Catalog Description

Formerly known as BUS 103
Advisory: Eligibility for ENGL C1000
Hours: 54 lecture
Description: A foundational management course for understanding how to manage human capital. The coursework includes a mix of practical application projects and case studies that demonstrate the importance of human resources to care for employees, drive innovation, and create a competitive advantage. An overview of the functional areas of Human Resources including recruitment and staffing, labor laws and legal compliance, compensation and benefits, training and development, workplace health, safety, and security and employee relations. (CSU)

Course Student Learning Outcomes

  • CSLO #1: Identify and explain functions of human resource management.
  • CSLO #2: Solve workplace problems and skillfully perform human resource activities.
  • CSLO #3: Explain career options for human resource professionals.

Effective Term

Fall 2025

Course Type

Credit - Degree-applicable

Contact Hours

54

Outside of Class Hours

108

Total Student Learning Hours

162

Course Objectives

1. Describe the major functions of human resource management.
2. Conduct a job analysis.
3. Write a job specification and job description.
4. Explain and evaluate HR's role in the performance management process.
5. Practice and develop performance evaluation techniques.
6. Write and deliver a Performance Improvement Plan (PIP).
7. Explain how to determine the training needs of the organization.
8. Identify and explain important federal laws governing the employer-employee relationship.
9. Describe the importance of onboarding and prepare a plan for a new employee.
10. Distinguish types of training and ways to evaluate effectiveness.
11. Explain a total rewards system.
12. Identify characteristics of workplace health, safety and security. 

13. Create an interviewing plan including questions and criteria to evaluate candidates.

14. Determine a productivity plan for managing a remote workforce.

General Education Information

  • Approved College Associate Degree GE Applicability
    • CSU GE Applicability (Recommended-requires CSU approval)
      • Cal-GETC Applicability (Recommended - Requires External Approval)
        • IGETC Applicability (Recommended-requires CSU/UC approval)

          Articulation Information

          • CSU Transferable

          Methods of Evaluation

          • Classroom Discussions
            • Example: Through a classroom discussion, students will explain the legal implications of job analysis. Answers graded using a rubric.
          • Objective Examinations
            • Example: Exam question, short answer. Test answers will be evaluated using objective criteria as identified in the textbook. Sample question: Identify which disciplinary procedures are appropriate to use in the following situations: a. Theft b. Sleeping on the job c. Negligence in the performance of duties
          • Skill Demonstrations
            • Example: Create an onboarding plan for a new employee. Students will be evaluated using a 3 point rubric outlining mastery, proficiency and unsatisfactory.

          Repeatable

          No

          Methods of Instruction

          • Lecture/Discussion
          • Distance Learning

          Lecture:

          1. Instructor facilitates student learning by engaging students in class discussion sessions based on textbook and HRM article readings as they apply to job descriptions. (Objective 2)

          Distance Learning

          1. Instructor provides PowerPoint lecture about the performance appraisal process including video examples. Students discuss effective and ineffective appraisal techniques through posting on-line. (Objective 5)
          2. Instructor presents video and audio selections of current issues in HRM for student analysis. Students work in teams to identify deficiencies in workplace safety and prescribe changes by preparing safety program. (Objective 12)
          3. Students create a performance appraisal form and apply it to their own performance. (Objective 5)

          Typical Out of Class Assignments

          Reading Assignments

          1. Students will read an HRM article from Forbes Magazine and identify how an organization's culture impacts recruitment efforts. 2. Students will identify the major laws affecting equal employment opportunity by reading in the course text and view additional case studies on the SHRM.org website.

          Writing, Problem Solving or Performance

          1. Watch "Violence on the Job" video created by the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health: NIOSH Publication No. 2004-100d – publicly available on the NIOSH website (21 minutes). This video highlights the concerns faced by organizations that deal with the public in keeping their employees safe. Environmental, administrative and behavioral precautions are discussed with regard to their effectiveness and applicability in different workplace situations. Complete a worksheet to assess your organization's safety plan. Write recommendations to improve or change the existing plan. If no change is needed, write a memo to all employees to communicate the safety plan. To view the video go to: www.cdc.gov/niosh/docs/video/violence.html and click on Program 1: Violence on the Job.

          Other (Term projects, research papers, portfolios, etc.)

          Student will: 1. Create an interview rating sheet 2. Write and deliver a performance improvement plan 3. Create a job description and job posting for a new position

          Required Materials

          • Human Resource Management
            • Author:
            • Publisher: University of Minnesota
            • Publication Date: 2017
            • Text Edition: 1
            • Classic Textbook?: No
            • OER Link:
            • OER: open.umn.edu/opentextbooks/textbooks/71
          • Fundamentals of Human Resource Management
            • Author: Lussier
            • Publisher: Sage
            • Publication Date: 2023
            • Text Edition: 3rd
            • Classic Textbook?: No
            • OER Link:
            • OER:

          Other materials and-or supplies required of students that contribute to the cost of the course.