Information in Human Resources
Assessment method
Professional article, business report
Learning outcomes:
1 Understand the research process and different research approaches.
2 Be able to conduct a critical review of information sources in an area of HR/business practice and analyse the findings.
3 Be able to draw meaningful conclusions and evaluate options for change.
4 Know how to deliver clear, business-focused reports on an HR issue.
Assessment brief/activity Workplace health and well-being has risen sharply up the public policy agenda over the past decade with Government initiatives, campaigns and funding, local authority well being projects encouraging businesses to take on the employee health and well being agenda. This has been accompanied by growing recognition of the positive link between employee well-being and long-term organizational health. The CIPD is embarking on a long-term project on employee health and well-being and thinks that HR has a vital role to play in creating healthier workplaces. Activity 1: Undertake research into what the Government, Public health, and Local Authority initiatives are for health and well being, also investigate what your own organization (or one you are familiar with) is doing with regard to health, safety and well being, including any policies/procedures or support given to those suffering stress related problems. Critically consider the evidence for and against the concept of employee’s health and well being being able to improve organizational health and business effectiveness. You should also discuss how reliable the evidence you have found is
Present your findings as a professional article to be viewed by CIPD. You should present a case for or against recommending to business’s in general why they should address employee health and well being, in addition to their usual health and safety obligations.
Activity 2:
Based on the research and findings from activity 1, compile a business report for your own organizations senior managers (or for another organization you are familiar with or been involved with) setting out the case for your organization adopting the concept of employee health and well being, with recommendations for a health and well being programme.
Your report should:
a. Set out and compare the differences between primary and secondary sources you have used and justify your use of these sources, and the validity and reliability of the data you have researched as an individual or as part of the group activity.
b. Identify who the main stakeholders are that you are addressing the report to and analyze their interest and influence in the area being investigated.
c. Draw conclusions from your own and the group research and make recommendations to the stakeholders you have identified. Justify your conclusions and recommendations by reference to the data analysis you have undertaken.
d. Compile a health and well being programme for your organization as part of your recommendations.
You should refer to relevant theory and apply theoretical models. All sources of data and information must be appropriately referenced and be contained in a bibliography or reference list.
Assessment Criteria
1.1, 2.1, 2.2 3.1
3.1, 4.1
Evidence to be produced/required
Activity 1
A professional article of approx. 1500 words including graphics, facts and figures where appropriate
Activity 2
A written business report for senior managers of approximately 2250 words. The title page, executive summary, reference list and any appendices are excluded from the word count.
You should relate academic concepts, theories and professional practice to the way organizations operate, in a critical and informed way, and with reference to key texts, articles and other publications and by using organizational examples for illustration.
All reference sources should be acknowledged correctly and a bibliography provided where appropriate (these should be excluded from the word count).