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Academy Documents

Kindly access the Students' Policies & Forms by clicking on the button below. The following documents, among others, can be found there: Student Handbook, Student Code of Conduct, Students' Privacy Notice, Deferral, Suspension, and Cancellation Policy, Assignment Extension Policy, Re-Sit Policy, Complaints Procedure Policy, Equality Policy, and Student Disciplinary Policy.

Students' Policies & Forms

 

Sessions' Venue

All sessions will be held at:

21 Academy, 21 Business Centre, No. 20., Triq in-Nutar Debono, Naxxar NXR 2525

 

Lecture Schedule & Notes

Lecture notes will be available during the week following the respective lecture. Schedule dates are indicative and may change. All changes, if any, may be communicated via email, SMS or telephone calls.

LectureDateTimePresentationNotes (If Any)
Lecture 0130 April 202509:00 to 13:00hrsPresentation 01
Lecture 027 May 202509:00 to 13:00hrs
Lecture 0312 May 202509:00 to 13:00hrs
Lecture 0414 May 202509:00 to 13:00hrs
Lecture 0515 May 202509:00 to 13:00hrs
Lecture 0621 May 202509:00 to 13:00hrs
Lecture 0722 May 202509:00 to 13:00hrs
Lecture 0828 May 202509:00 to 13:00hrs
Lecture 0929 May 202509:00 to 13:00hrs
Lecture 104 June 202509:00 to 13:00hrs
Lecture 115 June 202509:00 to 13:00hrs
Lecture 1211 June 202509:00 to 13:00hrs
Lecture 1312 June 202509:00 to 13:00hrs
Lecture 1418 June 202509:00 to 13:00hrs
Lecture 1519 June 202509:00 to 13:00hrs
Lecture 1625 June 202509:00 to 13:00hrs

Lecturers 

Ms Nathalie Xuereb Saydon

 

Lecture Summaries & Suggested Reading

Lecture 1 - Introduction to HRM in Context

Following this session students will be able to:

  • Clearly define Human Resource Management (HRM)
  • Understand the difference between HRM and Personnell Management
  • Understand how HRM evolved over time and what it stands for in modern organizations
  • Understand the key theories surrounding HRM and their practical implications within organizations
  • Evaluate the impact of globalization on HRM practices

 

Core Reading List

  • Armstrong, M. (2020). Armstrong's Handbook of Human Resource Management Practice
  • Cooke, F., Dickmann, M. and Parry, E., 2020. Important issues in human resource management: introduction to the 2020 review issue. The International Journal of Human Resource Management, 31(1), pp.1-5.
  • Farnham, D., 2015. Human Resource Management in Context. 4th ed. London: Chartered Institute of Personnel & Development.
  • Syed, J. and Kramar, R., 2017. Human Resource Management: A Global and Critical Perspective. 2nd ed. UK: Palgrave

 

Supplementary Reading List

  • Brewster, C., Chung, C., & Sparrow, P. (2016). Globalizing Human Resource Management.

 

Online Resources

 

Lecture 2 - The Role of HRM in Organisational Strategy

Following this session students will be able to:

  • Critically examine how HRM aligns with organisational strategy
  • Understand how Resource-Based View (RBV) fits withing the context of HR strategy
  • Evaluate contrasting models of strategic HRM – Best Fit vs. Best Practice
  • Use case studies to apply strategic HRM concepts.

