Course coordinator
Dr Erin Gallagher
Course overview
- Study period
- Semester 1, 2025 (24/02/2025 - 21/06/2025)
- Study level
- Undergraduate
- Location
- St Lucia
- Attendance mode
- In Person
- Units
- 2
- Administrative campus
- St Lucia
- Coordinating unit
- Business School
This integrative, capstone course is concerned with the interplay of human resource management strategy and organisational policy and strategy making. How human resource management strategy supports the achievement of the strategic ambitions of organisations is a particular focus. Key issues are establishing effective human resource management strategies and the organisational and environmental precursors to developing such strategies. Emphasis is placed on managing people strategically and for the strategic benefit of an organisation. Students are expected to show intellectual leadership by conducting a significant research project within the domain of human resource management.
The HRM discipline addresses two critical questions:
- How to best to draw on talent and capabilities of people that work with organisations to meet their strategic goals
- How does work and employment contribute to individual and societal wellbeing?
To tackle these questions, we need to both understand emerging topics, such as new technologies, the fragmentation of the workforce and global impacts like COVID-19 and climate change, and enduring topics, such has how to select, manage and motivate people within organisations. In order to diagnose and intervene effectively to address HRM issues, we also need to know how to apply what is known and continue the exploration of less well understood phenomena. More specifically, the course will develop your capabilities to apply research in the HRM discipline. You will learn about various research methods and study published research papers in which these research methods have been used. You will learn to evaluate how well the research methods have been used and how their findings are practically relevant. You will develop an understanding of some of the exciting, leading-edge research in the HRM discipline. This understanding may enable you to identify research topics that you would like to pursue, perhaps in an honours, masters, or PhD thesis or as an area of expertise in practice.
Course requirements
Prerequisites
You'll need to complete the following courses before enrolling in this one:
MGTS2607 + 4 units from the major
Restrictions
Capstone course to be studied in the major. Course is restricted to students enrolled in the BAdvBus(Hons) program.
Course contact
Course staff
Lecturer
Dr Erin Gallagher
Timetable
The timetable for this course is available on the UQ Public Timetable.
Additional timetable information
Please note: Teaching staff do not have access to the timetabling system to help with class allocation. Therefore, should you need help with your timetable and/or allocation of classes, please ensure you email business.mytimetable@uq.edu.au from your UQ student email account with the following details:
- Full name
- Student ID
- Course Code
Aims and outcomes
This course aims to develop your understanding of the use and development of evidence-based research in the practice of Human Resource Management.ﾠ
Learning outcomes
After successfully completing this course you should be able to:
LO1.
Draw on a sound understanding of the evidence base from HRM and related disciplines to analyse HRM phenomena in organisations.
LO2.
Evaluate research methods used to understand HRM phenomena in organisations, considering research ethics and the practical value of findings.
LO3.
Write reflectively to link theory and practice as part of your growth as a professional.
LO4.
Apply a systematic literature search approach to synthesise relevant evidence in a chosen aspect of HRM practice.
LO5.
Communicate clear, well-structured and compelling arguments for practical recommendations to address HRM/business issues.
Assessment
Assessment summary
| Category | Assessment task | Weight | Due date |
|---|---|---|---|
| Paper/ Report/ Annotation, Presentation | Critical Analysis Presentation | 25% |
Presentation Materials 8/04/2025 2:00 pm Presentation 9/04/2025
Presentation will be during class. |
| Paper/ Report/ Annotation, Presentation | Research Proposal | 50% |
28/05/2025
Presentation During class. |
| Reflection | Professional Development | 25% |
13/06/2025 3:00 pm |
Assessment details
Critical Analysis Presentation
- Mode
- Product/ Artefact/ Multimedia, Written
- Category
- Paper/ Report/ Annotation, Presentation
- Weight
- 25%
- Due date
Presentation Materials 8/04/2025 2:00 pm
Presentation 9/04/2025
Presentation will be during class.
- Learning outcomes
- L01, L02
Task description
Individually, you will prepare a ten (10) minute presentation that critically analyses a chosen data-driven paper in the context of other relevant literature, and with reference to the method(s) used and the practical application of the findings in organisational settings.
