HUMAN RESOURCES MANAGEMENT

PA 3333 Section 501

University of Texas at Dallas
Fall 2009
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Professor:

Daniel G. Ledbetter
danielledbetter@utdallas.edu
Office: TBA
Office hours: Thursday, 5:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. and by appointment

Class Meeting:

Tuesday, 7:00 p.m. to 9:45 p.m.

WSTC 2.210

Course Description:

This introductory course is designed to familiarize students with key human resource concepts
and practices. In so doing, PA 3333 examines aspects of human resources that include leading,
controlling and delegating, planning and staffing, performance evaluation and compensation,
training and development, labor relations and conflict resolution, and employee safety as well as
how these dimensions relate to the responsibilities, challenges, and opportunities that confront
modern practitioners in the management of human resources.

Student Learning Objectives/Outcomes:

• Understand the purpose and operation of key human resource concepts and practical
applications in today’s organizations. Students should be able to determine the way in
which human resource practices can promote and sustain strategic objectives and
improve performance.

• Successfully implement management competencies, such as planning, organizing,

directing, selecting staff, controlling, problem-solving strategies, and delegating.

• Understand the consequences and challenges that demographic changes have on the
workforce composition in the United States both currently and in the future.

Required Text:

Mathis, Robert L. and John H. Jackson. 2008. Human Resource Management. 12th ed.
Thomson South-Western. ISBN-10: 0324542755 ISBN-13: 9780324542752.
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A Note on Reading Materials:

Additional reading assignments will be in journals available electronically from the McDermott
Library. You will need your student ID number to access these articles. Students will be
expected to access these articles on their own.

Grading Policy:

Exams 30% (2 x 15%)

Paper/Presentation 30%
Reading Reaction Journal 15%
eLearning Assignments 15% (3 x 5%)
Class Participation 10%

Exams
There will be two exams: a mid-term and a final. Exams are closed book and will consist of
multiple-choice, true/false, and short essay questions. The final exam is not cumulative.

Group Project
Students will work on a team containing 4-5 people to produce a 5-7 page (double-spaced)
analysis of a specific area of an organization’s HR strategy. Each group will select a specific
local company or government to analyze and must interview/meet with an HR representative
from that organization to gather the necessary data. Students will also deliver a 15-20 minute
presentation of their project to the class in which each team. Students are expected to produce
work of university-level quality. This includes careful attention to grammar, punctuation, and
spelling in all written assignments. Additionally students should craft clear and deliberate
arguments and present their work in a well-organized format.

When participating in groups, students are expected to contribute fully to the production of
competent and complete work. If problems arise with the contribution(s) of one or more group
members, students should first try to resolve the issue within the group. Group members should
involve the professor in instances of negligence when necessary. Groups should choose one of
the following areas for the project:

1. HR Planning and HR Strategy

2. HR Staffing
3. Compensation and Benefits
4. Equal Employment Opportunity/Diversity
5. Performance Management
6. Training and Development
7. Other (with consent of instructor)

Each group paper should include the following information:

1. Description of the specific HR area of concentration that includes major issues, practices, and
the problems/challenges facing HR managers. This section of the assignment must include

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reference to at least three peer reviewed articles that address the problem or challenges identified
above.

2. Explanation and reference of material related to the specific program or practice.

For example, groups focusing on performance management should include examples of the
performance appraisals used by the organization.

3. An evaluation of the program or practice in light of your knowledge of the topic gained in the
course and readings. Include an analysis of how this program supports the strategic objectives of
the chosen organization and provide recommendations for improvement.

A grading rubric that identifies the specific requirements for the paper and presentation will be
distributed later in the class.

eLearning Assignments
Students are required to respond to three discussions question via eLearning throughout the
semester. Questions will be posted on eLearning a week prior to the due date and responses are
due by the beginning of class on the due date. Failure to post a response by the due date will
result in a “zero” for the assignment, no exceptions. Specific requirements for these assignments
will be posted on eLearning.

Human Resource Journal

The student will write a one-page reading reaction after the readings each week. There are nine
weeks of reading, so the student will have nine pages in their journal. The reaction is not a
summary. The student should relate the readings to their own personal experiences or a current
event. Students may also provide a critique of the reading. The purpose of this assignment is to
show that the student has read the material and can relate it to real-world circumstances. The
weekly paper needs to be brought to class so that the student can incorporate his or her thoughts
into the class discussion. Random checks of student progress are possible.

