BUSM4554/4555: Contemporary Management Issues Assignment 1 Analysis

This assignment analyzes four articles related to contemporary management issues. The first article examines talent management in emerging economy multinationals, highlighting the challenges of aligning human resources with strategic goals and the importance of internationally experienced talent. The second article focuses on the boundaryless work-life interface for knowledge workers, discussing the impact of mobile technology and the blurring of work and personal life. The third article explores talent management in Western MNCs operating in China, emphasizing the scarcity of talented individuals and the need for effective retention strategies. The final article investigates virtual teams, synthesizing research on virtual technologies and their impact on team dynamics, leadership, and work-life balance. Each article analysis includes critical appraisal of arguments, discussion of methodologies, and identification of research limitations, providing a comprehensive overview of key management challenges and potential solutions.

BUSM4554/4555 Assignment 1
Student Name:
Student ID:
Section:
Lecturer:
1. Meyer, K. E., & Xin, K. R. (2018). Managing talent in emerging economy
multinationals: Integrating strategic management and human resource
management (Links to an external site.). The International Journal of
Human Resource Management, 29(11), 1827-1855.
2. Field, J. C., & Chan, X. W. (2018). Contemporary knowledge workers and
the boundaryless work–life interface: Implications for the human resource
management of the knowledge workforce. Frontiers in Psychology, 9,
2414. doi: 10.3389/fpsyg.2018.02414
3. Hartmann, E., Feisel, E., & Schober, H. (2010). Talent management of
western MNCs in China: Balancing global integration and local
responsiveness (Links to an external site.). Journal of World
Business, 45(2), 169-178. doi: 10.1016/j.jwb.2009.09.013
4. Gilson, L. L., Maynard, M. T., Jones Young, N. C., Vartiainen, M., &
Hakonen, M. (2015). Virtual teams research: 10 years, 10 themes, and 10
opportunities (Links to an external site.). Journal of Management, 41(5),
1313-1337. doi: 10.1177/0149206314559946

BUSM4554/4555 Assignment 1
Article 1: Managing talent in emerging economy multinationals: Integrating strategic
management and human resource management (Total word count: ~375 words)
No. Question
1 Critically appraise the argument(s) presented by the author(s).
In the respective article, the author has commented that the big challenge for
the different emergent economy multinationals is aligning the human resources
with the strategic type of ambition. As argued by the author, it can be seen that
the lack of the talent who are internationally experienced is the main issue
which is being faced and it is affecting the growth of the companies. In addition,
the other argument which has been presented is relating to specialized skills
and global mindset which will be enabling managers for appreciating
idiosyncratic and universal aspects in each location. The author has
commented that there should be inclusion of acquisition and post acquisition
strategies which includes advancement in technology that is suitable for
internationalizing the network of MNE. Proper subsidiary leaders operate
across the boundaries of the organizations, cultures and nations that is suitable
for managing relations with HQ and local clients as well.
2 What is the method – how do the author(s) convince their readers?
The methodology which has been used is inductive approach wherein the
empirical evidences for identifying the key challenges in managerial aspects.
Firstly, the case research was being conducted by interviewing the executives
in the roles of HQ in Europe and North America. Secondly, the author has
engaged in the extensive kind of discussions with the senior executives in
EMNEs. Additionally, the in-depth interviews were conducted through Skype for
executives for understanding the brief overview and relevance of specific
cases.
From the qualitative and quantitative research aspects, it was easier in gaining
rich and proper understanding of the different concerns of the various
managers working at MNEs. Both the research methods have been beneficial
in providing the readers an in-depth analysis of the problems which are faced
by MNEs.
3 Discuss the limitations of the research conducted by the author(s), beyond the
limitations provided by the author(s).
From the viewpoint of the authors, it has been seen that the different EMNEs
have limited resources which includes internationally experienced talents or the
international business networks. The other limitation that has been identified in
the respective article is relating to the lack of the international experience has
limited the appreciation of the managers in the different business-related
practices in the entire world. As per the authors, the study has been limited only
to the few parts of the countries and it has not provided the full concentration on
the different other parts of the world which is present.
Article 2: Contemporary knowledge workers and the boundaryless work–life interface:
Implications for the human resource management of the knowledge workforce (Total
word count: ~375 words)

