Post on 30-Mar-2018
Professional Issues in Human Resources HRM 595.110 - Fall 2016 – CRN: 80303
Wednesdays 6:00 p.m. – 9:00 p.m. Dr. Barbara Lyon, SPHR
I. COURSE OVERVIEW
“Professional Issues in Human Resources” (PIHR) examines contemporary issues in
human resource management. Emphasis is placed on current issues, ethical decision-
making processes, work place investigations, and continued professional development.
Successful completion of a comprehensive competency examination covering the
principal areas studied within the human resource management functions is required.
Prerequisite: A minimum of 15 hours in human resource management, educational
psychology, industrial/organizational psychology or concurrent enrollment. (Note: This
Professional Issues in Human Resources has required on-line components, using Blackboard
applications. See syllabus section “0” for technical requirements.)
II. COURSE OBJECTIVES
Upon successful completion of the Professional Issues in Human Resources course,
each student will be able to demonstrate the following skills and knowledge
competencies:
A. Strategic Human Resource Management: Knowledge of strategic management
concepts (strategy development, macro/micro-economics, human resource law,
leadership, ethics, scorecard metrics, global HRM, etc.) related to designing and
implementing effective and efficient human resource management programs.
Skill in conducting graduate-level secondary research.
Skill in communicating HRM information.
Skill in networking within the HRM professional community.
Skill in identifying strategic business issues confronting the HRM
department.
Skill in determining long-term impact of HRM practices on the
organization’s bottom line.
B. Workforce Planning and Employment: Knowledge of workforce planning and
employment concepts (employment laws, job analysis and design, HR forecasting,
HRM 595.110 – Fall 2016
Syllabus - Page 2
recruiting methods, valid selection practices, etc.) related to designing and
implementing effective organizational staffing practices.
Skill in forecasting staffing requirements to meet organizational
requirements.
Skill in using conducting adverse impact analysis.
Skill in analyzing recruitment practices to make recommendations.
C. Human Resource Development: Knowledge of human resource development
concepts (learning styles, training analysis, development, design,
Implementation, evaluation, etc.) related to designing and implementing
effective organizational training and development practices.
Skill in analyzing learning requirements to assign HRD priorities.
Skill in analyzing performance management issues to make recommendations.
D. Compensation and Benefits: Knowledge of total compensation concepts (wages,
variable pay, benefits administration, pay policy, pay structure, pay philosophy,
compensation administration, compensation law, etc.) related to designing and
implementing effective compensation and benefit practices.
Skill in applying FLSA guidelines to determine exemption status.
Skill in analyzing an organization’s pay structure (base pay system).
E. Employee and Labor Relations: Knowledge of employee and labor relations
concepts (organizational behavior, fair treatment, discipline, union security,
management rights, collective bargaining, labor law, risk management etc.)
related to designing and implementing effective organizational labor practices.
Skill in analyzing organizational issues to make recommendation.
III. INSTRUCTIONAL MATERIALS
Required Exercise Book [ISBN-10: 0538468076 | ISBN-13: 9780538468077]
Nkomo, S. M., Fottler, M. D., & McAfee, R. B. (2011). Applications in human
resource management: Cases, exercises, incidents, and skill builders
(7th ed.). Cincinnati: South-Western / Cengage.
Recommended Text [ISBN: 978-0-538-45315-8 or ISBN: 0-538-45315-x]
Mathis, R. L., & Jackson, J. H. (2011 or 2014). Human resource management (13th ed.
or 14th ed). Florence, KY: Cengage Learning.
HRM 595.110 – Fall 2016
Syllabus - Page 3
IV. COURSE REQUIREMENTS and STRUCTURE
A. Attendance/Withdrawal: Remember that class participation is difficult,
at best, without class attendance, so make every effort to attend each class
session. Although attendance is highly encouraged, we recognize that not all
students are able to attend each class session. In cases where the student will
miss two or more weeks, please contact the professor or program secretary with
information as soon as possible. It is the responsibility of each student to submit
assignments and become aware of other activities missed during absences. Note #1: In accordance with university policy, each faculty member has the
responsibility and authority to determine whether make-up work can be done because of
absences. Although Dr. Lyon will generally accept make-up assignments up to one week
late, no individual additional “extra credit” activities will be granted. Make-up exams
are discussed in the “exam” paragraph.
