MGB371 Contemporary Issues in Human Resource Management
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: | MGB371 |
|---|---|
| Prerequisite(s): | 192 credit points of study including 48 credit points of HRM major units |
| Credit points: | 12 |
| Timetable | Details in HiQ, if available |
| Availabilities |
|
Unit Outline: Semester 2 2026, Gardens Point, Internal
| Unit code: | MGB371 |
|---|---|
| Credit points: | 12 |
| Pre-requisite: | 192 credit points of study including 48cp of HRM major units |
| Coordinator: | Melinda Laundon | melinda.laundon@qut.edu.au |
Overview
This unit is designed to familiarise you with significant current and future issues affecting the management of human resources in organisations. The focus on contemporary trends and issues impacting and influencing Human Resource Management (HRM) will assist you to understand how to anticipate how work and people might be managed best in the future. You will learn how to use multisource data in a HR context to inform decision making and intervention design around contemporary issues. Connecting theory with practice the unit provides you with an overview of current issues impacting on HRM and possible future issues based on contemporary knowledge. Consequently, the unit content may vary each semester according to which issues are identified as significant at the time.
Learning Outcomes
On successful completion of this unit you will be able to:
- Search and critically analyse literature on contemporary issues in HRM and make linkages with other organisational domains and functions. [HO2.1, HO2.2]
- Identify and evaluate contemporary issues in HRM and propose future implications for industry, taking ethical practice, social responsibility and legal requirements into consideration. [HO2.1, HO2.2, SE5.1, SE5.2]
- Apply teamwork knowledge and skills for effective collaboration. [TS4.2]Relates to: UG Business Capabilities: TS (4.2)
- Communicate human resource management knowledge and ideas in oral and written forms. [PC3.1, PC3.2]
Content
The content of this unit covers areas such as:
- Future search on contemporary issues
- HRM information search and retrieval
- HR analytics
- Organisational change
- Diversity and inclusion
- Corporate social responsibility
- Technology and Artificial Intelligence
- Globalisation
- Sustainability
The unit content may vary each semester according to which issues are identified as significant at the time.
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 and Technological Skills (KS)
1.1 Demonstrate and apply integrated discipline (including technical) knowledge across the broad field of business with depth in one or more core business disciplines.
1.2 Apply technical and technological skills appropriate and effective for real world business purposes and contexts.
Higher Order Thinking (HO)
2.1 Investigate real world business issues and situations through the effective analysis, evaluation and synthesis of theory and practice.
2.2 Exercise independent judgment and initiative in adapting and applying knowledge and skills for effective planning, problem solving and decision making in diverse contexts.
Professional Communication (PC)
3.1 Use information literacy skills, and communicate effectively and professionally in written forms and using media appropriate for diverse purposes and contexts.
3.2 Use information literacy skills, and communicate effectively and professionally in oral forms, appropriate for diverse purposes and contexts.
Teamwork and Self (TS)
4.1 Exercise self-reflection, responsibility and accountability in relation to own learning and professional practice.
4.2 Apply teamwork knowledge and skills for effective collaboration across diverse purposes and contexts.
Social, Ethical and Global Understanding (SE)
5.1 Demonstrate and apply knowledge of ethical and legal principles and practices in analysing and responding to business issues.
5.2 Demonstrate and apply knowledge of socially responsible behaviour in analysing and addressing business issues in national and international business contexts.
Learning Approaches
This unit builds HRM knowledge, skills and abilities and will focus on contemporary challenges and directions. This unit allows you to engage with HRM theory and concepts in the context of contemporary issues.
The teaching mode in this unit will vary and may use differing teaching activities to encourage your active participation. Activities may include case studies, real-world examples, scenarios, group activities, problem-based learning, and industry involvement. We will create a positive learning environment wherein class members can draw upon the collective strengths and experiences of the group. The unit will require extensive reading, research, analysis and application. You will be expected to actively lead and contribute to workshops, group work and class discussion.