BUSM4554/4555 Assignment 1
No. Question
1 Critically appraise the argument(s) presented by the author(s).
From the respective article, it can be seen that in the last few years, the
different knowledge workers have been able to notice tremendous level of
change in the working manners and living due to the increase in the
proliferating mobile communication technologies. As commented by the author,
there has been increase in the flexibility of the working hours along with shifting
of the expectations of the involved fatherhood and ideal motherhood. The
authors have argued the fact that there is interface between life and work which
has become blurred and boundaryless for the different knowledge workers. In
such scenario, the knowledge workers are enslaved as well as empowered by
the different mobile devices that helps them in bringing work to their home and
family in their office. Due to the same, the knowledge workers take advantage
of the same and they prefer to manage the personal commitments to suit their
work appropriately. There are different kinds of negative aspects of the work-life
interface that makes it difficult for performing the different roles without any
clash. However, with the help of the Boundary Theory, it helps in focusing on
meanings the people assign to life and work and it will be generating flexibility
that will be suitable for the growth of the individuals suitably between managing
work and family life appropriately.
2 What is the method – how do the author(s) convince their readers?
The methodology that has been used in the respective research is exploratory
case study utilising the single case design. It was efficient in understanding the
perceptions of the knowledge workers about the balancing of life and work.
Through the semi-structured interviews, there were different interviews
conducted among the knowledge workers working in the Information
Technology department in Australia. From the interview, it was being found that
the interface among work and life has now been blurred and it has been made
boundaryless for the knowledge workers.
3 Discuss the limitations of the research conducted by the author(s), beyond the
limitations provided by the author(s).
The main limitation which has been analyzed by the authors is the cross-
sectional type of research method did not allow the investigation related to
construction of the work-life interface over time. Moreover, while analysing the
sampling and the interview aspects, there was no inclusion of the full-time
workers and moreover, the study did not consider for influence of the different
cultural background such as the ethnic background.

BUSM4554/4555 Assignment 1
Article 3: Talent management of western MNCs in China: Balancing global integration
and local responsiveness (Total word count: ~375 words)
No. Question
1 Critically appraise the argument(s) presented by the author(s).
In the respective article, the main arguments which have been analyzed is there is
huge scarcity of the talented individuals in the companies that affects productivity of
the companies negatively. From the different researches, the author has been able to
find the fact the talent management is the most suitable aspects which needs to be
managed by the individuals and it will be beneficial for the improved experience
among the employees as well. The respective article has showcased the fact that there
is increased turnover among the employees as they are not able to find motivation
and it affects the effectiveness of the business environment negatively. After the
analysis of the respective approaches, the author has been able to identify the
importance of talent management in the companies. The high performing employees
need to be hired in the companies which will be suitable for the enrichment of the
company and the growth of the company as well. The proper retention of the top
talent is the key element which needs to be incorporated by the companies that will
be increasing the manager and employee engagement and it will make the employees
perform better that will be enhancing the growth prospects of the company.
2 What is the method – how do the author(s) convince their readers?
The methodology which have been used in the article is qualitative in nature wherein
seven case studies have been selected to understand the role of the Western MNCs in
managing and retaining the talented individuals in the organization. The
implementation processes have been analyzed wherein the identification of goals and
priorities is the first aspect which needs to be assessed along with defining the HR
goals and priorities which will be effective in managing the talented individuals in the
companies as it will be appropriate for the development of the corporation.
3 Discuss the limitations of the research conducted by the author(s), beyond the
limitations provided by the author(s).
The limitation of the research is that it has been only based on the qualitative aspects
in which the viewpoints of the different organizations have been identified. There has
been no use of surveys or the other interviews among the managers of the companies
that led to the gaining of less authentic data. The case studies have been on the
Western culture of the companies as there are other companies from different other
cultures which has been left uncovered and it created chaos among researchers.
Article 4: Virtual teams research: 10 years, 10 themes, and 10 opportunities (Total
word count: ~375 words)
No. Question
1 Critically appraise the argument(s) presented by the author(s).
In the respective article, the main argument which has been identified by the authors
include the fact that the virtual technologies have gained a strong position in the
current business environment. The initial focus of the research is to synthesize last
decade of the Virtual Technology Research that has been suitable for the reduced
business travel as well as business meetings which are efficient. The virtual teams are

