Teaching HRM and managerial skills with the 'living case'

The purpose of this paper is to describe and evaluate an innovative approach to teaching human resource management. The approach involves students working in small groups on a semester-long project in the form of an ongoing case-study (hereafter called the 'living case). After setting up a simulated organization complete with identification of strategies, structure and culture, students are required to make and defend a series of HR decisions in which they apply theory and classroom learning about HRM to their 'real' organization. The approach emphasizes the context of HRM decisions and helps to develop a range of both HR specific and more general management competencies. The living case develops managerial skills which have recently been identified as critical to future success in Australian organizations.