Online Bachelors in Human Resources

This module critically examines the rise and development of e–learning in training and HRM. It attempts to move on from the initial claims that e-learning heralded a ‘revolution’ in workplace learning and uses recent research to place e-learning in the context of other training methods and the concept of blended learning.

This module examines the consequences of changing organisational structure and ownership for individual workers and for the conduct of industrial relations. In particular, it focuses on contemporary trends, including outsourcing and other forms of organisational fragmentation.

This module examines long-term changes to the labour market focusing on issues such as recruitment, retention, skills, qualifications and labour supply, and how the HR function can respond to these challenges. It also looks at labour markets in a global context.

This module critically explores the links between HRM practice and worker performance. The module focuses on High Performance Work Practices (HPWPs) – an approach to labour management, work organisation, and management strategy, which focuses on combining practices in a manner which secures performance via greater employee involvement and commitment. A central debate discussed here concerns the extent to which HPWPs can secure ‘mutual gains’ for both employers and employees. ‘Pluralist’ and ‘unitarist’ perspectives on HPWPs are each considered to highlight more general issues concerning tensions between the interests of employers and employees in the pursuit of performance.