Unit title Using information in human resources Level 5 Credit value 4 Unit code 5IHR Unit review date Sept. 2011
Purpose and aim of unit
Human resources (HR) professionals need to be able to present a viable and realistic case for improvement based on sound work-based research and an understanding of what is considered good practice. This core unit develops the skills of research and enquiry in order to enable learners to identify appropriate data sources to support an investigation into an area of HR practice and to synthesise and apply this data, to evaluate the role of HR in business and strategy formulation and implementation, and to prepare and present a business case for improvement.

This unit is suitable for persons who:
seek to develop a career in human resources management and development
are working in the field of human resource management and development and need to extend their knowledge and skills
have responsibility for implementing human resources policies and strategies
need to understand the role of human resources in the wider, organisational and environmental contexts.

Learning outcomes
On completion of this unit, learners will:
Know how to identify and scrutinise appropriate HR data sources.
Be able to conduct small-scale research and analyse the findings.
Be able to draw meaningful conclusions and evaluate options for change.
Know how to deliver clear, business-focused reports on an HR issue.

Guided learning hours
The notional learning hours for this unit are 40 in total. If the unit is provided by attendance mode, the guided learning hours would normally be considered to be 20 with an additional 20 hours of self-directed learning for reading and the preparation of assessment evidence.

Unit content
Indicative content is provided for each of the learning outcomes of the unit. The content is neither prescriptive nor exhaustive but should enable achievement of the learning outcomes.

Know how to…