International Human Resource Management

Module title	International Human Resource Management
Module code	BEMM059
Academic year	2019/0
Credits	15
Module staff	Dr Rossana Guttilla (Convenor)

Duration: Term	1	2	3
Duration: Weeks	10

Number students taking module (anticipated)	250

Module description

Summary:

The aim of this module is to consider the context, theory and practice of international human resource management (IHRM) – with a particular focus on HRM issues in an international context as well as working abroad. The module aims to critically consider the emergence of IHRM as a discipline and its practices within a global context. Emphasis is placed on debates associated with the utilisation of human resources in an international context, including cultural differences and diversity, expatriation. It aims to analyse specific HRM areas in the international arena such as international staffing and expatriation, reward and employee retention, international labour relations as well as corporate reputation.

Additional Information:

Internationalisation

This module looks at International and Comparative Human Resource Management and how it responds to globalisation, so countries all over the world are brought into consideration. Expatriation and how companies manage their expatriated staff during international assignments is a major theme explored in this module.

Sustainability

Most of the resources for this module are available on the ELE (Exeter Learning Environment).

External Engagement

Previously, we have had the author of the text book, International and Comparative Human Resource Management, give a talk on outsourcing and off-shoring. International experts/practitioners on topics relevant to the module will be invited to deliver a guest lecture.

Employability

This module equips students with key skills for working abroad: knowing what to expect, what the pitfalls might be, what to look out for and how to do it better. They are taught about different cultures from around the world and the importance of acquiring good cultural training and appreciation before working abroad. Also, students are familiarised with the expatriation and repatriation cycle throughout the module.

Module aims - intentions of the module

Intended Learning Outcomes (ILOs)

ILO: Module-specific skills

On successfully completing the module you will be able to...

1. Describe the theoretical underpinnings of international HRM
2. Apply HR theories to HR practice with sensitivity to the international context, as well as multicultural and ethical concerns in international work-life
3. analyse the process of selecting career options and job search, with specific reference to the processes involved in successfully applying for postgraduate employment in different global contexts
4. Critically analyse HRM rhetoric, implications, and opportunities in an international context
5. Produce appropriate theoretical and practical solutions to organisational problems in the international arena

ILO: Discipline-specific skills

On successfully completing the module you will be able to...

6. Clearly explain of the importance of the competitive environment (in relation to management generally and international HRM specifically) and how changes in the external social and economic environments influence international HRM decisions
7. Engage in debates on cultural and institutional environments and their effects (in relation to management generally and international HRM specifically) with multicultural and multilingual groups of peers

ILO: Personal and key skills

On successfully completing the module you will be able to...

8. Think analytically and conduct critical analysis of practical challenges in international human resource management
9. Apply reason and justification within discussion
10. Practise independent study skills, including critically assess credibility of (electronic) data obtained from various sources
11. Demonstrate written communication skills
12. Apply theory and conceptual frameworks to practical problems

Syllabus plan

Introduction to IHRM
MNCs and HRM

Cultural differences and diversity
Institutional diversity
Expatriation
Staffing the multi-national company: recruitment and selection
International reward & employee retention
International labour relations & employee participation
Reputation in the international context

Learning activities and teaching methods (given in hours of study time)

Scheduled Learning and Teaching Activities	Guided independent study	Placement / study abroad
27	123	0

Details of learning activities and teaching methods

Category	Hours of study time	Description
Contact Hours	21	Lectures
Contact Hours	6	Seminars (2-hour seminars across three weeks)

Formative assessment

Form of assessment	Size of the assessment (eg length / duration)	ILOs assessed	Feedback method
Critical thinking skills through problem-solving of a 'real-life' case-study (commercial aspect of international human resource management)	Solving two questions in groups (during the first seminar)	3-5, 8-10, & 12	Oral feedback given to the groups collectively (seminar)

Summative assessment (% of credit)

Coursework	Written exams	Practical exams
100	0	0

Details of summative assessment

Form of assessment	% of credit	Size of the assessment (eg length / duration)	ILOs assessed	Feedback method
Individual written assignment	100	3,000 words max	1,2,6,7,11,12	Written feedback (ELE)

Details of re-assessment (where required by referral or deferral)

Original form of assessment	Form of re-assessment	ILOs re-assessed	Timescale for re-assessment
Individual written assignment	Re-submission of written assignment (100%) 3,000 words max	1-13	August Examination Period

Re-assessment notes

Students are asked to re-sit only the assessment element that they are referred or deferred.

Indicative learning resources - Basic reading

Basic reading – students are expected to own a copy of the core text:

Özbilgin, M.F., Groutsis, D., & Harvey, W.S. (2014), International Human Resource Management. Cambridge: University Press.

Relevant journals include (non-exhaustive list):

International Journal of Human Resource Management
Human Relations
Human Resource Management Review
Human Resource Management (US)
Human Resource Management Journal (UK)
International Business Review
Academy of Management Journal
Human Resource Development International
Human Resource Management Review
Journal of International Management
International Journal of Management Reviews
International Studies of Management & Organization
International Journal of Cross-Cultural Management
Cross-Cultural & Strategic Management
Scandinavian Journal of Management
Employee Relations
Journal of Global Mobility
Journal of World Business
International Journal of Intercultural Relations

Indicative learning resources - Web based and electronic resources

The module has a fully developed site on ELE where an extensive array of module materials can be found including lecture outlines, and suggested reading on a per topic basis.

http://vle.exeter.ac.uk/course/view.php?id=4693

Key words search

International human resource management, expatriates, culture, HRM practices, critical analysis, global outlook

Credit value	15
Module ECTS	7.5
Module pre-requisites	None
Module co-requisites	None
NQF level (module)	7
Available as distance learning?	No
Origin date	11/08/2014
Last revision date	08/09/2016