This unit will introduce you to the general theories and practices of competitively managing people in the workplace.

More specifically, we explore the employment relationship and the importance of managing people within this relationship from their initial selection through to their retirement or termination. In working through this unit, it should become evident that effective management of people is an important means of creating value, developing and creating a competitive advantage for organisations in the 21st century.

As you commence your studies you will notice that title of this unit is about Managing People for Competitive Advantage (MPCA). This unit concentrates on the contemporary approach to the management of human resources by focusing on the management of people to build and sustain competitive advantage. Note: Your textbook focuses on the strategy and practice of Human Resource Management (HRM) and introduces a strategic approach in Chapter 1, which is continued throughout the subsequent chapters. Student feedback has been extremely positive towards this textbook as it covers contemporary issues, the fundamentals and has numerous ‘real’ examples to clarify the concepts. Your assessment will reflect contemporary competitive and strategic issues along with the fundamentals of HRM.

Gaining an understanding of this unit will require the diversity in learning that is achieved by reading much wider than just the prescribed textbook. Whilst your textbook will be one focal point of your study, there is an expectation that, as a minimum, you will study the readings, participate in and complete the module activities (distance students) and the class activities (on-campus students). The readings specifically address issues in your assessment (excellent news).