Unit title Using Information in Human Resources

Level 51
Credit value 4
Unit code 5UIN
Unit review date December 2017

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:
1 Understand the research process and different research approaches.
2 Be able to conduct a critical review of information sources in an area of HR/business practice and analyse
the findings.
3 Be able to draw meaningful conclusions and evaluate options for change.
4 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. 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.

1 Understand the research process and different research approaches.

Stages in the research process: range of research methodologies and the applications of quantitative and
qualitative methods; conversion of raw data into meaningful HR and management information; the parameters
and limitations of different research instruments.

2 Be able to conduct a critical review of information sources in an area of HR/business practice and analyse
the findings.
Identifying a researchable area: for example an aspect from one of the professional areas in the CIPD
Profession Map or from an area of business practice.

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Reviewing data: Sources of UK and international information relating to HR and management practice,
including online databases and search facilities, academic and professional journals, professional and
regulatory bodies and sector skills councils reports, organisational policy and financial accounts, industry
reports; differences in the presentation of data across a range of written, electronic and oral media; the
difference between primary and secondary data.
Conducting the critical review of the information sources: types and purposes of literature reviews, literature
review process.

3 Be able to draw meaningful conclusions and evaluate options for change.

Drawing meaningful conclusions: analysis and interpretation of trends, patterns and metrics; evaluation of data
collected to inform the conclusions; the business case for change, incorporating cost–benefit and resource
analysis; critical success factors to assess the effectiveness of change

4 Know how to deliver clear, business-focused reports on an HR issue.

Identifying stakeholders: use of stakeholder maps with their interests, needs and likely influence.
Preparing a business report: choosing the format, consideration of a range of written, electronic and oral
media; range of narrative and diagrammatic formats; the needs of various stakeholders; range of ways to
present data to meet different stakeholder needs; using insights and observations to shape the views of
managers and to influence strategy; suggestions for alternative paths of action consistent with observations

Unit assessment
To achieve this unit, the evidence the learner presents for assessment must demonstrate that they have
met all the learning outcomes and assessment criteria.

Learning outcomes Assessment criteria

The learner will: The learner can:
1 Understand the research process and 1.1 Summarise the stages of the research
different research approaches. process and compare different data
collection methods.

2 Be able to conduct a critical review of 2.1 Identify an area of HR practice for

information sources in an area of
HR/business practice and analyse the
findings.
investigation.
2.2 Conduct a critical review of different
information sources relevant to the
chosen area of HR/business practice.

3 Be able to draw meaningful 3.1 Draw meaningful conclusions from the

conclusions and evaluate options for review and make justified
change. recommendations for improvements in
practice.

4 Know how to deliver clear, business- 4.1 Formulate a business report for
focused reports on an HR issue. identified stakeholders that includes an
appropriate mix of diagrammatic and
narrative formats.

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