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
You will complete two assessment items which are designed to develop your ability to familiarise yourself with significant current and future issues affecting the management of human resources in organisations. The first assessment sees you to complete a research report based on specific contemporary issue culminating in resultant industry specific recommendations. The second has you work in a group to present a resultant practical video workshop targeting specific organisational needs.
You will receive feedback on your learning as you progress toward the development of knowledge, understanding, skills and attitudes; and demonstrate your learning in order to achieve a final grade.
Students may be required to attend campus or an assessment centre for the purposes of assessment, regardless of the attendance mode for the unit.
Unit Grading Scheme
7- point scale
Assessment Tasks
Assessment: Research Report
You will choose a contemporary topic in the area of human resource management and write a report using the suggested structure. You will need to review a range of literature in that area to provide a summary of theories and research findings and then propose future ethical, social and legal implications for industry.
Formative or Summative: Formative and Summative
Business Capabilities (Aol goals): HO (2.1; 2.2); PC (3.1); SE (5.1; 5.2)
This assignment is eligible for the 48-hour late submission period and assignment extensions.
Assessment: Workshop
In a small group, you will develop and deliver a workshop on the implications of a contemporary HRM issue for organisations and the HRM profession in the future to the class. Your group will introduce a contemporary issue impacting on managing human resources. You can exercise creativity that aligns with the topic chosen and you will be afforded flexibility around the final format of the workshop. This assessment incorporates a peer evaluation of your contribution to the task and group processes.
Formative or Summative: Formative and Summative
Business Capabilities (Aol goals): HO (2.1; 2.2); PC (3.2); TS (4.2); SE (5.1; 5.2)
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.
Requirements to Study
Requirements
No additional requirements.
Costs
No additional costs.
Resources
There is no prescribed text for this unit. Weekly resources will be provided on the unit Canvas site and via QUT Readings.
Risk Assessment Statement
There are no out-of-the-ordinary risks associated with lectures or tutorials in this unit. You should, however, familiarise yourself with evacuation procedures operating in the buildings in which you attend classes and take the time to view the Emergency video.
Standards/Competencies
This unit is designed to support your development of the following standards\competencies.
QUT Business Capabilities (Undergraduate)
HO (2.1): Critical Analysis
Relates to: ULO1, ULO2, Research Report , Workshop
HO (2.2): Independent Judgement and Decision-Making
Relates to: ULO1, ULO2, Research Report , Workshop
PC (3.1): Professional Communication (Written)
Relates to: ULO4, Research Report
PC (3.2): Professional Communication (Oral)
SE (5.1): Ethical and Legal Understanding
Relates to: ULO2, Research Report , Workshop
SE (5.2): Global Social Responsibility
Relates to: ULO2, Research Report , Workshop
TS (4.2): Teamwork Knowledge and Skills
Course Learning Outcomes
This unit is designed to support your development of the following course/study area learning outcomes.BS05 Bachelor of Business
- Demonstrate and apply knowledge of socially responsible behaviour in analysing and addressing business issues in national and international business contexts.
Relates to: ULO2, Research Report , Workshop - Investigate real world business issues and situations through the effective analysis, evaluation and synthesis of theory and practice.
Relates to: ULO1, ULO2, Research Report , Workshop - Exercise independent judgement and initiative in adapting and applying knowledge and skills for effective planning, problem solving and decision making in diverse contexts.
Relates to: ULO1, ULO2, Research Report , Workshop - Use information literacy skills, and communicate effectively and professionally in written forms and using media appropriate for diverse purposes and contexts.
Relates to: ULO4, Research Report - Use information literacy skills, and communicate effectively and professionally in oral forms, appropriate for diverse purposes and contexts.
Relates to: ULO4, Workshop - Apply teamwork knowledge and skills for effective collaboration across diverse purposes and contexts.
Relates to: ULO3, Workshop - Demonstrate and apply knowledge of ethical and legal principles and practices in analysing and responding to business issues.