This paper can be chosen from literature addressing any topics scheduled for the course over the semester and should draw upon your understanding of research in HRM, either quantitative, qualitative, or mixed-methodology.
In these early weeks of semester, we will build the skills of critical analysis and you will be expected to actively contribute to our discussions on a weekly basis to demonstrate your growing understanding of HRM literature.
Your Article Critique presentation materials will be submitted 24 hours prior to the delivery of your presentation at our seminar in Week 7.
Your submission should include any visuals you use to explain your analysis, eg PowerPoint slides, and accompanying notes of your key points to be presented.
Your presentation will be recorded, but sufficient detail should be provided in your notes to enable marking should the technology fail.
You must integrate and cite at least three (3) other relevant, good quality, peer reviewed articles or academic book chapters.
AI Statement:
Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Machine Translation (MT) are emerging tools that may support students in completing this assessment task. Students may appropriately use AI and/or MT in completing this assessment task. Students must clearly reference any use of AI or MT in each instance.
A failure to reference generative AI or MT use may constitute student misconduct under the Student Code of Conduct.
Submission guidelines
Deferral or extension
You may be able to apply for an extension.
Extensions or deferrals are not available for this presentation. An extension may be available for the submitted material only.
Late submission
A penalty of 10% of the maximum possible mark will be deducted per 24 hours from time submission is due for up to 7 days. After 7 days, you will receive a mark of 0.
10% Late Penalty applies to submitted material only. Late submissions are not accepted for in-class presentations. Failure to present at the scheduled time will result in a mark of zero for the presentation portion of this assessment.
Research Proposal
- Mode
- Product/ Artefact/ Multimedia, Written
- Category
- Paper/ Report/ Annotation, Presentation
- Weight
- 50%
- Due date
28/05/2025
Presentation During class.
- Learning outcomes
- L04, L05
Task description
Following the presentation of a complex organisational issue, you will individually choose an aspect to focus on and formulate a relevant research question.
You will then conduct a systematic literature review to identify and synthesise a core set of literature to help you explain what can be reliably said about your chosen focus.
From your synthesis of the literature, you will develop a research proposal that will be targeted at further academic research to address a gap you have identified in the literature.
Your deliverable from this analysis will be a 3000 word proposal and a 15 minute presentation to be delivered in our final seminar.
AI Statement:
Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Machine Translation (MT) are emerging tools that may support students in completing this assessment task. Students may appropriately use AI and/or MT in completing this assessment task. Students must clearly reference any use of AI or MT in each instance.
A failure to reference generative AI or MT use may constitute student misconduct under the Student Code of Conduct.
Submission guidelines
Deferral or extension
You may be able to apply for an extension.
Extensions or deferrals are not available for this presentation. An extension may be available for the submitted material only.
Late submission
A penalty of 10% of the maximum possible mark will be deducted per 24 hours from time submission is due for up to 7 days. After 7 days, you will receive a mark of 0.
10% Late Penalty applies to submitted material only. Late submissions are not accepted for in-class presentations. Failure to present at the scheduled time will result in a mark of zero for the presentation portion of this assessment.
Professional Development
- Mode
- Written
- Category
- Reflection
- Weight
- 25%
- Due date
13/06/2025 3:00 pm
- Learning outcomes
- L01, L03
Task description
Individually, you will prepare a reflective essay based on your learning goals established early in the semester, and your reflections over the semester addressing how you have addressed your learning goals and how you see you will be able to apply the theories you have learned about in practice.
The essay will be at most 1000 words.
AI Statement:
Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Machine Translation (MT) are emerging tools that may support students in completing this assessment task. Students may appropriately use AI and/or MT in completing this assessment task. Students must clearly reference any use of AI or MT in each instance.
A failure to reference generative AI or MT use may constitute student misconduct under the Student Code of Conduct.
Submission guidelines
Deferral or extension
You may be able to apply for an extension.
Late submission
A penalty of 10% of the maximum possible mark will be deducted per 24 hours from time submission is due for up to 7 days. After 7 days, you will receive a mark of 0.
