MGN535 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: | MGN535 |
|---|---|
| Prerequisite(s): | 36 Credit Points of Completed Study |
| Equivalent(s): | MGN506 |
| Credit points: | 12 |
| Timetable | Details in HiQ, if available |
| Availabilities |
|
| Domestic tuition unit fee | $4,416 |
| International unit fee | $4,944 |
Unit Outline: Semester 2 2025, Gardens Point, Internal
| Unit code: | MGN535 |
|---|---|
| Credit points: | 12 |
| Pre-requisite: | 36 credit points of completed study |
| Equivalent: | MGN506 |
| Coordinator: | Maria Kaya | maria.kaya@qut.edu.au |
Overview
This unit is designed to familiarise students 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) are relevant to not only human resource (HR) managers but also to other managers to understand how work should be best managed in the future. This unit teaches students how to use multisource data in an HR context to inform decision making and intervention design around contemporary issues. Connecting theory with practice, the unit begins with an overview of current issues impacting on HRM which students then research. 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. [KS1.1, 1.2, HO2.1]
- Identify and evaluate the implications of contemporary issues in HRM and report on results. [HO2.1, 2.2, TS4.2]
- Apply social, ethical and global understanding of an appropriate theory, data and concepts to organisational settings. [HO2.1, SE5.1, 5.2]
- Critique the role of HRM in organisations and identify and develop competencies of HRM professionals. [PC3.1, 3.2]
Content
The content of this unit covers areas such as:
- Student search on contemporary issues
- SHRM and decent work
- HR analytics
- Ethical leadership
- Ethics and corporate social responsibility
- Diversity and inclusion
- Technology
- Globalisation
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
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 data in the context of contemporary issues.
We will create a positive learning environment wherein class members can draw upon the collective strengths and experiences of the group. As such, the unit is designed on adult learning principles and you will be expected to take prime responsibility for your own learning. 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.
Delivery mode
The QUT Business School seeks to create postgraduate learning environments that help participants better manage family-work-study conflicts. For example, the units in the Master of Business (HRM) program provide a range of delivery options that offer some flexibility with respect to class timetable. These delivery options vary by unit. Your lecturer will provide details in class. Flexible delivery options are supported by educational technologies to both connect you with others in the unit and with unit content. Whatever delivery option is used, you still have the option of as much face-to-face time with teaching staff as you need to support your study. We encourage you to regularly access the HR Program portal, the unit Canvas site, attend scheduled classes, engage in on-line activities, and make effective use of staff consultation times. In this unit, flexible study options are provided by the Canvas site including recordings of selected seminars.
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 in this unit aims to support your achievement of the learning objectives for both Discipline Knowledge and Other Graduate Capabilities.
Assessment has been designed in order to allow you to demonstrate your learning in order to achieve a final grade (summative assessment) and receive feedback on your learning as you progress toward the development of knowledge, understanding, skills and attitudes (formative assessment).
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: Report
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 provide some industry insights. Highlight any innovations.
Formative or Summative: Formative and Summative.
Business Capabilities (AoL goals): KS (1.1, 1.2), HO (2.1), PC (3.1), SE (5.1)
This assignment is eligible for the 48-hour late submission period and assignment extensions.
Assessment: Workshop
In a small virtual group, you will develop and deliver a video workshop on a contemporary HRM issue to the class. Your group will introduce a contemporary issue impacting on managing human resources. This assessment incorporates a peer review. Marks will incorporate self and peer reflection of your contribution to the task, the group processes and key learning appropriate to professional development.
Formative or Summative: Formative and Summative
Business Capabilities (AoL goals): KS (1.1), HO (2.1), PC (3.2), TS (4.2), SE (5.2)
This assignment is eligible for the 48-hour late submission period and assignment extensions.
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
There is no prescribed text for this unit. Weekly resources will be provided on the unit Canvas site.
Risk Assessment Statement
There are no out-of-the ordinary risks associated with 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 (Postgraduate)
HO (2.1): Critical Analysis
Relates to: ULO1, ULO2, ULO3, Report, Workshop
HO (2.2): Independent Judgement and Decision-Making
Relates to: ULO2
KS (1.1): Discipline and Professional Practice Knowledge
Relates to: ULO1, Report, Workshop
KS (1.2): Technical, Technological and Research Skills
PC (3.1): Professional Communication (Written)
PC (3.2): Professional Communication (Oral)
SE (5.1): Ethical and Legal Understanding
SE (5.2): Global Social Responsibility
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.BS11 Master of Business
- Demonstrate and apply integrated and advanced discipline and professional practice knowledge, including knowledge of relevant research principles and methods.
Relates to: ULO1, Report, Workshop - 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.
Relates to: ULO3, Workshop - Apply technical, technological and technical research skills to organise and interpret discipline knowledge, including theory and practice, to investigate business issues.
Relates to: ULO1, Report - Critically investigate real world business issues and problems drawing on analysis, evaluation and synthesis of discipline knowledge, including theory and practice.
Relates to: ULO1, ULO2, ULO3, Report, Workshop - 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 - Use information literacy skills and communicate effectively and professionally in written forms and using media appropriate for diverse purposes, contexts and audiences.
Relates to: ULO4, Report - Use information literacy skills and communicate effectively and professionally in oral forms appropriate for diverse purposes, contexts and audiences.