Relates to: ULO2, Research Report , Workshop
BS06 Bachelor of Business
- Demonstrate and apply knowledge of socially responsible behaviour in analysing and addressing business issues in national and international business contexts.
Relates to: ULO2, Research Report , Workshop - Investigate real world business issues and situations through the effective analysis, evaluation and synthesis of theory and practice.
Relates to: ULO1, ULO2, Research Report , Workshop - Exercise independent judgement and initiative in adapting and applying knowledge and skills for effective planning, problem solving and decision making in diverse contexts.
Relates to: ULO1, ULO2, Research Report , Workshop - Use information literacy skills, and communicate effectively and professionally in written forms and using media appropriate for diverse purposes and contexts.
Relates to: ULO4, Research Report - Use information literacy skills, and communicate effectively and professionally in oral forms, appropriate for diverse purposes and contexts.
Relates to: ULO4, Workshop - Apply teamwork knowledge and skills for effective collaboration across diverse purposes and contexts.
Relates to: ULO3, Workshop - Demonstrate and apply knowledge of ethical and legal principles and practices in analysing and responding to business issues.
Relates to: ULO2, Research Report , Workshop
BS08 Bachelor of Business - International
- Demonstrate and apply knowledge of socially responsible behaviour in analysing and addressing business issues in national and international business contexts.
Relates to: ULO2, Research Report , Workshop - Investigate real world business issues and situations through the effective analysis, evaluation and synthesis of theory and practice.
Relates to: ULO1, ULO2, Research Report , Workshop - Exercise independent judgement and initiative in adapting and applying knowledge and skills for effective planning, problem solving and decision making in diverse contexts.
Relates to: ULO1, ULO2, Research Report , Workshop - Use information literacy skills, and communicate effectively and professionally in written forms and using media appropriate for diverse purposes and contexts.
Relates to: ULO4, Research Report - Use information literacy skills, and communicate effectively and professionally in oral forms, appropriate for diverse purposes and contexts.
Relates to: ULO4, Workshop - Apply teamwork knowledge and skills for effective collaboration across diverse purposes and contexts.
Relates to: ULO3, Workshop - Demonstrate and apply knowledge of ethical and legal principles and practices in analysing and responding to business issues.
Relates to: ULO2, Research Report , Workshop
Unit Outline: Semester 2 2026, Online
| Unit code: | MGB371 |
|---|---|
| Credit points: | 12 |
| Pre-requisite: | 192 credit points of study including 48cp of HRM major units |
Overview
This unit is designed to familiarise you with significant current and future issues affecting the management of human resources in organisations. The focus on contemporary trends and issues impacting and influencing Human Resource Management (HRM) will assist you to understand how to anticipate how work and people might be managed best in the future. You will learn how to use multisource data in a HR context to inform decision making and intervention design around contemporary issues. Connecting theory with practice the unit provides you with an overview of current issues impacting on HRM and possible future issues based on contemporary knowledge. Consequently, the unit content may vary each semester according to which issues are identified as significant at the time.
Learning Outcomes
On successful completion of this unit you will be able to:
- Search and critically analyse literature on contemporary issues in HRM and make linkages with other organisational domains and functions. [HO2.1, HO2.2]
- Identify and evaluate contemporary issues in HRM and propose future implications for industry, taking ethical practice, social responsibility and legal requirements into consideration. [HO2.1, HO2.2, SE5.1, SE5.2]
- Apply teamwork knowledge and skills for effective collaboration. [TS4.2]Relates to: UG Business Capabilities: TS (4.2)
- Communicate human resource management knowledge and ideas in oral and written forms. [PC3.1, PC3.2]
Content
The content of this unit covers areas such as:
- Future search on contemporary issues
- HRM information search and retrieval
- HR analytics
- Organisational change
- Diversity and inclusion
- Corporate social responsibility
- Technology and Artificial Intelligence
- Globalisation
- Sustainability
The unit content may vary each semester according to which issues are identified as significant at the time.
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 and Technological Skills (KS)
1.1 Demonstrate and apply integrated discipline (including technical) knowledge across the broad field of business with depth in one or more core business disciplines.
