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A image to illustrate Human resource management in context module
This module examines how HR policies and practices operate within multiple tiers of economic, political and social contexts. It examines context at the macro (societal and international) and micro (organisational) levels and incorporates the practice area of resourcing and talent management as an example of HR practice in context. Topics covered will include HR strategy and its contexts, markets and government regulations, the changing social and technological environment, resourcing and talent management processes and designs and managing labour flow.
In the first half of this module, you'll examine what we mean by strategic human resource management and how the different contexts in which organisations operate will shape the decisions they make about HR policy and practice. This includes the influence of different regulatory regimes and types of market economies, and you'll also look in depth at the social and technological changes transforming organisations and the whole world of work.
In the second half you'll consider how these ideas can be applied to the practice area of resourcing and talent management. You will consider workforce planning and the importance of talent management, and you'll look in depth at recruitment and selection, retention and managing exit from the organisation. Finally, you'll explore the important question of how to evaluate HR policies – that is, how to find out what really works and what does not.
Throughout this module, you'll be asked to relate your study of theory to practice in organisations which you know well. This may mean drawing on your own experience of organisations as an employee or perhaps as a volunteer. You'll also be offered case studies and will be encouraged to do your own research using the university's online library. There will be a day school towards the middle of the module and four online tutorials to support your studies.
Day School
There is a compulsory day school that will take place between mid-August and late-September. Details of options and dates will be made available at the start of the module.
This module is part of our MSc in Human Resource Management which provides a route to professional membership of the Chartered Institute of Professional Development (CIPD) if you wish to develop a career in HR management. It will also provide training in research and academic skills if you want to develop an academic career in the field of HR management.
More generally, by studying a postgraduate business qualification, you can expect your salary to increase and for it to have a positive impact on your career progression, as well as bringing improvements to the organisation.
Your tutor will help you with the study material, mark and comment on your assignments and provide advice and guidance. You'll be able to contact your tutor by email, phone or via your tutor group forum on the module website.
Course work includes:
You will have access to a module website with an extensive variety of specially written resources designed exclusively for this module. This includes:
You can study this module on its own or use the credits you gain towards an Open University qualification.
B811 is a compulsory module in our:
B811 is an option module in our:
Sometimes you cannot count a module towards a qualification if you have already counted another module with similar content. To verify any excluded combinations with this module, check with an adviser before registering.
Human resource management in context starts once a year, in May.
This page describes the module that will start in May 2027.
We expect it to start for the last time in May 2030.
As a student of The Open University, you should be aware of the content of the academic regulations, which are available on our Student Policies and Regulations website.
All entrants must hold a BA/BSc degree awarded by a recognised university or equivalent. If you have any doubt about the suitability of the module, please speak to an adviser.
Written transcripts of any audio components and Adobe Portable Document Format (PDF) versions of printed material are available on the module website. Some Adobe PDF components may not be available or fully accessible using a screen reader.
If you’re using printed materials as part of reasonable adjustments to support your studies, note that printed versions of online materials are unavailable for this module.
StartEndRegister byEngland fee
01 May 202731 Oct 202715 Apr 2027£2,075
If you study this module as part of an eligible qualification, you can apply for a postgraduate loan to support your study costs. To find out more, see Postgraduate loans in England.
Studying with The Open University can boost your employability. OU courses are recognised and respected by employers for their excellence and the commitment they take to complete. They also value the skills that students learn and can apply in the workplace.
Over 30,000 employers have used the OU to develop staff so far. If the module you’ve chosen is geared towards your job or developing your career, you could approach your employer to see if they will sponsor you by paying some or all of the fees.
You can pay part or all of your tuition fees upfront with a debit or credit card when you register for each module.
We accept American Express, Mastercard, Visa and Visa Electron.
Please note: your permanent address/domicile will affect your fee status and, therefore, the fees you are charged and any financial support available to you. The fee information provided here is valid for modules starting before 31 July 2027. Fees typically increase annually. For further information about the University's fee policy, visit our Fee Rules.
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