CQUniversity Unit Profile
HRMT19016 Contemporary Organisational & H R M Studies
Contemporary Organisational & H R M Studies
All details in this unit profile for HRMT19016 have been officially approved by CQUniversity and represent a learning partnership between the University and you (our student).
The information will not be changed unless absolutely necessary and any change will be clearly indicated by an approved correction included in the profile.
General Information

Overview

The objectives of this unit are far-reaching and intended to introduce students to the emerging issues in future organisations and the management of the Human Resources of these future organisations. Emphasis will be placed on strengthening good verbal and written communication skills; locating and delineating future issues; and, the development of strategic responses to best utilise the opportunities presented by the emerging future organisational issues. Models for analysing and making predictions about future issues, social change and the role, structure and nature of future organisations will be rigorously examined in this unit. Development of a strategic mindset will be sought from this unit.

Details

Career Level: Undergraduate
Unit Level: Level 3
Credit Points: 6
Student Contribution Band: 10
Fraction of Full-Time Student Load: 0.125

Pre-requisites or Co-requisites

Corequisite: HRMT 11011

Important note: Students enrolled in a subsequent unit who failed their pre-requisite unit, should drop the subsequent unit before the census date or within 10 working days of Fail grade notification. Students who do not drop the unit in this timeframe cannot later drop the unit without academic and financial liability. See details in the Assessment Policy and Procedure (Higher Education Coursework).

Offerings For Term 1 - 2017

Brisbane
Distance
Melbourne
Rockhampton
Sydney

Attendance Requirements

All on-campus students are expected to attend scheduled classes – in some units, these classes are identified as a mandatory (pass/fail) component and attendance is compulsory. International students, on a student visa, must maintain a full time study load and meet both attendance and academic progress requirements in each study period (satisfactory attendance for International students is defined as maintaining at least an 80% attendance record).

Class and Assessment Overview

Recommended Student Time Commitment

Each 6-credit Undergraduate unit at CQUniversity requires an overall time commitment of an average of 12.5 hours of study per week, making a total of 150 hours for the unit.

Class Timetable

Bundaberg, Cairns, Emerald, Gladstone, Mackay, Rockhampton, Townsville
Adelaide, Brisbane, Melbourne, Perth, Sydney

Assessment Overview

1. Online Quiz(zes)
Weighting: 20%
2. Written Assessment
Weighting: 50%
3. Written Assessment
Weighting: 30%

Assessment Grading

This is a graded unit: your overall grade will be calculated from the marks or grades for each assessment task, based on the relative weightings shown in the table above. You must obtain an overall mark for the unit of at least 50%, or an overall grade of ‘pass’ in order to pass the unit. If any ‘pass/fail’ tasks are shown in the table above they must also be completed successfully (‘pass’ grade). You must also meet any minimum mark requirements specified for a particular assessment task, as detailed in the ‘assessment task’ section (note that in some instances, the minimum mark for a task may be greater than 50%). Consult the University’s Grades and Results Policy for more details of interim results and final grades.

Previous Student Feedback

Feedback, Recommendations and Responses

Every unit is reviewed for enhancement each year. At the most recent review, the following staff and student feedback items were identified and recommendations were made.

Feedback from Have Your Say feedback

Feedback

Video and group components of this course continue to trouble a minority of students. There remains some confusion about the complexity of the first assignment

Recommendation

Recommend that students are offered greater guidance in preparing videos (particularly technical guidance) and create easier upload options. Group work should continue, despite challenges, as this is an important part of accreditation for this course. Clearer, simpler structure for the first assignment in particular is recommended.

Action

Technical guidance with video presentations (pitches) and direction in the use of videos was undertaken group by group. The first assignment (quizzes) was structured to follow the content of the text. Group work for the second assessment was appropriately supported in line with the assessment criteria and AQF requirements at the undergraduate level.

