Book excerpt: Armstrong's Handbook of Human Resource Management is the classic text for all students and practitioners of HRM. Providing a complete resource for understanding and implementing HR in relation to the needs of the business as a whole, it includes in-depth coverage of all the key areas essential to the HR function.The 12th edition has been radically updated to create a cutting-edge textbook, which encourages and facilitates effective learning. Comprehensive online support material is provided for the instructor, student and now also the practitioner, providing a complete resource for teaching and self-learning. The text has been updated to include all the latest developments in HRM and now includes two new sections covering HR skills and toolkits.