Assignment overview

This assignment challenges you to integrate course concepts with your own professional experience or a specific organisation you are familiar with. You will critically evaluate how strategic HRM operates in practice, identify challenges unique to your context, and reflect on how your learning from the course shapes your perspective and future actions as an HR professional or manager. Your report must demonstrate original analysis, critical reflection, and practical application.

This assignment supports course learning outcomes 3 and 4.

Task

Step 1: Write a 2000-word report that addresses the following sections. Select the three headings for the requirements of each section.

▼ Section 1: Strategic HRM in your context (approx. 800 words)

• Select an organisation you have worked for, currently work for, or know well (if you lack direct experience, you may use a detailed case study from research or media).
• Briefly describe the organisation’s context (industry, size, strategic priorities).
• Identify a specific people management challenge or initiative the organisation faces or has faced (for example, implementing a new HR policy, managing change, balancing productivity and well- being, etc.).
• Analyse how at least two SHRM theories or models from the course help you understand this challenge or initiative.

Important: Go beyond describing theories–explain how they illuminate the situation in this specific context and discuss any limitations or contradictions you observe.

▼ Section 2: Critical evaluation and synthesis (approx. 600 words)

• Drawing on your chosen example, critically evaluate the roles played by HR professionals and frontline managers in addressing the challenge or initiative.
• Discuss at least one tension or trade-off (for example, between strategic intent and actual implementation, or between organisational goals and employee wellbeing) that emerged in this context.
• Reflect on how the outcome might have differed if a different HRM approach or philosophy had been adopted.

Important: Support your evaluation with evidence from your context and relevant academic literature, but focus on your own analysis and synthesis.

▼ Section 3: Personal reflection and application (approx. 600 words)

• Reflect on how your understanding of strategic HRM has changed during the course, particularly in relation to the example you have analysed.
• Identify one key insight you have gained and how you will apply it as a future HR practitioner or manager.
• Consider what you would do differently in the same situation, based on your learning.

Important: This section should be personal and specific, demonstrating your growth and ability to apply course concepts in real-world situations.

Step 2: Review the preceding three sections to ensure that you have included all the required information for the report.

Step 3: Follow the following format for writing your report:

• Use clear headings for each section.
• Include in-text citations and a reference list.
• Use APA 7th style for referencing.
• Submit as a Word document or PDF.
• Please note: Reference list is not included in the word count; in-text citations/footnotes are.

Tip: Your report should demonstrate your ability to think critically and apply course concepts to real situations. Generic summaries or responses that could apply to any organisation will not meet the criteria for higher grades. Use your own voice and experience wherever possible.

Step 4: Finalise and submit your assignment.