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2025/2026  MA-MMBFO3005U  Strategic Human Resource Management

English Title
Strategic Human Resource Management

Course information
Language English
Course ECTS 2 ECTS
Type Mandatory
Level Part Time Master
Duration One Quarter
Start time of the course Autumn
Timetable Course schedule will be posted at calendar.cbs.dk
Study board
Study Board for Full-Time MBA
Course coordinator
  • Julia Bodner - Department of Strategy and Innovation (SI)
Main academic disciplines
  • Human resource management
Teaching methods
  • Face-to-face teaching
Last updated on 02-06-2025

Relevant links
Learning objectives
At the end of the course, students should be able to demonstrate
  • An understanding of core concepts and theories concerning the main themes of the course,
  • The ability to apply the concepts to real-world cases in order to analyze how people will act in response to any given (change in) HR practices, such as incentives and organizational structures,
  • An awareness of interdependences between and possible unintended consequences of common HR practices to make better predictions about their effects on people and organizations,
  • The ability to critically discuss real-world cases to develop and responsibly implement effective and efficient human resource practices that encourage value-creating behavior, discourage value-destroying behavior, and support the strategic objectives of organizations,
  • An understanding of how new practices, such as people analytics, remote work, and machine learning, may affect how people are managed in the future.
Examination
Strategic Human Resource Management:
Exam ECTS 2
Examination form Home assignment - written product
Individual or group exam Individual exam
Size of written product Max. 5 pages
Assignment type Case based assignment
Release of assignment An assigned subject is released in class
Duration Written product to be submitted on specified date and time.
Grading scale 7-point grading scale
Examiner(s) One internal examiner
Exam period Spring
Make-up exam/re-exam
Same examination form as the ordinary exam
Course content, structure and pedagogical approach

The objective of this course is to provide a better understanding of key components and concepts of strategic human resource management. Drawing upon a wide range of disciplines, including organizational behavior, strategy, psychology, and economics, we present, discuss and apply theories, frameworks, and tools to manage human resources more effectively and support the strategic objectives of their firms.

Our focus is on large complex firms rather than small or medium-sized enterprises, although a number of issues that we will cover are of direct relevance for a broad spectrum of firms. We will present examples from firms operating in Scandinavia as well as other regions of the world.

The course is taught using the “case-based teaching” and participant-centered learning in Harvard Business School style that involves high-energy discussion, debate, and interaction. Students are strongly encouraged to bring their own views into the discussion and to share insights and learning with fellow students. 
Research-based teaching
CBS’ programmes and teaching are research-based. The following types of research-based knowledge and research-like activities are included in this course:
Research-based knowledge
  • Classic and basic theory
  • New theory
  • Teacher’s own research
  • Methodology
Research-like activities
  • Analysis
  • Discussion, critical reflection, modelling
Description of the teaching methods
The lectures will be based on texbook readings, articles, cases and a high level of student participation.
Feedback during the teaching period
The interactive case discussion format allows for continuous feedback. The students are expected to attend class, be prepared and participate in the case discussions
Student workload
Teaching 20 hours
Preparation 40 hours
Examination 20 hours
Last updated on 02-06-2025