Contemporary Issues In Strategic Human Resources Management (CSHRM)

Assessment 1: Individual Essay (30%)

Word Count: 1,500 words (+/-10%)
Due: Sunday, 26 July, 23:59 (Melbourne time)

Purpose

Analyse one HR theory/model and apply it to one contemporary SHRM issue in a real organisation.

This assessment develops your ability to connect:

Theory → Organisational Context → Strategic HR Solutions

Assessment Requirements

1. Choose an Organisation

• Current workplace, past employer, or future employer.

2. Identify ONE Contemporary SHRM Issue

Examples:

• Talent shortages
• Digital skills gaps
• Cultural transformation
• Innovation capability

3. Choose ONE Theory/Model from Weeks 1–2

1. High-Performance Work Systems
2. Organisational & Cultural Transformation
3. Strategic Workforce Planning & Talent Management
4. HRM and Innovation

4. Analyse the Issue Using Academic Literature

5. Develop 2 Evidence-Based Recommendations

Essay Structure & Word Count

Introduction (150 words)

• Define key terms
• Introduce organisation, issue, and theory/model

Body (950 words)

• SHRM role in the organisation
• Describe & analyse the SHRM issue
• Apply the chosen theory/model
• Integrate 10+ peer-reviewed sources (2016–2026)

Recommendations (250 words)

• Two well-developed, theory-aligned recommendations
• Show how leaders influence HR strategy

Conclusion (150 words)

• Summarise key insights and recommendations

What is a “Contemporary SHRM Issue”?

Choose an issue that is:

• ✓ Current (post-COVID, digitalisation, globalisation, talent shortages)
• ✓ Strategic (affects performance, capability, competitiveness)
• ✓ People-focused (skills, culture, engagement, innovation)
• ✓ Evidence-supported (you can find academic literature on it)

Examples

• Digital capability gaps
• High turnover in critical roles
• Diversity & inclusion challenges
• Cultural transformation during growth
• Workforce planning failures
• Innovation bottlenecks due to skills shortages

Rubric Marking Criteria

1. Importance of SHRM (8 pts)

Clear explanation of SHRM and organisational context.

2. Identify & Analyse SHRM Issues (6 pts)

Insightful, evidence-based analysis; challenges assumptions.

3. Apply Theory/Model (6 pts)

Strong theoretical understanding; effective application.

4. Recommendations (6 pts)

Evidence-based, practical, theory-aligned recommendations.

5. Academic Writing & Referencing (4 pts)

Professional writing; correct RMIT Harvard referencing.

Key Points to Remember

• Choose ONE organisation, ONE issue, ONE theory
• Link every section back to the chosen theory
• Use recent academic sources (2016–2026)
• Avoid description — focus on analysis
• Make recommendations practical, strategic, and theory-driven
• Follow the structure exactly
• Write clearly, logically, and professionally
• Reference everything properly (RMIT Harvard)