MGN530 Strategic Talent Management and Workforce Analytics
To view more information for this unit, select Unit Outline from the list below. Please note the teaching period for which the Unit Outline is relevant.
| Unit code: | MGN530 |
|---|---|
| Prerequisite(s): | 36 credit points of completed study |
| Antirequisite(s): | MGN429 |
| Equivalent(s): | MGN443 |
| Credit points: | 12 |
| Timetable | Details in HiQ, if available |
| Availabilities |
|
| Domestic tuition unit fee | $4,596 |
| International unit fee | $6,180 |
Unit Outline: Semester 1 2026, Gardens Point, Internal
| Unit code: | MGN530 |
|---|---|
| Credit points: | 12 |
| Pre-requisite: | 36 credit points of completed study |
| Equivalent: | MGN443 |
| Anti-requisite: | MGN429 |
| Coordinator: | Muhammad Ali | m3.ali@qut.edu.au |
Overview
This developmental unit equips you with expertise in designing talent management strategies and leveraging workforce analytics to create high‑performing, inclusive and future‑ready organisations. You will investigate advanced theories of talent acquisition, development, engagement and retention alongside quantitative methods for analysing workforce data. Through real‑world case studies and hands‑on use of analytics tools (including generative AI applications), you will learn to formulate evidence‑based recommendations, assess ethical and legal implications of data use and communicate insights to diverse stakeholders.
Learning Outcomes
On successful completion of this unit you will be able to:
- Analyse workforce analytics and talent management data using advanced technical and digital capabilities to generate evidence based insights that support ethical and socially responsible talent decisions [KS 1.2, HO 2.1, SE 5.1]
- Communicate data driven strategic talent management recommendations through professional written and oral communication, demonstrating strategic judgement and ethical reasoning [HO 2.2, PC 3.1, 3.2, SE 5.1]
- Reflect on personal and team contributions during talent analytics and strategy activities to demonstrate accountability, collaborative capability and effective oral communication [PC 3.2, TS 4.1, 4.2]
Content
This unit develops advanced capabilities in strategic talent management, workforce planning and analytics, and the ethical application of AI-enabled HR tools to support evidence based people decisions across the employee lifecycle.
- Strategic talent management frameworks: workforce planning, capability analysis, succession management and leadership development
- Sourcing and selecting talent in a global labour market, including employer branding and candidate experience
- Learning and development strategies, performance management and career pathways
- Diversity, equity and inclusion in talent management
- Workforce analytics: data collection, visualisation and statistical techniques for HR decision making
- Applying artificial intelligence and machine learning to predict turnover, performance and skill needs
- Ethical, legal and privacy considerations in people analytics and algorithmic decision making
- Communicating analytics insights and influencing organisational change
QUT Business Capabilities (Postgraduate)
The content and assessment in this unit are aligned to a selection of the following set of QUT Business Capabilities, also known as Assurance of Learning Goals (AoLs). Developing these capabilities will assist you to meet the desired graduate outcomes set at QUT and equip you with the knowledge and skills to succeed in your chosen career.
Knowledge & Technical Skills (KS)
1.1 Demonstrate and apply integrated and advanced discipline and professional practice knowledge, including knowledge of relevant research principles and methods.
1.2 Apply technical, technological and technical research skills to organise and interpret discipline knowledge, including theory and practice, to investigate business issues.
Higher Order Thinking Skills (HO)
2.1 Critically investigate real world business issues and problems drawing on analysis, evaluation and synthesis of discipline knowledge, including theory and practice.
2.2 Exercise creativity and intellectual independence and make informed decisions and judgements in planning, designing, and executing strategic and research-based responses to address real world issues and problems.
Professional Communication (PC)
3.1 Use information literacy skills and communicate effectively and professionally in written forms and using media appropriate for diverse purposes, contexts and audiences.
3.2 Use information literacy skills and communicate effectively and professionally in oral forms appropriate for diverse purposes, contexts and audiences.
Teamwork & Self (TS)
4.1 Exercise self-reflection and accountability in applying knowledge and skills for own learning and effective practice.
4.2 Apply teamwork knowledge and skills for effective collaboration across a range of complex activities and contexts.
Social, Ethical & Global Understanding (SE)
5.1 Demonstrate and apply knowledge of ethical and legal principles and practices of business in critically analysing and effectively responding to complex business issues.
5.2 Demonstrate and apply knowledge of socially responsible behaviour in analysing and addressing business issues and critically reflect on the responsibilities and impacts of organisations in national and international business contexts.