BUSM4554/4555 Assignment 1
group of the different individuals who try to participate in different projects through
making proper and collaborative efforts for achieving the shared goals as well as
objectives that will be suitable for the growth of the companies in the business
scenario which is technologically advanced. The effective management of the different
virtual teams through usage of the virtual technologies means that the different team
members have the flexible working hours that can be suitable for contributing to the
work-life balance. Through the incorporation of VT, it will be suitable for improving
cooperation and conflict management tactics. With the help of VT, it helped in
creating positive social atmosphere for the individuals to perform their tasks and
establish the goals successfully. As the authors argued that the VT has been able to
generate positive impact of effectiveness.
2 What is the method – how do the author(s) convince their readers?
There has been inclusion of the different themes which have been used in the
respective scenario that helped in understanding the aspects of the virtual
technological aspects which led to the proper satisfaction among the employees
working in different companies. Proper thematic analysis has been selected in which
ten themes have been selected for accomplishing the goal of the virtual technological
advancements. The ten themes include leadership, ways to enhance the success of
Virtual Technology, trust related aspects, globalization and other technology related
factors that helped in understanding the scenario of the importance of the virtual
technologies suitably.
3 Discuss the limitations of the research conducted by the author(s), beyond the
limitations provided by the author(s).
The limitations which has been discussed in the article includes the fact that the entire
research has been conducted on the basis of the thematic analysis. It has been noted
that there should have been inclusion of the interviews or surveys which could have
provided a brief understanding on the knowledge of the different individuals working
in the organizations for showcasing their viewpoints on the advantages and
disadvantages of the virtual technology implementation in the companies.
CLO1 Understand what contemporary management issues and challenges are in modern
organisations
CLO2 Apply relevant theories to critically examine contemporary management issues and
formulate effective solutions to these issues
CLO3 Effectively communicate concepts and arguments learned in contemporary
management in a logical, coherent and engaging manner
CLO4 Demonstrate interpersonal and teamwork skills in analysing issues and challenges,
and finding solutions
Marking rubric

BUSM4554/4555 Assignment 1
Criteria Ratings
This criterion is
linked to a
learning outcome
EMBARK &
CLARIFY
Addresses all task
requirements
5.0 Pts
Excellent
Student has
understood
and addressed
all task
requirements
appropriately
and with clear
purpose.
Awareness of
broader
ethical,
cultural,
social and
team (ESCT)
aspect and
linked to
personal
insight.
4.0 Pts
Very Good
Student has
understood
and addressed
all task
requirements
appropriately
and with clear
purpose.
Developing
awareness of
ethical,
cultural,
social and
team (ESCT)
aspects and a
personal
response to
these.
3.0 Pts
Good
Has
understood all
the task
requirements
and attempted
to respond
appropriately.
Beginning
awareness of
ethical,
cultural, social
and team
(ESCT)
aspects and a
personal
response to
these.
2.0 Pts
Average
Some
understanding
of the task
evident but
some
requirements
are missing.
Attempts to
address
ethical,
cultural, social
and team
(ESCT)
aspects and
describe a
personal
response to
these.
1.0 Pts
Poor
No
evidence
the student
has
understood
what is
required in
this task.
Attempts to
address
ethical,
cultural,
social and
team
(ESCT)
aspects and
but does
not link a
personal
response to
these.
0.0 Pts
No Marks
Student
did not
understand
the task at
all.
This criterion is
linked to a
learning
outcomeANALYSE
& SYNTHESISE
Critical analysis
and synthesis of
ideas to produce
understanding
5.0 Pts
Excellent
Student
demonstrated a
critical
awareness of
research
concentrations
and
contributions of
each research
article.
4.0 Pts
Very Good
Student
provided
good
insights on
the research
arguments
put forth in
each
research
article.
3.0 Pts
Good
Student
showed
satisfactory
ability to
reflect on the
research
process of
each research
article.
2.0 Pts
Average
Student
showed
satisfactory
reflection on
the research
process of
each
research
article.
1.0 Pts
Poor
Student was
unable to
demonstrate
satisfactory
original
reflection on
the research
process of
each research
article.
0.0 Pts
No
marks
Student
did not
analyse
the
research
articles
at all.
This criterion is
linked to a
learning
outcomeEVALUAT
E & REFLECT
Critique of and
evaluation of the
content/research
presented
5.0 Pts
Excellent
Evidence of
extremely solid,
thorough,
comprehensive
evaluation of the
evidence provided
in each research
article.
4.0 Pts
Very Good
Evidence of
evaluation of
the evidence
provided in
each
research
article.
3.0 Pts
Good
Some
evidence of
evaluation of
the evidence
provided in
each
research
article.
2.0 Pts
Average
Weak
attempt to
evaluate
the
evidence
provided in
each
research
article.
1.0 Pts
Poor
Little or no
attempt to
evaluate
the
evidence
provided in
each
research
article.
0.0 Pts
No marks
No attempt
at
evaluation
is evident.
Total points: 20.0

BUSM4554/4555 Assignment 1