School of Management, Unit Catalogue 2009/10 |
MN50431: International human resource management |
 Credits:
| 6 |
| Level:
| Masters |
| Period: | Semester 2 |
| Assessment:
| CW 100% |
| Supplementary Assessment: | Like-for-like reassessment (where allowed by programme regulations) |
| Requisites:
| Before taking this unit you must take MN50174 |
| Description: | Aims: * provide students with an advanced appreciation of the critical issues facing organizations in simultaneously managing their human resources and international environments; * explore the connection between corporate strategies and the effective management of human resources; * examine the structures, strategies and policies available to firms to manage human resources at different levels of the enterprise; * develop an in-depth appreciation of effective people strategies and management when working across cultures; * develop an understanding of the importance of international HRM (IHRM) to the success of Multinational Enterprises (MNEs); * examine a key issue in IHRM in detail. Learning Outcomes: By the end of this unit, the student should be able to: * display a systematic understanding of approaches to international business and people strategies in global firms, and be able to appraise a wide range of models and evidence critically; * determine how the international environment (economic, legal, social, political) conditions people strategies and management of an organization; * define and illustrate the key components of IHRM; * explain the role national differences make in the practice of IHRM; * compare and contrast varying approaches to IHRM policies and practices; * describe and give examples of how effective IHRM policies and practices lead to international business success; * apply principles and examples from the text to complex real life scenarios and problems; * evaluate and interpret new information and advanced theory, engage in complex problem solving, demonstrate ability to think logically, critically and practically about a range of IHRM issues * display a critical awareness of current problems in IHRM drawing on leading research in the field. Skills: Intellectual skills: * facility to apply advanced subject-specific knowledge into a range of complex organizational and international business situations (TFA); * critical awareness of current issues and frameworks in management informed by leading research in the field (FA); * understanding of theoretical concepts and frameworks that enables meaningfully and critically to link theory and practice (TFA); * an awareness of a range of techniques relevant to their own research; * an ability to evaluate advanced research and relevant methodologies. Practical skills: * deal with complex issues and make sound judgements in the absence of complete information, and to communicate conclusions clearly and competently (FA); * work effectively within cross-cultural groups and assume leadership roles where appropriate (F); * communicate and manage effectively in cross-cultural contexts (TF) Transferable skills: * ability to develop a holistic perspective on people strategies of organizations operating in different locations (TFA); * ability to develop a sophisticated appreciation of multiple and overlapping tensions of managing human resources globally (TFA); * appreciation and in-depth understanding of the human resources and competences required for successful operation in international contexts (TA); * an ability to exercise initiative and to work independently in pursuing one IHRM topic in detail (FA). (Inter)Personal: * communicating, including presenting and promoting themselves and their ideas; preparing and production of effective management analysis (F); * verbal reasoning (F); * self motivation (F); * cooperative working with other students (F); * debating and appreciating the views of others (F). Content: The unit introduces students to the core themes, perspectives and practical issues facing global firms in their human resource strategies and management. Building on the students' prior understanding of human resource management, the unit consists of two analytical sections: "The Context of IHRM", where the content will cover issues relevant to the international environment and strategic orientation of organisations in a gglobalised economy; and "The Practice of IHRM", where the content will cover issues relating to the planning, policies and practices of managing people in international organisations. |