Weekly Learning Modules

Module 1	Module 2	Module 3	Module 4	Module 5
Module 6	Module 7	Module 8	Module 9	Module 10

Module 1

Topic:

Introduction to HRM/ Strategic HRM – Balanced Scorecard

Readings:

Dessler:
Chapters 1 and 3

Please note that I am breaking out the class by last name to reduce the burden on you to answer multiple questions each week. Please read all of the responses for all of the questions so that you may gain from the experience and wisdom of your classmates.

You must answer the question indicated by the beginning letter of your last name. However, you may answer any and all other questions.

Assignments:

Please begin this course by reviewing and completing the Distance Learning resources and assessment exercises available at Instructional Technology. Please pay particular attention to the webboard tutorial and the activating your e-mail account sections. You do not need to turn in any results to your professor. This is solely a developmental activity to ensure that everyone in the course has the needed level of technical competence to complete this Internet-based class.

From the text web site:
In the News: Please post on the web board your responses to the following two questions based on the following summary of a news story that relate to this week's topic.

100 Best Companies to Work for in America

· Question 1 - Organizations can spend considerable time and money to be chosen as one of the best companies to work for in America. As a stockholder do you feel that efforts to be considered one of the top companies to work for in America is a good use of resources?
(Please answer this question on Webboard if your last names begins with the letters A - L)

· Question 2 - Many companies talk the talk when it comes to work/ life balance and being a "best" company to work for but fewer still actually walk the walk. What does your firm do that makes it a desirable place to work?
(Please answer this question on Webboard if your last names begins with the letters M - Z)

NOTE: Students are encouraged to explore other resources available for chapter one at the publisher's text site. You are especially encouraged to review the materials in the study guide section so that you can self-assess your understanding of the material for this chapter.

From your textbook:
Case Incident: Please complete and submit your responses to the questions onto the web board for the case incident - "Jack Nelson's Problem" on page 26.

Question 1 to be answered by students with their last name beginning with the letters A - F.
Question 2 to be answered by students with their last name beginning with the letters G -N.
Question 3 to be answered by students with their last name beginning with the letters M - Z.

From the class webboard:
Answer this week's web board discussion questions.

OBJECTIVES: After completing this module, students should be able to -

   1. Answer the question: "What is Human Resource
       Management?"
   2. Discuss the components of the changing environment of
       Human Resource Management.
   3. Present examples of the new management practices that are changing Human
       Resource Management.
   4. Describe the nature of strategic planning.
   5. Give examples of Human Resource Management's role as a strategic partner in
       business.
   6. Explain what a strategy-oriented HR system is and why it is important
   7. Illustrate and explain each of the seven steps in the HR Scorecard approach to creating HR systems.

Module 2

Topic:

Legal Environment of HRM and EEO

Readings:

Dessler:
Chapter 2

You must answer the question indicated by the beginning letter of your last name. However, you may answer any and all other questions.

Assignments:

From the text web site:
Internet Exercises: Please complete and submit your responses onto the web board to the following questions listed base on the following Internet-based exercise.

A Look at Diversity and Diversity Training

· Question 1 -Increasing diversity awareness through training and education has been a growing trend in business over the last ten years. But why is it more important today then it was during the preceding decades? In other words, why was it once OK for the workplace to be a melting pot where everyone adapted to the cultural norms to now a Mosiac where everyone is suppose to maintain their differences?
(Please answer this question on Webboard if your last names begins with the letters M - Z)

· Question 2 - Is diversity training really effective? Does it or has it had any meaningful impact on your behavior or those of your co-workers in how they interact in the workplace? How is diversity different then affirmative action? Do you need more / less or to keep the status quo with regards to diversity programs in your organization (and why)?
(Please answer this question on Webboard if your last names begins with the letters A - L)

recommended for detailed review and exploration - do not submit anything:

NOTE: Students are encouraged to explore other resources available for chapter two at the publisher's text site. You are especially encouraged to review the materials in the study guide section so that you can self-assess your understanding of the material for this chapter.

From your textbook:
Case Incident: Please complete and submit your responses to the following questions onto the web board for the case application - "A case of Racial Discrimination?" on page 65.

