American University
Master Of Science in Personnel and Human Resource Management
Strategic Human Resource Management
Course Number MGMT 671
Summer 1999
Professor Robert C. Hoell
Office:
Office Hours:
Office Phone:
Office E-Mail:
Home Phone:
121 D Battelle
Monday and Wednesday 5:30 to 7:30 and by Appointment
885-1927 voice 885-1938 fax
Rhoell@American.Edu
703-536-0405 (Only till 10pm, please!)
Text: Advances in the Practice, Theory and Research of Strategic Human Resource
Management by John B. Miner & Donald P. Crane
Human Resource Management: The Strategic Perspective by John B. Miner &
Donald P. Crane
Course Description:
This course provides an overview of functional issues and current developments
in administering the personnel resources of contemporary private-sector organizations.
Course Objectives:
1) Review the functional areas of Human Resource Management (HRM)
2) Familiarize students with contemporary issues in the administration of human
resources
3) Allow students to critically analyze the concept of strategic human resource
management across the functional areas of HRM
Course Methodology:
This course will consist of a minimum of traditional lecture format. Students will
analyze scholarly readings in a seminar format. Through discussion and team
presentations, strategic human resource management will be examined and defined.
The link of theory and application will be emphasized throughout the class.
Student Responsibilities:
Each student is responsible for thoroughly completing each reading assignment
prior to class meetings, preparing presentations of assigned readings, and preparing
responses to the final exam. During class, each student will contribute to discussions.
Please read the Graduate Student Expectations on the next page for further information
on your responsibilities.
Graduate Student Expectations
It is not unreasonable to expect students enrolled in graduate studies to actively seek
knowledge. To this end, it is expected that they will avail themselves of all the
educational experiences possible. First and foremost, preparation for class, class
attendance, and class participation should be the cornerstone of this process. Failing to
perform these duties, or an unwillingness to do so, would indicate that the student is not
serious in their attempts to achieve educational goals.
Beyond the normal classroom activities, it is expected that students will read actively in
their fields of study. Both trade and academic literature should be pursued. Many
professional associations, such as the Society for Human Resource Management or the
Academy of Management include periodicals in their membership fees. These are good
starting points. The text used for class is another place to begin the educational
expansion process. Most theories presented in textbooks are footnoted, allowing the
student to read the original source of the material. Also, indexes like the Social Science
Citation Index can allow the student to follow the "thread" of an author's work, and those
citing it in additional studies. Westlaw and other legal databases allow students to
shepardize legal citations, allowing them to follow the development of case law.
Papers and other assignments should be looked at as an opportunity to further pursue
educational goals. Topics, when possible, should reflect the student's interests.
Research conducted in such interest areas can only be beneficial. In addition, research
into competing fields of thought allows for a more persuasive argument to be presented.
A team assignment allows students the opportunity to further their education in a
multitude of ways. First, it is possible to pursue leadership roles and experience.
Secondly, it is an opportunity to practice interpersonal skills, negotiation techniques, and
problem solving methods. Finally, it can be an opportunity for students to share their
knowledge with others. Stepping into the role of educator, through disseminating your
knowledge to your teammates, also furthers the education process.
Examinations, while necessary as a performance appraisal tool, should be viewed also
through a self-analysis filter. Performance on an exam provides immediate feedback to
the student on their educational attainment. In addition, preparation for the exam allows
integration of the various material studied, as well as providing reinforcement for
retention of the subject matter.
There is no denying the fact that Graduate School will require sustained effort on your
part. However, in the end, your education lies solely in your hands. Preparation for
class is your responsibility: you will be expected to perform at the highest level
possible, and you will be constantly challenged to exceed your previous performance.
Success will be measured not only by grades, but by your own self-awareness of
educational attainment and scholastic achievement.
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COURSE ADMINISTRATION AND REQUIREMENTS
Grading: Grades are based upon the following assignments:
Presentation of Assigned Readings
HR topic papers
Final Examination
Total
40%
40%
20%
100%
Explanation of Assignments:
Assigned Readings: Each person will be assigned to a team that will be responsible for
presenting readings, in class, from Advances in the Practice, Theory and Research of
Strategic Human Resource Management. The dates the presentations will be made are
shown on the attached calendar. The presenters should prepare about a 15 to 30 minute
presentation. In addition, it is expected that the team will take questions from the rest of
the class, which are expected to also have read the readings.
