HR CONSULTING AND JOB ANALYSIS
HRM 507.115 – CRN: 60589
Dr. Barbara Lyon, SPHR
Summer 2014
COURSE DESCRIPTION
Theories, strategies, operational issues and research related to organizational
consultation and job analyses practices are presented. Job description and job
specification development are examined. Emphasis is placed on using appropriate
research and consultation techniques to acquire, measure, assess, and use
information gathered in the work place. Field projects are used extensively.
MODE OF INSTRUCTION
Mode of instruction and course access: This course is a lecture with online
components (LOC) or blended course and uses TAMUCT’s new Blackboard Learn
system (http://tamuct.blackboard.com). You will use the Blackboard username and
password communicated to you separately to logon to this system.
Student-instructor interaction: Dr. Lyon will be checking and replying to student
emails at least two days per week. Students may make appointments for office
visits, on-line chats and/or telephone calls during listed office hours, as well.
STUDENT LEARNING OUTCOMES & COMPETENCIES
Upon successful completion of the HR Consulting and Job Analysis course, the
student will be able to:
A. Discuss the concepts, theories, and operational topics related to consulting
and job analysis, including use of current modeling techniques used to
support research and decision making.
B. Describe specific strategies and methods that are used in the development
and implementation of consulting and job analysis processes.
HRM 507 – p. 2
Summer 2014
C. Conduct a job analysis, including development of job descriptions and job
specifications.
D. Apply HRM consulting skills and report findings
INSTRUCTIONAL MATERIALS
STRUCTIONAL MATERIALS
No textbook is required for this course. The following readings are
recommended:
Block, P. (2000). Flawless conslulting: A guide to getting your expertise used
(2nd ed.). San Francisco: Jossey-Bass/Pfeiffer. ISBN 0-7879-4803-9
Hartley, D. E. (1999). Job analysis at the speed of reality. Amherst, MA:
HRD Press. ISBN 0874254876
Hupp, T., Polak, C., & Westgaard, O. (1995). Designing work groups, jobs
and work flow. San Francisco: Jossey-Bass. ISBN 07879-0063-X
Lucia, A., & Lepsinger, R. (1999). The art and science of competency
models: Pinpointing critical success factors in organizations. San
Francisco: Jossey-Bass. ISBN 0787946028.
Plachey, R. J., & Plachy, S. J. (1998). More results-oriented job
descriptions. New York: American Management Association.
ISBN 0-8144-7961-8
Schein, E. H. (1998). Process consultation revisited: Building the helping
relationship. Reading, MA: Addison-Wesley/Prentice-Hall.
ISBN 020134596-X
Schippman, J. S. (1999). Strategic job modeling: Working at the core of
integrated human resources. Mahwah, NJ: Lawrence Erlbaum
Associates. ISBN 0-8058-3052-9
Swanson, R. A. (1996) Analysis for improving performance: Tools for
diagnosing organizations & documenting workplace expertise (2nd ed.).
San Francisco: Berret-Koehler. ISBN 1-57675-001-9
Zemke, R., & Kramlinger, T. (1982). Figuring things out. Reading, MA:
Addison-Wesley. ISBN 0-201-09098-8
HRM 507 – p. 3
Summer 2014
CLASS PARTICIPATION AND CONDUCT
This is an LOC course; therefore all discussions will take place in class, written
requirements will be submitted in class at the beginning of the assigned period,
Quizzes and exams will be completed as scheduled through the university’s new
Blackboard learning system [http://tamuct.blackboard.com]. Reading 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. Activities and
exams are generally based on text readings and current HRM issues.
Group Participation: For this course students will be grouped into teams of two or
three for the purpose of completing a field project in job analysis. Students must
be willing and committed to working together to accomplish the project goals.
Code of Conduct: Students are expected to conscientiously study and participate
in all course activities. In addition to reviewing the university’s CODE OF
CONDUCT on-line, please also understand that graduate students are expected to
spend approximately 90 hours per course each semester performing course
activities. This is based on a standard of 45 hours in class, plus approximately six
hours per 8-week semester in study and research. Be sure to plan your semester
calendar with success in mind and maintain a record of assignments submitted and
points earned.
Make-up Work: 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 after
that time. Further, individual additional “extra credit” activities will not be
granted; however, bonus points may be made available to the entire class.
Group Participation: For this course students will be grouped into teams of two or
three for the purpose of completing a field project in job analysis. Students must
