Multinational organizations operate in a complex environment, facing unprecedented levels of competition, fast-paced economic changes, rapid technological development, deepening geopolitical tensions, increased migration, and demographic shifts. Success in such dynamic circumstances is only possible if they can find and nurture the human resources they need to conduct their business – resources that are growing in strategic importance as a source of competitive advantage. The course will cover the fundamentals of international human resource management in a global context, from both organizational and individual perspective. After reviewing the evolution of HRM as an organizational function and as a field of study, we will examine the key aspects of multinational companies (MNCs) face when managing employees on a global scale. (e.g., impact of institutional environments and cultural values on HRM, transfer of HR practices within MNCs, basics of global talent management, key HR activities). From an individual perspective, the course will also examine the benefits and challenges of pursuing a career across borders and discussing key issues that tend to arise in the work and career of globally mobile professionals (e.g., should one undertake global mobility and what type of global mobility, how to best leverage the developmental opportunities mobility provides, individual and organizational responsibilities in managing individual global careers). The course is highly interactive and is designed to maximize student learning and create a positive environment in the classroom by balancing time dedicated to lecture, discussion, cases, and engaging exercises.

Regular attendance is a requirement to pass this course. Please note that any absences will negatively impact one’s participation grade.

Students must be present for at least 80% of the scheduled sessions. Students who fail to meet the attendance requirement will be de-registered from the course. According to WU regulations, valid reasons for missing scheduled sessions are those outside the control of the student (illness, accident, death of a close relative). Professional and work obligations are not valid reasons, as students have the course schedule in advance and should be able to plan accordingly.

Please note that successful in-class participation involves not only physically attending class but also frequently and 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.

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

• In-class participation (assessed by instructor and peer evaluations) -- 25%
• In-person exam (during exam period) -- 40%
• Case analyses (two cases analyses, conducted in pairs or small groups) -- 10%
• Group research paper -- 25%

* Tentative assessment schedule that may be altered depending on the number of class registrants. ** Addition information on assignments will be provided at the start of the course.