Human Resources, Labour Sciences and Innovation

General Purpose: The course aims at providing students with detailed knowledge of Work Organization and Human Resources Management (HRM). Subjects of the study include: theories and practices in HRM, employee-organization exchange relationship, motivation and competences, Human Resource planning, selection and recruitment, internal and external labour markets, industrial relations, employee reward policies, performance management, staff training, learning methods, diversity management and work-life balance. Through case discussions, in-class exercises, work groups and project works, this course allows students to acquire advanced skills in the application of managerial tools for organizational analysis and performance measurement of both HR processes and practices. Detailed learning outcomes: - Knowledge and understanding. The course introduces students to fundamental theories and approaches in work organization and HRM. It also provides students with a detailed knowledge of analytical tools and performance indicators to be used in solving organizational problems and assessing human resources management processes and practices. The reference to the most recent results of the academic literature and the participation of HRM professionals as guest lecturers will make this knowledge constantly updated. - Applying knowledge and understanding. Through case studies, in-class exercises and work groups, this course will support students in the practical application of theoretical knowledge. By the end of this course, students should be able to apply decisional models, key performance indicators and other managerial tools to do organizational analysis and to assess HRM systems, processes and practices. - Making judgements. Both contents and methods of the course strongly encourage the development of students’ critical thinking in managing and solving HRM problems. Throughout the term, students will be tasked with a number of assignments on HRM issues, such as simulations, discussion groups, and written reports/paper in order to improve their observation, interpretation, reflection and judgement skills. - Communication skills. The course will include a discussion time to be held by students with in-class presentations or peer debates on the topics they will task with. The aim is to improve public speaking skills, especially with regard to the ability of explaining concepts and sharing information in a clear and complete manner. - Learning skills. Finally, this course will allow student to self-manage their own learning. To better support students, the course will provide the following: 1) the use of an e-learning platform that favour the exchange of teaching materials and other learning contents between students and teacher; 2) the clear indication of the academic and managerial literature that will be referred to during the class; and 3) the provision of supplementary papers, references and materials for deepening relevant arguments.