HRM EDUCATION: TRADITIONAL & PROFESSIONAL ROUTES (PART ONE)
Owing to the wealth of information we want to share with
you on this all-important topic and yet not to bore you with too much at a
time, we will serve the content in three courses, so please look out for the subsequent
parts. You will do well do read our previous article titled ‘HRM AS AN ACADEMIC
DISCIPLINE’.
Human Resource Management (HRM) is
ranked the 35th most promising career of the decade out of 800 by the Wall
Street Journal. The list, based on wages and projected annual demand provided
by the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), was released in May 2021.
When considering the study of Human Resource Management
(HRM), students have two primary options: traditional university programs and
professional education. Here's a comparison of these two paths: Traditional
University Programs:
- Undergraduate
Certifications: HR Single Subject Certificates, Diploma and HNDs.
- Bachelor's
Degrees: Offer foundational knowledge in HRM principles, practices,
and strategies.
- Master's
Degrees: Provide advanced knowledge and skills in HRM, strategic HR
planning, organizational development, and leadership.
- Ph.D.
in HRM: Focuses on research, theory development, and advanced HRM
concepts, preparing individuals for academic and research positions in HRM
or senior leadership roles in organizations.
Traditional university programs in HRM offer a comprehensive
education in the field, covering various aspects of HRM such as recruitment,
training, compensation, employee relations, and legal compliance. Various
accredited tertiary institutions offer these as regular, distant, or sandwich
modules. These programs are designed to equip students with the knowledge,
skills, and theoretical foundations necessary for a career in HRM.
Professional Education in HRM:
Professional education in HRM is designed for working
professionals who want to enhance their skills, knowledge, and credibility in
the field. Certifications and professional development courses provide a
focused and practical approach to HRM, often with immediate applicability to
the workplace. Although it developed for professionals, many of the programs
are now open to students (accessible to fresh high school graduates with basic
entry requirements and tertiary students). The following are the levels of certifications
offered:
- Certifications:
Certifications such as SHRM-CP (Society for Human Resource Management
Certified Professional) and PHR (Professional in Human Resources)
demonstrate expertise and competency in HRM. These include single subject among
the broad and varied areas of HRM. Students are able to take certificate
in labor communications. They usually take a shorter period of time than
taking the Professional Development Courses.
- Professional
Development Courses: Offer specialized training in specific HRM areas,
such as HR analytics, talent management, and diversity and inclusion.
KEY DIFFERENCES BETWEEN TRADITIONAL UNIVERSITY PROGRAMS
AND THE PROFESSIONAL EDUCATION
Many students are ignorant of the professional programs because
they aren’t offered in many of the popular traditional universities. These are
helpful guides for anyone who is making a decision on which system they want to
pursue:
- Theoretical
Foundation: Traditional university programs provide a deeper and
holistic theoretical understanding of HRM, while professional education
focuses on practical application and skill development in more specific
fields of HRM.
- Career
Stage: Traditional university programs are often pursued by those
entering the HRM field or seeking to transition into HRM, while
professional education is geared towards working professionals looking to
advance their careers or specialize in a particular area of HRM.
- Duration
and Commitment: Traditional university programs typically require a
longer commitment (2-4 years for a bachelor's degree, 1-2 years for a
master's degree), which allows for a longer period to take in the concepts
taught, while professional education can be completed in a shorter
timeframe (several months to a year) but with a lot more rigor and intense
demand.
In conclusion, traditional university programs in HRM offer
a comprehensive education in the field, while professional education provides
specialized training and certifications for working professionals. Both paths
have their advantages and are suited to different career stages and goals.
