, should drop the subsequent unit before the census date or within 10 working days of Fail grade notification. Students who do not drop the unit in this timeframe cannot later drop the unit without academic and financial liability. See details in the Assessment Policy and Procedure (Higher Education Coursework).
Offerings For Term 2 - 2025
Attendance Requirements
All on-campus students are expected to attend scheduled classes - in some units, these classes are identified as a mandatory (pass/fail) component and attendance is compulsory. International students, on a student visa, must maintain a full time study load and meet both attendance and academic progress requirements in each study period (satisfactory attendance for International students is defined as maintaining at least an 80% attendance record).
Recommended Student Time Commitment
Each 6-credit Postgraduate unit at CQUniversity requires an overall time commitment of an average of 12.5 hours of study per week, making a total of 150 hours for the unit.
Class Timetable
Assessment Overview
Assessment Grading
This is a graded unit: your overall grade will be calculated from the marks or grades for each assessment task, based on the relative weightings shown in the table above. You must obtain an overall mark for the unit of at least 50%, or an overall grade of 'pass' in order to pass the unit. If any 'pass/fail' tasks are shown in the table above they must also be completed successfully ('pass' grade). You must also meet any minimum mark requirements specified for a particular assessment task, as detailed in the 'assessment task' section (note that in some instances, the minimum mark for a task may be greater than 50%). Consult the University's Grades and Results Policy for more details of interim results and final grades.
All University policies are available on the CQUniversity Policy site.
You may wish to view these policies:
- Grades and Results Policy
- Assessment Policy and Procedure (Higher Education Coursework)
- Review of Grade Procedure
- Student Academic Integrity Policy and Procedure
- Monitoring Academic Progress (MAP) Policy and Procedure - Domestic Students
- Monitoring Academic Progress (MAP) Policy and Procedure - International Students
- Student Refund and Credit Balance Policy and Procedure
- Student Feedback - Compliments and Complaints Policy and Procedure
- Information and Communications Technology Acceptable Use Policy and Procedure
This list is not an exhaustive list of all University policies. The full list of University policies are available on the CQUniversity Policy site.
Feedback, Recommendations and Responses
Every unit is reviewed for enhancement each year. At the most recent review, the following staff and student feedback items were identified and recommendations were made.
Feedback from External reviewer
I would query the scaffolding between A1 and A2. It goes from analysing an article to and annotated bibliography, should these be the other way around?
Assessments 1 and 2 will be combined as a literature review activity, which involves a 10 minute recorded presentation and 1200-word written reflection activity.
- Critically assess the role and functions of HRM for strategic integration and achieving organisational objectives
- Analyse contemporary issues in managing human resources within the context of current professional and academic literature
- Identify and evaluate human resource management strategies and practices to plan, attract, recruit, develop, motivate and reward employees and respond to internal and external changes
- Develop a critical understanding of contemporary human resources issues including ethical issues.
Alignment of Assessment Tasks to Learning Outcomes
| Assessment Tasks | Learning Outcomes | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | |
| 1 - Presentation - 25% | ||||
| 2 - Written Assessment - 30% | ||||
| 3 - Written Assessment - 45% | ||||
Alignment of Graduate Attributes to Learning Outcomes
| Graduate Attributes | Learning Outcomes | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | |
| 1 - Knowledge | ||||
| 2 - Communication | ||||
| 3 - Cognitive, technical and creative skills | ||||
| 4 - Research | ||||
| 5 - Self-management | ||||
| 6 - Ethical and Professional Responsibility | ||||
| 7 - Leadership | ||||
| 8 - First Nations Knowledges | ||||
| 9 - Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Cultures | ||||
Alignment of Assessment Tasks to Graduate Attributes
| Assessment Tasks | Graduate Attributes | ||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 | 9 | |
| 1 - Presentation - 25% | |||||||||
| 2 - Written Assessment - 30% | |||||||||
| 3 - Written Assessment - 45% | |||||||||
Textbooks
Human Resource Management: Strategy and Practice
- Edition: 11 (2023)
- Authors: Alan Nankervis, Marian Baird, Jane Coffey, John Shields
- Cengage Learning
- ISBN: 978-0170458795
IT Resources
- CQUniversity Student Email
- Internet
- Unit Website (Moodle)
All submissions for this unit must use the referencing style: American Psychological Association 7th Edition (APA 7th edition)
For further information, see the Assessment Tasks.
a.haque@cqu.edu.au
Week 1
Begin Date: 14 Jul 2025Module/Topic
Evolution of Strategic Human Resource Management
Chapter
Chapter 1
Events and Submissions/Topic
Week 1: This week we will explore the evolution of HRM into Strategic HRM, its importance in organisational success, and how it adapts to global, economic, and ethical challenges.
