About this course

The course provides a practical introduction to key areas within Human Resource Management (HRM), with a focus on how organizations can develop, mobilize, and safeguard human resources in a strategic, ethical, and sustainable manner. The course covers fundamental HR processes such as recruitment, competence and career development, compensation, and conflict management, as well as how the HR function can contribute to diversity and inclusion in working life.

The course emphasizes the relationship between HR practices and organizational objectives and provides insight into how HR work can support performance, employee well-being, and long-term value creation. Through practice-oriented problem scenarios, students gain experience in analyzing and assessing HR-related challenges in organizations.

Learning outcome

Learning Outcomes

Upon completion of the course, students will have achieved the following learning outcomes, categorized into knowledge, skills, and general competence:

Knowledge

The student:

  • Has knowledge of central theories and models within strategic Human Resource Management (HRM)
  • Understands how HR practices influence individual factors such as motivation, well-being, and performance
  • Has knowledge of key principles related to recruitment, competence development, career development, and reward systems
  • Has knowledge of diversity and inclusion in working life and their importance for organizations
  • Understands how workplace conflicts arise and has knowledge of basic approaches to conflict management

Skills

The student:

  • Can apply HR concepts and selected key models to understand situations that may arise in organizations
  • Can identify key HR-related challenges and propose relevant measures
  • Can reflect on how different HR initiatives affect both employees and the organization’s overall objectives
  • Can assess how HR practices can promote diversity and inclusion

General Competence

The student:

  • Has an understanding of the role of the HR function in modern organizations
  • Can reflect on ethical issues related to HR work
  • Can communicate HR-related issues in a structured and academically grounded manner
  • Has insight into how strategic people management can contribute to sustainable organizations

  • Learning activities

    Digital teaching (video-based) and practical sessions via Zoom.

  • Teaching support

    The learning platform Canvas.

  • Syllabus

    Kuvaas, B., & Dysvik, A. (2025). Lønnsomhet gjennom menneskelige ressurser: Evidensbasert HRM [Profitability through human resources: Evidence-based HRM]. Fagbokforlaget.

    In addition, articles will be published on Canvas.

  • Assessment method

    Portfolio assessment consisting of video submissions and supplementary written assignments throughout the course.

    Grading: Passed/failed

    No resit examination is offered for this course.



    Portfolio Karakterregel: Passed / Not Passed

  • About use of AI

    Assessment:

    K2 - Specified use of AI. The strudent may use AI for brainstorming and language editing in the development of the answer, but not for anything else. The student must provide a description of the use of AI, including which programs were used in the development of the submission.

    See guidelines for use of artificial intelligence (AI) at NMBU.

    Mandatory activity:

    K1 - The use of AI is not permitted. See guidelines for use of artificial intelligence (AI) at NMBU.

    Descriptions of AI-category codes.

  • Examiner scheme

    An external examiner approves the exam. An internal or external examiner determines grades.

  • Mandatory activity

    Students must participate in a research project.

    Approved mandatory activity from the last time the course was held is valid when retaking the course.

  • Teaching hours

    Video lectures and weekly case seminars conducted via Zoom.

  • Preferential right

    Students enrolled in the one-year study programme in Sustainable Business Management (KVU-BEDØK)

  • Admission requirements

    Minimum requirements for entrance to higher education in Norway (GSK).

    Study right on the one-year study programme in Sustainable Business Management (KVU-BEDØK)