 

Core Reading List

  • Ulrich, D. (2016). HR from the Outside In: Six Competencies for the Future of Human Resources. McGraw Hill
  • Boxall, P., & Purcell, J. (2016). Strategy and Human Resource Management
  • Farnham, D., 2015. Human Resource Management in Context. 4th ed. London: Chartered Institute of Personnel & Development.
  • Syed, J. and Kramar, R., 2017. Human Resource Management: A Global and Critical Perspective. 2nd ed. UK: Palgrave

 

Supplementary Reading List

  • Wright, P. M., & McMahan, G. C. (1992). Theoretical Perspectives for Strategic Human Resource Management

 

Online Resources

 

Lecture 3 - HRM and the External Environment

Following this session, students will be able to:

  • Identify various external factors that can affect Human Resource Management (HRM)
  • Evaluate the impact of external factors on HRM
  • Understand how to use PESTLE analysis in relation to HRM processes
  • Critically assess how HRM strategies are shaped around macro-environmental factors

Core Reading List

  • Armstrong, M. (2020). Armstrong's Handbook of Human Resource Management Practice
  • Farnham, D., 2015. Human Resource Management in Context. 4th ed. London: Chartered Institute of Personnel & Development.
  • Syed, J. and Kramar, R., 2017. Human Resource Management: A Global and Critical Perspective. 2nd ed. UK: Palgrave

 

Supplementary Reading List

  • Brewster, C., Chung, C., & Sparrow, P. (2016). Globalizing Human Resource Management. Routledge

 

Online Resources

 

Lecture 4 - Social and Cultural Influences on HRM

Following this session, students will be able to:

  • Be knowledgeable about the different theories surrounding national culture
  • Analyse how Hofstede’s cultural dimensions affect international HRM
  • Evaluate institutional theories and their influence on shaping HR systems across countries
  • Apply cross-cultural frameworks to global HRM scenarios

 

Core Reading List

  • Brewster, C., Chung, C., & Sparrow, P. (2016). Globalizing Human Resource Management. Routledge.
  • Hofstede, G. (2010). Cultures and Organizations: Software of the Mind.
  • Mockaitis, A., Zander, L. and De Cieri, H., 2018. The benefits of global teams for international organizations: HR implications. The International Journal of Human Resource Management, 29(14), pp.2137-2158

 

Supplementary Reading List

  • Schuler, R., Jackson, S., & Tarique, I. (2011). Global talent management and global HRM.

 

Online Resources

 

Lecture 5 - Economic and Political Influences on HRM

Following this session students will be able to:

  • Assess the impact of government policies and political ideologies on employment practices
  • Analyse how economic systems and labour market trends impact HRM decisions
  • Interpret employment legislation and its implications for HR strategy and compliance
  • Discuss how HR practitioners navigate complex regulatory and market environments

 

Core Reading List

  • Wilkinson, A., Redman, T., & Dundon, T. (2021)  Contemporary Human Resource Management: Text and Cases
  • Boxall, P., Purcell, J., & Wright, P. (Eds.) (2007)
  • The Oxford Handbook of Human Resource Management
  • Cooke, F., Dickmann, M. and Parry, E., 2020. Important issues in human resource management: introduction to the 2020 review issue. The International Journal of Human Resource Management, 31(1), pp.1-5.

 

Supplementary Reading List

  • Collins, H. (2010). Employment Law.

Online Resources

 

Lecture 6 - HRM & Technological Change

Following this session students will be able to

  • Look into the impact of technological change on the HR process
  • Critically examine how AI and automation are reshaping HR functions
  • Discuss possible challenges of integrating technology in HRM
  • Evaluate the use of technology in operational and strategic HR decision-making.

 

Core Reading List

  • Bondarouk, T., & Brewster, C. (2016). Handbook of Research on E-HRM. Edward Elgar.

 

Supplementary Reading List

  • IBM (2022). AI in HR: Emerging Trends and Ethics Report.

Online Resources

 

Lecture 7 - HRM in Different Organisational Context

Following this session students will be able to:

  • Compare and contrast HRM practices across different organisational contexts
  • Evaluate the challenges and opportunities of managing human resources in various types of organisations
  • Understand how organisational size, structure and sector influence HRM strategy and implementation.

 

Core Reading List

  • Taylor, S., 2019. Resourcing and talent management. 7th ed. London: Kogan Page.
  • Armstrong, M., 2019. Handbook of Reward Management Practice: Improving Performance Through Reward. 6th ed. London: Kogan Page.

