Human Resource Development and Performance Management – (M.Sc.)

The MSc in Human Resource Development and Performance Management examines the transformation of HRD in the context of organisational change and the increased emphasis on performance management and measurement. Research methods training is also integral to this course.

Module 1: Employee Development and Workplace Learning

Introduces you to the concept of learning and explores key theoretical debates in the field. It moves on to examine the implications of different approaches to learning for employee development and HRD practice by analysing, through specific examples, their impact at individual and organisational levels.

On completion you will be able to:

* understand and critique theories of learning and the ways in which they can be applied to employee development
* analyse and critique theories of workplace and work-related learning

Module 2: Performance in Organisations

Gives you an understanding of the impact of the ever intensifying competition amongst organisations for new markets, greater performance and productivity. In particular, the module examines how this impact led to changes in HR practices and the role of HR professionals within organisations.

On completion you will be able to:

* identify the changes that have occurred in organisations and critically evaluate the theories explaining these changes
* discuss the effect of these changes on the training function and those responsible for managing performance

Module 3: The Global Context of HRD and HRMProvides an overview of changes in the world economy brought about by globalisation. It considers the ways in which these changes have impacted on the organisation of production and employment in different societies and identifies the issues for HRM and HRD.

On completion you will be able to:

* understand the changes in the world economy associated with globalisation
* understand the role of HRM within multinational corporations
* examine the impact of globalisation on national systems of HRD and identify the ways in which different countries are responding to the pressures brought about by globalisation

Module 4: Research Methods

Introduces the process of social science research and the fundamental debates pertaining to the philosophy of social science. The module also provides research methods training in a range of techniques.

On completion you will have:

* an understanding of the practical, ethical and theoretical processes underpinning social science research
* the ability to select appropriate research methods
* an understanding of the issues relating to the design, construction, implementation and analysis of quantitative and qualitative research

Dissertation

You will complete a 16,000-20,000 dissertation.

On completion you will be able to:

* formulate a research problem and design a research study
* identify and use appropriate research methods
* report research results and present conclusions