• The combination of an HR lecturer and an HR practitioner author team results in a fusion of academic and practical insights which present the reality of human resource management.
• This text takes a truly holistic approach to the subject, avoiding the presentation of HRM as a separate management function, and instead seeing HR processes and challenges as an integral part of any business.
• An analytical viewpoint is taken throughout which encourages students to think critically about the issues. Reference to academic debates helps tie together the practical and theoretical aspects of the subject.
• Three chapter-long, real life case studies provide detailed insights into the role of HRM in three different business scenarios: the opening of a new hotel, the closure of a factory, and the reform of the HR function within an NHS hospital. By examining HR in action in a real life scenario, students can understand the application of the theories and avoid an over-simplistic understanding of the subject.
• All the chapters are packed with examples, mini-cases, and end-of-chapter case studies looking at UK, European and international businesses, illustrating each topic in real life contexts.
• The extensive Online Resource Centre provides all the teaching and learning materials needed to support each chapter, removing the need for lecturers to look for additional class and test materials, and giving students the resources they need to check and build on their understanding.

Readership: This book is suitable for students taking HRM modules on both undergraduate and postgraduate degree programmes.

Paul Banfield, Programme Director of Human Resource Management and International Development at Newcastle Business School, Northumbria University, and Rebecca Kay, HR Director at Cooper Lighting and Security Ltd

"This is a great introductory text, ideal for newcomers to HRM. It covers all the main subject areas and is very practical." - David Williams, Programme leader, CIPD studies, The Business School, University of Greenwich

"Introduction to HRM is academic, but written in a very engaging way. It is readable - being written almost as a conversation with the reader." - Dr Louise Preget, Senior Lecturer, The Business School, Bournemouth University

"The case study chapters are very useful - and this book seems to give the clearest links between academic and practical insight." - Denise Bagley, Programme Director and Principal HRM lecturer, London Southbank University

"The book adopts a realistic, applied approach to HRM, emphasising relevant theories, concepts, and legislation." - Gitta Fletcher, HRM Pathway leader, Birmingham City University

Part One: Foundations of Human Resource Management
1: The Management of Human Resources
2: Human Resources: An Academic and Professional Perspective
Part Two: Operational Challenges
3: Recruitment and Selection
4: Managing Employee Relations
5: Managing Discipline and Grievance
6: Equality in Employment
7: Managing Health and Safety
8: International Human Resource Management
Part Three: HRM Processes
9: HR Planning and Measurement
10: Learning and Development
11: Performance Management
12: Managing Rewards
Part Four: Case Studies
13: Case Study: HR and the New Opening
14: Case Study: The Role of HR in Closing a Factory
15: Case Study: Reforming the HR Function