 

Supplementary Reading List

  • Marchington, M., Wilkinson, A., & Donnelly, R. (2021). Human Resource Management at Work
  • Syed, J. and Kramar, R., 2017. Human Resource Management: A Global and Critical Perspective. 2nd ed. UK: Palgrave

Online Resources

 

Lecture 8 - Talent Acquisition and Workforce Planning

Following this session students will be able:

  • Evaluate strategic talent acquisition and workforce planning processes
  • Analyze the recruitment and selection lifecycle and how it aligns with organisational goals
  • Critically assess employer branding as a tool for attracting top talent
  • Apply theoretical and practical approaches to talent acquisition in various organisational contexts.

 

Core Reading List

  • Dessler, G. (2020) Human Resource Management. 16th edn. London: Pearson Education.
  • Cooke, F., Dickmann, M. and Parry, E., 2020. Important issues in human resource management: introduction to the 2020 review issue. The International Journal of Human Resource Management, 31(1), pp.1-5.

 

Supplementary Reading List

  • Collings, D. G., Mellahi, K., & Cascio, W. F. (2017). The Oxford Handbook of Talent Management. Oxford University Press.

 

Online Resources

 

Lecture 9 - Performance Management and Development

Following this session students will be able to

  • Relate AI Innovation to the talent acquisition process.
  • Understand how AI innovation has significantly transformed the talent acquisition process, making it more efficient, data-driven, and candidate-friendly.
  • Appreciate how recruitment and selection practices differ across various cultural and international contexts.

 

Core Reading List

  • Aguinis, H. (2019). Performance Management (4th ed.). Chicago Business Press.
  • Armstrong, M., 2019. Handbook of Reward Management Practice: Improving Performance Through Reward. 6th ed. London: Kogan Page.

 

Supplementary Reading List

  • Dessler, G. (2020). Human Resource Management (16th ed.). Pearson.

Online Resources

 

Lecture 10 – Employee Relations and Engagement

Following this session students will be able to

  • Assess strategies to enhance employee engagement
  • Understand the link between employee relations and engagement
  • Identify the different industrial relations systems
  • Understand the main theoretical frameworks around employee relations and engagement

 

Core Reading List

  • Boxall, P., & Purcell, J. (2022). Strategy and Human Resource Management.
  • Cooke, F., Dickmann, M. and Parry, E., 2020. Important issues in human resource management: introduction to the 2020 review issue. The International Journal of Human Resource Management, 31(1), pp.1-5.

 

Supplementary Reading List

  • Budd, J. W. (2004). Employment with a Human Face: Balancing Efficiency, Equity, and Voice.

Online Resources

 

Lecture 11 – Diversity and Inclusion in HRM

Following this session students will be able to

  • Understand key definitions and the strategic rationale for diversity and inclusion in HRM
  • Explore legal foundations and their implications for HRM
  • Recognize sources of bias and examine ways to mitigate them in HR functions
  • Apply theoretical frameworks to assess the effectiveness of D&I interventions

 

Core Reading List

  • Kandola, B. (2018). The Value of Difference: Eliminating Bias in Organisations. Pearn Kandola Publishing.
  • Mockaitis, A., Zander, L. and De Cieri, H., 2018. The benefits of global teams for international organizations: HR implications. The International Journal of Human Resource Management, 29(14), pp.2137-2158.

 

Supplementary Reading List

  • Shore, L. M., Cleveland, J. N., & Sanchez, D. (2018). Inclusive workplaces: A review and model. Human Resource Management Review, 28(2), 176-189.
  • Dickens, L. (1999). Beyond the business case: A three-pronged approach to equality action. Human Resource Management Journal, 9(1), 9–19

Online Resources

 

Lecture 12 - Reward and Compensation Strategy

Following this session students will be able to

  • Understand the strategic purpose of reward systems in HRM
  • Explore different forms of financial and non-financial rewards
  • Apply motivational theories to assess the effectiveness of pay and benefits

 

Core Reading List

  • Milkovich, G., & Newman, J. (2022). Compensation (13th ed.). McGraw-Hill Education.
  • Dessler, G. (2020) Human Resource Management. 16th edn. London: Pearson Education.

