CENTRAL MICHIGAN UNIVERSITY

COURSE SYLLABUS

I. IDENTIFYING INFORMATION
Course: MGT 320
Course Title: Human Resource Management
EPN: 22312491
Term: Spring I
Location: Online
Course Dates: 1/9, 3/3/2017
Course Days and Times: N\A
MGT 258 or MGT 312, 56 semester hours completed; admission to Professional Business Studies
Prerequisites:
or listed on signed major or minor.

Blackboard:
Blackboard is a web-based learning management system licensed by CMU. Within Blackboard, a course website, also known
as a shell, is automatically created for every CMU course. Face-to-face courses may or may not incorporate Blackboard,
whereas Blackboard course shells are always used for online courses and will be available to you prior to the course start
date. Seeing the course shell listed in Blackboard with unavailable adjacent to its title is an indication that your instructor has
not made it available and is in no way indicative of registration status. To access Blackboard, open a web browser and enter
https://blackboard.cmich.edu/webapps/login/. After the site loads, enter your CMU Global ID and password in the respective
spaces provided. Click the "login" button to enter Blackboard and then the link to the appropriate course to enter the course's
Blackboard shell. If you need assistance, contact the IT Helpdesk at 989-774-3662 / 800-950-1144 x. 3662. Self-guided
student tutorial resources are also available at https://blackboard.cmich.edu/webapps/login/.

Instructor: Dennis Kimble

Primary Phone Number: 586.228.2610
Secondary Phone Number: 586.530.3058
E-Mail Address: kimbl1da@cmich.edu
Availability: Students may call during business hours or by appointment. Please do not call after 10 PM.
Academic Biography:

Dennis Kimble is the Managing Director of Human Resources Network, LLC, a human resource consulting firm. HRN assists
clients with their professional staffing needs including professional search & career transition counseling programs.

I hold Management degrees from Central Michigan University (MA) and Oakland University (BS). Prior to founding HRN, I
was the Director of Corporate Staffing for Michigan National Corporation. In that role I was responsible for professional
recruitment and college relations. My HR management experience also includes compensation administration, job analysis,
employee relations, training & development and professional recruitment.

I am proud to be part of the Central Michigan University's Global Campus program (30 years) teaching Human Resource
Management (MGT 320) and Global Strategic Management (MGT495) I also taught for Northwood University for 21 years
before retiring in 2013. At Northwood, I taught Strategic Management, Applied Management, Principles of Management and
Human Resource Management class for 21 years.

II. TEXTBOOKS AND INSTRUCTIONAL MATERIALS

Order books from MBS at http://bookstore.mbsdirect.net/cmu.htm
Textbooks and Course Materials:
Title: Human Resource Management
Author: Noe
Edition: 10th
 ISBN: 978-1-259-57812-0
Publisher: McGraw-Hill
Required: Yes

Course Reserves:
N\A
Required Materials:
N\A
Recommended Materials:
N\A

III. COURSE DESCRIPTION

Examines process for providing and maintaining productive human resources in an organization. Includes recruitment,
selection, training, performance appraisal, compensation, labor relations, and health and safety.

IV. COURSE GOALS AND OBJECTIVES

After successful completion of this course, the student will be able to:
• Identify the major human resource functions and their interrelationships.
• Define fundamental human resource management terms and concepts.
• Evaluate human resource practices and procedures.
• Analyze personnel problems with respect to possible causes and possible solutions.
• Identify the role of the human resource management function in effective organizations.

V. METHODOLOGY

Faculty-to-student and student-to-student interactions will take place through a course management software using sessions
moderated by the instructor as well as student-moderated sessions attended by the instructor. Such interactions will also occur
through email, live chat sessions, and phone conversations.

Weekly postings will identify specific reading assignments from the textbook and supplementary materials which can be
downloaded from the web. Weekly assignments, exams, and written assignments are also identified. Students will analyze
different business scenarios and case studies in this course. They will also conduct research, discuss their findings, and
produce solutions in a variety of formats such as discussion boards, formal written papers and research projects. Students are
expected to participate in weekly discussion board postings and/or chat sessions.

