Instructional Technology Management/Human Capital Development -Training a Global Workforce HCD/ITM645
HCD/ITM 645 - Training a Global Workforce
Course Information
Semester: Summer 2016 | Course Dates: May 23, 2016 to July 13, 2016
Format: Online | 3 Credit Course
Class Location: Online
Online Class Meeting Times: All sessions online in an asynchronous approach
Pre-requisites: none; However, it is recommended that you have competence in Microsoft Word, and Microsoft Power Point as well research skills with using the La Salle University Library.
If you are taking an online course for the first time, you must complete the self-paced Student Guide to Canvas to be prepared to participate in a fully online/hybrid course. You can join the course here:
Course Description
This course will explore the impact of globalization affecting training and development in multinational corporate and educational environments. Learners will also explore cultures and how to use methodologies to research, assess, and adapt content to meet the needs of learners from around the world. Further, learners will gain a richer understanding of the best practices used to create effective learning in various multicultural environments.
Student Learning Outcomes
After taking this course, students will:
- Define culture and discuss its implications in everyday life, as well as business situations.
- Identify the different cultural dimensions and discuss their impact on the workforce.
- Conduct cross-cultural analyses.
- Apply a cultural adaptation process in designing training and learning materials.
- Develop and implement strategies for culturally diverse audiences.
Instructor Information
Instructor: Yusuf Joseph Ugras, Ph.D.
Email:
Phone: 215.951.1240
Office Location: Online during scheduled meeting online in GoToTraining
Office Hours: By appointment
Best way to contact me: Canvas Email
Instructor Biography
I have been at La Salle University in different roles since 1987. I am back into full-time teaching after 19 years in academic administration. One of my responsibilities included leading international education initiatives including program offerings in Czech Republic, Greece, Spain, and Switzerland.
I have published in Advances in Management Accounting, Accounting Enquiries, Southern Business and Economic Journal, Journal of Business Ethics, Health Care Financial Management, Journal of Management Systems, and Mid-American Journal of Business. I have provided consulting services to several organizations including Crown Cork & Seal, Subaru America, UNISYS, Binney and Smith, Albert Einstein Hospital, and Carpenter Tech. I have made presentations at various conferences including UPCEA, AACSB International, Mid Atlantic Association of Colleges of Business Administration (MAACBA), American Accounting Association, European Management Accounting Conference, Management Accounting Research Symposia, and Philadelphia Controllers Conference. I have also provided assistance to several universities in improving their adult and graduate programming. I have served as President of the American Accounting Association – Mid-Atlantic Region, as well as several positions with the Institute of Management Accountants. Most recently, I was the Chair of the Global Associates of UPCEA and also the Secretary of UPCEA – Mid Atlantic.
I hold a Ph.D in Accounting from Temple University.
Course Materials
Textbooks to be purchased by the students:
OtherRequired Materials Available Online:
1. Title: Managing a Global Workforce by Vance, Charles M. and Paik, Yongsun, Chapter 7: Training a Global Workforce
Publisher: M.E. Sharpe, Inc.
Date Published: December 2006
eBook ISBN: 9780765620163
posted to Canvas
2. Title: Global Dimensions of Business: Managing the Global Workforce by Caligiuri, Paula, Lepak, David and Bonache, Jaime, Chapter 6 (Managing Competencies:Recruitment, Selection, Training and Development of the Global Workforce)
Publisher: Wiley-Blackwell
Date Published: March 2010
eBook ISBN: 9781444319798
3. Title: The Essential Guide to Training Global Audiences: Your Planning Resource of Useful Tips and Techniques by Irwin, LuAnn and McClay, Renie; Part 1 (first 4 Chapters)
Publisher: Pfeiffer
Date Published: June 2008
eBook ISBN: 9780470330357
4. Title: International Human Resource Development by Wilson, John P., 3rd Edition (Chapters 13 and 14)
Publisher: Kogan Page
Date Published: 2012
ISBN: 978-0-7494-6106-5
Posted on Canvas
Software/Hardware Requirements
Microsoft Office Professional Suite
High-speed Internet connection
Recommended Reading/Websites
Training & Development Magazine
Training Magazine
CLO
Fast Company
Online Class Participation
- This is a safe environment to respectfully challenge the theories and ideas presented during the course. Be ready to share your thoughts and inklings and know that I will, too. I may call on you directly occasionally to keep you on your toes and gently push you to think a bit “outside the box.”
