This module is designed to provide students with an understanding and appreciation of the role and function of Human Resource Management (HRM) in contributing to organisational effectiveness and sustainability. There is a strong focus on contextualising HRM within the prevailing macro global environment and the EU Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) to demonstrate how these influence the range of HR systems, policies and practices enacted by organisations. The various stages of the employment lifecycle, from organisational entry through to exit, are detailed with consideration for principles of equity, inclusion, ethics, sustainability, work quality and wellbeing.

The syllabus covers core issues surrounding the management of people at work. The module starts with an overview of the historical development and theoretical foundation of HRM and then moves to consider key labour market issues (global and local) that shape the composition of the labour market. Core HR policies and activities are next explored including the processes of human resource planning, recruitment, and selection. The module then examines critical elements of managing and rewarding performance, designing jobs, and developing people at work. The regulatory environment for HRM in Ireland is reviewed. Throughout each stage of the employment cycle, there is consideration of work quality, inclusion and sustainability.

On successful completion of this module, students will be able to: Describe the main activities of the Human Resource Management function in organisations¿ Explain the key factors that influence the choices organisations make about how they manage people in their workplaces Describe the process involved in hiring a new employee¿ Explain how onboarding programmes can impact employee retention¿rates Indicate how employment relations procedures and policies function

On successful completion of this module, students will be able to: Advocate for why equality, diversity and inclusion are key components of the role of anyone who has responsibility for managing people at work¿¿

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While the standard lecture format is followed throughout the semester, the tutorials form an intrinsic part of the learning for this module. They are designed to encourage discussion and to facilitate the development of a more practice-based understanding of how HRM works in organisations. These tutorials are mainly workshop based to facilitate the enhancement of skills in aspects of recruitment and selection, managing performance and rewards, and learning and development. Through active participation in classes and completion of assessments, students will be encouraged develop the UL graduate attributes of articulate (strong inter and intra-personal skills, empathetic, collaborative), and responsible (personally, socially, professionally, sustainably and ethically responsible). Research-based cases drawn from real organisational settings, video interviews with HRM practitioners, and guest lecturers from industry are used throughout the module to help students learn more effectively about the role and value of HRM in organisations. They also allow for active learning as students develop the ability to creatively analyse and evaluate core challenges in managing people at work. Thus, students will have the opportunity to become curious (problem-solver, critical, knowledgeable, inquisitive, imaginative) and courageous (tenacious, resilient, robust, transformative, enterprising, innovative), having to use their knowledge to critically assess information and identify innovative solutions.