Using relevant research/academic literature on HRM and observation prepare a critical review of one (1) of the following HR activities in the organisation you are working for (one you have worked for in the past, or have access to), and recommend, with justification, how activities can be improved to better meet the organisations future needs.

• Training and development

• Career Management

• Performance Appraisal

• Reward Management

• Workplace Health and Safety

With support from research/academic literature and observation, you are required to:

• Clearly summarise the HR activity you have selected and identify what aspects on this area you believe require modification to better meet future organisational needs.

• Justify your recommendation by identifying why it is important for management to make change in this area.

• Take into consideration any constraints or limitations that exist within the organisation when making your recommendations

• Recommend revised policies and practices based on your assessments, and provide justification for your recommendations

• Be persuasive in your arguments

Be sure to support your observations and recommendations with reference to relevant theoretical material.

*** Please note:

1. If you are not working, or are unable to access an organisation you may use information found on an organisation's on-line websites. You will need to be careful with your selection of organisation and make sure you have sufficient information from which to build your argument.

2. If using a current or past place of work you should use a fictitious name (ie. XYZ company) to protect confidentiality.

Rationale

This assignment is designed to:

Familiarise students with the nature of the HRM phenomenon and the different perspectives from which it is viewed;

Encourage students to explore various HRM theories;

Develop the ability to identify the importance of the HR function in the effective management of people;

Familiarise students with the gap which may exist between the academic theories and the real world practice of HRM;

Encourage students to develop a critical understanding of the extent to which organisations adhere to espoused HRM policies;

Encourage students to explore the various HR challenges such as environmental, organisational, individual and in the performance of their day-to-day responsibilities; complicated relationship among top management, line managers, HR managers and employees and its effect on HR policies and practices;

Encourage students to develop sound analytical skills based on in-depth literature research, learnt theories, case studies and work practices.