UMUC EUROPEAN DIVISION

 

MGMT 571: Human Resource Management                     04 Jun 02/ 26 Jul 02

 

Instructor: Dr. Elizabeth Moore                                               Rota, Spain

 mailto:emoore@faculty.ed.umuc.edu                                               Tues. and Thurs. evenings        

18:45 – 21:30                                                              

Office hours:  One half hour before or after class or by appointment    

 

Required Reading: 

 

Gomez-Mejia, L. R., Balkin, D. B., & Cardy, R. L. (2001). Managing Human Resources (3^rd ed.). Upper Saddle River, NJ: Prentice Hall.

 

Supplementary Reading:

 

APA Publication Manual

 

Course Description:  This course is designed to provide a strategic analysis of human resource management (HRM) as it relates to the selection, development, utilization, and administration of an effective, productive, and satisfied workforce. The focus is on the legal, regulatory, political, social, and managerial environments of the human resource manager. In addition to the managerial perspective, several additional themes are emphasized in the course: (1) the need for cooperation between line managers and the HR department, (2) the importance of operating within an ethical framework,  (3) the effects of reorganizing, outsourcing, and quality management on HRM, (4) workforce diversity as a source of competitive advantage in the global economy, and (5) the changing forces of technology and their implications for HRM. Finally, the course emphasizes and examines contemporary issues facing human resource managers today.

 

MGMT 571 focuses on the management of a firm’s human resources and how to successfully implement HRM programs. While relatively few managers become human resource specialists, virtually all managers will have to work with other people. This course is based on the premise that every manager is a human resource manager and further, all future managers need to understand the HRM issues that comprise the heart of this course.

 

Learning Objectives:  By the end of this course, students should be able to:

 

1. Understand the role of the Human Resource Manager in the public, private, and non-profit sectors.
2. Discuss present and emerging strategic human resource challenges.
3. Describe the strategic human resource planning process.
4. Describe job analysis and explain why it is the cornerstone of HR management.
5. Explain why compliance with HR law is an essential part of doing business.
6. Describe strategies that contribute to the successful management of diversity within the firm.
7. Describe the characteristics of an effective recruiting and selection process.
8. Discuss best practices for  managing employee separations, downsizing, and outplacement.
9. Define performance appraisal, explain its importance, and describe the characteristics of an effective performance appraisal process.
10. Describe the characteristics of successful training programs.
11. Identify and discuss career development strategies that are commonly used in organizations today.
12.  Describe strategic issues affecting compensation and benefits planning.
13.  Describe HR strategies for successfully managing employee discipline.
14.  Discuss issues of health, safety, and security in the workplace.
15. Identify the ways in which a union can affect a company’s entire pattern of HR management, including staffing, employee development, compensation, and employee relations’ policies.
16.  Explain the challenges associated with global Human Resource Management.

 

Course Requirements:

 

The first requirement of this course is for students to complete the assigned reading before class so that they are prepared to discuss the topic for that session and apply what they have learned. Working in groups, students will frequently be asked to analyze a case or respond to discussion questions related to the assigned reading.

 

Research Paper.

 

Students will be asked to write a research paper on a topic of relevance to the field of Human Resource Management. The choice of topic is left to the student, but all topics much be pre-approved by the instructor no later than session 8.  Papers are expected to be 10 – 12 pages in length, double-spaced.  APA style guidelines are required. See writing standards below for further guidance in the preparation of the research paper. A separate handout describing the focus and objectives of the research paper will be provided in class.

 

Article Search Assignment

 

Students will be asked to search for, critically evaluate, and present to the class an article relevant to the field of HR management from one of the following journals, accessed via UMUC’s online library: Human Resource Management Review, Human Resource Development Quarterly, Personnel Psychology, Public Personnel Management, Organization Studies, Organizational Dynamics, Human Organization, or the Organization Development Journal.  Further information about the article search assignment will be provided in class.

 

 

Exams

 

A mid-term and final exam will be given in class. They are not open book exams. They will consist primarily of conceptual/theoretical and essay questions designed to demonstrate your ability to apply HR theory, research, principles and practices to real organizational problems. The exams should serve as good preparation for the comprehensive examinations, which you will be required to take in order to fulfill the requirements of the graduate program.

 

 

Honesty and Intellectual Integrity

 

Students are expected to maintain high standards of honesty and ethical behavior. All assignments submitted in fulfillment of course requirements must be the student’s own work. Assignments, except those designated as “team projects,” are meant to be individual efforts. Team efforts are meant to be equal efforts of all team members. See the European Division catalog for UMUC policy on academic dishonesty and plagiarism.

 

Grading Criteria:

 

Final grades will be based on a 1,000-point grading scale. The breakdown is as follows:

 

Assignment                             Session Due                           Points/Percentage

 

Mid-term exam                         Session 8 (June 27)                  300 points/30%

Research Paper                        Session 12 (July 16)                 300 points/30%

Article Presentation                  All sessions                               100 points/10%

Final Exam                                          Session 15 (July 25)                 300 points/30%

 

Writing Standards

 

It is assumed that students will perform professionally in preparing written work required for this course.  All assignments are due at the session indicated in the course syllabus.

Papers should always be typed (double spaced) on a laser or inkjet printer and printed on 20 or 24 lb. white bond paper.

 

Content, mechanics, style, and clarity of expression are all important grading criteria for written work. Good papers demonstrate in-depth understanding of the course content and the assignment objectives. They are also carefully written and revised, they use the English language correctly, and they have been proofread, spell checked, and grammar checked before they are submitted.

 

Material not in the student’s own words must be clearly attributed and sources must be appropriately cited. The following criteria for grading written papers will be used in this class:

 

A =      Paper clearly stands out as excellent work.  An “A” paper could be used as a model for other students to review and emulate.

