This module considers the role and contribution of the HR professional and provide opportunities for you to examine and develop your own skills for this role. Topics covered will include an introduction to human resource management, managing performance, leadership and change management, and the nature of professionalism and ethics. You'll also develop the skills needed to work effectively as an HR professional. These include self-management, leading and working in teams, people analytics, communication skills, using ICT and managing financial resources.
Register
Warning
To see a fee on this page, you should use the StudentHome 'alias' system.
| Start |
End |
Fee
|
Register |
|
05 Nov 2022 |
Apr 2023 |
-
|
Registration closes 13/10/22 (places subject to availability) Click to register
|
This module is expected to start for the last time in November 2029.
What you will study
In this module you'll consider the role of the HR professional and the skills needed to be effective in this role. You'll also consider the implications of recent research findings in the field of human resource management for your own practice, for example in increasing levels of engagement and improving performance, in acting ethically and in managing change. You'll compare this with the practice of HR professionals in other contexts, drawing on case studies and the experience of your fellow students working in different geographical areas and sectors; and you will also look at the development over time of thinking about the role of HR professionals in order to understand how this may influence current thinking. The emphasis throughout will be on considering what HR management practices are associated with positive organisational outcomes.
You'll develop and practise the skills you'll need to be effective as an HR professional, including as a leader and a senior manager. These include self-management, leading and working in teams, making decisions, managing and communicating information, including people analytics, an awareness of EDI (Equality, Diversity and Inclusion), financial information, consultancy skills and helping others to learn.
Perhaps most importantly this module will develop your skills as a reflective practitioner, committed to continuously learning from reflection on your practice and on the critical application of new theories and ideas to inform this practice.
You will learn
By studying this module you will learn to:
- understand the role of the HR professional, the nature of professionalism and approaches to addressing ethical dilemmas
- review recent research and to assess its relevance for practice in a range of contexts
- assess the relevance of theory for practice and apply it where appropriate to improve practice
- review theoretical approaches to leadership and team-working and to develop the skills needed to be effective as a leader and as a team member
- critically assess the range of concepts and issues that are associated with managing performance in the workplace, and the interrelationships between these factors
- develop the skills and understanding needed to address change management issues and to work at a strategic level in the organisation
- develop the skills essential for HR work.
Vocational relevance
This module is part of a qualification that is intended to provide a route to professional membership of the CIPD if you wish to develop a career in HR management. It will also provide training in research and academic skills if you want to develop an academic career in the field of HR management.
More generally, by studying a postgraduate business qualification you can expect your salary to increase and for it to have a positive impact on your career progression, as well as bringing improvements to the organisation.
Entry
All entrants must hold a BA/BSc degree awarded by a recognised university, or equivalent. If you have any doubt about the suitability of the module, please speak to an adviser.
Qualifications
B810 is a compulsory module in our:
B810 is an optional module in our:
Excluded combinations
Sometimes you will not be able to count a module towards a qualification if you have already taken another module with similar content. To check any excluded combinations relating to this module, visit our excluded combination finder or check with an adviser before registering.
If you have a disability
Written transcripts of any audio components and Adobe Portable Document Format (PDF) versions of printed material are available. Some Adobe PDF components may not be available or fully accessible using a screen reader. Other alternative formats of the module materials may be available in the future.
If you have particular study requirements please tell us as soon as possible, as some of our support services may take several weeks to arrange. Visit our Disability support website to find more about what we offer.
To find out more about what kind of support and adjustments might be available, contact us or visit our Disability support website.
Study materials
What's included
You will have access to a module website with an extensive variety of specially written resources presented in different media (print and online) and designed exclusively for this module. This includes:
- audio and video content
- case studies
- published articles
- a week-by-week study planner
- online tutorial access
- access to The Open University library.
Computing requirements
You’ll need broadband internet access and a desktop or laptop computer with an up-to-date version of Windows (10 or 11), or macOS (10.15 or higher).
Any additional software will be provided or is generally freely available.
To join in spoken conversations in tutorials, we recommend a wired headset (headphones/earphones with a built-in microphone).
Our module websites comply with web standards, and any modern browser is suitable for most activities.
Our OU Study mobile app will operate on all current, supported versions of Android and iOS. It’s not available on Kindle.
It’s also possible to access some module materials on a mobile phone, tablet device or Chromebook. However, as you may be asked to install additional software or use certain applications, you’ll also require a desktop or laptop as described above.
Teaching and assessment
Support from your tutor
Your tutor will help you with the study material, mark and comment on your assignments and provide advice and guidance. You'll be able to contact your tutor by email, phone or via your tutor group forum on the module website.
Assessment
The assessment details can be found in the facts box above.
You must use the online eTMA system to submit your TMAs.
Future availability
The role of the human resource professional starts once a year, in November. This page describes the module that will start in November 2022. We expect it to start for the last time in November 2029.
How to register
To register a place on this module return to the top of the page and use the Click to register button.
Regulations
As a student of The Open University, you should be aware of the content of the academic regulations which are available on our
Student Policies and Regulations website.