WAGE & SALARY ADMINISTRATION
MGMT 403.115 – CRN 64100
Summer 2013
Dr. Barbara Lyon, SPHR, Professor
I.
COURSE OVERVIEW:
The concepts and processes related wage and salary administration in public and
private organizations are explored. Emphasis is placed on the determinants of
general wage and salary levels and structures and total compensation systems,
including, but not limited to, the interrelationship among employee performance and
pay, intrinsic and extrinsic rewards, perceived equitable payments and employee
satisfaction. Prerequisite: MGMT 302.
Mode of instruction and course access: This course is a 100% online course
and uses TAMUCT Blackboard Learn system (http://tamuct.blackboard.com).
You will use the Blackboard username and password communicated to you
separately to logon to this system. (Note: As of Spring 2012, Texas A&M
Central Texas uses a new Blackboard system and the usernames and passwords
that you used to logon to Tarleton State University’s Blackboard are no longer
valid. See section II.K for technical information.)
Student-instructor interaction: The course professor will be checking and
replying to student emails at least two days per week. (See virtual office hours
in Section V of this syllabus.). For assistance, students may make appointments
for office visits, on-line chats and/or telephone calls.
II.
COURSE OBJECTIVES:
Upon successful completion of the Wage & Salary Administration (WSA) course,
each student will be able to demonstrate the following knowledge and skills
competencies:
A. Strategic Compensation: Knowledge of strategic compensation concepts
(definitions of core compensation and job dimensions, compensable factors,
benefits, laws, strategic perspectives, etc.) related to designing and
implementing effective total compensation strategies.
 Skill in using the U.S. Department of Labor Employment Standards
Administration Wage and Hour Division Web site.
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Summer 2013 – Page 2
B. Total Compensation: Knowledge of total compensation concepts (traditional
pay, variable pay, person-focused pay, pay policy, pay equity, pay structure,
benefits administration, pay philosophy, compensation administration,
compensation law, etc.) related to designing and implementing effective
compensation and benefit practices.
 Skill in using the Texas Workforce Commission Web site.
 Skill in using the U.S. Department of Labor Employment Standards
Administration, Wage and Hour Division Web site.
 Skill in utilizing FLSA standards to determine the exempt/nonexempt
status of organizational jobs.
 Skill in interpreting pay data.
 Skill in utilizing the national BLS employee benefits survey (EBS)
Web site.
 Skill in utilizing the national HHS health care (ACA) Web site.
III.
REQUIRED TEXTBOOK: [ISBN-13: 9780136106401 / ISBN-10: 0136106404]
Martocchio, J. J. (2010). Strategic compensation: A human resource
management approach (6th ed.). Upper Saddle River, NJ: PrenticeHall.
IV.
COURSE REQUIREMENTS & STRUCTURE:
A.
Individual Participation: Students are expected to participate through
Blackboard on a regular basis [http://tamuct.blackboard.com]. Assignments
will be in accordance with this syllabus and as assigned through specific class
activities. It is important for students to become familiar with
materials/assignments prior to scheduled submission deadlines. Quizzes and
exams are generally based on text readings; however, Web search
assignments are based on current HRM issues. Additional current events
activities may also be included.
B.
Attendance/Withdrawal: This is an on-line course and all activities and
submissions will be completed as scheduled through TAMUCT’s Blackboard
system [http://tamuct.blackboard.com].
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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 during the first two weeks only, no extensions
are planned that time. Further, individual additional “extra credit” activities will
not be granted; however, bonus points may be made available to the entire class.
Note#2: If you discover that you need or want to drop this class, you must
go to the Records Office and ask for the necessary paperwork. Professors
cannot drop students; this is always the responsibility of the student. The
record’s office will give a deadline for which the form must be returned,
completed, and signed. Once you return the signed form to the records office
and wait 24 hours, you must go into Student Self-service and confirm that you
are no longer enrolled. If you are still enrolled, you should FOLLOW-UP with the
records office immediately. You are expected to attend class until the
procedure is complete to avoid penalty for excessive absence. Should you miss
the deadline or fail to follow the procedure, you will receive an F in the course.