Note #2: In rare, emergency cases, students who have earned at least 500
course points, may qualify for an incomplete grade, which is recorded as an “I” on the
grade report and transcript. Requests for incomplete grades must be made according to
TAMU-CT policy and approved by the instructor and department head prior to the final
week of classes. All requirements must be completed by January 31, 2017 or the “I”
automatically changed to an “F.”
Note #3: The last day to drop a course with no record this semester is published
in the University Catalog on the Academic Calendar page(s).
B. Assignments: Reading assignments will be in accordance with this
syllabus and as assigned in class. Students are expected to become familiar with
information and assignments prior to discussion periods scheduled for each class.
Assignment due dates and point values are indicated in the syllabus. Unless
otherwise announced in class, assignments are due by the end of the class period
assigned. Late assignments will not be accepted for scoring. Exercises must be
prepared in typewritten format. Students who are absent from class are
encouraged to submit their assignments early or through Blackboard messages to
avoid late penalties.
C. Written Work: Unless otherwise indicated, all outside written work must
be typed double-spaced on white 8-1/2” x 11” paper, using black ink. Students are
required to use the Publication Manual of the American Psychological Association
(APA, 6th ed.) as the primary reference as they prepare their formal work for
submission. Most written work will be submitted for grading with a cover sheet
(including title of work, student name, university, course and section number,
professor, date, etc.) and stapled at the upper left-hand corner. Items submitted
are expected to be of graduate quality, language and depth and in APA format.
Points will be deducted for poor grammar, spelling and appearance.
HRM 595.110 – Fall 2016
Syllabus - Page 4
Note #1: No plastic folders will be used, except in such cases as
specifically necessary to support course objectives.
Note #2: Items containing more than three errors in grammar,
punctuation, spelling and/or format will be graded as unsatisfactory. The
highest grade that will be assigned to an approved resubmission is a ‘C.’
D. HRM Research (Class Presentation/Literature Review): Students, working
individually or in teams of two, will deliver a timed, oral presentation on an
appropriate topic. Topics will be selected by students and approved by the
professor. Specific dates will be coordinated, according to the Course Outline (see
syllabus section). Presentations will be conducted in a professional manner
(including appropriate dress) and will range in time from 12 to 15 minutes. Each
student must speak during a major portion (e.g. not fewer than five minutes) of the
presentation; also, use of visual aids is encouraged. To allow for equipment training,
students who require use of projection equipment should make arrangements for
hands-on practice with Dr. Lyon at least one week prior to their presentation.
The briefing will be scored by all observing students in attendance for the
presentation and the professor; one-half of the grade will be determined by the
average score generated by the student assessment and half will be determined by
the professor. Students will receive up to 10 assignment points for rating their
peers. Presenters will not submit completed rating forms for their briefing
activity.
In addition, each student will submit a paper on the research topic on or
before November 16, 2016. The review of literature (“term paper”) body will not
exceed 20 typewritten (double-spaced) pages, including appropriate citations in the
body of the report. In addition, appropriate cover, abstract, and reference pages
will be included in the submitted literature review. It is important that current
events drive the content of the research and presentation.
In addition to writing style, intellectual rigor will be assessed by the variety,
depth and professional nature of the sources cited (i.e., professional magazines and
journals will score higher than general interest sources and unsupported internet
items). The literature review will be graded by Dr. Lyon as a required assignment.
Note #1: A minimum of 30 references will support a grade of "C" or less; a
minimum of 35 references is required for a "B" and at least 40 references are
required for an "A." Not more than 20% of the sources counted for grading will
be from the Internet. (This does not include items from the university library’s
electronic databases and full-text peer-review articles.)
To improve intellectual rigor, students are encouraged to use a
variety of sources, including journals, magazines, books, etc. for
this assignment. (Check with Dr. Lyon or TAMUCT library staff if
you need further clarification on this issue.)