The student will achieve the course objectives through real-time and/or recorded lectures, videos, presentations, exams,
individual or group exercises and activities (e.g., discussion board dialogue, chat sessions, documented reflections, library
and web research), individual or group projects (e.g., case studies, research), guest presentations, and self-instruction.

The student is encouraged to become aware of the many applications of HRM knowledge and concepts in the business and
social environments within which they live. This awareness will enhance the student’s learning and application of class
information.

Course Policies & Procedures

I congratulate your efforts to obtain your undergraduate degree. This may be your first online class. There are a number of
similarities and many differences. Online classes require self-discipline and attention detail as well as keen observation of
deadlines. You must be self-motivated to complete all the assignments in a timely manner. You do not want to fall behind and
miss deadlines.

Weekly Class Assignments

All assignments for the semester are posted on the class Blackboard. Please be observant of all assignment, test and
discussion posting due dates as well as the schedule of the optional Collaborate sessions. Late assignments/tests cannot be
made up. Should you have any problems, concerns or need additional guidance or a simple explanation of a concept please
contact me via the telephone, or email. My goal is your success in this class. Utilizing the discussion board is a great tool for
asking questions and getting feedback.

Each class week starts on Monday and ends on Sunday in this course. Assignments/tasks are due by the end of the
assigned week (Sunday) at 11:55 pm EST unless otherwise specified or announced.

Netiquette (General Course Conduct & Communications)

As described above, this course will include faculty-to-student and student-to-student interactions. The instructor will post
announcements and additional course materials as the semester progresses.

Students are expected to check CMU e-mail as well as Announcements and Discussion Boards on Blackboard daily for
new information.
Students must provide detailed responses to emails, chats, and discussion board postings.
Students must respond to any course-related email or discussion board topics posted by the instructor and do so within
48 hours, if not sooner, or do so by the specified due date.
Students must submit assignments online through Blackboard by the specified due dates.
Students are expected to post questions about assignments or course material in the appropriate module or chapter
sections and expect other students to respond to these questions. General questions, for example, can be posted in the
“General” section of the discussion board forum. 
Each student is expected to participate with his or her team in an online chat session as required by the instructor.
Students are expected to follow rules of common courtesy in all email messages, threaded discussions and chats. Please
respect the thoughts of your fellow students. You may not always agree with others and there is a place for civil
disagreement.

The instructor will monitor and respond to questions and postings and may place a post in the announcement section of
Blackboard if the post is considered something all students may need to know or would find of interest.

Assignment Deadlines

All assignment due dates are posted in the Course Material section of Blackboard. The official time of receipt is documented
by the CMU email system. Things happen when utilizing email and the web. Do not wait until the last minute to complete
assignments. It is the responsibility of each student to meet class deadlines. No excuses.

Chapter Podcasts

A 20-minute podcast has been prepared for each chapter in the textbook. The purpose of the podcasts are to demonstrate the
real world application of the chapter materials.

CMU Email

It is extremely important that each online student accesses their CMU email account several times each week. Important
information will be communication via email. All announcements will be sent to each class member via the email system in
addition to the normal blackboard posting. The email is very easy to access through the Blackboard system.

I will check email daily and will make my best effort to respond within 24-48 hours of receipt. If a common theme emerges
from emails I will post it to the announcements section of Blackboard.

Announcements

Students should take special care to check the announcement section of Blackboard daily. Think of the announcement page of
Blackboard as the front page of your daily class newspaper. All important information will appear in the announcements
page.

Discussion Board Expectations

We live in a world filled with collaboration. During weeks 1 & 4 a discussion question (graded assignment) will be posted.
After reviewing the assignment I would like each student to post their responses. Each Assignment Discussion Board Forum
post should be 2 – 3 paragraphs in length to receive credit (15 points). Your response to the submission of another student
should be at least one paragraph in length (5 points). Each assignment (including post and response) is worth a maximum of
20 points. Posts and replies must be submitted by the deadline and written with professional usage; NOT in text or Instant
Message form. Posts and replies must be professional and respectful in content and tone. Student postings and responses will
be graded utilizing the discussion board grading rubric posted in week one assignments. All forum assignments
(posts/responses) are due by 11:55 PM on Sunday of the week they are assigned.

