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Human Resources Management Capstone

HR for People Managers

John W. Budd, Larry Bourgerie, Alan Benson, and Amy Simon

This specialization provides a robust introduction to the key principles, policies, and practices of human resource management, with a focus on understanding managerial choices and constraints, acquiring and onboarding talent, managing employee performance, and rewarding employees. The capstone project provides learners with the opportunity to apply these key principles and practices to a real-world workplace (including a learner's own workplace if desired). Specifically, the capstone project will involve identifying the key human resources challenges for a workplace--including the most pressing motivational, selection, performance evaluation, and reward issues. And for each of these areas, learners will devise a multi-step action plan for addressing the challenges identified.

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What's inside

Syllabus

Welcome and Getting Started

The capstone project provides you with the opportunity to apply the key principles and practices presented in the four courses of the HRM specialization to a real-world workplace. In this first module, you will get acquainted with the overall expectations of this capstone course and identify the work unit that will be the focus of their your capstone project.

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what should give you pause

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Teaches understanding of key HRM principles and how best to apply them to the workplace

Taught by four instructors, each of whom are recognized as thought leaders in HRM

Provides a strong foundation for learners who are new to HRM

Involves a multi-modal approach to learning and includes a mix of media

Offers a comprehensive study of human resource management

Uses a hands-on approach to learning, involving a capstone project

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Reviews summary

Hr capstone: real-world application

According to students, this capstone course serves as a largely positive and valuable conclusion to the specialization, primarily because of its focus on practical application. Learners consistently praise the opportunity to apply HR concepts to their own workplace or a real-world scenario, finding it invaluable, rewarding, and highly relevant to their jobs. The project structure is frequently mentioned as logical, well-defined, and brilliant in guiding the analysis process. However, a significant point raised by reviewers is the inconsistency and quality of the peer review and grading system, which some found unhelpful or frustrating, occasionally questioning the rigor of the assessment.

Well-designed, step-by-step guidance for analysis.

"The project structure is logical, guiding you step-by-step."

"The project steps are well-defined."

"The framework for analyzing HR issues in a real setting is well-designed."

"The step-by-step approach to analyzing my company's HR situation was brilliant."

Apply HR concepts to real-world workplace scenarios.

"This capstone is a perfect wrap-up... allows you to apply all the concepts learned... to a real-world scenario, which is invaluable."

"Applying the knowledge to my own workplace was challenging but rewarding."

"Working on a real company case (mine) made it very relevant."

"Bringing everything together and applying it to a real situation was fantastic."

"It takes theoretical concepts... and makes you think about how they work in practice... based on my own company, which made it incredibly relevant and useful for my job."

Variable quality of feedback and grading from peers.

"The peer review quality varied quite a bit, some feedback was excellent, others were quite basic."

"The peer review system is a major drawback. Some reviewers didn't seem to understand the material or gave very little useful feedback."

"The peer grading is frustrating. I received low scores and unhelpful comments from people who clearly didn't grasp the nuances... This undermines the value of the assessment."

"The main challenge was getting meaningful feedback from peers. Some were helpful, others were not."

Activities

Be better prepared before your course. Deepen your understanding during and after it. Supplement your coursework and achieve mastery of the topics covered in Human Resources Management Capstone: HR for People Managers with these activities:

Review basic accounting concepts

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Refresh your memory on the foundations of accounting to prepare for this course

Browse courses on Accounting

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Review definitions of assets, liabilities, equity, revenue, and expenses
Go over the basics of the accounting cycle
Watch videos or read articles on basic accounting principles

Review management theories

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Review core management theories to refresh understanding and build a stronger foundation for the course materials.

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Review classic management theories, such as Taylorism and Weberian bureaucracy.
Explore contemporary management theories, such as transformational leadership and servant leadership.
Apply management theories to real-world scenarios through case studies or simulations.

Explore online resources on HR best practices

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Provides access to additional resources and insights on HRM.

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Identify reputable websites and articles on HR best practices.
Review and summarize the key findings from these resources.
Share your findings with the class or a peer.

Nine other activities

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Compile a list of HR software and tools

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Provides an overview of the different software and tools available to support HR functions.

