International HR Perspectives (MHR104)

The field of Human Resource Management (HRM) in the service industries is affected by rapid changes in the industry such as shifts in the economy, globalization, domestic diversity, technology, and the post-COVID pandemic. In this course, we delve into the evolution of HRM over the years, examining its adaptation to prevailing challenges and opportunities within the service industries. Throughout the course, we will explore the entire employee life cycle, starting from the recruitment phase and extending to the management of employee departures. Additionally, we will delve into contemporary organizational themes including conflict management, leading change, the promotion of health and safety and cultivation of creativity and innovation.


Course description for study year 2024-2025. Please note that changes may occur.

Facts

Course code

MHR104

Version

1

Credits (ECTS)

10

Semester tution start

Spring

Number of semesters

1

Exam semester

Spring

Language of instruction

English

Offered by
Time table

View course schedule

Content

Human Resource Management (HRM) plays a key role in helping service organizations and their workforce to collaborate in healthy and effective ways to achieve their common goals. This course is built on the Nordic model of work organization characterized by trust and dialogue as the model has proved good results when it comes to engagement, health & safety as well as organizational results. The course will address several HR elements of the employee- and organizational lifecycle.

The following topics will be adressed:

  • The employe life cycle from recruitment processes, appraisal systems to employee departures
  • The Nordic model and HR in international perspectives.
  • HR analytics.
  • Employee health, safety and wellbeing
  • Ethical perspectives and justice, globalization and cultural and legislative differences.
  • Leading changes
  • Promoting constructive work environments and organizational climates
  • Creativity and innovation
  • Conflict management and prevention.
  • Diversity management

Learning outcome

A candidate who has completed the course should have the following learning outcomes defined in terms of knowledge skills and general competence:

Knowledge:

After completing this course, the student has

  • advanced knowledge in human resource management within the service sectors.
  • in-depth knowledge in the Nordic Model and its implications for responsible leadership and service work environments.
  • in-depth knowledge on international HRM challenges and issues, concerning effects of different dimensions of justice, HSE, ethics, leader/management styles, climate/culture, and diversity management.
  • thorough professional knowledge that can be used for new perspectives on HR leadership behavior, recruitment policies and HR and HSE systems in a contemporary international context.

Skills:

After completing this course, the student can

  • independently analyze existing leadership and HRM theories and methods relevant for international HRM problems.
  • apply evidence-based knowledge on work environment and responsible leadership behavior in existing practice to assess and develop systems for recruitment, employee development, retention, appraisals, rewards and HSE.
  • analyze and make use of work environment- and work force data sources in an independent and critical way, participate in planning, implementation and controlling in HRM and HSE systems.
  • analyze different HRM and HSE systems in different cultures and make suggestions for improvements in organizational diversity practice, teamwork and job description systems.

General competence:

After completing this course, the student can

  • analyze and formulate problem statements relating to organizational issues and work life.
  • apply theory and be able to contribute in diversified teamwork that may lead to new thinking and innovation processes.
  • apply acquired knowledge and skills in new areas in order to carry out advanced assignments and projects.

Required prerequisite knowledge

None

Recommended prerequisites

Introductory HR(M) course on BA-level.

Exam

Home exam and written exam

Form of assessment Weight Duration Marks Aid
Home exam in group 2/5 Letter grades
Individual written school exam 3/5 4 Hours Letter grades

- Written home exam in groups 7 days. Grading A - F. Counts 40%.- Individual written school exam 4 hours Grading A - F. Counts 60%.

Coursework requirements

Mandatory activity

1 mandatory group oral presentation. Assessed as approved

1 mandatory written requirement. Assessed as approved.

Course teacher(s)

Course coordinator:

Gro Ellen Mathisen

Course teacher:

Tone Therese Linge

Method of work

Case based teaching, lectures, group work, oral presentations.

Open for

Master students in the Master of Service Leadership in International Business program, and other master students from the University of Stavanger when vacancy. Incoming exchange students.

Course assessment

There must be an early dialogue between the course supervisor, the student union representative and the students. The purpose is feedback from the students for changes and adjustments in the course for the current semester.In addition, a digital subject evaluation must be carried out at least every three years. Its purpose is to gather the students experiences with the course.

Literature

Search for literature in Leganto