INTERNATIONAL HUMAN RESOURCES MANAGEMENT

You are a team of consultants, who have been asked to provide a brief presentation using ppt slides on the IHRM process of TY Cotton Ltd. The task or terms of reference are provided below. The best team will be chosen as consultants for TY Cotton Ltd. Unfortunately, you only have the above information to work on, as the senior staff are busy dealing with the merger. Your team will have to work on the CVs provided (if applicable), theories, empirical studies & external research.

Task

b) Illustrate and explain the structure of TY Cotton Ltd and whether it should adapt or standardized their IHRM practices.

d) Based upon research, models, theories and empirical studies, design and subsequently implement an international human resource recruitment and selection process for TY Cotton Ltd. In your answer, what would be the profile of the candidate for Director of IT and Business Relations? Would you choose any of the candidates that have applied for the job? In either case, you must provide reasons for your decision.

e) If TY Cotton Ltd want to expand internationally, provide recommendations for TY Cotton Ltd for the next three years.

f) Does the merger with Atlanta Cotton Growers have any bearing on your answers above? Explain.

In your presentation, please ensure that you have strong academic foundation including theory, empirical evidence and references. You will need to provide advice and justification in order to demonstrate your knowledge and understanding of the organisational factors, as well as cross-border cultural and institutional factors affecting international human resource management policies of TY Cotton Ltd and to demonstrate understanding of the implications of managerial decisions. It must be clear in the slides who was responsible for each section in the presentation.

It should be noted that these two companies TY Cotton Ltd and Atlanta Cotton Growers are fictional companies (not real). Thus, companies who have similar names are coincidental.

Also assume that in a covid-19 environment, your work should assume that the changing nature of this pandemic and be as real as possible. However, for the purpose of this assignment – doing nothing is not an option that we would like to be considered, unless this is heavily backed up by research.

Candidate A

Name: Mrs Read

Age: 54

Status: Married with two children aged 18 and 20 years old.

Career Summary

Extensive experience of all aspects of IT system for major European corporate and retail/ financial institutions. Recent experience includes project management, requiring extensive knowledge of the financial industry and applying strategic and management tools. Currently on a part-time PRINCE2, Agile & PMP Courses studying at Cumbria University.

Career Objectives

To apply experience in IT systems development and management and apply strategic decision making in an international context.

Work Experience (last ten years)

2017 – present IT Manager for TY Cotton Ltd

2008 – 2017 Senior Lecturer in IT at Middlesex University

2003 – 2008 LOCOMOTIVE LTD – Newcastle

IT Analyst

1995 – 1997 A & B CONSULTANTS – BRUSSELS

Business Analyst

1993 – 1995 ZEUS FINANCIAL SYSTEMS

Team Leader

Education

1983 – 1987 UNIVERSITY OF LONDON

BSc (Hons) Computer Studies

1981 - 1983 KINGSTON COLLEGE

B/TEC HND Business and Finance (Merit)

Professional Skills and Personal Strengths

Highly motivated and enthusiastic able to work either as part of a team or under own initiative. Logical but can be creative and imaginative when necessary. Will attempt to rise to a challenge.

Social background

Career minded and thus not contemplating starting a family as yet. Partner is aware of this. Is prepared to go abroad without her husband, but as childhood “sweethearts” reluctant to do so. Husband will also have to forfeit his £40,000 a year salary as a Health and Safety Officer because she will want him to go with her if selected.

MGT6B9 International Human Resource Management [Spring 2021]

Level 6: 10 Credits

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Candidate B

Name: Mr. Max

Age: 52

Status: Two daughters aged 15 and 17 years old.

Career Summary

Five years’ experience in the financial and commodities division, dealing with stocks, and long-term investment projects for the retail and insurance industries.

Career Objectives

To apply the skills acquired from previous business knowledge to pursue a challenging role in consultancy or business development, preferably within an international context.

