HROB151
Dr. Shao
Spring 2013
CALIFORNIA STATE UNIVERSITY, SACRAMENTO
College of Business Administration
HROB 151: Management of Human Resources
Spring 2013
Lecture Professor:
Office Location:
E-mail:
Course Website:
Lecture Time:
Office Hours:
Tyra Ping Shao, Ph.D.
Tahoe 2037
PShao@csus.edu (Please use Sac CT to email me)
Access via Sac CT
Monday & Wednesday
Section 2: 10:30 a.m. – 11:45 a.m.
Section 3: 12:00 p.m. – 13:15 p.m.
Monday: 13:30 p.m. – 14:00 p.m.; and 15:30 p.m. – 16:30 p.m.
Wednesday: 13:30 p.m. – 15:00 p.m.
Note
As I often communicate via email (Sac Send), please make sure you have a current email
registered with the University / MySacState
Please write HROB 151, section number, and your name on all assignments turned in to me.
If you are having any problems in this course, please do not hesitate to see me.
I am here to help. If you do not understand an assignment, please make an appointment early for
help.
Required Text
Neo, Hollenbeck, Gerhart, & Wright. Human Resource Management Gaining a Competitive
Advantage. McGraw-Hill Irwin. 8th edition. Two hardcopies of the text book are placed on
reserve in the university library.
Note: If you are using any other edition or textbook, which is not recommended, please make
sure you know the material covered from the Noe et al.’s 8th edition book.
Other materials may be distributed on SacCT; some are listed in the syllabus, others are
announced on SacCT or via email. You are responsible for checking SacCT for readings and
announcements.
Course Description
1
HROB151
Dr. Shao
Spring 2013
Many managers now recognize that a critical source of competitive advantage often comes not
from having the most ingenious product design, the best marketing strategy, or the most state-ofthe-art production technology, but rather from having an effective system for obtaining,
mobilizing, and managing the organization’s human assets. Some commentators contend that in
today’s economy – with such open access to information, technology, capital, and other
resources – adroit management of human resources may be one of the few remaining sustainable
sources of competitive advantage.
This course is designed to provide an overview of the functions of human resource management
(HRM). Although many managers and organizations recognize the importance of managing the
work force effectively and even “know” what effective approaches are, it is remarkable how
frequently firms fail to implement effective human resource management analysis and practices.
Therefore, this course has three critical themes: (1) “what” HRM is; (2) “why” HRM is
important; and (3) “how” to use HRM practices effectively. The intent of the course is to both
impart knowledge as well as stimulate discussion about the values and beliefs that stand in the
way of implementing this knowledge. In addition, this course also aims at developing individual
competencies, such as analytical thinking, leadership, oral presentation, planning and organizing,
and written communication, which research has shown to be critical for success in management.
Course Objectives
After successfully completing this course, you should be able to:





Identify the major topical areas within the field of HRM and their interrelationship
Understand the importance of HR practices and systems for organizations today
Apply human resource management principles to typical problems in organizations
Formulate and implement changes in the existing HRM policies and procedures
Demonstrate effective written/oral communication related to HRM problems and issues
Course Requirements
You are required to attend class and be actively engaged and involved in lectures and class
activities. Much greater learning will take place if students get involved in the discussions (give
examples, reflect on the issues, ask questions, etc.) rather than simply memorizing what is in the
text. You should come to each class prepared with the session's readings and your assignments
completed. Typically, class time will be devoted to group and class discussion, experiential
exercises, self-assessments and lectures. The class discussion portion will provide you with
terminology, conceptual frameworks, and theories to help you understand and apply HRM
functions. This material will be drawn from the textbook, current research, and relevant work
experiences. Please feel free to ask questions, raise issues, or seek application of the material
during the class discussion. Group discussions, cases, and exercises will focus on applying class
materials to past and present work experiences and current organizations.
2
HROB151
Dr. Shao
Spring 2013
Outlines & Lecture handouts will be posted to SacCT. Please check these links each week,
read the handout before class and bring a copy of it with you to lecture.
Students are responsible for completing the assigned readings and the additional materials given
during the class prior to the class meeting. This allows class sessions to be used for clarifying
and extending ideas presented in the readings. Failing to complete the readings prior to class
sessions will prevent you from participating in discussions and will impede the effective class
functioning. Prepare to engage in discussions as a result of cases, exercises and other class
activities.
Chapter Discussion Highlights
There will be chapter discussion highlights. These “Discussion Highlights” will consist of 2-3
questions that will be discussed during 10-15 minutes of the class period. Individually, after
reading the class materials, you should be prepared to discuss questions with your group
members at the beginning of the class period. The purpose of these discussion questions is to
motivate you to read the class materials prior to coming to class and to prepare you for the exam.
Be prepared to actively participate with discussion of these questions in class. Group answer
sheets will be collected and considered as part of your participation.
Case Studies
There will be Video cases and/or small business cases for each chapter. Case study handouts will
be posted on the course SacCT, and you’re responsible to print them out and bring them with you
to the classes. The purpose of these cases is to let you apply the concepts/knowledge you’ve
learned when you analyze the issues facing a specific real-world company. Cases studies are
practical and will facilitate and enhance your learning experience. Group answer sheets will be
collected and considered as part of your participation.
Small Group Report and the Final Group Paper
One of the central parts of this course will be the ongoing group project. The group project
involves applying some of the HR principles and procedures you have learned to an actual
organizational setting. Five students will form a group and discuss HR issues throughout the
semester. As a group, you will find one organization, either a for-profit or not-for-profit in the
surrounding area of Sacramento (if your chosen company is a governmental, state, or non-profit
organization, you will be exposed to some features of service-learning projects–details will be
provided later) and develop some basic HR materials for these organizations.
The overall project is composed of two modules:
Small group report:
“Writing a Position Description”
3
HROB151
Dr. Shao
Spring 2013
Final paper and presentation:
“Conducting a Needs Assessment”
Specifically, as a group you will get to know your company, then (1) write a position description
to determine the main task requirements of the job and the knowledge, skills, and abilities
needed to perform these tasks. From the job description you will (2) conduct a training needs
assessment. Details for finding the company and each of the above steps will be discussed
further during the class.
Small Group Report. After the group paper topic is introduced, group members will gather
information about the topic, discuss and integrate the information, and complete a written
analysis of the topic as it relates to your subject organization. Your group will hand in a small
group report (3 pages in length, double-spaced) of your findings and solutions on the due dates
listed in the Course Outline. The small group report must also cite 1-2 relevant articles which
deal with the issues discussed in the group report (your report should also explain why the article
is relevant to your group report).
Team leaders please email me your report. Please include your report #, section number, group #
and names, and HROB151 on your reports.
Final Paper and Presentation. At the end of the semester your group will hand in a final paper
which will present your group’s needs assessment for your chosen company. The final paper
should be approximately 6 - 8 typed pages (double spaced) in length and will be associated with
two (2) journal articles that will be integrated throughout the paper. The paper will be due
at 4:30pm on 11/26 (even if you are not presenting that day). In addition to the paper, groups
will also be required to make a 10 minutes presentation about their projects to the class.
Detailed requirements for the final paper and presentation will be given during the semester.
Team leaders please email me your final report and the presentation. Please write final report,
your section number, group # and names, and HROB 151 on the paper.
Periodically, class time will be set aside to work on your group reports. If you are prepared,
punctual, attend classes regularly, and effectively utilize e-mail, you can finish the majority of
the work during class time. However, it is likely you will have to meet with your group outside
the class, especially before your final report is due. In order to meet deadlines and aid your
group’s functioning, it is very important to complete an action plan (a handout will be provided
to you) and be responsible in following the tasks and deadlines set by the group.
Team Leaders. There will be a team leader for each group. The purpose of the team leader is to
help organize the team into an efficient and effective unit. The team leader is primarily
responsible for helping coordinate, delegate, and organize the team throughout the semester (e.g.
initiating the group discussion or helping divide up work among team members). The team
leader is the primary point of contact between the professor and the team. The team leader is not
solely responsible for the team or the group project. The team leader role is an excellent
opportunity to practice management skills in a positive setting. Team leaders will be appointed
among the students who express their interests in becoming a leader (as indicated in the student
information sheet distributed at the first day of the class.)
4
HROB151
Dr. Shao
Spring 2013
Group Member Participations and Evaluations. All members are expected to equally
participate in all activities and contribute to the group project. Group member evaluations will
be conducted during the semester, after the completion of each group report. Each group
evaluation is worth 3 points. Group evaluations which are not handed in on time will not be
considered for points. For each report, group members whose average group evaluation
rating is equal to and lower than 50% will get half (50%) of the group’s score. Try to play
an active role and make your fair contribution to your group project.
Exams
There will be two full-period class examinations for the course and a final exam. Readings,
lecture, class discussions, and cases will be covered on the exams. Exams will include, but are
not limited to, multiple-choice, true/false, and short-answer. For short answer questions you
should be right to the point. You are responsible for all assigned materials covered or not
covered in class. Please bring a Scantron # 886-E and #2 pencil. The exams are noncumulative.
Make-up exams will not be given once an exam has been given in class. Students who are
involved in university activities such as athletics have to present to me a written schedule of all
events at the beginning of the semester. If you disagree with the grading, your argument must be
written with supporting evidence and given to me within a week of receiving the exam or
assignment. I will not discuss grades during the class period.
You will not be allowed to keep exams once they are graded; I will keep them in my office. You
will have time in class to review them, and you may look over them anytime in my office. The
reason for this policy is to make sure that all individuals have the same chance to do well on my
exams. Some individuals have access to test files. To be fair, I do my best to keep my exams out
of the test files.
Participation
You should be prepared to be an active participant in class. Participation grade will be made up
of points from all of the activities described below. I will give more specific details about
participation point allocation later in the semester.


