Oregon State University

Oregon State University Home Page

 

College of Business

 

 

 

BA 453/553

HUMAN RESOURCE MANAGEMENT

OREGON STATE UNIVERSITY (SPRING 08)

 

Instructor:  Mike Cieri

                    Email: mike.cieri@bus.oregonstate.edu    

                    Office:  BEXL 342          Hours:  M 17:00 – 17:50 & by appointment

                    Classes:  M 18:00 – 22:00 (BEXL 321)

 

Overview

 

There is a growing realization, supported by research of high performance firms, that the effective deployment and management of human resources can strengthen strategic performance and enhance competitive advantage.  HRM is no longer the sole purview of HRM specialists, but it is a vital aspect of each manager’s job.  This course provides a skill building framework in which students (future managers) can understand basic HRM concepts and learn to apply HRM methods and related skills to strengthen human performance, promote “fair play”, and insure legal and ethical HRM practices.

 

Required HRM Text, COB Posted Materials, Case Packet, and Internet Resources

 

Required Text:  Gary Dessler, A Framework for Human Resource Management (4th Ed., 2006), Prentice Hall.   You might decide to purchase this textbook in an electronic format rather than a printed format (to save some money). If so, then this link will take you to the publisher’s website location with more information about this alternative: http://vig.prenhall.com/catalog/academic/product/0,1144,0131886800,00.html   Required Reading:  Check weekly the COB Home Page under my BA453 Class File.  Internet Resources:  Use www.prenhall.com/dessler to identify additional resource information.  Students are encouraged to surf the Internet for information relevant to classroom topics of discussion.  Three sites are particularly helpful: the Society for Human Resource Management (SHRM), School of Labor and Industrial Relations at Michigan State University and School of Labor and Industrial Relations at Cornell University. 

 

   

The Classroom

 

Classes will be conducted in a seminar format.  There will be short lectures regarding key HRM concepts, interactive discussions, small group exercises and/or presentations along with guest speakers.   It is my intentions to facilitate an interactive experience to enhance the learning experience rather than deliver a boring lecture. Because such classroom discussion is a vital part of your learning, you need to come to class fully prepared to engage fellow students (and me) and assume full responsibility for your role is this learning experience.  It is especially important to read the posted materials for each week.  I expect your presentations and interactions to be proactive, informed and thoughtful.  Critical thinking is essential to this process and I would expect you to challenge ideas (attack ideas, not people).    Prior to each class, you will need to: (1) study (not just read) the assigned chapter and COB posted materials; and (2) reflect on the Discussion Questions.

 

 

Learning Objectives/Outcomes

 

·         Basic knowledge of fundamental HRM concepts and methods.

·         Initial competency in HRM tools and skills appropriate for non-HRM managers.

·         Experience in confronting key HRM concerns and issues in real life situations.

·         Confidence in initially assuming the HRM responsibilities in a manager’s role.

 

Course Requirements and Grading

 

Your final grade in the course shall be based on the following:

·         25% Class Contribution (Self Evaluation due on the last day of class)

·         25% First Exam (during 4th week; see class schedule for date)

·         25% Second Exam (during Finals week; see class schedule for date)

·         25% Research Paper (topic declaration due on 4/14; papers due during class on 5/05)

·         Graduate students shall be required to conduct more extensive research & provide a stronger level of leadership and/or facilitation in small group discussions; consult with the instructor during the first week of class.

·         No Surprises:  My standard of excellence for an A grade is very high and rigorous.  Grading is NOT based on a curve, but on absolute criteria (see below for more details).

 

Class Contribution

Participation/Observation.  Classes will be conducted in a seminar format.  There will be short lectures regarding key concepts, interactive discussions, and group activities. It is my intentions to facilitate an interactive experience to enhance the learning rather than deliver a boring lecture. Because of this, I expect you to think about the class material, to evaluate its useful­ness, and to find opportunities to apply it. 

  

1.  Class Participation.  I expect all class members to contribute to class discussions.   This requirement applies to the large class sessions and group work. There is a penalty for missing class.  One absence during the term is allowed, but I will deduct ten points from your total points for each absence beyond one.  Showing up after a group activity has begun will count as an absence, as will leaving early.  Most class sessions will involve group work.

 

The absence allowance should give you enough flexibility to deal with unex­pected illness or emergency.  In no case, however, will there be an exception to the policy.  If you are likely to have some regularly scheduled event during class sessions, you should take this course during a different quarter.

 

3.  Group Projects.  The class will be divided into groups that maintain the same members throughout the term.  There will be group presentations and you will have to evaluate your peers' contribution to each project.

 

Your personal contribution to the class is graded because of the interactive nature of the learning model.  My expectations and the criteria for class contribution/participation are delineated on the posted Class Participation Evaluation Sheet.  The depth and quality of your remarks in class discussions and group presentations shall be considered.  Class participation also requires you to actively participate in a Research & Presentation Team of 5-6 students. Check the posted schedule under “Assignments” for the topic assignments; power point presentations are encouraged.  Absences will directly affect your class participation grade; it is unnecessary to contact me if you have an absence unless you are missing an exam.  You should select someone on your Team to maintain a record of team participation, and contributions to team presentations. Your final contribution grade shall be determined by my weekly observations, but I invite your self evaluation and it should be turned in on the last day of class on the posted form. 

