Lesson 00

WELCOME

It is a great pleasure to welcome you to this interesting online module (HRD4801). To make sure that you
share my enthusiasm for this field of study, I urge you to read this lesson carefully.

This lesson contains introductory information for the HRD4801 module. It also contains module-specific
information related to the tutorial matter for the module, the purpose and outcomes of the module, the
characteristics of the module, the framework for the module, the resources available, the lessons, the study
plan, the HRD4801 myUnisa module site, how you will be assessed in this module, the icons used, and
the success factors for the module. Refer back to this lesson as often as you need to as it will certainly make
studying this module a lot easier.

I recommend that you start studying as soon as possible, as this module is not only intensive but also
comprehensive. By beginning your studies early, you will be able to cover the module content in adequate
time and submit your assignments by the required due dates.

I look forward to interacting with you on your HRD4801 journey.

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Lesson 00

PURPOSE OF THE MODULE

The purpose of this module is to allow qualifying learners to establish, manage and maintain a strategic
HRD portfolio and strategy for an organisation, and to ensure organisational compliance with the
legislative prescripts relating to HRD.

This module is intended to deal with the training management or Learning and Development (L&D)
process at the strategic level involving a combination of explanations and demonstrations of practical
management activities. These activities are related to the development of HRD strategies, policies and
procedures in line with business strategy, sector requirements, national needs and global trends.

The module is delivered via myUnisa, the internet and peer group interaction in some of the activities.
Your lecturer will interact with the learners on myUnisa and via e-mail.

LEARNING OUTCOMES OF THE MODULE

For this module, there are several outcomes that I hope you will be able to accomplish by the end of
the module:

The specific outcomes are those outcomes that you must achieve in order to complete the module
successfully and be effective in the workplace. Assessment criteria are statements of evidence for the
achievement of a particular outcome. The assessment criteria define how well you must be able to
perform the activity described in the outcome. In other words, the assessment criteria define the
required level and quality of performance.

You will also note that integrated assessment is used which means I will assess your ability to integrate
your knowledge and skills from different parts of the lessons as well as from other sources.

You are required to achieve the following specific outcomes and assessment criteria of this
module:

SPECIFIC OUTCOMES ASSESSMENT CRITERIA

Establish and manage the HRD function in the
organisation.
Develop and implement a strategic HRD plan
for the organisation.
The HRD function is effectively established and managed
within constraints and contextual requirements and
appropriate financial, physical and human resources (eg.
HRD management of vendors) are sufficiently allocated and
monitored.
A strategic HRD plan is coherently developed and
implemented by using different methods of analysis,
integration and benchmarking.

Establish liaison with HRD stakeholders for
wide consultation.
Formulate and monitor HRD policies
procedures in the organisation.
Implement and evaluate the HRD strategy
in the organisation.
Continuous liaison with relevant stakeholders for wise
consultation is established according to their needs by
following a participative approach.
and Appropriate HRD policies and procedures are formulated
and continuously monitored in accordance with legislation,
business needs and overall organisational strategy.
The HRD strategy is implemented and evaluated using
appropriate guidelines and a policy framework.

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Lesson 00

The HRD strategy is aligned with the overall business

strategy, sector needs, national imperatives and global
trends.

Inputs from various sources are incorporated into the

implementation and evaluation process.

Develop a plan to transform an organisation to a An appropriate plan is developed to transform an

learning organisation. organisation into a learning organisation on the basis of the
organisational culture and overall business performance
using open distance e-electronic learning (ODeL) mode of
delivery consistency with the fourth industrial revolution.

Develop and implement a performance An appropriate performance consulting approach and

consulting approach and process in the process are developed and implemented in the workplace
workplace. by applying the human performance technology (HPT)
methodology.

Apply the return on investment (ROI) process to The ROI process is applied accurately in order to make
measure the financial and business impact of sound judgments on the financial impact of HRD
strategic HRD interventions and practices. interventions.

The financial and business impact of HRD interventions and

practices is effectively measured.

The ROI of HRD intervention is measured by accurately

Establish and implement a Quality Management
System (QMS) in HRD in an organisation as part
of the strategic HRD process.
applying relevant ROI formulae and contemporary theories
on ROI.
An appropriate QMS in HRD in an organisation is
established and implemented in line with internal and
external imperatives.

