Doctor of Human Resource Management

Purpose

A Doctor of Human Resources Management is a research-focused qualification, which allows learners to work in academia or high-level corporate positions. A learner will gain in-depth knowledge in complex and specialised areas and across specialised or applied areas of the disciplines of Human Resources Management, Industrial Psychology, etc. This qualification addresses the following fundamental purposes:

• Provide learners with fundamental knowledge from their research disciplines in different fields of Human Resource, while developing the competencies required for independent research and the application of knowledge at an internationally comparable level.
• Apply the latest theories and analytical tools to conduct original research and add to the body of knowledge in areas such as organisational effectiveness, conflict resolution, human capital development, and strategic human resource management.
• Explore the global and multidisciplinary aspects of human resource management and enhance your ability to develop solutions for strategic human resource initiatives.
• Develop the capacity to operationalise and document original scientific investigations/research that can withstand international intellectual scrutiny and contribute to the knowledge and insight of the disciplines.
• Enable learners to operationalise and document an advanced scientific investigation/research project in the form of a dissertation on an approved topic within the afore-mentioned disciplines that provide proof of original work and constitutes a distinct contribution to the body of knowledge and insight into the subject of the investigation/research.

Rationale

This institution builds strong relationships with business, government and industry. It further develops high-level skills and competencies amongst its staff to promote effective teaching and learning by using state of the art facilities and learner-centred methodologies. The institution has sought to implement this vision in respect of its curricula and support mechanisms through the process of the Strategic Transformation of Educational Programmes and Structures (STEPS). The STEPS process called for a complete review and overhaul of the course offerings. Hence the decision of the Department of Business Management to introduce this HEQSF aligned heavily research-focused qualification.

Additionally, the Department of Higher Education and Training (DHET) Third National Skills Development Strategy (NSDS III) seeks to encourage and actively support the integration of workplace training with theoretical learning.

In light of the above, the Higher Education in Regional and City Development, the Free State South Africa, 2012 OECD programme emphasised that universities and other higher education institutions can play a key role in human capital development and innovation systems in their cities and regions. The Higher Education in Regional and City Development, The Free State South Africa, OECD, 2012, emphasised the key challenges for the Free State and its higher education and training institutions are:

• How to develop a more inclusive labour market and education system?
• How to create an economy that can absorb both highly skilled and low skilled population?
• How to address long-term challenges of poverty, inequity and poor health?
• How to turn the potential of HE sector into an active asset for the regional development?

Therefore, higher education provision needs to be better aligned with the needs of the Free State to build stronger links between institutions and industries in the region. Taking steps to create new enterprises and facilitating the transition from informal to formal economy. Research, development and innovation efforts need to build on the existing and emerging challenges and advantages of the Free State. This advanced, high-level qualification aims at fundamentally pushing the envelope when it comes to this imperative.

It is a known fact that while some learners of this qualification take high-level human resources positions at corporations, many find work researching in academia. For this reason, research is a major focus and emphasis in this program, and learners are required to publish their findings or present them at a conference before they can graduate. After mastery and qualifying the learner would have developed further develop in-depth knowledge and understanding of the principles, major theories and paradigms, as well as methods of Human Resource Management as a science. Learners typically go onto leadership positions related to human resources specialisation or work in academia.

This qualification focuses on the development of the human resource function in organisations. It is important to understand and manage human behaviour within organisations. It creates optimal organisational effectiveness, and individual performance, strategic planning to achieve organisational goals through the human resource function is recognised.

The qualification will equip learners with knowledge, skills and applied competence in the discipline of

• Human Resources Management/Personnel Management, Industrial Psychology;
• Sociology (including Industrial Sociology and Group Dynamics) to gain and engage in productive employment in high-level human resources management positions in enterprises in the commercial, industrial and public sectors of the economy.

Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL)

RPL is possible for admission purpose only provided the learner has an Honours level applicable qualification with extensive top Human Resources Management level work experience in a reputable organisation.

Entry Requirements

The minimum entry requirement for this qualification is

• Masters in Human Resource Management, NQF Level 9.

This qualification consists of the following compulsory module at NQF Level 10 totalling 360 Credits.

Compulsory Modules, Level 10, 360 Credits

• Thesis, 360 Credits.

1. Demonstrate the ability to undertake independent, applicable original research in any field of human resource management, which should contribute meaningfully towards the expansion of scientific knowledge and problem-solving entities of this field.
2. Apply the research results in the human resource management field.
3. Demonstrate the ability to construct or develop a theoretical framework or theory or model from the literature review applicable to the research problem.
4. Explore the global and multidisciplinary aspects of human resource management and enhance your ability to develop solutions for strategic human resource initiatives.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 1

• Select and establish an area of research in the field of human resource management that contributes significantly towards knowledge expansion and problem-solving in this scientific field.
• Collect, analyse, research, organise and critically evaluate relevant and applicable information.
• Understand the principles and the inter-related nature of different fields of knowledge application.
• Demonstrate an ability to apply the latest theories and analytical tools to conduct original research and add to the body of knowledge.
• Identify a research problem and select the applicable methodology to address the problem.
• Critically analyse applicable literature and integrating this knowledge with data from an empirical study.
• Select and correctly apply the latest theories and analytical tools to conduct original research.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 2

• Identify and solve problems from the research results, as well as identify future challenges and its possible effective management in the field of human resource management.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 3

• Create a theoretical framework provided by the literature review; a new model/approach/ theory that applies to the research problem, compile a complete bibliography.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 4

• Demonstrate the ability to creatively integrate various aspects of human resource management to address complex strategic human resources issues within organisations.

Integrated Assessment

Learner competence assessment is through a research proposal and thesis that demonstrates

• An understanding of theoretical frameworks as well as the practices and strategies in Human Resources Management;
• The ability to critically analyse Human Resource Management practices and strategies;
• The insight to identify areas within the broad Human Resources Management specialisation that need improvement or development;
• Familiarity with various research methodologies utilised in the field of Human Resource Management;
• The skill to apply appropriate research methodology;
• The ability to compile and analyse findings to make constructive recommendations;
• The ability to articulate the process as well as the findings and recommendations assessed employing a comprehensive oral defence of the thesis;
• The written thesis and comprehensive oral defence integrate all the capabilities.