 

Examinations

 

Exams shall test your HRM knowledge of all of the text, posted materials, and classroom lecture materials.  The exams shall consist of 50 multiple-choice objective questions (2 points each) The first exam shall cover chapters 1-5, posted materials and lectures; the second exam will cover chapters 6-10, posted materials and lectures. Unless you have a bona fide emergency and obtain advanced approval directly from me prior to class via email, there will be no make-up exams; if there is a make-up exam, the score shall be discounted by 10 points.  Sample exams are posted. 

 

 

Research Paper

 

Research papers provide an opportunity to explore a particular HRM topic or issue in considerable depth.  Therefore, it is essential that your research question or topic be narrowly focused to facilitate in-depth exploration and analysis.  Students have three research options: (1) literary research; (2) field research; or (3) a combination of both.  These options shall be discussed in more detail in class.  You are required to submit a brief written proposal to me via email declaring your research topic and method no later than 4/15 for my approval. Your paper should be at least 7 and not more than 10 double spaced pages, not including the title page and bibliography.  The format for the research paper must be selected by you.  A hard copy of your paper is due no later than the end of class on 5/05, but may be turned in earlier.  Late papers will not be accepted unless there is a bona fide emergency and advance approval is secured; in those cases, the grade will be discounted by a full grade.  Research integrity shall be monitored.  During the last week of class, some students may be selected to make a brief presentation to the class regarding their research.

 

Notes and summary of grading.

1.  Late assignments and exams.  Unless you have an acceptable reason and give advance notice, I will deduct 25% of the available points for late submissions and give no points once an assignment/exam is returned to the rest of the class.

2.  Typing and writing.  Assignments must be typed.  Well-written English and good spelling are expected; I will deduct 10% of the available points for five or more spelling and/or grammar errors on any assignment.  Staple together the pages that you have written and hand them in without any binders.  Also, put your section number and class-group name on all group assignments and evaluations.

3.  Students with disabilities.  Accommodations are collaborative efforts between students, faculty and Services for Students with Disabilities (SSD). Students with accommodations approved through SSD are responsible for contacting the faculty member in charge of the course prior to or during the first week of the term to discuss accommodations. Students who believe they are eligible for accommodations but who have not yet obtained approval through SSD should contact SSD immediately at 737-4098.  

4.  Academic dishonesty.  Any case of academic dishonesty will result in a grade of F for the course.  This action is allowed by Academic Regulations and Procedures as described in the Schedule of Classes.  I expect you to know and understand these policies and regu­lations.  If there is any doubt about their meaning and interpreta­tion, ask for an explanation.  This link leads to more information about the university’s policies on academic dishonesty.

 

Grading is not based on a curve, but on an absolute standard:

 

A                     93% - 100%                B         83% - 86%      C         73% - 76%                  D         63% - 66%

A-        90% - 92%                  B-        80% - 82%      C-        70% - 72%                  D-        60% - 62%

B+       87% - 89%                  C+       77% - 79%      D+       67% - 69%                  F          Lower than 60%

 

Guest Speakers

 

Through out the term guest speakers will attend classes to present their specialty in HRM and respond to students questions. Guests most likely will include a Business Executive, Health Benefits Executive, Labor and Workers’ Compensation Attorney, Training & Development consultant, and others.

 

                                                Tentative Course Outline    

The asterisked dates identify when Teams make in-class presentations.   

 

Week

Date                        

Topic                                                            

Text Chapter

1

 M

Class Review & HRM Overview

1

3/31

Managing HR Today                                                    

 

2

M        

Employment Law & Related HRM Practices             

2

4/07*   

Employment Discrimination Issues                            

 

3

M           

Strategic Employment Planning & Recruitment

3

4/14*

Employment Testing & Selection (Exam Review)

4

4

M           

Training & Development                                               

5

4/21              

FIRST EXAM (Chapters 1-5)

 

5

M            

Performance Management & Review                         

6          

4/28*                

Compensation Strategy & Systems                             

7

6

M

Employee Benefits: Strategy & Trends

 

05/05*        

Occupational Safety & Health                   

10

7

M              

Employee Relations / Ethics                                                     

8

5/12*            

Labor Relations & Collective Bargaining                    

9

8

M         

Beaver Manufacturing Company exercise                  

(posted)

5/19*           

 

 

9

M

NO CLASS

 

 5/26          

                                                  

 

10

M               

HRM Philosophy (Part. Evaluation Sheet Due)

 

6/02                

( Review for Second exam)

 

 

11

M

6/09

 

SECOND EXAM (Chapters 6 – 10) 

 

 

 

Office Hours

 

I live and work in Eugene and am a part-time faculty member only during Spring Term, because of this my accessibility is somewhat limited.  However, my Office is located at Bexell 342, and I plan to have an office hour as stated above or by appointment.  If you need to contact me outside of office hours, the best way is to use my email address mike.cieri@bus.oregonstate.edu.  Please do not leave a message on the office phone. I will not receive it. Your concerns are important to me, so don’t hesitate to contact me.

 

 

 

Commitment

 

My personal commitment to you is that I will work hard to enhance your learning in this class because I believe that HRM is vital in today’s business world.  At the same time, I cannot make you learn!  The quality of your education is ultimately your choice.  The classes are interactive, so your preparation and participation are critical.