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John W. Budd

One way or another, all employees are managed. But approaches to managing employees varying from employee-to-employee, job-to-job, manager-to-manager, organization-to-organization, and country-to-country. This course provides a foundation for developing your own approach to skillfully managing employees by illustrating alternative human resource management (HRM) strategies, introducing the importance of the legal context, and thinking about what motivates employees. This will then give you the factual and conceptual basis for developing specific, critical HRM skills in subsequent courses on hiring employees, managing performance, and rewarding employees. Don't know anything about HRM? That's OK! Leave this course with a new-found understanding of the range of options available for managing employees, a grasp of what makes workers tick, and the readiness to develop your own HRM skills.

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Syllabus

Alternative Approaches to Managing Human Resources
Welcome to the first week of this course! This section starts with an introduction to the course, and then we'll spend two lessons looking at alternative ways of managing human resources. After completing this module, you will be able to… • Explain why managing people is important. • Compare strategies for managing human resources. • Evaluate the fit between an organization’s HR strategy, a manager’s style(s), and the business environment. • Recommend strategies and styles for managing people in a particular situation.
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What Makes Employees Work? Money, Of Course!
Welcome to the second module of this course! We'll be focusing on the monetary reasons for working, and the lessons for managers that result. After completing this module, you will be able to… • Explain how money can motivate some workers. • Identify key managerial concerns if workers are self-interested and view work economically. • Develop strategies for addressing these key concerns using insights from economics.
What Makes Employees Work Revisited...Non-Monetary Motivations
Welcome to the third module of this course! We'll be focusing on the non-monetary reasons for working, and the lessons for managers that result. After completing this module, you will be able to… • Explain at least four different reasons that people work not related to money. • Identify key managerial concerns when workers work for different non-monetary reasons.• Develop strategies for addressing these key concerns using insights from psychology and sociology. • Justify the (in)application of insights from economics, psychology, and sociology in different situations.
The People Manager as Part of a Complex System
Welcome to the fourth and final module of this course! In this section, we'll finish laying a foundation for managing human resources by looking at the constraints faced by managers, especially the legal environment. After completing this module, you will be able to… • Explain at least four constraints that influence how human resources are managed in a particular organization. • Compare the ways in which the law does and does not see employment as a typical contractual relationship. • Create a list of legal and illegal HRM practices in your country. • Judge when to use strategies for managing people that go beyond what the law requires.

Good to know

Know what's good
, what to watch for
, and possible dealbreakers
Examines human resource management strategies from various perspectives, providing learners with a comprehensive understanding
Explores motivations beyond monetary incentives, addressing key managerial concerns and strategies
Builds a foundation for developing critical HRM skills in subsequent courses
Provides practical insights from economics, psychology, and sociology to enhance managerial decision-making
Introduces the legal context of human resource management, equipping learners with essential knowledge

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Reviews summary

Highly rated hr management course

Learners say this highly rated human resources management course is comprehensive and engaging. Professor Budd receives praise for his clear and accessible lectures that help students understand the theories, foundations, and practical skills of human resources management. The course covers a wide range of topics, including recruitment, selection, onboarding, motivation, and team management. Students appreciate the practical examples and exercises that allow them to apply what they learn to their own work. Overall, learners highly recommend this course for anyone looking to gain a solid foundation in human resources management.
The course includes global perspectives on human resources practices.
"I would recommend it not only for HR beginners but to all HR practitioners who wants to update themselves."
"This is a very nice and helpful course."
"It was a great course, with and excellent professor, J. Budd did a great job, the course content es very instructional, notwithstanding the most of the information is related to the US, the concepts and principles are very useful, thank you so much for the opportunity to learn something really important."
Professor Budd's clear and engaging lectures make the material easy to understand.
"The course is just awesome."
"this course is very helpful in upgrading leadership skills."
"An insightful course that has enabled me to gain new knowledge whilst providing a lot of food for thought."
The course covers a wide range of relevant topics.
"This course takes a three pronged approach to managing people, which I have never seen in any other course work I have pursued."
"This course has been amazing."
"Preparing to Manage Human Resources is an information rich module, and the content delivery by Professor John Budd was just brilliant."
The course provides practical examples and exercises that help students apply their learning.
"This course provide interesting overview in very practical way.."
"I think that this is a great course for people that are just getting started in HR, and more, people who have managed people for a while."
"This class did a really good job of providing a foundation."
Professor Budd is knowledgeable, engaging, and supportive.
"Professor Budd is amazing."
"Prof. Budd is amazing."
"Professor Budd is insightful, funny but most importantly really is able to convey the important information that we need to manage teams effectively."

