MGB240 Workforce Design for Sustainable Performance
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: | MGB240 |
|---|---|
| Prerequisite(s): | MGB131 |
| Antirequisite(s): | MGB232 |
| Credit points: | 12 |
| Timetable | Details in HiQ, if available |
| Availabilities |
|
Unit Outline: Semester 1 2027, Gardens Point, Internal
| Unit code: | MGB240 |
|---|---|
| Credit points: | 12 |
| Pre-requisite: | MGB131 |
| Anti-requisite: | MGB232 |
Overview
This unit examines how Human Resource Management (HRM) professionals design work systems that balance performance, wellbeing, and ethics and sustainability. You will explore how workforce design decisions influence organisational effectiveness, employee experience, and the capacity to adapt in dynamic environments. The unit emphasises the integration of HRM theory, analytics, and ethical practice to create future ready, high performing workplaces.
You will develop the ability to evaluate organisational structures, roles, and capabilities to ensure they support strategic and sustainable outcomes. Through applied HR design projects and case analysis, you will build practical skills in diagnosing workforce needs, designing solutions, and communicating recommendations to organisational stakeholders.
Learning Outcomes
On successful completion of this unit you will be able to:
- Apply HRM knowledge to analyse how work design influences organisational performance, wellbeing, and sustainability. [HO 2.1, SE 5.2]
- Evaluate workforce structures, roles, and systems using evidence-based HR frameworks and tools. [HO 1.2]Relates to: UG Business Capabilities 2027: KS (1.2)
- Design and justify sustainable workforce solutions that balance employee capability, engagement, and organisational goals. [HO 2.1, 2.2]
- Communicate strategic and ethical HR design recommendations to professional audiences. [PC, 3.1, SE 5.1]
Content
The content in this unit introduces key concepts and frameworks in strategic workforce design that guide how organisations structure work, plan capability needs, and create sustainable, future-ready work systems.
- Strategic workforce design and alignment
- Work systems, roles, and performance optimisation
- Job and work redesign principles
- Hybrid and flexible work models
- Sustainable people management practices
- Workforce planning and capability mapping
- Employee wellbeing and organisational resilience
- Technology and the future of work
QUT Business Capabilities (Undergraduate)
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 business knowledge, combining disciplinary depth and interdisciplinary insight, to address complex and evolving business challenges.
1.2 Apply technical and digital capabilities, including emerging technologies such as AI, and data analytics, to solve real-world business problems and drive innovation and transformation.
Higher Order Thinking Skills (HO)
2.1 Investigate complex business issues by critically analysing, evaluating, and synthesising theory and practice to generate evidence-based insights.
2.2 Exercise independent judgment and initiative to adapt and apply knowledge and skills for strategic planning, creative problem-solving, and effective decision-making in diverse, dynamic, and technology-enabled contexts.
Professional Communication (PC)
3.1 Communicate effectively and professionally in written forms, demonstrating information literacy and the ability to craft clear, purposeful, and audience-appropriate messages using suitable media and formats across diverse business contexts.
3.2 Communicate effectively and professionally in oral forms, demonstrating information literacy and the ability to engage, inform, and influence diverse audiences using appropriate technologies and presentation formats across varied business contexts.
Teamwork & Self (TS)
4.1 Engage in reflective practice and demonstrate responsibility and accountability for your own learning, professional development, and performance in a rapidly changing world of work.
4.2 Collaborate effectively in diverse and digitally enabled team environments, applying teamwork knowledge and skills to achieve shared goals.
Social, Ethical & Global Understanding (SE)
5.1 Demonstrate and apply knowledge of ethical and legal principles to analyse and respond to business issues with integrity, professionalism, and accountability.
5.2 Demonstrate and apply knowledge of socially responsible and sustainable business practices to address national and global business challenges in ways that create long-term value.
Learning Approaches
The teaching and learning strategies in this unit are designed to maximise engagement and enable you to apply conceptual knowledge to real-world organisational contexts. Learning approaches include interactive HR design sessions, case based simulations, and reflective discussions that enhance analytical, diagnostic, and ethical decision-making capabilities.
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
The assessment design enables you to apply HRM frameworks and workforce analytics to diagnose performance challenges and design sustainable workforce solutions. You will demonstrate your ability to balance strategic, operational, and ethical considerations in workforce planning and design decisions.
