Faculty of Business & Law

Newcastle Business School

GSBS6007: Managing Human Resources in International

Organisations
PSB Academy
Trimester 1 2017

MISSION: To build and sustain a vibrant learning community that advances business
knowledge. In working to achieve our mission, we pursue:
Opportunity for academic development that builds our research capabilities, both within
disciplines and across disciplinary boundaries;
Collaboration with local, national and international partners;
Research-led and student-focused teaching and learning opportunities

OVERVIEW
Course Description In a global marketplace where "borderless organisations" are
quickly becoming the norm, employees have an increasingly
important role in the cultivation of company capability. This course
examines the management of people in organisations across
different countries and cultures. The primary aim is to discriminate
the varying roles and functions of the various HRM activities within
an international context. The course considers the challenges of
managing expatriates in home and host countries, in the context
of multinational and transnational corporations as well as other
types of international organisations. In doing so, it draws on a
cross-section of the literature in human resource management,
organisational behaviour and comparative management.

Assumed Knowledge GSBS6040 Human Resource Management.

Contact Hours
Lecture
Face to Face On Campus
3 hour(s) per Week for Full Term
For face-to-face mode

Unit Weighting 10
Workload Students are required to spend on average 120-140 hours of
effort (contact and non-contact) including assessments per 10
unit course.

CRICOS Provider 00109J

GSBS6007: Managing Human Resources in International Organisations
PSB Academy Trimester 1 2017

CONTACTS
Course Coordinator Dr Narender Sharma
Email: Narender.Sharma@newcastle.edu.au
Consultation: Via email

Teaching Staff Dr Michelle Yeo

M.Yeo@newcastle.edu.au

and

Siew Ngung Chia

Ngung.Siew@newcastle.edu.au

PSB Office PSB Academy Enquiries

Ph: +65 (6517 2555)
Log your question or request to the PSB Program Executives at the following website:
http://www.psb-academy.edu.sg/enq

SYLLABUS
Course Content The course includes but is not limited to the following topics:
1. Issues and strategies in managing people across nations
2. Theories and language of international human resource management
3. Fundamental human resource functions in an international context
4. Impact of culture on management of people in an international context
5. Communication and leadership issues
6. Managing expatriates and international assignments
7. The process of recruitment in an international context
8. Incidence and implications of performance management in an international context
9. Pay systems and structures in a multinational context
10. Theoretical and conceptual applications to cases and workplaces

Course Learning On successful completion of this course, students will be able to:
Outcomes
1. Differentiate between the key issues arising from organisations operating in an
international context.
2. Recognise and evaluate the key requirements for managing people in an international
context.
3. Assess critical international human resource management issues.
4. Describe the impact that culture has on management in the international context.
5. Engage critically with recent research in the literature in order to gain a deeper
understanding of ongoing developments in the human resource management function.
6. Apply the theories and concepts learned to both hypothetical environments and real
situations such as their own workplace

Course Materials Required Reading:

- Refer the Recommended Textbooks, Journals, Readings, Assessment & Workshop
Module Guide (The Guide) in Course Documents on Blackboard
Required Text:
- Dowling, P.J., Festing, M. & Engle, Allen D. (2013). International Human Resource
Management (6th Edition), Cengage Learning EMEA, Hampshire, United Kingdom

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GSBS6007: Managing Human Resources in International Organisations
PSB Academy Trimester 1 2017

SCHEDULE
Lecture Topic
1 Introduction to the Course
2 Introduction to IHRM
3 The Cultural Context of IHRM
The Organisational Context of Read Chapter 3
4
IHRM
IHRM in Cross-Border
Mergers & Acquisitions,
5
International Alliances and
SMEs
Sourcing Human Resources Read Chapter 5
6 for Global Markets - Staffing, Complete Module 5
Recruitment and Selection
International Performance
7
Management
International Training,
8
Development & Careers
9 International Compensation
International Industrial
10 Relations & The Global
Institutional Context
IHRM Trends and Future
11
Challenges
12 Course review
Learning Activity Assessment
Review
Course Outline
Review The Guide
Familiarise with BB
Library database search tutorial
Read Chapter 1
Complete Module I
CTL writing tutorial - essay
Read Chapter 2
Complete Module 2
Complete Module 3
Read Chapter 4
Complete Module 4
CTL writing tutorial PBL Project
Read Chapter 6
Complete Module 6
Read Chapter 7
Complete Module 7
Read Chapter 8
Complete Module 8
Read Chapter 9
Complete Module 9
Read Chapter 10
Complete Module I0
Prepare questions for open
discussion

Trimester 1 2017 Formal Examination Period

ASSESSMENTS
This course has 3 assessments. Each assessment is described in more detail in the sections below.

Assessment Name Due Date Involvement Weighting Learning

Outcomes
1 Individual Research Essay Sunday following Lecture 5,11:59 Individual 25% 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6
pm
2 Group PBL Project Sunday following Lecture 9, 11:59 Group 35% 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6
pm
3 Examination Examination period Individual 40% 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6

Late Submissions The mark for an assessment item submitted after the designated time on the due date,
without an approved extension of time, will be reduced by 10% of the possible maximum
mark for that assessment item for each day or part day that the assessment item is late.
Note: this applies equally to week and weekend days.