Emphasis must be placed on current topics that directly affect
human resource management, so several of the references used
HRM 595.110 – Fall 2016
Syllabus - Page 5
should be dated within the last 18 months. (At least 10 of the
sources are to be no more than two years old.)
At least one section of the paper must provide a theoretical
framework to support key points made in the body of the paper.
At least one in-body citation must be based on an interview with
an incumbent human resource professional.
The course text, if appropriately cited, will be counted in the
number of references for credit. (Not more than two MS, HRM
program textbooks will be counted in the total number of
references for credit.)
Graded literature reviews will be returned to students before the
end of the semester.
This document will be included in the student’s HRM program
portfolio to ensure that a copy is available for future program
review purposes.
Note #2: In addition to usual requirements for academic grammar and
format, including use of the American Psychological Association Publication Manual
(6th ed.), students will use appropriate terminology and syntax to produce papers
rivaling professional quality. (Students are encouraged to arrange appointments to
review clean draft copies with Dr. Lyon; appointments for this activity will be
accepted only through week nine.)
E. Library Services: Information literacy focuses on research skills that prepare
individuals to live and work in an information-centered society. Librarians will work
with students in the development of critical reasoning, ethical use of information, and
the appropriate use of secondary research techniques including: (1) exploring
information resources such as library collections and services, (2) identifying sources,
such as subject databases and scholarly journals, (3) executing effective search
strategies, (4) retrieving, recording, and citing relevant results correctly, and (5)
interpreting search results and deciding whether to expand the search. Library
resources are outlined and accessed through the university’s web page or Blackboard
links.
F. Course Exams: There will be two exams, including a comprehensive final exam,
during the semester. The exams may be comprised of various cognitive/ objective,
short answer and/or case study items. Although teamwork is permitted in most
activities completed during the semester, exams will reflect the independent work of
students. (Teamwork will not be permitted on exams.)
H. Academic Integrity: Texas A&M University--Central Texas expects its
students to maintain high standards of personal and scholarly conduct. Students guilty
of academic dishonestly are subject to disciplinary action. Academic dishonesty
HRM 595.110 – Fall 2016
Syllabus - Page 6
includes, but is not limited to, cheating on an examination or other academic work,
plagiarism, collusion, and the abuse of resource materials. The faculty member is
responsible for initiating action for each case of academic dishonestly. More
information can be found on the university’s Web page.
I. Grade Computation: Students earn their final course grades by effectively
completing scheduled assignments; no extra credit assignments are given. To
satisfactorily pass this course, students must complete each of the primary items
listed below; failure to submit appropriate documents for grading in each category may
result in a failing grade. Final grades will be calculated as follows:
Assignments………[450 pts]..…….….45% A = 100% – 90.0% [1000-900 pts]
Research/Lit…….[200 pts]….……...20% B = 89.9% – 80.0% [899-800 pts]
Presentation……….[50 pts]…..……….. 5% C = 79.9% - 70.0% [799-700 pts]
Exams (2 each)…. [300 pts].….…….30%
[1000 pts] 100% F = below 70.0% [699-0 pts]
J. Changes to Syllabus: A syllabus serves as an instructional and study planning
document for both faculty and students. Although every effort will be taken to
complete the semester according to the syllabus, it may become necessary to make
certain changes to better facilitate the academic environment. In such an event,
changes will be announced in class and students will receive written notice within one
week of the change decision. Changes may be made within the last two weeks of the
semester only in exceptional circumstances. Conflicts between Blackboard and the
syllabus will be resolved according to the syllabus requirements.
K. Requests for Incomplete Grades: In rare, emergency cases, students who have
earned at least 500 course points, may qualify for an incomplete grade, which is
recorded as an “I” on the grade report and transcript. Requests for incomplete grades
must be made according to TAMU-CT policy and approved by the instructor and
department head prior to the final week of classes. All requirements must be
completed by January 31, 2017 or the “I” automatically changed to an “F.”
L. Disability Services: Texas A&M University – Central Texas complies with
Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 and the Americans with Disabilities Act
of 1990. TAMUCT promotes the use of the Principles of Universal Design to ensure
that course design and activities are accessible to the greatest extent possible.