Unit Grading Scheme
7- point scale
Assessment Tasks
Assessment: Performance and Future Workforce Design Plan
You will evaluate an organisation’s current workforce structure and design a future ready plan that enhances performance, ethics and sustainability. The plan will include evidence-based recommendations to improve work design, employee capability, and well-being using HR frameworks and data analytics.
This assignment is eligible for the 48-hour late submission period and assignment extensions.
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.
Formative or Summative: Formative and Summative
Business Capabilities (AoL goals): KS (1.2), PC (3.1), SE (5.1, 5.2)
Assessment: Invigilated Exam
Assessment item 2 evaluates your ability to integrate and apply HRM concepts, workforce design frameworks, and analytical reasoning to organisational performance and design scenarios. You will demonstrate your understanding of key theories, diagnostic tools, and ethical principles in workforce design.
The use of generative artificial intelligence (GenAI) tools is prohibited during this assessment.
This invigilated examination requires attendance on campus or at an assessment centre, regardless of your attendance mode for the unit.
This assessment item is a Verified Identity Assessment. Requirements are provided on the Unit Canvas site.
Formative or Summative: Summative
Business Capabilities (AoL goals): KS (1.2), HO (2.1, 2.2), SE (5.1)
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 (Undergraduate) 2027
HO (2.1): Critical Analysis
Relates to: ULO1, ULO3, Invigilated Exam
HO (2.2): Independent Judgement and Decision-Making
Relates to: ULO3, Invigilated Exam
KS (1.2): Technical and Technological Skills
Relates to: ULO2, Performance and Future Workforce Design Plan, Invigilated Exam
PC (3.1): Professional Communication (Written)
Relates to: ULO4, Performance and Future Workforce Design Plan
SE (5.1): Ethical and Legal Understanding
Relates to: ULO4, Performance and Future Workforce Design Plan, Invigilated Exam
SE (5.2): Global Social Responsibility
Relates to: ULO1, Performance and Future Workforce Design Plan
Course Learning Outcomes
This unit is designed to support your development of the following course/study area learning outcomes.BS05 Bachelor of Business
- Apply technical and digital capabilities, including emerging technologies such as AI, and data analytics, to solve real-world business problems and drive innovation and transformation.
Relates to: ULO2, Performance and Future Workforce Design Plan, Invigilated Exam - Investigate complex business issues by critically analysing, evaluating, and synthesising theory and practice to generate evidence-based insights.
Relates to: ULO1, ULO3, Invigilated Exam - Exercise independent judgment and initiative to adapt and apply knowledge and skills for strategic planning, creative problem-solving, and effective decision-making in diverse, dynamic, and technology-enabled contexts.
Relates to: ULO3, Invigilated Exam - Communicate effectively and professionally in written forms, demonstrating information literacy and the ability to craft clear, purposeful, and audience-appropriate messages using suitable media and formats across diverse business contexts.
Relates to: ULO4, Performance and Future Workforce Design Plan - Demonstrate and apply knowledge of ethical and legal principles to analyse and respond to business issues with integrity, professionalism, and accountability.
Relates to: ULO4, Performance and Future Workforce Design Plan, Invigilated Exam - Demonstrate and apply knowledge of socially responsible and sustainable business practices to address national and global business challenges in ways that create long-term value.
Relates to: ULO1, Performance and Future Workforce Design Plan
BS08 Bachelor of Business - International
- Apply technical and digital capabilities, including emerging technologies such as AI, and data analytics, to solve real-world business problems and drive innovation and transformation.
Relates to: ULO2, Performance and Future Workforce Design Plan, Invigilated Exam - Investigate complex business issues by critically analysing, evaluating, and synthesising theory and practice to generate evidence-based insights.
Relates to: ULO1, ULO3, Invigilated Exam - Exercise independent judgment and initiative to adapt and apply knowledge and skills for strategic planning, creative problem-solving, and effective decision-making in diverse, dynamic, and technology-enabled contexts.
Relates to: ULO3, Invigilated Exam - Communicate effectively and professionally in written forms, demonstrating information literacy and the ability to craft clear, purposeful, and audience-appropriate messages using suitable media and formats across diverse business contexts.
Relates to: ULO4, Performance and Future Workforce Design Plan - Demonstrate and apply knowledge of ethical and legal principles to analyse and respond to business issues with integrity, professionalism, and accountability.