Collaborate Sessions

There will be four optional Collaborate chat sessions during the semester. Students attending the sessions will receive 2 extra
credit points per chat session. The chats are designed to answer questions and explain concepts in real time. They can also be
used as test review session prior to each test. To obtain the extra credit points you must attend the actual session.

This semester the Collaborate dates are:

Wednesday, January 11, 2017

Wednesday, January 25, 2017
Wednesday, February 15, 2017

Wednesday, March 1, 2017

   All Collaborate sessions are scheduled for one­hour, 7:00 pm – 8:00 pm EST.  

Academic Integrity

According to Rule 3.2.1 of the Student Code of Conduct and the Academic Senate Policy on Academic Integrity (adopted May
1, 2001), written or other work, which a student submits in a course shall be the product of his/her own efforts. Plagiarism,
cheating, and all other forms of academic dishonesty are prohibited. Allegations of academic dishonesty or unethical behavior
will be handled according to the Academic Senate policy in conjunction with the Office of Student Life.

Accommodation

Central Michigan University provides students with disabilities reasonable accommodation to participate in educational
programs, activities or services. Students with disabilities requiring accommodations to participate in class activities or meet
course requirements must first register with the Office of Student Disability Services (120 Park Library; Phone:
989.774.3018; TDD: 989.774.2568), and should then contact me as soon as possible.

Technical Problems

From time to time we all encounter technical problems in our high tech and online world.

You have two options:

• Go to CMU Student Tutorials at http://www.cmich.edu/Bb__CMU/Student_Tutorials.htm 
• Call the CMU IT Help Desk 1­800­950­1144 extension 3662 or 989­774­3662. 

VI. COURSE OUTLINE/ASSIGNMENTS

Pre-Class Assignment:
Skim through textbook.
Course Outline:

Week 1 - January 9

Chapter 1- Introduction to the Course & HRM: Gaining a Competitive Advantage

•   Discussion Board Assignment 
•   Collaborate session (Wednesday, January 11 @ 7 pm) 
Week 2 - January 16

Chapter 3 - Legal Environment

•  Critical Thinking Assignment # 1 ­ Employment Law 

Week 3 - January 23

Chapter 5 - HR Planning and Recruitment

•   Collaborate Session # 2 (Wednesday, January 25 @  7 pm) 
•   First Exam (available Thursday, January 26 ­ Sunday, January 29 by 11:55 PM)
•   Critical Thinking Assignment # 2 ­ Recruitment Methods 

Week 4 - January 30

Chapter 6 - Selection and Placement

•   Discussion Board Assignment

•   Critical Thinking Assignment # 3: Hiring a Personal Banker

Week 5 - February 6

Chapter 4 - The Analysis and Design of Work

Chapter 7 - Training

•   Critical Thinking Assignment # 4:   The Company Merger

Week 6 - February 13

Chapter 8 - Performance Management

Chapter 9 - Employee Development

•   Collaborate Session # 3 (Wednesday, February 15 @ 7 PM)
•   Second Exam (available Thursday, February 16 ­ Sunday, February 19 by 11:55 PM) 
•   Critical Thinking Assignment # 5: Developing a Training Program

Week 7 - February 20

Chapter 11 - Pay Structure Decisions

Chapter 13 - Employee Benefits

•   Critical Thinking Assignment # 6 ­ Faculty Pay Grades 

Week 8 - February 27

Chapter 10 - Employee Separation and Retention

Chapter 14 - Collective Bargaining & Labor Relations

•  Collaborate Session # 4 (Wednesday, March 1 @ 7 PM) 
•  Third Exam (available Thursday, March 2 ­ Sunday, March 5 by 11:55 PM) 
•   Professional Article Critique (HBR) ­ Why We Hate HR & What HR Can Do About It (Due Friday, March 3 by 11:55
pm)

Assignment Due Dates:

 Online classes require self-discipline and attention detail as well as keen observation of deadlines. You must be self-
motivated to complete all the assignments in a timely manner. You do not want to fall behind and miss deadlines. There are
no excuses for missed assignments and tests.