Learning Approaches
The learning design emphasises applied analytics, critical reflection and collaborative inquiry. You will analyse datasets, use digital tools and statistical software to generate insights and interpret the implications for talent strategy. Case studies and industry guest speakers will illustrate how organisations harness analytics to develop their people. Workshops and peer feedback will build your capacity to communicate complex findings clearly. Both formative and summative assessments will support your development of advanced analytical reasoning and professional communication skills.
Feedback on Learning and Assessment
Students will receive feedback in various forms throughout the semester which may include:
- Informal: worked examples, such as verbal feedback in class, personal consultation
- Formal: in writing, such as checklists (e.g. criteria sheets), written commentary
- Direct: to individual students, either in written form or in consultation
- Indirect: to the whole class
Assessment
Overview
Assessment in this unit is designed to develop your ability to analyse workforce data, formulate strategic talent recommendations and articulate insights clearly to varied stakeholders. Assessments align with QUT’s Real World Learning vision by requiring authentic application of analytics tools, critical thinking and ethical reasoning.
Unit Grading Scheme
7- point scale
Assessment Tasks
Assessment: Talent Management Report
You will prepare an individual talent management report that analyses an organisation’s workforce data and formulates strategic recommendations for attracting, developing and retaining talent. The task will require use of AI enabled analytics tools and careful consideration of ethical and legal constraints. It develops your ability to integrate theory, data and persuasive writing.
The ethical and responsible use of generative artificial intelligence (GenAI) tools is authorised in this assessment. See the relevant assessment details in Canvas for specific guidelines.
This assessment item is based on teamwork and provides evidence of achievement of associated Unit Learning Outcomes and Course Learning Outcomes. Individual submissions/presentation will not be accepted.
This assignment is eligible for the 48 hour late submission period and assignment extensions.
Formative or Summative: Formative and Summative
Business Capabilities (AoL goals): KS (1.2), HO (2.1), PC (3.1), SE (5.1)
Assessment: Workforce Analytics Case Study Presentation
In groups, you will create a pre-recorded video. You will analyse a complex workforce analytics problem (for example, assessing pay equity). Working collaboratively, your team will interpret data visualisations, apply statistical reasoning, and present your findings in a professional and engaging presentation format. This assessment develops your ability to analyse workforce data, apply evidence based reasoning, and communicate key insights clearly to non-specialist audiences. This assessment strengthens teamwork, analytical thinking, and data literacy skills essential for HR professionals.
The ethical and responsible use of generative artificial intelligence (GenAI) tools is authorised in this assessment. See the relevant assessment details in Canvas for specific guidelines.
This assignment is eligible for the 48-hour late submission period and assignment extensions.
Formative or Summative: Formative and Summative
Business Capabilities (AoL goals): KS (1.2), HO (2.1, 2.2), PC (3.2)
Assessment: Recommendation and Reflection
This assessment requires you to participate in an individual viva voce to articulate and justify your strategic talent recommendations. You will demonstrate ethical reasoning, and effective self-reflection in relation to your learning and teamwork experience.
This assessment item requires your attendance in your scheduled session.
This assignment is not eligible for the 48-hour late submission period and assignment extensions.
This assessment item is a Verified Identity Assessment. Requirements are provided on the unit canvas site.
Formative or Summative: Summative
Business Capabilities (AoL goals): HO (2.2), TS (4.1, 4.2)
Academic Integrity
Academic integrity is a commitment to undertaking academic work and assessment in a manner that is ethical, fair, honest, respectful and accountable.
The Academic Integrity Policy sets out the range of conduct that can be a failure to maintain the standards of academic integrity. This includes, cheating in exams, plagiarism, self-plagiarism, collusion and contract cheating. It also includes providing fraudulent or altered documentation in support of an academic concession application, for example an assignment extension or a deferred exam.
You are encouraged to make use of QUT’s learning support services, resources and tools to assure the academic integrity of your assessment. This includes the use of text matching software that may be available to assist with self-assessing your academic integrity as part of the assessment submission process.
Breaching QUT’s Academic Integrity Policy or engaging in conduct that may defeat or compromise the purpose of assessment can lead to a finding of student misconduct (Code of Conduct – Student) and result in the imposition of penalties under the Management of Student Misconduct Policy, ranging from a grade reduction to exclusion from QUT.
Resources
Resources will be provided on the unit Canvas site.
Risk Assessment Statement
There are no out‑of‑the‑ordinary risks associated with the learning and teaching activities in this unit.
Standards/Competencies
This unit is designed to support your development of the following standards\competencies.