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Research and identify different types of HR software and tools.
Evaluate the features and benefits of each software and tool.
Create a spreadsheet or document to compare and contrast the different options.

Read Human Resource Management by John W. Budd

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Provides a comprehensive overview of the key principles and practices of human resource management.

View Loose-Leaf for Labor Relations on Amazon

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Read chapters 1-5 to gain a foundational understanding of HRM.
Complete the end-of-chapter exercises to test your understanding.
Summarize the key concepts from each chapter in your own words.

Participate in role-playing exercises on employee onboarding

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Practice your skills in employee onboarding through interactive peer sessions

Browse courses on Onboarding

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Review onboarding best practices and resources
Divide into groups and assign roles (e.g., new hire, onboarding manager)
Participate in role-playing exercises to simulate onboarding scenarios
Provide and receive feedback on onboarding techniques

Develop a recruiting plan

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Apply the principles of recruiting to a real-world project to enhance your understanding

Browse courses on Recruiting

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Identify target roles and define job descriptions
Develop sourcing strategies and channels
Create screening process and interview techniques
Prepare a recruiting plan that outlines your strategies and timelines
Present your plan to a peer or mentor for feedback

Solve performance management case studies

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Provides an opportunity to practice applying HRM principles to real-world situations.

Browse courses on Performance Management

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Read and analyze the case study.
Identify the key issues and challenges.
Develop and evaluate potential solutions.
Present your recommendations to the class or a peer.

Create a presentation on performance management strategies

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Enhance your understanding of performance management by creating a visual representation

Browse courses on Performance Management

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Research different performance management strategies
Develop a presentation outline covering key concepts and examples
Design slides using visuals, charts, and data to support your points
Practice your presentation and get feedback from peers or mentors

Develop a recruitment plan

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Allows you to apply the principles of HRM to a practical scenario.

Browse courses on Recruiting

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Identify the target job position and define the required qualifications.
Research and select the most appropriate recruitment channels.
Develop a job description and advertisement.
Screen and interview candidates.
Make a hiring decision and onboarding the new employee.

Conduct a needs assessment for an HR department

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Provides a comprehensive opportunity to apply the principles and practices of HRM to a real-world scenario.

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Identify the key stakeholders and their needs.
Collect and analyze data on the current HR practices.
Identify areas for improvement and develop recommendations.
Present your findings and recommendations to the HR department.

Participate in peer review of compensation and rewards plans

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Enables you to learn from others and gain different perspectives on HRM practices.

Browse courses on Compensation

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Develop a compensation and rewards plan for a specific job position.
Share your plan with a peer and provide feedback on their plan.
Discuss the different approaches and considerations involved in designing compensation and rewards plans.

Career center

Learners who complete Human Resources Management Capstone: HR for People Managers will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:

Human Resources Generalist

Human Resources (HR) Generalists are key members of any organization's HR team. They are responsible for a wide range of HR-related tasks, including recruiting, hiring, onboarding, training, and employee relations. This course is a great way to learn the fundamentals of HR and prepare for a career in this field. The course covers topics such as HR planning, employee recruitment, performance management, and compensation and benefits. This knowledge will be invaluable to you as you work to attract, develop, and retain top talent for your organization.

See salaries and explore the career path for Human Resources Generalist

Human Resources Manager

Human Resources Managers are responsible for overseeing all aspects of HR for their organization. They work closely with senior management to develop and implement HR policies and procedures. This course can help you prepare for a career in HR management by providing you with a strong foundation in the key principles and practices of HR. The course covers topics such as HR planning, employee recruitment, performance management, and compensation and benefits.

See salaries and explore the career path for Human Resources Manager

Compensation and Benefits Manager

Compensation and Benefits Managers are responsible for developing and administering compensation and benefits programs for their organization. This course can help you prepare for a career in this field by providing you with a strong foundation in the principles of compensation and benefits. The course covers topics such as job evaluation, salary administration, and employee benefits.

See salaries and explore the career path for Compensation and Benefits Manager

Employee Relations Manager

Employee Relations Managers are responsible for managing employee relations and resolving workplace disputes. This course can help you prepare for a career in this field by providing you with a strong foundation in the principles of employee relations. The course covers topics such as employee grievances, disciplinary procedures, and workplace investigations.