The successful implementation of an appropriate QMS in

HRD is critically evaluated.
Establish HRD governance in an organisation. Effective HRD governance is established in an organisation
in line with legislative compliance and performance issues
thereof within a strategic HRD context.

Apart from the specific outcomes, there are also critical cross-field outcomes (based on the National
Qualification Framework (NQF) that you have to achieve. Critical cross-field outcomes refer to the broad,
generic cross-field outcomes that all qualifications and standards should aim to promote. The critical
cross-field outcomes can be applied in the HRD field as follows:

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Lesson 00
CRITICAL CROSS-FIELD OUTCOMES
Critical outcomes
1. Identify and solve problems in
which responses indicate that
responsible decisions using
critical and creative thinking
have been made.
2. Work effectively with others as
a member of a team, group,
organisation or community.
3. Organise and manage yourself
and your activities
responsibly and effectively.
4. Collect, analyse organise and
evaluate information critically.
5. Communicate effectively by
using visual, mathematical
and/or language skills in the
modes of oral and/or written
persuasion.
Learning opportunity
The learners obtain case studies
in which they have to solve
particular HRD problems.
The learners have to apply
various aspects of HRD to their
organisation and may conduct
interviews with managers and
request information, support and
feedback from co-workers,
thereby engaging in teamwork.
The learners have to plan and
complete their assignments and
online activities and manage their
time.
The learners have to write
assignments which may often
include memorandums and
reports.
The learners have to write
assignments which may often
include memorandums and
reports.
HRD practitioner application
In the work situation, the HRD
practitioner is expected to identify
HRD problems and apply creativity to
develop solutions and interventions.
The HRD practitioner works as a
member of the HRD team and is a
team member of the whole
organisation.
HRD practitioners have many tasks
to complete, for example, workplace
skills plans.
The HRD practitioner conducts a
needs analysis prior to developing
an HRD intervention.
HRD practitioners communicate with
learners, line managers, suppliers and
Sector Education and Training
Authorities (SETAs). They use letters,
memorandums, reports,
presentations, e-mails and notices.
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Lesson 00
6. Use science and technology
science and technology
effectively, showing
responsibility towards the
environment and the
health of others.
7. Demonstrate an under-
standing of the world as a set
of related systems by
recognising that problem-
solving contexts do not exist
in isolation.
8. Contribute to the full personal
development of each learner
and the social and economic
development of society at
large, by making it the
underlying intention of any
programme to make an
individual aware of the
importance of the following:
• using a variety of strategies
to learn more effectively.
• participating as responsible
citizens in the life of local,
national and global
communities.
• being culturally and
aesthetically sensitive across
a range of social contexts.
• exploring education and
career opportunities.
• developing entrepreneurial
opportunities.
The learners will apply the
science of HRD when completing
the assignments. They will also
be able to use computers and the
internet to search for information.
The module is delivered online
and learners engage in various
online activities.
The assignments focus on the
role of HRD in adding value to the
whole organisation. The learners
should view HRD problems from a
systems perspective.
The achievement of the outcomes
will develop a number of skills that
can be used in various contexts.
The learners may use activities,
case studies and the internet may
be used.
Internet sites provide an
opportunity to learn more about
institutes and legislation.
The learners can specialise in
HRD.
The learners can become HRD
consultants or HRD providers.
The HRD practitioner uses the science
of HRD, for example, the HRD process
and technology such as e-learning.
HRD practitioners are challenged in
the work situation to show how they
can contribute to the bottom line of the
business.
By keeping abreast of HRD best
practices, HRD practitioners are busy
developing themselves and
empowering others.
There is the learning organisation,
the internet and the networks.
HRD practitioners interpret legislation
(e.g. Skills Development Amendment
Act) and participate in Adult Basic
Education and Training (ABET).
All learning programmes should reflect
diversity and equity, and deliver quality
training.
The learners should be informed about
education and careers.
The learners should be helped to
develop entrepreneurial skills.
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 Lesson 00

CRITICAL CROSS-FIELD OUTCOMES

The first column indicates the critical outcomes as prescribed by the NQF. The second column indicates
the learning opportunity you will be afforded this year to apply the critical outcomes as a learner of this
module. The last column deals with the application of all the critical outcomes in practice, in other words,
the context in which an HRD practitioner should apply the critical outcomes.