- As you may have experience in previous courses, discussion board postings and responses to peer postings are required. Each posting must be written in Standard English. Your initial posts should demonstrate an understanding of the terms and concepts presented in the reading. To demonstrate further understanding of the course material, your posts should provide examples of how the course materials could be applied to your personal and/or professional life.
- Consider your responses to peer posts as additional supportive insights to their critical thinking or a counter point to their position. Ask questions of your peers to determine the origin of their point or particular perspective. Always seek clarification from your peers when needed whether working on-site or in Canvas.
- Although postings will not be evaluated on proper grammar and punctuation, both are required to be considered a completed assignment. There are specific requirement as to the length of postings, and they should be a logical presentation of well-formed ideas and personal insights focusing on the business application of concepts being analyzed.
- If your posts are unsatisfactory in terms of basic understanding of the course materials or critical thinking, I will ask you to revise your post based on my input. That revision to your post must be completed ASAP to complete that week’s assignment. See Canvas for specific weekly online discussion instructions for this course.
- Please read Discussion Board Etiquette posted at the end of this syllabus.
Instructional Technologies
You will find all of our course materials on Canvas, which is accessible from the Tools menu in the mylasalle portal (
We will use GoToTraining web conferencing tool for our synchronous sessions. Please check Canvas for details about those sessions. All email communication should be conducted using your official La Salle email address. You can also read more about GoToTraining in the Student Guides and Resource course.
University Resources
La Salle University Helpdesk
(1)Contact a La Salle help desk technician – a technician is available at the faculty and staff help desk, call 215-951-1860; a technician will take your call, or return your call if you leave a message. There are specific hours to reach a technician; the hours are posted on the following page: On the off hours, your call will be taken by a call center and be returned by a La Salle help desk technician during their hours.
(2)Send an email to report your issue to or
(3)Open up a ticket, called an “incident”, through the iSupport Helpdesk System at Make sure you know your username and password for the system. If you forget, click on the “change your password” link and create a new password.
(4)Post your issue on the “Virtual Water Cooler” discussion on the course discussion board to ask one of your classmates to help you. We will check this discussion often.
(5)Go to the Help Guides in Canvas
The Connelly Library
The experts at the Connelly Library can help you focus your search to find the best resources for your research projects. They can also help you find background information to help you better understand the content in your courses. This self-paced guide provides a quick overview of the library resources and services used for college-level research. Get in touch by phone at 215.951.1287 or by email.
Academic & Learning Support Services
Need help with your coursework? Get in touch with Academic and Learning Support Services. They offer subject tutoring, writing support, peer mentoring, and study strategy and time management workshops.
Synchronous Collaboration Tool Support
The latest version of each web browser is recommended for GoToTraining, which is the web conferencing tool we will be using. You will be sent plenty of instructions for learning to use GoToTraining via instructor’s email messages.
- However, make sure your computer meets the minimum system requirements for GoToTraining.
- If you need assistance downloading a new web browser, or if you need help determining if your computer meets the minimum system requirements, please contact the Helpdesk (215.951.1860 |
- Note: It is difficult to troubleshoot a synchronous session while it is going on. Check your system requirements and configure your system before the session begins.
The below information is for reference, however please do not hesitate to ask one of us to help clarify if you are stuck on something. We realize, for most of you, using the synchronous tool is new.
