Syllabus

Issues and Problems in Human Resource Management
PAUS 4211

Fall Semester 2000

COURSE DESCRIPTION

PAUS 4211 is an advance undergraduate introduction to the human resources management process in complex organizations, with an emphasis on public and non-profit agencies. The course focuses on current policy issues and problems that challenge today's human resources specialists, managers, and supervisors. Students will study important policy issues for the political, legal, social, and organizational perspectives. Topics covered include equal employment opportunity and the "glass ceiling," affirmative action and diversity, sexual harassment law and policy, new approaches to pay and benefits, employee health and safety, liability issues, and personnel policies for the new workforce. Problems related to recruitment, selection, compensation, career development and training, and labor relations/collective bargaining are examined and possible solutions reviewed. The class process emphasizes student participation, discussion, and problem solving through group case study analysis.

Course Requirements

Textbook

One text is required and should be available at the GSU and Georgia Bookstores:

Joan E. Pynes, Human Resource Management for Public And NonProfit Organizations (Jossey-Bass, 1997)

Please acquire this book in time to read the assignment for August 24th.

Papers

One short term paper is required. It should be on a human resources management topic selected in consultation with the instructor. These papers should be about 8 to 10 double-spaced typewritten pages (font no smaller than 10 cpi). Please consult the attached term paper approval form. Also attached is a copy of a guide to citing sources from the internet. If you do not already have one, you should acquire a style guide such as Turabian in order to assure that your paper follows the rules of one of the accepted citations systems and conforms to rules of grammar and, of course, spelling. All papers submitted in this course are expected to be carefully proofread and free of spelling, grammatical, and other errors. Paper topics must be approved by the instructor no later that September 21st. Papers will be due on November 30th.

Examinations

There will be a take-home, open book, midterm exam covering all materials and lectures through September 28th. This exam will be due on October 12th, since there will be no class meeting on October 5th (I will be attending the ASPA regional conference). October 5 will be a library research day. The final exam will also be take-home, covering all materials assigned October 12th through December 7th . This exam will be handed out on December 7 and will be due in Room 1246 Urban Life no later than 7:00 PM on December 14th, the scheduled final exam period for this course. Please note that exams should total no more than 8 - 9 double-spaced typewritten pages (font no smaller than 10cpi). Exams running more than 9 pages total will be penalized one-half letter grade for each page number over 9.

Class Participation

It is expected that all members of the class will come fully prepared to discuss the readings and other materials, such as handouts, assigned for the session in question. Regular attendance is required. If you must miss a class, arrive late, or leave early, please give the instructor advance notice if at all possible. If you will be arriving late or leaving early, please make effort to do so in a manner that does not disrupt the class process.

The usual time for a break will be from about 5:45 PM to 6:00 PM, although there may be times when it takes place somewhat earlier or later, depending on circumstances.

Grading

Midterm: 25%

Final: 25%

Paper: 35%

Attendance And Participation: 15%

Final Grade Based on the Following Scale:

100 to 89 = A
88 to 79 = B
78 to 70 = C
69 to 60 = D
59 or less = F

CLASS SCHEDULE

(Subject to Change as Required)