The success of organizations depends on the human beings that enable organizations to achieve their objectives.  An organization’s human resources are its most critical assets.  The management of human resources is a specialization in management that encompasses several functions including the recruitment, selection and maintenance of a qualified, motivated, smoothly functioning and productive workforce.  

This two quarter program is designed to provide an introduction to human resource fundamentals as well as detailed overview of six specific areas of human resource management: 

• Fundamentals of Human Resource Management
• Employment Law  
• Labor Relations
• Total Compensation
• Performance Management
• Human Resource Development and Training

All areas of the program are designed to provide conceptual understanding through readings and case analyses while developing skills through practice, role plays, and simulations.

Fall quarter focuses on the first three areas.  We will cover the basics of human resource management including strategic planning, recruitment, orientation, retention, job design, and organizational development.  We will also review aspects of labor law including the National Labor Relations Act (NLRA) and major employment laws including those covering discrimination, sexual harassment, disability, family leave, wage standards, and the Employee Retirement Income Security Act as well as and the Consolidated Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act (COBRA).   Students will learn how to apply these major laws to 'real-work' situations and will have a very good understanding of the major provisions. 8 credits will be awarded in Fundamentals of Human Resource Management and 4 credits will be awarded in Employment Law

Winter quarter will focus on human resource development and training, performance management, and total compensation.  We will cover a number of training and development topics including needs analysis and instructional design and evaluation while distinguishing between leadership development and skills development.  We will also examine the components of a total compensation program: salary, benefits, and workplace environment.  Specific topics will include pay philosophies, determining job value, and strategic approaches to communication.  8 credits will be award in Employee Training and Development and 4 credits will be awarded in Employee Compensation.