Relates to: ULO4, Performance and Future Workforce Design Plan, Invigilated Exam - Demonstrate and apply knowledge of socially responsible and sustainable business practices to address national and global business challenges in ways that create long-term value.
Relates to: ULO1, Performance and Future Workforce Design Plan
Unit Outline: Semester 1 2027, Online
| Unit code: | MGB240 |
|---|---|
| Credit points: | 12 |
| Pre-requisite: | MGB131 |
| Anti-requisite: | MGB232 |
Overview
This unit examines how Human Resource Management (HRM) professionals design work systems that balance performance, wellbeing, and ethics and sustainability. You will explore how workforce design decisions influence organisational effectiveness, employee experience, and the capacity to adapt in dynamic environments. The unit emphasises the integration of HRM theory, analytics, and ethical practice to create future ready, high performing workplaces.
You will develop the ability to evaluate organisational structures, roles, and capabilities to ensure they support strategic and sustainable outcomes. Through applied HR design projects and case analysis, you will build practical skills in diagnosing workforce needs, designing solutions, and communicating recommendations to organisational stakeholders.
Learning Outcomes
On successful completion of this unit you will be able to:
- Apply HRM knowledge to analyse how work design influences organisational performance, wellbeing, and sustainability. [HO 2.1, SE 5.2]
- Evaluate workforce structures, roles, and systems using evidence-based HR frameworks and tools. [HO 1.2]Relates to: UG Business Capabilities 2027: KS (1.2)
- Design and justify sustainable workforce solutions that balance employee capability, engagement, and organisational goals. [HO 2.1, 2.2]
- Communicate strategic and ethical HR design recommendations to professional audiences. [PC, 3.1, SE 5.1]
Content
The content in this unit introduces key concepts and frameworks in strategic workforce design that guide how organisations structure work, plan capability needs, and create sustainable, future-ready work systems.
- Strategic workforce design and alignment
- Work systems, roles, and performance optimisation
- Job and work redesign principles
- Hybrid and flexible work models
- Sustainable people management practices
- Workforce planning and capability mapping
- Employee wellbeing and organisational resilience
- Technology and the future of work
QUT Business Capabilities (Undergraduate)
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 business knowledge, combining disciplinary depth and interdisciplinary insight, to address complex and evolving business challenges.
1.2 Apply technical and digital capabilities, including emerging technologies such as AI, and data analytics, to solve real-world business problems and drive innovation and transformation.
Higher Order Thinking Skills (HO)
2.1 Investigate complex business issues by critically analysing, evaluating, and synthesising theory and practice to generate evidence-based insights.
2.2 Exercise independent judgment and initiative to adapt and apply knowledge and skills for strategic planning, creative problem-solving, and effective decision-making in diverse, dynamic, and technology-enabled contexts.
Professional Communication (PC)
3.1 Communicate effectively and professionally in written forms, demonstrating information literacy and the ability to craft clear, purposeful, and audience-appropriate messages using suitable media and formats across diverse business contexts.
3.2 Communicate effectively and professionally in oral forms, demonstrating information literacy and the ability to engage, inform, and influence diverse audiences using appropriate technologies and presentation formats across varied business contexts.
Teamwork & Self (TS)
4.1 Engage in reflective practice and demonstrate responsibility and accountability for your own learning, professional development, and performance in a rapidly changing world of work.
4.2 Collaborate effectively in diverse and digitally enabled team environments, applying teamwork knowledge and skills to achieve shared goals.
Social, Ethical & Global Understanding (SE)
5.1 Demonstrate and apply knowledge of ethical and legal principles to analyse and respond to business issues with integrity, professionalism, and accountability.
5.2 Demonstrate and apply knowledge of socially responsible and sustainable business practices to address national and global business challenges in ways that create long-term value.
Learning Approaches
The teaching and learning strategies in this unit are designed to maximise engagement and enable you to apply conceptual knowledge to real-world organisational contexts. Learning approaches include interactive HR design sessions, case based simulations, and reflective discussions that enhance analytical, diagnostic, and ethical decision-making capabilities.
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
The assessment design enables you to apply HRM frameworks and workforce analytics to diagnose performance challenges and design sustainable workforce solutions. You will demonstrate your ability to balance strategic, operational, and ethical considerations in workforce planning and design decisions.
