Syllabus for International Human Resource Management

Decisions and guidelines

Master's Programme in Business and Management - specialisation International Business.

Learning outcomes

International Human Resource Management (IHRM) is about the worldwide management of human resources. IHRM can be traced back to the growth of international business operations and the development of multinational firms with their formal and informal approaches to personnel administration and management. The purpose of this course is to provide the students with knowledge and understanding of IHRM as well as the ability and skills to analyse IHRM in contemporary firms.

After participating in the course, students will be able to:

• Define, explain and compare perspectives and theories related to IHRM
• Make use of an in-depth understanding of research in IHRM to critically analyse theories, perspectives, and practical problems facing contemporary firms
• Systematically illustrate, define, categorise, and analyse a broad range of issues and problems facing MNCs in their IHRM activities
• Use concepts and tools for explaining and developing theories and methods which can be integrated into practical applications of IHRM
• Present, both in speech and writing, the impact of IHRM in MNCs
• Discuss, critically reflect upon and evaluate ethical matters related to IHRM.

Content

An increasing number of firms have activities spread around the world and a critical reflection on the impact of IHRM on business activities and individuals in this context is of vital importance. In this course, various aspects of IHRM will be studied, with a special focus on

1. Strategic and Organisational Perspectives on IHRM
2. IHRM Practices
3. International Assignments and Employment Practices
4. Developments in IHRM Policy and Practice

Within the first area, different perspectives and approaches to IHRM in practice and theory are discussed, in which for example the importance of strategy and culture is raised. In the second area, emphasis is placed on examining traditional and newer perspectives on IHRM policies and practices, particularly in MNCs. Moreover, various issues related to global leadership and global management are discussed. In the third area, various policies and practices for international assignments and international recruitment are in focus. In the fourth area, a variety of contemporary and topical issues linked to IHRM in multinational companies are highlighted such as female leadership, diversity and social responsibility.

Students will also be given the opportunity to collect specialised insights into certain themes through focused assignments.

Instruction

The course uses a combination of lectures, seminars with student-based activities, cases and other problem-based assignments. Both individual and group assignments are included. Professors and lecturers with a special research interest in the impact on or role of IHRM in international business will participate as well as guest lecturers from firms with international experience. The course is taught in English.

Assessment

The student will get one single grade, equivalent to 7.5 credits.

Examination encompasses active participation in class including seminars, submission and presentation of assignments given during the course. The grade for the entire course is based on an assessment of all parts of the examination.

Grading criteria are presented in the study guide provided at the beginning of the course. The following grades will be used: pass with distinction (VG), pass (G), and fail (U). Examinations handed in late will not be assessed except under special circumstances. Any remaining supplemental work must be completed and handed in by the deadline specified in the study guide. Otherwise the entire course (all examinations included) must be retaken during subsequent course sections, pending availability of a place in the course.

Uppsala University does not accept cheating or plagiarism. Suspected incidents of cheating or plagiarism are reported to the Disciplinary Committee of the University, which may issue a formal warning to the student or suspend the student from studies for a designated period.

NOTE: Only completed courses can count toward a degree.