Students
MGMT8050 – Management of People at Work
2026 – Session 1, In person-scheduled-weekday, North Ryde
General Information
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| Unit convenor and teaching staff |
Unit convenor and teaching staff
Nikola Balnave
By appointment
|
|---|---|
| Credit points |
Credit points
10
|
| Prerequisites |
Prerequisites
MGMT6051 or (Admission to MIntBus and MKTG6096) or (Admission to GradCertResMQBS or GradDipResMQBS)
|
| Corequisites |
Corequisites
|
| Co-badged status |
Co-badged status
|
| Unit description |
Unit description
This unit provides students with contemporary knowledge and skills concerning the effective management of people at work. The unit reviews the key systems required for organisations to effectively manage their people in the context of their overall business strategy and the allied managerial skills required for successful implementation. Students learn what the options are for recruitment, selection, development, performance management, reward systems and other fundamental aspects of managing people and the key challenges facing organisations. A particular focus of this unit is the requirement for students to critically evaluate real organisational practices against contemporary theory as well as long established principles. |
Important Academic Dates
Information about important academic dates including deadlines for withdrawing from units are available at https://www.mq.edu.au/study/calendar-of-dates
Learning Outcomes
On successful completion of this unit, you will be able to:
- ULO1: Evaluate recent developments and contemporary issues in managing people at work.
- ULO2: Defend the importance of thinking strategically about HRM from different theoretical perspectives and the implications for the roles of HR professionals.
- ULO3: Critically analyse HR policies and practices against contemporary theory and established principles.
- ULO4: Design HR strategies in key areas of practice that support the creation of value and competitive advantage while also promoting employee wellbeing and decent work.
General Assessment Information
Late Submission Penalties
If you submit your assessment late, 5% of the total possible marks will be deducted for each day (including weekends), up to 7 days. Submissions more than 7 days late will receive a mark of 0.
Example 1 (out of 100):
If you score 85/100 but submit 20 hours late, you will lose 5 marks and receive 80/100.
Example 2 (out of 30):
If you score 27/30 but submit 20 hours late, you will lose 1.5 marks and receive 25.5/30.
Extensions
Automatic short extension: Some assessments are eligible for automatic short extension. You can only apply for an automatic short extension before the due date.
Special Consideration: If you need more time due to serious issues and for any assessments that are not eligible for Short Extension, you must apply for Special Consideration. Need help? Review the Special Consideration page for further details.
Assessment Tasks
| Name | Weighting | Hurdle | Due | Groupwork/Individual | Short Extension | AI Approach |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Skills development: Reflection on individual learning | 40% | No | 26/04/2026 | Individual | Yes | Open AI |
| Skills development: HRM strategic practice | 35% | No | 07/06/2026 | Individual | Yes | Open AI |
| Professional practice: Persuasive communication | 25% | No | Weekly group presentations | Group | No | Observed |
Skills development: Reflection on individual learning
Assessment Type 1: Reflection task
Indicative Time on Task 2: 20 hours
Due: 26/04/2026
Weighting: 40%
Groupwork/Individual: Individual
Short extension 3: Yes
AI Approach: Open AI
The purpose of this assessment is to develop your ability to reflect critically on how your learning throughout the unit has shaped your knowledge, skills, and professional and personal development.
You will maintain a learning journal that documents and reflects on your individual contributions during seminars, your engagement with group activities, and your evolving understanding of key concepts. You will support your reflections with relevant evidence and artefacts gathered throughout the session.
Skills in focus:
- Communication skills
- Work readiness
Deliverable(s): Written learning journal [max 2000 words], excluding supporting materials and appendices.
Individual assessment
On successful completion you will be able to:
- Evaluate recent developments and contemporary issues in managing people at work.
- Defend the importance of thinking strategically about HRM from different theoretical perspectives and the implications for the roles of HR professionals.
- Critically analyse HR policies and practices against contemporary theory and established principles.
- Design HR strategies in key areas of practice that support the creation of value and competitive advantage while also promoting employee wellbeing and decent work.
Skills development: HRM strategic practice
Assessment Type 1: Professional task
Indicative Time on Task 2: 15 hours
Due: 07/06/2026
Weighting: 35%
Groupwork/Individual: Individual
Short extension 3: Yes
AI Approach: Open AI
The purpose of this assessment is to develop your ability to think critically and strategically about HRM practices by evaluating whether a real-world organisation has adopted a strategic approach to managing a specific HR function.
You will build on your group presentation by writing an individual report that analyses the organisation’s approach to a particular HRM function and assesses its alignment with strategic HRM principles.