 

·        Writer demonstrates unusually sharp insight into material. 

• Paper evidences accurate audience analysis.
• Ideas are clearly articulated and written logically and clearly.
• Essay has a clear, well-structured introduction, body, and conclusion.
• Sentences are well built, with consistently strong, varied structure.

·        Writer demonstrates a strong grasp of standard writing conventions including spelling, punctuation, and word usage.

• Words used convey the intended message in an interesting, precise, and natural way.
• Writing is full and rich, yet concise.
• Course concepts are integrated, and paper incorporates a logical progression of

            ideas that leads the reader toward understanding.

 

B =      Paper demonstrates a thorough grasp of the subject matter. A grade of “B” indicates a good quality performance and represents solid work; a “B” should be considered a high grade.

 

• Paper is clear, focused, and interesting.
• Relevant material or effective research is included.

·        Writer demonstrates a clear understanding of the subject matter and the ability

      to link theory to practical experience.

• Organization emphasizes the central theme or purpose.
• Paper evidences accurate audience analysis.
• Sequencing and transitioning of ideas is logical and appropriate.
• Paper has a clear, well-structured introduction, body, and conclusion.

 

C =      Paper demonstrates a satisfactory comprehension of the subject matter.  Work with a grade of “C” meets the requirements of the course and represents average work.

 

·        Paper accomplishes the minimum requirements and communicates at an acceptable college level.

·        Student demonstrates an acceptable understanding of all basic concepts.

·        Paper is somewhat clear and focused, and efforts are made to use relevant material and research to support findings.  However, understanding is limited. 

·        The paper is lacking in some aspects of substance, logic, or originality.

·        The reader can readily follow what is being said, but the paper’s overall organization needs improvement.

·        Language conveys the message but needs more variety, more precision, or more explanation.

·        Sentences are more mechanical than fluid, and occasional awkward construction causes the reader to slow down or to reread sentences. 

·        Some problems with word usage and grammar are noted.

 

F = Academic Failure. Quality or quantity of work is unacceptable.

 

Course Grading Scale

 

900 – 1,000   points  =  A              Outstanding scholarship

800 – 899      points  =  B              Good scholarship

700 – 799      points  =  C              Satisfactory scholarship

699 or less     points  =  F(a)         Academic failure 

 

Attendance and Make-up Exams

 

Regular class attendance is expected. An attendance sheet will be kept for this purpose. A student’s signature on the attendance sheet for that class will be the only proof of attendance. If a student should miss a class meeting, it is his or her responsibility to obtain information concerning material covered and upcoming assignments.

 

If a student must miss an announced exam for duty reasons or illness, he or she must  notify the instructor, in advance, so that suitable arrangements to complete the exam can be made.

 

About Your Instructor

 

For the past ten years, Dr. Moore has worked as a business consultant, specializing in the management of organizational change.  Her clients have ranged from Fortune 500 companies to small, high-tech start-ups in such business sectors as financial services, aerospace, automotive aftermarket manufacturing, telecommunications, health care, and higher education. 

 

Early in her career, Dr. Moore served as Director of Corporate Training and Development for a large insurance company and as Human Resource Director for a mid-size community hospital.  She has also taught management courses at a number of educational institutions, including the University of Massachusetts, Suffolk University, Boston State College, and Mount Saint Mary’s College. 

 

Dr. Moore earned a Ph.D. in Human and Organizational Systems, a Master’s degree in Organization Development, a Master’s degree in Psychology, and a Bachelor’s degree in Psychology and Education.

                               

                                                                               

Session/Date        Reading                        Topics and Activities

Session 1 (June 4)   Session 2 (June 6)   Session 3 (June 11)   Session 4 (June 13)   Session 5 (June 18)   Session 6 (June 20)   Session  7 (June 25)   Session 8 (June 27)   Session 9 (July 2)   Session 10 (July 9)   Session 11 (July 11)     Session 12 (July 16)   Session 13 (July 18)     Session 14 (July 23)   Session 15 (July 25)

Chapter 1     Chapter 2     Chapter 3     Chapter 4     Chapter 5     Chapter 5     Chapters  6 and 13     Prepare for Midterm Exam   Chapter 7     Chapters  8 and  9     Chapters 10 and 11       Chapter 12     Chapter  15       Chapters 16 and 17     Prepare for final exam

Topics: Meeting present and emerging HR challenges.  Activities:  Introductions. Course overview and requirements.    Topics:  Managing Work Flows and Conducting Job Analysis Activities:  Lecturette/discussion. Case analyses   Topic:  Equal Employment Opportunity. Activities:  Lecturette/discussion. Case analysis or role play.    Topic:  Managing Diversity Activities:  Lecturette/discussion. Case analysis.   Topic:  Recruiting Activities: Lecturette/discussion.  Article presentations.   Topic:  Selection Activities:  Lecturette/discussion.  Article presentations.   Topic:  Developing employee relations. Managing employee separations. Activities:  Lecturette/discussion.   Case analysis.    Activities: Mid-term exam     Topic: Appraising and managing performance Activities:  Lecturette/discussion. Article presentations.     Topic: Employee development Activities:  Lecturette/discussion. Case analysis or role play.     Topic: Managing compensation Activities: Lecturette/discussion. Case analysis. Article presentations.   Topic: Managing employee benefits Activities: Lecturette/discussion.  Article presentations.   Topic: Working with organized labor Activities: Lecturette/discussion. Case analysis. Article presentations.   Topics: Workplace health and safety. Meeting the International HR M challenge. Article presentations.   Activities: Final Exam