Download Duration of programme: XX months

BHM521 STRATEGIC AND INTERNATIONAL HRM
Academic Year 2015/16
Number of Aston Credits:
15
Number of ECTS Credits:
7.5
Staff Member Responsible for the Module:
Jonathan Crawshaw
Work & Organisational Psychology Group
South Wing, Room 8011, Extension: 3130
Email: [email protected]
Or contact the Work & Organisational Psychology Group Administrator Mrs Jenny
Thompson, SW 8002, Extension: 3257
Others Members Contributing to the Module:
Pawan Budhwar
Work & Organisational Psychology Group
South Wing, Room 8012, Extension: 3049
Email: [email protected]
Carole Parkes
Work & Organisational Psychology Group
South Wing, Room 8016, Extension: 3195
Email: [email protected]
Availability for all the above: Please see Work & Organisational Psychology Group
Administrator Mrs Jenny Thompson, SW 8002, Extension: 3257
Pre-requisites for the Module:
None
Mode of Attendance:
Distance Learning
Module Objectives and Learning Outcomes:
By the end of the module, students will be able to:
1. Understand, analyse and critically evaluate how organizational and HR strategies are
shaped by, and developed in response to, internal and external (business)
environmental factors.
2. Understand the key HR challenges facing multinational corporations (MNC).
3. Demonstrate an awareness and understanding of strategic thinking and the
importance of HRM strategy to organizational performance.
4. Describe and critically evaluate the theories, concepts and approaches relating to
ethics, social responsibility, sustainability and human rights and the implications for
HRM.
Module Content:
Topic 1:
The context and challenges facing HRM (JC)
Topic 2:
HRM and firm performance (JC)
Topic 3:
The environment and SHRM – HR best fit vs HR best practice (JC)
Topic 4:
SHRM in MNCs (PB)
Topic 5:
Organisational change and HRM (JC)
Topic 6:
SHRM, ethics, CSR and human rights (CP)
Topic 7:
HR planning and HR plans (JC)
Corporate Connections:
The teaching and case materials draw on contemporary business issues and events. The
teaching team uses their own corporate connections and experience to enrich themes
covered in the module. There are also contributions from experienced HRM practitioners.
The student body is a mixture of full-time and part-time students, many of whom are
currently working in or have worked for organizations and this experience is shared with
module participants.
International Dimensions:
International perspectives are provided through:
Examples used by the tutor in teaching materials and case studies. Content includes
issues of globalization and the HR strategy challenges facing MNCs.
Discussion between the students during the sessions drawing out their experiences
and making comparisons. The make-up of the student body is very diverse in terms of
international representation.
Contribution of Research:
Research by members of the Work & Organisational Psychology Group and the CIPD on
HR effectiveness is included in the sessions on Strategic HR.
Ethics, Responsibility & Sustainability:
Issues relating to ethics, responsibility and sustainability are central to this module. In
particular, the role and influence of the HR function, and HR professionals, in promoting
more ethical, sustainable and responsible business are discussed and critically evaluated.
A particular focus is placed on a critical evaluation of justice and human rights at work and
the utility of ethical codes, policies and practices.
Method of Teaching:
The module is presented through distance learning. The method will be as follows:




There will be a number of recorded lectures which will explain the material to
students.
Students will be set reading to accompany the lectures.
There will be four webinars arranged throughout the term covering the following
topics – (i) the key principles of strategic HRM, (ii) the links between HRM and
performance, (iii) SHRM in a MNC and (iv) SHRM, ethics, CSR and human rights.
Students will be expected to come to the webinar prepared to discuss these
topics.
Each week questions will be posted on the discussion board. These will relate to
the material that students are expected to study that week. Students will be
expected to post their answers to these questions, and discuss them through the
discussion forum with their fellow student and the course lecturer. This will also
involve a Q&A relating to the exam.
Method of Assessment:
1. Individual Essay – 20% (LO 3)
2. ‘Closed Book’ Examination – 80% (LO 1 – 4)
Learning Hours:
Online Tutorials/Seminar Discussions
Online Tutorial/Seminar Preparations
Independent study
Assessment Preparation
Total
24
20
76
30
150
Pre-reading:
Crawshaw, J, Budhwar, P., & Davis, Ann. (2014) Human Resource Management:
Strategic and International Perspectives, London: SAGE. (Chapter 1; pp. 2-29).
Storey, J. (2007). Human Resource Management: A Critical Text, 3rd Edition. London:
Thomson Learning. (Chapter 1; pp. 3-20).
The following core and recommended readings are subject to change. Students
should not therefore purchase textbooks prior to commencing their course. If
students wish to undertake background reading before starting the course, many of
the chapters/readings are available in electronic form via on-line library catalogues
and other resources.
Core Text Book:
Crawshaw, J, Budhwar, P., & Davis, Ann. (2014) Human Resource Management:
Strategic and International Perspectives, London: SAGE.
Recommended Text Books:
Crane A. & Matten D. (2010). Business Ethics: Managing Corporate Citizenship and
Sustainability in the Age of Globalization, 3rd Edition. Oxford: Oxford University Press.
Dowling, P. J., Festing, M., & Engle, Sr., A. D. (2013). International Human Resource
Management, 6th Edition. Andover: Cengage Learning EMEA.
Parkes, C. (2012). The OD role of HRM in Ethics, Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR)
and Sustainability in Francis, H., Reddington, M. & Holbeache, L. (Eds.) People and
Organisational Development: A new agenda for organisational effectiveness. London:
CIPD Publishing.
Redman, T., & Wilkinson, A. (2009). Contemporary Human Resource Management, 3rd
Edition. Harlow: FT Prentice Hall.
Storey, J. (2007). Human Resource Management: A Critical Text, 3rd Edition. London:
Thomson Learning.
Wilton, N. (2011). An Introduction to Human Resource Management. London: SAGE.
Recommended Academic and Practitioner Journals:
Academy of Management Journal/Review
Human Relations
Human Resource Management (US)
Human Resource Management Journal (UK)
International Journal of Human Resource Management
Journal of Business Ethics
Journal of International Business Systems
Journal of Organizational Behaviour
People Management
Personnel Review
Strategic Management Journal