Note #3: In rare, emergency cases, students may qualify for an incomplete
grade, which is recorded as a “K” on the grade report and transcript. Requests
for incomplete grades must be made according to university policy and approved
by the instructor prior to the final week of classes. All requirements must be
completed by the end of the next long semester or the “K” automatically
changed to an “F.”
Note #4: Students who began taking classes at TAMUCT, Tarleton State
University, or its related units as of September 1, 1998, may only drop six
classes during their entire undergraduate program. The last day to drop a
course with no record this semester is published in the Texas A&M University
Catalog on the Academic Calendar page(s).
C.
Homework Assignments: This is course is listed as an on-line course and
appropriate assignments are assigned each week. Reading assignments will be
in accordance with this syllabus and as assigned in class. It is important for
students to become familiar with materials/assignments prior to scheduled
class sessions.
In addition to the chapter review quizzes, be sure to check your online unit learning activities and the activities listed in part VI of your syllabus
for additional assignments included in this course.
Note #1: Point values for all assignments are listed under
"activities/assignments due" in the last section of this syllabus.
Note #2: For Web search activities, 10 points will apply toward the
DISCUSSION component; 10 points for the written ASSIGNMENT submission.
Note #3: After the second week of class, late assignments will not be
accepted, unless otherwise specifically approved by the professor.
Note #4: Students are encouraged to maintain a record of assignments
submitted and points earned.
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D.
E.
Chapter Review Quizzes: Web assignments are provided for each chapter in
the form of a “chapter review quiz.” These chapter reviews are provided to
help students better understand how well they comprehend text reading
assignments. Chapter review quizzes will be completed, submitted and scored
through TAMUCT’s Blackboard learning management system assessments
application. Blackboard may be accessed at http://tamuct.blackboard.com.
(See section K, below for technical requirements.)
To ensure effectiveness of this individual feedback tool, each of the
reviews will be randomly accessed from the publisher’s test bank and time will
be set at 60 minutes for each of the 20-item assessments. Immediately
following each chapter review activity, scores will be automatically recorded in
Blackboard’s My WSA Gradebook. Each chapter review quiz should be
completed prior to the date indicated in section VI of this syllabus.
Exams: There will be three objective exams administered during the
semester as indicated in the section of this syllabus. Exams represent the
independent work of students; teamwork will not be permitted on exams.
Note #1: No exam may be taken more than one time in an effort to improve the
score achieved.
Note #2: With the exception of emergency and other approved situations,
make-up exams will generally not be permitted.
Note #3: The final exam is comprehensive and covers content in all text
chapters.
Note #4: Any exam not made up as approved and arranged by the professor will
be scored as a zero.
F.
Grade Computation: Students earn their course grades by effectively
completing scheduled assignments; no individual extra credit assignments are
given. To satisfactorily pass this course, students must complete each of the
graded items listed below. Failure to submit appropriate documents for
scoring in each category may result in a failing grade. Final grades will be
calculated as follows:
Exams (3 each).… [650 pts]..….
Assignments…..…..[140 pts]…….
Review Quizzes….[210 pts]…….
1000 pts
65%
14%
21%
100%
A=
B=
C=
D=
F=
100% - 90.0%
89.9% - 80%
79.9% - 70%
69.9% - 60%
Below 60%
MGMT 403.115
Summer 2013 – Page 5
G.
Academic Honesty: Texas A&M University - Central Texas expects all
students to maintain high standards of personal and scholarly conduct.
Students guilty of academic dishonestly are subject to disciplinary action.
Academic dishonesty 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 at
www.tamuct.org/studentaffairs and www.ct.tamus.edu/StudentConduct.
H.
