Global Human Resource Management

30 credits

This module aims to equip you with the knowledge and methods necessary to address pressing strategic, social and ethical challenges businesses face. 

It provides a critical understanding of Corporate Strategy and Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) in an international context. You will learn to apply strategic concepts and tools essential for managers in multinational firms, with a focus on sustainability practices influencing business policy and stakeholder relationships. Additionally, the module emphasises the importance of data-driven decision-making and non-market strategic management, preparing future professionals to navigate the complexities of modern business environments.

The module provides a number of essential frameworks to guide future managers in analysing the main factors relevant to the strategy-making process. These frameworks are designed to offer a structured approach to strategic analysis, ensuring that all critical aspects are considered. Real-world case studies and insights from leading corporations will be utilised to illustrate the practical application of the strategic frameworks.

All business operations transpire within a complex social landscape, and non-market aspects play a significant role in strategic management. This includes political, economic, and environmental issues that can impact organisational success. The module highlights the importance of understanding these non-market factors and incorporating them into strategic planning.

You will learn how to analyse and address social and ethical issues that businesses face today. This includes topics such as corporate governance, ethical leadership, and social justice. By understanding the broader impact of business decisions, you will be able to foster a more ethical and responsible business culture.

Teaching and learning

You will gain a comprehensive understanding of strategic decision-making and how to apply it within business contexts. Each week, you will participate in a carefully organised learning experience comprising of a one-hour lecture and a three-hour workshop. 

Lectures will introduce and elaborate on key concepts and frameworks pertinent to strategic decision-making. These sessions are designed around the indicative course content, aiming to give you a solid theoretical foundation. The lecture topics will encompass a broad spectrum of examples and case-based learning drawn from business practices and societal contexts to demonstrate the practical applications of these concepts. This approach ensures that you can relate theoretical knowledge to real-world scenarios, thereby enhancing their comprehension and retention of the material.

Workshops will delve deeper into the theoretical approaches, exploring the detailed exploration of business cases. You will examine various scenarios that are likely to arise in organisational, management, and business situations.

You will engage with real-life case studies; where you will learn to navigate complex ethical issues and make informed decisions that are both strategic and responsible. You will explore global sustainability challenges and opportunities, learning how to drive innovation through sustainable practices and responsible leadership.

You will also have 30 minutes of online support, which will include resources such as articles, videos, interactive modules and quizzes.

Assessment

This module will be assessed using a group presentation and an individual case study.

50% - group presentation, where you will focus on a specific problem.

50% - individual case study report, where you will critically discuss and evaluate a company’s strategic sustainability issue(s).

30 credits

On this module, you will explore the convergence of leadership, technology and analytics to quip you for facilitating digital transformation inside businesses. 

You will critically examine emerging technologies and formulate effective strategies for leveraging AI and predictive analytics whilst guaranteeing ethical and inclusive practices in the digital age, emphasising Leadership 4.0 and data intelligence.

You will examine the intricacies and significance of Digital Leadership / Leadership 4.0, alongside investigating emerging digital platforms, using AI and big data analytics, predictive data solutions, necessary future digital skills of organisations, human capital development in the 4th Industrial Revolution, data analytics for strategic business challenges, equality, diversity, and inclusion (EDI) in digital leadership, data ethics and governance, and the generation of value from data intelligence.

You will explore digital leadership utilising a range of examples from across the globe, ensuring broad perspectives on data intelligence and analytics.

Teaching and Learning

You’ll have access to online resources and participate in lectures, seminars, case studies/simulations, peer-to-peer learning and group discussions to contextualise the theoretical concepts. 

The teaching delivery for each module consists of one, one-hour lecture and one, three-hour workshop per week.

Practical sessions will ultilise AI technologies, data platforms, and predictive analytics software.

Group discussions and debates will evaluate the significance of digital leadership challenges and propose data-driven solutions.

You will also have an additional 30 minutes of online support each week to enhance your understanding and learning. Resources include AI-driven business insights, industry reports and multimedia content.

Assessment

This module will be assessed by a poster report (50%) and a case study report (50%).

30 credits

On this module, you will explore the concepts and frameworks in corporate strategy and generate financial awareness, all around the context of international business.

You will apply strategy and finance to the issues of growth and innovation in highly volatile and competitive markets. This implies a careful consideration of external and internal analysis, financing innovation and leveraging of unique resources, distinctive competences, and dynamic capabilities. 

You will explore business and corporate level strategies, assess strategic choices in terms of direction and methods and understand how to evaluate strategies for suitability, feasibility and acceptability. 

There is an emphasis on critical and practice-driven approach to strategy making and its finance. By critically evaluating, you will understand not just the application but also the limitations of strategic tools fostering adaptability and agility in dynamic business environments.

Teaching and learning

By engaging in mini cases, and group discussions, you will analyse contextualise theoretical concepts on real-world examples. 

The teaching delivery consists of four-hour sessions, structured as a one-hour lecture or briefing and a three-hour workshop.

You will also have an additional 30 minutes of online support each week to enhance your understanding and learning. Resources include resource lists, learning materials, and other resources on Moodle.

Assessment

This module will be assessed using a case study report and a group presentation:

30% - individual poster for a chosen strategy problem.

70% - executive report, providing recommendations for a specific challenge within a case study requiring a strategic decision, individual work. 

30 credits

This module will equip you with the skills and understanding to lead effectively in diverse and interconnected organisations. You will critically examine leadership theories and contemporary debates on diversity, equity, and inclusion (EDI), exploring how leaders create inclusive environments that foster innovation and performance.

The module highlights the importance of cultural intelligence and global awareness, preparing you to navigate varied management styles and norms. You will learn how inclusive leadership practices support organisational change, overcome bias, and build effective cross-cultural teams.

By the end, you will have developed a personal leadership style rooted in inclusivity and cultural competence, making you well-prepared for roles in global leadership, HR, and consultancy.

Teaching and learning

Learning is delivered through workshops that combine lectures, case studies, reflective exercises, and leadership simulations. Cross-cultural activities and peer discussions will strengthen your ability to lead in diverse environments.

Assessment

This module will be assessed by a reflective portfolio (50%) and a case study report (50%).

60 credits

You will apply your knowledge to a real-world business setting.

You will choose from three career pathways:

1. Consultancy challenge – collaborating with international businesses, NGOs, and community organisations, through a structured consultancy challenge, you will work in teams to tackle real-world business problems. This hands-on experience not only strengthens your professional skill set but also enhances your professional and social capital and competitiveness in the global marketplace.
   
   
2. Research internship - as a research intern, you will undertake a small research project under the supervision of experienced researchers from our Centre for Sustainability and Responsible Management. You will experience projects that are beneficial for a wide range of stakeholders, including local and central governments, businesses and charitable organisations.
   
   
3. Start-up pathway - if you're interested in becoming a entrepreneur, this pathway is specifically designed to support you with developing of a new venture idea.