PROGRAMME APPROVAL FORM SECTION 1 THE PROGRAMME SPECIFICATION 1. Programme title and designation Human Resource Management and Organisational Analysis 2. Final award Award Title Credit ECTS Any special criteria value equivalent MSc Human Resource 180 90 N/A Management and Organisational Analysis 3. Nested award Award Title Credit value ECTS equivalent Any special criteria PgDip Human Resource Management and Organisational Analysis 4. Exit award Award Title Credit value PgDip PgCert Human Resource Management and Organisational Analysis Human Resource Management and Organisational Analysis 120 60 Students undertake 120 credits from taught modules ECTS Any special criteria equivalent 120 60 An unclassified PG diploma may be offered where a student has obtained 120 credits from any combination of modules. 60 30 An unclassified PG certificate may be offered where a student has obtained 60 credits from taught modules. 5. Level in the qualifications framework M 6. Attendance Full-time Part-time Distance learning Mode of attendance X X N/A Minimum length of programme 1 year 2 years N/A Maximum length of programme 6 years 6 years N/A 7. Awarding institution/body King s College London 8. Teaching institution King s College London 9. Proposing department Department of Management 10. Programme organiser and contact details 11. UCAS code (if appropriate) n/a 12. Relevant QAA subject benchmark/ n/a Prof. Riccardo Peccei x4094 riccardo.peccei@kcl.ac.uk
professional and statutory body guidelines 13. Date of production of specification November 2002. Updated for credit framework July 2006 14. Date of programme review 2014/15 16. Educational aims of the programme The programme is designed to provide a high level academic programme in human resource management and organisational analysis that is theory-driven, contemporary in outlook, critical, analytic and informed by the most recent research. The specific aims are to: Present an integrated contemporary approach to the study of human resource management and organisational analysis that is firmly grounded in the social and behavioural sciences. Develop a capacity for critical analysis of theory and practice in human resource management and organisational behaviour. Show how human resource management can be usefully addressed as an integrated activity, both across human resource specialisms and within management more generally. Highlight recent research and developments in human resource management and organisational analysis and demonstrate their relevance to the management of change and improvements in organisational performance and employee well-being. Ensure active learning by linking theory and practice through a range of teaching methods that involve the active engagement and participation of students. Develop key knowledge and skills in information collection, data analysis and interpretation, and communication that will equip students for more advanced post-graduate study in the area. Provide the range of specialist knowledge and skills that will qualify students taking specified options for membership of the Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development (CIPD) and prepare them for a career as human resource professionals. 17. Educational objectives of the programme/programme outcomes The programme provides opportunities for students to develop and demonstrate knowledge and understanding and skills in the following areas: The programme provides a knowledge and understanding of the following: 1. The wider financial, economic, cultural and institutional context within which organisations operate. 2. Alternative approaches to the analysis and management of organisations, including frameworks for the analysis of change in organisations. 3. A range of theories and conceptual frameworks for analysing human resource management issues and outcomes, 4. The interrelation between HR practices, between HR practices and other aspects of management policy and strategy in organisations, and the impact that HR systems have on both organisational performance and employee well-being. 5. The relationship between theory and practice and the implications for Knowledge and understanding These are achieved through the following teaching/learning methods and strategies: Knowledge and understanding is acquired through a combination of: Lectures designed to provide students with a theoretically informed, empirically grounded and policy relevant overview of the different subject areas/fields of study comprising the MSc. Classes, small-group syndicate work, case studies and practical exercises, closely integrated with the lecture programme, that provide an opportunity for in-depth discussion and analysis of selected topics/issues. A week long intensive statistics and analysis project preparation workshop. An extended research project (10,000
application across a range of HR areas such as employee selection, training and development, motivation and rewards, job performance and diversity at work. 6. The changing nature of work and of the employment relation and its implications for the management of people in contemporary organisations. 7. Key methodological approaches in the social and behavioural sciences, as they apply to the field of HRM and OA. 8. The relevance and application of a range of quantitative and qualitative research methods and techniques. 9. Ethical issues in research in HRM and OA. words supervised dissertation) that provides an opportunity for in-depth guided study of a specific issue in the field of HRM and OA. Independent study structured around focused essential and extended supplementary module readings. An extensive programme of full-day practical skills workshops covering key areas of HRM policy and practice for students interested in obtaining CIPD professional accreditation. A company Links Scheme designed to give CIPD professional stream students an opportunity to gain direct experience of the nature and operation of company HR policies and practices, and involving a programme of structured full-day visits to selected links organisations. Assessment: Knowledge and understanding (A1- A8) is formally assessed through coursework, unseen examinations and the 10,000 words compulsory dissertation. Coursework normally consists of a 2,000 words essay designed to assess students in-depth knowledge and understanding of specific topics, as well as their capacity to develop a sustained argument. End of semester unseen examinations are designed to assess students breadth of knowledge and understanding of module material, while the dissertation is designed to assess students overall capacity to carry out an extended piece of high quality research/work in the field of HRM and OA. Assessment methods are specified in each module outline. The more practically oriented professional skills elements of the programme are assessed through the links company workbook recording students experiences and learning during their visits to organisations and the related skills sessions. Students must pass this assessment to obtain CIPD accreditation but it does not form part of the overall assessment for the MSc. Formative assessment is provided both informally, through verbal feedback from teaching staff on students contributions in classes and workshops, and formally