Question 1 to be answered by students with their last name beginning with the letters A - F.
Question 2 to be answered by students with their last name beginning with the letters G -M.

Question 3 to be answered by students with their last name beginning with the letters N - Z.

From the class web board:
Answer this week's web board discussion questions.

OBJECTIVES: After completing this module, students should be able to -

   1. Summarize the basic equal employment opportunity laws
       regarding age, race, sex, national origin, religion, and
       handicap discrimination.
   2. Explain the basic defenses against discrimination
       allegations.
   3. Present a summary of what employers can and cannot do with respect to illegal
       recruitment, selection, and promotion and layoff practices.
   4. Explain how to set up an affirmative action program.

Module 3

Topic:

Job Analysis

Readings:

Dessler:
Chapter 4

Assignments:

From the text web site:

· Internet Exercises: Recommended for detailed review and exploration - do not submit anything:

Job Analysis
Job Descriptions on the Web

Experiential Exercise:
Please complete the following exercise and submit your completed job description onto the web board. This exercise is modified from that listed on page 146 of your text.
step 1 - you can chose any job to complete this assignment other than your own.
step 2 - you will be completing this assignment individually.
step 3 - You are to use figure 4-3 to interview the job incumbent ( you are also encouraged to add any questions of your choosing).
step 4 - you may gather current job descriptions and other relevant materials to assist you in completing this job description (e.g. search the Internet)
step 5 - create a new job description based on the information collected using the format listed in figure 4- 7.

From the class web board:
Answer this week's web board discussion questions.

OBJECTIVES: After completing this module, students should be able to -

   1. Describe the basic methods of collecting job analysis
       information.
   2. Discuss how to conduct a job analysis.
   3 .Demonstrate the process of writing a job description.
   4. Explain the purpose of a job specification and a procedure
       for developing one.

Module 4

Topics:

HR Planning and Recruitment

Readings:

Dessler: Chapters 5 & 14

Reminder: You must answer the question indicated by the beginning letter of your last name. However, you may answer any and all other questions.

Assignments:

From the text web site:
In the News: Please complete and submit your responses onto the web board to the following two questions based on a current event story.

Managers Often Miss the Promising Talent on Their Own Staffs (05/17/00)

· Question 1 - A fundamental requirement for any type of succession planning is the ability to project human resource needs into the future. In other words, what kinds of positions will need to be filled in the next 5, 10, and 15 years. Considering the speed with which most organizations are undergoing change, how is it possible to maintain such a long-range plan? Is succession planning a thing of the past or does it still have a place in the planning process?
(Please answer this question on Webboard if your last names begins with the letters A - L)

· Question 2 - What does your organization do to promote from within? What are some of the disadvantages to promoting from within? What could be done in your organization to improve its internal promotion system?
(Please answer this question on Webboard if your last names begins with the letters M - Z)

NOTE: Students are encouraged to explore other resources available for these chapters at the publisher's text site. You are especially encouraged to review the materials in the study guide section so that you can self-assess your understanding of the material for this chapter.

From your textbook:
Application Case: Please complete and submit your responses on the web board to the following questions listed for case - "Finding People who are Passionate About What They Do" on page 187.

· Question 1 to be answered by students with their last name beginning with the letters A - F.

· Question 2 to be answered by students with their last name beginning with the letters G -M.

· Question 4 to be answered by students with their last name beginning with the letters N - Z.

From the class web board:
Answer this week's web board discussion questions.

OBJECTIVES: After completing this module, studentd be able to -

   1. Explain the process of forecasting personnel
        requirements.
   2. Discuss the pros and cons of eight methods used
        for recruiting job candidates.
   3. Describe how to develop an application form.
   4. Explain how to use application forms to predict job performance.
   5. Discuss the factors that affect career choices.
   6. Explain how you would make a new subordinate’s first
       assignment more meaningful.
7. Discuss how to more effectively manage promotions
       and transfers.
8. Explain in detail techniques for building two-way communications in
       organizations.
9. Discuss how to discipline employees.
10. Define wrongful discharge and explain its importance.
11. Explain how to dismiss an employee.

Module 5

Topics:

Selection and Interviewing

Readings:

Dessler:
Chapters 6 & 7

Reminder: You must answer the question indicated by the beginning letter of your last name. However, you may answer any and all other questions.

