SOCW1 2300 International HRM Assignment Remit 2025/26 | UCB

SOCW1 (2300) 2025/26 ASSIGNMENT REMIT

ASSIGNMENT TASK:

Please enter the assignment task(s) here. 

You are required to prepare an individual 2,000-word report that critically analyses different international human resource management (IHRM) cultural challenges faced by HR managers of two selected organisations from the list below. These organisations are aiming to be part of or maintain global diffusion in HR practices.

Organisations to choose from:

• IKEA
• BYD
• Google
• Microsoft
• HSBC
• Tesla
• BP

Task 1. Select two organisations from the list provided. Conduct a comparative analysis of the cultural challenges (at least 2 per organisation) faced by HR managers in these organisations. Your analysis should encompass examples of cultural missteps or success stories and their impacts on international HR practices in these organisations.

Task 2. Critically analyse two different contemporary international human resource (IHR) issues in the business environment of one chosen international organisation.

Task 3. Propose at least four well-reasoned recommendations for effectively managing the contemporary issues as well as addressing the cultural challenges identified.

MARKING CRITERIA:

• Below are the marking criteria that align with both the task(s) set and the quality of your document.  Clear weightings/marks will be noted for each criterion.  
• The overall mark awarded for this assignment will explicitly show how the mark was calculated based on your performance against each criterion.

Presentation, Structure & Communication (10%)

• Logical structure, presentation, and appropriate use of headings.
• Effective introduction explaining the report’s approach & design; clarity of communication; appropriate academic writing, ensuring you adhere to UCB guidelines 

Critical Analysis of Cultural Challenges & contemporary issues (40%)

• Comparative analysis of cultural differences impacting international human resource practice 
• Depth and criticality of the analysis of the contemporary HRM issues

Creativity and innovation (30%)

• Evidence of innovative and well-reasoned solutions to the challenges identified.
• Insightful conclusion that flows from confident analysis and evaluation
• Demonstrate problem-solving, creativity, and critical thinking skills.
• Consider both the organisations’ global HR goals and local cultural nuances.

plication of IHRM related literature, empirical research & examples; referencing (20%)

• integration of theoretical concepts such as cross-cultural and cross-geographical management theories, empirical evidence, and practical examples
• Reference
• quality and range of references (at least 25 – 30 references across different reliable sources are expected) 
• given the contemporary nature of the assignment, you must embed current data (how recent is the data) adheres to UCB referencing standards including in-text referencing

TASK AND DOCUMENT FORMAT GUIDANCE:

• Focus on attention to detail, quality of work and overall academic standards.  
• Specific Guidance for this assignment (include guidance on each task and the format of the document):
• The work should include an introduction and a conclusion; also address each task in a logical manner.
• Useful guidance, please consider:
• Cultural challenges (cross-cultural management, global talent acquisition, expatriate management, international labour laws, diversity and inclusion, etc.).
• HR practices (Global HR functions and strategy (performance management systems; reward systems; global talent management; outsourcing and offshoring.
• Contemporary issues in International HRM (International labour; equality and diversity; corporate social responsibility; employment regulation; management of conflict; digital technologies).
• Employ tables, graphs, or other visual aids where applicable to enhance data presentation and analysis.
• The report must reflect your ability to appraise cultural challenges and assess contemporary issues in international HRM from a global perspective.
• In your planning, consider demonstrating a critical understanding and integration of theoretical concepts such as cross-cultural and cross-geographical management theories
• Adhere to the recommended word count of 2000 (+/-10%) (excluding cover page, table of contents, figures, and references).
• For additional guidance on this assignment, please access the assignment vodcast available on Canvas.

E-SUBMISSION GUIDANCE:

• This assignment will require you to submit your work by uploading a document in Word or PDF format to Canvas. Please follow this online guide on document submissions and contact the DICE team at dice@ucb.ac.uk if you need any further support.

LEARNING OUTCOMES:

• Learning Outcomes are what the student needs to demonstrate after completing a module. An assessment is a way in which students can demonstrate their achievement of these Learning Outcomes. Learning Outcomes are NOT the same as the assignment task.
• The Learning Outcomes assessed by this assignment are: 
  o Appraise cultural challenges of international human resource management (LO1)
  o Assess a range of contemporary issues in international HRM (LO4)

ACADEMIC SKILLS OUTCOMES:

• The Academic Skills Outcomes to be developed by completing this assignment can be found here.
• For Apprenticeship programmes, identify the applicable Knowledge, Skills and Behaviours the assignment seeks to test.

GENERAL ASSIGNMENT GUIDANCE: