Analyzing HRM's Impact on Competitive Advantage: AOU TMA

This essay, prepared for the Arab Open University's Business Studies program, examines the crucial role of Human Resource Management (HRM) in fostering competitive advantage. It delves into how effective HRM practices, including recruitment and selection, training and development, reward structures, and employee retention strategies, can significantly impact an organization's success. The essay will use a case study of a successful organization to illustrate the impact of HRM on competitive advantage. The essay also highlights the importance of referencing, word count, and the use of e-library sources to support arguments. This assignment is designed to provide students with a comprehensive understanding of HRM's strategic importance in achieving a competitive edge in the marketplace. The essay follows the standard essay structure, with an introduction, body paragraphs, and a conclusion, adhering to the Harvard referencing style and using resources available on Desklib.

Arab Open University
Faculty of Business Studies
Business Functions in Context II
B203B – Second semester 2017-18
Tutor Marked Assessment
Human Resource Management and competitive advantage
Essay Question (100 marks, 1000 words)
Using the human resource department for recruitment, training, development and
retaining employees can give any organization a competitive advantage. Some
organizations became very successful in their markets by establishing an employee
centered culture.
Discuss how HRM activities enable organizations to become more competitive in
their markets. Use an example of a well known organization that had been
successful. In your essay make sure to cover the following main points:
 Recruitment and selection
 Training and development
 Reward structure and motivation
 Retention
General instructions for students:
Cut-off date: Check LMS
Plagiarism: It’s imperative that you write your answer using your own words. Plagiarism will be
penalized depending on its severity and according to AOU plagiarism policy.
B203B – TMA –Second 2017-18 Page 1

Format: you are expected to write your answer in an essay format: introduction, body
paragraph(s) and a conclusion. Failing to do so could result in the deduction of up to 4 marks
from your total TMA mark.
Word count: your answer is expected to be within the specified word count range. Not adhering
to specified word count could result in the deduction of up to 4 marks of your total TMA mark.
Referencing: You are expected to use the Harvard referencing style for in-text referencing and
list of reference at the end. Failing to do so could result in the deduction of up to 4 marks of your
total TMA mark.
E-library: You are expected to use E-library sources to support your answers. A minimum of 3
sources is required. Failing to do so could result in the deduction of up to 4 marks of your total
TMA mark.
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