Students who require reasonable accommodations based on the impact of a disability
should contact the office of Disability Support and Access at (254) 501-5831 in
Student Affairs, Warrior Hall, 212F. The Disability Support coordinator is responsible
for reviewing documentation provided by students requesting accommodations,
determining eligibility for accommodations, helping students request and use
accommodations, and coordinating accommodations. Be sure to follow procedures for
reporting a disability, as provided by the disability support coordinator, and promptly
HRM 595.110 – Fall 2016
Syllabus - Page 7
submit your letter of disability to the course professor. Contact the university’s
student disability services unit at:
Disability Support Coordinator
TAMUCT Student Affairs, Warrior Hall 2112F
1001 Leadership Place - Killeen, TX 76549
Office: (254) 501-5831 - Fax: (254) 519-5797
Web: www.tamuct.edu/departments/disabilitysupport/index.php
M. Tutoring Services: TAMUCT offers its students tutoring, both on-campus and
online. Subjects tutored include: Accounting, Finance, Statistics, Mathematics, and
Writing (MLA and APA). For hours, or if you're interested in becoming a tutor, contact
Academic Support Programs at 254-519-5496 go to www.tamuct.org/studentaffairs
and click on "Academic Support" for more information.
N. WARRIORLink: This online job database connects employers with students with
postings of internships, part-time, full-time jobs. All students will receive an email with
their username and password the first week of school with access information. Warrior
Link allows our students up until a year after they graduate the opportunity to search
for a job, post a resume, and keep informed on any events that are going on out of
the careers services area. The link to Warrior Link is located at
tamuct.edu/careerservices .
O. Technical Requirements: For this course, you will need reliable and frequent
access to a computer and to the Internet. You may also need a headset or speakers to
be able to listen to on-line resources. It may also be helpful to have a microphone
available to conduct other activities in the course.
If you do not have frequent and reliable access to a computer with an Internet
connection, please consider completing class activities in the TAMUCT computer lab
(Warrior Hall, 104) or other reliable site. Otherwise, please considering dropping this
course, as it is essential that you have access to Blackboard Learn and other on-line
locations.
Logon to http://tamuct.blackboard.com to access the course, using Mozilla
Firefox as your browser. (Be sure that www. is not included in the address.)
Username: Your complete university email address (e.g. john.doe@tamuct.edu)
Initial password: Your student ID / university ID (UID)
P. Blackboard Learn Success Guidelines: Remember that technology issues are not
an excuse for missing a course requirement. To help you with the technical aspects
of using the Blackboard Learn system, please be sure that you understand and follow
the following guidelines.
HRM 595.110 – Fall 2016
Syllabus - Page 8
1. Check browser and computer compatibility by following the “Browser Check”
link on the TAMUCT Blackboard Learn logon page
(http://tamuct.blackboard.com). This is a CRITICAL step, as these settings
are important for when you take an exam or submit an assignment. You may, for
example, find that Blackboard Learn recommends use of Google Chrome instead
of the newest versions of Microsoft Internet Explorer, so be sure to follow
instructions following your browser check.
2. Blackboard Learn supports the most common operating systems: PC: Windows 7,
8, Windows XP, Windows Vista, Windows 2000, Mac OS 10.6 “Snow Leopard®”,
Mac OS 10.5 “Leopard®”, Mac OS 10.4 “Tiger®”
3. The Blackboard Learn assessment (testing) application may be more reliable if
you use Google Chrome instead of newer versions of Microsoft Explorer. You
may find it beneficial to download Chrome prior to the scheduled date for the
first exam.
4. Upon logging on to Blackboard Learn, you will see a link to Blackboard Student
Orientation under My Courses tab. If it has been a while since you have used
Blackboard, click on that link and study the materials in this orientation
course, as you will have to come up to speed with it really quickly. There is also a
link to Blackboard Help from inside the course on the left-hand menu bar. Your
ability to function within the Blackboard application will facilitate your success
in this course.
