Modules

Core Module Information
Module title: Contemporary Issues in HRM
SCQF level: 10:
SCQF credit value: 20.00
ECTS credit value: 10
Module code: HRM10103
Module leader: Lesley McLean
School The Business School
Subject area group: Human Resource Management
Prerequisites

Requisites: Pre-requisite: One Level 8 or level 9 HRM module
Description of module content:

A range of topics will be selected to represent current and emerging trends in HRM of importance to HR practitioners and academics. The emphasis in this module is focused around building on students previous knowledge of HRM and developing students skills of critical analysis and application of theory to practice. Lecturers deliver sessions based on their own expertise/empirical research. Due to the contemporary nature of the module, topics may change according to lecturer expertise, but content will always reflect the 3 key HRM specialist areas of employee resourcing, development and relations.
Learning Outcomes for module:

Upon completion of this module you will be able to

LO1: Identify and analyse trends in Human Resource Management research, strategy and practice.

LO2: Construct strong and convincing written arguments about various aspects of Human Resource Management.

LO3: Develop in-depth knowledge of theoretical issues in Human Resource Management as a basis for debating contemporary issues.

LO4: Critically reflect on theoretical and practical issues applied to contemporary Human Resource Management both individually and in teams.

LO5: Develop, design, and deliver a research-based evaluation of a contemporary Human Resource Management topic.
Full Details of Teaching and Assessment
2025/6, Trimester 2, In Person, Edinburgh Napier University
VIEW FULL DETAILS
Occurrence: 001
Primary mode of delivery: In Person
Location of delivery: CRAIGLOCKHAR
Partner: Edinburgh Napier University
Member of staff responsible for delivering module: Lesley McLean
Module Organiser:


Student Activity (Notional Equivalent Study Hours (NESH))
Mode of activityLearning & Teaching ActivityNESH (Study Hours)NESH Description
Face To Face Seminar 22 The module is divided into five subject areas, each led by a specialist member of the HRM teaching team. Each lecturer delivers two 2-hour sessions combining lectures with interactive discussion activities. Seminars provide opportunities to explore key HRM concepts, engage with contemporary research and practice, and apply learning through group discussions and problem-solving exercises.
Online Guided independent study 178 Guided independent study allows you to engage with curated HRM learning materials at your own pace, supported by a comprehensive Moodle page. Activities include readings, multimedia resources, and interactive tasks that consolidate seminar and workshop content. This study mode develops critical thinking, research skills, and professional application in preparation for assessments and real-world HRM practice.
Total Study Hours200
Expected Total Study Hours for Module200


Assessment
Type of Assessment Weighting % LOs covered Week due Length in Hours/Words Description
Report 50 1~2~3~4~5 Week 8 , WORDS= 2000 words You will produce a report. The report must follow the prescribed format, with additional guidance available on Moodle. This assessment enables you to demonstrate research, analysis, and application of HRM knowledge to professional practice.
Centrally Time Tabled Examination 50 1~2~3~4 Exam Period HOURS= 2 hours The assessment consists of five questions, one from each topic area. You must answer three questions. The exam is conducted online as a 2-hour, open-book assessment, enabling you to demonstrate critical understanding and application of key HRM concepts across the module.
Component 1 subtotal: 50
Component 2 subtotal: 50
Module subtotal: 100

Indicative References and Reading List - URL:
HRM10103 - Contemporary Issues in HRM
 

Related information