Week 2
Begin Date: 21 Jul 2025Module/Topic
The Context of Strategic Human Resource Management
Chapter
Chapter 2
Events and Submissions/Topic
Week 2: This week we will examine the social, economic, and political contexts that shape strategic HRM, focusing on how these factors influence labour markets, workforce needs, and productivity in a dynamic global environment.
Week 3
Begin Date: 28 Jul 2025Module/Topic
Industrial Relations: Frameworks and Practice
Chapter
Chapter 3
Events and Submissions/Topic
Week 3: This week we will focus on the industrial relations frameworks that shape employment relationships, exploring workplace conflict, legislation like the Fair Work Act, and the dual roles of HR managers in balancing employer and employee interests.
Week 4
Begin Date: 04 Aug 2025Module/Topic
Human Hesource Planning
Chapter
Chapter 4
Events and Submissions/Topic
Week 4: This week we will explore human resource planning, its link to organisational strategy, and the use of HR information systems to create flexible, data-driven plans that respond to changing labour markets and organisational needs.
Presentation on Week 4 Topic: Analysing HRP
Week 5
Begin Date: 11 Aug 2025Module/Topic
Designing Work
Chapter
Chapter 5
Events and Submissions/Topic
Week 5: This week we will examine work design, focusing on job analysis, competency profiling, and how organisations balance employee needs with business goals to attract, develop, and retain talent in a competitive and diverse global environment.
Presentation on Week 5 Topic: Significance of job analysis
Vacation Week
Begin Date: 18 Aug 2025Module/Topic
Chapter
Events and Submissions/Topic
Week 6
Begin Date: 25 Aug 2025Module/Topic
Recruitment and Selection
Chapter
Chapter 6
Events and Submissions/Topic
Week 6: This week we will focus on recruitment and selection strategies, linking workforce planning to organisational goals and exploring effective methods for attracting, selecting, and managing talent both locally and internationally.
Presentation on Week 6 Topic: The trend of AI in employment selection
Written Assessment Due: Week 6 Friday (29 Aug 2025) 11:55 pm AEST
Week 7
Begin Date: 01 Sep 2025Module/Topic
Retention, Learning, and Development
Chapter
Chapter 7
Events and Submissions/Topic
Week 7: This week we will explore retention, learning, and development challenges, focusing on evolving skill needs, the impact of COVID-19 on work and learning, and strategies to grow and retain talent in a changing workforce.
Presentation on Week 7 Topic: Career development & sustainability
Week 8
Begin Date: 08 Sep 2025Module/Topic
Managing Performance
Chapter
Chapter 8
Events and Submissions/Topic
Week 8: This week we will focus on managing performance, exploring effective performance management systems, traditional and new feedback methods, and strategies to support employee wellbeing and address underperformance ethically and strategically.
Presentation on Week 8 Topic: Managing performance in contemporary work environments
Week 9
Begin Date: 15 Sep 2025Module/Topic
Strategic Reward Management
Chapter
Chapter 9
Events and Submissions/Topic
Week 9: This week we will explore strategic reward management, focusing on total reward approaches, aligning rewards with organisational goals, and ensuring fairness to motivate and retain employees effectively.
Presentation on Week 9 Topic: Variety in employee recognition and rewards
Week 10
Begin Date: 22 Sep 2025Module/Topic
Managing Work Health and Safety
Chapter
Chapter 10
Events and Submissions/Topic
Week 10: This week we will examine managing work health and safety (WHS) in Australia, focusing on legislation, stakeholder perspectives, and how integrated SHRM practices promote safer, healthier, and more productive workplaces.
Presentation on Week 10 Topic: WHS framework in Australia
Week 11
Begin Date: 29 Sep 2025Module/Topic
Evaluating HRM and HR Analytics
Chapter
Chapter 11
Events and Submissions/Topic
Week 11: This week we will focus on evaluating SHRM by examining methods to assess HRM effectiveness, its contribution to organisational goals, corporate governance, and how SHRM is expected to evolve in the future.