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GSBS6007: Managing Human Resources in International Organisations
PSB Academy Trimester 1 2017

Assessment 1 - Individual Research Essay

Assessment Type Essay
Description The written assignment requires students to demonstrate sophisticated research skills.
Focusing on an investigation of significant topics in the international human resource
management field, students critically apply theories, principles and methodologies to
analyse the literature and to justify well-supported conclusions. Students demonstrate
critical thinking and analytical problem solving skills to develop explanations and arguments
to reach a solution. For further information, refer The Guide on Blackboard.
Weighting 25%
Length 2500 words - excluding references
Due Date Sunday following Lecture 5,11:59 pm
Submission Method Online
Assessment Criteria Refer Turnitin for a more detailed explanation of the assessment criteria. Five criteria will be
used:
Research (30%)
Structure (10%)
Argument (40%)
Writing (10%)
Referencing (10%)
Return Method Online
Feedback Provided Online - Students should review assessment comments online

Assessment 2 - Group PBL Project

Assessment Type Problem Based Learning
Description Students apply theories, principles and methodologies to collect information from reliable
and authoritative sources, and conduct research using appropriate technology. They
present their findings and conclusion in a written report that complies with specified
academic standards For further information, refer The Guide on Blackboard.
Weighting 35%
Length 5000 words maximum - excluding references and appendices are not required
Due Date Sunday following Lecture 9, 11:59 pm
Submission Method Online
Assessment Criteria Three major criteria will be used:

1. Scoping of the issues (20%)

Clear description of the issue and its boundaries
Successful communication of a thesis informing the paper
2. Substantive content (40%)
Research skills as demonstrated by the range and relevance of references
Demonstrated understanding of the practical implications of the issue
Accurate reporting and demonstrated understanding of information/data
Awareness of strengths and weaknesses of different reference material (e.g.
company information, academic literature, personal experience) as a base for
argument
3. Response to the issue (40%)
Critical analysis of competing approaches/solutions to the issue
Development of a logical and well-structured response to the issue
Use of substantive detail to support the recommended response to the issue

Note: The group mark is an overall mark. However, the group mark is to be peer
moderated, which means individual group members may receive different marks. The
Self and Peer Assessment Resource Kit (SPARK) will be used to evaluate group work
contributions.

Return Method Online

Feedback Provided Online - Students should review assessment comments online

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GSBS6007: Managing Human Resources in International Organisations
PSB Academy Trimester 1 2017

Assessment 3 - Examination
Assessment Type Formal Examination
Description The exam assesses students advanced knowledge and application of the key concepts in
relation to HRM. Students demonstrate advanced knowledge of theories, models and
concepts relevant to HRM in international organisations when preparing responses to exam
questions. They effectively communicate in writing complex ideas that incorporate ethical,
social and global issues.
Weighting 40%
Length 2 hours / closed book
Due Date Examination period
Submission Method Invigilated examination
Assessment Criteria The criteria for marking examination responses will be:
Answers the question
Reports information accurately
Uses information to support argument
Critically analyses conflicting data/opposing views
Is logical and well structured
Return Method Not Returned
Feedback Provided No Feedback

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
Grading Scheme This course is graded as follows:
Range of Grade Description
Marks
85-100 High Outstanding standard indicating comprehensive knowledge
Distinction and understanding of the relevant materials; demonstration of
(HD) an outstanding level of academic ability; mastery of skills*; and
achievement of all assessment objectives.
75-84 Distinction Excellent standard indicating a very high level of knowledge
(D) and understanding of the relevant materials; demonstration of
a very high level of academic ability; sound development of
skills*; and achievement of all assessment objectives.
65-74 Credit Very Good standard indicating a high level of knowledge and
(C) understanding of the relevant materials; demonstration of a
high level of academic ability; reasonable development of
skills*; and achievement of all assessment objectives.
50-64 Pass Satisfactory standard indicating an adequate knowledge and
(P) understanding of the relevant materials; demonstration of an
adequate level of academic ability; satisfactory development of
skills*; and achievement of most assessment objectives.
0-49 Fail Failure to satisfactorily achieve assessment objectives or
(FF) compulsory course requirements. A fail grade may also be
awarded following disciplinary action.

*Skills are those identified for the purposes of assessment task(s).

Communication Communication methods used in this course include:

Methods - Blackboard Course Site: Students will receive communications via the posting of
content or announcements on the Blackboard course site.
- Email: Students will receive communications via their student email account.

Course Evaluation Each year feedback is sought from students and other stakeholders about the courses
offered in the University for the purposes of identifying areas of excellence and potential
improvement.

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GSBS6007: Managing Human Resources in International Organisations
PSB Academy Trimester 1 2017

Academic Misconduct All students are required to meet the academic integrity standards of the University. These
standards reinforce the importance of integrity and honesty in an academic environment.
Academic Integrity policies apply to all students of the University in all modes of study and
in all locations. For the Student Academic Integrity policy, refer to
http://www.newcastle.edu.au/policy/000608.html.

Adverse You are entitled to apply for special consideration because adverse circumstances have
Circumstances had an impact on your performance in an assessment item. This includes applying for an
extension of time to complete an assessment item. Prior to applying you must refer to the
Adverse Circumstances Affecting Assessment Items Procedure, available at
http://www.newcastle.edu.au/policy/000940.html. All applications for Adverse
Circumstances must be lodged via the online Adverse Circumstances system, along with
supporting documentation.

Important Policy The 'HELP for Students' tab in UoNline contains important information that all students
Information should be familiar with, including various systems, policies and procedures.

This course outline was approved by the Head of School. No alteration of this course outline is permitted without Head of School
approval. If a change is approved, students will be notified and an amended course outline will be provided in the same manner as
the original.
2017 The University of Newcastle, Australia

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