CE3HRM-Human Resource Management in Construction

Module Provider: School of Construction Management and Engineering, School of Built Environment
Number of credits: 10 [5 ECTS credits]
Level:6
Terms in which taught: Autumn term module
Pre-requisites: AA2STC Construction Technology: Core Studies or CE2CMB Management in the Built Environment
Non-modular pre-requisites: This module can be taken by students in the School of the Built Environment only
Co-requisites:
Modules excluded:
Current from: 2023/4

Module Convenor: Dr Florence Phua
Email: f.phua@reading.ac.uk

Type of module:

Summary module description:

Effective human resource management (HRM) contributes significantly to overall organizational performance. It is no different in the construction industry People are a key source of a firm’s competitive advantage and so, the processes, practices, and implications of HRM must be considered seriously. However, due to a range of practical pressures and factors that are either associated with or embedded within the industry, the vital role of HRM in construction is often overlooked.  The module will cover the essential elements of HRM and their implementation in the UK construction industry. It draws substantially on HRM concepts, theories and practices from different industries to facilitate understanding of the issues and concerns that are applicable to both construction and non-construction firms. It will explain and clarify how an informed, well-structured and participative approach to HRM can deliver substantial benefits to all stakeholders: employers and employees as well as their shareholders and clients.

Aims:

The aims of this module are:

1. to provide students with an appreciation of the characteristics and practices of the construction industry and the role of HRM in both construction project- and non-project based organizations;


2. to introduce students to current perspectives on key HRM concepts;


3. to provide students with an understanding of the theories and practical considerations of HRM and its implications for construction firm performance and strategic positioning.


4. to enable students to competently apply germane HRM concepts and theories to complete module assignment.  

Assessable learning outcomes:

This module is designed to incorporate attributes that are important in helping students achieve a positive learning experience and to promote scholarly inquiry in the broad area of HRM. At the end of the module, and after participating in the lectures and discussions, reading essential texts, and completing all assignment, students are expected to gain sufficient theoretical and applied knowledge to:

1. understand the theory, core processes and practices of HRMand gain an appreciation of their impact on organizational and individual performance


2. understand the complexities and implications of effective HR strategies for organizational management


3. critically evaluate the principles upon which different HRM practices and policies are developed in different organizational contexts, and how they can be applied to the construction industry.

Additional outcomes:

The assignment will give students the opportunity to develop skills in critical thinking and problem solving. It will enhance the student’s ability to work and learn independently. The development of these skills is supported through interactive group discussions and in-class exercises which relate to the lecture topics. Assignment and further reading will enable students to make connections between various HRM theories and principles to form an informed view of the role of HRM in practice.

Outline content:

This module is designed in a logical, step-by-step manner to help students develop their analytical skills to understand what may often seem to be nebulous or complex HRM issues. Emphasis will be placed on the joint development and integration of theory and practice. The guiding principle of the module is that theory and practice are inextricably linked. Students will be actively encouraged to make the appropriate links through assignment, practical tasks and private study. The tentative outline content for the module is indicated below.

1. HRM in the construction industry context

• Structure of the industry


• The industry and its environment


• Management of (project) organizations


• Evaluate the importance of HRM in the construction industry

2. Principles and theories of HRM

• Evolution and development of HRM in modern management


• Current principles and theories


• Role of HRM in overall organizational context

3. Processes and practices of HRM

• Identify core processes and practices of HRM


• Design, implementation and implications of HRM strategy and policy


• Organisational dynamics, structure and design

4. Strategic HRM and future development

• Long term strategies for HRM development in construction industry


• High involvement, high commitment HR systems


• Dynamic fit between HR systems and the changing environment

Brief description of teaching and learning methods:

To make students learning experience intellectually challenging, and practically useful this module will use a variety of teaching and learning methods including lectures, case studies and interactive group discussions. A particular emphasis will be placed on the critical evaluation of accepted concepts and principles.

Contact hours:

	Autumn	Spring	Summer
Lectures	10
Guided independent study:
Wider reading (independent)	80
Wider reading (directed)	10
Total hours by term		0	0
Total hours for module	100

Summative Assessment Methods:

Method	Percentage
Written assignment including essay	100

Summative assessment- Examinations:

n/a

Summative assessment- Coursework and in-class tests:

Individual written assignment (100%) of module mark.

One assignment (3,000 – 3,500 words) consisting of questions/issues relating to the lecture topics to be carried after the end of the timetabled module.

This module will be assessed entirely by means of individual written assignment. The objectives of the assignment are for students to appreciate and understand the challenges of HRM faced by organizations and to apply their knowledge of HRM to address issues that arise in real-life organizational contexts.

Formative assessment methods:

There will be a formative feedback component embedded within the assignment. Principally, for this module, the formative feedback will take place during class interaction as the students’ learning and understanding of the subject evolve and progress. A central ethos of the module is interactive and participative.

Penalties for late submission:

The Support Centres will apply the following penalties for work submitted late:

• where the piece of work is submitted after the original deadline (or any formally agreed extension to the deadline): 10% of the total marks available for that piece of work will be deducted from the mark for each working day (or part thereof) following the deadline up to a total of five working days;
• where the piece of work is submitted more than five working days after the original deadline (or any formally agreed extension to the deadline): a mark of zero will be recorded.

The University policy statement on penalties for late submission can be found at: https://www.reading.ac.uk/cqsd/-/media/project/functions/cqsd/documents/cqsd-old-site-documents/penaltiesforlatesubmission.pdf
You are strongly advised to ensure that coursework is submitted by the relevant deadline. You should note that it is advisable to submit work in an unfinished state rather than to fail to submit any work.

Assessment requirements for a pass:

40% mark overall. 

Reassessment arrangements:

Reassessment will be by means of a re-submission of the coursework.

Additional Costs (specified where applicable):

1) Required text books:  None

2) Specialist equipment or materials:  None

3) Specialist clothing, footwear or headgear:  None

4) Printing and binding:  None

5) Computers and devices with a particular specification:  None

6) Travel, accommodation and subsistence:  None

Last updated: 30 March 2023