Presentation on Week 10 Topic: Impact of AI in HR Analytics
Week 12
Begin Date: 06 Oct 2025Module/Topic
Revise and Review
Chapter
Events and Submissions/Topic
Week 12: This week we will dedicate time to revising and reviewing all key concepts, theories, and frameworks covered throughout the course. It will be an opportunity to consolidate your understanding of Strategic HRM, clarify any doubts, and prepare for assessments by revisiting important topics and applying your knowledge to practical scenarios.
Review/Exam Week
Begin Date: 13 Oct 2025Module/Topic
Chapter
Events and Submissions/Topic
Exam Week
Begin Date: 20 Oct 2025Module/Topic
Chapter
Events and Submissions/Topic
1 Presentation
Assessment Purpose: The primary purpose of Assessment 1 is to help you develop a critical understanding of future trends in HRM within the context of current academic literature. The second purpose is to enhance your oral communication and presentation skills. You are expected to deliver a presentation on an article from a peer-reviewed journal, published in the last five years (since 2020), focusing on one of the following topics. Your presentation is scheduled to take place during your weekly workshop, as agreed upon with your lecturer. These topics are noted below:
- Week 4 topic – Analysing HRP
- Week 5 topic– Significance of job analysis
- Week 6 topic– The trend of AI in employment selection
- Week 7 topic– Career development & sustainability
- Week 8 topic – Managing performance in contemporary work environments
- Week 9 topic – Variety in employee recognition and rewards
- Week 10 topic – WHS framework in Australia
- Week 11 topic – Impact of AI in HR Analytics
Step 1: Nominate a topic - You will nominate a topic in class in Week 2. Up to 5 presentations can be held each week.
Step 2: Select one article for your presentation - Start gathering ideas for your topic. Review the book chapter related to the weekly topic as well as the references at the end of the chapter to help you become familiar with the chosen subject. Additionally, identify one peer-reviewed journal article related to this topic. You should consider journals such as Human Resource Management (US), Human Resource Management Journal (UK), International Journal of Human Resource Management, Personnel Review, and Asia Pacific Journal of Human Resources.
Step 3: Analysis - Critically review the chosen article to identify a key theme related to your topic, rather than simply summarising the article.
Step 4: Design your presentation - A template has been provided to guide your presentation. Presentation is to be a maximum of seven (7) minutes with a maximum of seven to ten (7-10) PowerPoint slides. You need to communicate: the
title, topic, objective of the chosen article, method(s) of the research undertaken, findings, conclusion, and how this article contributes to the respective weekly topic assigned to you. You must upload your slides at least a day before your scheduled presentation date.
IMPORTANT: Level of GenAI use allowed (Level 1: No AI):
This assessment requires students to adhere to the guidelines on the use of artificial intelligence tools as specified in the Artificial Intelligence Assessment Scale (AIAS). Any misuse or lack of disclosure regarding the use of AI tools will be considered a breach of academic integrity. You must not use artificial intelligence (AI) tools at any point during this assessment (Level 1: No AI). You can read further information about the scale here:
https://leonfurze.com/2024/08/28/updating-the-ai-assessment-scale/
https://ajet.org.au/index.php/AJET/article/view/9434
Presentations during weekly workshops 4 - 11 inclusive
Presentations will be graded and written feedback will be given in one working week via the unit Moodle site.
Your presentation on the chosen journal article will be assessed based on the following criteria:
Correct referencing (5%): Accurate and proper citation of the selected paper within the presentation, demonstrating adherence to referencing conventions.
Research aim and question (10%): Clarity and relevance of the research goal and the guiding question presented in the selected paper, indicating a clear purpose and focus.
Method (10%): Appropriateness and soundness of the research methodology employed in the selected paper, reflecting a well-designed and rigorous approach.
Findings (10%): Thoroughness and coherence of the research outcomes and results presented in the selected paper, showcasing comprehensive and logically structured findings.
Article conclusion (10%): Effectiveness and logical alignment of the conclusions drawn from the research in the selected paper, demonstrating a coherent and insightful summary.
Contribution to the topic (25%): The extent to which the presentation adds value and enhances understanding of the weekly topic assigned to you, offering unique insights or perspectives.
Quality of presentation (20%): Overall proficiency in delivery, organisation, eye contact, and engagement with the audience, ensuring a polished and engaging presentation.
Visual aids (10%): Effectiveness and relevance of visual materials, such as PowerPoint slides, used to support the presentation, enhancing comprehension and illustrating key points effectively.
Further details on each assessment criteria are outlined in the assessment rubric.