On-line Communication: Use the class Blackboard MESSAGES / E-MAIL
application for all course correspondence.
o
Identification: For course-related messages, you should provide the
assignment title and your name in the subject line. Here is an example:
Exam1_question 10_Smith
o
For other, outside-of-class, university issues and questions, please
contact Dr. Lyon at bjlyon@ct.tamus.edu or call Dr. Lyon any weekday
morning at her home number, which is posted in Blackboard on the
course MAIN PAGE.
o
Response time: Dr. Lyon will endeavor to respond to your messages
within 48 hours. If you need an immediate response, or when the 48hour goal is missed, please call Dr. Lyon during virtual hours or any
weekday morning at her home number. See Blackboard class Welcome
(read first) or the Course Main page for additional contact information.
o
Netiquette: According to NetworkEtiquette.net (2013), the general
rules for communicating on-line in a proper manner include the following:
1.) Spell check, 2.) No all-caps, 3.) Tell the truth, 4.) Be yourself, 5.)
Do not flame, 6.) Do not spam, 7.) Be conservative, 8.) Do not send
email at night [Dr. Lyon believes that TAMUCT students are exempt from this
one!], 9.) Shop secure sites, 10.) Use discretion.
NetworkEtiquette. (n.d.) The rules of netiquette. Retrieved from
http://www.networketiquette.net/netiquette.htm
I.
Library Services: Information literacy focuses on research skills which
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. Help may include, yet is not limited to: exploration of information
MGMT 403.115
Summer 2013 – Page 6
resources such as library collections and services, identification of subject
databases and scholarly journals, and execution of effective search
strategies. Library Resources are outlined and accessed at.
http://www.ct.tamus.edu/departments/library/index.php
J.
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 Gail
Johnson, Disability Support Coordinator at (254) 501-5831 in Student Affairs,
Office 114E. 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.
Gail Johnson, Disability Support Coordinator
TAMUCT Student Affairs, Founder’s Hall 114E
1001 Leadership Place - Killeen, TX 76549
Office: (254)501-5831 - Fax: (254)519-5797
Email: g.johnson@ct.tamus.edu
Web:
http://www.ct.tamus.edu/departments/academicsupport/disability.php
K.
Free Online Tutoring: Tutoring is available to all TAMUCT students, both oncampus and online. Subjects tutored include Accounting, Finance, Statistics,
Mathematics, and Writing (APA). Tutors are available at the Tutoring Center
in Founder's Hall, Room 204, and also in the Library in the North Building.
Visit www.ct.tamus.edu/AcademicSupport and click "Tutoring Support" for
tutor schedules and contact info. If you have questions, need to schedule a
tutoring session, or if you're interested in becoming a tutor, contact Academic
Support Programs at 254-501-5830 or by emailing
cecilia.morales@ct.tamus.edu.
Tutor.com: Chat live with a tutor 24/7 for almost any subject on your
computer. Tutor.com is an online tutoring platform that enables TAMU-CT
students to log-in and receive FREE online tutoring and writing support. This
tool provides tutoring in Mathematics, Writing, Career Writing, Chemistry,
Physics, Biology, Spanish, Calculus, and Statistics. To access Tutor.com, click
on www.tutor.com/tamuct.
MGMT 403.115
Summer 2013 – Page 7
L.
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 connection to Warrior Link is located at
www.tamuct.org/careerservices.
M.
Technical Requirements: For this course, you will need reliable and frequent
access to a computer and to the Internet. You will 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 dropping this course or contact your
professor to review your situation.

Logon to http://tamuct.blackboard.com to access the course.
(Be sure that www. is not included in the address.)

Username: Your complete Tarleton email address
(e.g. john.doe@go.tarleton.edu)

Initial password: Your student ID/ DuckTrax ID (UID)

Check browser and computer compatibility by following the “Browser
Check” link on the TAMU-CT Blackboard 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.
