Report on issues in SHRM: Case study analysis and critique

A detailed description of the
rationale, purpose and tasks of Part A and Part B of assessment 1 is provided below.
PART A: SHRM Models – A critique of practical application
Rationale
When HR professionals face an issue that requires an intervention they often turn to
good practice examples and use of models developed in research. This first aspect
of assessment 1 (PART A) places you in that situation where you are exploring
models that have emerged from practice and have been discussed in the research.
You are also required to consider any ethical implications of the SHRM models.
PART A of assessment 1 is designed to provide you with an opportunity to:

apply your understanding of SHRM models

evaluate the practical relevance of the models

consider ethical implications of HRM interventions
Purpose
For the first aspect of assessment 1 task, you are required to critically analyse and
evaluate two theoretical models for Strategic Human Resource Management. You
are expected to assess the two theoretical models by summarising, evaluating, and
judging the credibility of the models to Strategic Human Resource issues and
practices.
You will use material from the seminars, literature, or any of the sources such as the
Webinars which can be obtained (for free) from: The Society for Human Resource
Management, The Human Capital Institute, or Australia Human Resource Institute.
The focus should be on critical evaluation of the two theoretical models and an
overview of any related ethical issues.
Tasks (1000 words for the report)
1.
Select two theoretical models from those we have discussed in the seminars
or those you have researched yourself
2.
Critically analyse and evaluate the practical application and credibility of the
two theoretical models to Strategic Human Resource issues and practices by;
1.
summarising the models,
2.
critically evaluating their applicability, and
3.
judging their application to SHRM issues and practices
4.
commenting on any ethical implications2
PART B: Case Study Analysis of SHRM issues
Case Study: ATHENA BANCORP
Rationale
Identifying, assessing, and addressing human resourcing issues that affect the long
term objective of an organisation is a key component of SHRM.
When done correctly, this can confirm the value of the Human Resources function.
Successful implementation of SHRM practices doesn’t necessarily involve a big
budget and a large team. The best SHRM practices come in many different forms
and often encompass creativity, passion and the ability to make a difference,
whatever the size of the organisation.
Consider the second aspect of assessment 1 (PART B) as a briefing by an
internal HR team (i.e. you, inside the case organisation) reporting to your executive
team (i.e. me, the CEO of the case organisation).
Purpose
The purpose of the second aspect of assessment 1 (PART B) is to conduct an in
depth analysis of a Strategic Human Resource Management issue in the case study
organisation (i.e. Athena Bancorp). The case study is located in the assessment
1 folder on blackboard.
Using the SHRM literature, models and seminar content, you will analyse the case
study and articulate the Human Resources problem. You will individually select and
develop your own solution(s) as a model of best practice for the specific
organisation optimising their human capital. All solutions will be written in a business
report.
Tasks (1500 words for the report)
You will produce a 2500-word business report for both PART A and PART B of
assessment 1. Part A is 1000 words and Part B is 1500 words. Your report should
consist of at least 10 academic peer-reviewed sources.
Part B of the report should address the following tasks:

A clear articulation of the strategic human resources problem stating why it is
important to address this problem in the organisation

Evaluation of the antecedents to the problem

An overview of the ethical implications behind the problem

Solutions and recommendations which are based on one or more of the
models explored in the course and in assessment 1.

A clear justification for choosing each solution3
Some Questions to consider on the Case Study: (ATHENA BANCORP):
1.
What is Athena Bancorp’s operating philosophy?
2.
Is banking generally viewed as an attractive industry? Why or why not?
3.
What accounts for Athena Bank’s performance to date? What are the key
drivers of this success?
4.
What are the drivers of Athena Bancorp’s performance? What is Athena
Bank’s competitive advantage? Which elements are easy or difficult to copy?
Which elements is Athena in danger of relying on too much?
5.
Apart from the human resource issues, are there any signs of trouble with
respect to Athena Bank’s business? Is there anything that concerns you?
6.
How important are human resources to Athena’s strategy? What factors
underpin this focus on human resources?
7.
What human resources challenges is Athena currently facing? What are the
signs that people are being pushed too far?
8.
How concerned should Beth Daniels and her team be?
9.
What would you recommend to Beth Daniels?
The assignment is to be submitted as follows

The font will be 12 pt Times New Roman.

Line spacing will be 1 ½ (1.5).

Word count and limit (2500 words /- 10%)

Paragraphs will have first sentence indentation.

The report should have
o
an executive summary,
o
body (PART A section and PART B section)
o
appendices
o
a minimum of 10 references

Appendices may be used as supporting material. Appendices must be:

(1) referenced in the text, and

(2) kept in order of their reference.
Criteria