MM340-International Human Resource Management

Module Provider: International Business and Strategy
Number of credits: 20 [10 ECTS credits]
Level:6
Terms in which taught: Autumn term module
Pre-requisites:
Non-modular pre-requisites:
Co-requisites:
Modules excluded:
Current from: 2023/4

Module Convenor: Dr Rita Fontinha
Email: r.fontinha@henley.ac.uk

Type of module:

Summary module description:
This module examines how practices of managing human resources could be different across countries and explores companies’ approaches to managing their human resources in an international business context.

Aims:
To introduce students to key concepts for understanding international human resource management, to explore the practice of managing human resources in international businesses and to consider variations in the practice of managing human resources in different countries and cultures.

Assessable learning outcomes:

1. Identify and appraise the main approaches to international human resource management

2. Understand national influences on the practices of human resource management

3. Identify tensions and dilemmas in managing human resources in international business context

4. Understand human resource management approaches used by multinational enterprises

5. Critically evaluate the societal effects of human resource management practices of multinational enterprises and other organisations

Additional outcomes:
The course also aims to give students opportunities to develop cultural awareness through practical experience of, and reflection on, working in cross-cultural groups. Students are encouraged to develop and apply creative as well as critical thinking.

Outline content:

1. Introduction to IHRM & the global challenge

2. IHRM strategy: modes of global integration and local responsiveness in IHRM

3. National culture and cross-cultural integration

4. Global staffing

5. Global talent management

6. International Assignments Part 1

7. International Assignments Part 2

8. International Assignments Part 3

9. Managing a global HR function

10. Global labour regulation & corporate social responsibility

Global context:

The global context of this module is evident in the cross-cultural and comparative dimension of human resource management within multinational firms.

Brief description of teaching and learning methods:
The material will be covered through a combination of lectures, and tutorials, where different case studies will be analysed. A strong emphasis will be placed on student participation and on activities and discussions in the classroom. In case studies during lectures, companies’ approach to HRM will be presented and discussed to provide an opportunity to learn from real examples. In tutorials students will work in small groups through activities designed to increase their understanding of the co re topics outlined above, including learning by doing and using creative problem-solving techniques.

Summative assessment- Examinations:

One written examination lasting two hours.

Summative assessment- Coursework and in-class tests:

Coursework: One piece of written work of 2,000 words. Students will be required to make recommendations about a firm's approach to managing its human resources in international context with reference to the academic literature. Relative percentage of coursework: Coursework has a weight of 30% in the final assessment mark. Due during the first week of the Spring term. 

Formative assessment methods:

Feedback on group work in tutorials: Students as a group will be required to present their discussion outcomes in tutorials and feedback on the presentations will be given to improve the performance in the coursework. Written feedback will also be provided to students who submit a 300-word draft of their coursework before the submission of their actual final coursework essay.

Penalties for late submission:

Penalties for late submission of coursework will be in line with the University policy. 

Assessment requirements for a pass:
A weighted average mark of coursework and examination of 40%.

Reassessment arrangements:

By written examination only. Re-examination for Finals takes place in August/September of the same year.

Additional Costs (specified where applicable):

1) Required text books: £47.99

International human resource management (2023) Book edited by Brewster, C, Houldsworth, E, Sparrow, P, and Venron G.

Last updated: 30 March 2023