Strategic HRM Planning and Evaluation

Subject 325-641 (2008)

Note: This is an archived Handbook entry from 2008.Search for this in the current handbook

Credit Points: 12.500
Level: Graduate/Postgraduate
Dates & Locations:

This subject has the following teaching availabilities in 2008:

Semester 1, - Taught on campus.
Pre-teaching Period Start not applicable
Teaching Period not applicable
Assessment Period End not applicable
Last date to Self-Enrol not applicable
Census Date not applicable
Last date to Withdraw without fail not applicable


Timetable can be viewed here. For information about these dates, click here.
Time Commitment: Contact Hours: One 3-hour seminar per week (Semester 1).
Total Time Commitment: Not available
Prerequisites: Entry into the Master of Human Resource Management.
Corequisites: None
Recommended Background Knowledge: None
Non Allowed Subjects: None
Core Participation Requirements:

For the purposes of considering request for Reasonable Adjustments under the Disability Standards for Education (Cwth 2005), and Student Support and Engagement Policy, academic requirements for this subject are articulated in the Subject Overview, Learning Outcomes, Assessment and Generic Skills sections of this entry.

It is University policy to take all reasonable steps to minimise the impact of disability upon academic study, and reasonable adjustments will be made to enhance a student's participation in the University's programs. Students who feel their disability may impact on meeting the requirements of this subject are encouraged to discuss this matter with a Faculty Student Adviser and Student Equity and Disability Support: http://services.unimelb.edu.au/disability
Subject Overview: This subject focuses on the link between HRM and business strategies and operations. The subject examines fundamental concepts in Strategic Human Resource Management including the planning, development, implementation and evaluation of HR activities. A focus will be on the fit between HR and business strategy, and the congruence among HR activities. The changing nature of the HRM function and its impact on HR professionals will also be considered. As such it provides a framework for understanding HRM that is further developed in subsequent subjects in the degree.
Assessment: A 2-hour end-of-semester examination (50%), and assignment(s) not exceeding 3000 words (50%).
Prescribed Texts: None
Recommended Texts: To be advised.
Breadth Options:

This subject is not available as a breadth subject.
Fees Information: Subject EFTSL, Level, Discipline & Census Date
Generic Skills: On successful completion of this subject, students should be able to:
  • analyse the relationship between business strategy and operations and HR strategy and planning
  • identify and prioritise HR strategies in order to contribute to an organisation's competitive advantage
  • assess the congruence and coherence of HR activities
  • identify the different ways to evaluate the effectiveness of HR activities
  • demonstrate the size and scope of HRM's contribution to organisational performance.

On successful completion of this subject, students should have improved the following generic skills:

  • Critical analytical skills, which should be developed through small group discussions, groups exercises and case studies;
  • Problem-solving skills, which should be developed through case studies and assignments that will require students to evaluate the appropriateness of various HR strategies for given organisational business strategies and structure;
  • Verbal and written communication skills, which should be developed through group discussions and major projects.
Related Course(s): Master of Human Resource Management

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