Attendance and readings: You are expected to attend class regularly and complete the
assigned weekly readings before coming to class. If discussion questions have been assigned,
compose answers to the discussion questions. Also, prepare to engage in discussion as a
result of other activities (e.g., videos, cases, exercises).
Active class participant: You are expected to be an active member of your team as well as a
member of the class. For example, as a team member, you will have to take a “lead” role in
answering questions on behalf of the group sometime during the semester. Teams will also
be asked to help present new material or engage in a debate. As a member of the class you
5
HROB151
Dr. Shao
Spring 2013

will be expected to evaluate other groups’ projects. You will receive points for these various
activities.
Classroom etiquette: Being an active class participant means being a contributor, a good
listener, and respectful classmate. Disruptive behavior such as talking while another student
is talking, arriving late, and sleeping in the class will not be tolerated and may be asked to
leave the class room. Please turn off all cellular phones once class starts.
Extra Credits
Extra credits may be available for activities in lectures.
GRADING
Point Distribution
Description
Points
1. Find a company
4
2. Small group report
(“Writing a Position Description”)
40
3. Final Group Paper
(“Conducting a Needs Assessment”)
80
4. Presentation
20
5. Group member evaluations
6
6. Exams



100
100
100
Exam 1
Midterm
Final
7. Participation


Class info sheet
Participation
5
45
Total
500
6
HROB151
Dr. Shao
Spring 2013
Grade Distribution
A =
A- =
B+ =
B =
B-=
C+ =
C =
C- =
D+ =
D =
D- =
F =
94 – 100%
90 – 93%
87 – 89%
83 – 86%
80 – 82%
77 – 79%
73 – 76%
70 – 72%
67 – 69%
63 – 66%
60 – 62%
< 60%
470 – 500
450 – 469
435 – 449
415 – 434
400 – 414
385 – 399
365 – 384
350 – 364
335 – 349
315 – 334
300 – 314
< 300
Discussion of grades: I will not discuss any grades for any assignment on the day I hand it back
to you, nor will I discuss individual grades in the classroom. All such discussions will take place
in my office at least one day after the grade was received. If you wish to contest a grade, write
out your argument clearly, concisely and completely and bring it with you to the meeting in my
office.
Academic Integrity
All students are expected to conduct themselves responsibly and honestly. Acts of academic
dishonesty will not be tolerated. Any act of academic dishonesty will be subject to the
University’s policies, as outlined in the Student Handbook. Copying phrases and sentences
without attribution from the Web, books, periodicals or any source will receive an “F” grade for
the assignment.
Students with Special Needs
The University is committed to equal opportunity for students with disabilities. If you have a
physical or learning disability you should ask the Services to Students With Disabilities (SSWD)
Center to identify you to the Instructor so that appropriate accommodations may be provided.
7
HROB151
Dr. Shao
Spring 2013
Tentative Lecture Itinerary*
Spring 2013
Week
Date
Lecture Topics
Readings, assignments, other
important information
1
01/28
Course Introduction


