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A image to illustrate Creating evidence-based value in people management module
This module examines what it means to take an evidence-based approach to people management. You'll develop your ability to critically evaluate and apply different kinds of evidence to make decisions about people management policies and practices. Throughout the module, you'll apply learning to your own context and experience and learn from the experiences of other learners on the module. You'll consider how effective and critical approaches to evidence-based practice can generate value for the different stakeholders of an organisation. You'll also look at the ways in which poor decision-making about people management can destroy value.
The module is designed to develop your critical, ethical, and reflective use of evidence in people management in the service of generating value for multiple stakeholders. The module consists of the following four units:
Unit 1: Value and ethics in people management

You'll begin by exploring what it means to think of people management as a value creating and enhancing activity or a sometimes value destroying activity. You'll then consider and debate the ethical responsibilities organisations and their managers have to generate value and avoid value destruction for a wide group of stakeholders.
Drawing on real-world examples of people management, you will explore what it means to take a sustainable approach to generating value through people management that takes account of the needs of multiple stakeholders, including wider society and the environment.
Unit 2: Evidence-based practice in people management

In this unit, you'll examine what is involved in taking an effective and critical approach to the use of evidence in making decisions about people management practices, policies and initiatives. You'll explore the importance of considering the relevance of evidence in the specific context you will apply it, and the need to consider multiple stakeholder groups. You'll also look at how to consider evidence about ‘what works' in the context of ‘what matters’, both in terms of organisation goals and ethical practice.
You'll consider and apply techniques for estimating the financial costs and value of people management initiatives, and develop your ability to think critically about these. To finish the unit, you'll explore the psychological, social and political elements of decision processes you will need to work with as an effective people management professional.
Unit 3: People analytics

This unit introduces the emerging role of people analytics in human resource management. It aims to provide you with the skills to collaborate with data scientists and related roles, and with individuals and organisations providing consultancy support on analytics. The unit is also designed to help you look critically at claims about analytics, big data and AI and separate the hype from genuine potential benefits. This will include examining some of the ethical issues involved in using data and analytics in people management.
Unit 4: People management, technology and the future of work

The final unit is organised around a project in which you'll conduct your own literature research and review of evidence. You'll consider some of the major trends, challenges and dilemmas in HRM technology and the future of work. You'll explore how advanced technologies radically change people management and HR practices. You'll choose one topic for review and share your findings with other students to benefit from learning about what they have discovered and reviewed.
Throughout the module, you'll apply the learning to your own context and learn from the experience of other students. A major element of the assessment will involve applying your learning to your own challenges and experience.
This module can be studied as part of the MSc in Human Resource Management, which provides a route to professional membership of the Chartered Institute of Professional Development (CIPD). In particular, it will help you build capabilities that align with the CIPD Evidence-Based Practice core knowledge standard at Chartered Member level.
Throughout the module, you'll get help and support from your assigned module tutor. They’ll help you by:
You'll be able to contact your tutor by email, phone or via your tutor group forum on the module website.
Course work includes:
There is a compulsory residential day school which takes place in March. Further details will be available at the start of the module.
You will have access to a module website with an extensive variety of specially created resources designed exclusively for this module by academic experts. This includes:
You can study this module on its own or use the credits you gain towards an Open University qualification.
B812 is a compulsory module in our:
Creating evidence-based value in people management starts once a year – in November.
This page describes the module that will start in November 2026.
We expect it to start for the last time in November 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
07 Nov 202630 Apr 202715 Oct 2026£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.
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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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