Note #1: Blackboard supports the most common operating systems: PC:
Windows 7, Windows XP, Windows Vista, Windows 2000, Mac OS 10.6 “Snow
Leopard®”, Mac OS 10.5 “Leopard®”, Mac OS 10.4 “Tiger®”
Note #2: Upon logging on to Blackboard Learn, you will see a link to
Blackboard Student Orientation under My Courses tab. Click on that link and
study the materials in this orientation course. This orientation course will help
you to quickly learn how to use Blackboard. There is also a link to Blackboard
Help from inside the course on the left-hand menu bar. The first week of the
course includes activities and assignments that will help you get up to speed with
navigation, sending and receiving messages and discussion posts, and submitting
an assignment. Your ability to function within the Blackboard system will
facilitate your success in this course. (The Blackboard Student Orientation and
MGMT 403.115
Summer 2013 – Page 8
other related information are also available under the course at the “Blackboard
Information” section on the left menu.)
Note #3: You should change your password from your UID after you have
accessed the Blackboard system.
Note #4: The Blackboard test application may be more reliable if you use
Mozilla Firefox or Google Chrome instead of newer versions of Microsoft
Explorer. You may find it beneficial to download Firefox or Chrome prior to the
scheduled date for the first quiz.
Note #5: Technology issues are not an excuse for missing a course
requirement.
Be sure to make sure that your computer is configured
correctly to support course requirements well in advance of deadlines.
N.
O.
Technology Support: For technological or computer issues, students should
contact the TAMUCT Blackboard support services 24 hours a day, 7 days a
week:
 Support Portal: http://www.ct.tamus.edu/bbsupport

On-line Chat (through the support portal at:
http://www.ct.tamus.edu/bbsupport)

Toll-free Phone: (855) 661-7965
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.
V. Course, Section and Instructor Information
Course:
Wage & Salary Administration (MGMT 403.115) / [CRN: 64100]
Semester: Summer 2013 (June 4 – July 25, 2013)
Schedule: On-line activity deadlines are set for Sunday evenings at 11:59 p.m.
(NOTE: There is an exception for the final exam, which is due on the last Thursday of the semester.)
Classroom: Blackboard Learn on-line
(Note: If you have not completed and on-line or Web-supported course recently,
please be sure to complete elective Blackboard Learn training materials; click on the
Blackboard Resources tab. Go to the Blackboard site, which is located at:
http://tamuct.blackboard.com.)
MGMT 403.115
Summer 2013 – Page 9
Professor: Dr. Barbara Lyon, SPHR
Phone:
(254) 519-5711
E-mail:
bjlyon@ct.tamus.edu
Office Hours:
Monday
Tuesday
Wednesday
Thursday
Office:
Founder’s Hall, 318K
Fax:
(254) 519-5470
Web Page: http://www2.ct.tamus.edu/bjlyon/
(TAMUCT office)
(virtual & travel)
(TAMUCT office)
(virtual & travel)
3:30 p.m. – 6:00 p.m.
3:30 p.m. – 6:00 p.m.
3:30 p.m. – 6:00 p.m.
3:30 p.m. – 6:00 p.m.
Admin. Assistants:
Faculty Issues: Mr. Shawn Kelley
TAMUCT, 323-B - (254) 519-5725
Student Issues: Ms. Charlotte Wesley TAMUCT, 318
- (254) 519-5762
VI. COURSE OUTLINE AND ASSIGNMENTS
Week
1
Dates
June
Chapter
Chapter 1
4-9
2
June
10 - 16
Topic
Activities
W&SA Overview
Introductions {10}
Strategic Compensation
Chapter 1
Strategic Compensation
Quiz 1 {15}
Chapter 2
Contextual Influences
Quiz 2 {15}
Search WHD Web site
http://dol.gov/whd {20}
3
June
Chapter 3
17 - 23
June 23
Traditional Pay
Quiz 3 {15}
FLSA/Exempt. Exer. {30}
Chapters 1-3
Student Assessment
Exam #1 [216.7]
MGMT 403.115
Summer 2013 – Page 10
Chapter
Activities
Topic
Week
Dates
4
June
Chapter 4
Incentive Pay
Quiz 4 {15}
24 - 30
Chapter 5
Person-focused Pay
Quiz 5 {15}
Search TWC Web site
http://www.twc.state.tx.us/ {20}
5
July
Chapter 6
Internal Consistency
Quiz 6 {15}
1–7
July 7
Chapters 4-6
Student Assessment
Exam #2 [216.7]
Because of the 4th of July holiday this week, Exam #2 will remain open until midnight on July 14.