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 Preparing to Manage Human Resources with these activities:
Review human resource management fundamentals
Reviewing key HRM concepts will strengthen your foundational understanding in human resource management.
Browse courses on Human Resource Management
Show steps
  • Read relevant chapters in textbooks or online resources on HRM fundamentals.
  • Create a summary or outline of key concepts covered in the reading materials.
  • Discuss HRM fundamentals with peers or mentors to gain different perspectives.
Create a comprehensive study guide
Organizing course materials into a study guide will aid in knowledge retention and quick recall of key concepts.
Show steps
  • Gather all course materials, including notes, assignments, and readings.
  • Organize the materials into logical sections and subsections.
  • Summarize the key points of each section, highlighting important concepts.
Read "Human Resource Management: Gaining a Competitive Advantage"
This book provides a comprehensive overview of HRM practices and strategies, enhancing your knowledge of the field.
Show steps
  • Read each chapter thoroughly and take notes on key concepts.
  • Complete the end-of-chapter exercises to reinforce your understanding.
  • Discuss the book's insights with peers or a mentor to gain different perspectives.
Five other activities
Expand to see all activities and additional details
Show all eight activities
Explore case studies on HRM strategy implementation
Analyzing real-world examples will enhance your understanding of HRM strategy implementation and its impact on organizational outcomes.
Browse courses on Case Studies
Show steps
  • Identify case studies on HRM strategy implementation in various industries or organizations.
  • Read and analyze the case studies, paying attention to the challenges, strategies, and outcomes.
  • Participate in online discussions or forums to share insights and learn from others.
Volunteer at a local HR organization or non-profit
Volunteering provides hands-on experience and exposure to practical HRM applications in different settings.
Show steps
  • Identify HR organizations or non-profits that align with your interests.
  • Contact the organization and inquire about volunteer opportunities.
  • Contribute your skills and knowledge to support the organization's HR functions.
Conduct mock interviews and simulations
Engaging in mock interviews and simulations provides hands-on practice and feedback, improving your interviewing skills.
Browse courses on Mock Interviews
Show steps
  • Prepare for mock interviews by researching common interview questions and rehearsing your answers.
  • Conduct mock interviews with peers, mentors, or online platforms.
  • Reflect on your performance, identify areas for improvement, and refine your interview techniques.
Participate in online case competitions or hackathons
Competitions challenge your problem-solving abilities and foster teamwork in a simulated HRM environment.
Show steps
  • Identify case competitions or hackathons related to HRM.
  • Form a team or collaborate with peers to solve the case or develop an innovative solution.
  • Present your solution and compete against other teams for recognition.
Develop an HRM plan for a specific organization
Creating an HRM plan will provide practical experience in applying HRM principles and strategies to a real-world context.
Show steps
  • Research and analyze the target organization's industry, culture, and workforce.
  • Develop an HRM plan that aligns with the organization's strategic objectives.
  • Present your plan to stakeholders and gather feedback for refinement.

