Demonstrate a conceptual and critical understanding of theories, principles and practices in Human Resource Management (HRM) and Human Resource Development (HRD)

Assessment weighting

100%

Group/Individual

Individual Coursework

Word Count/Duration

2500 words

Module Learning Outcomes

1.Demonstrate a conceptual and critical understanding of theories, principles and practices in Human Resource Management (HRM) and Human Resource Development (HRD)

2.Evaluate major theories relating to motivation, commitment and engagement at work and how strategically these are put into practice by organisations

3.Debate and critically evaluate the characteristics of effective leadership and the methods used to develop leaders in organisations

4.Critically discuss the aims and objectives of the HRM and HRD functions in organisations and how these are met in practice

5.Assess the contribution made by HRM and HRD specialists in different types of organisations

6.Be able to contribute to the promotion of flexible working and effective change management in organisation

7. Be able to promote professionalism and ethical approach to HRM and HRD practice

in organisations

Arrangements For the Return of Work and Feedback

Submission Date

12/12/2025

Feedback Date

16/01/2026

Submission Time (if applicable)

If you have any technical issues submitting your work, please contact the Module Leader as soon as possible.

15.00 UK time

Submission Method

Electronically via module site in

Brightspace

Assignment Specific Resources

Software

NA

Equipment

NA

Guidance on AI Usage.

☐

Level 1- Not Permitted

The use of AI tools is not permitted in any part of this assessment.

☒

Level 2 – Some use Permitted

Some use of AI tools is permitted in the research/early stages of this assignment, but you must ensure that the work you submit is your own. If you use AI tools, you should acknowledge or reference this in your work. Use the Text reference builder to learn how to reference AI generated ideas. The sorts of questions to consider when using AI are:

• Is it accurate?
• Are the references genuine?
• Has it reproduced bias?

☐

Level 3 – Integrated

The use of AI tools is integrated in this assessment. Further guidance is included in this assessment brief.

Ensure any AI generated material is clearly identified and referenced both within the assignment and in the reference list, using:

Text reference builder Image reference builder

General Study Guidance

• Cite all information used in your work which is clearly from a source. Try to ensure that all sources in your reference list are seen as citations in your work, and all names cited in the work appear in your reference list. 

• Reference and cite your work in accordance with the APA 7th system – the University’s chosen referencing style. For specific advice, you can talk to your subject librarians or go to the library help desk, or you can access library guidance via the following link: APA 7th Referencing Guide

• The University has regulations relating to Academic misconduct, including plagiarism. The Academic Skills Team can advise and help you with how to avoid ‘poor scholarship’ and potential academic misconduct. 

• If you have any concerns about your writing, referencing, research or presentation skills, you are welcome to consult the Academic Skills Team, you can book tutorial appointments with them via the website How to book a tutorial appointment

• Further study resources including the Academic Skills Team overview can be found here: Study resources

• Do not exceed the word limit.

Exceptional Circumstances

If you wish to make an EC claim against this module, you can access details on the

procedure for claiming ECs, on the Registry website; Consideration of Personal Circumstances - University of Huddersfield

Extensions/Late Submission

If you wish to submit an extension on this module, you can access details on the procedure for submitting extensions on the website: Extensions for Taught Students - University of Huddersfield

Support and Guidance

General help, support and guidance information for your course and time at University can be found here or you can speak to your module leader or Personal Academic Tutor for School based support.

Regulations

The regulations governing assessments can be found here

Assessment Task

If you are a manager, how would you deal with any two of the following? In a 2500-word essay, critically evaluate your specific approach. Your essay should demonstrate critical thinking and problem-solving skills and use evidence-based arguments to support your approach.

1.A worker with two children; one of whom has diagnosed autism, the other attention deficit hyperactivity disorder.

2.An employee whose 90-year-old mother lives independently 40 miles away and whose short-term memory is progressively failing.

3.An employee consistently exceeds performance targets but exhibits bullying or undermining behaviour toward colleagues. Letting them go could hurt team output; keeping them could damage morale and culture.

4.An employee requests not to work on certain days due to religious observance, but their absence creates recurring scheduling conflicts or burdens teammates during peak periods.

5.An employee discloses a mental health condition that affects their punctuality and communication. They request accommodations, but their role requires strict deadlines and real-time responsiveness.

6.A younger employee pushes for rapid change and innovation, while a senior team member resists, citing experience and stability. Both are valuable, but their friction is affecting team dynamics.

