Answer: 1.1 Summarise the stages of the research process and compare different data collection methods.

Unit Assessment: CHRM Using Information in Human Resources

Unit Type: Core UIN

Assessment Code: NAB 5UIN IHR104001

Background to Unit - Using Information in Human Resources
Human resources (HR) professionals need to be able to present a viable and realistic case for improvement based on sound work-based research and an understanding of what is considered good practice. This core unit develops the skills of research and enquiry in order to enable learners to identify appropriate data sources to support an investigation into an area of HR practice and to synthesise and apply this data, to evaluate the role of HR in business and strategy formulation and implementation, and to prepare and present a business case for improvement.

Learning outcomes:

1 Understand the research process and different research approaches

1.1 Summarise the stages of the research process and compare different data collection methods.

2 Be able to conduct a critical review of information sources in an area of HR/business practice and analyse the findings.

2.1 Identify an area of HR practice for investigation.

2.2 Conduct a critical review of different information sources relevant to the chosen area of HR/business practice

3 Be able to draw meaningful conclusions and evaluate options for change.

3.1 Draw meaningful conclusions from the review and make justified recommendations for improvements in practice.

4 Know how to deliver clear, business-focused reports on an HR issue.

4.1 Formulate a business report for identified stakeholders that includes an appropriate mix of diagrammatic and narrative formats.

Your task (2500 words)

Your CEO has asked each departmental head to undertake a critical review of their systems, processes and practices as part of a major organisational change agenda. You have been asked to review an area of HR/business practice and present a business report to key stakeholders with recommendations for improving practice. To provide the basis for your report, you have been asked to conduct a critical review of information sources relevant to the area of practice. (4.1) You should:

• Select an area of HR/business practice and give the reason for your choice (2.1)
• Undertake a critical review of different information sources (at least three) e.g. research digests, academic and professional literature, online databases, key texts relevant to the selected area of practice. (2.2)
• In your write up of the literature review you should explain why you selected that particular source and highlight some of the different research approaches adopted by the authors and comment on the advantages and disadvantages of these different approaches. (1.1)
• Draw meaningful conclusions from the review of the different information sources. (3.1)
• Make justified recommendations to named stakeholders for sustaining and/or improving practice. (3.1)

Your report structure should include:

• Title page (report title and their name, submission date)
• Executive summary (overview, methods of analysis, findings, recommendations)
• Table of contents (list of numbered sections)
• Introduction (terms of reference)
• Main body (headings and sub-headings – these could be for each information source reviewed). Candidates should use a mix of narrative and diagrammatic formats where appropriate to present their findings.
• Conclusion (including major inferences and recommendations for change)
• Reference list
• Appendix if used i.e. information supporting their analysis but not essential to its explanation.

Evidence to be produced/required

A written business report for stakeholders of approximately 2,500 words.

You should relate academic concepts, theories and professional practice to the way organisations operate, in a critical and informed way, and with reference to key texts, articles and other publications and by using organisational examples for illustration.

Guidance about the assessment:

• Do make sure you refer to the assessment criteria (AC) above so you do not miss anything out in your answer. Sometimes one question will cover more than one AC, make sure you cover all the requirements in your answer, and make this clear in your heading;
• We strongly advise that you read the Assessment Guidance sheet provided (focus on the assessment criteria relevant for this assessment), in your pack, and/or on the Moodle. This helps with the context of the assignment itself. The two documents work together to clarify what is required;
• You need to refer to best practice and relevant legislation where appropriate, and include reference to appropriate literature sources to demonstrate your wider reading;
• When referencing your research and wider reading, remember to include your sources in a Bibliography attached to your work (not included in the word count). Guidance on how to do this can be found on Moodle. Knowing how to reference correctly is a useful skill for those at this level, and moving to higher qualifications.  

Submission deadlines

How?

Your assessment should be submitted through Moodle, ensuring you have fully uploaded your work with attachments correctly.

When?

Submission due dates for each unit can be found on your study calendar. See our policies on Moodle for late submission and extensions.

Submission Checklist

1. Assignment cover sheet
2. Report (2500 words)
3. Appendices
4. References/Bibliography
5. Updated Personal Development Plan with Key Learning Summary