Human Resource Management Group Report: CW1 HRM Issues Analysis

This assignment requires a group of four students to write a 1,500-word report on two chosen issues related to Human Resource Management (HRM). The report includes an introduction, conclusion, and four sections, with each student contributing one section per topic, focusing on issues such as zero-hour contracts, human capital, the skills gap, and precarious employment. Students must use a minimum of 12 sources, including at least four academic peer-reviewed journal articles, and adhere to Harvard referencing style. The assignment assesses the ability to discuss issues, incorporate sources, and conduct critical analysis. The individual contribution is 10%, with each student writing approximately 250 words on a sub-theme, using at least three sources, including one academic journal article. The report is due on November 21st, 2016, and aims to develop research, teamwork, and writing skills, providing feedback for future assignments. The assignment is available on Desklib, a platform providing past papers and solved assignments.

CW1 GUIDANCE
ASSIGNMENT 1: 40%
Group work total: 30%
Individual Contribution: 10%
In a group of four you will be required to provide a 1,500 word report, which will be marked at
40%. In the report there will be an introduction and conclusion. The main body of the report
will consist of 4 sections (two sections for each topic). Each section (there are two sections
in each topic area) must be written by each individual student, for which a mark worth 10%
will be rewarded. Each student indicates which section they have written with their name
next to the section in the contents page. The research and ideas for each section can be
decided upon by the whole group, the introduction and conclusion can be done by the whole
group, but the actual writing of each of the four sections must be done by each individual
student.
As this is a group exercise that requires you to work in a team, you must communicate and
coordinate responsibilities and duties. You must also be supportive to other members of your
group. It is advisable that you have a group meeting early on (in week 3 at the very latest)
and decide who will do what.
Collective duties include: a coherent overall introduction, a coherent overall conclusion, a
clear and correct reference list with correct in-text references (follow Harvard style), a clear
contents page (with a clear indication of which student did what section), clear report
structure and writing and organisation of group meetings.
The assignment must be submitted on StudyNet by Monday 21st November 2016
(electronic copy on studynet)
Students will work in groups of four on this assignment (an alternative size group will have a
slightly different workload depending on class numbers). The Assignment requires that you
choose two issues/topics related to Human Resource Management and people resourcing
listed below. There must be two sections on each topic. In your groups you must use a
minimum of 12 sources, four of these sources must be academic peer reviewed journal
articles (one academic journal article per section). As the module progresses we will
discuss what these are and how to find them. The remaining eight sources could also
include professional journal articles (including CIPD reports), a broad sheet newspaper
article (not a tabloid newspaper like the Sun, Mirror or Mail), a research survey or report, a
government web site etc.
Individual Contribution: 10%
You must each write one section in the report. This section will be approx. 250 words. You
must choose one sub-theme in relation to your topic (you have two topics as a group) and
develop your argument using a minimum of 3 sources, one being an academic journal
article. You will therefore be marked on your ability to discuss the issue and incorporate the
appropriate sources.
Below is a list of some issues to choose from:-
1. Zero Hour Contracts
2. Human Capital and employment
3. The skills gap and young people
4. Precarious employment

Below is a brief summary of the task for each issue:
1. Zero Hour Contracts
Explain and define zero hour contracts. Discuss two issues/debates related to the subject
2. Human Capital and employment:
Explain and define Human Capital in your own words. Discuss two ways that human capital
is relevant to employment opportunities
3. The skills gap and young people
Explain and define the skills gap in your own words. Discuss two issues involving young
people and the skills gap (young people being under-25’s)
4. Precarious employment
Explain and define Precarious Employment in your own words. Discuss two issues related to
precarious employment
Your final document will be a maximum 1,500 words with additional references list not
included in the word count. There is a 10% limit under or over the word count.
The way that this should be laid out will be discussed further in class. There will need to be
an introduction and conclusion and two topics. This means you should have approx. 500
words for introduction and conclusion and approx. 500 words for each of the two topics,
(so approx 250 words for each students section)
Tips for the two topics: the main objective is to convey an understanding of the two topics,
with clear concise explanations and demonstrate an ability to find and use sources.
However, extra marks will be awarded to groups that attempt to develop a critical analysis
through the sources used, especially in relation to the academic articles. This is also good
practice for assignment 2 and future assignments.
The point to the exercise is for you practice your research skills, to introduce you to HRM
related issues, help you practice working in a team and to give me an idea of each of your
individual writing, so that I can give you useful and constructive feedback for assignment 2.
Follow Harvard reference style, more information avaible from CASE
Write in Ariel 11 font