Research Paper (Individual) 20%

Due:  Week 10

This assignment requires you to review the current academic literature on a topic covered in class. The paper should be technical in nature, focusing on factual research results along with technical recommendations for management. The paper should not focus on problem identification or definitions, but on solutions and recommendations.

The paper should include a thorough literature review and a discussion of the practical implications of the information. The paper should be at least 18 pages (double spaced) long, excluding the title page, abstract and bibliography. At lease one third of the paper, a separate section, should be your interpretation of the information, practical implication, recommendations, and conclusion. You must also follow proper procedures for citing the work of others. You will want to use the American Psychological Association style manual for this purpose.

You must use only academic journals (at least 6 articles) which includes: Personnel Psychology, Journal of Management, Academy of Management Review, Academy of Management Journal, and Journal of Applied Psychology. A partial list of academic and practitioner journals follows to the research assignment sheet. It is the student’s responsibility to insure that all reference materials meet the academic journal requirements. If you are not sure, ask.

I will grade the papers on content, presentation (spelling, grammar, format, etc.), logic, and degree of original analysis.

I will not accept any paper that does not site at least six academic journals, meet the page requirements, include a separate section with personal views and recommendations or reflect graduate level work. You will receive a 0% for the paper. If you have any doubts contact me. You must have your articles for the literature review on or before the third class and have me review them.

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Case Study Analysis (Individual) 20%

Due:  Week 10

Each student will be assigned a case study from the Mello Textbook.

Please answer the next three questions after carefully reading the case study provided.

1. Identify and discuss key issues and problems related to the fit between the organization’s current (implied or stated) business strategy and its (implied or stated) HR strategic plan and practices.
2. Formulate a HR strategic plan to resolve key issues identified above, citing appropriate research and theoretical concepts to support your recommendation. With specific reference to the appropriate component areas listed below, explain how your proposed HR strategic plan supports the current business strategy.
3. Elaborate, as appropriate, on any two of the following HR activities that would be key components of the HR strategic plan you outlined in the question above. Be specific and explain how those activities combine to support the HR strategic plan.
   • HR Planning
   • Staffing
   • Training & Development
   • Performance Management
   • Compensation
   • Health, Safety
   • Employee Relations
   • Labor Relations

You will be evaluated on the following criteria:

1. Demonstrates the necessary and appropriate knowledge, and general comprehension of the subject material. (35%).
2. Appropriately delineates assumptions essential to completion of the analysis. (10%).
3. Demonstrates appropriate selection and usage of HR techniques, activities and functions to support a functional (HR) strategy. (30%).
4. Identifies creative (imaginative) solution to the problem, looking beyond the obvious. Uses diverse though. (20%).
5. Demonstrated adequate skills of expression, including grammar, spelling, punctuation, sentence structure and clarity of thought. (5%).