MODULE SPECIFICATION TEMPLATE
MODULE DETAILS
Module title
Module code
Level
Managing People & Organisations
HRM84
Level 4
Level 5
Level 6
Credit rating
Pre-requisites for
registration on this module
eventually it is anticipated
that these will be specified in
terms of learning outcomes;
in the interim they should be
specified in terms of other
module codes, or equivalent
Type of module
Period of time over which it
is delivered and mode of
delivery
Brief description of
module content and/ or
aims
Overview (max 80 words)
Module team/ author/
coordinator(s)
Semester 1 or 2
Site/ campus where
delivered
X
Level 7
20
None
Block mode delivered over 5 days
This is essential knowledge for those responsible for the management
of people in an organisational context. The module investigates the
way organisations and their environments influence the practice of
management and the performance of people.
Barry Lee Scherer, Maura Sheehan & Jenny Knight
1 or 2
Moulescoomb
Field(s) for which module is appropriate and status in that field
Field
Status (mandatory/ compulsory/ optional)
Course(s) for which module is appropriate and status on that course
Course
Status (mandatory/ compulsory/ optional)
MBA Public Service Management
Compulsory
MBA, MBA International Management FT
Compulsory
MBA PT
Compulsory
MBA Leadership
Compulsory
MBA Knowledge & Innovation Management
Compulsory
MODULE AIMS, ASSESSMENT AND SUPPORT
Aims
This module aims to develop:
 A critical understanding of organisational behaviour and its impact on
organisational performance

A critical understanding of HRM functions, including HR’s potential
strategic role in diverse organisational contexts.

Learning
outcomes/
objectives
Content
The ability to produce and present to relevant audiences detailed
recommendations to achieve improvements in the areas investigated.
At the end of this module students will be able to demonstrate:

The capacity to critically apply scholarly concepts, theories and models
to analyse, explain and evaluate participation in organisations from
alternative perspectives;

The ability to critically evaluate the team and management roles
undertaken by the individual;

A broad understanding of the critical fields of organisational behaviour;

An appreciation of the role of human resources management in diverse
organisational contexts;

The ability to diagnose and to conduct a detailed investigation of a
problem or issue related to organisational behaviour and/or HRM and
to design practical solutions to this.

The capacity to reflect on their own organisational experience and
learning.
Organisational Behaviour & Human Resource Management
Organisational Behaviour
 The origins and evolution of the field of organisational behaviour
 A diagnostic approach to organisational behaviour
 Individual aspects of organisational behaviour (assumptions, perceptions
and feelings)
 Group and team aspects of organisational behaviour (team building, group
roles and group dynamics)
 Elements of organisational structure, culture and design
 The dynamic relationship between organisations and their environments
Human Resource Management
 Human Resource Management and Performance
 HRM in context – strategy, national context and national culture,
organisational change
 HR processes – the ‘strength’ of the HR system; the role of line managers;
the role of organisational and national cultures
 Overview of key HR functions:
o Human Resource Planning (HRP);
o Recruitment and Selection (R&S);
o Performance Management;
o Human Resource Development (HRD)
o Reward Management
o Talent Management & the role of employer branding
Teaching and
learning strategy
Allocation of study
hours to activities
(including premodule activities,
contact time,
The content will be delivered through presentations, class and small group
discussions, guest speakers and a range of learning exercises and case
studies, drawing on materials and experiences offered to and by the
participants. The module will encourage participants to draw on their personal
experience in the workplace. Formative feedback will be provided via an activity
that will not contribute to the final mark of the module.
Support will be available for a period after the end of the module in order to
private study time
and assessment)
support participant preparation for the controlled assessment. During this
period of guided study, emphasis will be placed on developing self-directed
learning habits and abilities. Tutors may work with participants individually or in
groups.
Where appropriate, readings will be provided in order to enable participants to
prepare for, and reflect upon, contact sessions. Overall, the skills and
knowledge possessed by the participants as managers will be drawn on to lend
context to the taught material.
Activity
Contact hours inc. lectures,
workshops, supervision & guided
study
Research, group work, guided
reading and individual study
Total hours
Learning support
Including indicative
reading, computer
packages, field trips
etc.
Hours
70
130
200
Studies will be supported by:
 The University’s ‘studentcentral’ intranet
 Library facilities including the online library
 Module reader
 Assignment guidance notes
 Formative feedback from teaching staff
 Illustrative case studies
 Support from lecturers inc. lecture materials
 Tutorial support on an individual request basis
Indicative reading list
(Please note that this is an indicative reading list, which is current at the time of
writing. Tutors cannot guarantee that books will remain in print over the year of
the course and they cannot anticipate when new editions will be published).
Module tutors will provide guidance on selected reading but in addition
participants will be encouraged to explore articles in scholarly journals they find
relevant to the course topics and issues.
Selected chapters from the latest editions of:
Adler N. International Dimensions of Organizational Behaviour (Southwestern)
Gordon, J. A Diagnostic Approach to Organizational Behaviour (Prentice Hall)
Kramer, R. and Syed, J. Human Resource Management in a Global Context
(Palgrave)
Milmore, M., Lewis, P., Saunders, M., Thornhill, A. and Morrow, T. Strategic
Human Resource Management (Financial Times/Prentice Hall)
Robbins S.P. Organizational Behavior (Prentice Hall)
Rosenfeld R. and Wilson D.C. Managing Organisations (McGraw Hill)
Sparrow, P. and Brewster, C. and Harris, H. Globalizing Human Resource
Management (Routledge)
Selected articles from journals, such as:
Academy of Management Review
Academy of Management Journal
Administrative Science Quarterly
American Sociological Review
British Journal of Industrial Relations
British Journal of Sociology
California Management Review
Human Relations
Human Resource Management Journal
International Journal of Intercultural Relations
International Journal of Human Resource Management
Assessment tasks
Including weighting
of individual tasks
International Studies of Management and Organization
Journal of Applied Behavioural Science
Journal of Applied Management Studies
Journal of General Management
Journal of International Management
Journal of Management Development
Journal of Managerial Psychology
Journal of Organizational Change Management
Leadership and Organisational Development
Long Range Planning
Management Decision
Organisational Development
Personnel Review
Assessment will consist of:
A time controlled assessment (100% weighting)
Participants will demonstrate their knowledge and understanding of certain of
the concepts, frameworks, models and techniques of the subject disciplines
covered in the module by an ‘open book’ assessment, which will take place
under controlled conditions.
EXAMINATION INFORMATION
Area examination board
External examiners
Name
As approved by SCEEN
MBA PAB
Date appointed
QUALITY ASSURANCE
Date of first approval
Only complete where this is
not the first version
Date of last revision
Only complete where this is
not the first version
Date of approval for this
version
Version number
Modules replaced
Specify codes of modules for
which this is a replacement
2012
1
MNM32, MNM26, MNM28