Ursuline College Accelerated Program. Current Topics in Human Resource Management Last Updated: January 08 S. Anderson

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1 Ursuline College Accelerated Program CRITICAL INFORMATION! DO NOT SKIP THIS LINK BELOW... BEFORE PROCEEDING TO READ THE UCAP MODULE, YOU ARE EXPECTED TO READ AND ADHERE TO ALL UCAP POLICY INFORMATION CONTAINED ON THIS LINK BELOW CLICK HERE... BU 435 Current Topics in Human Resource Management Last Updated: January 08 S. Anderson COURSE DESCRIPTION: This course will examine contemporary/current issues in Human Resources in an effort to better understand how Human Resource theories, concepts and strategies can be effectively applied and put into practice in today s workplace. In addition, the primary goal of the course is to enable students to build on their knowledge of Human Resources in a manner that will provoke further examination, development and analysis of the many functional areas comprising Human Resources. In addition, students will be made aware of the different roles of Human Resources professionals in the 21 st Century. Students will assess the many elements of Human Resources practice with an emphasis on the most pressing salient issues of today s workplace and for the effective and efficient use of an organization s human capital for establishing and sustaining a competitive advantage in the marketplace. This will be accomplished by using textual material, current professional organizations journals, publications, Internet (on-line) research, plus by drawing on the personal work experiences of both the facilitator and students. COURSE LEARNING OUTCOMES: Upon successful completion of this course, students should be able to: 1. Understand the importance of linking organizational goals and objectives with Human Resources strategies for establishing and maintaining a competitive advantage. 2. Application of Human Resources strategies that manage, motivate and promote diversity within an organization s workforce. 3. Identify the impact diversity training has on attaining organizational goals and objectives in the achievement of positive outcomes and success through the effective management and leadership of a diversified workforce striving for continuous improvement of internal work processes. 4. Delineate and explain the Human Resource methods used to improve employee performance in the achievement of positive organizational outcomes/results.

2 5. Understand the challenges that both operating managers and Human Resource professionals face in managing a wide range of employee workplace issues. 6. Understand how effective Human Resource Management practices help organizations attract and retain a diverse and qualified workforce. 7. Understand the use and application of the various functions that comprise the Human Resources continuum to include: recruitment and selection; job analysis; performance appraisal; training and development; compensation; incentive/reward programs and motivation theories as they apply to the effective and efficient use of an organization s human capital. COURSE MATERIALS: Annual Editions, Human Resources 08/09, Edition, McGraw Hill There are a number of publications that can provide ideas for discussion and for the four required oral in-class current article presentations (class sessions 1-4). These include the Wall Street Journal, New York Times, L.A. Times, Chicago Tribune, Washington Post, Barron s, Forbes, Business Week, U.S. News and World Report, Newsweek, Fortune, The Economist, HR Magazine (SHRM), Workforce, People Management and the business section of the Plain Dealer. COURSE GRADING CRITERIA: Assignments Percentage Weighting of Assignments 4 Text Article Papers 40% Oral Participation (includes 4 oral 30% In-class presentations of current articles) of current articles Research Paper 25% Power Point Presentation of Research Paper 5% Total = 100% URSULINE COLLEGE GRADING POLICY (SCALE) AS STATED IN THE COLLEGE CATALOG = A = B = B = C = C = D = D Below 70 = F COURSE EXPECTATIONS:

3 The accelerated pace of this course requires that students take a considerable amount of responsibility for their own learning outcomes. While in class, students are expected to actively participate in discussions and group activities. Outside of class, students should plan for a minimum of hours per week for study and completion of homework assignments and projects. WEEKLY PAPERS (3 pages typed): There will be weekly papers based on the readings assigned. At each of the first four class sessions students will be required to write a paper (3 pages) on one of the assigned text articles The papers will not only recap the article, but will use the ideas presented to form the basis of the student s interpretation and analysis of the article s content relative to the Human Resources function of an organization. Students will be expected to apply their knowledge of formal Human Resources theories, concepts and principles, gained in previous classes, plus their personal work experiences, when presenting supportive evidence of their analysis and interpretations. RESEARCH PAPER: (8-10 pages typed) The student will be required to complete and submit a research paper (8-10 pages, typed) on a topic of interest related to the area of Human Resources. The paper will provide factual information about the issue and include a final section of recommendations for strategies that can be applied and used by Human Resource professionals to address the issue of concern in making continuous improvements. All research topics must be submitted and approved by the facilitator during the second class session. Weekly status reports will be required. At the fifth class session students will be expected to share their research findings and recommendations by providing an oral in-class PowerPoint Slide Presentation. MANDATORY ATTENDANCE POLICY CONCERNING ABSENCES: UCAP s mandatory attendance policy requires the following: One class absence will constitute a one letter grade deduction from the course grade OR The facilitator (at his or her discretion) may allow the student to make-up one class absence with the completion of additional homework assignments. However, 2 class absences mandate the student must drop the course. If this action is not taken by the student then a course grade of F will be issued. LATE COURSE ASSIGNMENTS: It is imperative all homework assignments be turned in on the due date. Exceptions may be considered (at the discretion of the facilitator) BUT must accompany written documentation verifying an illness and/or work conflict prohibiting a student to complete an assignment on time. ASSIGNMENTS TO BE COMPLETED PRIOR TO CLASS SESSION ONE