Work Experience (last ten years)

2018 - present Senior Finance Analyst of TY Cotton Ltd

2013 – 2018 Corporate and Asset Analyst of TY Cotton Ltd

2000 – 2013 Finance Manager for TY Cotton Ltd

2000 - 2000 FGH Ltd, USA

Executive Finance Officer

Education

1991 – 1993 ASTON UNIVERSITY

MA International Management

1988 – 1991 CARDIFF UNIVERSITY, UNIVERSITY OF WALES BSc (Hons) Finance and Management

1981 – 1983 WESTMINISTER COLLEGE

National Diploma in Business Studies

Professional Skills

Highly motivated worker with strong interpersonal, analytical and communication skills. Customer focused experienced has enabled me to work well under pressure and maintain the highest possible standards. Has some managerial experience – but has no leadership skills or qualifications. However, always willing to listen and learn from others.

Social Background

Highly devoted family man. Balances his social, family relationships with work. The youngest child is very close to her father and did not like it when he travelled abroad to work. His wife is not working, but is very close to her parents who are in their late 60’s. Did not enjoy the brief spell in USA, But felt that he was too young and experienced. He believes that the experience will assist him for Peru.

Candidate C

Name: Miss Cooke

Age: 34

Status: Single

Career Summary

Over ten years of implementing and improving operational processes within both the public and private sector. Key responsibilities have included assessing departmental systems and redesigning and implementing more efficient processes. This tends to include both human resource issues and operational, layout design and general procurement processes and trying to implement a more systematic recruitment and selection process.

Career Objectives

To assist organisations to meet their strategic objectives through analysing business process, improving operational systems and building committed teams. Her thesis for her MA in HRM was “The validity of psychometrics in recruitment and selection of international staff”. She was awarded a 52% for this.

Work Experience (last ten years)

2014 – present Senior Customer Operations Manager TY Cotton Ltd

2012 – 2014 SIEMENS

Service Improvement Manager for TY Cotton Ltd

2009 – 2012 ASDA

Operations Assistant

2005 – 2009 MARKS AND SPENCER

Design Officer

Education

2005 – 2006 UNIVERSITY OF QUEEN MARY, UK

MA IN HUMAN RESOURCE MANAGEMENT

2003 – 2005 STANFORD UNIVERSITY, USA

MA Operations and Logistic Management

2001 – 2003 EDGE HILL UNIVERSITY

BSc Business Management Studies

1999 – 2001 UNIVERSITY COLLEGE CHESTER

National Diploma in Business Studies

Professional Skills

Highly motivated and focused professional, able to pinpoint issues quickly, develop innovative solutions and communicate across a wide range of stakeholder groups. Have adopted a directive style of leadership, which even though has been seen as successful for some senior managers, it has led to some resentment from other colleagues as her people skills is somewhat lacking…

Social Background

Single person, but started dating Jack a few months ago. The relationship looks promising. Was in a steady relationship for a few years with a colleague, but went their own way. Not bitter. Quiet social life. Very close to parents, where the mother has cancer. Likes to travel if work and family (mother) commitments allow her. Very close with Management who trust her and want to see her progress.

Candidate D

Name: Mr. Chowdhury

Age: 40

Status: Three children aged 2, 5, 7 years old.

Career Summary

One of the youngest graduates for his MBA at Aston University at 23 years old. Nine years strategic and leadership experience as director of own international import and export business. Recent business is the administration of accounts in finance departments at TY Cotton Ltd. Is now responsible for eight staff in his department.

Career Objectives

To incorporate the knowledge and skills gained on the part-time MBA with existing professional experience and utilise to initiate and influence business development and complex decision making at strategic level.