See salaries and explore the career path for Employee Relations Manager

Recruiter

Recruiters are responsible for finding and hiring qualified candidates for open positions. This course can help you prepare for a career in recruiting by providing you with a strong foundation in the principles of recruitment. The course covers topics such as job analysis, candidate sourcing, and interviewing.

See salaries and explore the career path for Recruiter

Training and Development Manager

Training and Development Managers are responsible for developing and delivering training programs for employees. This course can help you prepare for a career in this field by providing you with a strong foundation in the principles of training and development. The course covers topics such as needs assessment, instructional design, and evaluation.

See salaries and explore the career path for Training and Development Manager

Organizational Development Manager

Organizational Development Managers are responsible for developing and implementing organizational change initiatives. This course can help you prepare for a career in this field by providing you with a strong foundation in the principles of organizational development. The course covers topics such as organizational culture, change management, and leadership development.

See salaries and explore the career path for Organizational Development Manager

Human Resources Information Systems Manager

Human Resources Information Systems Managers are responsible for managing HR information systems. This course can help you prepare for a career in this field by providing you with a strong foundation in the principles of HR information systems. The course covers topics such as HR data management, system implementation, and reporting.

See salaries and explore the career path for Human Resources Information Systems Manager

Payroll Manager

Payroll Managers are responsible for managing payroll for their organization. This course can help you prepare for a career in this field by providing you with a strong foundation in the principles of payroll management. The course covers topics such as payroll processing, tax withholding, and benefits administration.

See salaries and explore the career path for Payroll Manager

Labor Relations Manager

Labor Relations Managers are responsible for managing labor relations for their organization. This course can help you prepare for a career in this field by providing you with a strong foundation in the principles of labor relations. The course covers topics such as collective bargaining, grievance handling, and labor law.

See salaries and explore the career path for Labor Relations Manager

Diversity and Inclusion Manager

Diversity and Inclusion Managers are responsible for developing and implementing diversity and inclusion initiatives for their organization. This course can help you prepare for a career in this field by providing you with a strong foundation in the principles of diversity and inclusion. The course covers topics such as diversity awareness, unconscious bias, and inclusive leadership.

See salaries and explore the career path for Diversity and Inclusion Manager

Management Consultant

Management Consultants provide advice to organizations on a variety of management issues, including HR. This course can help you prepare for a career in management consulting by providing you with a strong foundation in the principles of management. The course covers topics such as strategic planning, organizational development, and change management.

See salaries and explore the career path for Management Consultant

Teacher

Teachers may teach HR-related courses at the high school or college level. This course can help you prepare for a career in teaching HR by providing you with a strong foundation in the principles of HR. The course covers topics such as HR planning, employee recruitment, performance management, and compensation and benefits.

See salaries and explore the career path for Teacher

Social Worker

Social Workers may work with individuals or families who are experiencing HR-related issues, such as unemployment or job loss. This course can help you prepare for a career in social work by providing you with a strong foundation in the principles of HR. The course covers topics such as HR planning, employee recruitment, performance management, and compensation and benefits.

See salaries and explore the career path for Social Worker

Paralegal

Paralegals may work on HR-related legal cases, such as employment discrimination or wrongful termination. This course can help you prepare for a career as a paralegal by providing you with a strong foundation in the principles of HR. The course covers topics such as HR planning, employee recruitment, performance management, and compensation and benefits.

See salaries and explore the career path for Paralegal

Reading list

We've selected nine books that we think will supplement your learning. Use these to develop background knowledge, enrich your coursework, and gain a deeper understanding of the topics covered in Human Resources Management Capstone: HR for People Managers.

HBR's 10 Must Reads on Career Resilience (with...

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Classic guide to management. It provides managers with the timeless principles they need to be effective leaders. It valuable resource for students who want to learn more about how to manage effectively.

Human Resources Management Capstone

HR for People Managers

Two deals to help you save

What's inside

Syllabus

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Save this course

Reviews summary

Hr capstone: real-world application

Activities

Career center

Reading list

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