 

Supplementary Reading List

  • Armstrong, M. & Taylor, S. (2023). Armstrong's Handbook of Human Resource Management Practice. Chapter on reward management.
  • Gupta, N., & Shaw, J. D. (2014). Employee compensation: The neglected area of HRM research. Human Resource Management Review, 24(1), 1–4.

Online Resources

 

Lecture 13 - International Dimensions of HRM

Following this session students will be able to

  • Identify and critically evaluate the major challenges in International HRM
  • Examine the strategic decisions underlying global HRM models and their consequences for organisational success
  • Assess the efficacy of global mobility methods in light of cultural, legal and institutional variations
  • Consider ethical and equitable factors in global staffing decisions

 

Core Reading List

  • Harzing, A.W., & Pinnington, A. (2021). International Human Resource Management (5th ed.). Sage Publications.
  • Syed, J. and Kramar, R., 2017. Human Resource Management: A Global and Critical Perspective. 2nd ed. UK: Palgrave

 

Supplementary Reading List

  • Hofstede, G. (2001). Culture's Consequences: Comparing Values, Behaviors, Institutions and Organizations Across Nations. Sage.
  • Collings, D.G., Scullion, H., & Morley, M.J. (2007). Changing patterns of global staffing in the multinational enterprise: Challenges to the conventional expatriate assignment and emerging alternatives. Journal of World Business, 42(2), 198–213

Online Resources

 

Lecture 14 - HRM and Organisational Change  

Following this session students will be able to

  • Critically assess HRM’s strategic role in planning and implementing organizational change
  • Analyze prominent change management concepts and frameworks and apply them to real-world HR issues.
  • Identify common sources of resistance to change and evaluate HR initiatives to address them
  • Create tactics for engaging and supporting employees during a transformational change
  • Consider the ethical and cultural consequences of organizational change procedures

 

Core Reading List

  • Kotter, J. (2012). Leading Change (With a New Preface by the Author). Harvard Business Review Press.

 

Supplementary Reading List

  • Burnes, B. (2017). Managing Change (7th ed.). Pearson Education.
  • Caldwell, R. (2003). Models of change agency: A fourfold classification. British Journal of Management, 14(2), 131–142.

Online Resources

 

Lecture 15 - Ethical and Sustainable HRM Practices

Following this session students will be able to

  • Define and critically assess ethical principles and sustainable practices in the HRM setting
  • Examine how HR can help Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) and organisational ethics
  • Recognize and evaluate ethical concerns in HR operations such as recruitment, performance, management and diversity
  • Examine how ethical leadership influences organizational culture and decision-making
  • Propose HR policies and practices that are consistent with the ideals of sustainability, employee well-being, and long-term stakeholder value.

 

Core Reading List

  • Crane, A., & Matten, D. (2020). Business Ethics: Managing Corporate Citizenship and Sustainability in the Age of Globalization (6th ed.). Oxford University Press

 

Supplementary Reading List

 

  • Greenwood, M. (2013). Ethical analyses of HRM: A review and research agenda. Journal of Business Ethics, 114(2), 355–366.
  • Ulrich, D., & Ulrich, W. (2019). The dual role of HR in driving business outcomes and social good.

.

Online Resources

 

Lecture 16 - Emerging HRM Trends and Challenges

Following this session students will be able to

  • Identify and critically evaluate emerging trends that will shape the future of HRM
  • Examine the effects of the gig economy, automation and AI on traditional HR functions
  • Discuss how workforce demographics and digital transformation are influencing HR strategy
  • Investigate the ethical, social and legal consequences of technological disruption in HR
  • Propose evidence-based approaches to preparing HR for future workforce issues and opportunities.