Skills in focus:
- Discipline knowledge
- Communication skills
- Critical thinking and problem solving
Deliverable(s): Individual report [max 1500 words]
Individual assessment
On successful completion you will be able to:
- Evaluate recent developments and contemporary issues in managing people at work.
- Defend the importance of thinking strategically about HRM from different theoretical perspectives and the implications for the roles of HR professionals.
- Critically analyse HR policies and practices against contemporary theory and established principles.
- Design HR strategies in key areas of practice that support the creation of value and competitive advantage while also promoting employee wellbeing and decent work.
Professional practice: Persuasive communication
Assessment Type 1: Presentation task
Indicative Time on Task 2: 15 hours
Due: Weekly group presentations
Weighting: 25%
Groupwork/Individual: Group
Short extension 3: No
AI Approach: Observed
The purpose of this assessment is to develop your ability to apply HRM theories to real-world organisational practices and make evidence-based recommendations for improving people management.
You will work in a team to research a selected organisation and HR topic, analyse the organisation’s approach, and propose two improvements based on critical analysis.
Skills in focus:
- Communication skills
- Collaboration skills
- Work readiness
Deliverable(s): Group presentation (max 20 min).
Group assessment
On successful completion you will be able to:
- Evaluate recent developments and contemporary issues in managing people at work.
- Defend the importance of thinking strategically about HRM from different theoretical perspectives and the implications for the roles of HR professionals.
- Critically analyse HR policies and practices against contemporary theory and established principles.
- Design HR strategies in key areas of practice that support the creation of value and competitive advantage while also promoting employee wellbeing and decent work.
1 If you need help with your assignment, please contact:
- the academic teaching staff in your unit for guidance in understanding or completing this type of assessment
- Academic Success for academic skills support.
2 Indicative time-on-task is an estimate of the time required for completion of the assessment task and is subject to individual variation.
3 An automatic short extension is available for some assessments. Apply through the Service Connect Portal.
Delivery and Resources
Please see iLearn
Policies and Procedures
Macquarie University policies and procedures are accessible from Policy Central (https://policies.mq.edu.au). Students should be aware of the following policies in particular with regard to Learning and Teaching:
- Academic Appeals Policy
- Academic Integrity Policy
- Academic Progression Policy
- Assessment Policy
- Fitness to Practice Procedure
- Assessment Procedure
- Complaints Resolution Procedure for Students and Members of the Public
- Special Consideration Policy
Students seeking more policy resources can visit Student Policies (https://students.mq.edu.au/support/study/policies). It is your one-stop-shop for the key policies you need to know about throughout your undergraduate student journey.
To find other policies relating to Teaching and Learning, visit Policy Central (https://policies.mq.edu.au) and use the search tool.
Student Code of Conduct
Macquarie University students have a responsibility to be familiar with the Student Code of Conduct: https://students.mq.edu.au/admin/other-resources/student-conduct
Results
Results published on platform other than eStudent, (eg. iLearn, Coursera etc.) or released directly by your Unit Convenor, are not confirmed as they are subject to final approval by the University. Once approved, final results will be sent to your student email address and will be made available in eStudent. For more information visit connect.mq.edu.au or if you are a Global MBA student contact globalmba.support@mq.edu.au
Academic Integrity
At Macquarie, we believe academic integrity – honesty, respect, trust, responsibility, fairness and courage – is at the core of learning, teaching and research. We recognise that meeting the expectations required to complete your assessments can be challenging. So, we offer you a range of resources and services to help you reach your potential, including free online writing and maths support, academic skills development and wellbeing consultations.
Student Support
Macquarie University provides a range of support services for students. For details, visit http://students.mq.edu.au/support/
Academic Success
Academic Success provides resources to develop your English language proficiency, academic writing, and communication skills.
- Workshops
- Chat with a WriteWISE peer writing leader
- Access StudyWISE
- Upload an assignment to Studiosity
- Complete the Academic Integrity Module
The Library provides online and face to face support to help you find and use relevant information resources.
Student Services and Support
Macquarie University offers a range of Student Support Services including:
- IT Support
- Accessibility and disability support with study
- Mental health support
- Safety support to respond to bullying, harassment, sexual harassment and sexual assault
- Social support including information about finances, tenancy and legal issues
- Student Advocacy provides independent advice on MQ policies, procedures, and processes
Student Enquiries
Got a question? Ask us via the Service Connect Portal, or contact Service Connect.
IT Help
For help with University computer systems and technology, visit http://www.mq.edu.au/about_us/offices_and_units/information_technology/help/.
When using the University's IT, you must adhere to the Acceptable Use of IT Resources Policy. The policy applies to all who connect to the MQ network including students.
Changes since First Published
| Date | Description |
|---|---|
| 11/02/2026 | Consultation details added |
Unit information based on version 2026.04 of the Handbook