Within the context of the competitive business environment, this paper aims to provide students a rigorous understanding of the strategic role of human resource management (HRM) in addressing key business decisions. In so doing, we will examine the theories, processes and systems involved in HRM which, when aligned with organisational strategies, will maximise organisational performance.

Early in the paper, we will learn basic principles underlying Strategic HRM, including (a) its theoretical foundation that helps justify why HRM can add strategic values to organisations, (b) psychology underlying employees that helps unfold the "black box" between HRM and organisational performance, (c) key components that comprise a specific human resource system, and (d) how the various aspects within as well as surrounding HRM align and coordinate with one another. As the trimester progresses, we will discuss the current and future trends that can be observed at work, notably technological advancement and workplace diversity, which will have further implications for Strategic HRM. Towards the end of the paper, we will then apply Strategic HRM to various business contexts, including the manufacturing industry, service industry, and multi-national firms.

Importantly, this paper requires students to reflect critically on theory and practice from a professional standpoint and provides opportunities for applied learning and continuous professional development.

This paper involves a 1-hour pre-recorded online lecture and 2-hour tutorial (available both on campus and online) per week. The paper content will be a blend of practice and scholarly research in the area of strategic human resource management. Lectures and tutorials are supplemented with learning exercises (e.g., discussions, short scenarios, case studies, problem solving, etc.) that have well-defined objectives. Students will complete four major assessments in total, including weekly summaries (20%), interview report (40%), group presentation (20%), and online test (20%).

Students are expected to be responsible for their learning. Thus, we assume that students will devote their time reading the assigned materials, attend class with questions they wish to address, and bring with them insights and personal experiences they can share with their peers in class to stimulate knowledge sharing. Students can contribute greatly to the learning experience of their own as well as of their peers. Contribution includes your participation in both the lecture and tutorial, your interest in the subject area, and the positive attitude you bring to class.

Boxall, P & Purcell, J. (2016). Strategy and Human Resource Management (4th ed.). London, Palgrave.