be willing and committed to working together to accomplish the project goals.
Requests for Incomplete Grades: 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.”
HRM 507 – p. 4
Summer 2014
PROFESSOR & UNIVERSITY CONTACT INFORMATION
Name:
Dr. Barbara Lyon, SPHR
Department:
Management & Marketing /
College of Business Administration)
Campus Office:
TAMUCT Founder’s Hall (FH) 318K
1001 Leadership Place, Killeen, TX 76549
Office Phone:
254-519-5711
Fax:
254-501-5825
Home Phone:
Provided in class Blackboard Welcome and Main Course tabs.
E-mail Address:
bjlyon@ct.tamus.edu
Home-page:
http://www2.ct.tamus.edu/bjlyon/
COBA / Assistance: College of Business Administration (COBA)
TAMUCT, FH 318
COBA Phone:
254-519-5737
COBA Email:
cobainfo@ct.tamus.edu
Office Hours:
During virtual office hours, Dr. Lyon will be available via
Blackboard E-mail and Chat.
Monday
(virtual)
Tuesday
(TAMUCT FH 318-K)
Wednesday
(virtual)
Thursday
(TAMUCT FH 318-K)
3:50 p.m. – 5:30 p.m.
3:50 p.m. – 5:30 p.m.
3:50 p.m. – 5:30 p.m.
3:50 p.m. – 5:30 p.m.
HRM 507 – p. 5
Summer 2014
COMMUNICATING WITH DR. LYON
Use the class Blackboard MESSAGES application for all course correspondence.
For all other, outside-of-class, issues and university questions, please contact Dr.
Lyon at bjlyon@ct.tamus.edu or call 254.519.5711 during posted office hours.
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 and submit through Blackboard Learn.
Response time: Dr. Lyon will endeavor to respond to your messages within 48
hours. If you need an immediate response, or when the 48-hour 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.
Netiquette: According to NetworkEtiquette.net (2013), the general rules for
communicating on-line in a proper manner include the following: 1.) use spell check,
2.) avoid all-caps, 3.) tell the truth, 4.) be yourself, 5.) Do not flame, 6.) be
conservative, 7.) Use discretion, and , 8.) use security checks and do not spam.
NetworkEtiquette. (n.d.) The rules of netiquette. Retrieved from http://www.networketiquette.net/netiquette.htm
WRITTEN ASSIGNMENT SUBMISSION GUIDELINES
Unless otherwise specified, submit all written requirements in class at the
beginning of the assigned class period.
Submission Format/Style Requirements: Submissions will be in accordance with
the American Psychological Association (APA) Publication Manual (6th ed.). You
should use this resource as a reference regarding format issues. See helpful
resources in your Blackboard Learning Resources tab.
Writing Quality: All assignments submitted for grading will represent graduate
quality and rigor, including depth of analysis, grammatical structure, format, etc.
Deadlines/Late Submissions and Resubmissions: All class assignments and
activities will be submitted during the scheduled week. Assignments that are
submitted late will be penalized at a rate of 50% per day. Resubmissions to
improve grades will generally not be accepted after week two of the semester.
HRM 507 – p. 6
Summer 2014
ASSIGNMENTS
Individual assignments include ASSIGNMENTS, DISCUSSIONS, and chapter
review QUIZZES. These activities are provided to assist each student in learning
essential information related to this course. See the section “Your Course
Schedule” for weekly assignment deadlines.
Written Activities: All written assignments, including case studies and research
project activities will be submitted in class on the scheduled date. Early
submissions are allowed; however papers will be graded after the submission due
date.
JOB ANALYSIS PROJECT
This project is the central part of the course. Each team is to conduct a
complete Job Analysis of a real job in an actual organization. The team will
function essentially as an external consulting team to the organization. Each
team is to locate an appropriate organization and identify a job for analysis.
Each team will prepare:
1.) A project proposal, including a project process model, and a project
agreement with the organization.
2.) A job/work flow model.
3.) A complete job analysis package to be prepared and presented to the
organization The job analysis package will contain all necessary data
and information for the organization to use in its recruitment,
selection, development, and compensation programs as related to this
particular job. It should stand the test of being legally defensible,
should the organization face such action.
a.) Job identification data
b.) Executive summary
c.) Technical process analysis
d.) Human systems analysis
e). Environmental analysis
f). Job performance goals, objectives and expected outcomes,
g). Job description
h). Job specification
i). Performance appraisal criteria
j). RESEARCH PROJECT (continued)
HRM 507 – p. 7
Summer 2014
JOB ANALYSIS PROJECT
(continued)
j). Suggestions for job redesign
k). Supporting documentation, including model drafts, key resources,