The second part of the journal should include newspaper articles that relate to the topics each
week. Each article should be printed out and followed by a half page summary. There are nine
topics so there will be nine submissions for this section.

The final journal should be stapled with a page dividing the reading reactions and the newspaper
articles with summaries.

Class Participation
Students should come prepared for class discussions and actively participate in class activities.
The quantity and quality of your classroom questions and commentary is a critical part of the
learning process and an important element of your overall grade.

Extensions & Special Exceptions:

No extensions are granted for written work. Unexcused late papers will be penalized one grade
increment per every two days late. Note that unless otherwise specified, all assignments must be
submitted in hard copy during class meetings and submitted through turnitin.com.

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Email Communication Policy:

Email is an efficient and effective mode of communication, especially given the busy lives of
university students and faculty. Therefore it is recommended that students contact the professor
via email when appropriate. Any official email business needs to be sent through an official
UTD email address. Please use “PA 3333” in the subject line of any email sent to the professor
regarding this class. I do check email on weekends.

Scholastic Dishonesty Policy:

Cheating in any form will not be tolerated. Suspicions of academic dishonesty will be
investigated and pursued to the fullest extent of the university’s policy. More information
regarding academic integrity may be found in the “University Disclaimer” section of the
syllabus.

Disabilities and Accommodations:

If you have a condition that requires accommodation in this course, please speak with the
professor. Any necessary or appropriate accommodations will be made provided timely notice is
given and that the arrangement is consistent with recommendations from Disability Services.
Disability Services may be reached at (972) 883-2098. The syllabus and other course materials
can be made available in alternative formats. More information regarding disability services
may be found in the “University Disclaimer” section of the syllabus.

General Disclaimer:

The course syllabus may be amended at any time by the professor. If necessary, the updated
syllabus will be posted on eLearning and its changes discussed in class.

SYLLABUS: CLASS AGENDAS & READINGS

August 25 Introduction and Overview

September 1 Strategic Human Resource Management

Chapter 1: Changing Nature of Human Resource
Management
Chapter 2: Strategic HR Management and Planning
Brian E. Becker and Mark A. Huselid. 2006. “Strategic Human
Resources Management: Where Do We Go From Here?” Journal of
Management, Dec 2006; vol. 32: pp. 898 - 925.

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September 8 Organization-Employee Relationships

Chapter 3: Organization/Individual Relations and Retention
Glenn L. Starks. 2007. “The Effect of Person–Job Fit on the Retention of
Top College Graduates in Federal Agencies.” Review of Public Personnel
Administration, Mar 2007; vol. 27: pp. 59 - 70.

September 15 Diversity in the Workforce

Chapter 4: Legal Framework of Equal Employment
Chapter 5: Managing Equal Employment and Diversity
Read: http://www.oyez.org/cases/2000-2009/2008/2008_08_328
Case Study: Ricci v. DeStefano
Due: First eLearning Assignment

September 22 Job Recruitment

Chapter 6: Jobs and Job Analysis
Chapter 7: Recruiting in Labor Markets
Chapter 8: Selecting Human Resources
Due: Group presentation abstract including name and contact
information of HR representative

September 29 Training and Performance Measurement

Chapter 9: Training Human Resources
Chapter 10: Talent Management and Development
Chapter 11: Performance Management and Appraisal
Review for Exam

October 7 Mid-term exam

October 13 Compensation
Chapter 12: Total Rewards and Compensation
Chapter 13: Variable Pay and Executive Compensation
Case Study: Gender Gaps in Pay

October 20 Employee Benefits

Chapter 14: Managing Employee Benefits
Case Study: Employee Benefit Challenges for Small Businesses
Due: Second eLearning Assignment

October 27 Employee Relations

Chapter 15: Risk Management and Worker Protection
Chapter 16: Employee Rights and Responsibilities
Chapter 17: Union/Management Relations

November 3 Work in groups on project

Due: Third eLearning Assignment

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November 10 Special Challenges in Nonprofit Human Resources