 

Core Reading List

  • Boudreau, J. W. (2020). HR’s Future: Reimagining Work in the Age of Intelligent Machines. Harvard Business Publishing.

 

Supplementary Reading List

  • McKinsey Global Institute (2022). The Future of Work After COVID-19.
  • Ulrich, D., Younger, J., Brockbank, W., & Ulrich, M. (2019). Reinventing the Organization: How Companies Can Deliver Radically Greater Value in Fast-Changing Markets. Harvard Business Review Press.
  • Deloitte (2023). Human Capital Trends Report: Leading the Social Enterprise.

Online Resources

 

Methods of Assessment

Assignment (70% of final grade)

Portfolio (30% of final grade)

Assignment

You are required to choose one of the three questions available in the Assignment Submission Form made available by clicking the button below. The assignment must be submitted no later than Thursday, 17 July 2025, along with the Assignment Submission Form. Please ensure that you indicate the question you have addressed on the Assignment Submission Form.

The Assignment Submission Form will be made available here.

For guidance on how to plan, draft, and submit your assignment, please refer to the 21 Academy presentation on Writing and Submitting Your Assignment by clicking the button below.

Writing and Submitting Your Assignment

We are also providing the 21 Academy's Assignments Rubric for your reference. This rubric is a performance-based assessment tool that tutors will use for grading, and it will help you understand the requirements of the assignment and how it will be assessed.

Assignments Rubric

 

Portfolio

A portfolio is a method of assessment that brings together different pieces of work you complete over a period of time. It allows you to show how you understand and apply what you’ve learnt and often involves combining research, analysis, reflection, and practical application.

Unlike an exam, which tests knowledge at one point in time, a portfolio gives you the chance to:

  • Work independently.

  • Develop your ideas in depth.

  • Demonstrate your learning in a more practical and personal way.

Your portfolio submission form will be made available here at a later date

Your portfolio will be assessed based on how well you:

  • Understand the key concepts covered in the module.

  • Apply your knowledge to real or realistic situations.

  • Think critically and analytically about issues.

  • Reflect on your own learning and experience.

  • Communicate your ideas clearly and professionally.

A portfolio is your opportunity to showcase your learning, skills, and progress. Treat it as a structured project that allows you to engage deeply with the subject and produce work you can be proud of.

If you're ever unsure what to include or how to approach a section, speak to your tutor or refer to the portfolio guidelines provided for your course.

Portfolio Guidelines

Your portfolio should be submitted in PDF format on Turnitin not later than Thursday, 17th July 2025.

Note that the submitted portfolio will be scanned for plagiarism.

 

Referencing Style

Your assignment and portfolio should be referenced using the Harvard Referencing style. Please follow a short video, by clicking on the button below, to understand this referencing style.

Harvard Referencing Style

 

Submitting Assignments and Portfolios - Turnitin

The Academy will notify you via email when the assignment questions become available. Shortly after, you will receive another email from Turnitin, likely on the same day, confirming your enrolment in a "class" where you can upload your assignment(s).

Please ensure that your assignments are submitted no later than 23:59 on the assignment submission deadline, as indicated on the Assignment Submission form or in the Turnitin "class."

At 21 Academy, you have the option to submit multiple drafts before the final submission deadline. The version uploaded at the deadline will be treated as your final submission for assessment. Please note that Turnitin evaluates the same assignment twice within a 24-hour period, so any additional submissions during this time will not be reviewed until the 24-hour period has passed. Ensure that your final submission does not exceed 20% similarity, particularly when using direct quotations.

Follow this very short video to understand how to submit your assignment through Turnitin

Submitting a Paper

To understand the similarity report generated by Turnitin follow this 1 minute video

Understanding the Similarity Report