field consultation report, and thank you letter to field sponsor
l). A project report, including a discussion of the team’s approach
to the project, (including citations of appropriate references), an
evaluation of the team effort, reference page(s), and an appendix
for inclusion of the job analysis package. A copy of this report
will be provided to organizational management.
Team Project Planning Performance Evidence: Using available personal time and
collaboration technology, such as Blackboard DISCUSSIONS, COLLABORATE,
MESSAGES, Skype, text messaging, etc., students will interact to (1) select an
appropriate job, (2) develop team commitment and (3) develop a timeline (plan /
schedule / calendar) to indicate performance steps to be taken by the team to
ensure on time submission of the final project.
 By the end of week two, a team member needs to submit in class an informal
note to Dr. Lyon to confirm your job analysis project team, job title, and
development timeline (plan / schedule / calendar).
 Before the end of week three of this 8-week semester, each team member
will share in class their thoughts about their individual responsibilities as
team member as well as initial findings on the job chosen.
Individual Evidence of Team Performance: Students will share their effort,
challenges and findings throughout the remaining weeks of the semester.
 As an informed member of their team, each individual student will
prepare and submit a draft job analysis project report, including all
required components: (1) a cover page, (2) a short research summary of
initial findings about the job. (i.e., essay), (3) references and /or a
bibliography on the job under investigation, and (4) a copy of the project
timeline. That is, to be considered as a minimally effective team member,
every student must conduct secondary research, develop a draft report on
the job under investigation and acknowledge the project timeline developed
by the team. These documents will be shared among team members to
provide input on the draft job analysis project document, which is scheduled
for submission during week seven.
 Draft documents and the project plan, including any adjustments made
during the semester, will be attached to the final project report to indicate
the substantive level of individual contribution made by each team member.
HRM 507 – p. 8
Summer 2014
CT
(continued)
JOB ANALYSIS PROJECT
(continued)
individual performance and contributions made throughout the development
of the job analysis project. Any student failing to submit their personal
contribution document will be penalized a minimum of 30% (150 points) of
the total possible on the final job analysis project grade.
Final Team Project Submission: To ensure proper access for awarding credit on
the final project, each team will submit a final report, including all required
sections (cover page, report of the processes and findings of the job analysis) and
appendices (one for the project plan and one for each team member’s
contributions). The final team project will be submitted in class not later than the
end week eight.
 The final job analysis project will include the following elements: a cover
page, a report of job analysis process with appropriate reference citations,
a job description document (administrative identification details, essential
and minor functions, responsibilities, and required job specifications), a
recommended performance plan based on important work outcomes, and
required appendices See the last page of your syllabus and/or in Blackboard
LEARNING RESOURCES tab for the research project grading
rubric/rating sheet.
 As in all other assignments, the research project must be typed, doublespaced on 8-1/2” x 11” paper, using black ink. Items submitted are
expected to be of collegiate quality, depth, format, and organization.
Presentation: Teams will present their findings to the class during week of the
semester. The oral presentation will be scored by students present and Dr. Lyon.
The class presentation will count for 10% (50 points) of the total points possible on
the final job analysis project grade. Further, to the extent possible, team
members will report their findings to appropriate organizational members
(supervisor, manager, etc.) who may benefit from information provided.
COMPREHENSIVE EXAM
It is the student’s responsibility to carefully study all assignments related to the
exam content prior to opening an exam period. For this course, one comprehensive
exams will be administered during the semester as indicated in the course schedule
section of the syllabus. The exam represents the independent work of students;
teamwork will not be permitted. The exam may be administered through Blackboard
assessments and is located under the COMPREHENSIVE EXAM tab.
HRM 507 – p. 9
Summer 2014
COMPREHENSIVE EXAM (continued)

