SP12 Syllabus Bus150 Sec1 Partridge

Fundamentals of Human Resource Management, Section 1, Spring 2012 Page 1 of 13

San José State University College of Business/Organization and Management

BUS3 150, Course Code 23235, Fundamentals of Human Resource Management, Section 1, Spring 2012

Instructor: Rick Partridge

Office Location: BT 552

Telephone: (408) 924-8049 (v-mail only)

Email: [email protected]

Office Hours: Monday, 10:45 pm – 12:00 pm; Monday and Wednesday, 4:15 pm – 5:30 pm, or by appointment

Class Days/Time: Monday and Wednesday, 1:30 pm – 2:45 pm

Classroom: BBC 220

Prerequisites: Bus91L or instructor consent

Course Description This course covers theories, concepts and processes of human resource management. Specific topics include equal employment opportunity, employee motivation, job analysis and work design, strategic human resource planning, recruitment and selection, talent assessment and development, performance management, compensation and benefits, occupational safety and health, and employee rights and discipline

Course Goals and Student Learning Objectives HR is an exciting and expanding field, arguably one of the most exciting and rewarding potential careers. In addition, regardless of your future career plans (whether in the field of HR or not), you will continually be involved with HR issues as an employee and as a manager, interviewing and being interviewed, performing and evaluating performance, training and being trained. HR is something everyone needs to learn about. The purpose of this course is to help you gain familiarity with a broad array of techniques, facts, theories, and research results in human resource management (HRM).The increasing importance of human resource management in virtually all aspects of businesses will be emphasized. Further, new HR issues and findings are continually developing, and HR activities are often in the news.


At the end of this class you should be able to:

1. Describe the key functions of an HR department within any business industry 2. Understand how the HR function can contribute to the successful achievement of

issues and challenges that businesses face in today’s environment 3. Understand the advantages and disadvantages of the fundamental HR concepts,

theories and processes covered in the course 4. Identify the factors that contribute to the successful management of each area of HR

covered in the course. 5. Identify the areas of impact that key concepts, theories and processes of HR have on

a business environment 6. Identify HR implications of current business events

Required Texts/Readings Textbook The textbook for the course is a SJSU Custom edition of Dessler, G. (2011). Human Resource Management. (12th Edition), Pearson Education. ISBN1-256-03361-8. You may also choose to use the Dessler, 12e hardback version, new or used. ISBN1: 0-13-608995. NOTE: I will be using page number references and homework assignments from the CUSTOM edition, so please ensure that you cross-reference to the edition you are using. There are several copies of the Custom edition on reserve at the MLK Library. You are strongly encouraged to read the San Jose Mercury News, Wall Street Journal or New York Times as well as any other newspapers and magazines available to you (many available on-line for free). This is important because the news stories directly related to HR issues will be discussed as much as possible. Being aware of business news in general, as well as its implications to HR, is important for you. COB Library Liaison: Ann Agee, (408) 808-2033, [email protected]

COB Classroom Protocol

To ensure that every student, current and future, who takes courses in the Boccardo Business Center has the opportunity to experience an environment that is safe, attractive, and otherwise conducive to learning, the College of Business at San José State has established the following policies:

Eating: Eating and drinking (except water) are prohibited in the Boccardo Business Center. Students with food will be asked to leave the building. Students who disrupt the course by eating and do not leave the building will be referred to the Judicial Affairs Officer of the University.

Cell Phones: Students will turn their cell phones off or put them on vibrate mode while in class. They will


not answer their phones in class. Students whose phones disrupt the course and do not stop when requested by the instructor will be referred to the Judicial Affairs Officer of the University.

Computer/PDA Use: In the classroom, should you wish to use your laptop for activities such as taking notes on the lecture underway, following the lecture on PowerPoint slides that are posted, and finding Web sites discussed during the lecture YOU MUST SIT IN THE FIRST TWO ROWS of the classroom. Students who use their computers/PDAs for other activities or who abuse the equipment in any way, at a minimum, will no longer be allowed to use them in class, and, at a maximum, will be referred to the Judicial Affairs Officer of the University for disrupting the course. (Such referral can lead to suspension from the University.) Students are urged to report to their instructors computer use that they regard as inappropriate (i.e., used for activities that are not class related).