QUT Business Capabilities (Postgraduate)
HO (2.1): Critical Analysis
Relates to: ULO1, Talent Management Report, Workforce Analytics Case Study Presentation
HO (2.2): Independent Judgement and Decision-Making
Relates to: ULO2, Workforce Analytics Case Study Presentation, Recommendation and Reflection
KS (1.2): Technical, Technological and Research Skills
Relates to: ULO1, Talent Management Report, Workforce Analytics Case Study Presentation
PC (3.1): Professional Communication (Written)
Relates to: ULO2, Talent Management Report
PC (3.2): Professional Communication (Oral)
Relates to: ULO2, ULO3, Workforce Analytics Case Study Presentation
SE (5.1): Ethical and Legal Understanding
Relates to: ULO1, ULO2, Talent Management Report
TS (4.1): Self-Reflection and Accountability
Relates to: ULO3, Recommendation and Reflection
TS (4.2): Teamwork Knowledge and Skills
Relates to: ULO3, Recommendation and Reflection
Course Learning Outcomes
This unit is designed to support your development of the following course/study area learning outcomes.BS11 Master of Business
- Apply technical, technological and technical research skills to organise and interpret discipline knowledge, including theory and practice, to investigate business issues.
Relates to: ULO1, Talent Management Report, Workforce Analytics Case Study Presentation, Recommendation and Reflection - Critically investigate real world business issues and problems drawing on analysis, evaluation and synthesis of discipline knowledge, including theory and practice.
Relates to: ULO1, Talent Management Report, Workforce Analytics Case Study Presentation - Exercise creativity and intellectual independence and make informed decisions and judgements in planning, designing, and executing strategic and research-based responses to address real world issues and problems.
Relates to: ULO2, Workforce Analytics Case Study Presentation - Use information literacy skills and communicate effectively and professionally in written forms and using media appropriate for diverse purposes, contexts and audiences.
Relates to: ULO2, Talent Management Report - Use information literacy skills and communicate effectively and professionally in oral forms appropriate for diverse purposes, contexts and audiences.
Relates to: ULO2, ULO3, Workforce Analytics Case Study Presentation - Exercise self-reflection and accountability in applying knowledge and skills for own learning and effective practice.
Relates to: ULO3, Recommendation and Reflection - Apply teamwork knowledge and skills for effective collaboration across a range of complex activities and contexts.
Relates to: ULO3, Recommendation and Reflection - Demonstrate and apply knowledge of ethical and legal principles and practices of business in critically analysing and effectively responding to complex business issues.
Relates to: ULO1, ULO2, Talent Management Report
Unit Outline: Semester 1 2026, Online
| Unit code: | MGN530 |
|---|---|
| Credit points: | 12 |
| Pre-requisite: | 36 credit points of completed study |
| Equivalent: | MGN443 |
| Anti-requisite: | MGN429 |
Overview
This developmental unit equips you with expertise in designing talent management strategies and leveraging workforce analytics to create high‑performing, inclusive and future‑ready organisations. You will investigate advanced theories of talent acquisition, development, engagement and retention alongside quantitative methods for analysing workforce data. Through real‑world case studies and hands‑on use of analytics tools (including generative AI applications), you will learn to formulate evidence‑based recommendations, assess ethical and legal implications of data use and communicate insights to diverse stakeholders.
Learning Outcomes
On successful completion of this unit you will be able to:
- Analyse workforce analytics and talent management data using advanced technical and digital capabilities to generate evidence based insights that support ethical and socially responsible talent decisions [KS 1.2, HO 2.1, SE 5.1]
- Communicate data driven strategic talent management recommendations through professional written and oral communication, demonstrating strategic judgement and ethical reasoning [HO 2.2, PC 3.1, 3.2, SE 5.1]
- Reflect on personal and team contributions during talent analytics and strategy activities to demonstrate accountability, collaborative capability and effective oral communication [PC 3.2, TS 4.1, 4.2]
Content
This unit develops advanced capabilities in strategic talent management, workforce planning and analytics, and the ethical application of AI-enabled HR tools to support evidence based people decisions across the employee lifecycle.
