Reflecting the learning strategy outlined above, 50% of the overall assessment of this module will be a portfolio containing your answers to a selection from six sets of questions. You will have revised your initial answers in the light of class discussion. The portfolio is to be submitted within 24 hours of the final class discussion. The other element of assessment is an end of semester, 1,500 word essay which requires you to apply your analytical skills to a human resource issue not previously analysed in class.

In order for your assignment to achieve a pass grade it will have to contain evidence of an appreciation of the strengths and weaknesses of personnel economics and the theory of mandatory regulations. For a distinction grade to be awarded, the assignment should also provide evidence of an ability to extend the issues raised in the existing literature.

In order for your portfolio to achieve a pass grade it will have to contain evidence of a critical approach to the required reading and questions set. For a distinction grade to be awarded, the portfolio should also provide evidence of an understanding of, and an ability to extend, the issues raised in tutorial discussions.

Both parts of the Assessment test all the Learning Outcomes.

No set texts as the module is based on articles.

A set of published articles and working papers to be discussed in class.

Delivery will be by means of a weekly 2-hour class. Initially these classes will biased towards introducing core theory and tools and examining their application to human resource issues. As you develop the necessary skills, the weight will shift towards class discussions of journal literature. Typically, you will be required to examine three, usually short, papers fortnightly developing answers to pre-circulated questions. These questions will form the basis of class discussions and ultimately of a main element of your assessment. Overall, tutor-led and question-based discussions will have equal weighting.

(Diploma Stage)
This module examines the contribution which recent extensions of the theory of organisations have made to the analysis of human resource issues. Whilst core analysis and tools such as human capital theory and earnings functions are discussed and derived, the main emphasis is upon the consequences of asymmetric information and incomplete contracts for employment relations within holistic organisations. After an introduction developing a theoretical and empirical framework, the main topics addressed are:-
Input v. output-based pay; relative and team compensation; training; turnover and work-life incentive schemes, and occupational health and safety. The module concludes with an analysis of mandatory benefits and work-empowerment policies set explicitly in the context of current EU Social Policy.