- Analyse contemporary issues in managing human resources within the context of current professional and academic literature
- Develop a critical understanding of contemporary human resources issues including ethical issues.
- Knowledge
- Communication
- Cognitive, technical and creative skills
- Research
- Self-management
- Ethical and Professional Responsibility
2 Written Assessment
Length: 2000 words (500 for each article x 4)
Assessment Purpose: The primary purpose of Assessment 2 is to enhance your research, analysis, and referencing skills. This task will also provide you with the opportunity to demonstrate your critical thinking and written
communication skills. Moreover, this task will enable you to begin your research related to Assessment 3. You are required to compile an Annotated Bibliography of recent four peer-reviewed journal articles related to Assessment 3
(Business Report).
Step 1: Read the task description for Assessment 3 (Business Report) to understand the requirements, as Assessment 2 is designed to assist you in completing Assessment 3.
Step 2: Undertake research of the recent HRM literature (from 2015). Identify four (4) academic peer-reviewed journal articles relevant to Assessment 3. These articles must be aligned with at least three (3) of the HRM themes/topics from Weeks 1 to 11 (e.g., the evolution of strategic HRM, the context of HRM, industrial relations or HR planning and work design). It is recommended that you undertake your research via the online ‘search’ of CQUniversity Library site -Databases. You are suggested to select some of the following peer-reviewed journals:
- Human Resource Management (US)
- Human Resource Management Journal (UK)
- International Journal of Human Resource Management
- Personnel Review, and
- Asia Pacific Journal of Human Resources.
Step 3: Prepare and submit your written annotation of 2000 words. A template has been provided to assist you with this
annotation task.
IMPORTANT: Level of GenAI use allowed (Level 1: No AI):
This assessment requires students to adhere to the guidelines on the use of artificial intelligence tools as specified in the Artificial Intelligence Assessment Scale (AIAS). Any misuse or lack of disclosure regarding the use of AI tools will be considered a breach of academic integrity. You must not use artificial intelligence (AI) tools at any point during this assessment (Level 1: No AI). You can read further information about the scale here:
https://leonfurze.com/2024/08/28/updating-the-ai-assessment-scale/
Week 6 Friday (29 Aug 2025) 11:55 pm AEST
Only MS Word document and pdf files are accepted. Documents that cannot go through Turnitin or cannot be opened will not be marked.
Marks and feedback usually will be returned approximately two (2) working weeks from submission for on-time submissions.
Your assignment will be assessed based on the following criteria, each representing a specific aspect:
- Quality of the selected article published in reputable journals (10%): Evaluation of the chosen articles based on their reliability, credibility, and adherence to academic standards.
- Identification of research aims and methods for the study (20%): Clear articulation and understanding of the research objectives and the appropriateness and robustness of the research methods employed.
- Findings, results, and conclusions of the study (20%): Thoroughness, coherence, and significance of the research outcomes, results, and conclusions drawn.
- Relevance for Assessment 3 (30%): Establishing the logical alignment of your shortlisted journal articles with Assessment 3.
- Overall presentation and quality of writing (20%): Proficiency in presenting the assignment, including the organisation, clarity, coherence, and effectiveness of the writing style and structure.
A full rubric is available on the Moodle site. Penalty for late submission without approval if applicable [(-5%)× 30/day=-1.5 marks/day]
IMPORTANT: Plagiarism will be reported to the Academic Services Centre of the University and may result in a “zero” mark.
- Critically assess the role and functions of HRM for strategic integration and achieving organisational objectives
- Analyse contemporary issues in managing human resources within the context of current professional and academic literature
- Identify and evaluate human resource management strategies and practices to plan, attract, recruit, develop, motivate and reward employees and respond to internal and external changes
- Develop a critical understanding of contemporary human resources issues including ethical issues.
- Knowledge
- Communication
- Cognitive, technical and creative skills
- Research
- Self-management
- Ethical and Professional Responsibility
- Leadership
3 Written Assessment
Length: 2500 words (excluding references and appendices)
Assessment Purpose: Assessment 3 has been designed to enhance your research, analysis, critical thinking and written communication skills, particularly in the areas of argument development and report writing. Task Details: Assuming that you are a human resource consultant, critically analyse the video case/news feed provided on the unit's Moodle site. Based on the HRM challenges and/or opportunities identified during your analysis, you will need to prepare a business report for an Australian organisation of your choice. This report should outline how the chosen organisation could address the identified HRM challenges and/or leverage the opportunities. Your report structure is provided in a template, and includes:
- Executive summary
- Table of contents
- Introduction
- Organisational context
- Human resource management challenges/opportunities for the chosen organisation
- Conclusion and recommendations
- References
Your report should refer to at least eight (8) relevant peer-reviewed journal articles, including those in your Assessment 2 (Annotated Bibliography). You should also refer to additional references (may not necessarily be peer-reviewed) on the
chosen organisation.
