ORGS (formerly ADMN) 3247: HUMAN RESOURCES PLANNING
NIPISSING UNIVERSITY
FALL 2009
PROFESSOR: Linda Piper, Room A232F, ext. 4902
lindap@nipissingu.ca
COURSE DESCRIPTION:
This course provides an understanding of the essential elements of the human resources
planning process in organizations. Students will acquire knowledge in analyzing,
assessing and programming for human resource requirements of organizational business
plans and strategies. Quantitative as well as qualitative concepts, approaches and
techniques are emphasized. Topics will include forecasting, skills inventory, ROI of
human capital, restructuring, quality of work life issues, international concerns, and
creating human resource action plans.
PREREQUISITE
ADMN 1137
THIS COURSE IS APPROVED BY THE HUMAN RESOURCES PROFESSIONAL ASSOCIATION OF
ONTARIO.
REQUIRED TEXTS
Belcourt, Monica and Ken McBey. (2010). Strategic Human Resources Planning. Fourth
Edition. Nelson.
Semler, Ricardo. (1993). Maverick: The Success Behind the World’s Most Unusual
Workplace, Warner Business Books.
GRADING, ASSIGNMENTS and SCHEDULING INFORMATION
See the attached information sheet.
ORGS (ADMN) 3247: HUMAN RESOURCES PLANNING
SCHEDULE 2009
Professor Linda Piper
DATES
Sept. 9
TOPICS
Strategy and HRP
ASSIGNMENTS
Chap. 1, 2
* See “Due” below for assignment for next week’s class.
Sept. 16
Strategy and HRP; Case p. 53 (Belcourt)
Evaluation of HR Strategies
Chap. 1, 2
Chap. 14
Sept. 23
Environmental Analysis Techniques and Trends
Nominal Group Technique, p. 77 (Belcourt)
Chap. 3
Sept. 30
Job Analysis
HRSDC and DOT
Chapter 4
Oct. 7
SEMCO- Changing the Rules
DUE: In-class discussion (15%)
Oct. 14
study week
Oct. 21
Midterm
Oct. 28
HR Forecasting, Case, p.161 (Belcourt)
Chap. 6
Nov. 4
HR Demand and Supply
Chap. 7, 8
Nov. 11
Succession Planning
Chap. 9
Nov. 18
SEMCO – Inmates Run the Asylum
DUE: In-class discussion (15%)
Nov. 25
Downsizing, Restructuring, M & A
Dec. 2
Outsourcing
Chap. 13
DUE: Public Works Case, p. 288 (Belcourt)- 10%
Dec. 9
International HRM
GRADING
Midterm
SEMCO Discussions
Participation
Case
Final Exam
20%
30%
10%
10%
30%
(Maverick, pp. 1-147)
(Maverick, pp.149-290)
Chap. 10, 12
Chap. 11
Oct. 21
Oct. 7 and Nov. 18
Dec. 2
ORGS 3247 (Formerly ADMN 3247)
SEMCO DISCUSSIONS
The case of SEMCO SA and the insights captured in the book (Maverick) by its leader,
Ricardo Semler, provide us with a compelling example of a profit-based firm that is
transformed from a traditional, struggling organization to an unorthodox, flexible
success. Students are expected to read the book and prepare for in-class discussions on
the experiences of SEMCO and how it relates to HRP and business strategy. There will
be a handout with prospective discussion questions given to the students in advance.
Students will be graded on their preparedness, familiarity with the material, and their
ability to discuss content clearly and logically.
PARTICIPATION
Participation is expected in all scheduled classes and the importance of such participation
is reflected in the allotment of 10% of the final grade. Participation is not merely
attendance – it includes preparedness, discussion, asking and answering questions,
making a contribution to learning, professionalism, etc.
CASE
Students are required to analyze the case contained in the Belcourt and McBey text and
answer the questions on page 290. Any references used must be cited and a bibliography
provided. The case assignment should be 4-5 pages in length, typed, and double-spaced
(excluding charts, graphs, illustration, appendices, etc.).
TESTS AND THE FINAL EXAMINATION
The midterm test will be comprised of short answers, problems and/or cases, and
true/false and/or multiple choice questions.
The final examination will consist of short answer; problems; true/false; multiple choice
and essay or case questions.