Unit Title International Human Resource Management Programme(s)/Course MSc International Human Resources
MA International Management
MSc International Health Services Management
Level 7
Semester 1
Ref No: BBM-7-HRM
Credit Value 20 CAT Points
Student Study hours Contact hours: 60 Student managed learning hours: 140 Pre-requisite learning None
Co-requisites None
Excluded combinations
None
Unit Coordinator Dr John Opute
Email: [email protected] Parent Department Management
Parent Course Description [100 words max]
This unit brings together knowledge, understanding, different interpretations and critical analysis of the contexts and issues relating to international human resource management. Current personnel and development trends such as managing a diverse workforce in international organisations are explored. In addition, the context of international personnel and development are examined, e.g. different employment systems and national cultures. These areas are critically examined with the firm/organisation as the main focus of analysis. Students are given the opportunity to utilise critical thinking by taking part in seminar activity and by successfully completing the essay and the examination.
JACS Code
Aims To provide students with a knowledge and critical understanding of:
International trends and developments of personnel and development;
HRM within international firms; Intercultural management;
Comparative approaches to management and HRM; The international context of personnel and development. To enable students to critically understand the concepts and theories, recent developments in international personnel & development will be examined and analysed.
Learning outcomes Knowledge and Understanding:
On completion of the unit, graded assignment and examination questions students will have a critical understanding of
International HRM concepts and theories, International HRM trends and developments, Comparative management and HRM practices.
Intellectual Skills:
On completion of the unit, graded assignments and examination questions students will be able to:
Critically apply the concepts and theories examined to practical personnel & development problems;
Critically evaluate HRM trends and developments;
Demonstrate a critical knowledge and awareness of varying international perspectives and practices of management and HRM;
Provide informed comment on the implications for human resource managers of the economic, political and cultural contexts of different countries and economic regions.
Practical Skills:
On completion of the unit students will be able to:
Demonstrate autonomy in planning and managing resources and processes, an awareness of a critical dimension in the production of a written assignment; Analyse and solve problems in the content of class
answers in addition to the graded assignment and examination questions;
Study based on independently learning by reading in preparation for seminars and for the graded assignment and examination questions;
Diagnose and develop solutions for complex international HR issues both systematically and creatively – and communicate their conclusions and operational implications to specialist and non-specialist audiences; Continue to advance their knowledge, understanding and
to develop new skills to a high level.
Transferable Skills:
On completion of this unit students will be able to:
Participate within seminar groups, demonstrating appropriate skills such as self-appraisal, reflection on practice, planning and management of learning, problem solving, interactive and group skills, communication and
presentation.
Demonstrate communication skills via class discussion, short group presentations based on selected seminar handouts and assignments;
Demonstrate IT skills by accessing electronic journal databases in researching for seminar presentations, graded assignment and examination preparation;
Exercise interpersonal skills developed during cross cultural group work and seminar discussions;
Decision-making in complex and unpredictable situations; Critical and analytical thinking;
Research and presentation skills
The independent learning ability required for continuing professional development.
Employability ‘International Human Resource Management’ is a core unit for the MSc Human Resources (Part-time, International Pathway), the MSc International Human Resources (Full-time) and the MA International Management degrees and as such it is considered to be an essential foundation for an understanding of international business practices, problems and strategies with specific reference to human resource management issues. It therefore adds to the employability of students who wish to pursue a career in international business and in international organizations. Teaching & Learning
Pattern
The lecture (2 hours per week) programme will set the
framework for the course and an interactive session /
seminar (2 hour per week) will develop the material covered
in the lectures by means of group discussions, exercised,
and case study work.
Students are expected to attend ALL lectures and seminars.
…
Indicative content
HRM practices in important economic regions in the
world such as the European Union, USA and South -
East and East Asia;
General personnel & development issues and
problems in international firms;
Human resource strategies and practices;
Personnel and development issues with regards to -
international mergers & acquisitions
international joint-ventures
cross-cultural management
management development
Assessment method (Please give details – elements, weightings,
sequence of
elements, final component)
Essay Assignment - One essay assignment of no less than 2500 and no more than 3,000 words is to be produced by each student. This element will attract 95 per cent of the course component leaving 5 marks to reward good performance in group seminar presentation (below).
One three-hour examination, answering 3 questions out of 6. Weighting 50% assignment and 50% examination
In addition to the formal assessment, students will present an ungraded seminar.
Group seminar presentation- - Duration 15 minutes. Topics to be allocated during week 2. Up to 5 marks available for good presentations.
Indicative Reading CORE READING:
Beardwell, J & Claydon, T (2010) Human Resource Management - A Contemporary Approach, FT / Prentice Hall
Briscoe, D R & Schuller, R S & Claus, L (2009) International Human Resource Management: policies and practices for multinational enterprises, Routledge
Edwards, T & Rees, C (2011) International human resource management: globalization, national systems and multinational companies, FT/Prentice Hall
Harzing, A W & Ruysseveldt, J V (2004) International Human Resource Management, Sage
Scullion, H & Linehan, M (2005), International Human Resource Management, (Eds.), Palgrave Macmillan
OPTIONAL READING:
Adler, N J (1997) International Dimensions of Organizational Behavior (3rd),ITP
Andrews, T, Baldwin, B J & Chompursi, N (2002) The Changing Face of Multinationals un South East Asia, Routledge
Brewster, C, Mayrhofer, W & Morley, M (2004) Human Resource Management in Europe, Evidence of Convergence, Elsevier Hack-Polay, D (2010) Reframing the Business Context, Pearson Harris, H, Brewster, C & Sparrow, P (2004) International Human Resource Management, CIPD
Kamoche, K et al. (2004) Managing Human Resources in Africa, Routledge
Other Learning Resource:
Students are expected to keep abreast of current trends and developments by regularly consulting the relevant journals (e.g. International Journal of Cross Cultural Management, International Journal of HRM) and periodicals, CD ROMs and reputable online resources. It is advised to regularly check the Blackboard Site for additional resources.
