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Human Resource Management: Leading Teams
Last Updated: 2026-02-05 16:23:42
Abstract
The basic processes of human resource management are discussed (selection, reward systems, performance evaluation, career development) and embedded in the broader context of leadership in teams. Leadership concepts and group processes are presented. Practical instruments supporting leadership functions are introduced and applied in business settings through student projects.
Objective
• Understand basic HRM functions and their relationship to leadership • Know instruments for selection, performance appraisal, compensation, and development • Understand leadership requirements and success factors in leadership • Know fundamental processes in teams • Apply and expand theoretical knowledge on a specific topic in self-guided learning • Manage team processes and diversity
Content
Human Resource Management (HRM) concerns the policies, practices, and systems that influence employees' behavior, attitudes, and performance. HRM aims at applying human resources within organizations such that people succeed and organizational performance improves. HRM is of high strategic relevance as evidenced by strong links between good HRM practices and business outcomes. In the course, concepts and instruments for employee selection, performance management, and personnel development are presented. Some instruments are also practically applied in small groups. Fundamentals of effective leadership and dynamics in teams are discussed, in particular in view of the increasing demands for balancing stability and flexibility in fast-changing organizations. The course is taught from the perspective of team members' and team leaders' role in HRM, not from the perspective of HR managers. Thereby, students can directly relate their own experience to the HRM practices discussed. This applies to prior work experience, but also to any other teamwork experience, be it as a student or in a private role, for instance in sports clubs. Selecting the right team members, discussing and improving individual and team performance, managing task and relational conflicts, and sharing and building on each other's knowledge to solve problems are ubiquituous challenges that the course addresses. As part of the course, students also apply HRM instruments in company contexts in a group semester project. Topics for these projects are determined prior to the course and in the past have concerned leadership assessment, performance-based pay, and working in virtual teams. Students are provided with background literature and specific tools to conduct the project and are accompanied by a project advisor who provides additional support.
Resources
Lecture Notes
There is no script.
Literature
A reading list and the respective documents are provided via moodle.
Learning Materials (Links)
- Main link
- MOODLE
General Information
- Language
- English
- Levels
- BSC , MSC , NDS
- Frequency
- Yearly recurring
Examination
- Type
- end-of-semester examination
- Mode
- written 90 minutes
- Aids
- None
Course Components
| Type | Title | Time & Place | Hours |
|---|---|---|---|
| lecture with exercise |
Human Resource Management: Leading Teams
The lecture takes place in presence and will be recorded.
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2 h weekly |
Offered In
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Management, Technology and Economics (Focus Coordinators: Prof. Bart Clarysse and Swantje Pless D-MTEC)
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