Assignments:

From the text web site:
In the News: Please complete and submit your responses on the web board to the questions listed for the article summary found at the link below that relates to this week's topic.

Look for Clues to Avoid Hiring Someone Who Hates Teamwork (02/28/00)

· Question 1 - What is your view of the interview as a valid and reliable tool in the selection of prospective employees? Explain your response.
(Please answer this question on Webboard if your last names begins with the letters A - F)

· Question 2 - What skills do you believe are most appropriately assessed through the interview and which skills are inappropriate to assess via an interview?
(Please answer this question on Webboard if your last names begins with the letters G- M)

· Question 3 - Reference checking is mentioned in the Lead Story. How helpful is reference checking to the selection process? What are the main problems you see with reference checking? What suggestions can you make to help overcome these problems?
(Please answer this question on Webboard if your last names begins with the letters N - Z)

· Question 4 - Much of what is discussed in the Lead Story (and your text) is geared toward making you aware and more skilled concerning the selection process. However, we all go through the selection process as the candidate (for most of us) several times during our lifetime. What suggestions can you make to help your classmates be more successful as they go through the selection process?
Question 4 to be answered by all students at their option.

From the class web board:
Answer this week's web board discussion questions.

OBJECTIVES: After completing this module, students should be able to -

   1. Describe the overall selection process and explain why
       it is important.
   2. Define basic testing concepts including validity and reliability.
   3. Discuss at least four types of personnel tests.
   4. Explain the pros and cons of background investigations, reference checks, and
       pre-employment information services.
5. Describe several basic types of interviews.
6. Explain the factors and problems that can undermine an interview’s usefulness
      and techniques for eliminating them.
7. List important "guidelines for interviewers."
8. Explain how to develop a structured or situational interview.
9. Discuss how to improve your performance as an interviewer.
10. Explain how to improve international assignments through employee selection.

Module 6

Topic:

Rewarding Performance

Readings:

Dessler: Chapters 11& 12

Reminder: You must answer the question indicated by the beginning letter of your last name. However, you may answer any and all other questions.

Assignments:

Salary Secrecy: Should Compensation Be Confidential

· Question 1 - Why has RightNow! kept salaries secret? Does your company keep salaries secret? Why do companies do this?
Explain your response.
(Please answer this question on Webboard if your last names begins with the letters N - Z)

· Question 2 - What did the release of RightNow! s salary information reveal about the company's pay structure? Could this be one of the reasons RightNow! has kept salary information confidential? What do companies need to make sure of before they make salaries public?
(Please answer this question on Webboard if your last names begins with the letters A - F)

· Question 3 - What reasons does Charlie give for making salaries public? What reasons do the commentators give who agree with him? How does publishing salary information affect employees? Is the effect positive or negative? Please focus on the potential positive aspects of making salaries public.
(Please answer this question on Webboard if your last names begins with the letters G - M)

From your textbook:
Application Case: Please complete and submit your responses to the questions onto the web board for the case incident - "Salary Inequities at Acme Manufacturing" on page 423.

· Question 1 to be answered by students with their last name beginning with the letters A - F.

· Question 2 to be answered by students with their last name beginning with the letters G -M.

· Question 3 to be answered by students with their last name beginning with the letters N - Z.

From the class web board:
Answer this week's web board discussion questions.

OBJECTIVES: After completing this module, students should be able to -

   1. Discuss four basic factors determining pay rates.
   2. Explain in detail each of the five basic steps in
       establishing pay rates.
   3. Present the pros and cons of job evaluation.
   4. Define comparable worth and explain its importance
       today.
   5. Discuss how to use piecework, standard hour, and
       team or group incentive plans.
   6. Discuss how to use short-term and long-term incentives
       for managers and executives.
   7. List the pros and cons of salary plans and commission plans for salespeople.
   8. Explain how an incentive plan might backfire and how to avoid such a problem.

Module 7

Topic:

Employee Benefit Plans

Readings:

Dessler: Chapter 13

Reminder: You must answer the question indicated by the beginning letter of your last name. However, you may answer any and all other questions.

Assignments:

Currents in Compensation and Benefits

· Question 1 - Which of the compensation programs (low base pay with incentives, setting your own salary, or gain sharing) is most appealing to you? You may also choose any alternative pay system covered in your textbook. Explain your answer.
Question 1 to be answered by all students .

