DRAFT
MEMORANDUM OF UNDERSTANDING BETWEEN THE
HUMAN RESOURCE MANAGEMENT ASSOCIATION OF BARBADOS (HRMAB) AND THE UNIVERSITY OF THE WEST INDIES, (DEPARTMENT OF
MANAGEMENT STUDIES) CAVE HILL CAMPUS
A. BACKGROUND
The Human Resource Association of Barbados (HRMAB) is the leading advocate of human resource management issues in Barbados. Its aim is to nurture the development of the nation’s human resources through the collective efforts of its members. With a current membership of over 245 human resource professionals from various sectors across the island, the Association consists of the most extensive growing network of individuals knowledgeable in all areas related to Industrial Relations, Labour Management and Human Resource Development.
The University of the West Indies, (“UWI” or “The University”) Cave Hill Campus is the leading tertiary Level institution in Barbados and the Eastern Caribbean. The mission of the University of the West Indies is to advance education and create knowledge through excellence in teaching, research, innovation public service, intellectual leadership and outreach in order to support the inclusive, (social, economic, political, cultural, environmental development of the Caribbean Region and beyond. The University has built a reputation for offering a first-rate, globally relevant education responsive to Caribbean needs, and an international reputation for impactful research on which robust policies may be established. The Department of Management Studies (DOMS) is responsible for the administration and delivery of management course (including Human Resource Management) within the campus. The MOU will be administered through DOMS and specifically via the Unit for Leadership Competitiveness and Harmony (UNLEACH).
Therefore, HRMAB and The University of the West Indies are committed to advancing the development of the economies and peoples of the Caribbean region. In particular, both institutions have a keen mutual interest in positively contributing to the sustained growth and development of a vibrant, efficient and Human Resource Management Sector in Barbados. To this end, both parties have agreed to establish mechanisms to facilitate collaboration and the development of a long-term partnership in pursuit of these objectives.
B. PURPOSE AND SCOPE
The purpose of this document is to state the terms of a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between HRMAB and The UWI that will serve as a framework for establishing and expanding cooperation and collaboration for the mutual benefit of both institutions and their stakeholders. The MOU covers the following specific areas:
o Development of the human resource practice to the level of legal recognition as a profession in Barbados and then the wider Caribbean.
o Collaborative research into Human Resource Management and leadership practices. o Support for the development of UWI students for careers in Human Resource
Management.
o Development and enhancement of the Curriculum and Course Delivery in Human Resource Management programmes and associated courses at UWI Cave Hill.
o Creation of a HR advisory committee that supports the Cave Hill Campus in reviewing HRM related programmes and courses.
o Advancement of Training for Professionals in HRM both regionally and internationally.
C. DURATION
This Memorandum is effective upon signature by both parties and shall remain in effect for five years thereafter, unless sooner terminated as provided in Clause F.
D. EXECUTING AGENCIES
Contact persons responsible for operationalising the MOU will be as follows:
1. The Executive of the HRMAB;
2. Unit for Leadership, Competitiveness and Harmony (UNLEACH), through Coordinator, Dr. Akhentoolove Corbin. UNLEACH is an approved unit of DOMS.
E. AREAS OF COLLABORATION
1. PROFESSIONALS DESIGNATION FOR HUMAN RESOURCE MANAGEMENT PRACTITIONERS
HRMAB and the DOMS are committed to ensuring that HRM practitioners are legally given professionals recognition as is the case with other professions such as law, engineering and nursing. This will involve setting high standards and establishing systems of professional development. In support of this goal:
a. UWI and HRMAB will collaborate with international HR bodies such as the Society of Human Resource Management (SHRM) and Certified Institute for Training and Development (CIPD) to develop the framework for legislation that would lead to the Human Resource Management practice being legally recognized as a profession.
b. The DOMS and HRMAB will collaboratively establish a Centre for Development of Human Resource Management Practice within the DOMS, charged with the responsibility for developing structures, systems, processes and programmes to sustain the ongoing professional development of local and regional HR professionals.
c. UWI agrees to pursue opportunities in collaboration with HRMAB for the design and delivery of fee-based postgraduate courses and seminars using the competence-based approach to training, assessment and certification to meet the specific advanced development needs of HRMAB professional and associate members.
d. HRMAB agrees to provide opportunities for members of UWI faculty to present seminars, lectures and other submissions on research at UWI or other topics of interest to its members on an ongoing basis in formal or informal sessions, making the best of delivery systems, teaching and training methods, materials, technologies and human, physical and fiscal resources.
