.February 13, 2017 [ EXECUTIVE MASTER] 1 EXECUTIVE MASTER IN BUSINESS MANAGEMENT Awarded by the Asia e University Assignment [STRATEGIC HRM] Submission due date : 23RD MARCH 2017 by or before 5.30pmFebruary 13, 2017 [ EXECUTIVE MASTER] 2 Assignment Question Strategic Human Resource Management (SHRM) has been, and remains, oneof the most powerful and influential ideas to have emerged in the field ofbusiness and management during the past twenty-five years. Policy makersat government level have drawn upon the idea in order to promote ‘highperformance workplaces’ and ‘human capital management’. Within businesscorporations, the idea that the way in which people are managed could beone of, if not the most crucial factor in the whole array of competitiveness inducing variables, has become a widely accepted proposition during this period. Many management consultancy firms – both large and small – have built substantial businesses by translating the concept into frameworks, methodologiesand prescriptions. And, not least, academics have analysed, at considerablelength, the meaning, significance and the evidence base for the ideas associatedwith SHRM. The central idea – broadly stated – is that while for much of the industrialage, ‘labour’ was treated as an unfortunate ‘cost’, it became possible to view itin an entirely different light; as an ‘asset’. Economists and accountants routinelyclassified labour as one the main ‘variable costs’. Accordingly, procedures andmanagerial systems were aligned with this view. Labour was seen as plentifuland dispensable. Little thought was given to its recruitment, little investment was madein its development, and the modes of ‘industrial discipline’ were based ondirect command and control mixed occasionally with the strictures of performance related pay. ‘Hire and fire’ was a common term. In these circumstances,conflict was expected and industrial relations officers were employed in orderto negotiate ‘temporary truces’ (otherwise known as collective agreements).These were considered successful if they delivered compliance withmanagerially-prescribed rules. Source:http://www.corwin.com/upm-data/9919_040313Intro.pdf 1. Drawing upon relevant theories, models and empirical evidence from the research literature you will write an essay in which you critically analyse the following statement: ( 50 marks ) ‘Strategic Human Resource Management enhances organisational performance inboth good and bad economic times’. 2. What do we mean by the terms ‘Best fit’ and ‘Best practice’ to describe SHRM (Strategic Human Resource Management). Which is better? Use any short case examples to illustrate your discussion (50 marks )February 13, 2017 [ EXECUTIVE MASTER] 3 Assignment Guidelines 1. Answers are written one-sided, using Times New Roman fonts, size 12, double spaced. The assignment should be done 8-10 pages (excluding appendices). 2. References must be included and taken from reliable sources such as books and journals using the Harvard referencing system. 3. Plagiarism, copying and cheating will not be tolerated, where no marks will be awarded. 4. Comb bind the assignment well. 5. The cover of the assignment should include the following: • Name of university, faculty and course • Name of student, metric number, programme • Name of instructor • Address, e-mail and telephone number End of Coursework • 3500 word count