EXAMPLES OF VARIOUS HRM PROFESSIONAL COURSES AND THEIR
AWARDING INSTITUTIONS
·
Global Professional in Human Resources (GPHR)
Offered by the International Human Resource Certification
Institute (IHRCI), the GPHR is designed for HR professionals working across
international lines, focusing on multinational HR responsibilities and
strategies for organizational global growth
·
Chartered Professionals in Human Resources
(CPHR)
The CPHR certification is offered by the Chartered
Professionals in Human Resources association and is recognized across various
countries, including Canada, the United Kingdom, China, Australia, and more. It
emphasizes proficiency in HR topics such as talent management, employee
communication, and recruiting
·
Society for Human Resources Management
Certified Professional (SHRM-CP)
Offered by the Society for Human Resources Management
(SHRM), the SHRM-CP certification is intended for HR professionals with 3-4
years of HR experience. It covers a range of competencies including talent
acquisition, diversity and inclusion, and HR services delivery
·
Society for Human Resources Management Senior
Certified Professional (SHRM-SCP)
Also offered by SHRM, the SHRM-SCP certification is designed
for HR professionals with 6-7 years of HR experience. It focuses on advanced HR
competencies and strategic leadership in HR management
·
Associate Professional in Human Resources -
International (aPHRi)
Offered by the HR Certification Institute (HRCI), the aPHRi
certification is tailored for global HR professionals in the early stages of
their careers. It covers HR operations, recruiting, compensation, benefits, and
employee relations
·
Professional in Human Resources -
International (PHRi)
Also provided by HRCI, the PHRi certification is for
international HR practitioners with at least a year of HR experience. It
focuses on HR administration, talent acquisition, HR development, and employee
relations, among other areas
·
Institute of Leadership & Management
(ILM)
ILM is a UK-based professional body that provides leadership
and management qualification. It offers a range of HR-related qualifications,
including those in leadership, management, and coaching.
·
City & Guilds
City & Guilds is a UK-based vocational education and
training provider. It offers a range of HR-related qualifications, including
those in leadership, management, and business administration.
·
Pearson
Pearson is a UK-based education company that provides a
range of qualifications, including those in HR and business management. It
offers BTEC (Business and Technology Education Council) qualifications in HR
and related fields.
·
University of London
The University of London offers a range of HR-related
qualifications, including undergraduate and postgraduate degrees in HRM and
related fields.
It also offers professional certifications and diplomas in
HRM through its various colleges and institutions
·
CIPD – CHARTERED INSTITUTE OF PERSONNEL AND
DEVELOPMENT
It offers a range of professional qualifications and
certifications in HR and L&D, from entry-level to advanced levels. CIPD
qualifications are recognized internationally and are designed to help HR
professionals develop their skills and knowledge at every stage of their career.
Some of the popular CIPD qualifications include:
Ø
CIPD Foundation Certificate and Diploma in
People Practice (entry-level)
Ø
CIPD Associate Diploma in People Management
(intermediate level)
Ø
CIPD Advanced Diploma in Strategic People
Management (advanced level)
CIPD also provides a wide range of resources, events, and networking opportunities for its members to support their professional development. Membership with CIPD is seen as a mark of professionalism and credibility for HR practitioners in the UK and internationally. CIPD is at the forefront of research and thought leadership in the HR field, regularly publishing reports, guides and insights on key people management topics.
·
ICM
The Institute of Commercial Management (ICM) is a
professional body for commercial and business development managers, as well as
an examining and professional qualifications awarding body for business and
management students.
The Institute of Commercial Management (ICM) offers a range
of HRM courses for students looking to enhance their skills and knowledge in
Human Resource Management. Here are some of the HRM courses available through
ICM:
Ø Human
Resource Management with Human Resource Development:
This professional qualification from ICM provides students
with a comprehensive range of knowledge and skills in Human Resource Management
and Human Resource Development
Ø Human
Resource Development
ICM offers a Diploma, Advanced Diploma, and Graduate Diploma
in Human Resource Development, focusing on key areas such as business law,
business management, human resource development, and international business
Ø Human
Resources & Training
Emerson Education, an institute focused on career
enhancement, provides training in Human Resources and Training through ICM
courses, offering practical solutions for professional development in these
areas
·
ABMA – ASSOCIATION OF BUSINESS MANAGERS AND
ADMINISTRATORS
ABMA Education, a UK-based institution, offers professional
qualifications in Human Resource Management (HRM). Here are the key details
about their HRM courses:
Ø ABMA
Level 5 Diploma in Professional Human Resource Management
This qualification is designed to provide learners with the
opportunity to pursue a career in HRM, which is a vital function within
business. This is equivalent to the second year of a UK Bachelor's degree. It
aims to train and nurture high-level human resources that meet global
development needs and disseminate knowledge, skills, and competencies for the
advancement of organizations.
Curriculum and Focus Areas:
ABMA's HRM courses cover a wide range of topics, including
recruitment and selection, risk management, career development, performance
management, workplace safety, and more.
Ø Recognition
and Accreditation
ABMA Education's qualifications are regulated and recognized
by many prospective employers in the UK and globally.
