MN30054: Strategy & Human Resource Management Handbook - UOB

Introduction

The Strategy and HRM unit provides an in-depth analysis of key 'strategic' human resource management practices in organisations. During the unit, students will develop a critical theoretical and practical understanding of what key strategic HR practices are, and how they are implemented in organisations. More specifically, the unit content will focus on how different HR practices and characteristics of organisations are aligned with such strategies and how organisational performance is impacted by the implementation of HR strategy.

Learning Outcomes:

By the end of this unit, the students should have/be able to:

• Understand how to design and plan a people management strategy that considers stakeholder needs, sector trends, and business priorities.
• Develop critical thinking skills and an evidence-based approach to understanding people management problems and when identifying appropriate solutions.
• Understand ways in which to gain buy-in as well as collaborate and involve others in decision-making.
• Learn how to analyse, interpret, and utilise data to identify needs/priorities and to evaluate impact of a strategy.
• Assess ways to achieve and sustain positive change through strategic HR initiatives.

Assignment Overview

This coursework is a case study on JD.com, a leading Chinese e-commerce company known for its advanced supply chain and technology-driven retail operations. This case study examines the strategic human resource management challenges faced by JD.com as it navigated rapid growth and transformation 2012 to 2018. It explores how the company evolved its HR practices to support organisational expansion, talent development, and strategic restructuring while addressing the demands of a technology-driven business environment. 

Students are required to critically evaluate, analyse, and discuss JD.com’s strategic HRM approach through a comprehensive essay. The essay should assess the evolution of JD.com’s HR practices, their impact on organisational performance, and their alignment with the company’s overall strategy. The students are expected to apply relevant theoretical frameworks, draw on specific case evidence, and provide original insights into howdifferentHR practices can strategically support organisational transformation in a rapidly changing technological environment.

Case Availability: The case will be available on Moodle by Friday, 21st February.

Assignment Requirements

Students must write a comprehensive analysis essay (Maximum 3,000 words [+ 10%]; No minimum word limit) addressing the following key areas:

1. Critically analyse how JD.com’s HR system evolved to support its rapid growth and transformation between 2012 to 2018.
2. Critically evaluate and discuss how JD.com’s HR system influenced its organisational performance during this period and its strategic integration with the company’s overall HR and organisational strategy.
3. Provide feasible and specific recommendations for JD.com’sstrategic HRM approach to enhance its organisational performance.