The learning strategy for this module requires students to commit 150 learning hours (including assessment). This will include 24 hours of class support and 126 hours of independent and self directed study.

The class sessions will include formal lectures, case study analysis and group discussions based on student experiences in the subject area. Students will be encouraged to integrate their work based experiences with new knowledge and skills developed in the classroom as the module progresses.

This module introduces the key aspects of managing people in the context of a small business enterprise.

General Issues
- Human resource planning
- Recruitment and selection
- The employment relationship
- Overview of employment law to include equality, diversity and discrimination

Appraisal
- Roles and responsibilities
- The appraisal interview process
- Performance review
- Preparing an personal development plan
- The range of training/ development opportunities
- Effective management of personnel records

Performance Management
- Setting priorities and SMART objectives
- Measuring against performance standards
- Recognising different standards of performance
- Action planning techniques
- Importance of monitoring and revising plans

Staffordshire University electronic resources and off-campus library facilities

The Blackboard website

www.cipd.co.uk/subjects/perfmangmt
www.direct.gov.uk
www.compactlaw.co.uk
www.hrmguide.co.uk
www.smallbusinesses.co.uk
wwww.acas.org.uk
www.berr.gov.uk
www.britishchambers.org.uk

Foot, M. and Hook, C. (2002) Introducing Human Resource Management, Third Edition Financial Times/Prentice Hall
Williams, K. (2006) Introducing Management: a Development Guide. Oxford: Butterworth Heinmann
Scott-Lennon, F. (2004) The Appraisals Pocketbook Management Pocketbooks

A work based assignment, exploring the human resource processes in the students own organisation (2000 words) (100%) (Learning Outcomes 1 - 3)