V. COURSE AND NSTRUCTOR INFORMATION
Course: Professional Issues in Human Resources (HRM 595.110 - CRN: 80303)
Semester: Fall 2016 (August 22 – December 9, 2016)
Schedule: Wednesday evenings 6:00 p.m. – 9:00 p.m.
Classroom:
Professor:
Founder’s Hall (FH), Classroom 303
Dr. Barbara Lyon, SPHR
Campus Office: TAMUCT Founder’s Hall (FH) 318K
1001 Leadership Place, Killeen, TX 76549
Office Phone: 254-519-5711
Fax: 254-501-5825
Home Phone: Provided in class Blackboard Welcome and Main Course tabs.
E-mail Address: bjlyon@tamuct.edu
HRM 595.110 – Fall 2016
Syllabus - Page 9
Office Hours: Mondays and Wednesdays 3:00 p.m. – 5:45 p.m.
COBA Assistant: College of Business Administration (COBA)
TAMUCT, FH 318 or FH 323
COBA Contact: 254-519-5437 or coba.info@tamuct.edu
VI. COURSE OUTLINE, ASSIGNMENTS & EVENTS (Continued on the following pages.)
1. Exercises, cases, incidents and skill builders are numbered to coincide with the
recommended text Content page. Readings from recommended text are shown in italics
under “Support Materials,” such as HRM, Appendices A and HRM, Chapters 1-2.
2. The number(s) shown in { } represent the point value for each assignment. Examples:
Week 2 > {Homework + Q & A/ 10} indicates 10 points for preparation of homework
and on-time submission. Students should also expect in-class group discussion.
Week 1 > {HRM Jobs.Desc#3 each/Due Wk 3} indicates a delay in the assignment’s
due date. Assignment point values are shown in the Notes column on the date in which
the assignment is due.
3. All exercises, cases, incidents and skill builders must be prepared as homework with
individual student submissions. If the assignment is developed in a team setting, individual
students must submit the team’s work with all team members listed on the cover page.
Further, students will initial next to their individual name on the cover page to indicate
participation on the team and concurrence of submission for grading.
4. Exam, quiz and HRCI preparation assessment activities will be submitted through
Blackboard. The following colors are used to code online requirements: (1) quizzes are
shown in orange, and (2) exams are highlighted burgundy type-face.
Week Date Topic Support
Materials Activities
1 Aug 24 HRM Competencies Developing Cognition Syllabus Review
HRM Networking
HRM, Appendices A, B Introductions /5
2 Aug 31 Business Strategy Exercise 5 {Ex.5, list /10}
3 Sep 7 Strategic HRM Case 26 {Case 26, Q.1-5 /10}
4 Sep 14 Strategic HRM Exercise 4 {Ex.4, Form 1 /15}
HRM, Chapters 1-2
HRM 595.110 – Fall 2016
Syllabus - Page 10
Week Date Topic Support
Materials Activities
5 Sep 21 Leadership & Ethics Case 2 {Case 2, Q&A /15}
HRM, Chapters 3-5, 13
HRM Impact Exercise 29 {Ex.29 Forms 1-2 /15}
Exercise 6 {Exer.6 Q1-2 w/math /Due Week 7}
HRM, Chapters 1-2
6 Sep 28 UGESP / EEO Exercise 17 {Ex.17, Q.1-3 any 10 /20}
Adverse Impact Case 38 {Case 38, Q.1-5 w/math /25}
HRM, Chapter 3;
Appendix C
Presentation: ____________
7 Oct 5 AAP Skill Builder 24 {Skill Bldr.24 Due Wk 9} (SB 21 = Form 1 x 10 each)
Diversity HRM, Chapter 3 {Ex.6 Q1-2, Form 1.3x2 w/math /30}
Presentation: ____________
8 Oct 12 Job Analysis HRM, Chapter 4
HRM Forecasting HRM, Chapter 5 {Skill Bldr.32 Due Wk 11}
Presentation: ____________
9 Oct 19 Organizational HRM, Chapter 5-7 {Skill Bldr.24 /40}
Staffing (SB 24 = Form 1 x 10 each)
Exercise 40 {Ex.40, Form 8 Q1-3 /15}
Presentation: ____________
10 Oct 26 Assessment Chapters 1-7 Review Quizzes 1-7 /35 [Use Blackboard; included in assignment points.]
Chapters 1-7 Exam #1 /150 [Use Blackboard; included in exam points.]
