Page Navigation

Module Descriptors

This page displays the selected Module Descriptor.

Printer friendly version Printer friendly version

Session: 2022/23

Last modified: 23/02/2021 14:24:31

Title of Module: MSc Project (HRM)

Code: HURM11007 SCQF Level: 11
(Scottish Credit and Qualifications Framework)
Credit Points: 60 ECTS: 30
(European Credit Transfer Scheme)
School:School of Business & Creative Industries
Module Co-ordinator:Stephen  Gibb

Summary of Module

The module aims to support students to undertake a sustained, rigorous and independent investigation of a human resource management topic. A key part of this will be helping to acquire the knowledge and skills required to aid in the successful completion of such a piece of research. It should be informed by the theoretical and practical knowledge and expertise which the participant has developed through other modules and their professional experience with regard to a theme, topic or problem which is relevant to the interests of the student and the organisation in which the student is based.

The module will begin with soem taught inputs, providing an introduction to the academic research process. The importance of developing robust and feasible research ideas will be discussed to allow students to develop skills to formulate achievable aims and objectives and to select appropriate research strategies. The dual role of employee and researcher will be explored with the associated issues of professionalism, ethics and objectivity. Relations with supervisors will be reflected upon.

Students will also develop skills in carrying out literature searches and critically reviewing and synthesizing secondary data.  The module goes on to explore a range of qualitative and quantitative research techniques which will be utilised in the subsequent piece of research.

 


Module Delivery Method
Face-To-FaceBlendedFully OnlineHybridCHybridOWork-based Learning
check markcheck mark

Face-To-Face
Term used to describe the traditional classroom environment where the students and the lecturer meet synchronously in the same room for the whole provision.

Blended
A mode of delivery of a module or a programme that involves online and face-to-face delivery of learning, teaching and assessment activities, student support and feedback. A programme may be considered “blended” if it includes a combination of face-to-face, online and blended modules. If an online programme has any compulsory face-to-face and campus elements it must be described as blended with clearly articulated delivery information to manage student expectations

Fully Online
Instruction that is solely delivered by web-based or internet-based technologies. This term is used to describe the previously used terms distance learning and e learning.

HybridC
Online with mandatory face-to-face learning on Campus

HybridO
Online with optional face-to-face learning on Campus

Work-based Learning
Learning activities where the main location for the learning experience is in the workplace.


Campus(es) for Module Delivery
The module will normally be offered on the following campuses / or by Distance/Online Learning: (Provided viable student numbers permit)
Paisley:Ayr:Dumfries:Lanarkshire:London:Distance/Online Learning:Other:
check mark

 

 

 

 

 

 

Term(s) for Module Delivery
(Provided viable student numbers permit).
Term 1check markTerm 2check markTerm 3check mark

[Top of Page]


Learning Outcomes: (maximum of 5 statements)

On successful completion of this module the student will be able to:

L1. Identify a suitable project, plan and negotiate within both an appropriate context and/or organisation.

L2. Demonstrate knowledge and critical analysis of relevant literature through structured argument.

L3. Gather and critically evaluate data from both primary and secondary sources

L4. Present appropriate conclusions and actionable recommendations; as well as make a meaningful contribution to academic and professional knowledge.

L5. Provide evidence of continuing professional development, reflection on learning and plans for future development.

Employability Skills and Personal Development Planning (PDP) Skills
SCQF Headings During completion of this module, there will be an opportunity to achieve core skills in:
Knowledge and Understanding (K and U) SCQF Level 11.

Review the theoretical perspectives on a selected topic of human resource management.
Demonstrate knowledge and understanding of this topic.
Developing extensive knowledge of different research methodologies, designs and techniques

Practice: Applied Knowledge and Understanding SCQF Level 11.

Evaluate challenges and opportunities in the selected project topic.
Retrieving, interpreting and manipulating primary and secondary information from a variety of sources including electronic sources
Develop problem solving abilities through research

Generic Cognitive skills SCQF Level 11.

Reflect critically on the selected topic within differing organizational contexts.
Giving in-depth reasoned analysis within a chosen organizational scenario, identifying challenges and ways of addressing these.

Communication, ICT and Numeracy Skills SCQF Level 11.

Communicating effectively and appropriately in speech and writing
Interpreting complex secondary materials
Making effective use of information retrieval systems and use information technology applications.

Autonomy, Accountability and Working with others SCQF Level 11.

Working effectively with others in order to secure data and insights into the selected management topic. In addition, the student will work on own for larger periods setting personal goals and targets.