You’re welcome to contact Citrix, the vendor of GoToTraining, for quick feature related questions or for technical support. They’re available 24/7 and happy to assist when needed.
GoToTraining [Citrix] Customer Care Contact Information
Phone (888) 259-8414
Additional Global Phone Numbers
Create a Case
Support Website
Joining a Training
Attending a training session requires registration. If you have registered through an invitation email or registration link, you will receive a confirmation email with a link to join the training session. If you are joining a training session that is already in session and you have not yet registered, you will be prompted to do so. Review information here:
GoToTraining Viewer and Control Panel
When you first start or join a training session, the GoToTraining Viewer and the Control Panel appears on the right side of your screen. Use the Control Panel to manage your training session. To free up space on your desktop, you can collapse the Control Panel and use the Grab Tab to continue to manage the session. Review information here:
Required teachnological Materials
In order to participate in this online course, you must have access to a
- laptop or desktop (Mac, Windows PC, or Chromebook) with an up-to-date operating system
- Canvas-supported Internet browser (Firefox or Chrome are recommended)
- high-speed Internet connection
- headset with a microphone for synchronous sessions in GoToMeeting.
For more information about what you need for Canvas, including information about screen reader requirements, please visit review their computer specifications.
Keep in mind that while you can use mobile devices to access course content and online meetings, you may find that the Canvas apps lack the features and functionality you need to participate fully. You can read more about using Canvas with mobile devices in the Student Guides and Resources Course.
Course Schedule
The course week begins on a Monday, May 23, 2016 ends onWednesday, July 13, 2016.
Course Structure
All course work will be done online during the week, which runs from midnight Sunday evening to midnight Sunday evening that following week. When working online, all discussions, assignments, conversations, and postings that are scheduled and due in a week’s time are expected to be competed in that week with the exception of the discussion questions. Your discussion posts must be completed by midnight on Thursday of that week, and you must respond to two of your classmates’ postings by midnight Sunday evening of that week. If you have a schedule issue, please contact me.
Weekly Schedule
Week / Reading / AssignmentModule1: May 23
Defining Culture / Cultures and Organizations
Chapters 1-2
pp. 1-49
Kiss, Bow, or Shake Hands
Introduction and Cultural Orientation
pp. vii-xii
Read: Cultural Intelligence by P. ChristopherEarley andElaineMosakows, Harvard Business Review, October 2004(posted on Canvas) / Complete the culture quiz
Complete the Introduction Discussion on Canvas
Complete: Getting to know each other on Canvas
Participatein welcome meet-up in GoToMeeting session(optional)
Read Cultures and Organizations and Kiss, Bow or Shake Hands chapters 1-2
Read Cultural Intelligence Article (posted on Canvas)
Module 2: May 25
Power Distance Dimension / Cultures and Organizations
Chapter 3
pp. 51-88
(Power Distance Dimension)
/ Participate in online discussion forum:
Summarize what you have learned from Power distance dimension. How could that dimension be an obstacle in your field if you are dealing with a culture that is extremely different and what could you do to address it?
Monday, May 30th
Memorial Day
Module 3: June 1
Individualism-Collectivism Dimension / Cultures and Organizations
pp. 89-134 (Individualism-Collectivism Dimension) / Participate in online discussion forum:
Summarize what you have learned from Individualism and Collectivism dimension. How could that dimension be an obstacle in your field if you are dealing with a culture that is extremely different and what could you do to address it?
Module 4: June 6
Masculinity-Femininity Dimension / Cultures and Organizations
pp. 135-185 (Masculinity-Femininity Dimension) / Participate in online discussion forum:
Summarize what you have learned from Masculinity-Femininity dimension. How could that dimension be an obstacle in your field if you are dealing with a culture that is extremely different and what could you do to address it?
Submit US/UK Comparison (due June 6)
Module5: June 8
Uncertainty Avoidance Dimension / Cultures and Organizations
pp. 187-234 (Uncertainty Avoidance Dimension) / Participate in online discussion forum:
Summarize what you have learned from Uncertainty Avoidance dimension. How could that dimension be an obstacle in your field if you are dealing with a culture that is extremely different and what could you do to address it?