1.2 Apply technical and technological skills appropriate and effective for real world business purposes and contexts.
Higher Order Thinking (HO)
2.1 Investigate real world business issues and situations through the effective analysis, evaluation and synthesis of theory and practice.
2.2 Exercise independent judgment and initiative in adapting and applying knowledge and skills for effective planning, problem solving and decision making in diverse contexts.
Professional Communication (PC)
3.1 Use information literacy skills, and communicate effectively and professionally in written forms and using media appropriate for diverse purposes and contexts.
3.2 Use information literacy skills, and communicate effectively and professionally in oral forms, appropriate for diverse purposes and contexts.
Teamwork and Self (TS)
4.1 Exercise self-reflection, responsibility and accountability in relation to own learning and professional practice.
4.2 Apply teamwork knowledge and skills for effective collaboration across diverse purposes and contexts.
Social, Ethical and Global Understanding (SE)
5.1 Demonstrate and apply knowledge of ethical and legal principles and practices in analysing and responding to business issues.
5.2 Demonstrate and apply knowledge of socially responsible behaviour in analysing and addressing business issues in national and international business contexts.
Learning Approaches
This unit builds HRM knowledge, skills and abilities and will focus on contemporary challenges and directions. This unit allows you to engage with HRM theory and concepts in the context of contemporary issues.
The teaching mode in this unit will vary and may use differing teaching activities to encourage your active participation. Activities may include case studies, real-world examples, scenarios, group activities, problem-based learning, and industry involvement. We will create a positive learning environment wherein class members can draw upon the collective strengths and experiences of the group. The unit will require extensive reading, research, analysis and application. You will be expected to actively lead and contribute to workshops, group work and class discussion.
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
You will complete two assessment items which are designed to develop your ability to familiarise yourself with significant current and future issues affecting the management of human resources in organisations. The first assessment sees you to complete a research report based on specific contemporary issue culminating in resultant industry specific recommendations. The second has you work in a group to present a resultant practical video workshop targeting specific organisational needs.
You will receive feedback on your learning as you progress toward the development of knowledge, understanding, skills and attitudes; and demonstrate your learning in order to achieve a final grade.
Students may be required to attend campus or an assessment centre for the purposes of assessment, regardless of the attendance mode for the unit.
Unit Grading Scheme
7- point scale
Assessment Tasks
Assessment: Research Report
You will choose a contemporary topic in the area of human resource management and write a report using the suggested structure. You will need to review a range of literature in that area to provide a summary of theories and research findings and then propose future ethical, social and legal implications for industry.
Formative or Summative: Formative and Summative
Business Capabilities (Aol goals): HO (2.1; 2.2); PC (3.1); SE (5.1; 5.2)
This assignment is eligible for the 48-hour late submission period and assignment extensions.
Assessment: Workshop
In a small group, you will develop and deliver a workshop on the implications of a contemporary HRM issue for organisations and the HRM profession in the future to the class. Your group will introduce a contemporary issue impacting on managing human resources. You can exercise creativity that aligns with the topic chosen and you will be afforded flexibility around the final format of the workshop. This assessment incorporates a peer evaluation of your contribution to the task and group processes.
Formative or Summative: Formative and Summative
Business Capabilities (Aol goals): HO (2.1; 2.2); PC (3.2); TS (4.2); SE (5.1; 5.2)
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.
Requirements to Study
Requirements
No additional requirements.
Costs
No additional costs.
Resources
There is no prescribed text for this unit. Weekly resources will be provided on the unit Canvas site and via QUT Readings.
Risk Assessment Statement
There are no out-of-the-ordinary risks associated with lectures or tutorials in this unit. You should, however, familiarise yourself with evacuation procedures operating in the buildings in which you attend classes and take the time to view the Emergency video.
Standards/Competencies
This unit is designed to support your development of the following standards\competencies.
