Human Resource Management

Course Specification Human Resource Management Association of Business Executives (ABE) July 2012 Prepared By Arun Chalise Course Specification 2012 Page 1

Course Specification Human Resource Management Awarding Institution/Body. Teaching Institution. Recognition by Professional Body Final award and level of qualification. Programme title (name on certificate). QAA subject benchmark statement(s) where relevant. Association of Business Executives (ABE) Williams College N/A ABE Level 6 Diploma in Human Resource Management (Graduate) ABE Level 6 Extended Diploma in Human Resource Management Human Resource Management (500/9926/7) (600/0370/4) Date of initial validation. June 2009 Date of revision. July 2012 External and Internal Reference Points The educational aims and outcomes of the course have been written with reference to the following reference points. External Refers to the QAA Benchmark and guidelines for preparation of program specification and ABE Rules & Regulations for conduct of the program, guidance on tutoring and exam arrangements. ABE Human Resource Management Program is offered at QCF level 4 to 6 and is accredited by Ofqual. Williams College has applied for Recognised Educational Oversight (REO) by QAA and all programmes fall under the QAA Academic Infrastructure (AI). Internal Williams College provides the recommendation for the course specification and its outcome. Course Specification 2012 Page 2

This Qualification Requirement should be read in conjunction with overarching guidance from ABE. Williams College has internal procedures to assure the quality of provision to be offered to students and to enhance the quality in the light of experience following delivery, taking into account the input of external experts and students. The procedures are set out in the College s Quality Assurance Handbook. Main Educational Aims of the Course ABE HRM programme is mapped at Qualifications and Credit Framework (QCF) in the UK and are examined at Level 4 Diploma, Level 5 Higher Diploma, Level 6 Graduate Diploma. ABE has also Extended Diploma in Human Resource Management accredited by Ofqual as a Level 6 qualification. The effective management of an organisation s human resources is now recognised as a critical component in the success of public and private enterprises. This recognition has led to a demand for trained and qualified HR professionals and to the development of a career structure rising to the highest levels of the organisation. The HRM programme introduces the academic disciplines that underlie the effective management of the human resource, and proceeds to explore the theory, practice and strategy of human resource management. The HRM programme is a comprehensive and detailed programme which covers the knowledge and skills required in modern business practice. The programme provides you with an appreciation of the theoretical issues involved in the study of business whilst also helping you to develop a range of practical skills which will enhance your value to employers. The main objectives of the program are: Developing the knowledge of importance of the study of Human Resource Management in an organization. Developing key competencies allowing students to tackle work projects and situations effectively Giving students the potential to develop professional career Giving students the platform to progress onto Bachelors, Masters or MBA degree courses around the world Higher Level Skills Requirements Course Specification 2012 Page 3

Learners studying for the ABE Human Resource Management Program will be expected to develop the following skills during the course: ability to integrate a range of concepts, knowledge and skills in Human Resource Management. ability to apply complex HRM theories to practical work situations. independence of approach to study and the generation of new ideas. ability to engage with complex and/or unpredictable situations in different business contexts. ability to take responsibility to manage and direct their own and subordinates activities, insights and judgement. research and investigative skills responsiveness to change and ability to multi task ability to make decision, being innovative and work in a creative way. Course Specification 2012 Page 4

ABE Human Resource Management The Human Resource Management programme is divided into three levels: Diploma (Level 4), Higher Diploma (Level 5) and Graduate Diploma (Level 6). ABE has developed the Extended Diploma in Human Resource Management, comprising 13 units in one stand alone qualification. It is accredited by Ofqual as a level 6 qualification. The programme can be taken as two separate qualifications at levels 5 and 6. Curriculum & List of Modules. Diploma (Level 4) Compulsory units Introduction to Business Managing People Personnel Administration Introduction to Business Communication Entry requirements: Entry requirements: Open entry, and you must be competent in English (IELTS 5.5 minimum) and GSCE in Mathematics or equivalent. Higher Diploma (Level 5) Compulsory units The Business Environment Human Resource Management Organisational Behaviour Human Resource Development People Planning and Resourcing Employment Relations Optional units (choose two) Principles of Business Law Quantitative Methods for Business Management Managing the Customer Relationship Personnel Information Systems Entry requirements: One of the following: - An ABE Level 4 Diploma or equivalent - Two GCE A levels or any Level 3 equivalent together with four GCSEs at Grade C or above, Course Specification 2012 Page 5

including English and Mathematics - BTEC National Diploma or overseas equivalent - An Access Certificate from a UK College of Further Education - Any NVQ Level 3 qualifications Graduate Diploma (Level 6) Compulsory units Strategic Human Resource Management Managing Organisational Change & Development Performance Management and Reward Optional units (choose two) Corporate Strategy and Planning Managing in Organisations Project Management Entry requirements. One of the following: - An ABE Level 5 Diploma or equivalent qualification from another internationally recognised awarding body or approved Overseas Institute of Higher Education - A UK Degree or Overseas equivalent, awarded by a recognised university, or a BTEC HND - Five years managerial experience Extended Diploma (Level 6) Compulsory units The Business Environment Human Resource Management Organisational Behaviour Human Resource Development People Planning and Resourcing Employment Relations Strategic Human Resource Management Managing Organisational Change & Development Performance Management and Reward Optional units (Choose two units from) Principles of Business Law Quantitative Methods for Business Management Managing the Customer Relationship Personnel Information Systems (and two units from) Corporate Strategy and Planning Managing in Organisations Project Management Course Specification 2012 Page 6