A week starts on Monday and ends on Sunday in this course. All assignments are due by the end of the assigned week
(Sunday) at 11:59 pm EST unless otherwise specified or announced.

Post-Class Assignment:
n/a
Student Involvement Hours:

Students are expected to spend approximately 4 hours weekly reading the materials and completing the assignments.

VII. CRITERIA FOR EVALUATION

Evaluation Criteria:

Exams: 3 @ 50 points = 150

Critical Thinking Assignments 6 @ 25 points = 150
Discussion Boards 2 @ 20 points = 40
Professional Article Critique 1 @ 60 points = 60

Total 400 points

Collaborate Session Participation 2 points extra credit for each session attended

Discussion Boards

(2 @ 20 points each = 40 points)

A formal and specific rubric can be found under the Syllabus/Schedule content area of Blackboard. Postings will be
evaluated on the quality of the postings and the degree that the postings promote discussion with classmates. (See Discussion
Board Expectations section for grading criteria). It is important to continue to visit the discussion often to engage on different
levels of the conversations.

Critical Thinking Assignments

(6 @ 25 points each = 150 points)

Critical thinking exercises are designed to assist you in developing critical and creative thinking skills. In the business world
problems do not present themselves in a T/F or multiple-choice format. They require examination, analysis and creative
thinking to be resolved. Critical thinking is an important skill that must be developed to meet today’s business challenges.
Companies like Southwest Airlines, SAS, and Costco did not get to the top of their respective industries by utilizing
traditional thinking.

To complete each exercise you will be asked to assume the role of an HR professional and propose effective solutions to
resolve the human resource challenge presented. A formal and specific rubric can be found under the Assignments content
area of Blackboard for each assignment due in this course. It is vital to read and understand the expectations of each
assignment. All written assignments are to be submitted through the link provided for each assignment. Emailed assignments
to the instructor will not be accepted. Written work should be in APA format (unless otherwise noted), contain material from
the text (with in-text citations) as well as from other applicable sources to show your thorough understanding.

Examples of APA format are provided for you under the Assignments content area of Blackboard. You may also visit the
following website: http://owl.english.purdue.id/owl/resource/560/01/

Critical thinking exercise papers will include a cover sheet, an abstract and a maximum of 3 pages of text (unless
otherwise instructed). In business it is vitally important to strive for brevity and clarity. In other words, get to the
point.

Exams

(3 @ 50 points each = 150 points)

Exams will have two parts: (A) 20 multiple choice questions worth 1 point each (B) 2 Essay Questions worth 15 points each.
All exams are to be completed online through the links provided in Blackboard. The exams are timed. You will be able to
take Part 1(2 attempts with the higher recorded as your test score) and Part 2 (one attempt only) separate from one another.
Essay answers must be thorough, contain textbook material and prove your understanding of the material in a concise and
logical manner.

Professional Business Article Critique

(1 @ 60 points)

You will be asked to prepare a critique of a HBR article. You must describe the article's theme, and the point of view the
author is putting forth. In addition, you will prepare an argument that documents your agreement or disagreement with the
author’s conclusion and make a case how the article is relevant to the business world.  

Collaborate sessions are not mandatory but are very helpful. Two extra credit points are awarded for every
Collaborate session attended.

Grading Scale:

Letter Grade/Point Total

A 375 - 400

A- 360 - 374

B+ 348 - 359

B 335 - 347

B- 320 - 334

C+ 307 - 319

C 296 - 306

C- 280 - 295

D+ 268 - 279

D 256 - 267

D- 240 - 255

E 239 and below

Late Assignments:

Assignment Deadlines

All assignments dates and times are listed in the Assignment Schedule and section of the syllabus. Assignment due
dates are also announced during the class on Blackboard.

A week starts on Monday and ends on Sunday in this course. Assignments/tasks are due by the end of the assigned
week (Sunday) at 11:55 pm EST unless otherwise specified or announced.

The official time of receipt is documented by the CMU email system. Things happen when utilizing email and the web. Do not
wait until the last minute to complete assignments. It is the responsibility of each student to meet class deadlines. No excuses.

Make-ups and Rewrites:

NO LATE WORK. NO MAKE-UPS.