Course grading
Full criteria for each grade is available in the Assessment Procedure.
| Grade | Cut off Percent | Description |
|---|---|---|
| 1 (Low Fail) | 0 - 29 |
Absence of evidence of achievement of course learning outcomes. |
| 2 (Fail) | 30 - 46 |
Minimal evidence of achievement of course learning outcomes. |
| 3 (Marginal Fail) | 47 - 49 |
Demonstrated evidence of developing achievement of course learning outcomes |
| 4 (Pass) | 50 - 64 |
Demonstrated evidence of functional achievement of course learning outcomes. |
| 5 (Credit) | 65 - 74 |
Demonstrated evidence of proficient achievement of course learning outcomes. |
| 6 (Distinction) | 75 - 84 |
Demonstrated evidence of advanced achievement of course learning outcomes. |
| 7 (High Distinction) | 85 - 100 |
Demonstrated evidence of exceptional achievement of course learning outcomes. |
Additional course grading information
Grades will be allocated according to University-wide standards of criterion-based assessment.
Supplementary assessment
Supplementary assessment is available for this course.
Learning resources
You'll need the following resources to successfully complete the course. We've indicated below if you need a personal copy of the reading materials or your own item.
Library resources
Find the required and recommended resources for this course on the UQ Library website.
Learning activities
The learning activities for this course are outlined below. Learn more about the learning outcomes that apply to this course.
Filter activity type by
Please select
| Learning period | Activity type | Topic |
|---|---|---|
Week 1 |
Seminar |
Course Overview Topics: Introductions, reflecting on the HR field, your learning goals, learning approach, assessments, evidence based practice, reflective practice, introducing foundational HRM theories. Learning outcomes: L01, L03 |
Week 2 |
Seminar |
Understanding research in HRM 1 Topics: Research Paradigms and Methods, Research Ethics, Types of Literature, Working with HRM Theories, HRM Delivery approaches. Learning outcomes: L01, L02 |
Week 3 |
Seminar |
Understanding research in HRM 2 Quantitative research methods. Mapping the literature. Learning outcomes: L01, L02, L04 |
Week 4 |
Seminar |
Understanding Research in HRM 3 Qualitative research. Making arguments. Learning outcomes: L01, L02, L05 |
Week 5 |
Seminar |
Systematic Literature Reviews Types of literature reviews, Systematic literature reviews, Rapid Evidence Assessment, Using the Change Management literature as an application. Learning outcomes: L01, L04 |
Week 6 |
Seminar |
Attraction, Selection & Retention Contemporary issues, practices and literature. Learning outcomes: L01, L02 |
Week 7 |
Seminar |
Human Capital Development Contemporary issues, practices and literature. Learning outcomes: L01, L02, L03 |
Week 8 |
Seminar |
Performance Reward & Recognition Contemporary issues, practices and literature, practitioner diagnosis & intervention methods Learning outcomes: L01, L02, L05 |
Mid-sem break |
No student involvement (Breaks, information) |
In-Semester Break |
Week 9 |
Seminar |
Talent Management Contemporary issues, practices and literature. Application of an evidence base in practice. Case analysis. Learning outcomes: L01, L02 |
Week 10 |
Seminar |
Employee Experience Assignment Presentations. Talent management contemporary issues, practices and literature. Application of an evidence base in practice. Learning outcomes: L01, L02, L05 |
Week 11 |
Seminar |
HR Case Briefing Industry based case presentation. Developing a research question Learning outcomes: L01, L03, L05 |
Week 12 |
Seminar |
Special Topic Contemporary issues, practices and literature. Peer feedback workshop. Learning outcomes: L01, L04, L05 |
Week 13 |
Seminar |
Course Review Research proposal presentations. Content review. Learning reflections. Learning outcomes: L03, L04, L05 |
Policies and procedures
University policies and procedures apply to all aspects of student life. As a UQ student, you must comply with University-wide and program-specific requirements, including the:
- Student Code of Conduct Policy
- Student Integrity and Misconduct Policy and Procedure
- Assessment Procedure
- Examinations Procedure
- Reasonable Adjustments for Students Policy and Procedure
Learn more about UQ policies on my.UQ and the Policy and Procedure Library.