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

thecollegebc@gmail.com

17th May, 2024    

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