VIII. EXPECTATIONS
Attendance and Participation:
On time completion of all class assignments.
Academic Integrity:

Because academic integrity is a cornerstone of the University's commitment to the principles of free inquiry, students are
responsible for learning and upholding professional standards of research, writing, assessment, and ethics in their areas of
study. Written or other work which students submit must be the product of their own efforts and must be consistent with
appropriate standards of professional ethics. Academic dishonesty, which includes cheating, plagiarism and other forms of
dishonest or unethical behavior, is prohibited. A breakdown of behaviors that constitute academic dishonesty is presented in
the CMU Bulletin (https://bulletins.cmich.edu/).

Student Rights and Responsibilities:

Each member of the Central Michigan University community assumes an obligation regarding self conduct to act in a manner
consistent with a respect for the rights of others and with the University's function as an educational institution. As guides for
individual and group actions within this community, the University affirms the general principles of conduct described in the
Code of Student Rights, Responsibilities and Disciplinary Procedures at
https://www.cmich.edu/ess/studentaffairs/Pages/Code-of-Student-Rights.aspx.

IX. SUPPORT SERVICES AND OTHER REQUIREMENTS

Library Research and Instruction Services

As a CMU student you have full access to the services and resources of the CMU Library. Reference librarians will help you
find information on your research topic and answer other questions related to the library. The library's Documents on Demand
office will obtain copies of the books and journal articles for you. Check out the library's website at https://library.cmich.edu
for more information.

Reference librarian contact information:

1. By email: libref@cmich.edu
2. By online form: http://libguides.cmich.edu/askalibrarianform
3. By phone: (989) 774-3470.

Documents on Demand office contact information:

1. By email: docreq@cmich.edu
2. By online form: https://illiad.cmich.edu/
3. By phone: (989) 774-3022.

Writing Center

The CMU Writing Center is a free online service for all CMU students, providing help with grammar, citations,
bibliographies, drafts, and editing of academic papers. Suggestions and feedback are typically provided within two business
days. For additional information and to submit work, visit http://global.cmich.edu/student/writing-center.aspx

Mathematics Assistance Center

The CMU Mathematics Assistance Center provides free tutoring in mathematics and statistics to students enrolled in select
courses. Tutoring is available online and via telephone. To see what courses qualify and to register with the Math Assistance
Center, visit http://global.cmich.edu/mathcenter/tutoring-request.aspx.

ADA

CMU provides individuals with disabilities reasonable accommodations to participate in educational programs, activities
and services. Students with disabilities requiring accommodations to participate in class activities or meet course
requirements should contact Student Disability Services at (800) 950-1144, extension 3018 or email sds@cmich.edu, at least
4 weeks prior to registering for class. Students may find additional ADA information and forms at
https://www.cmich.edu/ess/studentaffairs/SDS/Pages/default.aspx

Note to faculty: CMU Administration will notify you if applicable; otherwise, the student will provide a "Notification Letter
to the Instructor" outlining the accommodations the student is approved to receive.

X. BIBLIOGRAPHY
Berger, Lance A. and Dorothy R. Berger (ed.), The Talent Management Handbook: Creating Organizational Excellence by
Identifying, Developing, & Promoting YOUR BEST PEOPLE, New York: McGraw-Hill, 2004.

Briscoe, Dennis R., Randall S. Schuler and Lisbeth Claus, International Human Resource Management, Policies and
practices for multinational enterprises, (Third edition), New York: Routledge, 2009.

Buckingham, Marcus, Now, Discover Your Strengths: How to Develop Your Talents and Those of the People You Manage,
New York, Free Press, 2001.

Buckingham, Marcus, The One Thing You Need to Know: ... About Great Managing, Great Leading, and Sustained
Individual Success, New York, Free Press, 2005.

Clutterbuck, David and Stuart Crainer, Makers of Management Men and Women Who Changed the Business World, London:
MacMillan London Limited., 1990.

Ferrazzi, Keith and Tahl Raz, Never Eat Alone: And Other Secrets to Success, One Relationship at a Time, New York:
Doubleday, 2005.

Gatewood, Robert D., Hubert S. Field and Murray Barrick, Human Resource Selection, Mason, Ohio: Thomson South-
Western, 2008.