7.An employee raises serious ethical concerns about a manager but has a history of poor performance and interpersonal conflict. Leadership must investigate without appearing retaliatory or dismissive.

8.A high-potential employee is due for a promotion but is also about to go on extended parental leave. Delaying the promotion may seem unfair; proceeding may create resentment among peers.

9.An employee from a culture with different norms around hierarchy and communication style is perceived as disrespectful or disengaged by peers and managers, despite good intentions and work ethic.

10.An employee with a physical disability requests accommodations that significantly alter how a core task is performed. The company wants to support them but is unsure if the role can be restructured.

11.An employee loses a close family member and returns to work quickly but is clearly struggling. They insist they’re fine, but their performance and interactions are suffering.

12.An employee discloses they are in an abusive relationship and need flexible

hours or time off. They don’t want others to know, but their absences are affecting team deliverables.

13.A brilliant employee on the autism spectrum communicates in a way that others find abrupt or rude. Their work is excellent, but complaints about their tone are mounting.

14.A new hire discloses a past conviction after being hired. It doesn’t affect their current role, but some team members express discomfort or safety concerns.

15.An employee reveals they have a terminal illness but want to continue working as long as possible. Their productivity is declining, and the team is unsure how to support them.

16.A well-liked manager is accused of unconscious bias by several team members from underrepresented groups. The manager is shocked and defensive, and the team is divided.

17.A remote employee is discovered to be working two full-time jobs simultaneously. Their performance hasn’t suffered, but it violates company policy.

18.A long-tenured employee resists adopting an AI-powered system critical to the company’s digital transformation. They feel overwhelmed and fear being pushed out.

19.An employee begins transitioning and requests support with name/pronoun changes and time off for medical procedures. Some colleagues are supportive; others are uncomfortable or resistant.

20.An employee is caught misusing company funds and later admits to a gambling addiction. They ask for a second chance and offer to repay the money.

21.An employee’s partner has a degenerative disease. The employee’s availability is unpredictable, and they are emotionally drained but want to keep working.

22.An employee requests family leave to care for a partner who is not legally recognised as a spouse. The company policy only covers legal spouses or dependents.

23.An employee in recovery from substance abuse relapses and misses work. They ask for another chance and support, but this is their second incident in a year.

24.A team member is discovered to have been secretly recording meetings due to feeling unsafe or unheard. Trust is broken, but they claim it was for self- protection.

25.An employee refuses to attend mandatory diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) training, citing personal or political beliefs. Their stance creates tension within the team.

26.An employee requests extended leave or flexible hours to care for a dying pet. Some colleagues feel this is not a valid reason for accommodation, while others empathise deeply.

27.An employee’s partner is facing deportation or visa issues. The employee is emotionally distressed and requests remote work from another country, which violates company policy.

28.An employee has PTSD from a previous workplace and reacts strongly to perceived microaggressions or feedback. They request a psychologically safe

environment, but their reactions are disruptive.

29.An employee needs frequent time off but doesn’t qualify for traditional family leave.

30.An employee is a vocal activist on social media for a controversial cause. Their views are personal but are drawing attention to the company and causing internal division.

31.A skilled employee refuses to use AI-based tools introduced to improve productivity, citing ethical concerns or fear of job displacement. Their resistance slows down team adoption.

32.An employee is being stalked or harassed outside of work and requests a change in work location. The company wants to help but must balance safety, cost, and operational feasibility.

33.An employee refuses to use biometric systems (e.g., fingerprint or facial recognition) for clocking in due to privacy or religious concerns. Alternatives may be available but could complicate standard procedures.

34.A team member frequently takes on extra work and helps others but is burning out. They don’t want to step back, but their health and long-term productivity are at risk.

35.An employee is involved in a public scandal unrelated to work. Their presence is causing discomfort among colleagues and reputational concerns for the company.

36.An employee is a whistleblower in another organisation and fears retaliation or surveillance. They request anonymity and flexibility, but their concerns are difficult to verify.

37.An employee is caring for a child with a rare illness that requires unpredictable travel and time off. The company wants to support them but struggles with planning and coverage.

38.A manager is romantically involved with a direct report. Both claim professionalism, but the situation raises concerns about favouritism and team dynamics.

39.An employee is neurodivergent and excels in technical tasks but struggles with team collaboration and meetings. They request to work independently, but the role requires cross-functional input.