Review syllabus
Bring student information sheet
01/30
Intro to HRM: Gaining a competitive
advantage


Group discussion
Forming up a group, choosing a
team leader, finding a company
02/04
The legal environment: EEO and safety


Chapter 3
Video Case: Working Through a
Medical Crisis and group discussion
02/06
The analysis and design of work – part 1


Chapter 4
Discussion Highlight: job analysis
of college students (pg. 185 of the
book: Discussion Question #3).
Discuss in groups and hand in Group
answer sheet.
02/11
The analysis and design of work – part 2


Chapter 4 continued
Video Case: Working Smart and
group discussion. In classroom
discussion.
02/13
Exam #1 Review & group discussion on
the group projects

Group work
02/18
Exam #1: Bring Scantron #882, #2
pencil & eraser
02/20
HR planning and recruitment – part 1


Chapter 5
Discussion Highlight: discuss the
relative merits of internal versus
external recruitment (pg. 225 of the
book: Discussion Question #5).
Discuss in groups and hand in Group
answer sheet.
02/25
HR planning and recruitment – part 2


Chapter 5 continued
Small business case: For Personal
Financial Advisors, a Small Staffing
Plan with a Big Impact. Download
from course SacCt. Group and class
2
3
4
5
8
HROB151
Dr. Shao
Spring 2013

6
7
8
9
discussion.
Video Case: Companies Realize It
Pays to Keep Mothers on Track. In
classroom discussion.
02/27
Selection and placement


Chapter 6
Video Case: The Job Market for
Graduates. In classroom discussion.
03/04
Training – part 1


Chapter 7
Small business case: How Nick’s
Pizza Delivers Training Results.
Download from course SacCt.
Group and class discussion.
03/06
Training – part 2


Chapter 7 continued
Video Case: Johnson & Johnson:
Creating a Global Learning
Organization
03/11
Exam #2 Review
03/13
Exam #2: Bring Scantron #882, #2
pencil & eraser
03/18
Group work
03/20
Group work
03/25
Spring Recess
First group report due (03/20, 6:00pm)
03/27
10
11
04/01
Cesar Chavez Birthday (Holiday)
04/03
Performance management – part 1


Chapter 8
Managing people: Lions…Tigers…
and Bears…and Performance
Management (pg. 389 of the book).
Group and class discussion.
04/08
Performance management – part 2


Chapter 8 continued
Small-Business Case: Appraisals
Matter at Meadow Hills Veterinary
Center. Download from course
SacCt. Group and class discussion.
Video Case: Now Who’s Boss

04/10


Employee development
9
Chapter 9
Small-Business Case: A ThreeMonth Break from Little Tokyo
Service Center. Download from
HROB151
Dr. Shao
Spring 2013
course SacCt. Group and class
discussion.
12
04/15


Pay structure decisions

04/17
Recognizing employee contributions
with pay



13
04/22


Employee benefits

14
15
16
Chapter 11
Small-Business Case: Changing the
Pay Level at Eight Crossings.
Download from course SacCt.
Group and class discussion.
Video Case: Why Do Women Make
Less Than Men
Chapter 12
Small-Business Case: Employees
Own Bob’s Red Mill. Download
from course SacCt. Group and class
discussion.
Video Case: A Motivation
Convention in Chicago
Chapter 13
Small-Business Case: Babies
Welcome at T3. Download from
course SacCt. Group and class
discussion.
Video Case: Childcare Help and
Other Family-Friendly Policies
04/24
Final exam review
04/29
Final exam: Bring Scantron #882, #2
pencil & eraser
05/01
Group work

Group meet inside/outside of the
class to work on the final report and
the presentation
05/06
Group work

Instructor meet with Groups
05/08
Group work


Instructor meet with Groups
Final group paper due day (05/08,
6:00pm).
05/13
Presentation Part 1 (Groups 1-5)
05/15
Presentation Part 2 (Groups 6-10)
*Note: I reserve the right to alter the syllabus, itinerary, or class assignments when
necessary. If the syllabus, itinerary, or class assignments change, you will receive ample
notice of the changes.
10