Gladwell, Malcolm, Blink: The Power of Thinking without Thinking, New York: Little, Brown and Company, 2005.

Levitt, Steven D. and Stephen J. Dubner, Freakonomics, A Rogue Economist Explores The Hidden Side of Everything, New
York: HarperCollins Publishers, Inc., 2005.

Mathis, Robert L. and John H. Jackson, Human Resource Management, (12th Edition), Mason, Ohio: Thomson South-
Western, 2008.

Noe, Raymond A., John R. Hollenbeck, Barry Gerhart, and Patrick M. Wright, Fundamentals of Human Resource
Management (Third edition), New York: McGraw-Hill Irwin, 2009. ISBN-13: 978-0-07-338147-3

Phillips, Jean M. and Stanley M. Gully, Strategic Staffing, Upper Saddle River, NJ: Prentice Hall, Inc. 2009.
 Center Information
Student & Enrollment Services for CMU Online Courses
(800) 950-1144 or cmuonline@cmich.edu

Drop & Withdrawal Policy for Online Courses

https://www.cmich.edu/offices-departments/registrars-office/registration-information-request-forms/drop-withdrawal-
information

Credit/No Credit Deadlines for Online Courses

https://www.cmich.edu/offices-departments/registrars-office/registration-information-request-forms

Office of Information Technology Help Desk https://www.cmich.edu/office_provost/OIT/help/help_desk/Pages/default.aspx

Online Learning Resource Center

https://www.cmich.edu/academics/innovation-online/resources/online-learning-resource-center

Certified Testing Center & Proctoring Information

(989) 774-4461 https://www.cmich.edu/academics/certified-testing-center
_________________________________________________________________

Veterans Resource Center & PAVE: Peer Advisors for Veteran Education (PAVE) Program is a peer support program that
connects incoming student veterans with student veterans already attending CMU in order to help them navigate college life,
identify challenges they are facing, refer them to the appropriate resource on or off campus, and provide ongoing support to
their academic and personal goals. Please refer to the contact information below if you have any questions about PAVE:
Veterans’ Resource Center (114 Warriner Hall; telephone 989­774­7991, veterans@cmich.edu).

CMU CARES: CMU adheres to Core Values of integrity, respect, compassion, inclusiveness, social responsibility,
excellence, and innovation. We deeply care about the health, well-being, safety, and success of our students and our employees.
More information available at https://www.cmich.edu/student-life/cmu-cares
Harassment and discrimination: You have a right to feel safe and supported while pursuing your degree at CMU. If any
professor, student, or staff member makes you feel that you have been discriminated against, disrespected or stuck in a hostile
environment, the Office of Civil Rights and Institutional Equity (OCRIE) is here to help: Bovee UC 306, (989) 774-3253. For
resources and more information, please see https://www.cmich.edu/offices-departments/OCRIE

Sexual misconduct policy: With the exception of the confidential resources named explicitly within the Sexual Misconduct
Policy, all CMU staff and faculty are responsible employees and are required to report any information they know about
possible sexual misconduct to the Title IX Coordinator in OCRIE at (989) 774-3253. This means that any information you may
divulge about such an incident in the classroom or with a faculty member cannot be confidential. Reports to OCRIE are
intended to provide options and resources to survivors. Please keep these reporting obligations in mind as you seek support
from staff and faculty you trust, and know that there are also support centers on campus that will maintain confidentiality, which
include Sexual Aggression Peer Advocates (989-774-2255) and the CMU Counseling Center (989-774-3381). For resources
and more information, please see https://www.cmich.edu/offices-departments/OCRIE
CMU does not discriminate on the basis of sex in the education program or activity that it operates, including
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admission and employment, and is required by Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972 not to discriminate in
such a manner.

Inquiries about the application of Title IX can be made to CMU’s Title IX Coordinator, the US Department of
Education’s Assistant Secretary, or both.

CMU’s Title IX Coordinator can be reached at: 
Office: 103 E. Preston St.
Bovee University Center, suite 306
Mount Pleasant, MI 48858
Email: titleix@cmich.edu
Phone: 989-774-3253

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