The contemporary environment within which human resource development (HRD) is practiced
is changing and this has implications for how HRD is understood and interpreted. Globalisation
and the ideas of the learning society and knowledge-based economy have led to an increasing
emphasis on high skills and a growing interconnectedness of societies. The influence of these
issues on organisations and societies are wide-ranging, diverse, and creates complex and
shifting contexts for HRD theory and policy.
Drawing on what you have learned in this course so far, and from your independent study,
critically explore the changing meaning of HRD in contemporary contexts, highlighting the
importance of the concept in advancing socio-economic and human development, especially in
the global South. Provide policy suggestions on how these contributions can be better
enhanced.
General Instruction
• The paper should be written in proper narrative form. It should include an
introduction, a supporting body of information and a conclusion. The paper should be
written in your own original words.
• Your response should be supported by examples, relevant data and research.
• The paper should include a cover sheet that contains your student ID and table of
contents. Please DO NOT include your name on the coversheet or anywhere else.
• The paper should include a list of references.
Sources and Referencing
If you use any outside sources, please cite them using the Harvard referencing format. Please
only include works that were actually cited in your essay in the reference list. If you are
unsure about how to use Harvard format to cite your sources, please see the following
resources provided by the John Rylands Library:
http://subjects.library.manchester.ac.uk/referencing/referencing-harvard