Human Resource Management

Subject NRMT90018 (2011)

Note: This is an archived Handbook entry from 2011.

Credit Points: 12.50
Level: 9 (Graduate/Postgraduate)
Dates & Locations:

This subject has the following teaching availabilities in 2011:

April, Parkville - Taught online/distance.
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

The subject will be open on LMS approximately two weeks prior to the subject commencement date.

Timetable can be viewed here. For information about these dates, click here.
Time Commitment: Contact Hours: This subject is taught using multimedia teaching techniques and is based around business case studies. There is no face-to-face contact for this subject.
Total Time Commitment: This subject is run over an 8-week period as opposed to a standard 12 week semester subject. It is recommended that students devote 14 hours per week to this subject over 8 weeks.
Prerequisites: There are no prerequisites for this subject.
Corequisites: There are no corequisites for this subject.
Recommended Background Knowledge: Students must be able to perform word processing, use Excel spreadsheets, and have a reasonable understanding of the Internet and the University’s Learning Management System.
Non Allowed Subjects: There are no non-allowed subjects.
Core Participation Requirements:

It is University policy to take all 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 they have a disability that will impact on meeting the requirements in this subject are encouraged to discuss this matter with the Subject Coordinator and Disability Liaison Unit.

Coordinator

Mr Peter Mcsweeney

Contact

Melbourne School of Land & Environment Student Centre
Ground Floor, Land & Food Resources (building 142)

Enquiries
Phone: 13 MELB (13 6352)
Email: 13MELB@unimelb.edu.au

Subject Overview:

Managers in agribusiness in both small -medium enterprises and larger organisations require an understanding of the strategic and operational role of human resource management (HRM). It has long been recognised that the effective deployment and development of human resources constitutes one of the key areas of competitive advantage for modern organisations.

The subject introduces and evaluates models and approaches for the performance of key HRM functions. These include human resources planning; job analysis and design; recruitment and selection; managing diversity and work-life balance; performance management; training and skills development and occupational health and safety management.

The subject builds on the Leadership subject (NRMT90017) in that the potential contribution of HRM to organisational development and improving organisational effectiveness is discussed.

Objectives:

The objective of this subject is to extend the participant's ability to :

  • understand the strategic and operational roles of human resource management (HRM) in agribusiness.
  • distinguish between the roles of the HRM specialist and the role of the agribusiness line manager in performing operational and strategic roles.
  • evaluate different approaches to organising key HRM functions (job analysis, HR planning, recruitment and selection, induction and orientation, performance appraisal, training and development, occupational health and safety compliance and administration).
  • recognise the key features of the Australian industrial relations system and be able to identify the sources and terms and conditions for relevant employment categories in agribusiness.
  • appreciate the role of HR managers in organisational improvement efforts with a focus on team development and management of issues such as change, conflict and creativity.

Assessment: Individual assignments, 5000 words (50%), Group assignment, 3000 words (30%), On-line discussion participation (20%).

*Online discussion is an integral component of this subject - a minimum grade of 50% is required in this component.

Prescribed Texts:

De Cieri, H. and Kramar, R. (2007), Human Resource Management in Australia: Strategy, People, Performance. Macquarie Park: McGraw-Hill

It is recommended that text books be ordered through the MSLE Student Centre EMAIL: SC-MSLE@unimelb.edu.au

Recommended Texts: Further reading material will be available online.
Breadth Options:

This subject is not available as a breadth subject.

Fees Information: Subject EFTSL, Level, Discipline & Census Date
Generic Skills: It is expected students will develop:
  • Awareness of and ability to utilise appropriate communication technology and methods for the storage, management and analysis of data
  • Highly developed computer-based skills to allow for effective on-line learning and communication
  • Ability to collaborate, exchange ideas and debate across on-line learning platforms
  • Ability to plan, use time effectively and manage small projects
  • Appreciation of social and cultural diversity from a regional to a global context
Related Course(s): Master of Agribusiness (Coursework)
Master of Food Science
Master of Forest Ecosystem Science
Master of Wine Technology and Viticulture
Postgraduate Certificate in Food Science
Postgraduate Diploma in Food Science

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