· Question 2 - Which of the compensation programs discussed in this article summary or in your textbook is least appealing to you? Explain your answer.
Question 2 to be answered by all students .

· Question 3 - What are the advantages of implementing a pay-for-performance compensation system? What do you believe are the essential components for a pay-for performance plan to work successfully?
(Please answer this question on Webboard if your last names begins with the letters A - M)

· Question 4 - What are the disadvantages of the compensation system involving relatively low base pay with incentives? Please explain.
(Please answer this question on Webboard if your last names begins with the letters N - Z)

NOTE: Students are encouraged to explore other resources available for this chapter at the publisher's text site. You are especially encouraged to review the materials in the study guide section so that you can self-assess your understanding of the material for this chapter.

From your textbook:
Case Application: Please complete and submit your responses to the questions listed for the case application - "Striking for Benefits " on page 509.

· Question 1 to be answered by students with their last name beginning with the letters G - M.

· Question 2 to be answered by students with their last name beginning with the letters N - Z.

· Question 3 to be answered by students with their last name beginning with the letters A - F.

From the class web board:
Answer this week's web board discussion questions.

OBJECTIVES: After completing this module, students should be able to -

   1. Describe each of the basic benefits most employers
       might be expected to offer.
   2. Explain how to reduce an employer’s unemployment
       insurance bill.
   3. Explain why the cost of insurance benefits is increasing
       and identify what employers can do to reduce these costs.
   4. Discuss how to set up a flexible benefits program.

Module 8

Topic:

Performance Appraisal

Readings:

Dessler:
Chapter 9

Reminder: You must answer the question indicated by the beginning letter of your last name. However, you may answer any and all other questions.

Assignments:

So You Want to be Marked on a Curve? Fine, Here's Your "F"

· Question 1 - For yours General Electric has used a forced distribution plan , as well as, thos e firms mentioned in the article summary. What is the underlying assumption in the use of forced distributions? what are the key benefits to the employer? What are the employee benefits?
(Please answer this question on Webboard if your last names begins with the letters A - F)

· Question 2 - Aside from using explicit performance criteria, what can be done to make forced distributions more accurate and acceptable to employees? What alternatives can you suggest that would be more acceptable to employees but still achieve the objectives behind forced distribution plans for the employer?
(Please answer this question on Webboard if your last names begins with the letters G - M)

From your textbook:
Experiential Exercise : Please complete and submit your responses to the questions 1 and 2 listed for the exercise on page 344. Disregard references to "your group" and complete this assignment as an individual. Try to incorporate as much as you can regarding what you have learned on this topic from your text and web site support.

From the class web board:
Answer this week's web board discussion questions.

OBJECTIVES: After completing this module, students should be able to -

1. Explain why it is important to effectively appraise
       performance.
   2. Describe eight performance appraisal methods and
       the pros and cons of each.
   3. Discuss the major problems inhibiting effective
       performance appraisals.
   4. Conduct a more effective appraisal interview.

Module 9

Topic:

Training and Development

Readings:

Dessler:
Chapters 7 & 8

Reminder: You must answer the question indicated by the beginning letter of your last name. However, you may answer any and all other questions.

Assignments:

From your textbook:
Case Application: Please complete and submit your responses to the questions listed for the case application - "The Mentor Relationship Turned Upside Down" on page 370.

· Question 1 to be answered by students with their last name beginning with the letters N - Z.

· Question 2 to be answered by students with their last name beginning with the letters A- F

· Question 4 to be answered by students with their last name beginning with the letters G- M.

Case Application 2: Please complete and submit your responses to the questions listed for the case application - "Reinventing the Wheel at Apex Door Company" on page 304.

· Question 1 to be answered by students with their last name beginning with the letters A- N

· Question 3 to be answered by students with their last name beginning with the letters M-Z

From the class web board:
Answer this week's web board discussion questions.