- Strategic talent management frameworks: workforce planning, capability analysis, succession management and leadership development
- Sourcing and selecting talent in a global labour market, including employer branding and candidate experience
- Learning and development strategies, performance management and career pathways
- Diversity, equity and inclusion in talent management
- Workforce analytics: data collection, visualisation and statistical techniques for HR decision making
- Applying artificial intelligence and machine learning to predict turnover, performance and skill needs
- Ethical, legal and privacy considerations in people analytics and algorithmic decision making
- Communicating analytics insights and influencing organisational change
QUT Business Capabilities (Postgraduate)
The content and assessment in this unit are aligned to a selection of the following set of QUT Business Capabilities, also known as Assurance of Learning Goals (AoLs). Developing these capabilities will assist you to meet the desired graduate outcomes set at QUT and equip you with the knowledge and skills to succeed in your chosen career.
Knowledge & Technical Skills (KS)
1.1 Demonstrate and apply integrated and advanced discipline and professional practice knowledge, including knowledge of relevant research principles and methods.
1.2 Apply technical, technological and technical research skills to organise and interpret discipline knowledge, including theory and practice, to investigate business issues.
Higher Order Thinking Skills (HO)
2.1 Critically investigate real world business issues and problems drawing on analysis, evaluation and synthesis of discipline knowledge, including theory and practice.
2.2 Exercise creativity and intellectual independence and make informed decisions and judgements in planning, designing, and executing strategic and research-based responses to address real world issues and problems.
Professional Communication (PC)
3.1 Use information literacy skills and communicate effectively and professionally in written forms and using media appropriate for diverse purposes, contexts and audiences.
3.2 Use information literacy skills and communicate effectively and professionally in oral forms appropriate for diverse purposes, contexts and audiences.
Teamwork & Self (TS)
4.1 Exercise self-reflection and accountability in applying knowledge and skills for own learning and effective practice.
4.2 Apply teamwork knowledge and skills for effective collaboration across a range of complex activities and contexts.
Social, Ethical & Global Understanding (SE)
5.1 Demonstrate and apply knowledge of ethical and legal principles and practices of business in critically analysing and effectively responding to complex business issues.
5.2 Demonstrate and apply knowledge of socially responsible behaviour in analysing and addressing business issues and critically reflect on the responsibilities and impacts of organisations in national and international business contexts.
Learning Approaches
The learning design emphasises applied analytics, critical reflection and collaborative inquiry. You will analyse datasets, use digital tools and statistical software to generate insights and interpret the implications for talent strategy. Case studies and industry guest speakers will illustrate how organisations harness analytics to develop their people. Workshops and peer feedback will build your capacity to communicate complex findings clearly. Both formative and summative assessments will support your development of advanced analytical reasoning and professional communication skills.
Feedback on Learning and Assessment
Students will receive feedback in various forms throughout the semester which may include:
- Informal: worked examples, such as verbal feedback in class, personal consultation
- Formal: in writing, such as checklists (e.g. criteria sheets), written commentary
- Direct: to individual students, either in written form or in consultation
- Indirect: to the whole class
Assessment
Overview
Assessment in this unit is designed to develop your ability to analyse workforce data, formulate strategic talent recommendations and articulate insights clearly to varied stakeholders. Assessments align with QUT’s Real World Learning vision by requiring authentic application of analytics tools, critical thinking and ethical reasoning.
Unit Grading Scheme
7- point scale
Assessment Tasks
Assessment: Talent Management Report
You will prepare an individual talent management report that analyses an organisation’s workforce data and formulates strategic recommendations for attracting, developing and retaining talent. The task will require use of AI enabled analytics tools and careful consideration of ethical and legal constraints. It develops your ability to integrate theory, data and persuasive writing.
The ethical and responsible use of generative artificial intelligence (GenAI) tools is authorised in this assessment. See the relevant assessment details in Canvas for specific guidelines.
This assessment item is based on teamwork and provides evidence of achievement of associated Unit Learning Outcomes and Course Learning Outcomes. Individual submissions/presentation will not be accepted.
This assignment is eligible for the 48 hour late submission period and assignment extensions.
Formative or Summative: Formative and Summative
Business Capabilities (AoL goals): KS (1.2), HO (2.1), PC (3.1), SE (5.1)
Assessment: Workforce Analytics Case Study Presentation
In groups, you will create a pre-recorded video. You will analyse a complex workforce analytics problem (for example, assessing pay equity). Working collaboratively, your team will interpret data visualisations, apply statistical reasoning, and present your findings in a professional and engaging presentation format. This assessment develops your ability to analyse workforce data, apply evidence based reasoning, and communicate key insights clearly to non-specialist audiences. This assessment strengthens teamwork, analytical thinking, and data literacy skills essential for HR professionals.
The ethical and responsible use of generative artificial intelligence (GenAI) tools is authorised in this assessment. See the relevant assessment details in Canvas for specific guidelines.
