4010 MGMT Fall 2011 Version 1.0
UNIVERSITY OF COLORADO - BOULDER
LEEDS SCHOOL OF BUSINESS
Employee Relations MGMT 4010
Instructor:
Section Meets:
Office:
Office Hours:
Email:
Dr. Tracy Jennings
KOBL 330 9:30-10:45 (001) and 11:00-12:15 (002)
Rm. 456
Wednesday - 8:30-10:30 and by appointment. Drop-ins welcome.
[e-mail] (preferred means of communication)
Required Texts: (all reading on reserve in Leeds Library)
1.
Custom edition of Gomez-Mejia: Managing Human Resources .
2.
Case Studies can be purchased on-line from Harvard Business School Press:
http://cb.hbsp.harvard.edu/cb/access/9869637
3.
Additional readings are posted on CU Learn under readings link.
Code of Conduct
Hard work, personal responsibility, and ethical actions. In addition, the class will develop its own social
contract based on class consensus (e.g., cell phone texting and computer use, personal attacks, etc.)
Course Objectives
Employee Relations is a set of practices and knowledge that ensures the fair and consistent treatment of
employees. Employee relations practices are rooted in the belief that fairly treated employees are more
likely to help organizations realize their mission, vision, and goals. The course begins with an exploration
of how employee relations practices impact the culture of an organization. Next, we cover employment
practices that help employers comply with employment law. Finally, we examine the tools that the
manager can use to improve employee relations.
This is a senior level course. As such, you will be responsible for mastering much of the content on your
own. I will also assume that you are familiar with principals of management from your other coursework.
Our class time will be used to work through case studies, to debate issues, and to further explore
questions that arise in this fascinating field.
Learning Objectives
Compare, contrast, and evaluate the differences between EEO law, diversity programs, and
Affirmative Action policies.
Articulate programs and policies that will help an organization prevent discrimination and address
discrimination if it occurs.
Understand and evaluate the impact of employee involvement programs: self-managed work
teams, worker involvement in the design of EI programs, TQM, committees on productivity,
worker involvement in work processes, suggestion or complaint systems, information-sharing with
employees, and opinion surveys.
Understand environmental safety and health regulations and their impact in the workplace.
Identify and explain basic processes, e.g., feedback and discipline, through which managers
achieve desired workplace outcomes.
Articulate the essential management skills required during a union organizing campaign.
Master content tested in the Society for Human Resources certification exam (See SHRM.org).
As this is a senior level course, you should already have a considerable background of completed
coursework. I will minimize repetition of most of those details and will rely on your knowledge acquired in
past courses. This may include your coursework in statistics, management, social responsibility, and
accounting.
Preparing for Class: Reading
Optimal learning and use of class time will be enhanced by all students preparing for class in the following
way:
1. The day before class, read the learning objective questions then
2. Read the assignment, focusing on the questions. Again, do this the day before class.
3. After youve read, answer the learning objective questions out loud if possible.
4. If you cannot recall the answer to a question, review the text and try again.
5. Come to class prepared to synthesize, question, and use key points from the material.
Class time will NOT be used to review the reading. Class time will be used to focus on critical issue/s that
need further illustration or that are not covered in the text in the depth that I feel you need.
Class Participation
I want to emphasize that I expect you to be prepared to actively participate in class, either voluntarily,
and/or be called upon by me. Grading class participation clearly has a subjective component. You
should come to office hours ask me how you are doing in terms of participation at any point during the
semester. I can provide feedback and coaching as needed.
Participation will be taken randomly during the semester. Points will be allocated as follows:
No Credit (0)
Absent, late, un-prepared for learning objective or case, multi-tasking
Below average participation: (1)
On time to class but rarely contributes to discussion.
Average participation is characterized by: (2)
Contributes to discussion including cases, learning objective questions and other comments.
Above average participation is characterized by: (3)
Contributes to discussion in a thoughtful manner: Asks questions related to the material, relates
material to work situations or current events, uses analogy, relates concepts (similarities,
differences), and expands on concepts. In addition, a person earning a 3 holds their own in
case study Q & A and may help create a learning community through the proactive helping of
other students.
Individual participation grades will be ranked ordered, and divided into four percentile groups. Each
percentile group will correspond to a letter grade (A,B,C,D or F). No plus or minus grades will be given.
