Course Schedule for Summer 2019

MPS HR Capstone

This three-credit course will be the culmination of the student’s academic and professional experience in the MPS program. Over the course of the semester, students will work with an organization to help address a real life problem in the organization. The problems will be based on the concentrations of International Human Resources Management, Diversity and Inclusion or Strategic Human Capital Management. Working with their advisor, students will present the resolution to an issue to the sponsoring organization in a reasoned, systemic way. In an effort to ensure a high quality project, the capstone will also include research methods which will provide a foundation in research methods for students for their capstone. Students will learn how to design a research proposal, how to define with specificity and particularity, objectives of research, how to conduct literature reviews and how to assess and implement appropriate research methods based on the needs of the project. The course covers both qualitative methods such as case studies, questionnaires, surveys and interview techniques and an introduction to quantitative methods and data analysis. The faculty advisor will work closely with the student and the sponsoring organization to ensure that the project comprehensively addresses the issue and demonstrates the depth of competency the student gained through the Master of Professional Studies program. In addition to other requirements, students must earn a grade of "B" or higher in the Capstone course to qualify for graduation.

Note: Course is a core requirement for the MPS degree. A grade of "B" or higher is needed to pass this course.

MPS HR Capstone

This three-credit course will be the culmination of the student’s academic and professional experience in the MPS program. Over the course of the semester, students will work with an organization to help address a real life problem in the organization. The problems will be based on the concentrations of International Human Resources Management, Diversity and Inclusion or Strategic Human Capital Management. Working with their advisor, students will present the resolution to an issue to the sponsoring organization in a reasoned, systemic way. In an effort to ensure a high quality project, the capstone will also include research methods which will provide a foundation in research methods for students for their capstone. Students will learn how to design a research proposal, how to define with specificity and particularity, objectives of research, how to conduct literature reviews and how to assess and implement appropriate research methods based on the needs of the project. The course covers both qualitative methods such as case studies, questionnaires, surveys and interview techniques and an introduction to quantitative methods and data analysis. The faculty advisor will work closely with the student and the sponsoring organization to ensure that the project comprehensively addresses the issue and demonstrates the depth of competency the student gained through the Master of Professional Studies program. In addition to other requirements, students must earn a grade of "B" or higher in the Capstone course to qualify for graduation.

Note: Course is a core requirement of the MPS degree. A grade of "B" or higher is needed to pass this course. Additional 180 minute learning component required.

Consulting Skills in Human Capital

As internal Human Resource professionals learn to attain the balance between tactics and strategy, they will increasingly be called on to serve as consultants. External Human Capital Consulting is one of the fastest growing segments of the Professional Services Industry. This course provides students interested in either career with a blend of concepts and practice needed to build solid consulting skills. Emphasis is placed on understanding the nature of consulting, while also scoping and delivering consulting. In addition, students will be taught how to understand the dynamics of organizational culture, relationships and organizational life. Through a series of case studies, students will learn the practical skills needed in designing, facilitating and developing practical skills in consulting. To demonstrate their understanding of consulting skills concepts and their practical application, students will be required to participate in a project simulation involving the development of a client engagement and recommending Human Capital (HC) consulting services for that client. Its purpose is to improve your consulting skills through the simulated performance of a consulting assignment.

Consulting Skills in Human Capital

As internal Human Resource professionals learn to attain the balance between tactics and strategy, they will increasingly be called on to serve as consultants. External Human Capital Consulting is one of the fastest growing segments of the Professional Services Industry. This course provides students interested in either career with a blend of concepts and practice needed to build solid consulting skills. Emphasis is placed on understanding the nature of consulting, while also scoping and delivering consulting. In addition, students will be taught how to understand the dynamics of organizational culture, relationships and organizational life. Through a series of case studies, students will learn the practical skills needed in designing, facilitating and developing practical skills in consulting. To demonstrate their understanding of consulting skills concepts and their practical application, students will be required to participate in a project simulation involving the development of a client engagement and recommending Human Capital (HC) consulting services for that client. Its purpose is to improve your consulting skills through the simulated performance of a consulting assignment.

Note: This course meets online.

