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Human Resource Management in an International Context

  • Module code: BH5102
  • Year: 2018/9
  • Level: 5
  • Credits: 30
  • Pre-requisites: None
  • Co-requisites: None

Summary

This module considers the issues involved in the management of people in an international context. You will explore how national and regional differences in political, economic and social contexts impact on the employment relationship, You will also evaluate contemporary policies and practices to identify the human resource opportunities and challenges which face international enterprises in the 21st century. Emerging trends in global leadership and teams, the war for talent, the quest for the well-being of individuals and the need for work practices which are sustainable will be emphasized.

Aims

  • to provide an international perspective on human resource management using cultural, institutional and organisational lenses
  • to understand the policies and practices of managing a global labour force in multinational companies as well as other organisations grappling with the global shortage of talent
  • to increase awareness of the social, political, ethical and practical issues involved in doing business in the international sphere
  • to outline, and contribute to, ongoing debates on labour issues and emerging trends in globalisation and international context.

Learning outcomes

On successful completion of the module, students will be able to:

  • understand the conceptual, cultural and socio-economic framework within which international human resource management takes place.
  • analyse the policy requirements of organisations in the key areas of HRM including employee resourcing, performance management and talent management.
  • evaluate strategies and procedures appropriate to both organisational needs and good practice in international human resource management taking account of different national traditions.
  • identify changes in 21st people management owing to the forces of globalization.

Curriculum content

  • HRM and the 21st century global context
  • Influence of national cultures, institutions and organisations
  • Transfer of HRM policies and practices across boundaries
  • HRM in international JVs, mergers and acquisitions, and emerging forms of international collaboration
  • Global Staffing and international assignments
  • Global learning and development
  • Global performance management and compensation
  • International mobility and global careers
  • Corporate social responsibility and international employee representation
  • Emerging trends such as global leadership, teams, talent management, and well-being

Teaching and learning strategy

This module is delivered by means of interactive in-class sessions and independent study. There is an emphasis on experiential learning which dovetails with academic concepts to engage students in deep learning. Examples of practical in-class activities include digital media downloads, case study analyses, and knowledge-sharing of academic reading.  These will be used to stimulate debate and further shared and individual learning.

In-class and independent study will be supported by directed reading/handout materials. Canvas will be used as a principal means of communication and to circulate teaching and reading materials as well as provide links to electronic and video/audio resources.

Due to the experiential nature of the learning on this degree, and the importance of professional development enabling students to develop practical skills, learn from and interact with others, attendance is compulsory. Any students not attending a minimum of 80% of their timetabled sessions will be at risk of academic failure or termination from the course.

Breakdown of Teaching and Learning Hours

Definitive UNISTATS Category Indicative Description Hours
Scheduled learning and teaching 18 interactive sessions 20 interactive sessions 54 (KH) 60 (Mumbai)
Guided independent study 246 (KH) 240 (Mumbai)
Total (number of credits x 10) 300

Assessment strategy

The module is assessed via three elements designed to build learning and confidence across the module. A multiple choice test assesses general knowledge across module topics, the written report develops understanding of the policies and practices needed to manage the global workforce, and the poster presentation promotes awareness of the ethical challenges and labour debates involved in doing business in the international sphere. Formative feedback occurs in-class on a weekly basis through activities such as WorldUpdate Summative feedback occurs at several points across the module. Both forms of feedback are designed to support cumulative learning and the building of confidence.

Mapping of Learning Outcomes to Assessment Strategy (Indicative)

Learning Outcome Assessment Strategy
1) understand the conceptual, cultural and socio-economic framework within which international human resource management takes place. MCQ, Report, Presentation
2) analyse the policy requirements of organisations in the key areas of HRM including employee resourcing, performance management and talent management. MCQ, Report, Presentation
3) evaluate strategies and procedures appropriate to both organisational needs and good practice in international human resource management taking account of different national traditions. MCQ, Report, Presentation
4) identify changes in 21st people management owing to the forces of globalization. MCQ, Report, Presentation

Elements of Assessment

Description of Assessment Definitive UNISTATS Categories Percentage
MCQ Written exam 30%
Individual Report Coursework 50%
Group Poster Presentation Practical exam 20%
Total (to equal 100%) 100%

Achieving a pass

It IS NOT a requirement that any element of assessment is passed separately in order to achieve an overall pass for the module.

Bibliography core texts

Dowling, P., Festing, M., & Engle, A.D. (2013)) International Human Resource Management Cengage EMEA.

Bibliography recommended reading

Bamber, G., Lansbury, R., Wailes, N., & Wright, C.F. (eds.) (2016) International and Comparative Employment Relations: National Regulation, Global Changes, London: Sage.

Brewster, C., Houldsworth, E., Sparrow, P., & Vernon, G. (2016) International Human Resource Management, London: CIPD.

Crawley, E and Swailes, S. and Walsh. D (2013) Introduction to International Human Resource Management, Oxford: Oxford University Press

Dicken, P. (2014) Global Shift: Mapping the Changing Contours of the World Economy. London: Sage.

Edwards, T., Rees, C. (2011) International Human Resource Management: Globalization, National Systems and Multinational Companies, Harlow: Pearson.

Harzing, A-W., & Pinnington, A. (eds.) (2014) International Human Resource Management, London: Sage.

Ozbilgin, M., Tatli, A., &  Jonsen, K. (2015)Global Diversity Management: An Evidence-based Approach. Basingstoke: Palgrave Macmillan

Thomas, D.C., & Lazarova, M.B. (2014). Essentials of International Human Resource Management: Managing People Globally. London: Sage

Varma, A., & Budhwar, P. (eds.) (2014) Managing Human Resources in Asia-Pacific, London:Taylor & Francis

Journals and & Periodicals

Asia Pacific Journal of Management

Cross-cultural and Strategic Management

European Business Review

Human Resource Management, the Journal

Human Relations

Human Resource Management Journal

International Journal of Human Resource Management

International Journal of Cross-cultural Management

International Journal of Management Reviews

Journal of Global Mobility: The home of expatriate management

Journal of International Business Studies

Journal of International Management

Journal of Management

Journal of Management Studies

Journal of World Business

Management International Review

Scandinavian Journal of Management

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