Work Experience (last ten years)

2016 – present Financial Manager for TY Cotton Ltd

2014 – 2016 CAPARO WIRE LTD – Principal Accounts Manager

Responsible for company accounts and general administration

2005 – 2014 SHARETOWN PLC – Company Manager

Managing the finance and admin side of the business

Education

2003 – 2004 ASTON UNIVERSITY

MBA International Business Management

1999 – 2003 UNIVERSITY OF CHITTAGONG

B.COM (Hons) in Accounting

Professional Skills

A highly motivated individual with proven management and leadership skills, who has efficient and professional approach when handling complex projects. Commercially and customer focused with strong influencing, negotiating and interpersonal skills. Fluent in English, Bengali and Urdu. Ambitious and eager to progress up the career ladder, but this has taken a back seat for a while, since the death of his parents, which has curbed his enthusiasm and motivation in the last two years. However, he believes that this may be an opportunity to start a new chapter in his life. May be prepared to go alone without the family. Is being mentored currently from a Member of the Senior team in the UK.

Social Background

Highly devoted religious (Hindu) man. Balances his social, family relationships with work. His wife is working as Care Manager in a Residential Nursing Home. Both his parents have died, but his wife’s mother is a widow and has been staying with the family for 2 years.

Candidate E

Name: Mrs Harrison

Age: 50

Status: Two daughters – 21 and 20 years respectively.

Career Summary

Team-building experience acquired through earlier work in industrial minerals and petroleum sector. Retrained as an IT specialist. Currently studying the IMBA at London Business School, specialising in

International and Cross-Cultural studies.

Career Objectives

Hoping that knowledge of services management, staff recruitment and selection will allow her to develop interest in staff learning and development.

Work Experience (last ten years)

2018 – present Systems Manager for TY Cotton Ltd

2015 – 2018 ESSO

IT Procurement Manager

2010 – 2015 PETROLEUM CORPORATION OF JAMICA

Consultant

Education

2016 – present LONDON BUSINESS SCHOOL

International MBA – currently 2nd year

2015 NEBS, UK

Certificate in Supervisory Management

2000 – 2002 UNIVERSITY OF MIDDLESEX

MA in Human Resource Management

1990 – 2000 UNIVERSITY OF THE WEST INDIES, JAMICA

BSc (Hons) Information Management

Professional Skills

An “exposed” individual, having worked with people with different backgrounds and travelled to, trained and lived in a number of countries. Possess strong IT skills as well as excellent interpersonal and problem-solving skills. Strong sense of being committed to the organisation. Technically competent.

Social Background

Highly doted family woman. Her two children have travelled with her. Ironically with all the knowledge of cross-cultural studies, did not settle in Jamaica – didn’t like the mosquitoes, the heat and the “power cuts”. She believes that the locals should have adapted to her and this is the reason why she said that her contract finished early. The posting to Jamaica had to be rescued by another expatriate for Petroleum Corporation of Jamaica. She is the main bread winner – her husband is a teacher in Cross Cultural Studies at School of Oriental African Studies [SOAS]. If she gets this posting her husband is willing to go with her.

Candidate F

Name: Mr Mickleson Junior

Age: 50

Status: Divorced with four young children

Career Summary

Team-building experience acquired through earlier work in organic compounds work in Africa. Has a legal background. Currently studying the IMBA at London Business School, specialising in

International Business and Sustainability.

Career Objectives

Hoping that knowledge of the law and international business will give him the opportunity to meet the challenges of the 21st century.

Work Experience (last ten years)

2018 – present Not employed (studying see below)

2017 – 2018 ATLANTA COTTON GROWERS

IT Procurement Manager

2014 – 2017 ORGANIC LTD OF AFRICA

Consultant

Education

2018 – present LONDON BUSINESS SCHOOL

International MBA – currently in 2nd year

2010 – 2013 HOLBORN LAW COLLEGE

LLB (Hons)

Professional Skills

Was a former employee of Atlanta Cotton Growers before studying for his IMBA at LBS. A US national, but has travelled and studied in the UK. Able to hold a conversation with authority due to his law background and working in Africa for two years. Could be seen as arrogant and not a team player, will rather do the work himself rather than rely on others. Because of his background, believes that he should be remunerated accordingly.

Social Background

Studying at the same University with Mr Harrison who told him about the job and thus “applied”. He has not told Mr Harrison for fear of breaking their friendship. Currently dating a female student from LBS. He loves being free with no commitments from friends and family. However, wants to settle down with his girl-friend, but not sure if she will want to move from the UK to be with him if he is successful in getting this job.