IMPORTANT: Level of GenAI use allowed (Level 1: No AI):
This assessment requires students to adhere to the guidelines on the use of artificial intelligence tools as specified in the Artificial Intelligence Assessment Scale (AIAS). Any misuse or lack of disclosure regarding the use of AI tools will be considered a breach of academic integrity. You must not use artificial intelligence (AI) tools at any point during this assessment (Level 1: No AI). You can read further information about the scale here:
https://leonfurze.com/2024/08/28/updating-the-ai-assessment-scale/
Review/Exam Week Monday (13 Oct 2025) 11:55 pm AEST
Only MS Word document and pdf files are accepted. Documents that cannot go through Turnitin or cannot be opened will not be marked.
Your report will be assessed based on the following criteria, each representing a specific aspect:
- Research (10%) : Selection of appropriate resources including a minimum of eight peer-reviewed articles and other resources on the chosen organisation
- Review and analysis (20%): Demonstrated understanding and utilisation of relevant HRM literature and concepts to support the analysis and arguments in the report.
- Application (30%): Effective integration and application of HRM literature to your specific organisation, showcasing the ability to draw connections and insights that are relevant and applicable.
- Recommendations (15%): Appropriate, actionable recommendations to the chosen organisation, based on the opportunities/challenges identified.
- Structure (10%): Clarity and coherence in the organisation and structure of the report, including the logical flow of ideas.
- Communication (10%): Writing quality of the report, including clarity, coherence, grammar, and style, ensuring effective communication and engaging reading experience.
- Referencing (5%): Accurate referencing of sources consistent with APA 7.0 citation guidelines.
A full rubric is available on the Moodle site. Penalty for late submission without approval if applicable [(-5% per day × 45 marks = - 2.2 marks/day].
IMPORTANT: Plagiarism will be reported to the Academic Services Centre of the University and may result in a “zero” mark.
- Critically assess the role and functions of HRM for strategic integration and achieving organisational objectives
- Analyse contemporary issues in managing human resources within the context of current professional and academic literature
- Identify and evaluate human resource management strategies and practices to plan, attract, recruit, develop, motivate and reward employees and respond to internal and external changes
- Develop a critical understanding of contemporary human resources issues including ethical issues.
- Knowledge
- Communication
- Cognitive, technical and creative skills
- Research
- Self-management
- Ethical and Professional Responsibility
- Leadership
As a CQUniversity student you are expected to act honestly in all aspects of your academic work.
Any assessable work undertaken or submitted for review or assessment must be your own work. Assessable work is any type of work you do to meet the assessment requirements in the unit, including draft work submitted for review and feedback and final work to be assessed.
When you use the ideas, words or data of others in your assessment, you must thoroughly and clearly acknowledge the source of this information by using the correct referencing style for your unit. Using others’ work without proper acknowledgement may be considered a form of intellectual dishonesty.
Participating honestly, respectfully, responsibly, and fairly in your university study ensures the CQUniversity qualification you earn will be valued as a true indication of your individual academic achievement and will continue to receive the respect and recognition it deserves.
As a student, you are responsible for reading and following CQUniversity’s policies, including the Student Academic Integrity Policy and Procedure. This policy sets out CQUniversity’s expectations of you to act with integrity, examples of academic integrity breaches to avoid, the processes used to address alleged breaches of academic integrity, and potential penalties.
What is a breach of academic integrity?
A breach of academic integrity includes but is not limited to plagiarism, self-plagiarism, collusion, cheating, contract cheating, and academic misconduct. The Student Academic Integrity Policy and Procedure defines what these terms mean and gives examples.
Why is academic integrity important?
A breach of academic integrity may result in one or more penalties, including suspension or even expulsion from the University. It can also have negative implications for student visas and future enrolment at CQUniversity or elsewhere. Students who engage in contract cheating also risk being blackmailed by contract cheating services.
Where can I get assistance?
For academic advice and guidance, the Academic Learning Centre (ALC) can support you in becoming confident in completing assessments with integrity and of high standard.
What can you do to act with integrity?
