. . This exciting new introductory text in human resource management moves beyond a prescriptive approach to provide a holistic overview of the role of HRM in its contemporary context. Acknowledging and reflecting upon key trends in HRM, the labour market and the broader economy, the author offers critical discussion of the theoretical and practical issues surrounding HRM. Includes accessible learning features to help you best explore the material, including: - 'research', 'ethics' and 'international' insight boxes; - chapter summaries and objectives; - self-test questions; - recommended reading; - end of chapter case studies. An accompanying companion website (www.sagepub.co.uk//wilton) provides you with full-text journal articles, extended case studies, weblinks and a glossary. The website also provides an instructor's manual, PowerPoint slides and a multiple-choice test bank for lecturers. This book is essential reading for undergraduate, postgraduate and MBA students, as well as those studying for their CIPD qualifications. Nick Wilton is Senior Lecturer in HRM at Bristol Business School at the University of the West of England. Well-researched, well-written, and is clearly signposted and structured for the reader. The learning objectives at the outset of every chapter act as a clear guide for each topic explored. Additional references and further reading are also offered to the student seeking deeper knowledge. Case studies, throughout the book, bring the HRM theories to life and demonstrably link these with practice. Wilton s book is an extremely useful core text for students of HRM and a welcome addition to HRM resources" - Denise Bagley, Principal Lecturer in Human Resource Management, London South Bank University."