HR Management in Practice

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, communication skills, using ICT and managing financial resources.

What you will study

In this HR Management in Practice module from The Open University 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 HRM 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 financial information, consultancy skills and helping others to learn. You’ll also develop postgraduate study skills and digital literacy skills.

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.