The purpose of the module is to develop a critical and applied analytical approach to how human talent is managed, nurtured and enhanced in relation to both organisational objectives and wider societal challenges, such as ethics, sustainable people management and future of work developments. A key rationale is the need to appreciate people and talent management as a social science field of study. It will review, critique and assess theory and practice. Learning will be about the evolution of the field, issues of equity, ethics, sustainability and equality.

The module will cover knowledge of different academic disciplinary perspectives and current developments concerned with the management of people as human talent towards organisational and wider social objectives, including an evolution of the field of study, the HR function, strategic policies and practices of talent acquisition, people and performance, voice and engagement, diversity and inclusion, pay and reward, downsizing and restructuring, and future of work developments including new technologies and digitalisation in the workplace. Student will gain confidence in the application of academic concepts to real business issues (knowledgeable), develop a critical assessment of contemporary people and HR challenges and tensions, and be better able to apply (creative) knowledge to support and/or challenge (proactive) people management developments at organisational level. Additionally, class discussion, group work, case studies and written assignments will support verbal and written communications and analytical competence (articulate).

On successful completion of this module, students will be able to: 1. Critically evaluate different talent/HRM perspectives, both as a distinct management function, and as a field of study. 2. Analyse both internal and external (global) forces shaping contemporary people management strategy, policy and practice as they relate to performance, fairness and equality at individual, organisational and societal levels. 3. Critically evaluate contemporary developments in approaches to engage people and human talent through the employment relationship.

On successful completion of this module, students will be able to: 1. Appreciate the complexity of people management dynamics, including tensions and uncertainties in the role of HRM within organisations, and to challenge both organisational and personal assumptions about the potential contribution of HRM. 2. Gain insight into their own role within the HR dynamic as a general manager and a manager of people

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The module will be taught using a combination of synchronous and asynchronous lecture content, real-world case studies will be embedded across module topics, in-class discussions, presentations, and both individual and group learning. The content will be both research-led and research-informed. Graduate attributes will be developed in the following ways: Agile: Students are expected to be agile in their learning through independent study, self-directed learning and coursework; Articulate: Students will become articulate in expressing advice through the use of in-class discussions, presentations, case study analysis, and written coursework; Courageous: Students will be required to participate openly in class discussions, group work and assessments that require them to step outside their comfort zone; Curious: Students will be encouraged to be curious in their acquisition of knowledge which challenges their prior understandings of talent management, current knowledge, ideas and perspectives around people management using applied theory, practical examples, coursework and in-class groupwork; Responsible: Students will develop a sense of responsibility through class discussions on various ethical, sustainable and future of work issues and challenges.