For this module you will be required to undertake an assignment of 3,000 words (+ or – 10%) by answering the following: Taylor (2014: 360), citing Boxall and Purcell (2008), puts forward a view that ‘the clearer the alignment between HR activity and organisational strategic objectives, the clearer it is that a coherent HR strategy is being pursued’.
Critically evaluate the extent to which such ‘alignment’ exists in relation to the people resourcing and talent management activities of your organisation (or one you are familiar with) and the extent to which such ‘alignment’ contributes to the effectiveness of the organisation in achieving its aims, addressing four of the following five topic areas in the PR&TM syllabus:
1. HR planning, including consideration of employment markets
2. Flexible working
3. Recruitment and selection
4. Equal opportunities, diversity and ethics
5. Performance management, including performance appraisal Suggested structure and content of assignment
The assignment should take into account the following points:
Opens with an introductory analysis of the organisation’s strategy using one or more of the strategic fit models covered in week one and summarising both general business and HRM implications of this analysis
Addresses each of the four selected themes in the main body;
Organised around a clear and logical structure of transparently stated, relevant themes as sub-headings;
Contains a critical evaluation of relevant literature;
For each topic, contains:
o an analysis of practice that integrates with theory and critically evaluates one in relation to the other;
o Offers recommendations to address the issues in practice identified in the analysis, giving reasons why these will be of benefit;
o Comments on the alignment – or otherwise – of the policies and practices involved and implications for the effectiveness of the organisation;
o Achieves a balance of roughly 50-50 between coverage of literature and practice;
o Keeps a sharp focus on the brief given throughout;
Offers conclusions which highlight evaluation of practice, recommendations of practice, summarises the four considerations of alignment and integrates reflectively with cited sources in the literature.
For guidance on online submission of assignments, including how to submit and how to access online feedback, please refer to the UWL Blackboard student-help pages at: uwl.ac.uk/blackboardhelp
