December 2017

The Hong Kong Polytechnic University

Hong Kong Community College

Subject Description Form

Subject Code CCN1101

Subject Title Fundamentals of Human Resources Management

Level 1

Credit Value 3

Medium of English
Instruction

Pre-requisite / Nil
Co-requisite/
Exclusion

Objectives This subject provides students with introductory theories and practices
of human resources management in organisations. It equips students
with analytical skills that are necessary for the understanding of the
functions of human resources management. This subject also provides a
foundation for students who intend to specialise in the field of human
resources management.

Intended Learning Upon completion of the subject, students will be able to:
Outcomes
(a) recognise the basic roles of staffing and selection in supporting
overall organisational strategy.

(b) explain the introductory theories and practices of human resources

development to promote high employee performance.

(c) identify the basic compensation forms and techniques for market-
competitive pay plans.

(d) identify the main features of employee-management environments

at fundamental level.

(e) analyse the human resources issues and recommend appropriate

solutions at organisational level.

Subject Synopsis/ Human Resources Planning

Indicative Syllabus Understanding the underlying linkage between organisational strategy
and human resources planning; Describing the processes of HR
planning; Defining the job analysis.

Recruitment and Selection

Defining the recruiting goals; Discussing various sources of recruiting;
Describing the selection processes; Selection tests and interviews; The
importance of equal opportunities in recruitment and selection;
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Evaluating the effectiveness of recruitment and selection processes.

Training and Development

Describing the methods used for employee training and development;
Evaluating the effectiveness of training and development; Purposes of
new employee orientation and socialisation; Managing careers.

Performance Appraisal
Identifying the processes and methods of evaluating employee
performance; Describing factors distorting performance appraisal;
Describing effective performance management systems.

Compensation and Benefits

Identifying various types of employee rewards; Understanding job
evaluation; Describing various compensation programs; Discussing the
market practices on employee benefits.

Employment Relations
Understanding labour unions and collective bargaining; Mechanisms for
the resolution of industrial conflicts.

Legal Context of Human Resources Management in Hong Kong

Application of the Hong Kong Employment Ordinance at the beginning
level; Legally required benefits in Hong Kong.

Teaching/Learning Lectures will focus on the introduction and explanation of concepts and
Methodology theories supported by hypothetical and real examples wherever
appropriate. Group discussions and activities may be arranged to
stimulate students’ interest or their awareness of practical implications
of concepts. Further reading may also be used to guide students through
the reasoning behind more complex human resources management
theories.
Tutorials will provide students with the opportunity to deepen their
understanding and to explore further the applications of theories taught.
Activities in tutorials will normally include student presentations,
discussions, exercises and case studies.

Assessment A variety of assessment tools will be used to develop and assess

Methods in students’ achievement of the subject intended learning outcomes.
Alignment with
Intended Learning Specific assessment % Intended subject learning
Outcomes methods/tasks weighting outcomes to be assessed

a b c d e

Continuous Assessment* 60

 Assignment 10     

 In-Class Exercises 15     

 Mid-term Test 15   

 Project 20     

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Final Examination 40     

Total 100

*Continuous assessment items and/or weighting may be adjusted by the subject

team subject to the approval of the College Programme Committee.
To pass this subject, students are required to obtain Grade D or above in
both the Continuous Assessment and Final Examination.

Student Study Class contact Hours

Effort Expected
 Lecture 26

 Tutorial 13

Other student study effort

 Self-study 52

 Continuous Assessment 39

Total student study effort 130

Reading List and Recommended Textbook

References Dessler, G. (2017) Human resource management. (15th ed.), Prentice-
Hall.

References
Chan, A. W., Mak, W. M., & Bannister, B. J. (2002). Managing human
resources in Hong Kong. (3rd ed.), Sweet & Maxwell Asia.

Decenzo, D. A. & Robbins, S. P. (2016). Fundamentals of human

resource management. (12th ed.), John Wiley & Sons, Inc.

Ivancevich, J. M. (2013). Human resource management. (12th ed.),

McGraw-Hill.

Useful Websites

http://www.eoc.org.hk (Equal Opportunities Commission)

http://www.hkihrm.org (Hong Kong Institute of Human Resource

Management)

http://www.labour.gov.hk/eng/news/content.htm (Hong Kong Labour

Department)

http://www.labour.gov.hk/eng/legislat/content2.htm (Hong Kong Labour

Legislation)

https://www.pco.org.hk (Office of the Privacy Commissioner for

Personal Data)