Seok Eun Kim and Jung Wook Lee. 2007. “Is Mission Attachment an
Effective Management Tool for Employee Retention? An Empirical
Analysis of a Nonprofit Human Services Agency.” Review of Public
Personnel Administration, Sep 2007; vol. 27: pp. 227 - 248.
Hans-Gerd Ridder and Alina McCandless. 2008. “Influences on the
Architecture of Human Resource Management in Nonprofit
Organizations: An Analytical Framework.” Nonprofit and Voluntary
Sector Quarterly, Dec 2008.
Group Papers Due

November 17 Group Presentations

November 24 Group presentations

December 1 Class Review

December 8 Reading Week

December 15 Finals

Aesthetic Requirements & Citations

The Public Affairs Graduate Faculty has adopted the Turabian Manual for Writers as its
exclusive reference manual. Citations must be used in all assignments where appropriate.
Students should only use footnotes for further explanation of a topic in the paper; footnotes
should not be used for reference citations.

All written assignments should follow the following aesthetic guidelines.

One-inch margins on all sides

12-point font size
Times New Roman or comparable sized font style
Double spacing
Indented paragraphs
Left justification (right justification is optional)
Numbered pages
Cover page including, at a minimum, student name, ID number, assignment title, and date
Last name in the upper right corner of every page (use header function)
Stapled (no paper clips or other creative paper-connecting mechanisms)

ADDITIONAL UNIVERSITY DISCLAIMERS

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Student Conduct & Discipline

The University of Texas System and The University of Texas at Dallas have rules and
regulations for the orderly and efficient conduct of their business. It is the responsibility of each
student and each student organization to be knowledgeable about the rules and regulations which
govern student conduct and activities. General information on student conduct and discipline is
contained in the UTD publication, A to Z Guide, which is provided to all registered students each
academic year.

The University of Texas at Dallas administers student discipline within the procedures of
recognized and established due process. Procedures are defined and described in the Rules and
Regulations, Board of Regents, The University of Texas System, Part 1, Chapter VI, Section 3,
and in Title V, Rules on Student Services and Activities of the university’s Handbook of
Operating Procedures. Copies of these rules and regulations are available to students in the
Office of the Dean of Students, where staff members are available to assist students in
interpreting the rules and regulations (SU 1.602, 972/883-6391).

A student at the university neither loses the rights nor escapes the responsibilities of citizenship.
He or she is expected to obey federal, state, and local laws as well as the Regents’ Rules,
university regulations, and administrative rules. Students are subject to discipline for violating
the standards of conduct whether such conduct takes place on or off campus, or whether civil or
criminal penalties are also imposed for such conduct.

Academic Integrity
The faculty expects from its students a high level of responsibility and academic honesty.
Because the value of an academic degree depends upon the absolute integrity of the work done
by the student for that degree, it is imperative that a student demonstrate a high standard of
individual honor in his or her scholastic work.

Scholastic dishonesty includes, but is not limited to, statements, acts or omissions related to
applications for enrollment or the award of a degree, and/or the submission as one’s own work or
material that is not one’s own. As a general rule, scholastic dishonesty involves one of the
following acts: cheating, plagiarism, collusion and/or falsifying academic records. Students
suspected of academic dishonesty are subject to disciplinary proceedings.

Plagiarism, especially from the web, from portions of papers for other classes, and from any
other source is unacceptable and will be dealt with under the university’s policy on plagiarism
(see general catalog for details). This course will use the resources of turnitin.com, which
searches the web for possible plagiarism and is over 90% effective.

Email Use
The University of Texas at Dallas recognizes the value and efficiency of communication
between faculty/staff and students through electronic mail. At the same time, email raises some
issues concerning security and the identity of each individual in an email exchange. The
university encourages all official student email correspondence be sent only to a student’s U.T.
Dallas email address and that faculty and staff consider email from students official only if it

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originates from a UTD student account. This allows the university to maintain a high degree of
confidence in the identity of all individual corresponding and the security of the transmitted
information. UTD furnishes each student with a free email account that is to be used in all
communication with university personnel. The Department of Information Resources at U.T.
Dallas provides a method for students to have their U.T. Dallas mail forwarded to other accounts.

