The coursework will be based on an investigation into a contemporary issue in any subject areas that covered in the module, i.e. in the broad domain of international human resource management or CSR/Ethics/Diversity.

Selecting a research topic

To give you an idea on choosing a research topic, we have listed below some general topics, along with associated research questions. It is important that you view these as the starting point for research and that in developing the research question and some specific objectives linked to the topic, you will be able to identify a focused and workable research topic.

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.