HRM 595.110 – Fall 2016
Syllabus - Page 11
Week Dates Topic Support
Materials Activities
11 Nov 2 HR Development Exercise 55 {Exer.55 Due Wk 12}
HRM, Chapters 8-9 (Exer.55 =Forms 3.1, 3,2 & Q3)
{Skill Bldr.32 Due/30} (Tables 2-4)
Performance Mgmt Incident 94 {Inc. 94-Informal Notes /10}
HRM, Chapter 10
Presentation: ____________
12 Nov 9 Risk Management HRM, Chapter 14 {Exer.55 Forms 2, 3, Q3 /20}
Resume Due /20
HRM Interview Due /5
Interview Ltr Due /5
HRCI Preparation HRM, Appendix A HRCI Prep /10 [Use Blackboard EXAMS;
points included in assignments.]
Presentation: ____________
Friday, November 11, 2016 Happy Veterans’ Day!
13 Nov 16 Compensation HRM, Chapters 11-13 {Ex.71 Q.1-7, any 5 /15}
{Ex.74 Q.2, x 3 /15}
Research Project Due /200 See pages 4-5 and 13 for details.
Presentation: ____________
Wednesday, November 16, 2016 HRM Comprehensive Exam 3:30 p.m. - 5:30 p.m.
Meet in Dr. Lyon’s office
not later than 3:15 p.m.
HRM 595.110 – Fall 2016
Syllabus - Page 12
Week Date Topic Support
Materials Activities
14 Nov 23 Employee & Labor HRM, Chapters 14-16
Relations
Exercise 28 {Exer.28-Informal Notes /10}
Exercise 100 {Exer.100-Informal Notes /10}
Presentation: ____________
Thursday, November 24, 2016 Happy Thanksgiving Day!
15 Nov 30 HRM Ethics Exercise 63 {Ex.64 Form /10}
Presentation: ____________
Presentation: ____________
Presentation Completion /50 See pages 4-5 and 19 for details.
Presentation Ratings /10 See page 4 for details.
16 Dec 7 Chapters 1-16 Review Quizzes 8-16 /45
(Use Blackboard QUIZZES;
included in assignment points.)
Comprehensive Final Exam /150 (Due at midnight on 12/09/2016)
HRM 595.110 – Fall 2016
Syllabus - Page 13
Literature Review [200 points]
1. Students will work independently to conduct research on a current human resource
management topic.
2. Prepare a Word document that includes the following components, prepared in APA 6th
edition format: (1) cover page [page 1]; (2) one-half page Abstract [page 2] (3) 8-
10-page research paper with citations [pages 3-12]; and, (4) references (30
professional/ business resources, including 10 peer-reviewed journal articles,
recommended) [pages 13-20]. [Page numbers after page 2 are suggestions only;
however, your submitted research project should not exceed 20 pages under the most
extreme circumstances.]
3. Submit your Word document in CLASS during the assigned submission week.
4. Submit a copy of your Word document through the Turn It In link in Blackboard
ASSIGNMENTS during the assigned submission week. [200 points]
(See pages 4-5 of the syllabus for more specific information on your research project
requirements.)
Class Presentation on Literature Review [50 points]
1. Students will work independently or in teams of two to present research on a current
human resource management topic.
2. Prepare a PowerPoint slide show on your literature review topic. Ensure that the slide
show includes the following components, (1) cover slide [include title, student names,
and class and semester information]; (2) content slides with citations [APA 6th ed.
format] (3) references [APA 6th ed. Format]. [You may include more slides than those
specifically selected for use in your 15-minute presentation.]
3. Submit your PowerPoint document in CLASS during the assigned submission week.
4. Submit a copy of your PowerPoint document through Blackboard MESSAGES prior to
your presentation date. [20 points]
5. Present information in CLASS. [30 points]
(See syllabus pages 4 and5 for more specific information on your research project
requirements and the presentation rating sheet on page 20 and.)