·
ABE
The Association of Business Executives (ABE) in the UK
offers several Human Resource Management (HRM) courses as part of their
professional qualifications. Here are the key details about ABE's HRM courses:
Ø ABE
Diploma in Human Resource Management
This qualification is part of the
ABE Business Management program. It provides a specialization in HR, combined
with a high level of knowledge in general business management.
Ø Assessment
and Delivery
Units are assessed through a
combination of assignments and examinations. ABE offers an accelerated learning
model, with 3 semesters per year, allowing students to complete a level in as
little as 6 months
Ø Recognition
and Progression
ABE qualifications are officially
recognized and regulated by Ofqual (the UK government's qualifications
regulator for England). Upon completion of the ABE Diploma Level 5 or 6,
students can gain direct entry into the final year of select degree programs
offered by partner universities
·
IPED
Institute of Professional Education and Development, UK
offer a wide range of professional courses including Human Resource Management
programs in three levels (Level 4 Diploma, Level 5 Advanced Diploma and Level 6
Graduate Diploma), these qualifications are equivalent to the Ghanaian National
Diploma, Higher National Diploma and Graduate Diploma respectively.
Students can study privately through distance learning,
accessing comprehensive study materials online via the secure online library
provided by IPED UK.
Alternatively, students can choose to study with a partner
center, depending on their circumstances and location, offering flexibility in
how they access their HRM courses.
·
International Public Management Association
for Human Resources (IPMA-HR)
IPMA-HR represents the public sector human resource
professionals in the USA. It focuses on 13 areas of HR knowledge and offers
conferences, courses, and certifications to help professionals develop their
skills.
·
National Human Resources Association (NHRA)
Established in 1951, NHRA helps HR professionals at all
levels of their career through nationwide professional networking programs and
developmental services. It offers a career services platform listing open HR
positions across the country
·
Professionals in Human Resources Association
(PIHRA)
PIHRA is a California-based organization with 17 chapters in
the state. It represents over 4,000 members and provides networking, learning,
and advocacy opportunities.
·
International Association for Human Resource
Information Management (IHRIM)
IHRIM focuses on collaboration and professional
certification in HR information management. It offers the Human Resource
Information Professional (HRIP) certification program.
These global professional HRM courses offer specialized
certifications for HR professionals looking to enhance their skills, knowledge,
and expertise in the field of Human Resource Management.
A BLEND OF THE TWO BRANCHES
In recent times, the job market is gradually shifting to a position
of giving preference to applicants with professional qualification in addition
to the mainstream qualifications at the selection table. Job seekers with only
professional qualification are also recently being chosen over those just with
a traditional certification because of the many practical skills fresh
university graduates lack at a time when employing training is so expensive.
Owing to the specific advantages each branch offers its
learners and the accompanying challenges, one can plan strategically to train
in both systems provided they have the grit and financial flexibility to successfully
pursue both. These are a few ways a young student can juggle through the two:
1.
Start with the professional route and finish
in the mainstream. The Graduate Diploma program level in the professional course which is equivalent to the mainstream degree can be completed in two years should
you pass every level progressively. If you complete the Advanced Diploma which
is equivalent to an HND, you can apply for a top-up in any of the traditional
universities that accept the qualification you have and study for about two
years from level 300 – KNUST and GIMPA are known institutions that accept a
number of the professional qualifications.
2.
Start in the traditional and finish in
the professional system. For the purposes of appreciating the basis of HRM, you
can start with a degree and then go study a professional course; either to the Advanced
Diploma level or Graduate Diploma or a Post Graduate Diploma which is a master's in professional studies.
3.
Be in the traditional system and enroll
in the professional program in between your long breaks. Here, you focus on
your academic work during the semester and then register to enroll in the
professional program during the long vacation beginning from level 100 to 400,
by which time you should be done either with a Graduate Diploma or an Advanced
Diploma certificate.
4. Follow the professional path and learn from those in the traditional system. Some students combine work and school to afford their fees so a well-paced professional course will be ideal for such people. They can break down their study into blocs because students are able to register for exams when they feel ready (many programs have 4 exams sitting in the calendar year). While they do study this program, they can engage friends in the traditional universities and get their lecture notes to read and join some of their study groups for a good blend or balance. Thank you.
PLEASE WATCH OUT FOR PART TWO...
PAUL ANANG AMASAH
THE COLLEGE BUSINESS CONSULT
17th May, 2024
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