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International Human Resource Management

Module title	International Human Resource Management
Module code	BEMM059
Academic year	2024/5
Credits	15
Module staff	Dr Rossana Guttilla (Convenor)

Duration: Term	1	2	3
Duration: Weeks	10 - Sept start	10 - Jan start

Number students taking module (anticipated)	300

Module description

The aim of this module is to equip you with a solid understanding of the complexities of international human resource management (IHRM) as well as with the strategic knowledge needed to manage these complexities. The context, theory and practice of IHRM will be explored, e.g. cultural and institutional theoretical frameworks to understand differences across global contexts, comparative HRM practices around selected countries as well as challenges of managing expatriation, global staff and multi-cultural teams. The module also aims to foster critical perspectives on sustainability and ethics within the realm of IHRM by addressing CSR in Multinational companies and drawing attention to international labour practices and human rights. Aligned with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), it encourages you to reflect on how IHRM can promote ‘Decent Work and Economic Growth’ (SDG 8), and ‘Reduce Inequalities (SDG 10).

Internationalisation
This module looks at International 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
The module also aims to foster critical perspectives on sustainability and ethics within the realm of IHRM by addressing CSR in Multinational companies and drawing attention to international labour practices and human rights. Aligned with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), it encourages students to reflect on how IHRM can promote ‘Decent Work and Economic Growth’ (SDG 8), and ‘Reduce Inequalities (SDG 10).

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, as well as the IHRM director of the company ‘Energizer’. International experts/practitioners on topics relevant to the module will be invited to deliver a guest lecture.

Employability
This module enhances your employability by equipping you with essential skills and knowledge highly sought after in the global job market. Through critical analysis and practical application of international HRM concepts, you will develop a competitive edge in roles such as (International) HR managers, international recruiters, and cross-cultural advisors. Furthermore, knowledge and skills gained in the areas of managing diverse global teams, fostering adaptability and cultural sensitivity are invaluable for careers in multinational corporations, international organizations, and consulting firms. This module also equips you 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.

Module aims - intentions of the module

The aim of this module is to equip you with a solid understanding of the complexities of international human resource management (IHRM) as well as with the strategic knowledge needed to manage these complexities.  Through a combination of theoretical frameworks, case studies, and practical exercises, you will develop a comprehensive understanding of IHRM that integrates cultural sensitivity, strategic thinking, and sustainability principles. They will emerge equipped to navigate the complexities of managing human resources in a globalised world and aware of sustainable and ethical business practices.

Intended Learning Outcomes (ILOs)

ILO: Module-specific skills

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

• 1. Develop a comprehensive understanding of international human resource management (IHRM) by exploring cultural and institutional theoretical frameworks;
• 2. Appraise and compare HRM practices in selected countries to interpret the complexities and challenges of managing diverse global staff;
• 3. Advance appropriate strategical and practical solutions to address and resolve organisational problems in the international arena.

ILO: Discipline-specific skills

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

• 4. Evaluate 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;
• 5. Critically engage in debates on cultural and contextual 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...

• 6. Think analytically and conduct critical analysis of practical challenges in international human resource management;
• 7. Practise independent study skills, including research, critically assessment of the credibility of (electronic) data obtained from various sources;
• 8. Demonstrate professional communication skills;
• 9. Apply theory and conceptual frameworks to resolve practical problems as to advise colleagues and senior managers about making improvements to management systems and thinking in international organisations;
• 10. Develop awareness and be able to advise colleagues and senior managers about the value of IHRM decisions which are sustainable and ethical.

Syllabus plan

Whilst the precise content may vary from year to year, it is envisaged that the syllabus will cover all or some of the following topics: 

• Introduction to IHRM
• MNCs and HRM
• Cultural and institutional differences and diversity across countries
• Comparing HRM systems across selected areas of the world
• Strategic decision making in IHRM
• The Expatriation Cycle
• Staffing the multi-national company
• Working in Multi-Cultural teams
• Employment Relations and Sustainable and Ethical international practices.

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

Scheduled Learning and Teaching Activities	Guided independent study	Placement / study abroad
26	124	0

Details of learning activities and teaching methods

Category	Hours of study time	Description
Scheduled Learning and Teaching	20	Lectures
Scheduled Learning and Teaching	6	Seminars
Guided Independent Study	124	Reading, researching and writing assignments

Formative assessment

Form of assessment	Size of the assessment (eg length / duration)	ILOs assessed	Feedback method
Critical thinking skills through problem-solving	Case Study analysis in groups (during seminars)	3-5, 8-10, 12	Oral feedback given to the groups collectively (seminar)
Formative Comparative Group Presentations	Students will compare two allocated countries in groups in class	1-3; 5-7	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
Group Presentation	30	15 minutes	1-3, 5-7	Written
Individual written assignment	70	2,000 words	1-10	Written

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
Group Presentation	10 Minutes Individual Recorded and Narrated Presentation	1-3, 5-7	Referral/Deferral period
Written Assignment (70%)	Written Assignment (70%, 2000 words)	1-10	Referral/Deferral period

Re-assessment notes

Deferral – if you have been deferred for any assessment you will be expected to submit the relevant assessment. The mark given for a re-assessment taken as a result of deferral will not be capped and will be treated as it would be if it were your first attempt at the assessment.

Referral – if you have failed the module overall (i.e. a final overall module mark of less than 50%) you will be expected to submit the relevant assessment. The mark given for a re-assessment taken as a result of referral will be capped at 50%.

Indicative learning resources - Basic reading

Basic reading

Dowling, P.J., Festing, M., Engle, S.R. (2023). 8th Ed. International Human Resource Management. London: Cengage

Reiche, B. S., Harzing, A. W., & Tenzer, H. (Eds.). (2022). International human resource management. SAGE Publications Limited.

Reiche, B. S., Stahl, G. K., Mendenhall, M. E., & Oddou, G. R. (Eds.). (2016). Readings and cases in international human resource management. Taylor & Francis.

 

Relevant journals include (non-exhaustive list):

International Journal of Management Reviews

International Studies of Management & Organization

International Journal of Cross-Cultural Management

Cross-Cultural & Strategic 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.

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	22/03/2024