Module 6: June 13
Long vs. Short-Term Orientation and
Indulgence vs. Restraint Dimensions / Cultures and Organizations
pp. 235-276 (Long vs. Short-Term Orientation Dimension)
Cultures and Organizations
pp. 277-298 (Indulgence vs. Restraint Dimension) / Participate in online discussion forum:
Summarize what you have learned from Long vs Short-Term Orientation dimension. How could that dimension be an obstacle in your field if you are dealing with a culture that is extremely different and what could you do to address it?
Submit US/India Comparison (due June 13)
Module7: June 15
Nationality defines Organizational Rationality
Managing Cultural Conflicts / Cultures and Organizations
Chapter 10
pp. 301-340
Cultures and Organizations
Chapter 11
pp. 381-429 / Participate in online discussion forum
Submit “The Interview” project
Module 8: June 20
Beyond Hofstede’s Model: Examination of Alternative Models / Management and Cultures: Comparing Cultures (Chapter 3) / Participate in online discussion forum
How do thenewly introduced models differ from Hofstede’s model and which other dimension might be an interesting challenge in your discipline?
Submit US/Brazil Comparison (due June 20)
Module 9: June 22
International Issues in Human Capital Development
Conducting a Cultural Analysis / Read: International Human Resource Development by Wilson, John P., 3rd Edition (Chapters 13 and 14)
Read: Managing a Global Workforce by Vance, Charles M. and Paik, Yongsun, Chapter 7: Training a Global Workforce
(both posted on canvas) / Participate in online discussion forum by analyzing Case 7.2 and answering the following questions:
- What caused the problem between the French and Thai workers and can you attribute the issues to the material we have been studying?
- What should Aran have done prior to the issues reaching the extreme point?
Module10: June 27
The Meaning of Culture in Online Education / Read Globalized E-Learning Cultural Challenges by Edmundsen, Chapter 1 –
The Meaning of Culture in Online Education / Submit US/ Russia Comparison (due June 27)
Module 11: June29
Challenges to Implementing E-Learning in Lesser-Developed Countries
Adapting to Context
Facilitating Student Interactions / Read Globalized E-Learning Cultural Challenges by Edmundsen, Chapter 2 - Challenges to Implementing E-Learning in Lesser-Developed Countries / Submit US/China Comparison (due July 6)
July 4 Holiday
Module 12: July 6 / Submit US/Turkey Comparison (due July 6)
Submit and Present: Global E-Learning Project (taped video presentation – due July 6)
Module 13: July 11 / Submit:International Assignment Training Document
Final Day: July 13
International Assignment Training Presentations / Present: International Assignment Training Document(taped video presentation)
Project Descriptions
- Global E-Learning Project
The Global E-Learning project is a group project designed to put the various elements of Training a GlobalWorkforce course together. Each student will select a course module either from their current professional work or their La Salle course development work and analyze the course module based on what you have studied about globalizing existing content in a culturally-sensitive way. Each groupwill adapt the module for use in a country. You may choose a country we have studies in the class. The focus will be to complete the Cultural Analysis Framework and to develop aHigh Level Design Document outlining key changes for the redesign of the module.You will conduct an in-depth web search to better understand differences and where adaptations may be necessary. The objective of this project is to develop an understanding and appreciation for the necessity to research and incorporate a variety of resources and perspectives to successfully address issues that arise around course adaptation needs. This activity provides you with an opportunity to gain additional insights into sources that may be fruitful when adapting courses in the future. Consideration must be given to using globalized English as well as cultural adaptations. This activity provides you an opportunity to gain additional insights on how to address these circumstances through acomplex concrete content. The final project will be presented the last full week of class in a GoToMeeting presentation; each group willhave 10 minutes for their presentation.