UMUC-Europe Syllabus

(Formerly BMGT 460.) Prerequisite: HRMN 300. A study of the role of human resource management in the strategic planning and operation of organizations, performance appraisal systems, and compensation and labor/management issues. The influence of federal regulations (including equal opportunity, sexual harassment, discrimination, and other employee-related regulations) is analyzed. The critical evaluation of human resource problems is supported with a review of research findings, readings, discussions, case studies, and applicable federal regulations. Students may receive credit for only one of the following courses: BMGT 460, HRMN 400, or TMGT 360.

Course Goals/Objectives:

An underlying goal of HRMN400 is to expand upon and deepen the student's knowledge of the basic principles presented in HRMN 300. Successful participation in HRMN 400 assumes an understanding of but are not limited to the following concepts: the role of HR within an organization; issues surrounding EEO and Affirmative Action; sound recruiting and staffing procedures; compensation practices and, the role of HR Management in a global marketplace. After completing this course, you should be able to: * discuss the importance of the HRM function's active involvement in the strategic planning of the enterprise * identify and discuss the HRM-related functions of typical industrial organizational functions * critically evaluate practical open-ended human resource problems related to the HRM legal environment and discuss the implications of recent rulings by the Supreme Court regarding HRM-related laws, such as the Americans With Disabilities Ac t (ADA), Family Medical Leave Act (FMLA), Civil Rights Act of 1991 and Sexual Harassment TitleVII-CRA 1964 * contrast the differences between traditional direct and indirect compensation * discuss the traditional roles of labor and management in industrial organizations related to HRM and discuss labor-management issues for the 21st century * critically evaluate documented case studies of labor-management disputes and negotiations * demonstrate awareness and practical use of HRM-related Web sites by identifying such sites and downloading information from these Web sites, where appropriate * critically evaluate the use of performance appraisal systems and identify different types of performance appraisal systems such as management by objectives, Behavioral Anchored Scales, 360-degree feedback, and trait-based systems Cross Curricular Initiatives In addition to the above learning objectives, HRMN400 also strives to develop student competencies in UMUC's cross-curriculum initiatives. These initiatives, described below, are designed to help UMUC students build business skills to enhance their careers and overall effectiveness in their employment. Effective writing. The numerous writing assignments required throughout the semester foster effective student writing skills. Student assignments are expected to reflect appropriate professional writing skills. That is, the assignments will be evaluated on the basis of grammar, sentence structure, spelling, and overall sound writing principles. At least 10 percent of your grade on each writing assignment will be based on your proficiency in expressing yourself in writing. Information literacy. You will be expected to demonstrate research proficiency. HRMN400 assignments require student research activity through the library and use of online sources. Globalization. An important outcome of this course will be the realization that the human resource management principles apply to global situations. Computerization. The computer has virtually altered the way human resource management is conducted. This course will emphasize the increasing of the computer in human resource management. Student assignments are designed to enhance computer skills and use of search engines. Historical Perspective. This course will integrate the historical development of theory to provide the student with a context for current theories and practice. Civic Responsibility. Ethical behavior and role of human resource management in society will be explored in this course.

Course Introduction:

Is it important to link human resources planning with the enterprise's strategic planning activities? What does the latest research tell us about managing cultural diversity? What are the implications of several recent Supreme Court rulings regarding sexual harassment? Suppose you had to consult with line managers in a plant that was going to have a union certification election and it appears that the majority of the employees will vote for a union workforce. How would you advise them to conduct themselves before and, after the election? These are examples of the types of questions that will be addressed during this course. It will emphasize developing critical thinking skills and working with collaborative teams. Neither of these tasks is easy; however, each of these tasks is vital for surviving in today's workforce. Human resources management topics traditionally presented in an introductory human resources management course are used as the basis for in-depth study and critical evaluation. Case studies, analysis of independent research data sites, and open-ended practical problems regarding human resources management will be stressed. The influence of federal regulations (including equal opportunity, sexual harassment, discrimination, and other employee-related regulations) is analyzed. The critical evaluation of human resource problems is supported with a review of research findings, readings, discussions, case studies, and applicable federal regulations.

