MMM081-International Human Resource Management

Module Provider: International Business and Strategy
Number of credits: 20 [10 ECTS credits]
Level:7
Terms in which taught: Spring term module
Pre-requisites:
Non-modular pre-requisites:
Co-requisites:
Modules excluded:
Current from: 2021/2

Module Convenor: Dr Chul Chung
Email: c.chung@henley.reading.ac.uk

Type of module:

Summary module description:

This is an advanced module focusing on the challenges and approaches in managing human resources in the multinational context, based on an understanding of basic concepts and practices in human resource management and cross-national contexts. Students will explore key issues and concepts and critically evaluate alternative approaches to the practices of human resource management in multinational organisations. Students will be expected to develop a sound resolution to real-world problems, working in an international team setting.

Aims:

To prepare students to work internationally by equipping them with knowledge as to the choices made by multinational organisations and abilities to tackle complex problems with regard to managing their employees across different countries.

Assessable learning outcomes:

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

1. Understand key issues, concepts and approaches in managing human resources in multinational organisations.


2. Critically evaluate alternative approaches in managing human resources in multinational organisations.


3. Develop a sound resolution to deal with issues in managing human resources in multinational organisations.

Additional outcomes:

The course also aims to: 

1. Give students considering a career in human resource management a critical appreciation of the challenges of managing human resources in international context. 


2. Develop skills required for international working via practical group work in multi-cultural teams.  

Outline content:

1. National cultural and institutional contexts and HRM


2.  The global challenges and International HRM strategies of MNEs


3.  Global staffing and talent management


4.  Managing expatriation


5.  Optimising HRM practices in MNEs


6.  Creating and sharing knowledge, and cultural integration in MNEs


7.  Organising global HRM functions


8.  Global labour regulation s and MNEs' responses

Brief description of teaching and learning methods:

The material will be covered through a combination of lectures, case studies, group exercises and tutorials. A strong emphasis will be placed on student participation in cross-cultural group work, as the cross-cultural nature of the student body is used as a learning resource, by requiring students to work in cross-cultural groups and to reflect on their experiences. 

In case studies during lectures, companies’ approach to IHRM will be presented and discussed to provide an opportunity to learn from real examples. Group exercises are based on set tests or exercises designed to enable team-based learning. In tutorials students work in small groups on specific tasks with regard to problems in a case organisation to prepare a group presentation.

Summative assessment- Examinations:
N/A

Summative assessment- Coursework and in-class tests:

1. Class test: 50% (in week 29).

2. Individual written assignment: 30% - 1500 words (minimum 1350 and maximum 1650 words) essay (in week 26).

3. Group presentation: 20% - a case-based problem solving exercise - Students will be assigned to groups of 5-7 members. Each group will be required to make a presentation of their group work (in week 30).

Relative percentage of coursework: Coursework has a 100% weight in the overall assessment of the module.

Upper limit of word count: A word count of 10% excess is allowed for the written assignments. Exceeding the word count will attract a penalty whereby written work beyond the 10% excess is discounted in the grading of the assignment.

Formative assessment methods:

Feedback on individual written assignment, and group work will be given to improve performance in the next assessment. 

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:
The pass mark is 50%+.

Reassessment arrangements:

By Examination only (During the August University Resit Period)

Additional Costs (specified where applicable):

Last updated: 13 May 2021