Corporate Communications

This course is designed to provide communications professionals with a deep understanding of the interplay between the many corporate communications functions and best-practice approaches to their strategic integration. We will examine how successful communicators leverage the skills of influence, persuasion and organizational awareness to establish themselves as true business partners and, ultimately, maximize their contributions to and impact on the business. In addition to completing the assigned readings, students will survey – and challenge – a broad range of best practices as we consider case studies compiled from organizations of all types and size. Every third class will serve as a lab practical to reinforce the concepts discussed during the prior two sessions, and to give students a chance to apply relevant theories, principles and experiences to real-life scenarios. Working in small groups, the students will devise original solutions to address their assigned issues. The solutions will be submitted for comment and analysis, and some work will be discussed and presented during class time. Upon conclusion of the course, students will have a timely, finely-tuned perspective on how to sell themselves and their know-how to senior teams by partnering with a business and its leaders to build strategies that enable and support business goals.

Creating and Maintaining High-Performance Organizations

The Creating and Maintaining High-Performance Organizations course helps students develop the methods and skills needed to drive performance while maintaining a highly effective work culture. It will help students develop tools to increase performance across the organization and support the achievement of business objectives, while building the leadership capabilities to meet future business needs. This course provides a systemic view of the organization, best practices for creating a productive climate, and the tools and leadership practices to implement these ideas. This course combines theory and case studies. The main resource for the theory part is two assigned textbooks. The cases and supplementary readings are available as a course reader at the bookstore. The focus of this course will be applied and practice-oriented.

Foundations of Training and Development

This class will give students an overview of strategic training and development. Students will examine the issues involved in the design and leadership of a organization-wide training function, as well as a hand’s on understanding of the process of developing training initiatives. Topics include training needs assessment, instructional design, training development and training evaluation. This hands on course will give students the opportunity to develop a training solution for an organizational issue. Students may choose to work on training initiative in a variety of topics including training focused on diversity and inclusion, as well as international/expatriate training.

Note: This course requires an additional 180 minutes of instruction.

Graduate Internships in HR

As students advance through the Master’s in Human Resources Management program (Program),they deepen their knowledge of human resources (HR) concepts, theories, and academic research. While this foundational learning is critical, many students seek added opportunities to gain professional experience and position themselves as future leaders in the field. Accordingly, the Graduate Internships in Human Resources Management course (Course) is designed to complement the Program’s other courses primarily through “on-the-job” experiential learning. Experiential learning serves to bridge the gap between theory and practice, and increases engagement levels by allowing for the meaningful discussion of academic concepts through the lens of real world experiences.

Note: This course meets online. This course requires at least 20 hours of applied experience outside of scheduled class time and requires department approval for registration.

Human Capital Analytics

Leading companies are using Human Capital Analytics for workforce reporting and to help make better, more informed decisions about their human capital. There is a continuum of the value that analytics bring to an organization: basic data reporting, benchmarking and advanced reporting, survey analytics and predictive analytics. Organizations are looking for Human Resource professional who can improve their impact on the business by using the latest analytical tools and techniques. In this course we will focus on developing a foundation in statistical techniques and data management using IBM-SPSS. We will explore workforce reporting and the analytics traditionally used to improve decision-making. We will also introduce advanced analytical tools and techniques, such as predictive modeling, which is making it possible for organizations to glimpse into the future and make informed predictions.

Note: This course meets online.

Human Capital Analytics

Leading companies are using Human Capital Analytics for workforce reporting and to help make better, more informed decisions about their human capital. There is a continuum of the value that analytics bring to an organization: basic data reporting, benchmarking and advanced reporting, survey analytics and predictive analytics. Organizations are looking for Human Resource professional who can improve their impact on the business by using the latest analytical tools and techniques. In this course we will focus on developing a foundation in statistical techniques and data management using IBM-SPSS. We will explore workforce reporting and the analytics traditionally used to improve decision-making. We will also introduce advanced analytical tools and techniques, such as predictive modeling, which is making it possible for organizations to glimpse into the future and make informed predictions.

Note: This course meets online.

