MMM079-Comparative Human Resource Management

Module Provider: International Business and Strategy
Number of credits: 20 [10 ECTS credits]
Level:7
Terms in which taught: Autumn term module
Pre-requisites:
Non-modular pre-requisites:
Co-requisites:
Modules excluded:
Current from: 2019/0

Email: w.haak-saheem@henley.ac.uk

Type of module:

Summary module description:

To introduce students to key concepts necessary for their understanding and practice of human resource management in different national contexts. 

Aims:

To introduce students to key theoretical concepts necessary for their understanding of comparative human resource management. In addition to focusing on the key factors which account for the variation in the management of human resources in different countries and cultures.? The module will also consider a range of HRM practices from a comparative perspective. 

Assessable learning outcomes:

By the end of the course students should be able to:

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


2. Assess theories of cultural difference and institutional theory and appraise their implications for HRM theory and practice.


3. Describe in detail some of the HR practices used by different countries such as recruitment and selection, training and development, performance management and rewards. Demonstrate awareness of some of challenges of application of these HR practices in different contexts.

Additional outcomes:

The course also aims to encourage students to develop cultural awareness through practical experience of, and reflection on, working in cross-cultural groups. 

Outline content:

1. The challenges of HRM in context 


2. Convergence vs. divergence of HRM 


3. Cultural perspectives on HRM practices 


4. Institutional perspectives on HRM practices 


5. Comparative HRM practices: the case of selected countries 


6. Comparative approaches to Communication and involvement 


7. Comparative practice in resourcing 


8. Comparative practice in development 


9. Comparative practice in performance management 


10. Comparative practice in reward 

Global context:

Students will work in teams to apply theory to a global context of their choice in relation to human resource management practice.? 

Brief description of teaching and learning methods:

Lectures are used to provide the knowledge base in conjunction with independent reading. Students will be expected to share their ideas and contribute to classroom discussions in lectures and in tutorials. Group work is a key element of this module and students will need to work with their group to share their assessed work. The cross-cultural nature of the student body is also used as a learning resource, by requiring students to work in cross-cultural groups and to reflect on their experiences. 

Summative assessment- Examinations:

One two hour final examination in summer term

Summative assessment- Coursework and in-class tests:

Students submit coursework in the Autumn term accounting for 50% of the module mark. The Coursework comprises a group presentation and group log of no more than 1500 words. These elements comprise 30% of module mark.  In addition students submit an individual written summary accounting for 20% for which the word limit is 2000 and the focus is upon theoretical learning and personal development from the group presentation. Word limits for written work in this module are +/- 10%

The coursework is all submitted in week 11.

Formative assessment methods:

Lectures and seminars contain interactive exercises and these allow for formative feedback.

Penalties for late submission:
Penalties for late submission on this module are in accordance with the University policy. Please refer to page 5 of the Postgraduate Guide to Assessment for further information: http://www.reading.ac.uk/internal/exams/student/exa-guidePG.aspx

Assessment requirements for a pass:
A weighted average mark of 50%.

Reassessment arrangements:

By examination only (one 2-hour unseen written paper) in August/September. Coursework will not be included in the re-assessment.

Additional Costs (specified where applicable):

Last updated: 18 July 2019