2. THE ADVANCEMENT OF KNOWLEDGE AND UNDERSTANDING OF ISSUES AFFECTING THE PRACTICE OF HUMAN RESOURCE MANAGEMENT
Both parties are keenly interested in deepening knowledge and understanding of issues affecting the growth and development of local, regional and international business in Barbados, and the roles of HRM practice in the process. In particular, both parties have determined the need for a joint research initiative to examine the following areas inter alia:
a) Research into HR best-practice for performance excellence;
b) Conduct sector studies to determine HR management competency needs by sector;
c) Conduct research to determine needs gaps between industry and programmes being offered by the DOMS;
d) Develop and implement systems of measurement to evaluate the extent of effectiveness of the UWI HR programmes in meeting the needs of business sectors;
e) Research into HR leadership practices and effects on harmony and competitiveness in organizations.
3. THE SUPPORT AND DEVELOPMENT OF UWI STUDENTS FOR CAREERS IN HUMAN RESOURCE MANGEMENT
The UWI and HRMAB are firmly committed to promoting the importance and value of human resources management and development in creating a competitive advantage for an organisation and in the interest of national development. To that end, HRMAB will encourage UWI students to pursue careers or courses of study in the field of Human Resource Management. In particular, HRMAB is keen to assist UWI in ensuring that its graduates are not only trained in the relevant specialist areas, but are also culturally sensitive, well-rounded individuals, who are capable of taking their places as leaders and professionals. Accordingly, HRMAB and UWI agree to:
a. Facilitate the participation of members of HRMAB in UWI’s existing Mentorship and Career Counseling programmes, in particular those organised by the Office of Student Services.
b. Organise an annual HRMAB Week at UWI to promote enhanced understanding of career opportunities in the Human Resource Management field and facilitate greater interaction between UWI staff and students and members of the profession.
c. Design and implement the HRMAB UWI Internship programme to provide annual internship opportunities for UWI undergraduate and graduate students.
d. Establish the HRMAB Scholarship Programme at UWI, in which HRMAB and its member companies will fund annually scholarships to UWI undergraduate and/or graduate students to a value that will be determined by the parties.
4. THE DEVELOPMENT AND ENHANCEMENT OF THE CURRICULUM AND COURSE DELIVERY IN HUMAN RESOURCE MANAGEMENT SUBJECTS AT UWI
UWI and HRMAB are committed to ensuring that UWI students are prepared to operate to the highest international standards in the local, regional and international business sectors. In particular, both parties wish to ensure that UWI students acquire the appropriate skill sets required by the various sectors and that the UWI curriculum in areas related to business management maintains relevance and responds to the changing needs of organisations in both the public and private sectors. To this end, both parties commit to:
a. Provide HRMAB opportunities to offer professional advice and expertise in the further development of the curriculum in areas related to Human Resource Management. Specifically, UWI will enable HRMAB to participate in the Faculty of Social Sciences Curriculum Commission on relevant programmes.
b. Provide opportunities for Subject Matter Experts among HRMAB members to participate in the regular delivery of guest lectures and presentation to UWI students on an ongoing and honorary basis.
5. GRANT FUNDING
The DOMS and HRMAB are committed to sourcing grant funding to drive their research and professional development initiatives that are outlined in this MOU. Accordingly, the DOMS and HRMAB agree to:
a) Consistently develop proposals for submission to international and regional grant funding agencies such as: CEDA, USAID and EDF.
b) The DOMS and HRMAB commit to creating a team that is charged with the responsibility of developing proposals for grant funding.
F. AMENDMENT AND TERMINATION OF THE MOU
This Memorandum may be amended or modified as agreed in writing by the parties and may be terminated upon six (6) months written notice by either side, after full consultation with the other party.
G. STATUS OF THE MOU
It is recognised and accepted by the parties that this Memorandum does not create any rights, liabilities or obligations which would have binding effect in law, but the parties are expected to implement the Memorandum in good faith.
Signatures
Professor Sir Hilary Beckles
Pro Vice Chancellor and Principal HRMAB
The University of the West Indies Cave Hill Campus