Unit Grading Scheme
7- point scale
Assessment Tasks
Assessment: Performance and Future Workforce Design Plan
You will evaluate an organisation’s current workforce structure and design a future ready plan that enhances performance, ethics and sustainability. The plan will include evidence-based recommendations to improve work design, employee capability, and well-being using HR frameworks and data analytics.
This assignment is eligible for the 48-hour late submission period and assignment extensions.
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.
Formative or Summative: Formative and Summative
Business Capabilities (AoL goals): KS (1.2), PC (3.1), SE (5.1, 5.2)
Assessment: Invigilated Exam
Assessment item 2 evaluates your ability to integrate and apply HRM concepts, workforce design frameworks, and analytical reasoning to organisational performance and design scenarios. You will demonstrate your understanding of key theories, diagnostic tools, and ethical principles in workforce design.
The use of generative artificial intelligence (GenAI) tools is prohibited during this assessment.
This invigilated examination requires attendance on campus or at an assessment centre, regardless of your attendance mode for the unit.
This assessment item is a Verified Identity Assessment. Requirements are provided on the Unit Canvas site.
Formative or Summative: Summative
Business Capabilities (AoL goals): KS (1.2), HO (2.1, 2.2), SE (5.1)
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 (Undergraduate) 2027
HO (2.1): Critical Analysis
Relates to: ULO1, ULO3, Invigilated Exam
HO (2.2): Independent Judgement and Decision-Making
Relates to: ULO3, Invigilated Exam
KS (1.2): Technical and Technological Skills
Relates to: ULO2, Performance and Future Workforce Design Plan, Invigilated Exam
PC (3.1): Professional Communication (Written)
Relates to: ULO4, Performance and Future Workforce Design Plan
SE (5.1): Ethical and Legal Understanding
Relates to: ULO4, Performance and Future Workforce Design Plan, Invigilated Exam
SE (5.2): Global Social Responsibility
Relates to: ULO1, Performance and Future Workforce Design Plan
Course Learning Outcomes
This unit is designed to support your development of the following course/study area learning outcomes.BS05 Bachelor of Business
- Apply technical and digital capabilities, including emerging technologies such as AI, and data analytics, to solve real-world business problems and drive innovation and transformation.
Relates to: ULO2, Performance and Future Workforce Design Plan, Invigilated Exam - Investigate complex business issues by critically analysing, evaluating, and synthesising theory and practice to generate evidence-based insights.
Relates to: ULO1, ULO3, Invigilated Exam - Exercise independent judgment and initiative to adapt and apply knowledge and skills for strategic planning, creative problem-solving, and effective decision-making in diverse, dynamic, and technology-enabled contexts.
Relates to: ULO3, Invigilated Exam - Communicate effectively and professionally in written forms, demonstrating information literacy and the ability to craft clear, purposeful, and audience-appropriate messages using suitable media and formats across diverse business contexts.
Relates to: ULO4, Performance and Future Workforce Design Plan - Demonstrate and apply knowledge of ethical and legal principles to analyse and respond to business issues with integrity, professionalism, and accountability.
Relates to: ULO4, Performance and Future Workforce Design Plan, Invigilated Exam - Demonstrate and apply knowledge of socially responsible and sustainable business practices to address national and global business challenges in ways that create long-term value.
Relates to: ULO1, Performance and Future Workforce Design Plan
BS08 Bachelor of Business - International
- Apply technical and digital capabilities, including emerging technologies such as AI, and data analytics, to solve real-world business problems and drive innovation and transformation.
Relates to: ULO2, Performance and Future Workforce Design Plan, Invigilated Exam - Investigate complex business issues by critically analysing, evaluating, and synthesising theory and practice to generate evidence-based insights.
Relates to: ULO1, ULO3, Invigilated Exam - Exercise independent judgment and initiative to adapt and apply knowledge and skills for strategic planning, creative problem-solving, and effective decision-making in diverse, dynamic, and technology-enabled contexts.
Relates to: ULO3, Invigilated Exam - Communicate effectively and professionally in written forms, demonstrating information literacy and the ability to craft clear, purposeful, and audience-appropriate messages using suitable media and formats across diverse business contexts.
Relates to: ULO4, Performance and Future Workforce Design Plan - Demonstrate and apply knowledge of ethical and legal principles to analyse and respond to business issues with integrity, professionalism, and accountability.
Relates to: ULO4, Performance and Future Workforce Design Plan, Invigilated Exam - Demonstrate and apply knowledge of socially responsible and sustainable business practices to address national and global business challenges in ways that create long-term value.