Entry requirements. One of the following: Any ABE Level 4 Diploma or equivalent - Any Level 3 qualification or equivalent - 2 years relevant work experience - And you must be competent in English (IELTS 5.0 minimum) and Mathematics Progression Route and Course Map Course Outcomes The course provides opportunities for the student, to achieve and demonstrate the following outcomes: Equipping individuals with knowledge, understanding and skills for success in employment. Enabling progression to an undergraduate degree or further professional qualification in a related area. Course Specification 2012 Page 7

Providing opportunities for specialist study in the relevant stream. Supporting individuals employed or entering employment. Developing a range of skills and techniques, personal qualities and attributes essential for successful performance in working life, thereby enabling learners to make an immediate contribution to employment Providing flexibility, knowledge, skills and motivation as a basis for future studies and career development. Intellectual / thinking skills able to develop: Cognitive skills of critical thinking, analysis and synthesis. Effective problem solving and decision making using appropriate quantitative and qualitative skills, including identifying, formulating and solving problems. Effective communications, oral and in writing as essential leadership attribute. Numeric and quantitative skills and the use of business proven models in problems identification and decision making. Effective use of communication and information technology tools. Effective self management in terms of time planning, behaviour, motivation, self initiative, and enterprise. Developing a systematic learning style. Self awareness, openness and sensitivity to diversity in terms of people, cultures and society. Effective performance within a team environment, including leadership, team building, influencing and project management skills. Interpersonal skills of effective listening, negotiating, persuading and presentation. Abilities to conduct research in any areas of business and management. Transferable/key skills able to: Work in a self disciplined and self directed manner, showing both independence of mind and initiative Have respect for others' views Gather, evaluate and synthesise different types of information Formulate questions and solve problems both individually and as part of a team Course Specification 2012 Page 8

Demonstrate presentation skills, both oral and written Possess IT skills, including word processing, communicating by email and using the web, accessing information from electronic as well as non electronic sources Write clearly and use accurate referencing Attend closely to the meaning of written documents Teaching, Learning and Assessment The teaching, learning and assessment strategies and methods used in the course to enable learning outcomes to be achieved and demonstrated by the student. The purpose of assessment is to ensure that effective learning of the content of each unit has taken place. Evidence of this learning, or the application of the learning, is required for each unit. Diagnostic assessment is done at the time of enrolment to the course to assess if the candidate meets the entry requirement for the level he/she entering. Formative assessment are done through class works and class test, case studies participation, presentation, questions and discussion. Summative assessment is an examination set and marked by the ABE twice per year June and December. Each exam carries 100% weight. Teaching and Learning Methods Lecture and seminar, using Power Point Presentation and hand outs. Group discussion and Q&A sessions Use of case studies and researches Individual and group presentation Individual learning tasks and use of IT lab for ICT skills development Learning outcomes and assessment criteria Each subject has a detailed syllabus outlining the Learning Outcomes and the content of the course. The syllabus on each subjects evidence the level of expectation each learner should produce in order to pass the subject. Examinations are marked with maximum mark of 100. Successful candidates will be awarded a graded pass in each subject. Merits or Distinctions will be awarded where applicable. Please see below details of the grades: Grade A* 75 100% Higher Distinction Course Specification 2012 Page 9

Grade A 65 74% Distinction Grade B 50 64% Merit Grade C 40 49% Pass Grade D 30 39% Marginal Fail Grade E 15 29% Fail Grade F 0 14% Unclassified Assessment Formative assessment methods include essays, case studies, presentations, group case studies, group presentation and independent projects. The teaching team is of the view that the use of a wide range of appropriate assessment methods provides alternative learning opportunities for many students with differing abilities to demonstrate their ability. Formative assessment takes place throughout each semester for each unit in the form of individual criticism, group criticism and personal tutorial. Cognitive skills are developed through lectures, tutorials, group discussions and independent study. Summative assessment takes place after completing the semester for each unit through examination conducted by ABE bi annually which carries the 100% weight of the credit hours in each subject. Progression After completing the Level 6 Diploma the student have three choices. Firstly, they can go on to the Level 7 Postgraduate Diploma in Business Management or they can use ABE qualification to obtain a more senior position in the workplace. Level 6 Diploma holders have the skills and knowledge required for managerial roles. Thirdly, students can enter the final year of many degree programmes in countries including the UK, US, Australia and Canada Career Paths The positions below are examples of jobs currently held by ABE Business Management qualification holders. The list is not exhaustive as ABE qualifications are applicable to a wide range of vocations. Diploma in BM Marketing Assistant, Administration Assistant, or Accounts Assistant Higher Diploma in BM Marketing Executive, Management Trainee, or Secretary Course Specification 2012 Page 10

Graduate Diploma in BM Marketing Manager, Office Manager, or HRM Manager Additional Information ABE course related material and updates can be found at: http://www.abeuk.com Course Specification 2012 Page 11