Academic Honesty: Faculty will make every reasonable effort to foster honest academic conduct in their courses. They will secure examinations and their answers so that students cannot have prior access to them and proctor examinations to prevent students from copying or exchanging information. They will be on the alert for plagiarism. Faculty will provide additional information, ideally on the green sheet, about other unacceptable procedures in class work and examinations. Students who are caught cheating will be reported to the Judicial Affairs Officer of the University, as prescribed by Academic Senate Policy S04-12.

Dropping and Adding Students are responsible for understanding the policies and procedures about add/drops, academic renewal, etc. Information on add/drops are available at http://info.sjsu.edu/web-dbgen/narr/soc-fall/rec-298.html. Information about late drop is available at http://www.sjsu.edu/sac/advising/latedrops/policy/ . Students should be aware of the current deadlines and penalties for adding and dropping classes.

Assignments and Grading Policy Classes will be interactive, with both the instructor and students sharing in the process. Students are encouraged to read assigned materials prior to the class date and be prepared for discussions and exercises. It is to your advantage to stay current with readings and assignments. Teaching methods may include lecturing, case analysis, experiential exercises, writing assignments, videos, group projects and class discussion. You are responsible for the material in the chapters as well as the materials covered in classes. a. Projects: There will be one team and one individual project. Team Project: Teams will be formed in the first weeks of class. Each team will be assigned a topic within HRM. Working as a team and conducting independent research, each team will prepare and make a 20-30 minute “presentation” to the class on their topic. It is important that the team make the presentation interesting and engaging for the class! Every member of the team will receive the team grade.


The project is graded on:

• completeness - cover the topic thoroughly • preparedness - organized and clear presentation and within assigned time • participation - every member of the team must actively participate. • engaging - is the audience interested and engaged? • interesting – is it a creative approach? Quality of visual aids? • peer review - team and class feedback on delivery and content.

Each team will be encouraged to work collaboratively throughout the semester on their project. During the class sessions where the project will be discussed, the team will be expected to lead and facilitate the class discussion. It will be expected that all team members are prepared in advance and actively participate in the discussion. Individual Career Plan: Please see description posted at D2L DUE: April 18 b. Exams: There will be two mid-term exams and a Final. Exams will consist of material in the text, material covered in class (including cases, exercises, discussions, videos, etc), assignments, and outside reading as assigned. The exams will require you to understand and be able to apply course concepts, rather than simply memorize them. It is to your advantage to answer end of chapter questions at the Dessler Student web site. This will help you develop an understanding of and ability to apply concepts. The FINAL exam is cumulative. All exams will be TRUE/FALSE and MULTIPLE CHOICE. They will be answered on 882-E scantron answer sheets. Make sure you bring the scantron sheets and #2 pencils to each class. If you are more than 20 minutes late for the start of the exam, you will not be allowed to take the exam. The only instance in which a make-up exam will be considered is if there is a real emergency or documented illness. If these cases do not apply and you miss an exam, you will receive a zero for that test. Make-up exams are given at the discretion of the instructor. c. Homework Cases: There are six homework assignments during the semester which requires you read a short case and answer a few questions regarding that case. The cases will be discussed in class on the dates due. I will drop your homework assignment with the lowest score. Each homework assignment is worth 10 points. The grade you receive on the homework will reflect how well you meet the following criteria: a. good grammar and spelling (1 point will be deducted for each spelling/grammar mistake) b. accuracy in the application of HR concepts c. demonstration of critical thinking NOTE: Since you may be using a text different from the Dessler Custom version, please be sure the TITLE of the Case matches the one in the greensheet. In lieu of the six cases above you may also substitute any two of the following:


SHRM @ SJSU option: For one of the homework assignments above, you can substitute attending a guest speaker event at a SHRM@SJSU meeting and writing a summary, minimum one page, including what you personally learned from the presentation. Attach any handouts the guest speaker provided at the meeting. DUE: Next class after the event. OR Career Fair Option: Attend the March 8th OR April 10th Career Fair. Identify two potential HR Intern or Career opportunities (or if not an HR major, then in your career area) and prepare a targeted resume for the jobs. Meet with the recruiter for each of the jobs and learn more about the company, job, and skills required to compete for the opening. Write a summary, minimum one page, of the two jobs, including what you personally learned from the discussions about how to prepare for the search. DUE: Next class after the event. All assignments must be typed, double spaced, 12 pt font and with 1” margins. Homework will be collected in class. Homework may be submitted NO LATER than 5:00 PM on the due date under my door at BT552. l will only accept homework submitted via email for students turning in homework late who have pre-arranged absences. d. Class Participation: The value of the course to you personally will be enhanced by your active participation in the class. During the class, the information in the assigned readings will be reviewed, cases will be discussed as will critical incidents and news stories in general. Therefore, it is very important that you read the assigned material prior to class. Since some students are not as comfortable speaking in the larger class, there will also be group discussions on homework/cases/exercises by teams of classmates. As classes are interactive, excessive absence or tardiness will result in lack of participation and failure to learn from the interactions and discussions. Achieving learning objectives of this class requires regular attendance, in class participation, assigned reading, and approximately 2-3 hours per week outside the class. In class exercises may involve individual or group work or exercises and some homework assignments. If you are absent on an in-class exercise, you will need to obtain what is covered from another student. There will be no make-ups for missed in-class activities. By remaining in the course after the initial class meeting, you have agreed to participate in a positive manner in class discussions and to be professional in your discourse. Demonstration of respect for the ideas of others even when in disagreement is a requirement of class membership. Anyone who does not expect to attend class regularly, who expects to be a passive recipient of information, or for whom the aforementioned conditions are for any other reason not acceptable, should drop the course. e. Guest Speakers: As a 25 year HR professional, it is critical to take the theory we learn in the classroom and be able to bridge it to the reality of the workplace. My guest speakers bring in not only “real-


life” experiences from their workplaces, but also insights into working in their respective fields so you can use that to guide your career choices.

f. Grades: A grading curve is not used so as to prevent the overall intellectual caliber of the class (which can vary significantly from class to class) from entering into the determination of a student’s final grade. Thus, a student’s performance is measured solely against the standard of the grading scale and not against those around him or her.

Your course grade will be based upon a weighted combination of scores on the following components:

Grade Component Possible Score

Class Participation 50 Individual Project 40 Team Project 60 Homework 50 Mid-term Exams (2 at 50 each) 100 Final Exam 100 Total Possible Points: 400 I will be using D2L for posting grades throughout the semester so you can keep track of your progress. The Team Presentation and Class Participation points will not be determined until the end of the course since these scores will be based to some degree on peer comparisons. If you need guidance on your grades in the class, please take advantage of my office hours and come meet with me. Posting photo at D2L: My goal is to get to know each of you this semester. To help facilitate that, please post a recent, G-rated photo (preferably headshot) of you at your D2L Profile. g. Extra credit options, if available: Students may earn up to 20 points as extra credit for completing a special project. This project requires you to write a paper and give the class a brief oral presentation (no PPT) on the HR career progression of an HR professional. You must interview an experienced HR professional with more than 5 years in an HR role on their role. The interview should capture their career progression including significant role changes and industry changes including the reasons behind those decisions, as well as skills and capabilities the found most beneficial to their success. The written assignment should be a minimum of 4 pages, typed, double spaced, 12 pt font, and if a student elects to do the extra credit assignment, it must be turned in by April 25. Extra credit papers will not be accepted after this date. The presentations will be scheduled the last week of class. h. References/Recommendations/Endorsements: I enjoy being a reference for my students who need assistance in their career search. Because it is important that I be able to provide a reference that is complete and of value, I require that you be a student of mine in a minimum of 2 classes. I will consider substituting one class if you have performed an officer position with SHRM@SJSU for one semester and I have had a chance to work with you in that role. If you have questions about this, please


see me. University Policies Academic integrity

Students should know that the University’s Academic Integrity Policy is availabe at http://www.sa.sjsu.edu/download/judicial_affairs/Academic_Integrity_Policy_S07-2.pdf. Your own commitment to learning, as evidenced by your enrollment at San Jose State University and the University’s integrity policy, require you to be honest in all your academic course work. Faculty members are required to report all infractions to the office of Student Conduct and Ethical Development. The website for Student Conduct and Ethical Development is available at http://www.sa.sjsu.edu/judicial_affairs/index.html.

