People Management in an International Context
| Module title | People Management in an International Context |
|---|---|
| Module code | BEM1068DAZ |
| Academic year | 2025/6 |
| Credits | 15 |
| Module staff | Dr Elizabeth Babafemi (Lecturer) |
| Duration: Term | 1 | 2 | 3 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Duration: Weeks | 10 |
| Number students taking module (anticipated) | 50 |
|---|
Module description
This module is designed to provide people practitioners with the necessary knowledge and understanding to effectively manage people in an international context.
Module aims - intentions of the module
You will examine contextual factors relating to managing people from an international perspective and assess the drivers and benefits of employment in an international context. You will explain how convergent and divergent approaches can shape policy and practice and learn about the factors relevant in selecting and resourcing people with a specific skillset, as well as the challenges and cultural differences to consider. Additionally, you will evaluate the reasons expatriates are used for international working and the formation of appropriate policies and processes for selecting, preparing, and managing overseas repatriation.
Intended Learning Outcomes (ILOs)
ILO: Module-specific skills
On successfully completing the module you will be able to...
- 1. Describe people practice from an international perspective
- 2. Explain the challenges of people practice in an international context.
- 3. Describe the role and function of people practice in an international context.
- 4. Explain the process and benefits of managing expatriates.
ILO: Discipline-specific skills
On successfully completing the module you will be able to...
- 5. Explain the role of context in people management
ILO: Personal and key skills
On successfully completing the module you will be able to...
- 6. Advise on application of policy, regulation, and law for HR issues.
- 7. Communicate information through appropriate channels to enable key stakeholders to understand what is required
Syllabus plan
Introduction to module including key terms and assessment criteria.
An examination the contextual factors of an international organisation.
An assessment of the drivers and benefits of employment in an international context.
Explain the convergent or divergent approaches to inform people management policy and practice choices.
An assessment of the factors to be considered when selecting and resourcing staff for international assignments.
Why people practices can vary across international boundaries.
The cultural and institutional differences to be considered when managing international people practice.
The role and function of people practice in an international organisational context.
How people practices and policies are shaped by the international context.
The reasons that companies use expatriates for international working.
The process for selecting, preparing, and managing expatriates for overseas relocation for work.
How people practice can support re-entry and resettlement of overseas workers.
Learning activities and teaching methods (given in hours of study time)
| Scheduled Learning and Teaching Activities | Guided independent study | Placement / study abroad |
|---|---|---|
| 36 | 90 |
Details of learning activities and teaching methods
| Category | Hours of study time | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Scheduled Learning and Teaching Activities | 36 | 2 online masterclass days and 4 online webinars |
| Guided Independent Study | 60 | Reading, research, web based activities on ELE |
Formative assessment
| Form of assessment | Size of the assessment (eg length / duration) | ILOs assessed | Feedback method |
|---|---|---|---|
| Answer sheet plan | 750 words | 1-7 | Written via ELE |
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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Answers to a series of questions based on a given scenario | 100 | 3900 words | 1-6 | written |
| 0 | ||||
| 0 | ||||
| 0 | ||||
| 0 | ||||
| 0 |
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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| As per original | 3900 words | 1-7 | 6 weeks |
Re-assessment notes
Only those assessment criteria which are not passed will be re-assessed.
Indicative learning resources - Basic reading
Basic reading:
Taylor, S. and Woodhams, C. (eds). (2022) Studying human resource management. 3rd ed. London: CIPD Kogan Page.
Armstrong, M. Taylor, S. (2020) Armstrong’s Handbook of Human Resource Management Practice. 15th Ed Kogan Page.
Brewster, C. Houldsworth, E, Sparrow, P and Vernon, G (2023) International Human Resource Management. 5th Ed Kogan Page.
Edwards, T. Rees, C. (2017) International Human Resource Management: Globalization, National Systems & Multinational Companies. 3rd Ed. Pearson.
Hofstede, G. (2001) Comparing Values, Behaviours, Institutions and Organizations Across Nations. 2nd Ed. Sage.
Web-based and electronic resources:
www.cipd.co.uk Website of the Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development (CIPD), Knowledge Hub.
Other resources:
Exeter University Electronic Learning Environment (ELE)
| Credit value | 15 |
|---|---|
| Module ECTS | 7.5 |
| NQF level (module) | 4 |
| Available as distance learning? | Yes |
| Origin date | 14/02/2025 |
