Every business is made up of people, the human resources of the business. How effectively those human resources are managed: Human Resources Management Case Study, ENU, Singapore

Every business is made up of people, the human resources of the business. How effectively those human resources are managed will have a major impact on how successful the business becomes. Indeed in many industries, the quality of the human resources, how effectively they work together, and how well they are trained and developed, can be the major factor in maintaining the competitiveness and profitability of the business.

It follows then that the study of human resource management (HRM) is a vital part of the business studies curriculum and the ability to manage people effectively is a key skill requirement for the effective business manager. The process is a complex one. Partly this complexity stems from the fact that one is dealing with people, with all the inevitable variation in skills, personalities, attitudes, and behaviors that this implies.

HRM is further complicated by the major changes we are experiencing in technologies, patterns of trade and business, and the need for businesses and their employees to respond quickly if they are to remain competitive. This module is designed to help you understand these issues and begin to acquire some of the knowledge and skills required for the effective management of people.

In recent years there has been a major debate amongst academics and practitioners about the significance of HRM and in particular whether it offers anything new compared to more traditional approaches to personnel management. This module will explore such issues as well as develop an understanding of some of the techniques which can support a professional approach to the management of people.

Some students take an interest in HRM because they intend to specialize in people management and perhaps work towards membership in the Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development (CIPD). Indeed this area of specialization provides a number of career avenues. However, the need for all managers to have competence in HRM is becoming inescapable. As organizations become flatter, with fewer layers of management, line managers are playing an increasingly important role in the management of people.