Research Process and Methodology

This course is an overview of research methodology in applied settings (e.g., organizations). Over the course of the semester we will cover both qualitative and quantitative approaches to conducting research (e.g., surveys, interviews, focus groups) in organizational settings. Students will develop a conceptual understanding of research design and quantitative analysis options for the consumer of research, learn the appropriate use of vocabulary and interpretation of research findings, and learn how to critique research articles and develop a small-scale proposal. This is an interactive course, where students will share their intellectual passions, collaboratively create ideas, and actively write and/or research during class sessions. This approach allows students to learn hands-on the skills necessary to be competent researchers and scholar-practitioners.

Note: This course meets online.

Research Process and Methodology

This course is an overview of research methodology in applied settings (e.g., organizations). Over the course of the semester we will cover both qualitative and quantitative approaches to conducting research (e.g., surveys, interviews, focus groups) in organizational settings. Students will develop a conceptual understanding of research design and quantitative analysis options for the consumer of research, learn the appropriate use of vocabulary and interpretation of research findings, and learn how to critique research articles and develop a small-scale proposal. This is an interactive course, where students will share their intellectual passions, collaboratively create ideas, and actively write and/or research during class sessions. This approach allows students to learn hands-on the skills necessary to be competent researchers and scholar-practitioners.

Note: This course meets online.

Strategic Planning & HR Strategy

Significant attention is often placed on the role of the HR practitioner as a “Strategic Partner.” “Strategic Planning and Human Resources Strategy” provides an introduction to the business strategic planning process and the role that the human resources process plays in it. Guided by the company’s purpose and mission, an organization develops a strategic plan to ensure that all its activities are integrated and reflect long-term goals. This course will examine the strategic planning process, with an emphasis on the financial, market, and organizational forces that impact strategic choices. Having laid a general foundation in strategy formulation, the course will explore the role that the human resources function plays in the development of organizational strategy. Finally, the course will turn to the responsibility of human resources to develop HR strategies that are aligned to the organization’s strategy and empower HR to advance the company’s purpose and mission. Throughout the course, practical examples of organizational strategic plans supplement assigned readings and classroom discussions. By the conclusion of the course, students will feel comfortable participating in and contributing to the strategic planning process. Students will also have an understanding of how to position the HR function to contribute strategically to the organization.

Note: This course meets online.

Theories of Diversity and Inclusion

The study and practice of diversity and inclusion are based on the social and normative construction of differences. This course provides a solid analysis of foundational and current diversity theory and practice, the social construction of differences, the theoretical underpinnings of diversity and oppression theory/practice in a U.S., and world historical context. It also provides a framework for the differentiation of diversity and inclusion theories, respectively. Practitioner values, ethics, agency and competencies are closely examined throughout the course. In this way, the course provides an in-depth and solid theoretical grounding for HR professionals, and others with responsibility for diversity and inclusion initiatives within organizations. To broaden individual competencies, students become familiar with the “big eight” facets of diversity in the U.S. through experiential learning at all levels of system, including the intra- and interpersonal levels, group, system and societal. In this way, students learn to identify which level of system is most open to being leveraged in support of diversity and inclusion initiatives.

Note: The study and practice of diversity and inclusion are based on the social and normative construction of differences. This course provides a solid analysis of foundational and current diversity theory and practice, the social construction of differences, the theoretical underpinnings of diversity and oppression theory/practice in a U.S., and world historical context. It also provides a framework for the differentiation of diversity and inclusion theories, respectively. Practitioner values, ethics, agency and competencies are closely examined throughout the course. In this way, the course provides an in-depth and solid theoretical grounding for HR professionals, and others with responsibility for diversity and inclusion initiatives within organizations. To broaden individual competencies, students become familiar with the “big eight” facets of diversity in the U.S. through experiential learning at all levels of system, including the intra- and interpersonal levels, group, system and societal. In this way, students learn to identify which level of system is most open to being leveraged in support of diversity and inclusion initiatives.

Workplace Ethics

This three-credit core course is required for all MPS students. It will emphasize core values endemic to the professional world, cutting across several disciplines but with a particular focus on the connections between applied ethics and human resources and diversity. Professionals in various fields, such as H.R., diversity, business, and government, will guest lecture and present the students with real-world case studies which gives them the opportunity to apply ethical principles to their work. The Ethics course is required of all MPS students and should be taken in the first semester of study. In addition to other requirements, students must earn a grade of "B" or higher in the Ethics course to qualify for graduation.

Note: Core requirement of the MPS degree. A grade of "B" or higher is needed to pass.