40.An employee refuses to use gender-neutral language in communications, citing personal beliefs. Their stance is seen as discriminatory by some colleagues and violates company inclusivity policies, but they argue it infringes on their freedom of expression.

Task Specific Guidance

• This assessment task is an individual 2,500-word essay and worth 100% of the module mark.
• You are required to reflect critically on theory and practice from an ethical and professional standpoint and develop skills in identifying when, how and why to use people management interventions (specific actions and initiatives to create feasible and practical changes) to improve and develop organisations.
• The expectation is to write critically – avoid describing the content or material, and the reference list does not count toward the word limit.
• Your coursework should follow an essay structure and be based on academic journal articles from journals on the BrowZine list: https://browzine.com/libraries/491/subjects.
• Emphasis should be placed on ‘up to date` information where possible.
• To think and write critically, you can consult: Cottrell, S. (2023). Critical thinking skills: Effective analysis, argument and reflection. Bloomsbury Publishing Plc.
• To structure your essay, you can consult: Cottrell, S. (2019). The study skills handbook. Bloomsbury Publishing Plc.
• Focus on your own research, analysis and writing to show what you have learned.
• Formative feedback on your work can be sought through the workshop hours.

A suggested structure:

• Topic 1: Inform the reader what topic is, propose your specific approach, critically evaluate your approach 

• Topic 2: Inform the reader what topic is, propose your specific approach, critically evaluate your approach.

• All references: List all sources cited in the document following the APA 7th citation style. 

Unacceptable

Unsatisfactory

Pass

Merit

Distinction

0 – 9

10-19

20-34

35-49

50-59

60-69

70-79

80-89

90-100

Fulfilment of relevant learning outcomes

Not met or minimal

Not met or minimal

Not met or partially met

Not met or partially met

Pass

Pass

Pass

Pass

Pass

Response to the question /task

No response

Little response

Insufficient response

Adequate response, but with limitations

Adequate response

Secure response to assessment task

Very good response to topic; elements of sophistication

Clear command of assessment task; sophisticated

approach

Full command of assessment task; imaginative approach demonstrating flair

and creativity

Unacceptable

A superficial answer with only peripheral knowledge of core material and very little critical ability

Unsatisfactory Some knowledge of core material but limited.

Pass

A coherent and logical answer which shows understanding

of the basic principles

Merit

A coherent answer that demonstrate s critical evaluation

Distinction

An exceptional answer that reflects outstanding knowledge of material and critical ability

0-9

10-19

20-34

35-49

50-59

60-69

70-79

80-89

90-100

Conceptual

Entirely lacking

Typically, only

Knowledge of

Marginally

A systematic

Approachin

Excellent.

Insightful.

Striking and

and critical

in evidence of

able to deal

concepts falls

insufficient.

understanding

g excellence

Displays (for

Displays (for

insightful.

understanding

knowledge and

with

short of

Adequate

of knowledge;

in some

example):

example):

Displays (for

of

understanding

terminology,

prescribed

knowledge of

critical

areas with

high levels of

excellent

example):

contemporary

basic facts

range

concepts within

awareness of

evidence of

accuracy;

research

publishable

/ seminal

and concepts

Typically only

prescribed

current

the potential

evidence of

potential;

quality;

knowledge in

able to deal

range but fails

problems

to undertake

the potential

flexibility of

outstanding

the subject

with

to adequately

and/or new

Research.

to undertake

thought;

research

(30%)

terminology,

solve problems

insights; can

Well-

research; the

possibly of

potential;

basic facts

posed by

evaluate

developed

ability to

publishable

originality and

and concepts

assessment

critically

relevant

analyse

quality.

independent

current

argument,

primary

thought;

research and

good

sources

ability to

can evaluate

degree of

critically.

make

methodologies

accuracy

informed

and

judgements.

technical

competence

Presentation

Length

Length

Length

Length

Length

Good

Very good

Professional

Highest

(10%)

requirements

requirements

requirements

requirement met

requirement

standard of

standards of

standards of

professional

may not be

may not be

may not be

and academic

met and

presentation

presentation

presentation

standards of

observed; does

observed;

observed;

conventions

academic

; length

presentation

not follow

does not

does not

mostly followed.

conventions

requirement

academic

follow

follow

Minor errors in

mostly

met, and

conventions;

academic

academic

language

followed.

academic

language

conventions;

conventions;

Possibly very

conventions

errors impact

language

language

minor errors in

followed

on intelligibility

errors impact

errors impact

language