Instances of academic dishonesty will not be tolerated. Cheating on exams or plagiarism (presenting the work of another as your own, or the use of another person’s ideas without giving proper credit) will result in a failing grade and sanctions by the University. For this class, all assignments are to be completed by the individual student unless otherwise specified. If you would like to include in your assignment any material you have submitted, or plan to submit for another class, please note that SJSU’s Academic Policy F06-1 requires approval of instructors. Campus Policy in Compliance with the American Disabilities Act

If you need course adaptations or accommodations because of a disability, or if you need to make special arrangements in case the building must be evacuated, please make an appointment with me as soon as possible, or see me during office hours. Presidential Directive 97-03 requires that students with disabilities requesting accommodations must register with the DRC (Disability Resource Center) to establish a record of their disability.

Student Technology Resources Computer labs for student use are available in the Academic Success Center located on the 1st floor of Clark Hall and on the 2nd floor of the Student Union. Additional computer labs may be available in your department/college. Computers are also available in the Martin Luther King Library. A wide variety of audio-visual equipment is available for student checkout from Media Services located in IRC 112. These items include digital and VHS camcorders, VHS and Beta video players, 16 mm, slide, overhead, DVD, CD, and audiotape players, sound systems, wireless microphones, projection screens and monitors.

SJSU Writing Center: The SJSU Writing Center is located in Room 126 in Clark Hall. It is staffed by professional instructors and upper-division or graduate-level writing specialists from each of the seven SJSU colleges. Our writing specialists have met a rigorous GPA requirement, and they are well trained to assist all students at all levels within all disciplines to become better writers. The Writing Center website is located at http://www.sjsu.edu/writingcenter/about/staff/


College of Business Program Goals: (Not all program learning goals are covered in every course)

I. Business Knowledge

• To understand the fundamental principles of essential business functions and the relationship of business to individuals, government, society, and other organizations

• To obtain specialized knowledge of a single business discipline or functional area IIa. Business Skills - Communication, Leadership and Ethics

• To express ideas clearly, logically, and persuasively in oral and written communication

• To comprehend the challenges and opportunities of working effectively with other people in a diverse environment

• To demonstrate awareness of how ethical issues and responsibilities affect decisions and actions

IIb. Business Skills - Critical Thinking and Analysis • To comprehend and critically evaluate information presented in written and

numeric form • To analyze complex, unstructured qualitative and quantitative problems, using

appropriate tools and technology

BUS3 150, Fundamentals of Human Resource Management, Section 1, Spring 2012 (Please note that the course calendar is “subject to change with fair notice”) The exam schedules are firm. Please plan your work and travel schedules so that you are able to take them when scheduled. Assignments: NOTE that the Class Date is the assignment due date.

WEEK 1

Date: January 25

Topic: Course and instructor introductions, Green Sheet review, Organize Presentation Teams. Introduction to HRM. Overview of Strategic HR Model.

Homework: None due for first session – please bring your textbook to class each session.

WEEK 2

Date: January 30

Topic: Introduction to Human Resource Management

Reading Assignment: Pps 1-25

Homework: Bring a current news article to class that covers an HRM topic

Date: February 1

Topic: The Manager’s Role in Strategic HRM and HR Metrics

Reading Assignment: Pps 71-101, and 109-112

WEEK 3

Date: February 6

Topic: Equal Employment Opportunity and The Law


Date: February 8

Topic: Equal Employment Opportunity and The Law (cont)

Team 1: Prepare a lively debate on the pro and con of implementing affirmative action and diversity strategies in the workplace.

Homework #1: Application Case Study page 64. A Case of Racial Discrimination. Answer questions 1-3 ONLY at the end of case.

WEEK 4

Date: February 13

Topic: Job Analysis


Homework (In-class Exercise): Bring a copy of your current job description OR one you want to have when you graduate (NOTE: This will be used in other exercises during the semester)

Date: February 15

Topic: Personnel Planning and Recruiting, Study Guide for Exam 1


Homework #2: Application Case Study pages 190. Finding People Who are Passionate. Answer questions at the end of case.