Missing more than five classes will result in a zero grade for this component.
Tests
Tests cover material in the learning objectives questions and in-class. Some exams require a calculator.
Exams are challenging; in order to do well you must keep up with class and the learning material. The
tests are a mix of multiple choice and short answer or essay objective questions and may require a
calculator. You should plan on a minimum of six hours study time IF you have kept up with the learning
objectives questions.
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Project, Case Studies
Discussed separately (see class website)
Grading:
Total
Deliverable
Class participation (may include experimental
Homework)
Point-Counterpoint
Exam 1 and 2
Case Write-up
Code of Conduct
Percentage
15
20
45 (20 + 25)
15
5
100
Note:
1. All grade questions must be addressed in person during my office hours or in an appointment.
2. Peer feedback will be used to assign final grades for the group project. The peer feedback form
is online and is due the day you turn in your project.
Grade Values
Letter Grade
A+
A
AB+
B
BC+
C
CD+
D
DF
Grade Range
97-99
93-96
90-92
87-89
83-86
80-82
77-79
73-76
70-72
67-69
63-66
60-62
Less than 60
Grade Assigned
98.5
95
91.5
88.5
85
81.5
78.5
75
71.5
68.5
65
61.5
Class Policies
The following policies serve two purposes: They create an even playing field and rules of fair play for
students and they allow me to focus on quality of teaching rather than administration. Please familiarize
yourself with these policies.
Late Deliverables: Late papers get marked off 10 points a day including the day they are due.
Papers are due in hardcopy (no emails) during the class period.
Class Announcements: Class announcements (e.g., change) schedule will be made via email. You
will be responsible for the announcements.
Email Policy: Email is the preferred means of communication (if in-person meeting is not feasible).
Please allow two business days for email response. Emails may not be answered on weekends.
Please note: grade questions must be discussed in person.
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Assigned Seating: Seating is assigned. Assigned seating facilitates participation grading and
enables me to learn your names. Several weeks into the semester you will be given the opportunity
to select your own seats.
Excused/Unexcused Absences for Tests and Class Participation : Excused absences are events
recognized by university policy: these include personal medical emergency or absences for religious
observance or disability accommodation (ADA). As a CU student, your primary duty is to your
education. Non-excused events include, but are not limited to: job interviews, club events,
internship responsibilities, family events, sports (unless official letter is provided) or other personal
matters. You may miss class for these reasons, many of them good, but be willing to accept the
trade-offs involved.
Missed Test Policy: There are no make-up examinations. If you have an excused absence I will
use scores from your other tests to determine your grade. But for this to apply, I will need advance
notice and appropriate documentation to establish the reason for the conflict. Otherwise I will assign
a zero for the test. Some unique situations may be excused but these must be discussed with me in
person during the first two weeks of class.
University of Colorado and Leeds School Policies
New Leeds Grading Guidelines
http://leeds.colorado.edu/asset/undergraduate/gradingpolicy.pdf .
Disability: If you qualify for accommodations because of a disability, please submit to me a letter
from Disability Services in a timely manner so that your needs may be addressed. Disability Services
determines accommodations based on documented disabilities. Contact: 303-492-8671, Willard 322,
and http://www.Colorado.EDU/disabilityservices
Disability Services' letters for students with disabilities indicate legally mandated reasonable
accommodations. The syllabus statements and answers to Frequently Asked Questions can be
found at http://www.colorado.edu/disabilityservices
Discrimination. The University of Colorado at Boulder policy on Discrimination and Harassment, the
University of Colorado policy on Sexual Harassment and the University of Colorado policy on
Amorous Relationships apply to all students, staff and faculty. Any student, staff or faculty member
who believes s/he has been the subject of discrimination or harassment based upon race, color,
national origin, sex, age, disability, religion, sexual orientation, or veteran status should contact the
Office of Discrimination and Harassment (ODH) at 303-492-2127 or the Office of Judicial Affairs at
303-492-5550. Information about the ODH, the above referenced policies and the campus resources
available to assist individuals regarding discrimination or harassment can be obtained at
http://www.colorado.edu/odh.
