Introduction to Human Resource Management

Designed specifically for students taking their first introductory module in human resource management, this textbook combines the academic and practitioner perspectives to produce a balanced introduction to the subject. This approach explores how HR is actually practised and experienced in the workplace, which overcomes the idealistic and partial insights of many textbooks. By taking a truly holistic approach to the subject, this text avoids the presentation of HRM as a separate management function, and instead presents HR processes and challenges as an integral part of any business.

The book is divided into 4 parts: The Foundations of HRM (Chapters 1- 2) is followed by Operational Challenges (Chapters 3-8). Key HR Processes are then examined (Chapters 9-12) before the final part presents three real-life case study chapters (Chapters 12- 15), drawing on the topics covered earlier in the text such as planning, recruitment, selection, redundancy, learning, and training.

Within each chapter, care has been taken to encourage students to think critically about the issues. Plenty of real life examples and case studies are included throughout, presenting the reader with opportunities to understand the theory in practice, and bringing the topics to life. A wide range of boxed learning features and a user-friendly writing style ensures the content is fully understood and encourages students to actively engage with the issues raised.

Online Resource Centre



For lecturers:

1. Test Bank
2. PowerPoint Lecture Slides
3. Seminar Activities
4. Answers to Case Study Questions
5. Discussion Questions and Suggested Answers
6. Essay Questions and Suggested Answers

For students:

1. Additional Case Study Material - the story continued.
2. Multiple Choice Questions with feedback
3. Weblinks

Paul Banfield is Programme Director of Human Resource Management and International Development at Newcastle Business School, Northumbria University Paul has been a lecturer in HRM both in the UK at Sheffield Hallam University, and at several overseas universities. Paul is heavily involved with the CIPD and has been a National Examiner for 8 years.
Rebecca Kay is the HR Director of Cooper Lighting & Security Ltd. Prior to joining Cooper Industries she worked in HR for Stanley Tools and for Northern Foods, and has also been a guest lecturer at Sheffield Hallam University.