Through negotiation, a student will select and obtain approval to undertake a project which will focus on an aspect human resource management relating to the workplace.

The aim is to allow students, in negotiation with a University Tutor, to identify and propose an aspect or aspects of study which will specifically meet their own learning and development needs.

The project should focus on one or more of the key human resource management functions which have been studied on their chosen award, together with work based experiential learning, eg. managing people, financial resources, equal opportunities, etc., thereby enhancing knowledge and skills in the context of the student's workplace.

The module also introduces the investigation process, including setting objectives and the production of a work-based project proposal and detailed project report.

You are expected to integrate knowledge and skills developed in the other modules on the foundation degree programme to address the issue you intend to investigate.

Typically you will be expected to consider the following:

- What are the aims and objectives of the proposed project?
- What are the benefits to the organisation? How will it add value?
- What resources will be required?
- What are the financial implications of your recommendations?
- What is your programme for implementation( appropriate fully costed action plan)
- How will you measure success?
- How will you evaluate and review your project?

The learning strategy for the module requires students to commit 300 learning hours (including assessment). This will include 9 hours of class support and 291 hours of independent and self directed study.

The first part of the module will focus on establishing the objectives of the project, and the examination of potential leadership and management issues. There will be an initial class session focusing on the investigation process and the key aspects relating to the coursework assignment and the production of a brief for the project. There will additional tutorial support for students to address queries regarding the module content and to clarify any issues arising from the coursework assignment.

Students are expected to regularly engage with the blended learning material on Blackboard, by working through the material. This will include reading the material, undertaking additional research and formative exercises to reinforce the learning. Students will have additional support from the Module Tutor via email and phone.

Staffordshire University electronic resources and off-campus library facilities
The module website

Gill,J.and Johnson,P. (2002) Research Methods for Managers, Sage
Saunders, M., Lewis,P. and Thornhill,A. (2002), Research Methods for Business Students, 3rd Edition, Financial Times Prentice Hall
Gray, D.E. (2009) Doing Research in the Real World Sage

Details - A project report detailing the examination of the chosen aspect(s) of human resource management (3000 words) (70%) (Learning Outcomes 1 & 2)
A Presentation supported with Powerpoint (10 mins) (20%) (Learning Outcome 3)
Reflective statement (500 words) (10%) (Learning Outcome 4)