Human Resource Management — Comprehensive Study Materials (BAHR115) Summary & Study Notes

📘 Overview — Business Admin Human Resources

Human Resource Management (HRM) is a multidisciplinary field drawing on management, psychology, sociology, social psychology, anthropology, and organisational behaviour to align employee performance with organisational objectives. HRM develops and applies policies, systems, practices, and procedures to combine employee efforts into performance that supports both short- and long-term goals.

🔗 HRM Purpose and Value Chain

The primary purpose of HRM is to support organisational goals while meeting personal and social needs of employees. The HR value chain includes: employment and onboarding, talent management, management of organisational behaviour, and organisational excellence / positive employee experiences.

🧭 Onboarding and Talent Integration

Onboarding begins at recruitment and continues until the new employee is fully functioning and integrated into organisational culture. Effective onboarding should be timely, structured, and focused on cultural integration and role clarity.

🌐 External Environmental Factors

HR is influenced by external factors such as legislation, economy, society, technology, globalisation, and the environment. Awareness of these factors helps HR plan workforce needs and compliance.

🧠 Practical HR Focus Areas

HR activities from this source emphasise practical functions: recruitment, onboarding, talent retention, and shaping organisational behaviour. Concentrate on quick integration and on-the-job support to speed new-hire productivity.

🗂 Module Structure & Purpose — BAHR115 Module Guide

This module (BAHR115, NQF Level 5, 15 credits) develops understanding of the organisation's human resources so students can select, retain, develop and reward employees while ensuring a safe and legal work environment. The module uses blended delivery and integrates formative (CASS) and summative assessment strategies.

🧾 Outcomes & Learning Units

Key outcomes include: understanding HR functions and integration with business units; management and leadership in transformation and career planning; performance management and rewards; employee development, health and safety; and labour legislation and disciplinary procedures. Learning Units cover Introduction to HRM, Career Development, Remuneration & Performance, Employee Development & Wellness, Legal Frameworks, and the Employee Life Cycle.

🧪 Assessment Design and Rules

CASS contributes 60% of the final mark (formative assessments + ICE activities), summative assessment 40%. Note requirements: minimum 50% overall to pass; must have at least 40% CASS to be admitted to summative and a summative subminimum of 35% to pass the module. Intellectual integrity (APA7 referencing, plagiarism rules, AI use policy) is strictly enforced.

🧭 Study Guidance & Time Management

Expect ~10 hours of total work per credit. Use myNGI (VLE) for resources, ICE tasks, and submission. Effective preparation includes attending classes, doing ICE tasks, and past papers practice.

🗣 Communication in HR — Effective Business Communication

HR tasks succeed when messages are prepared and transmitted clearly. Audience analysis, clear purpose, appropriate channel selection, and feedback mechanisms are essential to effective HR communication—especially for onboarding, performance feedback, and change management.

✉️ Preparing Messages that Communicate

Start by defining the communication objective, map the stakeholder groups, and choose a tone and channel (face-to-face, email, LMS announcement). Use structured messages: opening (purpose), body (facts & action), and closing (next steps and feedback requests). Ensure messages are ethical, inclusive and culturally sensitive.

🔁 Feedback and Listening

Two-way communication and feedback loops are essential for HR functions like performance appraisals and change interventions. Encourage active listening, clarify expectations, and document agreements to reduce misunderstandings.

📋 Practical Tips for HR Practitioners

Use plain language, visual aids (when relevant), and provide supportive resources (policies, FAQs) alongside formal messages. Equip managers with communication templates for consistent onboarding and disciplinary processes.

📑 BABL115X Module Logistics & Guidance

This module guide complements BAHR115 by highlighting administrative expectations, submission protocols, and student support structures. It emphasises compliance with policies and using the institutional systems for assessment submission, referencing support, and academic assistance.

✅ Academic Integrity & Referencing

Follow the institution's referencing guide (APA7) and use the eLibrary for verifiable sources. The institution applies zero tolerance to cheating and contract/AI-assisted work; penalties include failing assessments or expulsion.

🧩 Student Support & Technology

Access campus resources (Information Centre, computers) and myNGI for additional learning materials. Long-term success depends on engaging with ICE tasks and formative assessments to secure a strong CASS mark.

🗓 Practical Semester Planner

Plan weekly study hours, complete ICE tasks early, and submit assignments by stated deadlines. Use module planners to track topics (e.g., recruitment and onboarding in Week 14-15) and assessment weeks (tests and summatives).