Unit Learning Outcomes
On successful completion of this unit, you will be able to:
  1. demonstrate an understanding of the role of HRM in contemporary organisations
  2. understand the internal and external organisational environments to which strategic HRM should be directed
  3. evaluate the magnitude of multi-directional influences on strategic HRM, and how HR professionals can use these influences to effectively manage contemporary issues within organisations
  4. enhance analytical skills appropriate to support the development of strategic HRM plans and policies
  5. demonstrate appropriate research skills required for HRM practices.
Alignment of Learning Outcomes, Assessment and Graduate Attributes
N/A Level
Introductory Level
Intermediate Level
Graduate Level
Professional Level
Advanced Level

Alignment of Assessment Tasks to Learning Outcomes

Assessment Tasks Learning Outcomes
1 2 3 4 5
1 - Online Quiz(zes) - 20%
2 - Written Assessment - 50%
3 - Written Assessment - 30%

Alignment of Graduate Attributes to Learning Outcomes

Graduate Attributes Learning Outcomes
1 2 3 4 5
1 - Communication
2 - Problem Solving
3 - Critical Thinking
4 - Information Literacy
5 - Team Work
6 - Information Technology Competence
7 - Cross Cultural Competence
8 - Ethical practice
9 - Social Innovation
10 - Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Cultures

Alignment of Assessment Tasks to Graduate Attributes

Assessment Tasks Graduate Attributes
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10
1 - Online Quiz(zes) - 20%
2 - Written Assessment - 50%
3 - Written Assessment - 30%
Textbooks and Resources

Textbooks

Prescribed

Reframing Organizations: Artistry, Choice, and Leadership

Edition: Fifth (2013)
Authors: Lee G. Bolman, Terrence E. Deal
Jossey-Bass
Hoboken Hoboken , New Jersey , USA
ISBN: 978-1-118-55738-9
Binding: Hardcover

IT Resources

You will need access to the following IT resources:
  • CQUniversity Student Email
  • Internet
  • Unit Website (Moodle)
  • Zoom.us (client)
Referencing Style

All submissions for this unit must use the referencing style: American Psychological Association 6th Edition (APA 6th edition)

For further information, see the Assessment Tasks.

Teaching Contacts
James Callan Unit Coordinator
j.callan@cqu.edu.au
Schedule
Week 1 Begin Date: 06 Mar 2017

Module/Topic

The power of reframing

Chapter

Chs. 1 (pp. 3-22)

Events and Submissions/Topic

Nominate and confirm placement in a team as soon as practicable (team forming and norming)

Week 2 Begin Date: 13 Mar 2017

Module/Topic

Simple ideas, complex organisations as well as getting organised

Chapter

Ch. 2 (pp. 23-40) and 3 (pp. 43-67)

Events and Submissions/Topic

Nominate and confirm placement in a team as soon as practicable (team forming, norming and storming).
Week 4 exemplar teams to nominate for first peer workshop.

Week 3 Begin Date: 20 Mar 2017

Module/Topic

Structure and restructuring

Chapter

Ch. 4 (pp. 69-93)

Events and Submissions/Topic

Teams declared, peer workshop topic selection and planning. Week 4 exemplar team(s) confirmed for peer workshop.
What is self and peer assessment?

Week 4 Begin Date: 27 Mar 2017

Module/Topic

Organising groups and teams as well as people and organisations

Chapter

Ch. 5 (pp. 95-112) and 6 (pp. 115-135)

Events and Submissions/Topic

Peer workshops 1 and 2
Self and peer assessment (SPA-PW 1 and 2)

Week 5 Begin Date: 03 Apr 2017

Module/Topic

Improving human resource management

Chapter

Ch. 7 (pp. 137-160)

Events and Submissions/Topic

Peer workshop 3
Self and peer assessment (SPA-PW 3)

Vacation Week Begin Date: 10 Apr 2017

Module/Topic

Chapter

Events and Submissions/Topic

Week 6 Begin Date: 17 Apr 2017

Module/Topic

Interpersonal and group dynamics

Chapter

Ch. 8 (pp. 161-182)

Events and Submissions/Topic

Peer workshop 4
Self and peer assessment (SPA-PW 4)

Week 7 Begin Date: 24 Apr 2017

Module/Topic

Power, conflict, and coalition

Chapter

Ch. 9 (pp. 185-204)

Events and Submissions/Topic

Peer workshop 5
Self and peer assessment (SPA-PW 5)

Week 8 Begin Date: 01 May 2017

Module/Topic

The manager as politician as well as organisations as political arenas and political agents

