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,

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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.

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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.

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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

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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

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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

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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.

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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

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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

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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.]

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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.

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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)

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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.)

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