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Executive Master Class in Human Resource Management

Become an expert in Human Resource Management

#1

FT ranked logo colour

in Open Executive Education in Belgium and #24 worldwide

587

Alumni

4,5/5

for Learning Impact

Today’s HR professionals act increasingly as strategic business partners in their organisations. Their role is to create real value to the business and actively drive success and growth. 

The Executive Master Class in Human Resource Management is a 21-day programme that empowers you to position HR as a strategic partner. You learn new skills and live them in a hands-on, strategic project for your own organisation. Then you’re ready to take the leap and drive positive change for your business.

Detailed programme

Build your insight and understanding in two stages. In the first, you dive deep into the fundamentals of human resource management. Across five core modules, you focus on a critical aspect of human resource management – and gain a deep understanding of the issues, so you can make strategic decisions. 

In this world-class HRM programme, you get to live in an in-company project that tackles a real-life HR challenge in your own organisation. Throughout, you have the unwavering support of our expert faculty. 

In the second stage, you increase your knowledge of subjects related to human resource management by choosing electives that align with the needs of your company and your role. Select the Expert Path and dive deep into Compensation & Benefits Management. Or follow the Business Path and enhance your understanding of Leading Change and Understanding Annual Reports. If you’d rather build your own path, we’ll be happy to help.  

The Executive Master Class in Human Resource Management comprises five modules, your in-company project – and elective programmes in subjects of your choice. These are the modules in this HRM programme: 

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Module 1: Strategic HRM 

  • Learn about HR as a strategic business partner 
  • Explore types of organisations and organisational design 
  • Discover HR shared services and outsourcing 
  • Learn how HR metrics help you to deliver on business goals   

Module 2: Talent and career management 

  • Discover selection techniques 
  • Assess your attractiveness as an employer today 
  • Learn to use internal and external employer branding as a recruitment tool 
  • Explore new recruitment media  

Module 3: Competence and performance management 

  • Explore Performance Management Systems
  • Discover the link between motivation and performance management
  • Explore Competence Management Systems
  • Learn about the connections between competence management and talent management in human resource management
  • Discover strategic and competence-based reward
  • Learn how reward impacts employee motivation and satisfaction

Module 4: HR reaching out 

  • Learn new ways of working 
  • Well at work 
  • Explore social relations – and how to manage them 
  • Dive into international HRM

Module 5: Putting the pieces together

In-company project 

  • Address a real-life strategic challenge or opportunity in your organisation 
  • Assess recommendations and actions – and provide a solution 
  • Stress-test your thinking in a supportive, expert environment 
  • Produce an impactful written report 
  • Convince your organisation with a compelling presentation 

You can tackle any kind of challenge or opportunity, including how to collaborate effectively in a global distributed company, develop an evaluation & performance management system, how to improve facts-based decisions within HR on the basis of data analytics.   

Electives: Tailor your learning journey 

  • Specialise with 4–6 days from our range of short- term programmes  
  • Dive into subjects that align with the needs of both you and your company 
  • Start your electives before, during or after the core modules   

Why this programme

  • Understand and leverage connections between HR, the organisation and social trends 
  • Align your organisation’s HR approach to the most current thinking
  • Create a strategic HR plan for your organisation
  • Raise the profile of the HR function, by adding value to your organisation
  • Understand the value of HR practices and policies in your organisation
  • Strengthen your organisation's HR policies or practices 
  • After graduating from this programme, you are entitled to join our alumni network. Visit the Vlerick Alumni website for more information

Who should attend

  • HR professionals who want to increase the impact of HRM in their organisation
  • HR professionals who want to keep up to date with the latest HRM trends and practices 

In previous editions, we had the pleasure of welcoming participants from companies like:

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Drukwerk
PepsiCo logo

Practical info

To apply for this programme, you need to complete four steps:

1. Check your eligibility: Check if you meet the admissions criteria for the programme you want to apply for.

2. Submit your application: Fill out the application form and upload it together with your cv or LinkedIn profile.

3. Take part in an interview: When we receive your application, we’ll get in touch to set up an interview. This will take about an hour and will cover:

  • Your professional experience and current challenges
  • Your career ambitions
  • Why you want to take the programme
  • Which electives are right for you (if the programme includes electives)

4. Confirm your registration: If you pass the interview, we’ll send you a registration form. You’ll have two weeks to complete and submit the form to confirm your programme place.

Success stories

Maurine profile

My participation in the programme yielded a much higher return on investment than anticipated. On top of that, I was also surprised by the great networking opportunities.

Vandenberghe Karine

I can’t believe how much I’ve learned during the Executive Master Class in HRM. My only regret is that I didn’t follow this programme ten years earlier. As soon as the programme started, I felt there was solid ground beneath my feet. 

Faculty

Dirk Buyens

Dirk Buyens

Professor of Human Resources Management

Dirk Buyens is an authority on strategic HR, strategic talent management and organisational structuring, in line with business strategy.

Koen Dewettinck

Koen Dewettinck

Professor of Human Resources Management

Koen Dewettinck improves the way we manage people to boost engagement and performance.

Xavier Baeten

Xavier Baeten

Professor of Reward & Sustainability

Xavier Baeten is highlighting the vital role of rewarding in helping organisations deliver their strategy and gain competitive advantage.

Get in touch!

Marjolein Van der Weerden

Marjolein Van der Weerden