Grading Information and Criteria:

A = 90-100% B = 80-89% C = 70-79% D = 60-69% F below 60% Mid-term exam: 30% Writing Assignment: 30% Final Exam: 40% Total: 100% Guide to Grading Essay Questions and Writing Assignments The instructor for this course will invoke, where applicable, the following guidelines when grading your term paper and essay questions. The paper or essay question: 1. is dishonest (F). 2. completely ignores the questions presented (F). 3. is incomprehensible because of grammatical errors and does not reflect the level of achievement expectations for a 400-level university course (F). 4. contains multiple factual errors (D or F). 5. simply lists, narrates, or describes historical data, and includes factual errors (D or F). 6. correctly lists, narrates, or describes historical data, but makes little or no attempt to develop an argument or thesis (D or F). 7. states a position or thesis, but does not address the questions presented by the position or thesis (F). 8. states a position or thesis, but supporting subthesis and factual evidence are missing, incorrect or anachronistic, irrelevant, not sufficiently specific, and all or partly obscured by errors in language or usage (C, D, or F). 9. states a position on the appropriate topic, clearly supported by relevant sub-thesis and specific factual evidence, but counterarguments and counterexamples are not mentioned or answered (C, D, or F). 10. contains an argument, relevant sub-thesis, and specific evidence; counterarguments and counterexamples are mentioned but not adequately answered (B, C, or D): 1. factual evidence either incorrect or not specific 2. linking sub-thesis either unclear or missing 3. counterarguments and counterexamples not clearly stated 1. adequately states and defends an argument, and answers all counterarguments and counterexamples suggested by homework assignments and reading assignments/research, specific arguments and authors are mentioned by name, and common sense is used (A, B, or C). Late Assignments Each student is responsible for keeping up with the class by completing reading and homework assignments on time, participating in online conferences, preparing and submitting a term paper. All late assignments, based on post dates, will have a letter grade deducted for each week that it is late. Thus, an A becomes a B, a B becomes a C, and so on. Unless you have explicit permission from the instructor, no term papers, reading and homework assignments will be accepted after the end date of this course (May 16, 2003).

Other Information:

Any other information the instructor wishes to add. This might include: * General expectations of students, such as hours per week students should expect to devote to the class * Turnaround time for faculty to respond to email and return papers * Unique class procedures or activities (such as cooperative learning exercises, panel presentations, case study methods, class journals or learning logs) * Supplemental objectives (such as development of skills like teamwork, writing, oral presentation; integration of knowledge on focus topics) * Optional activities such as study groups

Project Descriptions:

Writing Assignment The topic for the required writing assignment for this course should be submitted to the instructor for approval? The paper should be typed in 10 or 12 point type using either the American Psychological Association (APA) or Modern Language Association (MLA) as a style guide. General guidance information on either style can be found by linking to http://www.umuc.edu/ library/apa.html. The body of your term paper should consist of 6-8 pages. Your term paper should have as a minimum, title page, table of contents, list of tables and figures (if used), body text, footnotes or endnotes, and bibliography. Exercises The instructor may assign a number of the exercises to reinforce learning for material covered in the chapters. The grade distribution would be adjusted accordingly.

Academic Policies:

Cases of plagiarism are handled consistent with current UMUC guidelines. See the UMUC policies at the following URL: http://www.umuc.edu/policy/

Course Schedule:

Session 1 Strategic HR Session 2 HR Globalization Session 3 The Legal Environment and Equal Employment Opportunity Session 4 Work Analysis and Design Session 5 HR Planning and Recruitment Session 6 Personnel Selection Session 7 Performance Management and Appraisal Session 8 Midterm Exam Session 9 Training and Development Session 10 Career Development Session 11 Direct and Indirect Compensation Session 12 Pay for Performance Session 13 Managing the Employment Relationship Course Writing Assignment Due Session 14 Labor Relations and Collective Bargaining Session 15 Employee Health and Safety Session 16 Final Examination