SCHEDULE FOR THE MODULE

Plan your personal study programme in such a way that you are able to work through all the lessons, have
time to complete the activities and self-assessment assignments, and also have sufficient time to spend on
your preparation for the assignments. You can develop your own study schedule that can assist you in
methodically working through the learning material throughout the duration of the learning period.

However, remember that the assignment due dates are set. In some instances, there are also set time limits
for some activities. So, regardless of the schedule that you develop, you must keep to these dates.

The average student will need approximately 240 hours to complete this module successfully. This includes
the time needed to read the lessons, read relevant subject-related material, complete activities and
assignments, conduct research and make summaries. These hours do not include the time you will have to
spend on reading up on undergraduate study material. Keep in mind, though, that your study programme
will be influenced by your own personal circumstances and needs.

HOW TO APPROACH THIS MODULE

You can find almost all of the information that you will need for this module on the HRD4801 myUnisa
module site. This tutorial letter is merely to guide you on where to start and what to do. As mentioned above
it’s really important for you to connect to myUnisa and to use the site and the internet regularly.

To get you started and to assist you with HRD4801 I have included a step-by-step process below:

1. Read this tutorial letter together with the study guide.

2. Activate your myLife e-mail account.
3. Go to the website https://my.unisa.ac.za and register to use myUnisa.
4. Visit the HRD4801 module site by clicking on HRD4801-23-Y1 in the orange tabs across the top of the
webpage. Remember to also check in the “more” drop-down menu if you cannot find it.
5. Read the welcome page.
6. Visit the site regularly to engage in the discussion forums, submit assignments and receive feedback,
download study material, etc.
You may also contact me via the course contact option on myUnisa

ASSESSMENT

Assignments (Formative Assessment)

In this module, your competence will be assessed by means of seven (7) assignments for this module. Each of
the assignments contributes a certain percentage (indicated as a weight) towards your final mark, so you
can manage your own learning throughout the year. Pay attention to the assessment criteria for each
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assignment as these criteria will help you understand what is required of you.

There are non-negotiable submission deadlines for each of these assignments:

Contribution to final
Assignment number Type of assessment
mark (weight)
Written (essay-type questions, case
01 20%
study/scenarios)
02 10% Online assessment: MCQs
Written (essay-type questions, case
03 20%
study/scenarios)
04 15% Online assessment: MCQs
Written (essay-type questions, case study/
05 20%
literature review)
06 15% Online assessment: MCQs
Written (essay-type questions, case
07 20%
study/scenarios)

IMPORTANT NOTE: Because this is an online module, the assignments are not
provided in this tutorial letter. Instead, the assignments will be made available online
two weeks before the due date. An announcement will be sent each time an
assignment is uploaded. You will see them when you visit the myUnisa module site for
HRD4801. Please pay special attention to the instructions and rules of each
assignment.

Please note that the assignments are not available upfront; they will only be released on myUnisa two
weeks before each due date.

SUBMISSION OF ASSIGNMENTS

Submit all your assignments online via myUnisa.

There are two types of assignments for HRD4801 – online assessments and written assessments.
For online assessments (quiz):
• Click on the relevant Assessment on the course homepage and read the information to ensure that
you have accessed the correct assignment.
• Click on the Attempt Quiz Now button.
• Read every question carefully and select the correct or most appropriate answers from the options
provided. Once you have answered a question, click on Next Page at the bottom of the page to continue
to the next question.
• Once you have finished your attempt, click on Finish attempt at the bottom of the page.
• The Summary of Attempt page allows you to review your answers and points out the questions that
you have not answered.

• If you have missed a question, click on the question number on Return to attempt and go back to the
quiz.
Once you have answered all the questions and are satisfied with your attempt, click on Submit all and
finish to have your assignment graded. The message “You can no longer change your answers” will
then appear.
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For written assessments:

The assignment must be submitted as a single document in PDF on the myUnisa module site. Guidelines to
complete written assignments:

• Click on the relevant assessment on the course homepage and read the information to ensure that you
are at the correct assignment.
• Once you have clicked on the selected assessment, it will take you to the submission screen where it
will give you basic information about the assignment.
• Click on Add Submission at the bottom right of the submission page.
• You will be directed to the actual assignment submission page where you will be required to attach the
assignment and upload it onto myUnisa.
• Once you have uploaded your answer file, click on Save Changes.
• You will now be directed to a Submission Status page where you will see the submission status of
your assignment and the actual file submission.

