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, geo-political issues, and the implementation of AI. 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 explore contemporary organizational themes, including conflict management, leading change, promoting health and safety, and cultivating creativity and innovation.

Human Resource Management (HRM) is crucial in helping service organizations and their workforce 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, which has proven good results in engagement, health and safety, and organizational results. The course will address several HR elements of the employee and organizational lifecycle.

The following topics will be addressed:

• The employee life cycle from recruitment processes and appraisal systems to employee departures
• The Nordic model and HR in international perspectives.
• HR analytics.
• Employee health, safety, and wellbeing
• Leading changes
• Promoting constructive work environments and organizational climates
• Creativity and innovation
• Conflict management and prevention.
• AI and HRM - possibilities and challenges

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 about selected topics in human resource management within the service sectors.
• In-depth understanding of the Nordic Model and its implications for responsible leadership and service work environments.
• In-depth knowledge of international HRM challenges and issues concerning implications for different organizational- and leadership topics.
• 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 leadership and HRM theories and methods relevant to international HRM problems.
• Apply evidence-based knowledge of the 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 use work environment and workforce data sources in an independent and critical way; participate in planning, implementation, and control in HRM and HSE systems.
• Analyze different HRM and HSE systems in different cultures and suggest 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 to diversified teamwork that may lead to new thinking and innovation processes.
• Apply acquired knowledge and skills in new areas to carry out advanced assignments and projects.

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

This is a 10-credit course with a total expected workload of 280 hours, distributed as follows:

Lectures, student presentations, case work including presentations: 50 hours

Group work/colloquia learning: 100 hours

Self-study: 130 hours