6
7
July
Chapter 7
External Equity
Quiz 7 {15}
8 - 14
Chapter 8
Pay Structure
Quiz 8 {15}
July
Chapters 9-10
Discretionary Benefits
Quiz 9 {15}
15 - 21
Quiz 10 {15}
Search NCS Web site {20}
http://www.bls.gov/ncs/ebs/
Chapter 11
Mandatory Benefits
Quiz 11 {15}
Search ACA Web site {20}
http://www.healthcare.gov/
Search ACA Web site {20}
http://www.twc.state.tx.us/ne
ws/efte/workers_compensatio
n.html
Chapter 12
Executive Compensation
(No quiz for chapter 12)
MGMT 403.115
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Week
8
Dates
Chapter
Topic
Activities
July
Chapter 13
Contingent Worker Pay
Quiz 13 {15}
22 - 25
Chapter 14-15
Global Compensation
Quiz 14 {15}
Quiz 15 {15}
July 25
Chapters 1-15
Student Assessment
Final Exam [216.7]*
*Your on-line final exam must be completed not later than midnight (end-of-day)
on Thursday, July 25, 2013.**
VII. INSTRUCTIONS FOR ON-LINE ACTIVITIES
Introduction Activity [10 points]
1. Go into the course Blackboard ASSIGNMENTS tab and click on the Introduction Activity link.
2. In the ASSIGNMENTS text box, enter information to introduce yourself to your classmates.
Here are a few suggestions to include in your message:
 Your background information
 Work and/or family status
 Courses that you are taking this semester
3. Insert a photo if you are comfortable with sharing one.
4. Copy your introduction for pasting later into the DISCUSSION box.
5. Click on the ASSIGNMENT Submit tab to complete this part of the activity. [3 points]
6. Go to DISCUSSION and click on the Introduction Activity link.
7. Paste your introduction into the DISCUSSION textbox.
8. Click on the DISCUSSIONS Submit tab to complete this part of the activity. [3 points]
9. In DISCUSSIONS, provide feedback to a minimum of three other students regarding their
posting. [3 points]
10. Go to MESSAGES tab and send message to Dr. Lyon to let her know that you have
completed the Introduction Activity. [1 point]
WHD Web Search Discussion [20 points]
1. Go to the whd.gov Web site. (Click assignment title, above, or search for the U.S. DOL Wage
and Hour Division.)
2. Review the information available within the site and select a topic that interests you.
3. Prepare a Website search summary sheet. (Be sure to state your topic as the title and list at
least five essential points on the topic. Further, remember that a reference citation is required.)
4. Submit your printed summary sheet through ASSIGNMENTS during the assigned week.
[10 points]
5. Post your findings on the appropriate board listed under the DISCUSSIONS tab. Be sure to
provide your thoughts (at least three essential points) on the topic and use APA (6th ed.)
format as you provide a reference citation in your posting. [7 points]
6. Provide feedback to a minimum of three other students regarding your topic and/or their
topics. [3 points]
(To assist you in your review of the Web site, a Web Search Worksheet is provided in your
class Blackboard Learning Resources folder and is also attached to the ASSIGNMENT.)
