Explore UCD

UCD Home >

HRM30070

Academic Year 2026/2027

HRM in Multinationals (HRM30070)

Subject:
Human Resources Management
College:
Business
School:
Business
Level:
3 (Degree)
Credits:
5
Module Coordinator:
Dr Huw Thomas
Trimester:
Autumn
Mode of Delivery:
On Campus
Internship Module:
No
How will I be graded?
Letter grades

Curricular information is subject to change.

This module provides students with an opportunity to explore critical areas of international human resource management (IHRM), examining how people management has changed in the face of globalisation. The core principle of this module is that to understand HRM in multinational companies (MNCs), we must be sensitive to the question of context. The way that HRM develops and is implemented is shaped by a wide range of institutional and cultural factors, strategic and political interventions and struggles over the balance of power between capital and labour. In this module, students will be encouraged to critically debate key trends within IHRM including the convergence and divergence of HRM policies and practices in a global context, the difficulties of managing a global workforce, and the ethical and sustainability challenges created by the expansion of global capital.

Many of you will go on to work in MNCs, whether that might be one of the ‘Big Four’, a social media company such as Google or LinkedIn, a manufacturing company like Smurfit Westrock or Siemens, or an international professional services company in law, marketing, or public affairs. In working for such companies, you will encounter the influence of different national business systems, different work cultures, and different regulations and laws, all of which will have a bearing on how IHRM systems and practices are developed. This module will help you understand the management of such complexities.

About this Module

Learning Outcomes:

On completing this module, students will be able to:

• Demonstrate knowledge and understanding of the process of managing human resources in MNCs
• Apply social, economic and political theories to questions pertinent to the management of human resources in an international context.
• Demonstrate knowledge and understanding of the context of international HRM
• Reflect analytically on the formulation and dissemination of HRM practices in MNCs operating in different locations; and
• Develop an awareness of ethical and sustainability dilemmas that may arise in managing people in MNCs.

Indicative Module Content:

Globalisation and HRM
MNCs as rule-makers and rule-takers
Structure and strategy for managing international HR
The institutional and cultural context of international HRM
International assignments for multinationals
From the firm to the network: global supply chains and CSR
Employee voice in MNCs
Sustainability and green HRM



UNESCO highlights a set of key competencies that support individuals in their development and support society in achieving the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). UCD has adapted these competencies and is combining them with others to form a general framework of learning competencies. This module will help you develop the competencies below to the levels specified. 
Learning Competency Additional Information Level

Collaboration

The ability to learn from others; to understand and respect the needs, perspectives and actions of others (empathy); to understand, relate to and be sensitive to others (empathic leadership); to deal with conflicts in a group; and to facilitate collaborative and participatory problem solving. Expert

Critical Thinking

The ability to question norms, practices and opinions; to reflect on one’s own values, perceptions and actions. Proficient

Systems Thinking

The ability to recognize and understand relationships; to analyse complex systems; to think of how systems are embedded within different domains and different scales; and to deal with uncertainty. Proficient

Strategic

The ability to collectively develop and implement innovative actions that further sustainability at the local level and further afield. Proficient

Integrated Problem Solving

The overarching ability to apply different problem-solving frameworks to complex sustainability problems and develop viable, inclusive and equitable solution options that promote sustainable development, integrating the competencies in this list. Proficient

Self-awareness

The ability to reflect on one’s own role in the local community and (global) society; to continually evaluate and further motivate one’s actions; and to deal with one’s feelings and desires. Novice

Normative

The ability to understand and reflect on the norms and values that underlie one’s actions; and to negotiate values, principles, goals, and targets, in a context of conflicts of interest and trade-offs, uncertain knowledge and contradictions. Advanced Beginner

Anticipatory

The ability to understand and evaluate multiple scenarios for the future – possible, probable and desirable; to create one’s own visions for the future; to apply the precautionary principle; to assess the consequences of actions; and to deal with risks and changes. Advanced Beginner

Digital Literacy and Judgement

The ability to access, evaluate, create and communicate information in digital environments; to engage critically, ethically and responsibly with digital technologies and digital information; to understand their opportunities, limitations, risks and impact on individual’s digital identities; and to exercise informed judgement in digital participation and decision-making. Not addressed

AI Literacy & Agency

The ability to understand, critically evaluate and responsibly engage with artificial intelligence; to recognise how AI systems are shaped by human values; to assess their ethical, social and environmental implications; and to exercise human judgement, agency and accountability in AI-related contexts. Not addressed

Wellbeing

Wellbeing is having the resources and skills to meet life's challenges, including attributes such as personal development skills, resilience, stress management, strengths, lifestyle skills, nutrition, physical activity, sleep, alcohol/substance use, academic skills, time management, goal setting, interpersonal skills, group work, communication. Advanced Beginner

The United Nations identified seventeen Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) as core to the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, and UCD contributes in general to SDG 4 Quality Education. Further SDGs explored within this module if relevant are listed below. A scale of 1 - 5 indicates the extent to which the SDG is covered.


 

Student Effort Hours:
Student Effort Type Hours
Autonomous Student Learning

64

Lectures

24

Seminar (or Webinar)

20

Field Trip/External Visits

8

Total

116


Approaches to Teaching and Learning:
The approach taken with this module is a combination of theory (lectures), practical case study investigation and individual and team-based project work. Students are expected to study the teaching material and recommended readings. The in-class discussion is an important part of the teaching and learning process; students are therefore expected to read the material assigned for each class and to participate actively in discussions. Attendance at lectures is compulsory unless a student has a valid reason for not attending.

AI Statement: Students may use AI tools for limited support in this module (e.g. idea generation, practice questions or as a study aid). Students remain fully responsible for the accuracy and reliability of their work. Any use of AI must be cited appropriately.

Requirements, Exclusions and Recommendations

Not applicable to this module.


Module Requisites and Incompatibles
Incompatibles:
HRM20050 - Comparative Human Resource Mgt, HRM30090 - International HRM, HRM30100 - International HRM


 

Assessment Strategy
Description Timing Component Scale Must Pass Component % of Final Grade Component repeat (in-module) Offered
Assignment(Including Essay): Report on a multinational company and their HR strategy. Week 14 Standard conversion grade scale 40% Yes
70
Yes
Group Work Assignment: Group-based case studies Week 2, Week 3, Week 5, Week 7, Week 10 Standard conversion grade scale 40% No
20
No
Reflective Assignment: Group-based reflective report Week 11 Graded No
10
No

As part of UCD's student support, under the Additional Consideration policy, extensions may be available for the following assessments in the module: Assignment (including essay/poster), Portfolio, Reflective Assignment, Report(s), and Individual Project.


Carry forward of passed components
Yes
 

Resit In Terminal Exam
Spring No
Please see Student Jargon Buster for more information about remediation types and timing. 

Feedback Strategy/Strategies

• Feedback individually to students, post-assessment
• Group/class feedback, post-assessment

How will my Feedback be Delivered?

The feedback provided will differ across assessment components. Class feedback will be given on the group work whereas individual feedback will be given on an individual basis for the academic essay. Students will have the opportunity to attend one-on-one sessions for feedback on essay planning.

Miguel-Martinez, L. and MacKenzie, R. (2022). International Human Resource Management. 2nd edition. SAGE:London

Timetabling information is displayed only for guidance purposes, relates to the current Academic Year only and is subject to change.
Autumn Lecture Offering 1 Week(s) - Autumn: All Weeks Thurs 11:00 - 12:50