Option 2:

Primary research into real-life Company with international operations

Task

In your group you are to select a real-life company with international operations. You are to conduct primary research into this company. From the information gathered, your group is to present the following tasks:

a. Identify the company's International Human Resource Management policy.

b. Critically evaluate the effectiveness of the above International Human Resource Management strategy. It is your choice as to what areas you want to focus on in terms of IHRM.

c. Based on the findings, make recommendations to the Board

You are free to select any areas that we covering in the module. If you are not sure, please seek advice from your seminar tutor. You may study in depth one area, such as compensation, or choose to cover a number of IHRM functions. It is though very important that you meet the intended learning outcomes of this model and evidence this with the necessary reading.

You must attach evidence of the primary research in the appendix.

Please also refer to the additional guidelines below…

Additional Guidelines for both options 1 and 2 for the Group presentation, including criteria and submission dates

Learning outcomes: KU1: KU2: S3 and S4

Submission:

To ensure fairness to all groups the ppt slides must be submitted via turnitin by Friday 5th March 2021 by 11.59am [UK time] This is the deadline for the ppt group submission.

Presentations Dates:

PowerPoint / Board group presentations during weeks 7, 8 and 9 – namely Week beginning 8th 15th and 22nd March 2021

Groups to be no more than three students. If greater than 3, an additional 6 slides will need to be produced for each additional person, but the time to present will remain the same for both the ppt and board meeting. Thus, each individual has less time to present, but the group still needs to meet the learning outcomes.

The presentation will be conducted on Bb Collaborate. It is expected that each group has material that last 25 minutes. This includes 15 minutes for the PowerPoint presentation and 10 minutes for the Board Meeting afterwards. The Board will include your module leader and possibly another colleague. The purpose of the Board meeting is to provide a Q+A session and for opportunities for the students to clarify areas of their presentation and slides.

Points will be deducted for presentations that are too short or long; speakers will be cut off if they speak too long (at the lecturer’s discretion).

You must refer to relevant studies, theories, concepts and principles on IHRM in your analysis and provide full arguments for your findings. Each slide should be sourced appropriately.

If you use material from case studies or company websites remember that these need to be appropriately quoted and referenced just like all other materials.

Both the presentation and Board meeting should demonstrate independent research and thinking, persuasion, articulation and decision-making.

All research must be fully documented and referenced accordingly. At least a dozen sources must be used and referenced. Work not fully referenced will lose significant marks.

If you undertake primary research, i.e., interview someone in the organisation or industry, this needs to be acknowledged appropriately.

Any Internet sites you visit and use must be listed with the full web site address and date of visit using the Harvard Referencing System.

If students are late in attending classes and thus arranging themselves into groups, it is YOUR responsibility to find a group or work on your own. We will not chase students.

Students who merely recapitulate the lecture/s have not accomplished their task. Do not pad the slides with too many words – work on the assumption of 60 – 80 words per slide excluding sourcing.

The slides must not be longer than 25 slides. This though excludes “non-main” content slides that include the following. These do not count as part of the 25 slides.

· Title page slide

· Table of Contents slides

· Divider section slides (if you choose to use these)

· References

· Individual reflection from each student in the group (one slide per individual)

· Copy of team contract

· Log of meetings including the content and action points

The slides should be in this order…

1. Executive summary

2. Table of Contents

3. Terms of Reference

4. Introduction

5. Methodology

6. Literature review

7. Findings and analysis

8. Conclusion

9. Recommendation

10. References

11. Appendices (including interviews)

Marking Criteria

The scale consists of eight different numeric bands (0-8) with their matching descriptors of students’ performance. In order to award a final mark, first a numeric band will be given to the assessed piece, according to the descriptors that suit each piece of work. After this process, and following the conversion table below, academics will decide the most suitable percentage within the range proposed for the band awarded.

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