This course will examine the evolving functions of human resources management within today’s organizations. Students will examine the changing roles and responsibilities of human resources managers, the acceptance and integration of the human resources functions within the corporate culture, and the higher expectations placed on human resources leaders to make a significant contribution to the successful management of the organization. Students will explore the role managers and supervisors play in the successful management of the organization’s human resources. Topics to be examined include: the functions of Human Resource Management, relationships within the organization, policies and procedures, workplace diversity, and the role of human resources in a global economy.

Learning Objectives and Outcomes:

By the end of this course students will be able to:

1. Examine various models of human resources management to consider how the function is positioned within the structure of an organization.  
2. Analyze the role and specific functions of human resource managers in today’s corporate environment.   
3. Assess the importance of developing a diverse workforce and the value of culture awareness in organizations.  
4. Examine the functions and concepts involved in workforce planning, including: employment laws, job analysis and design, HR forecasting, recruiting methods, and valid selection practices, related to designing and implementing effective organizational staffing practices.
5. Evaluate the developing role of human resources management in the global arena.

Course Schedule and Topics

This course will cover the following topics in eight learning sessions, with one Unit per week.

Week 1: Unit 1 – Introduction to Human Resources. The People Factor in Business and Management

Week 2: Unit 2 – Job Analysis and the Job Description

Week 3: Unit 3 – Staffing, Recruiting, Interviewing, Selecting, and On-Boarding

Week 4: Unit 4 – Managing the Lifecycle of the Employment Relationship

Week 5: Unit 5 – The Legal Environment and Human Resources

Week 6: Unit 6 – Exploring the Global World of HR

Week 7: Unit 7 – Cultural Differences and Diversity in the Workplace

Week 8: Unit 8 – Work/Life Balance

Learning Guide

The following is an outline of how this course will be conducted, with suggested best practices for students.

Unit 1: Introduction to Human Resources. The People Factor in Business and Management

• Read the Learning Guide and Reading Assignments
• Participate in the Discussion Assignment (post, comment, and rate in the Discussion Forum)
• Complete and submit the Written Assignment
• Begin the Portfolio Activity (Due end of Unit 3)

Unit 2: Job Analysis and the Job Description

• Peer assess Unit 1 Written Assignment
• Read the Learning Guide and Reading Assignments
• Participate in the Discussion Assignment (post, comment, and rate in the Discussion Forum)
• Continue to work on Portfolio Activity

Unit 3: Staffing, Recruiting, Interviewing, Selecting, and On-Boarding

• Peer assess Unit 2 Written Assignment
• Read the Learning Guide and Reading Assignments
• Participate in the Discussion Assignment (post, comment, and rate in the Discussion Forum)
• Complete and submit the Written Assignment
• Finalize and submit the Portfolio Activity

Unit 4: Managing the Lifecycle of the Employment Relationship

• Peer assess Unit 3 Written Assignment
• Read the Learning Guide and Reading Assignments
• Participate in the Discussion Assignment (post, comment, and rate in the Discussion Forum)
• Complete and submit the Written Assignment
• Begin the Group Activity (Due end of Unit 7)

Unit 5: The Legal Environment and Human Resources

• Peer assess Unit 4 Written Assignment
• Read the Learning Guide and Reading Assignments
• Participate in the Discussion Assignment (post, comment, and rate in the Discussion Forum)
• Complete and submit the Written Assignment
• Continue to participate in the Group Activity

Unit 6: Exploring the Global World of HR

• Peer assess Unit 5 Written Assignment
• Read the Learning Guide and Reading Assignments
• Participate in the Discussion Assignment (post, comment, and rate in the Discussion Forum)
• Complete and submit the Written Assignment
• Continue to participate in the Group Activity

 Unit 7: Cultural Differences and Diversity in the Workplace

• Peer assess Unit 6 Written Assignment
• Read the Learning Guide and Reading Assignments
• Participate in the Discussion Assignment (post, comment, and rate in the Discussion Forum)
• Complete and submit the Written Assignment
• Finalize and submit Group Activity
• Begin the Portfolio Activity (due end of Unit 8)

Unit 8: Work/Life Balance

• Peer assess Unit 7 Written Assignment
• Read the Learning Guide and Reading Assignments
• Participate in the Discussion Assignment (post, comment, and rate in the Discussion Forum)
• Finalize and submit the Portfolio Activity
• Complete and submit the anonymous Course Evaluation