Module Code - Title:
PM4018
-
Personnel Management Practice
Year Last Offered:
2025/6
Hours Per Week:
Grading Type:
N
Prerequisite Modules:
Rationale and Purpose of the Module:
This purpose of this module is to develop practical skills/capabilities considered essential for HR practitioners. These skills are primarily in the key areas of selection, appraisal, discipline and grievance and applying regulations governing HR to all processes and activities. Another core purpose of the module is to increase the knowledge and skill and overall capability of the participants in key operational areas of HR such as performance management, health and safety, employment regulation, employee welfare issues.
Syllabus:
Overview of key HR processes; key operational areas: selection, performance management conflict. key regulatory considerations; Key communication skills revisited- active listening, questioning styles, recording information; job analysis; recruitment process- designing job descriptions, person specifications, ; sourcing applicants, interacting with recruitment agencies, application forms; evaluative standards for selection methods: reliability, validity, practicality, integration, interpretability; selection methods: references; selection process- short listing, designing matrices, designing interview assessments, interviewing techniques, applying appropriate communication skills to selection interview; individual characteristics and bias; preparing and setting up interview; regulatory considerations, documentation; performance review- preparation, documentation, conducting the performance review, follow up; workplace counselling; disciplinary interviewing.
Learning Outcomes:
Cognitive (Knowledge, Understanding, Application, Analysis, Evaluation, Synthesis)
On completion of this module participants should display capability and competence in the following areas:
Analyse situations at work in context of current employment regulations/legislation
Compare different operational models of key HR areas
Analyse cases/scenarios relating to health and safety, rewards, discipline, selection and performance
Conduct selection interviews, disciplinary interviews and performance management interviews
Demonstrate core communication/problem solving/negotiating skills in various interview situations
Arrange and prepare documentation necessary for processes of selection, discipline, conflict resolution, rewards, and performance management
Identify key national and local institutional supports necessary in the operational aspects of HR such as labour relations commission, equality authority, IBEC, CIPD among others.
Affective (Attitudes and Values)
Adhere to legislation governing discrimination and fairness with respect to selection, performance, promotion, discipline and dismissal.
Conduct an interview in a positive professional manner without displaying behaviours that may be construed as discriminatory or unfair.
Psychomotor (Physical Skills)
N/A
How the Module will be Taught and what will be the Learning Experiences of the Students:
Module will be taught through a combination of lectures, workshops and action learning events. Guest lecturers who are experts in various operational HR areas will facilitate workshops/seminars. Development of communication skills will be facilitated through use of lectures, simulations, role plays and observations. Action learning is a core component of this module and this is reflected in the assessments which are based totally on student performance in case studies, worksheets, conducting disciplinary/selection interviews. There is a mix of individual and group work involved in this module. There is no end of term exam for this module.
Research Findings Incorporated in to the Syllabus (If Relevant):
N/A
Prime Texts:
Armstrong, M. (2010)
A Handbook of Human Resource Management Practice (10e)
, London, Kogan Page.
Other Relevant Texts:
Gunnigle, P. (1999)
The Irish Employee Recruitment Handbook
, Oak Tree Press
Martin, M. and Jackson, T. (2005)
Personnel Practice
, London, CIPD
Programme(s) in which this Module is Offered:
Semester(s) Module is Offered:
Module Leader:
Maria.B.Ryan@ul.ie