International HRM Research Study

The MSc International HRM module is assessed by one piece of coursework that investigates a contemporary issue in international human resource management (IHRM). The research can focus on specific aspects of IHRM, such as selection, rewards, or management development, or explore diversity, corporate social responsibility, and ethical behavior. Students must conduct their research in an international context, not their own country. The assignment allows for some flexibility in terms of the research topic, but students are encouraged to be critical thinkers and use a wide range of reference materials.

MSc International HRM
International Strategies for HRM
Assessment - 100% Coursework
The module is assessed by one pieces of coursework. These will be based on an investigation into
a contemporary issue in international human resource management.
The research tends to fall into two different areas of International HRM. These are;
 Research into specific aspects of International HRM e.g. selection, rewards, management
development
 Research into aspects of diversity; corporate socials responsibility and ethical behaviour
and IHRM
The assessment criteria for the final paper are slightly different, depending on whether you decide
to work on an international HRM topic, or diversity; corporate socials responsibility and ethical
behaviour and IHRM study. [See assessment criteria at the end of the guide.]
To reflect these differences there are two marking schemes which are included in the module
guide
You cannot carry out a study on your own country, so any research must be in another country
context.
Selecting a research topic:
We have listed below some of the general topics that could form the basis for a research study. It is
important that you view these as the starting point for research and that in developing the research
question you expand on these to focus on some specific objectives.
Indicative topics for investigation are as follows:
Ethics and social responsibility for multi-national organisations
A research study on this subject could explore the role of HR professionals in influencing, informing,
designing, monitoring and promoting social responsibility and ethical behaviour in organisations.
Using case study material can you build a case for whether HR has a role of not in CSR?
Cross-border mergers and acquisitions

A research study on this subject might explore the role of international HR in managing the process
of mergers and acquisitions. How successfully do organisations manage the many HR policy areas
that need to be considered when bringing similar industries but possibly different culture together?
Global reward systems
A research study on this subject could explore the nature and variance of reward and compensation
systems and policies in a country of your choice. What factors do HR reward specialists need to
consider in designing a reward policy which has to operate across a multi-national corporation?
Recruitment & Selection of international managers
A research study on this subject could focus on the recruitment of international managers and the
role of HR and line managers in the design of the process. Here choosing a specific sector e.g.
banking or insurance would help in critically analysing the effectiveness of the range of recruitment
policies and processes. You might prefer to explore the selection process using the same criteria or
combine them into one study.
The use of expatriate staff
A research study on this subject could explore how HR professional resource staff to work on
international assignment. What issues and challenges do those working abroad face in terms of
adjustment to new country cultures and how can HR prepare them for this experience. Grounding
you study in good case studies will help apply the research.
The exploitation of child labour
A research study on this subject could study the role of HR in designing, implement and monitoring
policies that ensure sub-contractors so not contravene the employment law requirement of the
country of study. It could alternatively research the economic, political and social factors that give
rise to workplace child exploitation and explore possible strategy to resolve such exploitation.
Whichever approach you choose make sure your research uses examples of organisations who act
ethically and those who make statements on ethical working but allow such exploitation to continue.
Discrimination against ethnic minorities
A research study on this subject could explore the diversity literature and consider the business case
versus the social justice case for diversity. To what extent does discrimination take place in terms of
the employment of those from ethnic backgrounds and how HR does act to ensure that all
employees are treated fairly e.g. organisational justice. Is there a case for affirmative action, can you
manage diversity and should you?
Cross-cultural management & HRM
A research study on this subject could explore the issues of national and organisational culture and
the complexities of managing a diverse workforce. How does HR drawing on the research in the field

help in designing management development programme to raise awareness of cross-cultural issues.
What are the factors and issues that those working on international assignment need to be aware of
and how can HR help in supporting managers? Look for case studies that exemplify the management
behaviours in a multi-national environment.
Women as international managers
A research study on this subject can explore the issues that may prevent women reaching director
and senior management level. Does what is called the' glass ceiling' exist and if so how can HR
influence and support more women in to management roles. Is this an area for affirmative action or
should promotion be based on merit not gender?
Here are some examples of research questions which have been set by past students;
1. Women as international managers: opportunities and challenges they face in today’s
globalized world with special reference to the United States
2. How does the national culture impact on reward practices in Japan?
3. Critically evaluate the business case for an increasing trend in workforce diversity in
Australia.
General Guidance
The following provide some more detailed information to help you understand what
you need to consider when writing your assignment. Some important factors to
consider are:
 Use a wide range of reference materials; Text books and especially journal
articles;
 Avoid just using the core text book as your main reference source;
 Make sure you provide examples from an organisation known to you to apply
the theory or models;
 Draw on your own organisational experiences;
 Be critical of the theory and ideas, have your own opinions;
 Avoid just describing the theory, make sure you develop an argument;
 Use critical analysis throughout your work.