Learn about global engagement: think big, act now!

Do you think the way we live and work needs to change? Would you like to commit to a better professional environment and become a global citizen? In addition to raising awareness of the role of sustainability, well-being, and ethics in your personal life, you will learn how to contribute to the creation of a more sustainable, ethical, and inclusive working environment—and understand the role Human Resources Management (HRM) plays in achieving this.

Course content

The Minor consists of six modules, each of them developed in the context of a selection of different Sustainable Development Goals as defined by the United Nations.

In the module Industry & Innovation, you gain insight into the impact of state-of-the-art technologies on human behaviour in organisations. In addition, you learn about human-centred job design and how it can increase employee motivation and engagement.

In the module Decent Work & Sustainable Growth, you learn about the role of HRM in achieving a sustainable and decent working environment in organisations. You raise awareness of sustainability by working on a case that helps organisations achieve their social, environmental, and economic goals.

In the module Health & Well-being, you explore evidence-based theories, tools, methods, and strategies to improve your health and well-being. You design a Health and Well-being plan for a personal Health & Wellbeing challenge. You learn how to build resilience and overcome the challenges you may encounter along the way.

In the module Diversity & Inclusion, you are introduced to the role of HRM in transforming the workplace into a fair and inclusive environment. You design a business game (board or digital) to create awareness of Diversity & Inclusion and generate practical insights for groups of employees within an organisation.

In the module Lifelong Learning, you explore how continuous learning helps both individuals and organisations to remain or become future-proof. You learn how lifelong learning drives sustainable employability and organisational adaptability, and how these developments are shaping the evolving role of HR in a rapidly changing world.

In the module Governance, Law & Ethics, you are introduced to global citizenship. You gain a broader understanding ofglobalisation and the interconnectedness of the world. You develop knowledge of universal human rights and their implications for HR policies, learn to recognise moral dilemmas in HR practices, and develop your own personal moral compass.

Throughout the programme, you work with a culturally diverse group of international students on practical cases built around the Sustainable Development Goals. In this way you learn to apply sustainable concepts or frameworks into professional practice.

Target group

This Minor is meant for every student, who likes to improve the professional environment with ethical, ecological and social contributions.

We therefore invite all students from the business and social domains. Although we present our cases from an HRM perspective, you will find that the outcomes are applicable to your own area of expertise or professional practice.

Why this Minor?
The main purpose of the Minor is to raise your awareness of the importance of social responsibility and global citizenship (global engagement) in today’s world. In addition, you learn how HRM can drive changes toward a sustainable work environment that responds to social and ecological challenges as well as digital transformations.

Course structure

Quarter 1Quarter 2Decent Work and Sustainable Growth (5ECs)Diversity and Inclusion (5 ECs)Industry and Innovation (5ECs)Life Long Learning (5ECs)

Governance, Law and Ethics (5ECs)

Health and Well-Being (5EC)

Activities
In addition to participating in workshops across several modules, you work on assignments, real-life cases, and case studies. You attend guest lectures by researchers from our Research Department and by professional experts from Saxion and partner universities, where you learn about best practices. You also take part in excursions focused on the latest developments and technologies in the market. 

Moreover, you organise an activity to promote corporate social responsibility and design a serious game to raise awareness of diversity and inclusion.

Assesment methods

You will be assessed by different types of examinations, that vary from open-question exams to presentations, portfolio assignments, oral exams, reports and debates. Every course will be finished with a relevant exam based on the characteristics of that course.