PY0780 - Employee Selection and Assessment

What will I learn on this module?

You will learn about how organisations select and assess employees in the workplace. As you examine the range of approaches that are adopted by organisations, you will be able to understand how they are utilised most effectively. Topics include:
• Effective use of job analysis and competencies
• The use of psychometric testing such as cognitive ability and personality tests
• The design and scoring of job interviews and assessment centres
• The measurement of job performance.

How will I learn on this module?

You will learn through lectures, workshops, e-learning and independent learning. The workshops will examine case-studies and problems based on real world situations relevant to the areas of employee selection and assessment (such as employment interviews, cognitive ability tests, competency frameworks and job analysis). This will allow you to apply the knowledge that you have developed on key topics and reflect on the subject information. Case-studies and problems will be examined in small groups where you will have the opportunity to discuss different approaches with peers. The use of discussion groups will ensure that material is applied in nature, drawing upon evidence to improve selection and assessment.

In preparation for these sessions you will complete pre-reading and engage with pre-recorded lectures. You will develop background knowledge and understanding of key literature related to the weekly topic. This is supported by the e-learning portal, pre-recorded lectures, podcasts and pre-reading outlined in the electronic reading list.

A part of the learning on this module is online delivery or self-directed learning. Tutor guidance throughout the module will also orient learning to support reflection and consolidation.

How will I be supported academically on this module?

Support will include feedback from tutors during small-group seminars and tutorials. In particular, tutors will support you in adapting to the learning approach and consolidation of knowledge throughout the module and how it relates to other modules within the programme. In addition, tutors will respond to questions via the module’s discussion board on the University’s eLearning Portal so that the whole group can benefit.

What will I be expected to read on this module?

What will I be expected to achieve?

You will be expected to

MKU1: Critically evaluate the research evidence in employee selection and assessment (e.g., on different types of interviews, psychometric properties of various selection tools)

MKU2: You will be able to design and deliver a variety of employee selection interventions

MKU3: You will be able to evaluate the challenges of designing and implementing various selection tools in organisations


Intellectual / Professional Skills & Abilities:

Personal Values Attributes (Global / Cultural awareness, Ethics, Curiosity) (PVA):

MPVA 1: You will also develop and reflect on a number of ethical and professional issues (including your own skills) in relation to employee selection and assessment.

How will I be assessed?

Formative assessment:
You will participate in group activities and one to one work where you will apply the skills learned as part of the module. Examples include presentations and your contribution to case-study problems. Feedback will be provided verbally by the module tutor on your skills development and peer feedback will be encouraged as part of the process. Self-assessment and reflection will also be encouraged.

Where appropriate written feedback will also be provided by the module tutor to identify ways to support professional development (MKU 1, MKU2, MKU 3; MPVA 1).


Summative Assessment:
You will be required to produce a 4000 word report that includes a literature review on an area of employee selection and assessment and identifies gaps in the research. You will then describe a study to address the evidence gap and outline ethical, professional and practical issues you may face. Both individual and cohort written feedback will be provided. (MKU1, MKU2, MKU3, and MPVA 1).

Pre-requisite(s)

N/A

Co-requisite(s)

N/A

Module abstract

This module aims to provide you with a comprehensive understanding of how organisations select and assess their employees. You will learn about the theory, research and practice related to various approaches to employee selection and assessment, and will evaluate the validity, reliability, fairness and overall effectiveness of these methods. Academic literature and case-studies will be discussed, and activities will focus on organisational problems. Completion of the module will provide you with key skills in employee selection and assessment that are directly relevant to future employment in areas such as occupational psychology, human resource management and organisational development.

Course info

Credits 20

Level of Study Postgraduate

Mode of Study 1 year full-time
2 other options available

Department Psychology

Location City Campus, Northumbria University

City Newcastle

Start September 2024

Fee Information

Module Information

All information is accurate at the time of sharing. 

Full time Courses are primarily delivered via on-campus face to face learning but could include elements of online learning. Most courses run as planned and as promoted on our website and via our marketing materials, but if there are any substantial changes (as determined by the Competition and Markets Authority) to a course or there is the potential that course may be withdrawn, we will notify all affected applicants as soon as possible with advice and guidance regarding their options. It is also important to be aware that optional modules listed on course pages may be subject to change depending on uptake numbers each year.  

Contact time is subject to increase or decrease in line with possible restrictions imposed by the government or the University in the interest of maintaining the health and safety and wellbeing of students, staff, and visitors if this is deemed necessary in future.

 

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