through written and verbal diagnostic feedback on coursework assignments, dissertation proposals and drafts, and links workbooks Intellectual skills: 1. Analyse and evaluate human resource and organisational behaviour issues within a range of conceptual frameworks and theories. 2. Critically evaluate current theory and practice in human resource management based on appropriate evidence and data. 3. Understand the relationship between theory and practice and the implications for application across a range of areas of HRM and OA. 4. Understand published research in the area and evaluate its rigour, validity and policy relevance. 5. Plan, develop and conduct systematic high quality research in HRM and OA. 6. Demonstrate and exercise independence of mind and thought. Skills and other attributes These are achieved through the following teaching/learning methods and strategies: Intellectual skills are developed through the teaching and learning programme outlined above (and in section 17). The combination of teaching and learning methods used is designed not only to facilitate the acquisition of relevant knowledge and understanding by students, but also the development of appropriate critical, analytical, evaluative and research skills (B1- B6) by enhancing their active engagement with module materials and by maximising opportunities for active learning and reflection. Specifically, students intellectual skills are developed through a range of activities on the various courses, including: Independent critical reading and thinking in preparation for lectures, class discussions, practical exercises, workshops, coursework assignments and written examinations. Peer/syndicate group discussions and preparation of case studies for individual and group presentations in classes and workshops. Formal and informal formative and summative feedback by teaching staff on class presentations, practical exercises, case studies and coursework assignments. Preparation of dissertation proposals and regular planning and feedback meetings with supervisors on all key aspects of the research process. Assessment: Intellectual skills B1 B4 and B6 are formally assessed through both coursework and examinations for each of the main taught courses on the programme, as well as through the links workbook for professional CIPD stream students. They are also informally assessed through practical exercises and individual and group class presentations and workshop feedback sessions. Research skills (B5), as
Practical skills: C. Practical skills an ability to: 1. Effectively identify and diagnose organisational problems, propose and evaluate alternative solutions, develop appropriate strategies of change and implementation, and systematically evaluate consequent programme and policy interventions. 2. Demonstrate practical knowledge and skills and related decision-making capability across core areas of human resource management. 3. Develop evidence-based as well as integrated and practical solutions to human resource problems using a range of sources and analytic tools, including various aspects of Communication and Information Technology. 4. Use appropriate research methods, including both quantitative and qualitative data collection and analysis techniques, effectively to investigate problems/issues related to HRM and OA. 5. Communicate and present information effectively in both oral and written form. well as the capacity for independent critical thinking (B6), are primarily assessed through the extended research project/dissertation These are achieved through the following teaching/learning methods and strategies: Practical skills are developed through the teaching and learning programme outlined above (and in section 17). Practical skills C1 C3 and C5 are developed primarily through the analysis and presentation of case studies, class discussions and coursework assignments related to the main taught courses on the programme, as well as through the various activities associated with the skills workshops and company links scheme, including the production of the links workbook for professional CIPD stream students. Practical research and analysis skills (C4) are developed primarily through the practical exercises, class presentations and discussions, and coursework assignments associated with the main taught research methods module on the programme. They are also developed through the project workshop, the conduct of the extended research project and the process of feedback and supervision associated with the production of the dissertation. The dissertation is also central to the development of effective written communication and presentation skills (C5). Assessment: Practical skills C1 C3 and C5 are formally assessed through both coursework and examinations for the main taught courses on the programme, as well as through the research project/dissertation and the links workbook for professional CIPD stream students. They are also informally assessed through practical exercises and individual and group class presentations and workshop feedback sessions. Practical research and analysis skills (C4) are formally assessed primarily through coursework for the main research methods module and through the compulsory research project/dissertation. They are also informally assessed through
class presentations in the methods module, practical exercises in the project workshop, and the process of supervision of the research project/dissertation. D. Generic/transferable skills:- a capacity to: 1. Tackle problems in a clear, logical and systematic fashion, approaching them with open-mindedness and in a spirit of critical enquiry. 2. Learn effectively for the purpose of both continuing personal and professional development. 3. Work effectively both independently and in a team/group. 4. Produce to a deadline. 5. Communicate principles, ideas and information effectively both verbally and in writing. 6. Make effective use of a range of communications and information technology. 7. Use a range of statistical techniques and associated statistical packages to analyse complex data. These are achieved through the following teaching/learning methods and strategies: Generic/transferable skills are developed through the teaching and learning programme outlined above (and in section 17). Specifically, these skills are developed through a variety of activities involved in the different courses on the programme, including the skills workshops and the company links scheme. Skills D1 D6, for example, are developed through active student participation in class discussions, syndicate group preparation of case studies and class presentations, coursework assignments and feedback, and skills workshops and link company presentations and feedback exercises. Generic/transferable computing and statistical skills (D7) are developed primarily through the statistics workshop and the compulsory research project/dissertation. Assessment: Skills D1, D4 and D5 are formally assessed primarily through the coursework assignments and examinations associated with the taught courses on the programme. These skills, together with skills D2, D3 and D6, are also informally assessed through practical exercises and individual and group class presentations, skills workshops presentations and feedback sessions, and participation in links company visits and related activities. Skills D7 are primarily assessed through the extended research project/dissertation which is also important for assessing skills D1, D2, D4 and D5. 18. Statement of how the programme has been informed by the relevant subject benchmark statement(s)/professional and statutory body guidelines The programme is informed by the CIPD accreditation guidelines and requirements, as well as by those parts of the QAA subject benchmark statement for Masters Awards in Business and Management that relate to type 1A (career entry) specialist Masters degrees. The QAA benchmarks have been suitably adapted to the field of human resource management and organisational analysis (HRM and OA).
