Introduction to Human Resources Management

General management concepts – basic understanding of how organizations operate and how their management processes function.

Strategic thinking – familiarity with the concept of aligning organizational practices with strategic objectives.

Diversity and organizational culture – basic understanding of diversity, inclusion, and generational differences in the workplace.

Digital literacy – minimum comfort with digital technologies, information systems, and emerging concepts such as artificial intelligence and big data.

The course will be taught in theoretical-practical classes, where the theoretical presentations (expository method) will always be
accompanied by the illustration and resolution of cases and practical exercises, questions and real-life examples of the application of the
concepts, principles and other precepts of human resource management. In this way, expository-participative teaching and learning
methodologies will foster the relationship between teachers and students, encouraging the latter to participate in the discussion and
identification of cases and examples illustrating the theoretical content (participative method). In addition, to make the lectures more
appealing, a variety of audiovisual media will be used and students will be encouraged, individually or in groups, to carry out small pieces of
research / consolidate knowledge during classes and/or outside of them (active method). In summary, the teaching methodologies (TM)
used are:
TM1. Lectures – to present the concepts;
TM2. Participative – discussion of cases and examples;
TM3. Active – Cases to be solved by the students (Problem-based learning);
TM4. Self-study – Preparation of individual assessment.

This Curricular Unit (CU) aims to provide a global perspective on the concepts and practices of HRM, as well as its importance in the
management of organizations. The aim is to develop useful skills for carrying out responsibilities related to HRM.
The learning objectives are:
LO1) Understand the main concepts and definitions in human resource management;
LO2) To understand the impact of human resource management on organizational effectiveness;
LO3) Provide a historical perspective on the evolution of HRM and the impact on current HRM practice;
LO4) Understand the alignment of human resource management with organizational strategy;
LO5) Know the fundamental processes and practices of HRM;
LO6) Provide a comprehensive perspective on the influence of the cultural dimension on human resource management;
LO7) Identify and analyze emerging challenges in human resource management, including digitalization, new technologies and working
practices.

Human resource management in organizations
1.1 Concepts and definitions of HR
1.2 The importance of human resources management
2. Historical evolution of human resource management
2.1 Overview of the main changes in HRM over time
2.2 From personnel administration to strategic HR management
3. Strategic human resources management
3.1. Aligning HRM with organizational strategy
3.2 HRM as a strategic partner of the organization
4. Human resources management processes and practices
4.1 Overview of the fundamental functions of HRM
5. The cultural dimension of human resource management
5.1 Global demographic trends, diversity and inclusion in the global context
5.2 New generations and new working models
6. Human resource management and the future
6.1 Digitalization and HRM technologies
6.2 The use of HR information systems and the impact of artificial intelligence and big data on HRM.

Assessment is carried out in two alternative ways

1) Continuous assessment: Individual assignment (15%) + Group assignment (45%) + Written exam (40%)

a) Individual assignment: simple analysis and a 10-minute presentation b) Group assignment: theoretical-practical work; topics will be made available on Inforestudante c) Written exam: covers the chapters included in the study plan

All components are mandatory. The minimum grade for each component (a, b, c) is 8 out of 20.

2) Final exam: covers all chapters. Minimum grade: 10 out of 20. There is no oral exam.

In cases of well-founded suspicion of fraud detected during the grading process, the student will be called for an oral examination to verify the knowledge and skills demonstrated. This verification is conducted by a panel composed of the course instructor and two additional faculty members from the same field. If the student fails to demonstrate the knowledge and skills shown in the written exam, the exam will be annulled.

The use of generative AI tools is permitted for supporting idea organization, language revision, creation of preparatory questions, or improving the structure of the presentation. It is not permitted to submit text, analysis, interviews, evidence, or recommendations produced entirely by AI as if they were the student’s own work.

All assignments must include a brief AI-use statement, indicating which tool was used, for what purpose, and which parts were reviewed by the student.

NAO