MGMT 403.115
Summer 2013 – Page 12
TWC Web Search Discussion [20 points]
1. Go to the twc.state.tx.us Web site. (Click assignment title, above, or search for the Texas
Workforce Commission.)
2. Review the information available within the site and select a topic that interests you.
3. Prepare a Website search summary sheet. (Be sure to state your topic as the title and list at
least five essential points on the topic. Further, remember that a reference citation is required.)
4. Submit your printed summary sheet through ASSIGNMENTS during the assigned week.
[10 points]
5. Post your findings on the appropriate board listed under the DISCUSSIONS tab. Be sure to
provide your thoughts (at least three essential points) on the topic and use APA (6th ed.)
format as you provide a reference citation in your posting. [7 points]
6. Provide feedback to a minimum of three other students regarding your topic and/or their
topics. [3 points]
(To assist you in your review of the Web site, a Web Search Worksheet is provided in your
class Blackboard Learning Resources folder and is also attached to the ASSIGNMENT.)
NCS Web Search Discussion [20 points]
1. Go to the bls.gov/ncs/ebs Web site. (Click assignment title, above, or search the National
Compensation Survey Employee Benefits Survey.)
2. Review the information available within the site and select a topic that interests you.
3. Prepare a Website search summary sheet. (Be sure to state your topic as the title and list at
least five essential points on the topic. Further, remember that a reference citation is required.)
4. Submit your printed summary sheet through ASSIGNMENTS during the assigned week.
[10 points]
5. Post your findings on the appropriate board listed under the DISCUSSIONS tab. Be sure to
provide your thoughts (at least three essential points) on the topic and use APA (6th ed.)
format as you provide a reference citation in your posting. [7 points]
6. Provide feedback to a minimum of three other students regarding your topic and/or their
topics. [3 points]
(To assist you in your review of the Web site, a Web Search Worksheet is provided in your
class Blackboard Learning Resources folder and is also attached to the ASSIGNMENT.)
MGMT 403.115
Summer 2013 – Page 13
ACA Web Search Discussion [20 points]
1. Go to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (healthcare.gov) Web site. (Click
assignment title, above, or search for the Affordable Care Act.)
2. Review the information available within the site and select a topic that interests you.
3. Prepare a Website search summary sheet. (Be sure to state your topic as the title and list at
least five essential points on the topic. Further, remember that a reference citation is required.)
4. Submit your printed summary sheet through ASSIGNMENTS during the assigned week.
[10 points]
5. Post your findings on the appropriate board listed under the DISCUSSIONS tab. Be sure to
provide your thoughts (at least three essential points) on the topic and use APA (6th ed.)
format as you provide a reference citation in your posting. [7 points]
6. Provide feedback to a minimum of three other students regarding your topic and/or their
topics. [3 points]
(To assist you in your review of the Web site, a Web Search Worksheet is provided in your
class Blackboard Learning Resources folder and is also attached to the ASSIGNMENT.)
TWC-WC Web Search Discussion [20 points]
1. Go to the Texas Workforce Commission (twc.state.tx.us) worker’s compensation Web site.
(Click assignment title, above, or search for the Texas Workforce Commission, then click on
the Programs and Services tab.)
2. Review the information available within the site and select a topic that interests you.
3. Prepare a Website search summary sheet. (Be sure to state your topic as the title and list at
least five essential points on the topic. Further, remember that a reference citation is required.)
4. Submit your printed summary sheet through ASSIGNMENTS during the assigned week.
[10 points]
5. Post your findings on the appropriate board listed under the DISCUSSIONS tab. Be sure to
provide your thoughts (at least three essential points) on the topic and use APA (6th ed.)
format as you provide a reference citation in your posting. [7 points]
6. Provide feedback to a minimum of three other students regarding your topic and/or their
topics. [3 points]
(To assist you in your review of the Web site, a Web Search Worksheet is provided in your
class Blackboard Learning Resources folder and is also attached to the ASSIGNMENT.)