Syllabus

Title
4474 International Human Resource Management
Instructors
Assoz.Prof Priv.Doz.Dr. Mihaela Dimitrova
Contact details
Type
PI
Weekly hours
2
Language of instruction
Englisch
Registration
02/14/24 to 02/20/24
Registration via LPIS
Notes to the course
Dates
Day Date Time Room
Monday 03/04/24 09:30 AM - 12:00 PM D2.0.326
Monday 03/11/24 09:30 AM - 12:00 PM D2.0.342 Teacher Training Raum
Monday 03/18/24 09:30 AM - 12:00 PM D2.0.342 Teacher Training Raum
Monday 04/08/24 09:30 AM - 12:00 PM D2.0.342 Teacher Training Raum
Monday 04/15/24 09:30 AM - 12:00 PM D2.0.342 Teacher Training Raum
Monday 04/22/24 09:30 AM - 12:00 PM D2.0.342 Teacher Training Raum
Monday 04/29/24 09:30 AM - 12:00 PM D2.0.342 Teacher Training Raum
Monday 05/06/24 09:30 AM - 12:00 PM D2.0.342 Teacher Training Raum
Monday 05/13/24 09:30 AM - 12:00 PM D2.0.342 Teacher Training Raum
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 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

This course is to be held in person on campus. No hybrid options will be offered to accommodate individual requests. 

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 is mandatory. 

Teaching/learning method(s)

This course is comprised of lectures, case analyses, exercises, a team project consisting of a report and presentation, and a final examination. 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.  

Assessment

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

  1. Individual written final exam (closed-book, in-class): 20% of total grade
  2. One individual written case analyses: 20% of total grade
  3. Team written report (final grade partially depends on peer evaluations): 20% of total grade
  4. Team presentation (final grade partially depends on peer evaluations): 20% of total grade
  5. 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 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.

Grading key:

90-100% = 1

80-89% = 2

70-79% = 3

60 - 69% = 4

59% and below = 5

Prerequisites for participation and waiting lists

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

Readings

Please log in with your WU account to use all functionalities of read!t. For off-campus access to our licensed electronic resources, remember to activate your VPN connection connection. In case you encounter any technical problems or have questions regarding read!t, please feel free to contact the library at readinglists@wu.ac.at.

Recommended previous knowledge and skills

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

Availability of lecturer(s)

Assoc. Prof. Mihaela Dimitrova, PhD

Department of Global Business and Trade

Office: D1 3.032

I am available via e-mail all throughout the duration of this course: mdimitro@wu.ac.at

Last edited: 2023-12-04



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