Ivona Škreblin Kirbiš

Teaching human resource management in Croatia using work-based action projects

This article examines the design and use of work-based action projects for teaching human resource management for Master’s students in Zagreb School of Economics and Management, Croatia. The original course was designed and taught at St Ambrose University, USA. Professors from both universities, working together in Zagreb, modified the course. The main goal of this research was to examine if this method of teaching had positive outcomes in Croatia and should be continued. Follow-up research was undertaken with learners, using surveys and a focus group. The learners’ organisational supervisors were surveyed regarding their reaction to the work-based action projects. Generally, both groups agreed the method had positive effects on learners and their organisations, but some issues emerged needing attention. Finally, conclusions are drawn about the importance of this kind of experiential learning method in the emerging market economy of Croatia.