With the exception of emergency or few other approved situations, makeup exams will not be permitted. Further, remember that there is no time at
the end of the semester to arrange a make-up for the final exam.

If a late exam is not made up as approved and arranged by the professor, it
will be scored as a zero.
The comprehensive final exam may not be taken more than one time in an
effort to improve the score achieved.

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 will result in a
failing grade. Final grades will be calculated as follows:
Course Requirements
Assignments
200 points
Job Analysis Project
500 points
Final Exam
300 points
1,000 points
20%
50%
30%
100%
Scoring Equivalents
When work is scored numerically
90.0 - 100 % = A
80.0 - 89.9% = B
70.0 - 79.9% = C
0 - 69.9% = F
When work is scored by letter
A = 95%
B = 85%
C = 75%
D = 65%
F = 50%
ACADEMIC HONESTY
Texas A&M University-Central Texas expects all students to maintain high
standards of personal and scholarly conduct. Students guilty of academic
dishonesty 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 dishonesty. More information can
be found at www.tamuct.org/studentaffairs.
HRM 507 – p. 10
Summer 2014
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 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
ACADEMIC ETHICAL ISSUES AND REQUIREMENTS
Texas A&M University - Central Texas expects all students to maintain high
standards of personal and scholarly conduct. Students found responsible 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 and report
the incident to the Director of Student Affairs. More information can be found
atwww.ct.tamus.edu/StudentConduct.
DROP POLICY
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.
HRM 507 – p. 11
Summer 2014
NOTICE FOR STUDENTS WITH DISABILITIES
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. If you
have or believe you have a disability and wish to self-identify, you can do so by
providing documentation to the Disability Support Coordinator. Students are
encouraged to seek information about accommodations to help assure success in
their courses. Please contact the Office of Disability Support and Access at (254)
501-5836 or visit Founder's Hall 114. Additional information can be found at
http://www.tamuct.edu/departments/disabilitysupport/index.php.
TUTORING AND ADDITIONAL RESOURCES
Tutoring Services: Tutoring is available to all TAMUCT students, both on-campus
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.
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 (http://www.tamuct.org/careerservices) allows 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 taking place while they are out
of the careers services area.
HRM 507 – p. 12
Summer 2014
ON-LINE 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 audio files
and some 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.
 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.
Browser: It is highly recommended that you use Mozilla Firefox as your default
browser.
 Check browser and computer compatibility by following the “Browser
Check” link on the TAMU-CT Blackboard logon page at
http://tamuct.blackboard.com. (Be sure that www. is not included in the
address.)

This is a CRITICAL step, as these settings are important for when you
take an exam or submit an assignment.

The Blackboard test application appears to be more reliable if you use
Mozilla Firefox or Google Chrome instead of newer versions of
Microsoft Explorer. You will likely find it beneficial to download
Firefox prior to the scheduled date for the first quiz.
Blackboard Logon: Logon to http://tamuct.blackboard.com to access the course.
(Be sure that www. is not included in the address.)


Username: Your TAMUCT student user name. (See details on the Blackboard log-on page.)
Password: Your TAMUCT student password. (See details on the Blackboard log-on page.)
HRM 507 – p. 13
Summer 2014
BLACKBOARD LEARNING & SUPPORT
Blackboard Student Orientation: Your ability to function within the Blackboard
learning management system will facilitate your success in this course, so you must learn
basic functions very early in the semester. This orientation course will help you get
there.
 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.
 The Blackboard Student Orientation and other related information are also
available within the course at the BLACKBOARD INFORMATION tab on the
course left-hand menu bar.
Blackboard Technology Support: The Blackboard learning management systems is
supported by most common operating systems including: PC: Windows 7/8,
Windows XP, Windows Vista, Windows 2000, Mac OS 10.6 “Snow Leopard®”, Mac
OS 10.5 “Leopard®”, Mac OS 10.4 “Tiger®”
 For technological or computer issues, contact Blackboard support services
before requesting assistance from the professor or TAMUCT administrative
support personnel. Students should contact Blackboard support services
24/7 at:

Help Central Website: http://www.tamuct.edu/help

On-line Chat: http://hdc.tamu.edu/

Phone: (254) 519-5466 or (979) 845-8300

Help Desk Central (HDC) is available 24/7 all year long.

Be sure to let Help Desk Central representatives know that you are a
Texas A&M-Central Texas student.
CHANGES TO THE 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. Conflicts between Blackboard and the syllabus
will be resolved according to the syllabus requirements.
HRM 507 – p. 14
Summer 2014
YOUR COURSE SCHEDULE
Weeks
& Dates
1a
Jun3 3
1b
June 5
Topic
Syllabus / Class Requirements
Consulting Roles
Job Analysis and Resources
Individual & Group Effectiveness
JAD Legal Issues
Activities
 How job analysis is used by HR
professionals - Participate in
class / 5 pts
Group Effectiveness Activity Participate in class / 5 pts
Consulting Skills
2a
June 10
Environmental Analysis
 Environmental Analysis Activity Participate in class / 10 pts
Technical Process Analysis
Human Systems Analysis
~~~~~~~~~~
 O*net Web Search due / 10 pts
 OOH Web Search due / 10 pts
 ADA Web Search due / 10 pts
2b
Job Analysis Methods





June 13
3a
June 17
(Week #3
continued
on next
page.)
Team Job Analysis Project Plan
due / 15 pts
Team Members
Job
Location(s)
Timeline
Resources
Project Plan Update due /10 pts
Meeting Management
 Job Analysis Methods
~~~~~~~~~~
 Facilitating Job Re-design
Implementation Meeting
Activity - Participate in class /
10 pts
HRM 507 – p. 15
Summer 2014
Weeks
& Dates
3b
Topic
Field Work
Activities
Interview supervisor and
incumbent(s); observation, etc.
June 19
4a
June 24
4b
Job Descriptions & Specifications




Identification/Admin
Job Summary
Duties, Tasks, Responsibilities
Skills, Knowledge, Abilities
Field Work
Project Plan Update due /10 pts
 Job Analysis Process Model
~~~~~~~~~~
 Writing Job Descriptions
Activity - Participate in class /
5 pts
Project update
June 26
5a
July 1
5b
Performance Appraisal Methods




Draft Job Description Format
due / 10 pts
Graphic Rating Scales
BARS
BOS
MBO
Field Work
Project update
July 3
Report Preparation
6a
 JA Process Model due / 10 pts
 Draft Technological Process
Algorithm due / 10 pts
July 8
 Draft Job Description due
/ 10 pts
 Draft Performance Appraisal
form due / 10 pts
6b
July 10
Report preparation
Job description, job specification,
performance appraisal form, etc.
HRM 507 – p. 16
Summer 2014
Weeks
& Dates
7a
Topic
Management Consultation Report
Peer Review
July 15
Activities
Draft Job Analysis Package,
including Consultants’ Report
due/ 20 pts
~~~~~~~~~~
Draft Job Analysis Package,
including Consultants’ Report Peer
Review - Participate in class /
10 pts
~~~~~~~~~~
Thank You Letter to Field
Sponsor due / 10 pts
Management Consultation
7b
Management Consultation
(Field work completion)
July 17
Job Analysis Report
8a
 Job Analysis Project Report
due / 300 points
 Individual Contribution Report
due / 150 points
July 22
 Team Presentation due /
50 points
~~~~~~~~~~
 Team Contribution Activity Participate in class / 10 pts
8b
July 24
Final Exam
Final Exam due today / 300 pts
Click on the course Blackboard EXAM tab
Opens at 0001 on Friday, July 11, 2014
And closes at midnight on July 24, 2014.