course-details-portlet

TSOL415

Human Resource Management

Credits 7.5
Level Second degree level
Course start Autumn 2026
Duration 1 semester
Language of instruction English
Location Trondheim
Examination arrangement Aggregate score

About

About the course

Course content

This course aims to introduce students to the field of human resource management (HRM) and its strategic role in organizations. The course will cover a variety of HR topics ranging from the fundamentals of human resource management (e.g., job and work design, workforce planning, recruitment and selection of employees, integration, workforce diversity, training and development, performance management, compensation and reward management) to contemporary HRM issues (e.g., digital transformation and digitalization of HR, the impact of AI on HRM practices, HRM in an international context).

Learning outcome

Knowledge

After completing this course, students will be able to:

  • Define what HRM is and identify its various functions
  • Explain the strategic role of HRM through human capital in organizations
  • Discuss ethical and legal implications of managing a diverse workforce
  • Assess how artificial intelligence (AI) impacts different HRM practices
  • Compare and contrast HRM practices across different national contexts

Skills

After completing this course, students will be able to:

  • Develop critical thinking abilities based on relevant discussions of HR topics
  • Demonstrate teamwork and interpersonal abilities needed for working effectively in organizations
  • Apply the concepts of HRM to wider organizational, national, and international contexts
  • Solve problems and dilemmas in relation to various HR situations
  • Produce and deliver professional HR presentations
  • Communicate clearly and manage time and deadlines effectively

General competence

After completing this course, students will be able to:

  • Identify and select valid sources of information on the HR topics discussed
  • Write, present and report coherent group analyses of different HR topics
  • Demonstrate a mature knowledge and understanding of HR practices
  • Justify the arguments presented
  • Formulate relevant conclusions and synthesize recommendations for HR practice

Learning methods and activities

  • Lectures
  • Team/Group assignments
  • Group presentations
  • Classroom discussions on a variety of HR-related topics

Compulsory assignments

  • Weekly oral presentations

Further on evaluation

The mandatory student activity consists of students participating in weekly group presentations throughout the semester. Each group will give a short oral presentation to the class, based on their reading of the course material for that week, supported with real-world business examples, key lessons learned, and questions for general class discussion, and submit their presentation.

The assessment of the coursework consists of two components:

  • Assignment 1 - Group project consisting of a group analysis of a selected HR problem, submitted in a poster format (50%) and
  • Assignment 2 - Group term paper (report) (50%)

Note: Both assignments should be written in English and submitted as a group. It is not possible to write the assignments alone. Group size: minimum 2 students, and maximum 3 students per group. The students should complete both assignments with the same group members.

In case of a re-sit exam or the final exam when the course is no longer being taught, the exam may be changed to an oral exam.

Specific conditions

Admission to a programme of study is required:
Economics (MSØK)
Economics (MSØK/5)
Economics and Business Administration (MSIVØK5)
Economics and Business Administration (ØAMSC)
Entrepreneurship (MENTRE)
Financial Economics (MFINØK)
Industrial Economics and Technology Management (MTIØT)
International Business and Marketing (860MIB)
Management of Technology (ØAMLT)

Required previous knowledge

None

Course materials

Will be stated at the start of the course.

Subject areas

  • Economics and Administration

Contact information

Course coordinator

Department with academic responsibility

NTNU Business School

Examination

Examination

Examination arrangement: Aggregate score
Grade: Letter grades

Ordinary examination - Autumn 2026

Assignment
Weighting 50/100 Exam system Inspera Assessment
Assignment
Weighting 50/100 Exam system Inspera Assessment