Relates to: ULO1, Performance and Future Workforce Design Plan
Unit Outline: Semester 2 2027, Gardens Point, Internal
| Unit code: | MGB240 |
|---|---|
| Credit points: | 12 |
| Pre-requisite: | MGB131 |
| Anti-requisite: | MGB232 |
Overview
This unit examines how Human Resource Management (HRM) professionals design work systems that balance performance, wellbeing, and ethics and sustainability. You will explore how workforce design decisions influence organisational effectiveness, employee experience, and the capacity to adapt in dynamic environments. The unit emphasises the integration of HRM theory, analytics, and ethical practice to create future ready, high performing workplaces.
You will develop the ability to evaluate organisational structures, roles, and capabilities to ensure they support strategic and sustainable outcomes. Through applied HR design projects and case analysis, you will build practical skills in diagnosing workforce needs, designing solutions, and communicating recommendations to organisational stakeholders.
Learning Outcomes
On successful completion of this unit you will be able to:
- Apply HRM knowledge to analyse how work design influences organisational performance, wellbeing, and sustainability. [HO 2.1, SE 5.2]
- Evaluate workforce structures, roles, and systems using evidence-based HR frameworks and tools. [HO 1.2]Relates to: UG Business Capabilities 2027: KS (1.2)
- Design and justify sustainable workforce solutions that balance employee capability, engagement, and organisational goals. [HO 2.1, 2.2]
- Communicate strategic and ethical HR design recommendations to professional audiences. [PC, 3.1, SE 5.1]
Content
The content in this unit introduces key concepts and frameworks in strategic workforce design that guide how organisations structure work, plan capability needs, and create sustainable, future-ready work systems.
- Strategic workforce design and alignment
- Work systems, roles, and performance optimisation
- Job and work redesign principles
- Hybrid and flexible work models
- Sustainable people management practices
- Workforce planning and capability mapping
- Employee wellbeing and organisational resilience
- Technology and the future of work
QUT Business Capabilities (Undergraduate)
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 business knowledge, combining disciplinary depth and interdisciplinary insight, to address complex and evolving business challenges.
1.2 Apply technical and digital capabilities, including emerging technologies such as AI, and data analytics, to solve real-world business problems and drive innovation and transformation.
Higher Order Thinking Skills (HO)
2.1 Investigate complex business issues by critically analysing, evaluating, and synthesising theory and practice to generate evidence-based insights.
2.2 Exercise independent judgment and initiative to adapt and apply knowledge and skills for strategic planning, creative problem-solving, and effective decision-making in diverse, dynamic, and technology-enabled contexts.
Professional Communication (PC)
3.1 Communicate effectively and professionally in written forms, demonstrating information literacy and the ability to craft clear, purposeful, and audience-appropriate messages using suitable media and formats across diverse business contexts.
3.2 Communicate effectively and professionally in oral forms, demonstrating information literacy and the ability to engage, inform, and influence diverse audiences using appropriate technologies and presentation formats across varied business contexts.
Teamwork & Self (TS)
4.1 Engage in reflective practice and demonstrate responsibility and accountability for your own learning, professional development, and performance in a rapidly changing world of work.
4.2 Collaborate effectively in diverse and digitally enabled team environments, applying teamwork knowledge and skills to achieve shared goals.
Social, Ethical & Global Understanding (SE)
5.1 Demonstrate and apply knowledge of ethical and legal principles to analyse and respond to business issues with integrity, professionalism, and accountability.
5.2 Demonstrate and apply knowledge of socially responsible and sustainable business practices to address national and global business challenges in ways that create long-term value.
Learning Approaches
The teaching and learning strategies in this unit are designed to maximise engagement and enable you to apply conceptual knowledge to real-world organisational contexts. Learning approaches include interactive HR design sessions, case based simulations, and reflective discussions that enhance analytical, diagnostic, and ethical decision-making capabilities.
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
The assessment design enables you to apply HRM frameworks and workforce analytics to diagnose performance challenges and design sustainable workforce solutions. You will demonstrate your ability to balance strategic, operational, and ethical considerations in workforce planning and design decisions.
Unit Grading Scheme
7- point scale
Assessment Tasks
Assessment: Performance and Future Workforce Design Plan
You will evaluate an organisation’s current workforce structure and design a future ready plan that enhances performance, ethics and sustainability. The plan will include evidence-based recommendations to improve work design, employee capability, and well-being using HR frameworks and data analytics.
This assignment is eligible for the 48-hour late submission period and assignment extensions.
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.
Formative or Summative: Formative and Summative
Business Capabilities (AoL goals): KS (1.2), PC (3.1), SE (5.1, 5.2)
Assessment: Invigilated Exam
Assessment item 2 evaluates your ability to integrate and apply HRM concepts, workforce design frameworks, and analytical reasoning to organisational performance and design scenarios. You will demonstrate your understanding of key theories, diagnostic tools, and ethical principles in workforce design.
The use of generative artificial intelligence (GenAI) tools is prohibited during this assessment.
This invigilated examination requires attendance on campus or at an assessment centre, regardless of your attendance mode for the unit.
This assessment item is a Verified Identity Assessment. Requirements are provided on the Unit Canvas site.
Formative or Summative: Summative
Business Capabilities (AoL goals): KS (1.2), HO (2.1, 2.2), SE (5.1)
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 (Undergraduate) 2027
HO (2.1): Critical Analysis
Relates to: ULO1, ULO3, Invigilated Exam
HO (2.2): Independent Judgement and Decision-Making
Relates to: ULO3, Invigilated Exam
KS (1.2): Technical and Technological Skills
Relates to: ULO2, Performance and Future Workforce Design Plan, Invigilated Exam
PC (3.1): Professional Communication (Written)
Relates to: ULO4, Performance and Future Workforce Design Plan
SE (5.1): Ethical and Legal Understanding
Relates to: ULO4, Performance and Future Workforce Design Plan, Invigilated Exam
SE (5.2): Global Social Responsibility
Relates to: ULO1, Performance and Future Workforce Design Plan
Course Learning Outcomes
This unit is designed to support your development of the following course/study area learning outcomes.BS05 Bachelor of Business
- Apply technical and digital capabilities, including emerging technologies such as AI, and data analytics, to solve real-world business problems and drive innovation and transformation.
Relates to: ULO2, Performance and Future Workforce Design Plan, Invigilated Exam - Investigate complex business issues by critically analysing, evaluating, and synthesising theory and practice to generate evidence-based insights.
Relates to: ULO1, ULO3, Invigilated Exam - Exercise independent judgment and initiative to adapt and apply knowledge and skills for strategic planning, creative problem-solving, and effective decision-making in diverse, dynamic, and technology-enabled contexts.
Relates to: ULO3, Invigilated Exam - Communicate effectively and professionally in written forms, demonstrating information literacy and the ability to craft clear, purposeful, and audience-appropriate messages using suitable media and formats across diverse business contexts.
Relates to: ULO4, Performance and Future Workforce Design Plan - Demonstrate and apply knowledge of ethical and legal principles to analyse and respond to business issues with integrity, professionalism, and accountability.
Relates to: ULO4, Performance and Future Workforce Design Plan, Invigilated Exam - Demonstrate and apply knowledge of socially responsible and sustainable business practices to address national and global business challenges in ways that create long-term value.
Relates to: ULO1, Performance and Future Workforce Design Plan
BS08 Bachelor of Business - International
- Apply technical and digital capabilities, including emerging technologies such as AI, and data analytics, to solve real-world business problems and drive innovation and transformation.
Relates to: ULO2, Performance and Future Workforce Design Plan, Invigilated Exam - Investigate complex business issues by critically analysing, evaluating, and synthesising theory and practice to generate evidence-based insights.
Relates to: ULO1, ULO3, Invigilated Exam - Exercise independent judgment and initiative to adapt and apply knowledge and skills for strategic planning, creative problem-solving, and effective decision-making in diverse, dynamic, and technology-enabled contexts.
Relates to: ULO3, Invigilated Exam - Communicate effectively and professionally in written forms, demonstrating information literacy and the ability to craft clear, purposeful, and audience-appropriate messages using suitable media and formats across diverse business contexts.
Relates to: ULO4, Performance and Future Workforce Design Plan - Demonstrate and apply knowledge of ethical and legal principles to analyse and respond to business issues with integrity, professionalism, and accountability.
Relates to: ULO4, Performance and Future Workforce Design Plan, Invigilated Exam - Demonstrate and apply knowledge of socially responsible and sustainable business practices to address national and global business challenges in ways that create long-term value.
