Syllabus

Title
4680 International Human Resource Management
Instructors
Assoz.Prof Priv.Doz.Dr. Mihaela Dimitrova
Contact details
Type
PI
Weekly hours
2
Language of instruction
Englisch
Registration
02/19/20 to 02/25/20
Registration via LPIS
Notes to the course
Dates
Day Date Time Room
Monday 03/02/20 09:30 AM - 12:00 PM D1.1.074
Monday 03/09/20 09:30 AM - 12:00 PM D1.1.074
Monday 03/16/20 09:30 AM - 12:00 PM D1.1.074
Monday 03/23/20 09:30 AM - 12:00 PM D1.1.074
Monday 03/30/20 09:30 AM - 12:00 PM D1.1.074
Monday 04/20/20 09:30 AM - 12:00 PM D1.1.074
Monday 04/27/20 09:30 AM - 12:00 PM D1.1.074
Monday 05/04/20 09:30 AM - 12:00 PM Online-Einheit
Monday 05/11/20 09:30 AM - 12:00 PM Online-Einheit
Contents

As multinational organizations need to compete in an increasingly complex and highly dynamic environment, it is essential that they employ the right people to manage and support their international operations. Thus, international human resource management (IHRM) plays an important strategic role by ensuring the smooth integration across international subsidiaries and preparing employees to handle the challenges associated with working in a global context.

This course is designed to provide you with a better understanding of the various IHRM principles and practices. We will discuss some of the differences in HR approaches around the world, but the majority of the course content will focus on examining the role of HRM in multinational organizations. We will cover topics such as global staffing, expatriation, global performance management and compensation, as well as global human resource development. The course is highly interactive and is designed to maximize student learning and create a positive environment in the classroom by balancing time dedicated to lecture, cases, discussions, and engaging exercises.

Learning outcomes

Upon successful completion of this course, you will be able to:

 

  1. Identify and describe the central aspects of international human resource management.

  2. Analyze how cultural, institutional, and organizational factors shape HRM practices.

  3. Describe the role of expatriates in multinational organizations and identify best practices to managing these global employees.

  4. Use the skills and tools you learned in the course to develop successful IHRM programs and practices.

  5. Critique IHRM practices in organizations and recommend viable improvements.

  6. Demonstrate improved research, critical thinking, teamwork, and presentation skills.

 
Attendance requirements

!Attendance requirements are suspended for the duration of the distance learning period!

Regular attendance is a requirement to pass this course. Please note that any absences will negatively impact your participation grade.You will fail the course if you are absent for more than 20% of the total course time. Attendance of the first session (March 2nd: 09:30-12:00) is mandatory. 

Teaching/learning method(s)

This course is comprised of lectures (online recordings), case analyses, exercises (online discussion forums/quizzes), a team project consisting of a report and presentation (online recording), and a final in-class examination (take home, open book examination). This is a highly interactive course. Thus, students are expected to be fully engaged and participate in class discussions (online forums/quizzes). The course is designed in such a way as to maximize your learning by balancing between lecture and your involvement in discussions, cases,and exercises.

The team project will give you an opportunity to assume the roles of international HR professionals. You will have to help a fictional multinational company which is in the process of establishing a new subsidiary in a foreign location (country destinations will be assigned). You will need to research various aspects of the destination country's cultural, social, and economic environment, develop a comprehensive staffing and expatriation plan, and provide information on relevant IHRM issues.  

All course documents, assignment guidelines, lecture notes, etc.will be posted on the course website on Learn@WU in due time. Forums, quizzes, recorded lectures will also be posted on Learn@WU.

Assessment

Assessment will be based on both individual and team performance. Breakdown of assignments with percent of total grade:

  1. Written final exam (individual, in-class, multiple choice and essay questions; individual, take home, open book, essay questions): 20% of total grade
  2. One individual written case analysis *: 20% of total grade
  3. Team written report * (final grade partially depends on peer evaluations): 20% of total grade
  4. Team in-class presentation (recorded slide show presentation) * (final grade partially depends on peer evaluations): 20% of total grade
  5. In-class participation: 20% of total grade

* More information on these assignments will be provided on the course website at the start of the course.

Please note that successful participation involves not only attending class (participation in forums/quizzes) but also frequently and thoughtfully contributing to the discussion by answering questions, engaging in a thoughtful analysis of the discussed cases, building on other students’ ideas, actively participating in activities, and synthesizing across readings and discussions. You are expected to have read in advance all the required reading materials and cases and be prepared to discuss them in class.

Grading key:

90-100% = 1

80-89% = 2

70-79% = 3

60 - 69% = 4

Below 60% = 5

Prerequisites for participation and waiting lists

Completed course 1 (Foundations) and course 2 (Applications).

Readings
1 Author: Thomas, D.C., & Lazarova, M.B
Title:

Essentials of international human resource management: Managing people globally


Publisher: Sage
Remarks: The textbook is integral to the course. You will not succeed in this course, without reading the assigned textbook material. The textbook is available for free online through the WU library or you can purchase a hardcopy..
Year: 2014
Content relevant for class examination: Yes
Recommendation: Essential reading for all students
Type: Book
Recommended previous knowledge and skills

Prior knowledge of human resource management is helpful but not necessary.

Availability of lecturer(s)

Mihaela Dimitrova, PhD

Department of Global Business and Trade

Office: D1 3.068

I am available for in-person meetings by appointment, e-mail address: mihaela.dimitrova@wu.ac.at

Last edited: 2020-03-16



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