4 1. Find a recent article from any professional business or academic publication, as identified in the introduction section of this module, pertaining to mergers/acquisitions or the downsizing of organizations and its effects on an organization s workforce and organizational structure and be prepared to discuss in class. 2. Complete Paper #1 - (3 pages typed) on one of the following articles from the text: #1 HR Is Dead, Long Live HR #3 Why We Hate HR #5 Strange Bedfellows #6 Understanding HRM-Firm Performance Linkages Also be prepared to discuss all of the above text articles for in-class discussions. 3. Research and be prepared to bring to class 2 topics of interest you would be willing to complete a research paper on to be submitted and approved by the facilitator in class session 1. CLASS SESSION ONE Learning Outcomes: Upon completion of assigned readings and active participation regarding in-class activities, the student will: 1. Have an understanding concerning course objectives, requirements and grading criteria. 2. Have an understanding regarding the concept of human capital as a vital resource and input to achieving both individual and organizational goals leading to the success of creating and maintaining a competitive advantage with the effective management of a diversified workforce. 3. Have an understanding of the broad scope of HR issues/areas within a firm s infrastructure that will have a significant impact on the achievement of positive outcomes and results. 4. Understanding the implications and effects organizational culture has on the achievement of individual and organizational goals and an organization s success or failure/s in attaining a competitive advantage over one s competitors.

5 Class Session 1 Activities: 1. Introduction of facilitator and students to include course expectations, learning objectives and grading criteria 2. Facilitated discussion of assigned text articles. 3. Student oral presentations on current articles 4. Student oral presentations of Paper #1 assignment. 5. Facilitator provided exercises/case studies pertaining to the changing roles and functions of Human Resources as a discipline and profession. 6. Facilitator provided exercises/case studies pertaining to the identification of the various factors that comprise organizational culture and the analysis of the various elements that comprise a positive organizational culture 7. Facilitator provided exercises/case studies pertaining to managing a culturally diversified workforce. 8. Discussion and submission of topics for research paper to be approved by the facilitator. ASSIGNMENTS TO BE COMPLETED PRIOR TO CLASS SESSION TWO 1. Complete Paper #2 (3 pages typed) on one of the following assigned text articles plus read and be prepared to discuss in class all of the text articles: # 9 Making Reasonable Accommodations for Employees with Mental Illnesses under the ADA #10 The Devil is in the Details #12 Implementing Sexual Harassment Training in the Workplace #23 Banishing Bully 3. Please bring to class information available from your organization: (Policies, employee manual/handbook) concerning sexual harassment, drug/alcohol use/misuse/abuse and compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act of Be prepared to discuss your organization s policies in class. 3 Complete a detailed outline of the research paper to be discussed and approved by the facilitator in class session Obtain a current article related to a topic associated with the assigned text article readings

6 CLASS SESSION TWO Learning Outcomes: Upon completion of assigned readings and active participation in workshop activities, the student will be able to: 1. Identify and understand the implications and effect the issue of sexual harassment has on employee productivity and morale in the workplace. 2. Understand the legal environment (EEO and Labor Laws) the human resource professional must be aware of and adhere to on a constant on-going basis in order to ensure her/his organization is in compliance with EEO/Labor laws. 3. Understand the issues and implications associated with compliance with ADA of 1990 as relates to the selection process and dealing with drug and alcohol use/abuse and addiction in the workplace Class Session 2 Activities: 1. Return Paper #1 with discussion if needed. 2. Discussion and final approval of detailed outlines for research papers 3. Small group discussions of assigned text article readings 4. Student oral presentations of current articles 5. Student oral presentations of Paper #2 6. Small and large group discussions pertaining to student s company s policies regarding sexual harassment and drug/alcohol use and abuse in the workplace 7. Exercises and/or case studies, provided by the facilitator, regarding sexual harassment and drug/alcohol use/abuse/addiction to include its relevance to the ADA of 1990.

