Technology and digitalisation have been a driving force of change across industries and organisations. People Management is critical in paving the way for digital transformation and shaping the future of work in organisations. This module introduces students to the role of people management in contemporary organisations, emphasising the transformations that have arisen in people management practices because of digitalisation, sophisticated information systems and new technologies. A core aspect of this module will be to foster the development of a critical understanding of the use of data and technology in people management, including how data is acquired, analysed, and applied in people management decision-making. The module will examine the theoretical underpinnings of people management and evaluate the role of human resource management professionals and line managers, as decision-makers central to the way in which organisational policies and practices are developed and enacted.

The syllabus covers fundamental issues surrounding the management of people at work and internal and external drivers of change. Specific practices such as workforce planning, job design, performance measurement and analytics, total rewards and remuneration, employee wellbeing, agile working, and turnover are examined. The digital tools used to operationalise key HR practices are examined including for example scheduling and attendance management apps. The content is based on examples of best practice people management and is designed to provide students with a framework for evaluating the valuable contribution people management can make to organisational functioning day to day and in creating sustainable organisations. Through the learning activities students will acquire the writing and communication skills necessary to communicate within their organisation. Students will also reflect on how people management practices have shaped their own organisations.

On successful completion of this module, students will be able to: Explain the role and contribution of people management in organisations. Describe the core functional activities of people management and the data supporting them. Discuss a range of internal and external factors influencing people management practices and change in organisations. Identify and discuss contemporary HR trends and digital transformation in the workplace.

On successful completion of this module, students will be able to: Value the contribution of the people management function to organisational effectiveness, fairness and sustainability.

On successful completion of this module, students will be able to:

The module will be delivered in a blended format where students will gain core knowledge through the content provided on the VLE and then apply that knowledge in student led on campus workshops. Recorded lecture content and curated open access materials support asynchronous learning online. While on campus teaching activities are designed to facilitate discussion, collaboration and critique of the content covered in online sessions. The formative and summative learning and teaching activities and assessment instruments are adopted with the aim of providing learners with the opportunity to engage with fellow students through e-tivities and to develop independence through the coursework. The assessments are designed to provide learners with workplace relevant knowledge, and enrich competence in analysis, writing and presentation skills. The module will incorporate research findings of the HR Practices surveys conducted in partnership between the HR professional body, the CIPD, and faculty of the Department of Work and Employment Studies.