The aim of this module is to develop understanding of how changes in the world of work impact on Human Resource Management (HRM) and its application to the workplace. Effective people management is critically important for individuals, organisations, and societies. Developments in digital work environments, hybrid working, Artificial Intelligence (AI) capabilities, Robotic Process Automation (RPA) and skills disruption all provide significant challenges and opportunities for HRM and require adaptations to the HR function. The impact of these developments on HRM will be analysed and discussed, as well as the practical implications for HR activities and practices. In particular, the implications for employee's experience of work throughout the employee lifecycle will form an important part of discussions. Key issues such as diversity and inclusion, experiences of marginalised labour market groups, work-life balance, employee wellbeing and ethical perspectives on the role of organisations within society will be debated. Discussions and analysis will occur in the context of applying key learnings from the evolution of HRM and relevant theories to contemporary issues in organisations.

The evolution of HRM and critical theories; talent management and the flexible workforce; the employee lifecycle; onboarding and graduate experiences; equality and diversity - how organisations can be more inclusive; gender and work; managing performance in hybrid work environments, technology, AI and e-HRM; HR Analytics, work-life balance and wellbeing; ethical perspectives on work and sustainable HRM.

On successful completion of this module, students will be able to: 1. Trace the theoretical development of Human Resource Management and its impact on contemporary HR practices 2. Critically evaluate the impact of contemporary developments in HRM on individuals, organisations and society 3. Identify the HR issues raised in a hybrid work environment 4. Recognise the links between HR practices across the employee lifecycle

On successful completion of this module, students will be able to: 5. Appreciate the importance of diversity and inclusion for individuals, organisations, and society 6. Question developments in HR practices and their impact on key stakeholders 7. Reflect on module learning and apply insights to workplace scenarios

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The module will be delivered through blended teaching with a strong focus on student-led learning. Teaching methods include live and asynchronous virtual lectures; recorded lecture notes; podcasts and media links; virtual class discussion boards and student e-learning activities; in person classroom activities such as case study analyses and peer-to-peer discussions. Students will also attend webinars from the Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development (CIPD) and other relevant webinars from the Department of Work and Employment Studies and the Kemmy Business School as they arise. The incorporation of research findings relevant to the world of work is an important inclusion to the syllabus for this module. The Department of Work and Employment Studies have a strong track record in researching issues relevant to contemporary HRM. Recent research and publications relevant to this module include those in the areas of: The future of work and digital transformations; Graduate transitions into a digitally transformed workplace; the impact of technology on workers; CIPD annual HR practices survey results, gender pay gap, zero hours contracts; diversity and work.