19. Programme structure and award requirements (a) numbers of compulsory and optional units to be taken in each year of the programme FULL TIME PROGRAMME 8x15 credit compulsory modules; 1x60 credit core dissertation. PART TIME PROGRAMME YEAR ONE: 4x15 credit compulsory [normally 7SSMM001, 7SSMM004, 7SSMM006, 7SSMM007]. YEAR TWO: 4x15 credit compulsory modules [normally 7SSMM002, 7SSMM003, 7SSMM005, 7SSMM008]; 1x60 credit core dissertation. (b) range of credit levels permitted within the programme All modules to be taken at level 7 (c) maximum number of credits permitted at the lowest level 180 (d) minimum number of credits required at the highest level 180 (e) progression and award requirements (if different from the standard) n/a (f) maximum number of credits permitted with a condoned fail (core modules excluded) 30 credits at level 7 with a condoned (Masters) fail mark permitted, dissertation excluded (as per KCL Framework of Credits & Levels for College Awards) (g) are students permitted to take a substitute module, as per regulation A3, 20.7? No (h) other relevant information to explain the programme structure Students seeking CIPD accreditation are, in addition, required to complete a workbook recording their experiences and learning during their visits to organisations and the related skills sessions. Students must pass this assessment to obtain the professional qualification but it does not form part of the overall assessment for the MSc. Students seeking CIPD accreditation, who fail any module, but could otherwise pass by compensation, will be eligible for the MSc without accreditation.
Programme structure Title 7SSMM001 The Management of Human Resources: Conceptual & Strategic Perspectives 7SSMM002 Research Methods in Human Resource Management & Organisational Analysis 7SSMM003 The Business & Financial Context of Management 7SSMM004 Approaches to the Analysis & Management of Organisations 7SSMM005 The New Workforce: Issues & Challenges 7SSMM006 Managing Diversity: Contemporary Issues 7SSMM007 High Performance & Employee Well-Being Credit level Credit value Status (I, C, O) for each type of programme Single honours Joint honours Major / minor Progression Single honours Joint honours Major / minor Assessment 7 15 Cp No Written Examination 7SSMM008 The New Employment Relations 7SSMM009 International Human Resource Management 7SSMM010 Human Resource Management Systems in Comparative Perspective 7 15 O No Written examination 7 15 O No Written examination 7SSMM012 Dissertation 7 60 Cr Yes Coursework
20. Marking criteria The College generic criteria for assessment of postgraduate work apply to the assessment of this programme
PROGRAMME APPROVAL FORM SECTION 2 SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION Not all of the information in this section will be relevant for all programmes and for some programmes this section will not be relevant at all 1. Programme name MSc in Human Resource Management and Organisational Analysis 2. If the programme is a joint award with an institution outwith the University of London has the necessary approval been sought from Academic Board? Yes No Not applicable X Please attach a copy of the request to Academic Board 3. In cases of joint honours programmes please provide a rationale for the particular subject combination, either educational or academic n/a 4. If the programme involves time outside the College longer than a term, please indicate how the time will be spent, the length of time out and whether it is a compulsory or optional part of the programme n/a Year abroad Year in employment Placement Other (please specify) Time spent.. Compulsory/optional. 5. Please provide a rationale for any such time outside the College, other than that which is a requirement of a professional or statutory body n/a 6. Please give details if the programme requires validation or accreditation by a professional or statutory body Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development 151 The Broadway London SW19 1JQ Date validation/accreditation commenced: TBC Date of last validation/accreditation: 2008 Frequency of validation/ accreditation Date of next validation/ accreditation Every five years 2013 7. In cases where parts or all of the programme (other than those in box 4 above) are delivered either away from one of the College campuses and/or by a body or bodies external to the College please provide the following details n/a