7 ASSIGNMENTS TO BE COMPLETED PRIOR TO CLASS SESSION THREE 1. Complete Paper #3 (3 pages typed) on one of the following assigned text articles plus be prepared to discuss all of the text articles in class: #16 Can You Interview for Integrity? #20 The Future of Work Motivation Theory #22 Managing Employee Relations #29 Ten Steps to Designing an Effective Incentive Program 2. Bring to class a current article pertaining to a topic associated with the above assigned text article readings. 3. Continue to work and progress towards completion of the research paper. CLASS SESSION THREE Learning Outcomes: Upon completion of assigned readings and active participation in workshop activities, the student will be able to: 1. Identify, understand and apply Human Resources strategies and motivation theories for improving productivity and job performance. 2. Identify and apply Human Resources strategies to increase employee retention and avoid morale and turnover problems. 3. Application of Human Resources strategies for establishing and implementing reward systems and programs to enhancing employee performance. 4. Understanding and application of having an effective selection process (recruitment selection interview) its impact and importance in achieving positive outcomes and organizational success.

8 Class Session 3 Activities: 1. Small and large group discussions pertaining to assigned text articles 2. Student oral presentations of Paper #3. 3. Case studies/exercises, provided by the facilitator, pertaining to the understanding and application of motivation theories. 4. Case studies/exercises, provided by the facilitator, pertaining to the selection interview 5. Case studies/exercises, provided by the facilitator, pertaining to reward/incentive programs Are They Effective in Motivating Employees? 6. Student oral presentations on current articles that cover topics associated with the assigned text articles. 7. Students provide updates and progress regarding the research paper. ASSIGNMENTS TO BE COMPLETED PRIOR TO CLASS SESSION FOUR 1. Complete Paper #4 (3 pages typed) on one of the following assigned text articles plus be prepared to discuss all of the text articles in class: #21 Managing in the New Millennium: Interpersonal Skills #36 The ABCs of Employee Discipline #37 Hard-Core Offenders 2. Bring to class for discussion information concerning your organization s training and development programs, performance appraisal methods and techniques used plus disciplinary process procedures and policies. 3. Obtain and bring to class for discussion a current article pertaining to a topic covered by an assigned text article reading. 4. Please bring a copy of your organization s performance evaluation/tool/measures/forms etc. illustrating how your employer assesses employee job performance.

9 CLASS SESSION FOUR Learning Outcomes: Upon completion of assigned readings and active participation in workshop activities, the student will be able to: 1. Understand the implications and importance of conducting both effective and legally enforceable performance appraisal sessions in the achievement of organizational success. 2. Understand the role and significant impact effective and efficient training programs have on the overall success of an organization achieving its goals and in the attainment and sustaining a competitive advantage over its competitors. 3. Understand the role and importance of implementing both effective and legally enforceable disciplinary actions regarding the organization s progressive disciplinary process. Class Session 4 Activities: 1. Student oral presentations on Paper #4 2. Small and large group discussions of students experiences pertaining to the performance appraisal process and interview to include what specific tools/measures/methods are used or not by employers in assessing employee performance. 3. Facilitator provided group exercise on performance appraisal 4. Small and large group discussions on students work experiences pertaining to the disciplinary process 5. Facilitator provided group exercise on employee discipline. 6. Facilitator provided case study on the assessment and analysis of an organization s training program 7. Student oral presentations of current articles related to the topics covered in the text article readings 8. Discussion of research paper progress plus oral Power Point presentations of the research papers.

10 ASSIGNMENTS TO BE COMPLETED PRIOR TO CLASS SESSION FIVE 1. Read and be prepared to discuss all of the following text articles in class: (No text article paper due this week!) #19 Tomorrow s World #42 Globalization and the American Workforce #43 Immigration and the U.S. Economy #44 Learning From Our Overseas Counterparts 2. Complete research paper (8-10 pages typed) plus oral Power Point slide show presentation to be approximately minutes in length. CLASS SESSION FIVE Learning Outcomes: Upon completion of activities, the student will: 1. Have a greater understanding of a variety of issues facing human resource professionals for managing into the new millennium and an ever changing global workforce. 2. Identify and understand the significant issues and implications associated with a global economy and immigration laws and their impact on the effective management of an organization s culturally diversified workforce. 3. Obtain knowledge of foreign organizations strategies pertaining to the effective management of an organization s workforce plus learning outcomes relevant to competing in a global market Class Session 5 Activities: 1. Oral Power Point Presentations of research papers (approximately minutes in length). 2. Small and large group discussions of assigned text articles 3. Facilitator provided group exercises and/or case studies pertaining to text article readings 4. Course wrap-up and closure 5. Completion of student course evaluations