UNDERSTANDING ORGANISATIONS AND THE ROLE OF HR (3HRC)

 Introduction 

Understanding organisations and the role of human resources is a CIPD level 3 unit and appropriate for those presently working in the human resources industry as well as those interested in careers in learning and development and human resources. As a result, the tasks in this unit require the student to demonstrate both critical and analytical thinking abilities, as well as a working knowledge of the subject. The unit is largely concerned with comprehending an organisation and the role of the human resources department within it. The assessment for this unit is based on the course's key objectives.

Students must be able to correctly answer the questions in this assignment in order to complete the unit. The unit is graded on a pass or fail basis. Typically, students are required to create their own organisation or to discover an existing one to use to complete the tests. Alternatively, the examiner may choose a single organisation and assess students' comprehension of the course through the lens of that organisation. Below are some sample assessment questions.

You have been asked to provide a written brief for a new line manager that is set to start working in your organisation. The manager should understand the organisation as he prepares to start on his new job.

Question one: There are there questions in this section derived from the first unit objective: understanding the purpose of an organisation and its operating environment.

1-What is the purpose and goal of the organisation?

The learner is expected to provide the company's major goals. It is common practise to explain or even advertise the organization's core aim to all personnel. The company's products and services should be clearly identified in the response. Extra credit may be earned if students go into greater detail about the organization's vision and purpose statements. The purpose and vision statements of a company are critical to its success.

2-What products and services does the company offer to its customers?

If the student wants to provide a complete answer to this question, they should list all of the company's products and services. Learners should categorise products based on their similarities if the company works with multiple products. An example of this can be found in the following: It is possible for an IT company to specialise in the supply of computers and computer software. In the future, it's possible that the corporation will expand into the field of communications technology. The student should distinguish between services and products when responding to this question for more clarity (Selling of computers and accessories is different from communication services). Additionally, the primary market and target clients should be highlighted when responding to this question.

3- Discuss the external factors influencing the organisation

The learner must do a PESTLE analysis of the specified organisation in order to meet the criterion. The industry in which the company operates should be connected to political factors. External elements such as social, economic, technological, and legal can all have an impact on an organisation. When examining external influences on an organisation, however, students should keep their focus on the organisation of choice in mind.

The second question refers to the unit's second objective. The examiner's objective is to assess the students' comprehension of an organization's structure, function, and culture.

1-Briefly discuss the predominant structure of the organisation.

This is an opportunity for the student to show that they are familiar with the many types of organisational systems that currently exist (i.e. flatarchy structure, matrix structure, functional structure or divisional structure). It is necessary for the student to elaborate on the organization's organisational structure in a subsequent paragraph. Students who are able to draw a flowchart of the structure will receive extra credit. The students should provide this information in their response if the organisation has distinct organisational structures in different departments.

2- Explain the relationship between four functions of the identified organisational structure.

As part of this question's criterion, learners are expected to identify and describe the four organisational functions that make up the recognised structure. In order to achieve a common goal, it is essential for everyone in the system to be in regular communication with one another. It's important to talk about the advantages and disadvantages of the interaction between the four roles.

3- What is the culture in the organisation?

To show that they have grasped the concept of organisational culture, students should first provide a definition for it. The use of ideas of organisational culture is vital when attempting to connect an organisation with a specific culture. The answer should also include the positives and negatives of the organization's culture. Students can go into further depth on the impact of company culture on day-to-day operations to help them better answer the subject at hand.

In the third section, questions are asked on the role of HR in the company.

1- Discuss three ways the HR supports the organisational goals and strategies

There are three core HR functions that students should be able to show. Human resources departments play a variety of important responsibilities in an organisation, including recruitment and the formulation and execution of policies and procedures. You should make a mention to the chosen organisation in your response. Additionally, students should verify that each function/role is linked to the actions of the company being addressed.

2- Explain the role of HR in supporting line managers

The HR department's principal responsibility is to assist the entire workforce. Disciplinary and grievance procedures can be handled by HR for line managers. Additionally, the HR department is in charge of implementing company regulations and laws. Failure to comply with certain rules and regulations may result in tribunals and other legal processes, which could cost the organisation money and time they don't have to spend.

Assessment Criteria 

The student will be required to prepare a 1500-2500-word report (plus or minus ten percent) in response to one or more of the questions listed above. Academic concepts, professional practices, and theories should all be analysed critically in the final report. The Harvard referencing style and bibliography, if required, should be used for all citations. The bibliography isn't included in the wordcount.