Workplace learning with coaching and mentoring

This module offers both a strategic and an operational focus. Students will consider the factors which inform choices about learning and talent development strategies in different contexts. They will also explore the range of workplace interventions which can put these strategies into effect and the models and theories which underpin these. Throughout this module there will be an emphasis on workplace and practice based learning and, relatedly, on professionalism and continuous professional development. Students will look closely at coaching and mentoring in the workplace and will have an opportunity to develop and practise their own coaching and mentoring skills.

What you will study

Factors which inform choices about learning and talent development strategies and practices include skilful reading of economic, political and social contexts and an appreciation of their impact on possible choices. Students will be expected to think critically about organisational factors which can influence options and outcomes such as power and politics. They are encouraged to draw comparisons with the development of learning and talent development strategies in other contexts, drawing on the experience of cases studies and the experience of fellow students working in different geographical areas and sectors.

There is an emphasis throughout this module on workplace and practice based learning and on professionalism and continuous professional development. Students will examine the range of possible interventions to support learning and talent development, and will critically examine the theories and models which underpin these. Particular attention will be paid to the use of coaching and mentoring in the workplace and students will have the opportunity to develop and practise coaching and mentoring skills.

The module is organised into eight units of study. The first three of these are primarily concerned with the processes of developing and implementing strategies relating to learning and talent development at national, organisational and individual level and an examination of the importance of contextual factors, both nationally and internationally, for choices made about these.

The following four units, 4 to 7, focus on the role of the Human Resource Development (HRD) professional and approaches to supporting learning and talent development in the workplace. There is a strong emphasis on professionalism, and ethics and modules 6 and 7 concentrate on coaching and mentoring.

You will learn

By the end of this module you will have:

critically reviewed the processes of formulating strategies for managing learning and development within the organisation and for identifying and managing the development of talent.
examined a range of possible interventions to support learning and talent development in the workplace and critically examined the theories and models which underpin these.
demonstrated an understanding of the concept of professionalism’, particularly as it applies to HRD and of the relationship between ethical principles to HRD practice.
explored the principles and practice of work-based learning and of continuous professional development
evaluated the psychological theories which underpin the use of coaching and mentoring interventions and considered the organisation factors to be taken into account in using these to support learning and talent development.

In addition practical learning outcomes include the ability to:

lead the development and implementation of strategies for managing learning and development within the organisation and for identifying and managing the development of talent.
produce business cases and business plans, to preparing budgets and to allocate resources.
provide coaching and mentoring services to support learning and talent development in the workplace.

Vocational relevance

This module is part of a qualification that provides 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 their organisation.

Entry

This is an optional module in our MSc in Human Resource Management and therefore you must hold a BA/BSc degree awarded by a recognised university, or equivalent. You should study The human resource professional (B863) before taking this module.

If you have any doubt about the suitability of the module, please speak to an adviser.

Qualifications

B867 is an optional module in our:

MA/MSc Open (F81)

This module can also count towards E84 and F68 which are no longer available to new students.

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.

Study materials

What's included

An extensive variety of specially written resources presented in different media (print and online) and designed exclusively for this module. Audio-visual material, published articles, case studies and access to The Open University library.

Computing requirements

Primary device – A desktop or laptop computer. It’s possible to access some materials on a mobile phone, tablet or Chromebook; however, they will not be suitable as your primary device.
Peripheral device – Headphones/earphones with a built-in microphone for online tutorials.
Our OU Study app operates on supported versions of Android and iOS.
Operating systems – Windows 11 or latest supported macOS. Microsoft will no longer support Windows 10 as of 14 October 2025.
Internet access – Broadband or mobile connection.
Browser – Google Chrome and Microsoft Edge are recommended. Mozilla Firefox and Safari may be suitable.

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 can contact your tutor by email, telephone or via your tutor group forum on the B867 website.

Assessment

The assessment details for this module can be found in the facts box above.

You must use the online eTMA system to submit your tutor-marked assignments (TMAs).

Future availability

Workplace learning with coaching and mentoring starts once a year – in May. This page describes the module that will start in May 2023 when we expect it to start for the last time. A replacement module is planned for May 2024.

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.