This assignment is eligible for the 48-hour late submission period and assignment extensions.
Formative or Summative: Formative and Summative
Business Capabilities (AoL goals): KS (1.2), HO (2.1, 2.2), PC (3.2)
Assessment: Recommendation and Reflection
This assessment requires you to participate in an individual viva voce to articulate and justify your strategic talent recommendations. You will demonstrate ethical reasoning, and effective self-reflection in relation to your learning and teamwork experience.
This assessment item requires your attendance in your scheduled session.
This assignment is not eligible for the 48-hour late submission period and assignment extensions.
This assessment item is a Verified Identity Assessment. Requirements are provided on the unit canvas site.
Formative or Summative: Summative
Business Capabilities (AoL goals): HO (2.2), TS (4.1, 4.2)
Academic Integrity
Academic integrity is a commitment to undertaking academic work and assessment in a manner that is ethical, fair, honest, respectful and accountable.
The Academic Integrity Policy sets out the range of conduct that can be a failure to maintain the standards of academic integrity. This includes, cheating in exams, plagiarism, self-plagiarism, collusion and contract cheating. It also includes providing fraudulent or altered documentation in support of an academic concession application, for example an assignment extension or a deferred exam.
You are encouraged to make use of QUT’s learning support services, resources and tools to assure the academic integrity of your assessment. This includes the use of text matching software that may be available to assist with self-assessing your academic integrity as part of the assessment submission process.
Breaching QUT’s Academic Integrity Policy or engaging in conduct that may defeat or compromise the purpose of assessment can lead to a finding of student misconduct (Code of Conduct – Student) and result in the imposition of penalties under the Management of Student Misconduct Policy, ranging from a grade reduction to exclusion from QUT.
Resources
Resources will be provided on the unit Canvas site.
Risk Assessment Statement
There are no out‑of‑the‑ordinary risks associated with the learning and teaching activities in this unit.
Standards/Competencies
This unit is designed to support your development of the following standards\competencies.
QUT Business Capabilities (Postgraduate)
HO (2.1): Critical Analysis
Relates to: ULO1, Talent Management Report, Workforce Analytics Case Study Presentation
HO (2.2): Independent Judgement and Decision-Making
Relates to: ULO2, Workforce Analytics Case Study Presentation, Recommendation and Reflection
KS (1.2): Technical, Technological and Research Skills
Relates to: ULO1, Talent Management Report, Workforce Analytics Case Study Presentation
PC (3.1): Professional Communication (Written)
Relates to: ULO2, Talent Management Report
PC (3.2): Professional Communication (Oral)
Relates to: ULO2, ULO3, Workforce Analytics Case Study Presentation
SE (5.1): Ethical and Legal Understanding
Relates to: ULO1, ULO2, Talent Management Report
TS (4.1): Self-Reflection and Accountability
Relates to: ULO3, Recommendation and Reflection
TS (4.2): Teamwork Knowledge and Skills
Relates to: ULO3, Recommendation and Reflection
Course Learning Outcomes
This unit is designed to support your development of the following course/study area learning outcomes.BS11 Master of Business
- Apply technical, technological and technical research skills to organise and interpret discipline knowledge, including theory and practice, to investigate business issues.
Relates to: ULO1, Talent Management Report, Workforce Analytics Case Study Presentation, Recommendation and Reflection - Critically investigate real world business issues and problems drawing on analysis, evaluation and synthesis of discipline knowledge, including theory and practice.
Relates to: ULO1, Talent Management Report, Workforce Analytics Case Study Presentation - Exercise creativity and intellectual independence and make informed decisions and judgements in planning, designing, and executing strategic and research-based responses to address real world issues and problems.
Relates to: ULO2, Workforce Analytics Case Study Presentation - Use information literacy skills and communicate effectively and professionally in written forms and using media appropriate for diverse purposes, contexts and audiences.
Relates to: ULO2, Talent Management Report - Use information literacy skills and communicate effectively and professionally in oral forms appropriate for diverse purposes, contexts and audiences.
Relates to: ULO2, ULO3, Workforce Analytics Case Study Presentation - Exercise self-reflection and accountability in applying knowledge and skills for own learning and effective practice.
Relates to: ULO3, Recommendation and Reflection - Apply teamwork knowledge and skills for effective collaboration across a range of complex activities and contexts.
Relates to: ULO3, Recommendation and Reflection - Demonstrate and apply knowledge of ethical and legal principles and practices of business in critically analysing and effectively responding to complex business issues.
Relates to: ULO1, ULO2, Talent Management Report