GLOBAL AND CONTEMPORARY HUMAN RESOURCE MANAGEMENT - 2021/2

Module Overview

This module builds on the knowledge and skills students gained as part of the previous HRM pathway modules (e.g. OBA, HRM) to explore a range of cutting-edge issues in human resource management and human resource development.

The content reflects contemporary themes and priorities. It is likely to include contributions from staff and/or invited speakers that are based on relevant special interests informed by research and/or professional engagement.

There is a cohering theme of managing and enhancing employee performance, including both prescribed job performance and other desirable work behaviours such as organisational citizenship and innovative contributions.

The module includes an international perspective and emphasises critical consideration of the practical implications of recent studies. 

Module provider

Surrey Business School

Module Leader

CIACHIR Constantin (SBS)

Number of Credits: 15

ECTS Credits: 7.5

Framework: FHEQ Level 6

Module cap (Maximum number of students): N/A

Module Availability

Semester 1

Module content

Indicative topics (actual topics offered will be a selection from these topics, and/or others,   according to contemporary relevance and the availability of staff expertise):

• Strategic human resource management and human resource development


• The management of change, including resistance


• International human resource management


• Expatriates – recruitment, selection and performance management


• Cross-cultural issues in HR


• Talent management


• Work-life balance


• Trust


• Diversity management


• Equal opportunities


• Performance appraisal and performance management


• Employee engagement


• Emotion in organisations


• Executive coaching


• Leadership development

Assessment pattern

Alternative Assessment

Not applicable In order to achieve the threshold standard for the award of credits for this module, the student must meet the following criteria related to the learning outcomes:

• Show evidence of a critical understanding of theory and practice in the field of international and contemporary human resource management, and human resource development.
• Demonstrate the ability to identify and discuss practical implications of research studies.

Assessment Strategy

The assessment strategy is designed to provide students with the opportunity to demonstrate critical awareness and insight of contemporary issues in human resource management and human resource development at an advanced level. Students will be required to demonstrate knowledge of theory, research evidence and contemporary practice.  27

The module is assessed 60% by coursework and 40% by multiple choice exam.

Thus, the summative assessment for this module consists of:

• The Written Assignment (60% of the module mark) requires students to research, and to identify the practical implications of, recent academic publications in the field relating to international and contemporary Human Resource issues. Students on the BSc in International Business Management are required to emphasise international themes and literature. The required word count for the Written Assignment is 2,500 words.

• Multiple Choice Examination (40%) at the end of Semester 1.

• Students will be provided with tailored formative feedback for Assignment 1.


• Verbal feedback in tutorials and lectures.


• Verbal feedback during office hours.


• Discussion Forums in SurreyLearn.

Module aims

• Provide a general overview of the value HRM adds to organisations both nationally and internationally.
• Enable students to develop a critical understanding of the relationship between HRM and organisational objectives, as well as its role in organisations' ability to address both internal and external factors which impact on their performance.
• Develop a critical understanding of selected contemporary issues in HRM and HRD.

Learning outcomes

Methods of Teaching / Learning

Weekly lectures and tutorials; include seminar discussions, active learning exercises, case studies, independent learning. Total student learning time 150 hours.

The teaching and learning strategy is designed to develop the students’ awareness of contemporary issues in human resource management and human resource development, drawing upon theory, empirical research and practice. The strong emphasis on connections between research and practice is reflected in discussion of the practical implications of research findings; analysis of case studies; and critical evaluation of relevant academic research.

The teaching and learning methods involve weekly sessions (3 hour lecture per week x 9 weeks, 2 hour lecture per week x 2 weeks and 1 hour tutorial per week x 2 weeks). Through lectures and tutorials, which involve active learning exercises, case studies and more, students explore connections between research and practice. SurreyLearn is used to host resources and provide a medium for further discussion.

Indicated Lecture Hours (which may also include seminars, tutorials, workshops and other contact time) are approximate and may include in-class tests where one or more of these are an assessment on the module. In-class tests are scheduled/organised separately to taught content and will be published on to student personal timetables, where they apply to taken modules, as soon as they are finalised by central administration. This will usually be after the initial publication of the teaching timetable for the relevant semester.

Reading list

https://readinglists.surrey.ac.uk
Upon accessing the reading list, please search for the module using the module code: MAN3146

Programmes this module appears in

Please note that the information detailed within this record is accurate at the time of publishing and may be subject to change. This record contains information for the most up to date version of the programme / module for the 2021/2 academic year.