Chapter

Chs. 10 (pp. 205-223) and 11 (pp. 225-242)

Events and Submissions/Topic

Peer workshops 6 and 7
Self and peer assessment (SPA-PW 6 and 7)

Week 9 Begin Date: 08 May 2017

Module/Topic

Organizational culture and symbols as well as culture in action

Chapter

Chs. 12 (pp. 245-270) and 13 (pp. 271-284)

Events and Submissions/Topic

Peer workshops 8 and 9
Self and peer assessment (SPA-PW 8 and 9)

Week 10 Begin Date: 15 May 2017

Module/Topic

Integrating frames for effective practice as well as reframing in action opportunities and perils

Chapter

Chs. 15 (pp. 305-321) and 16 (pp. 323-335)

Events and Submissions/Topic

Peer workshops 10 and 11
Self and peer assessment (SPA-PW 10 and 11)

Week 11 Begin Date: 22 May 2017

Module/Topic

Reframing leadership, or reframing change in organisations, or reframing ethics and spirit

Chapter

Ch. 17 (pp. 337-369) and 18 (pp. 371-392)

Events and Submissions/Topic

Peer workshop 12a, 12b, or 12c
Self and peer assessment (SPA-PW 12a, 12b, or 12c)

Week 12 Begin Date: 29 May 2017

Module/Topic

Bringing it all together change and leadership in action

Chapter

Ch. 20 (pp. 407-429)

Events and Submissions/Topic

Course Review and Sign-Off


Reflective Essay Due: Week 12 Thursday (1 June 2017) 5:00 pm AEST
Review/Exam Week Begin Date: 05 Jun 2017

Module/Topic

Chapter

Events and Submissions/Topic

Exam Week Begin Date: 12 Jun 2017

Module/Topic

Chapter

Events and Submissions/Topic

Assessment Tasks

1 Online Quiz(zes)

Assessment Title
Online Quizzes

Task Description

Attempt and complete an online quiz in week 3 and week 5. The aim is to confirm uptake of foundation concepts and theory.
Each online quiz is accessible through the assessment block. Both quizzes open at 9:00 am AEST on Monday of the week each is scheduled and close on Friday at 8:00 pm AEST. Each online quiz comprises 20 questions that must be undertaken in one sitting (45 minutes). No alternative quizzes are provided and no extensions are permissible.

Quiz items are randomised and cover aspects of the learning content specified below:

  • Week 3 quiz => The power of reframing, simple ideas, complex organisations, as well as getting organised (Chs. 1-3)
  • Week 5 quiz => Structure & restructuring, organising groups & teams as well as people & organisations (Chs. 4-6)


Number of Quizzes

2


Frequency of Quizzes

Other


Assessment Due Date

Quizzes 1 & 2 open at 9:00 AM AEST Monday and close at 5:00 PM AEST Friday during weeks 3 & 5 respectively


Return Date to Students

Refer to the grade book entry for the week 3 and/or week 5 on-line quiz in the Moodle gradebook once the quiz module closes.


Weighting
20%

Assessment Criteria

A passing grade for each quiz comprises 50% of the available marks (i.e., 10). A fail grade for any on-line quiz does not limit your scope to pass the unit.
Marks for each quiz question are based on correct and incorrect multiple choice responses. Each correct response receives 1 mark and an incorrect answer receives zero marks.


Referencing Style

Submission
Online

Submission Instructions
Follow the instruction set provided in the assessment block in Moodle.

Learning Outcomes Assessed
  • demonstrate an understanding of the role of HRM in contemporary organisations
  • understand the internal and external organisational environments to which strategic HRM should be directed
  • evaluate the magnitude of multi-directional influences on strategic HRM, and how HR professionals can use these influences to effectively manage contemporary issues within organisations
  • enhance analytical skills appropriate to support the development of strategic HRM plans and policies
  • demonstrate appropriate research skills required for HRM practices.


Graduate Attributes
  • Communication
  • Problem Solving
  • Critical Thinking
  • Information Literacy
  • Information Technology Competence
  • Cross Cultural Competence
  • Ethical practice

2 Written Assessment

Assessment Title
Peer Workshop

Task Description

Peer Workshop

Assessment 2 comprises peer collaboration where teams produce an in-class or on-line workshop. Each workshop comprises 3 components (i) topic pitch (ii) in-class/online activity or focus exercise, and (iii) a report write up. The topic focus for each workshop is listed, but the learning design must student-centred, peer-appropriate, and negotiated with your lecturer.