PLEASE NOTE: You cannot download the assignment to complete on paper and then submit via post.
It has to be completed online.

For HRD4801, we only accept PDF files. Please ensure that the PDF is not secured or protected,
otherwise, it will be returned unmarked and you may miss the deadline.

EXTENSION FOR THE SUBMISSION OF ASSIGNMENTS

No extension for the submission of the assignments will be granted.

FEEDBACK ON ASSIGNMENTS
Feedback on the assignments will be available/released online, via the HRD4801 module site, approximately
two/or three weeks after the due date.

The assignments and feedback on the assignments are an important part of your learning experience at Unisa
and should help you to be better prepared for the next assignment.

FINAL MARK
HRD4801 is a “continuous assessment module” and therefore does not make use of a final summative
assessment (examination). Instead, for this module, all your online assignments during the year will contribute
towards your final mark. Each assignment contributes a certain percentage (indicated as a weight) towards
your final mark for the module, so you can manage your own learning throughout the year.
The benefits of continuous assessment include:
• You will not be required to write a formal examination at the end of the year.
• You will not have to wait until the end of the year to show that you have mastered the learning outcomes
of the module.
• You can track your progress throughout the year.
• By completing all the assignments, you will master all the module outcomes.

There will be several assignments for this module that will contribute towards your final mark for this module.
All the assignments are online, which you will either complete or upload on myUnisa. Pay attention to the

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assessment criteria for each assignment, as these criteria will help you to understand what is required of you.

The assessment plan was set up as follows:

The module offers a total of seven (7) assessment opportunities, but only six (6) will contribute to the students’
final mark. The seven (7) assessment opportunities are structured as follows:

The Elective Group consists of four assessments (01, 03, 05 and 07). Three (3) assessments for which the
highest mark is obtained will contribute 60% (20% each) towards the student’s final mark.

Assessments 02, 04 and 06 are mandatory assessments for this module.

Below is an example of how you can calculate your final mark for the module:

Example: Calculation of final mark

Assessment type Assignment contribution to final

Assignment number
mark (weight)
01 (Elective) Written 20%
02 (Mandatory) MCQs 10%
03 (Elective) MCQs 20%
04 (Mandatory) Written 15%
05 (Elective) Written 20%
06 (Mandatory MCQs 15%
07 (Elective) Written 20%

You will need a final mark of 50% or more to pass this module.

PLEASE NOTE: There is no supplementary opportunity for HRD4801. Monitor your performance
and assignment marks throughout the year and adjust your performance as necessary. If your final
mark is less than 50%, you will have to re-register for the module.

REFERENCES TO LINKS AND THE WORLDWIDE WEB

If you have access to a computer that is linked to the internet, you can quickly access resources and
information at the university. The myUnisa learning management system is the university's online campus
that will help you communicate with your lecturers, with other students and with the administrative
departments at Unisa – all through the computer and the internet.

You can start at the main Unisa website at http://www.unisa.ac.za and then click on the myUnisa orange
block. This will take you to the myUnisa website. To go to the myUnisa website directly, go to
https://my.unisa.ac.za. Click on the Claim UNISA Login on the right-hand side of the screen on the myUnisa
website. You will then be prompted to give your student number in order to claim your initial myUnisa details
as well as your myLife e-mail login details.

Check your myLife e-mails regularly because all announcements and other module-related
communication will be sent to this address.
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Refer to the Study @ Unisa brochure for more information on myUnisa. As mentioned above, this is essential
for this module. To access myUnisa go to http://my.unisa.ac.za.

On the HRD4801 module site myUnisa module site, you will find many tools that include among others, a
link to contact your lecturer and also under Additional Resources and Official Study Material you will find
the necessary study material to achieve the learning outcomes of the module.

CONCLUDING REMARKS

Do not hesitate to contact me should you experience any problems with the content of this study guide or
any aspect of the module. My contact details are available in the tutorial letter HRD4801/101.

I wish you a fascinating and satisfying journey through the learning material and trust that you will complete the
module successfully.

Enjoy the journey!

Dr Tebogo Molotsi
Department of Human Resource Management
Unisa

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