Withdrawal from Class

The administration of this institution has set deadlines for withdrawal of any college-level
courses. These dates and times are published in that semester's course catalog. Administration
procedures must be followed. It is the student's responsibility to handle withdrawal requirements
from any class. In other words, I cannot drop or withdraw any student. You must do the proper
paperwork to ensure that you will not receive a final grade of "F" in a course if you choose not to
attend the class once you are enrolled.

Student Grievance Procedures

Procedures for student grievances are found in Title V, Rules on Student Services and Activities,
of the university’s Handbook of Operating Procedures.

In attempting to resolve any student grievance regarding grades, evaluations, or other

fulfillments of academic responsibility, it is the obligation of the student first to make a serious
effort to resolve the matter with the instructor, supervisor, administrator, or committee with
whom the grievance originates (hereafter called “the respondent”). Individual faculty members
retain primary responsibility for assigning grades and evaluations. If the matter cannot be
resolved at that level, the grievance must be submitted in writing to the respondent with a copy
of the respondent’s School Dean. If the matter is not resolved by the written response provided
by the respondent, the student may submit a written appeal to the School Dean. If the grievance
is not resolved by the School Dean’s decision, the student may make a written appeal to the Dean
of Graduate or Undergraduate Education, and the deal will appoint and convene an Academic
Appeals Panel. The decision of the Academic Appeals Panel is final. The results of the
academic appeals process will be distributed to all involved parties.

Copies of these rules and regulations are available to students in the Office of the Dean of
Students, where staff members are available to assist students in interpreting the rules and
regulations.

Incomplete Grade Policy

As per university policy, incomplete grades will be granted only for work unavoidably missed at
the semester’s end and only if 70% of the course work has been completed. An incomplete
grade must be resolved within eight (8) weeks from the first day of the subsequent long semester.
If the required work to complete the course and to remove the incomplete grade is not submitted
by the specified deadline, the incomplete grade is changed automatically to a grade of F.

Disability Services
The goal of Disability Services is to provide students with disabilities educational opportunities
equal to those of their non-disabled peers. Disability Services is located in room 1.610 in the

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Student Union. Office hours are Monday through Thursday, 8:30 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. and Friday,
8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.

The contact information for the Office of Disability Services is:

The University of Texas at Dallas, SU 22
PO Box 830688
Richardson, Texas 75083-0688
(972) 883-2098 (voice or TTY)

Essentially, the law requires that colleges and universities make those reasonable adjustments
necessary to eliminate discrimination on the basis of disability. For example, it may be
necessary to remove classroom prohibitions against tape recorders or animals (in the case of dog
guides) for students who are blind. Occasionally an assignment requirement may be substituted
(for example, a research paper versus an oral presentation for a student who is hearing impaired).
Classes enrolled students with mobility impairments may have to be rescheduled in accessible
facilities. The college or university may need to provide special services such as registration,
note-taking, or mobility assistance.

It is the student’s responsibility to notify his or her professors of the need for such an
accommodation. Disability Services provides students with letters to present to faculty members
to verify that the student has a disability and needs accommodations. Individuals requiring
special accommodation should contact the professor after class or during office hours.

Religious Holy Days

The University of Texas at Dallas will excuse a student from class or other required activities for
the travel to and observance of a religious holy day for a religion whose places of worship are
exempt from property tax under Section 11.20, Tax Code, Texas Code Annotated.

The student is encouraged to notify the instructor or activity sponsor as soon as possible
regarding the absence, preferably in advance of the assignment. The student, so excused, will be
allowed to take the exam or complete the assignment within a reasonable time after the absence:
a period equal to the length of the absence, up to a maximum of one week. A student who
notifies the instructor and completes any missed exam or assignment may not be penalized for
the absence. A student who fails to complete the exam or assignment within the prescribed
period may receive a failing grade for that exam or assignment.

If a student or an instructor disagrees about the nature of the absence [i.e., for the purpose of
observing a religious holy day] or if there is similar disagreement about whether the student has
been given a reasonable time to complete any missed assignments or examinations, either the
student or the instructor may request a ruling from the chief executive officer of the institution,
or his or her designee. The chief executive officer or designee must take into account the
legislative intent of TEC 51.911(b), and the student and instructor will abide by the decision of
the chief executive officer or designee.