Peer Workshop submission pointers

Topic pitch links (YouTube) are emailed to the unit coordinator for placement in the schedule (no later than Friday before the designated week of the peer workshop).
Workshop instructions or worksheets are uploaded on Sunday before the designated week of the peer workshop. Upload into the PEER WORKSHOP block.
A workshop report is to be uploaded on or before Thursday 5:00 pm AEST of the designated week for the peer workshop. Upload into the Assignment Submission block.

Report structure: 1500 words +/- 10% excluding title page, executive summary, and references). Refer to the assessment block for further details.

Peer Workshop grades and feedback

  • Formative assessment: The unit co-ordinator nominates peer workshop assessors who who provide feedback in the form of grades and comments. The feedback and marks are peer level forms of review or evaluation and do not contribute to the final grade.
  • Summative Assessment: Members of the teaching team grade and moderate peer workshop reports during the week each item is submitted. The feedback and marks count towards your final grade.

Peer workshop development starts with initial discussion, direction, and guidance from your lecturer. Workshops are never a solo undertaking, as each is the result of team collaboration from the outset. Each team is expected to be represented when the workshop takes place (in-class or on-line). Peer Workshops are directed by the teaching team and the rest of the class participates in the learning activity.
Refer to the assessment block in Moodle for the topic schedule, topic focus, and other details. Teams must select and nominate topics before the close of business in week 3. No duplication of topic is to occur without clearance from the unit coordinator.

Team Roles:

Individuals within the team are required to fulfil key roles aligned to their respective expertise, skills & interest. The determination and allocation of team roles is negotiated by a team convenor (self-determined by each team). The team convenor co-ordinates collaboration and ensures the team stays on task to achieve the required outcomes. Only convenors need submit the team’s product. Each team members is accountable to the team and must participate in self and peer assessment - failure to do so results in zero marks for the relevant criteria (see below).


Assessment Due Date

Your team convenor submits the peer workshop content on or before 5:00 pm Friday preceding the week your team is scheduled.


Return Date to Students

Workshops are graded and feedback is registered within the week of submission.


Weighting
50%

Assessment Criteria

The peer workshop report is assessed on its merits. As an exercise in collaboration, the following criteria apply:
  • Research (9 marks) The report involves research that successfully integrates the use of secondary data to advance understanding.
  • Application (9 marks) The report demonstrates application (not description) of relevant theories, concepts, frameworks, or models with respect to the topic focus, issue or problem.
    The degree to which the reframing template is used in response to organisational complexity and ambiguity.
  • Analysis (9 marks) The report applies critical analysis, explicates the relevant organisational context, and clearly supports a set of conclusions or informed judgement.
  • Evaluation (9 marks) The report uses evaluation to drive decisions and actionable outcomes.
  • Mechanics (9 marks) The report is competently formatted and written (clean copy).
  • SPA (5 marks) The rated coefficient regarding peer collaboration (partnership), managed expectations, and contribution to outcomes. SPA ratings vary according to an individual's performance rating. Failure to complete SPA, for example, means that the individual team member concerned receives zero marks.
Penalties for late submissions are applied according to policy.
The grade form (criteria sheet) for the submission is replicated in Feedback Studio.


Referencing Style

Submission
Online Group

Submission Instructions
Follow the instruction set provided in the assessment block in Moodle

Learning Outcomes Assessed
  • demonstrate an understanding of the role of HRM in contemporary organisations
  • understand the internal and external organisational environments to which strategic HRM should be directed
  • evaluate the magnitude of multi-directional influences on strategic HRM, and how HR professionals can use these influences to effectively manage contemporary issues within organisations
  • enhance analytical skills appropriate to support the development of strategic HRM plans and policies
  • demonstrate appropriate research skills required for HRM practices.


