HR5041 Managing and Co-ordinating the HR Function Assessment 1 Brief 2025/26

Assessment 1 Brief

Weighting (70%) of the overall module mark.

Learning outcomes to be covered for this assessment are 1-4 & 7-8 of the module.

1. Understand the purpose and key objectives of the HR function in contemporary Organisations.
2. Understand the relationship between organisational performance and effective HR management and development.
3. Have a strategic perspective on the purpose and key objectives of the HR function in contemporary organisations and talent planning strategies within both the UK labour market and in different country contexts for meeting current and future business needs.
4. Critically evaluate the various people-resourcing strategies used by organisations for achieving competitive advantage. These may relate to human resource planning, recruitment and selection, talent management strategies, diversity management,  employer    branding, employee engagement and performance management.
5. Demonstrate enhanced interpersonal, communication, team working and presentation skills.
6. Begin to demonstrate ability in critical thinking.

Assessment Brief (Component 1 – 70% weighting)

Assessment Type: Individual Report
Word Count: 2,500 words (+/- 10%)
Submission Deadline: 25th November 2025, before 4:00 pm
Submission Method: Via Moodle submission link (available from Week 3)

Assessment Title

Evaluating How Key HRM Functions Contribute to Organisational Performance: A Case Study of any UK organization

Assessment Overview

This individual report asks you to evaluate how key Human Resource Management (HRM) functions contribute to organisational performance using a UK-based organisation.

You will examine how HR practices such as recruitment, learning and development, and performance management help the organisation achieve its goals, improve employee engagement, and maintain a strong market position.

Purpose and Learning Outcomes

The purpose of this assessment is to help you understand how HRM adds value to organisations and supports both employees and performance. You will use examples and simple HR theories to show how effective people management contributes to success.

By completing this assessment, you will be able to:

1. Understand the purpose and key objectives of the HR function in contemporary organisations.
2. Explain the relationship between organisational performance and effective HR management.
3. Develop a strategic view of HR and talent planning in UK and global contexts.
4. Evaluate people-resourcing strategies such as recruitment, diversity, engagement, and performance management.
5. Demonstrate effective communication, organisation, and presentation skills.
6. Begin to use critical thinking to analyse HR practice and theory.

Organisation Selection

You can choose UK-based organisation (public, private, or not-for-profit).

• The organisation must have reliable information available (e.g., company website, annual reports, or news articles).
• You do not need to contact the organisation directly.
• Once you choose the organization, you should focus on areas where HR has been key, such as employee training, career progression, or engagement.

Report Structure and Guidance

1. Introduction (approx. 200–250 words)

• Explain the general purpose and objectives of HRM in modern organisations.
• State the aim of your report.
• Briefly introduce the chosen company, outlining what the company does and why it is a suitable choice.

2. Organisation Overview (approx. 250–300 words)

• Summarise key information about the organization:
  o    Size and sector (example- retail, over 300,000 employees in the UK).
  o    Business goals (example- customer satisfaction, cost efficiency, sustainability).
  o    HR context (large, diverse workforce; strong focus on development and engagement).
• Mention any current HR challenges (e.g., staff retention, digital transformation, managing diversity).

3. Key HRM Functions (approx. 600–700 words)

• Choose three HR functions to focus on, such as:
  o    Recruitment and Selection
  o    Learning and Development (L&D)
  o    Performance Management
•   Describe how your chosen organization uses these functions.

Explain how they support the company’s strategy — for example:
o    Recruitment ensures the right people are hired for customer service roles.
o    L&D helps staff progress into management and improve skills.
o    Performance management links employee targets to company goals.

4. Evaluation and Critical Analysis (approx. 1,000 words)

• Discuss how well your chosen organization’s HR practices help the company and its employees.
• Consider the impact on:
  o    Organisational performance: How do HR activities improve productivity, customer service, or brand reputation?
  o    Employee development and motivation: Do employees feel supported and valued?
  o    Change management: How does the organization manage change, such as digitalisation or restructuring?
  o    Ethics and professionalism: Are HR practices fair, inclusive, and transparent?
• Use simple HRM theories or models (e.g., Ulrich’s HR Business Partner Model, Harvard Model, or Guest Model) to support your discussion.
• Highlight both strengths (e.g., strong training programmes) and areas for improvement (e.g., stress management or work–life balance).
• Reflect briefly on how HR adds value to company’s overall performance.
  (Tip: Focus on explaining ideas clearly, using examples and evidence — you do not need to write a lot of complex theory.)

5. Conclusion (approx. 200–250 words)

• Summarise your main findings.
• Reflect on why aligning HR practices with your chosen organization’s business goals is important for success and employee satisfaction.

Submission Guidelines

• Word limit: 2,500 words (+/- 10%)
• Format: Professional report style with clear headings and subheadings.
• Referencing: Use Harvard referencing for all sources.
• File format: Word document 
• File name: Include your student ID and module code (e.g., u2345678_HR5041).