Relates to: ULO1, Performance and Future Workforce Design Plan
Unit Outline: Semester 2 2027, Online
| Unit code: | MGB240 |
|---|---|
| Credit points: | 12 |
| Pre-requisite: | MGB131 |
| Anti-requisite: | MGB232 |
Overview
This unit examines how Human Resource Management (HRM) professionals design work systems that balance performance, wellbeing, and ethics and sustainability. You will explore how workforce design decisions influence organisational effectiveness, employee experience, and the capacity to adapt in dynamic environments. The unit emphasises the integration of HRM theory, analytics, and ethical practice to create future ready, high performing workplaces.
You will develop the ability to evaluate organisational structures, roles, and capabilities to ensure they support strategic and sustainable outcomes. Through applied HR design projects and case analysis, you will build practical skills in diagnosing workforce needs, designing solutions, and communicating recommendations to organisational stakeholders.
Learning Outcomes
On successful completion of this unit you will be able to:
- Apply HRM knowledge to analyse how work design influences organisational performance, wellbeing, and sustainability. [HO 2.1, SE 5.2]
- Evaluate workforce structures, roles, and systems using evidence-based HR frameworks and tools. [HO 1.2]Relates to: UG Business Capabilities 2027: KS (1.2)
- Design and justify sustainable workforce solutions that balance employee capability, engagement, and organisational goals. [HO 2.1, 2.2]
- Communicate strategic and ethical HR design recommendations to professional audiences. [PC, 3.1, SE 5.1]
Content
The content in this unit introduces key concepts and frameworks in strategic workforce design that guide how organisations structure work, plan capability needs, and create sustainable, future-ready work systems.
- Strategic workforce design and alignment
- Work systems, roles, and performance optimisation
- Job and work redesign principles
- Hybrid and flexible work models
- Sustainable people management practices
- Workforce planning and capability mapping
- Employee wellbeing and organisational resilience
- Technology and the future of work
QUT Business Capabilities (Undergraduate)
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 business knowledge, combining disciplinary depth and interdisciplinary insight, to address complex and evolving business challenges.
1.2 Apply technical and digital capabilities, including emerging technologies such as AI, and data analytics, to solve real-world business problems and drive innovation and transformation.
Higher Order Thinking Skills (HO)
2.1 Investigate complex business issues by critically analysing, evaluating, and synthesising theory and practice to generate evidence-based insights.
2.2 Exercise independent judgment and initiative to adapt and apply knowledge and skills for strategic planning, creative problem-solving, and effective decision-making in diverse, dynamic, and technology-enabled contexts.
Professional Communication (PC)
3.1 Communicate effectively and professionally in written forms, demonstrating information literacy and the ability to craft clear, purposeful, and audience-appropriate messages using suitable media and formats across diverse business contexts.
3.2 Communicate effectively and professionally in oral forms, demonstrating information literacy and the ability to engage, inform, and influence diverse audiences using appropriate technologies and presentation formats across varied business contexts.
Teamwork & Self (TS)
4.1 Engage in reflective practice and demonstrate responsibility and accountability for your own learning, professional development, and performance in a rapidly changing world of work.
4.2 Collaborate effectively in diverse and digitally enabled team environments, applying teamwork knowledge and skills to achieve shared goals.
Social, Ethical & Global Understanding (SE)
5.1 Demonstrate and apply knowledge of ethical and legal principles to analyse and respond to business issues with integrity, professionalism, and accountability.
5.2 Demonstrate and apply knowledge of socially responsible and sustainable business practices to address national and global business challenges in ways that create long-term value.
Learning Approaches
The teaching and learning strategies in this unit are designed to maximise engagement and enable you to apply conceptual knowledge to real-world organisational contexts. Learning approaches include interactive HR design sessions, case based simulations, and reflective discussions that enhance analytical, diagnostic, and ethical decision-making capabilities.
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
The assessment design enables you to apply HRM frameworks and workforce analytics to diagnose performance challenges and design sustainable workforce solutions. You will demonstrate your ability to balance strategic, operational, and ethical considerations in workforce planning and design decisions.
Unit Grading Scheme
7- point scale
Assessment Tasks
Assessment: Performance and Future Workforce Design Plan
You will evaluate an organisation’s current workforce structure and design a future ready plan that enhances performance, ethics and sustainability. The plan will include evidence-based recommendations to improve work design, employee capability, and well-being using HR frameworks and data analytics.