Graduate Attributes
  • Communication
  • Problem Solving
  • Critical Thinking
  • Information Literacy
  • Information Technology Competence
  • Cross Cultural Competence
  • Ethical practice

3 Written Assessment

Assessment Title
Reflective Essay

Task Description

Review the learning you found most relevant to your ability to reframe organisational experience(s) during the term.You may elect to use an experience you had at work.

Apply these steps:

  • Provide a brief of your experience(s) and relate the details to no fewer than 3 scholarly references. The brief must be no more than 200 words
  • Critically comment on how the theory/literature matched or did not match your personal experience.
  • Detail how the findings or perspectives from the scholarly literature has or has not altered your thinking.
  • Indicate what learning you have gained from the experience(s), and how you expect you will respond in future, given your reframed perspective(s) or otherwise going forward.

Essay length: 1250 (+/- 10%) words (excluding title page and references)


Assessment Due Date

Week 12 Thursday (1 June 2017) 5:00 pm AEST

Follow the instruction set provided in the assessment block in Moodle


Return Date to Students

As per university's policy for equivalent exam assessments feedback and grades are released as grades are certified on July 7, 2017.


Weighting
30%

Assessment Criteria

Each essay is assessed according to the extent the submission conforms to the following criteria:
  • Research (4 marks) The essay demonstrates advanced understanding of the topic and issues.
  • Application of theory/literature (4 marks) The essay applies relevant theory, concepts and frameworks and refers to at least five (5) refereed sources as well as content from the prescribed text.
  • Analysis (6 marks) The essay applies critical analysis and a clearly advances an argument coherently and logically.
  • Evaluation (6 marks) The essay uses evaluation or judgement to drive a decision that advocates action.
  • Mechanics (5 marks) The essay is competently formatted and written (clean copy) business report.
Penalties for late submissions are applied according to policy.
The grade form (criteria sheet) for the submission is replicated in Feedback Studio


Referencing Style

Submission
Online

Submission Instructions
The Reflective Essay is to be individually submitted in Moodle as assessment 3

Learning Outcomes Assessed
  • demonstrate an understanding of the role of HRM in contemporary organisations
  • understand the internal and external organisational environments to which strategic HRM should be directed
  • evaluate the magnitude of multi-directional influences on strategic HRM, and how HR professionals can use these influences to effectively manage contemporary issues within organisations
  • enhance analytical skills appropriate to support the development of strategic HRM plans and policies
  • demonstrate appropriate research skills required for HRM practices.


Graduate Attributes
  • Communication
  • Problem Solving
  • Critical Thinking
  • Information Literacy
  • Information Technology Competence
  • Cross Cultural Competence
  • Ethical practice

Academic Integrity Statement

As a CQUniversity student you are expected to act honestly in all aspects of your academic work.

Any assessable work undertaken or submitted for review or assessment must be your own work. Assessable work is any type of work you do to meet the assessment requirements in the unit, including draft work submitted for review and feedback and final work to be assessed.

When you use the ideas, words or data of others in your assessment, you must thoroughly and clearly acknowledge the source of this information by using the correct referencing style for your unit. Using others’ work without proper acknowledgement may be considered a form of intellectual dishonesty.

Participating honestly, respectfully, responsibly, and fairly in your university study ensures the CQUniversity qualification you earn will be valued as a true indication of your individual academic achievement and will continue to receive the respect and recognition it deserves.

As a student, you are responsible for reading and following CQUniversity’s policies, including the Student Academic Integrity Policy and Procedure. This policy sets out CQUniversity’s expectations of you to act with integrity, examples of academic integrity breaches to avoid, the processes used to address alleged breaches of academic integrity, and potential penalties.

What is a breach of academic integrity?

A breach of academic integrity includes but is not limited to plagiarism, self-plagiarism, collusion, cheating, contract cheating, and academic misconduct. The Student Academic Integrity Policy and Procedure defines what these terms mean and gives examples.

Why is academic integrity important?

A breach of academic integrity may result in one or more penalties, including suspension or even expulsion from the University. It can also have negative implications for student visas and future enrolment at CQUniversity or elsewhere. Students who engage in contract cheating also risk being blackmailed by contract cheating services.

Where can I get assistance?

For academic advice and guidance, the Academic Learning Centre (ALC) can support you in becoming confident in completing assessments with integrity and of high standard.

What can you do to act with integrity?