Relates to: ULO4, Workshop - Apply teamwork knowledge and skills for effective collaboration across a range of complex activities and contexts.
Relates to: ULO2, Workshop - 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: ULO3, Report
Unit Outline: Semester 2 2025, Online
| Unit code: | MGN535 |
|---|---|
| Credit points: | 12 |
| Pre-requisite: | 36 credit points of completed study |
| Equivalent: | MGN506 |
Overview
This unit is designed to familiarise students 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) are relevant to not only human resource (HR) managers but also to other managers to understand how work should be best managed in the future. This unit teaches students how to use multisource data in an HR context to inform decision making and intervention design around contemporary issues. Connecting theory with practice, the unit begins with an overview of current issues impacting on HRM which students then research. 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. [KS1.1, 1.2, HO2.1]
- Identify and evaluate the implications of contemporary issues in HRM and report on results. [HO2.1, 2.2, TS4.2]
- Apply social, ethical and global understanding of an appropriate theory, data and concepts to organisational settings. [HO2.1, SE5.1, 5.2]
- Critique the role of HRM in organisations and identify and develop competencies of HRM professionals. [PC3.1, 3.2]
Content
The content of this unit covers areas such as:
- Student search on contemporary issues
- SHRM and decent work
- HR analytics
- Ethical leadership
- Ethics and corporate social responsibility
- Diversity and inclusion
- Technology
- Globalisation
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
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 data in the context of contemporary issues.
We will create a positive learning environment wherein class members can draw upon the collective strengths and experiences of the group. As such, the unit is designed on adult learning principles and you will be expected to take prime responsibility for your own learning. 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.
Delivery mode
The QUT Business School seeks to create postgraduate learning environments that help participants better manage family-work-study conflicts. For example, the units in the Master of Business (HRM) program provide a range of delivery options that offer some flexibility with respect to class timetable. These delivery options vary by unit. Your lecturer will provide details in class. Flexible delivery options are supported by educational technologies to both connect you with others in the unit and with unit content. Whatever delivery option is used, you still have the option of as much face-to-face time with teaching staff as you need to support your study. We encourage you to regularly access the HR Program portal, the unit Canvas site, attend scheduled classes, engage in on-line activities, and make effective use of staff consultation times. In this unit, flexible study options are provided by the Canvas site including recordings of selected seminars.
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 in this unit aims to support your achievement of the learning objectives for both Discipline Knowledge and Other Graduate Capabilities.
Assessment has been designed in order to allow you to demonstrate your learning in order to achieve a final grade (summative assessment) and receive feedback on your learning as you progress toward the development of knowledge, understanding, skills and attitudes (formative assessment).
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: Report
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 provide some industry insights. Highlight any innovations.
Formative or Summative: Formative and Summative.
Business Capabilities (AoL goals): KS (1.1, 1.2), HO (2.1), PC (3.1), SE (5.1)
This assignment is eligible for the 48-hour late submission period and assignment extensions.
Assessment: Workshop
In a small virtual group, you will develop and deliver a video workshop on a contemporary HRM issue to the class. Your group will introduce a contemporary issue impacting on managing human resources. This assessment incorporates a peer review. Marks will incorporate self and peer reflection of your contribution to the task, the group processes and key learning appropriate to professional development.
Formative or Summative: Formative and Summative
Business Capabilities (AoL goals): KS (1.1), HO (2.1), PC (3.2), TS (4.2), SE (5.2)
This assignment is eligible for the 48-hour late submission period and assignment extensions.
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
There is no prescribed text for this unit. Weekly resources will be provided on the unit Canvas site.
Risk Assessment Statement
There are no out-of-the ordinary risks associated with 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 (Postgraduate)
HO (2.1): Critical Analysis
Relates to: ULO1, ULO2, ULO3, Report, Workshop
HO (2.2): Independent Judgement and Decision-Making
Relates to: ULO2
KS (1.1): Discipline and Professional Practice Knowledge
Relates to: ULO1, Report, Workshop
KS (1.2): Technical, Technological and Research Skills
PC (3.1): Professional Communication (Written)
PC (3.2): Professional Communication (Oral)
SE (5.1): Ethical and Legal Understanding
SE (5.2): Global Social Responsibility
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.BS11 Master of Business
- Demonstrate and apply integrated and advanced discipline and professional practice knowledge, including knowledge of relevant research principles and methods.
Relates to: ULO1, Report, Workshop - 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.
Relates to: ULO3, Workshop - Apply technical, technological and technical research skills to organise and interpret discipline knowledge, including theory and practice, to investigate business issues.
Relates to: ULO1, Report - Critically investigate real world business issues and problems drawing on analysis, evaluation and synthesis of discipline knowledge, including theory and practice.
Relates to: ULO1, ULO2, ULO3, Report, Workshop - 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 - Use information literacy skills and communicate effectively and professionally in written forms and using media appropriate for diverse purposes, contexts and audiences.
Relates to: ULO4, Report - Use information literacy skills and communicate effectively and professionally in oral forms appropriate for diverse purposes, contexts and audiences.
Relates to: ULO4, Workshop - Apply teamwork knowledge and skills for effective collaboration across a range of complex activities and contexts.
Relates to: ULO2, Workshop - 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: ULO3, Report