Disruptive behavior: Students and faculty each have responsibility for maintaining an appropriate
learning environment. See polices at:
http://www.colorado.edu/policies/classbehavior.html
and at
http://www.colorado.edu/studentaffairs/judicialaffairs/code.html#student_code
Honor Code: All students of the University of Colorado at Boulder are responsible for knowing and
adhering to the academic integrity policy of this institution. Violations of this policy may include:
cheating, plagiarism, aid of academic dishonesty, fabrication, lying, bribery, and threatening behavior.
All incidents of academic misconduct shall be reported to the Honor Code Council
([e-mail]; 303-725-2273). Students who are found to be in violation of the academic
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integrity policy will be subject to both academic sanctions from the faculty member and non-academic
sanctions (including but not limited to university probation, suspension, or expulsion). Other
information on the Honor Code can be found at:
http://www.colorado.edu/policies/honor.html and at
http://www.colorado.edu/academics/honorcode/
Religious Observances. Campus policy regarding religious observances requires that faculty make
every effort to reasonably and fairly deal with all students who, because of religious obligations, have
conflicts with scheduled exams, assignments or required attendance. In this class you must provide
a written and signed note in advance of the class you are missing. See full details at
http://www.colorado.edu/policies/fac_relig.html
Class Schedule and Readings
Key to reading abbreviations in Class Schedule
Abbreviatio
Reading Source
n
TEXT
Custom Textbook at Bookstore
CUL
Download from CU Learn. Look under readings link.
Case
http://cb.hbsp.harvard.edu/cb/access/9869637
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Week 1
Topic
23-Aug
25-Aug
Introduction
Practice Case
Week 2
30-Aug
1-Sep
Week 3
6-Sep
8-Sep
Week 4
13-Sep
15-Sep
Week 5
20-Sep
22-Sep
Week 6
27-Sep
29-Sep
Week 7
4-Oct
6-Oct
Week 8
11-Oct
13-Oct
Week 9
18-Oct
20-Oct
Week 10
25-Oct
27-Oct
Week 11
1-Nov
3-Nov
Week 12
8-Nov
10-Nov
Week 13
15-Nov
Reading
Cases and Project
Case: What a Star, What
a Jerk
Managerial Influence
Organizational Culture
Schneider Ch. 1, 3, 4 - CUL
Schneider Ch. 5, 6 - CUL
Protecting Against
Discrimination
Protecting Against
Harassment
Text: pgs. 1-38 (except pgs. 1014)
Generic Sexual Harassment
policy - CUL;
Wiki Closes
Conducting Investigations
Affirmative Action
Text: pgs. 10-14
Class Speaker
Point CounterPoint (1,2)
American With Disabilities
Act and FMLA
Diversity Programs
ADA: a Brief Overview - CUL;
FMLA reading - CUL
Text: pgs. 39-76
Speaker: Marti Cardi
Health and Safety
Current Issue
Text: pgs. 247-257
Text: pgs. 258-270
TEST 1
Employee Rights
Text: pgs 169-184
Motivating Employees
Motivating Employees
Point CounterPoint (3,4)
One More Time - CUL
Managing Performance
Case: Managing Diversity
at Spencer Owens
Active Listening - CUL; text,
pgs. 101-113
Text: pgs. 114-126
Managing Performance
Case: Engstrom Auto
Mirror Plant
Point CounterPoint (5,6)
Developing Employee
Relations
Developing Employee
Relations
Recognition, Rewards, and
Fun - CUL
Text: pgs. 137-160
Resolving Conflicts
Current issue
Preparing for a Negotiation - CUL
extra credit due
Case: Thomas Green
Managing Discipline
Text: pgs. 184-198
Speaker: Bill Schilling
Current Issue
Conducting Layoffs
Point CounterPoint (7,8)
Text: pgs. 77-86
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17-Nov
Week 14
22-Nov
24-Nov
Week 15
29-Nov
1-Dec
6-Dec
8-Dec
Conduction Layoffs
Text: pgs. 86-94
Case: Two Tough Calls
(tentative)
Fall Break
Fall Break
Working with Unions
Working with Unions
Text: pgs. 207-220
Text: pgs. 220-239
Working with Unions
Final Exam Review
Point CounterPoint (9,10)
Final Exam: 9:30 Section: Wed. Dec. 14th 4:30. to 7:00 p.m., room 330
Final Exam: 11:00 Section: Mon. Dec. 12th 4:30. to 7:00 p.m., room 330
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