Human Resource Development (HRD)

Module title	Human Resource Development (HRD)
Module code	BEMM044
Academic year	2021/2
Credits	15
Module staff	Dr Graham Perkins (Convenor)

Duration: Term	1	2	3
Duration: Weeks		8	7

Number students taking module (anticipated)	90

Module description

Developing and enhancing skills and knowledge in the workplace, both general and specific, is a central objective of the HR function in organisations. It is also an area of HR work which has significant public policy implications. This module will therefore be of interest to anyone who wishes to build a career in HRM, in HR consultancy, or who aspires to work in publicly-sponsored training bodies. It will also provide you with an introductory platform from which to forge a career as an HRD specialist. Successful completion of the HRD module is essential for individuals seeking to gain full membership of the CIPD upon graduation.

Module aims - intentions of the module

The aim of this module is to equip you with the knowledge and understanding (both theoretical and practical) to make a substantial contribution to the management of learning in contemporary organisations. On completion you will be able to give appropriate and timely advice on the development of training and learning programmes, and on wider HRD policy matters. Our sessions cover the formation of HRD strategy, policy and learning interventions, with emphasis being on current developments in the field. You will be encouraged to think critically about research into different approaches to learning and development and to engage with key debates in the field about issues such as effective evaluation and ethics.

Intended Learning Outcomes (ILOs)

ILO: Module-specific skills

On successfully completing the module you will be able to...

1. meet the learning outcomes contained in the CIPD's advanced diploma syllabus in the field of learning and development ;
2. critically evaluate contemporary theory and practice within HRD.

ILO: Discipline-specific skills

On successfully completing the module you will be able to...

3. critically discuss key theories and published literature related to HRD;
4. identify links between HRD activity and other areas of management practice in organisations.

ILO: Personal and key skills

On successfully completing the module you will be able to...

5. develop arguments and justify them effectively within written reports;
6. advise managers and other organisational stakeholders about employee development issues

Syllabus plan

This module makes use of a variety of learning methods, with supporting material provided online enabling you to gain a broad understanding of contemporary theory and practice in the field of HRD. Starting with introductory material we will move on to explore and debate a wide variety of issues. Our taught sessions will cover the following major topic areas:

The changing context for HRD
Major learning and development theories
Different types of HRD intervention
Managing the HRD function in organisations
HRD strategy and policy
Leadership and management development
Organisation design and development
Knowledge management
Organisational learning
Career management
Critical perspectives on HRD
Ethical and professional debates in the field of HRD

Learning activities and teaching methods (given in hours of study time)

Scheduled Learning and Teaching Activities	Guided independent study	Placement / study abroad
30	120	0

Details of learning activities and teaching methods

Category	Hours of study time	Description
Scheduled Learning and Teaching activities	30	Lectures, workshops, group activities, analysis of case studies
Guided Independent Study	30	Preparatory reading prior to taught sessions
Guided Independent Study	30	Reflection and further reading: Guided reading and completion of online exercises
Guided Independent Study	60	Assignment preparation: Researching and writing your assignment

Formative assessment

Form of assessment	Size of the assessment (eg length / duration)	ILOs assessed	Feedback method
In-class activities	13 hours	1-6	In-class tutor feedback
Multiple choice test	1 hour	2,3	Tutor feedback

Summative assessment (% of credit)

Coursework	Written exams	Practical exams
100	0	0

Details of summative assessment

Form of assessment	% of credit	Size of the assessment (eg length / duration)	ILOs assessed	Feedback method
Written Assignment	100	4,000 words	1-6	Written tutor feedback

Details of re-assessment (where required by referral or deferral)

Original form of assessment	Form of re-assessment	ILOs re-assessed	Timescale for re-assessment
Written Assignment (100%)	Re-work and re-submit the original assignment (4,000 words, 100%)	1-6	August/September Reassessment Period

Indicative learning resources - Basic reading

Suggested Text:

McGuire, D. (2014) Human Resource Development. 2^nd Edition. Sage: London.

Indicative learning resources - Web based and electronic resources

You will have access to an online searchable and resources database, with links to several ebooks available through the Exeter Learning Environment (ELE). Within this environment, you will also be supported through online discussion forums and activities.

Indicative learning resources - Other resources

As an associate member of the Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development you will also have access to the entirety of the Institute's website, including all published research reports, archived articles from 'People Management', fact sheets, discussion papers and briefings.

Key words search

training, development, learning, HRD, management development, talent development, skills, knowledge management

Credit value	15
Module ECTS	7.5
Module pre-requisites	None
Module co-requisites	None
NQF level (module)	7
Available as distance learning?	No
Origin date	17/07/2014
Last revision date	28/01/2021