QUT Business Capabilities (Undergraduate)
HO (2.1): Critical Analysis
Relates to: ULO1, ULO2, Research Report , Workshop
HO (2.2): Independent Judgement and Decision-Making
Relates to: ULO1, ULO2, Research Report , Workshop
PC (3.1): Professional Communication (Written)
Relates to: ULO4, Research Report
PC (3.2): Professional Communication (Oral)
SE (5.1): Ethical and Legal Understanding
Relates to: ULO2, Research Report , Workshop
SE (5.2): Global Social Responsibility
Relates to: ULO2, Research Report , Workshop
TS (4.2): Teamwork Knowledge and Skills
Course Learning Outcomes
This unit is designed to support your development of the following course/study area learning outcomes.BS05 Bachelor of Business
- Demonstrate and apply knowledge of socially responsible behaviour in analysing and addressing business issues in national and international business contexts.
Relates to: ULO2, Research Report , Workshop - Investigate real world business issues and situations through the effective analysis, evaluation and synthesis of theory and practice.
Relates to: ULO1, ULO2, Research Report , Workshop - Exercise independent judgement and initiative in adapting and applying knowledge and skills for effective planning, problem solving and decision making in diverse contexts.
Relates to: ULO1, ULO2, Research Report , Workshop - Use information literacy skills, and communicate effectively and professionally in written forms and using media appropriate for diverse purposes and contexts.
Relates to: ULO4, Research Report - Use information literacy skills, and communicate effectively and professionally in oral forms, appropriate for diverse purposes and contexts.
Relates to: ULO4, Workshop - Apply teamwork knowledge and skills for effective collaboration across diverse purposes and contexts.
Relates to: ULO3, Workshop - Demonstrate and apply knowledge of ethical and legal principles and practices in analysing and responding to business issues.
Relates to: ULO2, Research Report , Workshop
BS06 Bachelor of Business
- Demonstrate and apply knowledge of socially responsible behaviour in analysing and addressing business issues in national and international business contexts.
Relates to: ULO2, Research Report , Workshop - Investigate real world business issues and situations through the effective analysis, evaluation and synthesis of theory and practice.
Relates to: ULO1, ULO2, Research Report , Workshop - Exercise independent judgement and initiative in adapting and applying knowledge and skills for effective planning, problem solving and decision making in diverse contexts.
Relates to: ULO1, ULO2, Research Report , Workshop - Use information literacy skills, and communicate effectively and professionally in written forms and using media appropriate for diverse purposes and contexts.
Relates to: ULO4, Research Report - Use information literacy skills, and communicate effectively and professionally in oral forms, appropriate for diverse purposes and contexts.
Relates to: ULO4, Workshop - Apply teamwork knowledge and skills for effective collaboration across diverse purposes and contexts.
Relates to: ULO3, Workshop - Demonstrate and apply knowledge of ethical and legal principles and practices in analysing and responding to business issues.
Relates to: ULO2, Research Report , Workshop
BS08 Bachelor of Business - International
- Demonstrate and apply knowledge of socially responsible behaviour in analysing and addressing business issues in national and international business contexts.
Relates to: ULO2, Research Report , Workshop - Investigate real world business issues and situations through the effective analysis, evaluation and synthesis of theory and practice.
Relates to: ULO1, ULO2, Research Report , Workshop - Exercise independent judgement and initiative in adapting and applying knowledge and skills for effective planning, problem solving and decision making in diverse contexts.
Relates to: ULO1, ULO2, Research Report , Workshop - Use information literacy skills, and communicate effectively and professionally in written forms and using media appropriate for diverse purposes and contexts.
Relates to: ULO4, Research Report - Use information literacy skills, and communicate effectively and professionally in oral forms, appropriate for diverse purposes and contexts.
Relates to: ULO4, Workshop - Apply teamwork knowledge and skills for effective collaboration across diverse purposes and contexts.
Relates to: ULO3, Workshop - Demonstrate and apply knowledge of ethical and legal principles and practices in analysing and responding to business issues.
Relates to: ULO2, Research Report , Workshop