OBJECTIVES: After completing this module, students should be able to -

   1. Describe the basic training process.
   2. Explain the nature of at least five training techniques.
   3. Discuss what management development is and why it
       is important.
   4. Describe the five on- and off-the-job development techniques.
   5. Explain why training evaluation is important and how it is best accomplished.
   6. Discuss how to manage an organizational change
       program.
   7. Explain how to set up and manage total quality
       management programs.
   8. Describe how to create effective self-directed teams.
   9. Discuss HR’s role in business process reengineering.

Module 10

Topic:

Labor Relations and Employee Safety

Readings:

Dessler:
Chapters 15 & 16

Reminder: You must answer the question indicated by the beginning letter of your last name. However, you may answer any and all other questions.

Assignments:

From the text web site:
Internet Exercises:: Please complete and submit your responses on the web board to the questions listed for the Exercise found below that relates to this week's topic.

The Bird is the Word (On Current Strikes)

The collective bargaining process used to create a labor contract generally entails long and arduous negotiation between labor and management to hash out differences in interests and positions. However, if the two sides can not come to agreement there must be mechanisms available to relieve the impasse. One class of mechanisms is to bring in a third party to either mediate (facilitate) or to arbitrate (determine) an agreement. If this process does not prove satisfactory or is not agreed upon, a work stoppage may occur. Through a work stoppage one party attempts to put economic pressure upon the other to accept contract terms. Lockouts and strikes have been called the ultimate tests of employer and labor strength. Through a lockout management refuses to let employees work, betting that the impact on the workers' pocketbooks will hurt the workers more than decreased productivity will hurt the company. When the union calls a strike it is betting the opposite. Much of labor history shows that unions have been limited in their legal right to put pressure on management. However, the passage of the Wagner Act in 1935 made certain that strikes would generally be deemed legal and not construed to violate anti-trust laws.

Strikes and lockouts tend to generate intense emotional energy. Union members in particular tend to take great pains to maintain a collective stance against management. They recognize that management attempts to replace workers may negate the economic power of a strike. Individuals who go to work in the face of a strike (i.e., crossing the picket line) are severely derided by the stalwarts who remain on strike. This sense of solidarity and emotional energy is not confined to the striking group but is upheld by union "brothers" across the land. Union members and those sympathetic to unions will often refuse to do business with a company if it means crossing a picket line. These individuals will also honor boycotts in order to put further economic pressure on a company by refusing to buy the company's product. Given this sense of solidarity, it is not surprising to discover a Web site that informs the public of strikes and boycotts. Industrial Worker of the World (http://www.iww.org/) is an organization that, among other things, believes in the solidarity of the union brotherhood. They have found it important to publicize the cause of unions by listing current known strikes across North America. Please click on the link and answer the questions below.

· Question 1 - Review the site IWW News, Strikes, and Alerts what did you learn from these links.

(Please answer this question on Webboard if your last names begins with the letters A - F)

· Question 2 - Review the site Ongoing Alerts, Actions, Strikes, and Events what did you learn from these links.

(Please answer this question on Webboard if your last names begins with the letters G - M)

· Question 3 - Review the site Solidarity News, Strikes, and Alerts what did you learn from these links.

(Please answer this question on Webboard if your last names begins with the letters N- Z)

NOTE: Students are encouraged to explore other resources available for these chapters at the publisher's text site. You are especially encouraged to review the materials in the study guide section so that you can self-assess your understanding of the material for this chapter.

From your textbook:
Case Application: Please complete and submit your responses to the questions listed for the case application - "The New Safety Program " on page 645.

Question 2 to be answered by students with their last name beginning with the letters N - Z.
Question 3 to be answered by students with their last name beginning with the letters A- F
Question 4 to be answered by students with their last name beginning with the letters G- M.

From the class web board:
Answer this week's web board discussion questions.

OBJECTIVES: After completing this module, students should be able to -

   1. Describe the history of the labor movement and why
       workers unionize.
   2. Discuss in detail the nature of the major federal labor
       relations laws.
   3. Describe the process of a union drive and election.
   4. Explain how to avoid losing a unionization election.
   5. Describe the nature of the collective bargaining process.
   6. List important do’s and don’ts for handling grievances.
   7. Discuss OSHA and how it operates.
   8. Describe the supervisor’s role in safety.
   9. Explain in detail three basic causes of accidents.
10. Explain in detail how to prevent accidents at work.
11. Discuss major health problems at work and how to remedy them.