Career center

Learners who complete Preparing to Manage Human Resources will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:
Human Resources Manager
As a Human Resources Manager, you will implement policies that impact a workforce. This course provides a foundation of knowledge about alternative approaches to managing human resources, as well as what motivates employees. This information will be invaluable as you build your HR strategy.
Recruiter
Recruiters are always looking for new talent, and this course will provide you with insights into what makes employees tick. It will help you develop strategies for attracting and hiring the best candidates.
Employee Relations Manager
Employee Relations Managers work to resolve employee issues and maintain a positive work environment. This course will provide you with insights into employee motivations, as well as strategies for managing conflict.
Learning and Development Manager
Learning and Development Managers are responsible for developing and implementing training programs. This course will provide you with insights into how employees learn, as well as strategies for creating effective training.
Talent Manager
Talent Managers are responsible for attracting, developing, and retaining talent. This course will provide you with insights into what motivates employees, as well as strategies for managing talent.
Compensation and Benefits Manager
Compensation and Benefits Managers are responsible for designing and implementing compensation and benefits programs. This course will provide you with insights into employee motivations, as well as strategies for designing effective compensation and benefits programs.
Labor Relations Manager
Labor Relations Managers are responsible for managing relationships with unions and employees. This course will provide you with insights into the legal environment of labor relations, as well as strategies for managing unions and employees.
Organizational Development Manager
Organizational Development Managers are responsible for developing and implementing organizational change initiatives. This course will provide you with a foundation of knowledge about organizational theory, as well as strategies for leading change.
Consultant
Consultants provide advice to organizations on a variety of topics, including human resources. This course will provide you with insights into alternative approaches to managing human resources, as well as strategies for managing change and conflict.
Policy Analyst
Policy Analysts develop and implement policies for organizations, including human resources policies. This course will provide you with a foundation of knowledge about public policy, as well as strategies for developing and implementing policies.
Attorney
Attorneys who specialize in employment law provide legal advice to organizations on a variety of human resources issues. This course will provide you with insights into the legal environment of employment law, as well as strategies for managing employees.
Project Manager
Project Managers are responsible for planning and executing projects, which may include human resources projects. This course will provide you with insights into project management, as well as strategies for managing human resources projects.
Business Analyst
Business Analysts analyze business processes and make recommendations for improvement. This course will provide you with insights into business analysis, as well as strategies for improving human resources processes.
Data Analyst
Data Analysts collect and analyze data to identify trends and patterns. This course will provide you with insights into data analysis, as well as strategies for using data to improve human resources decisions.
Management Analyst
Management Analysts study organizations and make recommendations for improvement. This course will provide you with insights into organizational theory, as well as strategies for improving organizational performance.

Reading list

We've selected 15 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 Preparing to Manage Human Resources.
Comprehensive textbook that covers all aspects of human resource management. It would be a valuable resource for students who want to learn more about the field and for practitioners who want to stay up-to-date on the latest trends.
More concise and practical guide to human resource management. It would be a good choice for students who are short on time or who want to focus on the most important aspects of the field.
Shows how to measure and improve the effectiveness of human resource practices. It would be a valuable resource for HR professionals who want to make their programs more data-driven.
Provides insights into what employees want from their work experience. It would be a valuable resource for HR professionals who want to create a more positive and productive work environment.
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Provides insights into what motivates people at work. It would be a valuable resource for HR professionals who want to create a more motivating work environment.
Provides insights into the strengths of introverts. It would be a valuable resource for introverts who want to succeed in the workplace.
This classic book provides insights into the principles of strategy and leadership. It would be a valuable resource for anyone who wants to improve their business skills.
This classic book provides insights into the principles of power and politics. It would be a valuable resource for anyone who wants to improve their understanding of these topics.
Provides insights into the principles of lean startup methodology. It would be a valuable resource for anyone who wants to start a new business or improve their existing business.
Provides insights into the principles of business success. It would be a valuable resource for anyone who wants to improve their understanding of these topics.
Provides insights into the challenges of innovating in a large organization. It would be a valuable resource for anyone who wants to improve their understanding of these topics.
Provides insights into the power of habits. It would be a valuable resource for anyone who wants to improve their understanding of these topics.

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