The team must submit a summary of the reading to the instructor for grading, and a
copy must be given to the other class members. This must be on a standard 8.5 x 11
piece of paper, with 1 inch margins and 12 point font. Summarize the article as succinctly
as possible: I would expect most of the articles can be summarized in two or three pages.
The goal of these readings is to better understand how HR can achieve overall
corporate goals through strategic design and implementation of policies and practices.
The readings in the blue book correspond to the chapters in the white book. Your goal is
to distill the essence of the article in the blue book and explain its connection to the topics
discussed in the white book. These presentations and summary papers will comprise
40% of your final grade.
HR Topic Papers: Due each class period, students are required to present and submit a
critique of a recent print article on an HR Topic. There is no duplication of articles allowed,
so make sure to coordinate with your classmates. If at all possible, try to choose articles
that relate in some way to Strategic Human Resource Management. Your presentation to
the class should be brief (probably 5 to 10 minutes). One critique will be due per class
period (4 total) and should be based on a RECENTLY published article. The critique
should be 1 or 2 sides of a page, with 1 inch margins and 12 point font, and should fully
cite the source material. Suggested publications include The Wall Street Journal, The
Washington Post, HRMagazine, The Academy of Management Executive, and HR News.
Other HR publications geared towards HR Practitioners would also be acceptable. All four
critiques will comprise 40% of your final grade.
"Final" Examination: During the last hour of the last day of class on the final weekend
each class member will be given a question to answer. This will most likely be
"theoretical" in nature and will reflect the Assigned Readings. This must be completed, in
writing, by the close of class. This will count for 20% of your overall grade.
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Individual grades will be based on the following:
95-100 A 90-94 A87-89 B+
83-86 B
73-76 C 70-72 C67-69 D+
63-66 D
80-82 B60-62 D-
77-79 C+
59-0 F
ASSIGNED READINGS - TEAM ASSIGNMENTS:
Reading Number
1
2
3
5
6
8
9
10
13
16
18
20
22
23
24
26
28
30
32
33
Presentation Team
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
2
9
10
4
7
8
5
6
1
3
Some readings are available for extra credit. These are to be completed by
individual students. Readings 7, 11, 27, 31, and 34 are available on a first come, first
served basis. You may only choose 1 unless some readings are not taken.
Below are the assigned teams. You will have the opportunity to work with every
other class member twice.
Team Number
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
Member
Michael Dennis
Christopher Turpin
Michael Dennis
Allison Kirkpatrick
Michael Dennis
Allison Kirkpatrick
Michael Dennis
Karen Taylor
Karen Taylor
Karen Taylor
Member
Karen Taylor
Robin Chavis
Allison Kirkpatrick
Robin Chavis
Christopher Turpin
Christopher Turpin
Robin Chavis
Robin Chavis
Allison Kirkpatrick
Christopher Turpin
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Course Calendar
First Meeting - Friday, July 16th
Assigned Readings 1, 2, 3, 5, 6
HR Topic Paper Due
Textbook: Chaps 1, 2, 5
Second Meeting - Saturday, July 31st
Assigned Readings 8, 9, 10, 13, 16
Extra Credit Readings 7, 11
HR Topic Paper Due
Textbook: Chaps 6, 7, 8,
Third Meeting - Friday August 20th
Assigned Readings 18, 20, 22, 23, 24
Extra Credit Reading 27
HR Topic Paper Due
Textbook:
Chaps 9, 10, 11
Fourth and Final Meeting - Saturday, August 21st
Assigned Readings 26, 28, 30, 32, 33
Extra Credit Readings 31, 33
HR Topic Paper Due
In-Class Final Exam during the last hour
Textbook:
Chaps 12, 13, 17
Disclaimer: I reserve the right to change any aspect of the course, including assignments, grading requirements, and grades, as I deem
necessary. I reserve the sole right to assign final grades for the class, and to make any unilateral changes, in any aspect of the course,
without notice. Any other right, policy, or procedure, not explicitly limited or defined in any way, is reserved for myself.
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