WEEK 5

Date: February 20

Exam 1 in class today (covers First 5 chapters to date)

Date: February 22

Topic: Employee Testing and Selection, Rapid Review of Exam 1


WEEK 6

Date: February 27

Topic: Interviewing Candidates


Homework (In-class Exercise): Using your job description we will be writing interview questions.

Team 2: Prepare role plays demonstrating ‘realistic’ job interviews, highlighting examples of a good interview and a bad interview.

Date: February 29

Topic: Training and Developing Employees


WEEK 7

Date: March 5

Topic: Training and Developing Employees (cont)

Homework (In-class Exercise): Using your job description we will be writing training objectives.

Team 3: Research and present the most common training done at companies and at least 2 real examples of the most impressive “new hire” training and training for employees who are not new to their job/company.

Date: March 7

Topic: Performance Management and Appraisal


Homework (In class exercise): Bring your current Performance Plan, one you have used, or one off the web to class.

WEEK 8

Date: March 12

Topic: Coaching, Careers, and Talent Mgmt, Introduction to the MBTI Instrument


Team 4: Research and present a role-play on how to deliver performance appraisals. Give examples of how to do it well and how not to do it.

Date: March 14

Topic: Establishing Strategic Pay Plans


Homework #3: Complete the MBTI and bring your results to class along with a brief (one page) assessment of whether you think the results are accurate. You may take a free MBTI at: http://www.humanmetrics.com/cgi-win/JTypes1.htm

WEEK 9

Date: March 19

Topic: Panel: HR Professionals talk about working in the Field of HR

Date: March 21

Topic: Pay-for-Performance and Financial Incentives


Homework #4: Application Case Study pages 435-436. Salary Inequities at Acme Manufacturing. Answer questions at the end of case.

SPRING BREAK MARCH 24 – APRIL 1: NO CLASS

WEEK 10

Date: April 2

Topic: Employee Benefits and Services, Study Guide Exam 2

Reading Assignment: Pps. 485-518

Date: April 4

Topic: Employee Benefits and Services (cont)

Team 5: Research and present the key highlights of 2010 Health Care Reform bills. Outline the pros and cons, costs, issues and challenges and give your recommendation on what the bill will do specifically for or against employers.

WEEK 11

Date: April 9

Exam 2 in class today (covers material since last Exam).

Date: April 11

Topic: Ethics, Justice and Fair Treatment. Rapid review of the exam answers.

Reading Assignment: Pps 525- 565

WEEK 12

Date: April 16

Topic: Employee Relations Cases and Communications Styles

Date: April 18

Topic: Employee Safety and Health


Homework #5: Application Case Study pages 650-651. The New Safety and Health Program at LearninMotion.com. Answer questions 1 and 2 only at the end of case

DUE APRIL 18: Individual Career Plan - Please see description posted at D2L

WEEK 13

Date: April 23

Topic: Labor Relations and Collective Bargaining


Date: April 25

Last Day to turn in optional extra credit project

Topic: Labor Relations and Collective Bargaining (cont)

Team 6: Prepare a debate on the pros and cons of union membership. Specifically aim at convincing both union and non-union supporters to reverse their opinion on the value/lack thereof of union membership. Use current local, state and national union issues to support positions.

Homework #6: Application Case Study pages 601-02. Negotiating With the Writers Guild of America. Answer questions 1-2 ONLY at the end of case.

WEEK 14

Date: April 30

Topic: Putting it all Together – From an Attorney’s Perspective

Date: May 2 – OPEN – Current HR Topics

WEEK 15

Date: May 7, Class Participation Self-Evals DUE

Team 7: Look at the variety of Immigration Reform proposals being considered at both Federal and CA levels and present 2-3 of them to the class. Outline the pros and cons of each. Identify and profile employers who have shown support for them.

Team 8: Appendix B Case (pages 733-736): Bandag Automotive HOMEWORK: READ CASE

Date: May 9

Team 9: Appendix B Case (pages 741-744): Google, HOMEWORK: READ CASE, Extra Credit Presentations.

WEEK 16

Date: May 14

Extra Credit Presentations (if needed), Class Wrap-up. SOTES, Review for Final Exam: HR Jeopardy

Final Exam Date: MONDAY MAY 21, 2012 at 12:15 PM (NOTE time is earlier!)

Documents

SP12 Syllabus Bus150 Sec1 Partridge