This assignment is eligible for the 48-hour late submission period and assignment extensions.
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.
Formative or Summative: Formative and Summative
Business Capabilities (AoL goals): KS (1.2), PC (3.1), SE (5.1, 5.2)
Assessment: Invigilated Exam
Assessment item 2 evaluates your ability to integrate and apply HRM concepts, workforce design frameworks, and analytical reasoning to organisational performance and design scenarios. You will demonstrate your understanding of key theories, diagnostic tools, and ethical principles in workforce design.
The use of generative artificial intelligence (GenAI) tools is prohibited during this assessment.
This invigilated examination requires attendance on campus or at an assessment centre, regardless of your attendance mode for the unit.
This assessment item is a Verified Identity Assessment. Requirements are provided on the Unit Canvas site.
Formative or Summative: Summative
Business Capabilities (AoL goals): KS (1.2), HO (2.1, 2.2), SE (5.1)
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 (Undergraduate) 2027
HO (2.1): Critical Analysis
Relates to: ULO1, ULO3, Invigilated Exam
HO (2.2): Independent Judgement and Decision-Making
Relates to: ULO3, Invigilated Exam
KS (1.2): Technical and Technological Skills
Relates to: ULO2, Performance and Future Workforce Design Plan, Invigilated Exam
PC (3.1): Professional Communication (Written)
Relates to: ULO4, Performance and Future Workforce Design Plan
SE (5.1): Ethical and Legal Understanding
Relates to: ULO4, Performance and Future Workforce Design Plan, Invigilated Exam
SE (5.2): Global Social Responsibility
Relates to: ULO1, Performance and Future Workforce Design Plan
Course Learning Outcomes
This unit is designed to support your development of the following course/study area learning outcomes.BS05 Bachelor of Business
- Apply technical and digital capabilities, including emerging technologies such as AI, and data analytics, to solve real-world business problems and drive innovation and transformation.
Relates to: ULO2, Performance and Future Workforce Design Plan, Invigilated Exam - Investigate complex business issues by critically analysing, evaluating, and synthesising theory and practice to generate evidence-based insights.
Relates to: ULO1, ULO3, Invigilated Exam - Exercise independent judgment and initiative to adapt and apply knowledge and skills for strategic planning, creative problem-solving, and effective decision-making in diverse, dynamic, and technology-enabled contexts.
Relates to: ULO3, Invigilated Exam - Communicate effectively and professionally in written forms, demonstrating information literacy and the ability to craft clear, purposeful, and audience-appropriate messages using suitable media and formats across diverse business contexts.
Relates to: ULO4, Performance and Future Workforce Design Plan - Demonstrate and apply knowledge of ethical and legal principles to analyse and respond to business issues with integrity, professionalism, and accountability.
Relates to: ULO4, Performance and Future Workforce Design Plan, Invigilated Exam - Demonstrate and apply knowledge of socially responsible and sustainable business practices to address national and global business challenges in ways that create long-term value.
Relates to: ULO1, Performance and Future Workforce Design Plan
BS08 Bachelor of Business - International
- Apply technical and digital capabilities, including emerging technologies such as AI, and data analytics, to solve real-world business problems and drive innovation and transformation.
Relates to: ULO2, Performance and Future Workforce Design Plan, Invigilated Exam - Investigate complex business issues by critically analysing, evaluating, and synthesising theory and practice to generate evidence-based insights.
Relates to: ULO1, ULO3, Invigilated Exam - Exercise independent judgment and initiative to adapt and apply knowledge and skills for strategic planning, creative problem-solving, and effective decision-making in diverse, dynamic, and technology-enabled contexts.
Relates to: ULO3, Invigilated Exam - Communicate effectively and professionally in written forms, demonstrating information literacy and the ability to craft clear, purposeful, and audience-appropriate messages using suitable media and formats across diverse business contexts.
Relates to: ULO4, Performance and Future Workforce Design Plan - Demonstrate and apply knowledge of ethical and legal principles to analyse and respond to business issues with integrity, professionalism, and accountability.
Relates to: ULO4, Performance and Future Workforce Design Plan, Invigilated Exam - Demonstrate and apply knowledge of socially responsible and sustainable business practices to address national and global business challenges in ways that create long-term value.
Relates to: ULO1, Performance and Future Workforce Design Plan