Describe the historical development and conceptual foundation of Human Resources Management.

Subject Description 
This subject is a comprehensive overview of modern day human resources management (HRM). This course will introduce the diverse components of human resource (HR) functions and its role in the current business environment. Case study analysis will be used to link the theory to the practical situations that occur in HR. Topics to be covered include the business environment, recruitment and selection, employee development and evaluation, compensation and benefits, employee rights, safety and representations and strategic issues and challenges in HRM, in both domestic and global environments. Describe the historical development and conceptual foundation of Human Resources Management.

Learning Outcomes: HRA701 - Introduction to Human Resources Management
Upon successful completion of this subject the student will be able to:

1. Describe the historical development and conceptual foundation of Human Resources Management.
2. Identify the specific functional areas in Human Resources Management and the knowledge required for a practitioner in each specific functional area.
3. Analyse and demonstrate the influence of government legislation on Human Resources.
4. Examine and analyse the concepts and techniques involved in meeting human resource requirements through planning.
5. Describe and demonstrate the concepts and techniques involved in meeting human resource requirements through staffing.
6. Describe and demonstrate the concepts and techniques involved in meeting human resource requirements through training and development.
7. Define and assess performance management.
8. Examine and analyse the concepts and techniques used in compensation management.
9. Explain the purposes and importance of employee benefits, services, and incentive plans.
10. Discuss the purposes and importance of employee rights and management rights.
11. Define and explain how legislation affects occupational health and safety in today`s environment.
12. Examine and analyse the purposes and importance of labour relations and collective bargaining.
13. Describe trends influencing the value of work and today`s work force.
14. Explain the impact of economic, political, and cultural factors on Human Resources management (HRM) strategies across countries and cultures.

Essential Employability Skills: HRA701 - Introduction to Human Resources Management
Communicate clearly, concisely and correctly in the written, spoken and visual form that fulfils the purpose and meets the needs of the audience.

• Respond to written, spoken, or visual messages in a manner that ensures effective communication.
• Use a variety of thinking skills to anticipate and solve problems.
• Locate, select, organize, and document information using appropriate technology and information systems.
• Analyze, evaluate, and apply relevant information from a variety of sources.
• Manage the use of time and other resources to complete projects.
• Describe the historical development and conceptual foundation of Human Resources Management.

Sample Answer

HRA701 – Introduction to Human Resources Management

Subject Overview

The Introduction to Human Resources Management (HRA701) course gives students a broad understanding of how HRM works in today’s business world. The course combines theory with real-life case studies to help students connect classroom knowledge with practical HR challenges. It looks at how HR supports a business from recruitment to employee rights, both locally and globally.

Key Areas of Study

1. Historical Development of HRM

This course begins with the history of HRM. It shows how HR started from simple personnel tasks to becoming a strategic part of business. Understanding this evolution helps explain why HRM is now crucial to organisational success.

2. Functional Areas in HRM

Students will learn about the main areas of HRM, including:

• Recruitment and selection – finding the right people for the job.

• Training and development – helping staff grow and improve.

• Compensation and benefits – managing salaries, rewards, and perks.

• Health and safety – keeping workplaces safe and legal.

• Labour relations – dealing with unions and worker negotiations.

Each area has its own knowledge and skills, which HR professionals need to manage effectively.

3. The Impact of Government and Law

The course covers how labour laws and government rules shape HR practices. For example, equal employment opportunity laws, minimum wage rules, and health and safety standards all impact how HR works. Students will learn to analyse and apply these laws in HR decisions.

4. Human Resource Planning and Staffing

HR planning ensures that an organisation has the right number of people, with the right skills, at the right time. Staffing involves selecting and hiring those people. This includes understanding job descriptions, advertising, interviewing, and choosing the best candidates.

5. Training, Development and Performance Management

Employees need to grow to stay productive. This course teaches how to:

• Create training plans.

• Support learning at work.

• Manage performance using clear goals, feedback, and appraisals.

Performance management ensures employees are working effectively and helps them improve.

6. Compensation and Employee Benefits

Students will study how companies design pay systems and offer benefits like pensions, insurance, or bonuses. The aim is to motivate staff, stay fair, and follow the law.

7. Employee and Management Rights

The course explains the legal and ethical rights of both employees and managers. This includes privacy, freedom from discrimination, and fair treatment, as well as management’s right to lead and organise the workplace.

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