Syllabus - Spring 2008
Strategic Management of Human Resources (MGMT 375)

This is a three-credit graduate level course and is one of four required courses in the Human Resource Management field of study of the online Master of Professional Studies (MPS) degree. The MPS degree is offered through the University of Connecticut's Center for Continuing Studies. The developer of this course is Dr. Dennis Lee.

Course Information

Course Title:	Strategic Management of Human Resources (MGMT 375)
Credits:	3
Instructor:	Peter Diplock, Ph.D. E-mail: peter.diplock@uconn.edu

 

Course Description

This course introduces the technical and legal aspects of human resource management from a strategic business perspective. The course examines how to manage human resources effectively in the dynamic legal, social, and economic environment currently constraining organizations. Among the topics included are: formulation and implementation of human resource strategy, job analysis, methods of recruitment and selection, techniques for training and development, performance appraisal, compensation and benefits, and the evaluation of the effectiveness of HRM systems. Emphasis is placed on integrating human resource management with the overall business strategy.

Course Objectives

My objectives for this course are:

1. to provide an in-depth overview of the field of human resource management (HRM),
2. to provide an integrative understanding of how the primary functions of HRM relate to each other and to the broader business strategy,
3. to provide an understanding of the roles and responsibilities of HR professionals,
4. to provide an understanding of how HRM has evolved over time and the emerging strategic role that HRM plays in modern organizations,
5. to understand the role played by HRM in organizational change efforts,
6. to provide a practical understanding of HRM through practice exercises and case analyses, and
7. to develop skill in evaluating the value and appropriateness of HRM functions and programs within specific organizational settings.

Upon completion of this course, the student will be able to:

1. give an overview of the field of human resource management (HRM),
2. explain how the primary functions of HRM relate to each other and to the broader business strategy,
3. describe the roles and responsibilities of HR professionals,
4. discuss how HRM has evolved over time and the emerging strategic role that HRM plays in modern organizations,
5. describe the role played by HRM in organizational change efforts,
6. demonstrate a practical understanding of HRM through practice exercises and case analyses, and
7. evaluate the value and appropriateness of HRM functions and programs within specific organizational settings.

1. Reading Assignments and Tests (30%)

Readings should be done within the time frames listed on the WebCT course calendar. Two tests will be given and each will count 15% (for a total of 30%) of the final grade. Each test will cover reading assignments for 5-6 modules and will consist of short answer essay questions and application problems. The purpose of the tests is to encourage students to keep up with the readings and to gauge understanding and mastery of course material. Tests are given on the dates indicated on the course calendar. Note: In WebCT, tests are also referred to as quizzes.

2. Module Assignments and Web-Based Discussions (30%)

You will be expected to read and post responses to assigned cases and exercises as indicated for each module. In addition, you will be expected to provide at least one substantive response (e.g., comment, question, observation, suggestion) to one or more of your colleagues about each module submission. You will also be responsible for responding to all relevant posts regarding your submission for each module. Fifteen percent (15%) of your final grade will be based on the quality of your original post/assignment response, and (15%) of your final grade will be dependent upon the quality of comments made on the work of your colleagues and/or to follow-up questions posed by the instructor for class comment.

3. Portfolio (40%)

Students will prepare a portfolio to be submitted at the end of the course. The portfolio must include work in one of the following areas. Work will count for 40% of the final grade.

Areas (Select 1)

1. HR Planning and HR Strategy
2. HR Staffing (Recruitment & Selection)
3. Compensation & Benefits
4. Equal Employment Opportunity/Diversity
5. Performance Management
6. Training and Development
7. Other (with prior consent of instructor)

You should select one area from the above list that reflects a program or practice in your current or previous place of employment. For example, for Area II HR Staffing, you might select a structured interview guide or examine the steps in the selection process; for Area V Performance Management, you might select a particular performance appraisal form used in your organization; for area VI Training and Development you might focus on the challenges associated with transfer of training in your organization and develop a strategy to enhance transfer. Work in the selected area should include the following:

1. A narrative describing the background, major issues, practices, and problems/challenges based on personal knowledge/experiences, observations, and/or interviews. The narrative or "problem statement" should be in essay form and be no more than two single-spaced pages.
2. Provide a copy of any materials in reference to the program or practice. For example, a list of the steps in selection; a copy of the interview guide; the performance appraisal form or a copy of the policy etc. Note: Materials will be kept confidential by the instructor and will not be shared with others.
3. Locate at least three published (peer reviewed) articles (in addition to those assigned in class) related to the selected topic area and program or practice selected. You should look for material that provides strategic direction concerning how to address the problem or challenge you have identified in #1 above. Attach a copy of the articles (PDF format, hard copy, or active link.)
4. Provide an evaluation of the program or practice in light of your knowledge of the topic gained in the course, readings, in the selected articles and the premise of HR value creation as outlined in the "The HR Value Proposition" (this is your opportunity to synthesize and apply knowledge, and you should provide evidence of your ability to audit the HR function). Discuss how this program or practice supports the organization's strategic objectives. Based on your evaluation, provide recommendations for the improvement of the effectiveness of the program or practice (no more than seven-eight single-spaced pages)

A checklist will be provided later in the course to use as a check that you have included all requested information.

Grading Recap: % of Final Grade

1. Tests (2 tests, 15% ea.): 30%
2. Module Assignments & Web-Based Discussions: 30%
3. Portfolio: 40%

Final letter grades for this course will be determined based on the following scale:

You are responsible for acting in accordance with the Student Code, available at http://www.dosa.uconn.edu/student_code.cfm?from=im&fn=Judicial%20Affairs.

These course texts may be purchased locally or through an online bookstore.

Required

• Mathis, R. L., & Jackson, J. H. (2008). Human resource management (12th ed.). Thomson/Southwestern. (ISBN-13: 978-0-324-54275-2 or ISBN-10: 0-324-54275-5)
• Nkomo, S. M., Fottler, M. D., & McAfee, R. B. (2008). Human resource management applications: Cases, exercises, and skill builders (6th ed.). Thomson/Southwestern. (ISBN-13: 978-0-324-42142-2 or ISBN-10: 0-324-42142-7). (Publication date may appear as 2007 when ordering online, but ISBN # & edition (6th) should match.)
• Ulrich, D., & W. Brockbank. (2005). The HR Value Proposition. Boston: Harvard Business School Press. (ISBN 1-59139-707-3)
• Boudreau, J. W. & Ramstad, P.M. (2007). Beyond HR: The new science of human capital. Harvard Busness School Press. (ISBN 13: 978-1-4221-0415-6)

 

Software Requirements

• Word processing software
• Adobe Acrobat Reader

Your Internet browser and browser settings need to be HuskyCT (WebCT Vista) compatible.
See Settings .

Module 1: The Nature of Strategic Human Resource Management

Module 2: HR Planning

Module 3: Equal Employment Opportunity

Module 4: The Nature of Jobs

Module 5: Staffing the Organization I

Module 6: Staffing the Organization II

Module 7: HR Training-Development

Module 8: Performance Management

Module 9: Compensation Management and Benefits

Module 10: Individual/Organization Relationship

Module 11: Global Human Resource Management

Module 12: The HR Value Proposition/Human Capital

Students will be provided an opportunity to evaluate instruction in this course using the University's standard procedures, which are administered by the Office of Institutional Research.