Pre-requisites: Before undertaking this module the student should have undertaken the following:
Module Code:
Module Title:
Other:Before undertaking this module the student must have completed the University’s diploma in human resource management.
Co-requisitesModule Code:
Module Title:

* Indicates that module descriptor is not published.

[Top of Page]


Learning and Teaching
The face to face workshops will emphasise applied learning and collaborative group work. Learning activities will include discussion, problem focused and reflective activities. Each of the workshops will be designed to facilitate the student make and justify choices about the design of the research for their master’s dissertation.

In completing a sustained and independent research project the student is demonstrating significant ability in terms of self motivation, independent learning and autonomy. The role of the supervisor in providing guidance and support is key to this process. The VLE will also be used to facilitate peer communication and support throughout the process.
Learning Activities
During completion of this module, the learning activities undertaken to achieve the module learning outcomes are stated below:
Student Learning Hours
(Normally totalling 200 hours):
(Note: Learning hours include both contact hours and hours spent on other learning activities)
Laboratory/Practical Demonstration/Workshop24
Asynchronous Class Activity24
Independent Study552
600 Hours Total

**Indicative Resources: (eg. Core text, journals, internet access)

The following materials form essential underpinning for the module content and ultimately for the learning outcomes:

Students are required to source and select material relevant to their chosen topic. In addition, the following resources may be useful.
Core text
**Anderson, Valerie, (2013) Research Methods in Human Resource Management 3rd edn) London: Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development.



Additional recommended reading
Sekaran, U., Bougie, R. (2020) Research Methods For Business: A Skill Building Approach. Wiley; 8th edition


Collis, J. and Hussey, R. (2009), Business Research, (3rd edn),London: Palgrave Macmillan

Easterby-Smith, M, Thorpe, R. and Lowe, A (2012) (4th edn) Management Research: An Introduction, London, Sage Publications Ltd.

Saunders, M., Lewis, P. and Thornhill, A. (2012) Research methods for business students, (6th edn), Harlow: Financial Times Prentice Hall.

(**N.B. Although reading lists should include current publications, students are advised (particularly for material marked with an asterisk*) to wait until the start of session for confirmation of the most up-to-date material)

Engagement Requirements

In line with the Academic Engagement Procedure, Students are defined as academically engaged if they are regularly engaged with timetabled teaching sessions, course-related learning resources including those in the Library and on the relevant learning platform, and complete assessments and submit these on time. Please refer to the Academic Engagement Procedure at the following link: Academic engagement procedure

[Top of Page]


Supplemental Information

Programme BoardManagement, Organisations & People
Assessment Results (Pass/Fail) No
Subject PanelManagement, Organisations & People
ModeratorMohammed Ishaq
External ExaminerS Tyrrell
Accreditation Detailsaccredited by CIPD
Version Number

3.02

[Top of Page]


Assessment: (also refer to Assessment Outcomes Grids below)
Assessment will be based on the appraisal of a written dissertation submitted by the student. Support will be provided through the research methods seminars, tutor guidance and peer communication.
(N.B. (i) Assessment Outcomes Grids for the module (one for each component) can be found below which clearly demonstrate how the learning outcomes of the module will be assessed.
(ii) An indicative schedule listing approximate times within the academic calendar when assessment is likely to feature will be provided within the Student Handbook.)

Assessment Outcome Grids (Footnote A.)

Component 1
Assessment Type (Footnote B.) Learning Outcome (1) Learning Outcome (2) Learning Outcome (3) Learning Outcome (4) Learning Outcome (5) Weighting (%) of Assessment ElementTimetabled Contact Hours
Dissertation/ Project report/ Thesischeck markcheck markcheck markcheck markcheck mark1000
Combined Total For All Components100% 0 hours

Footnotes
A. Referred to within Assessment Section above
B. Identified in the Learning Outcome Section above

[Top of Page]

Note(s):
  1. More than one assessment method can be used to assess individual learning outcomes.
  2. Schools are responsible for determining student contact hours. Please refer to University Policy on contact hours (extract contained within section 10 of the Module Descriptor guidance note).
    This will normally be variable across Schools, dependent on Programmes &/or Professional requirements.

Equality and Diversity
In accordance with the University’s Single Equality Scheme every effort will be made to accommodate any equality and diversity issues brought to the attention of the school.
UWS Equality and Diversity Policy
(N.B. Every effort will be made by the University to accommodate any equality and diversity issues brought to the attention of the School)

2014 University of the West of Scotland

University of the West of Scotland is a Registered Scottish Charity.

Charity number SC002520.