MGT511 Advanced Topics in Human Resource Management
Module 1 Case
WAGE AND SALARY ADMINISTRATION
Case Assignment
Is There a Maximum Rate of Pay?
You are the Total Rewards Manager for Front Appliance Company. You are usually a pretty relaxed, friendly, and easy-going manager. Although you are a no-nonsense, competent executive, you are one of the most popular managers in the company. This particular morning, however, you feel a challenge ahead.
As chair of Front’s job evaluation committee, you called a late-morning meeting at which several jobs were to be considered for re-evaluation. The jobs had already been rated and assigned to Pay Grade 4. But the Office Manager, Ortho Janson, was upset that one of his employees was not rated higher. To press the issue, Ortho had taken his case to two executives who were members of the job evaluation committee. The two executives (Production Manager Peter Strong and Marketing Manager Margo Arms) then requested that the job ratings be reviewed. Peter and Margo supported Ortho’s side of the dispute, and you are not looking forward to the confrontation that is almost certain to occur.
The controversial job is that of receptionist. Only one receptionist position exists at Front Appliances, and Rebecca Reichart held it. Rebecca has been with the firm 14 years, longer than any of the committee members. She is extremely efficient, and virtually all the executives in the company, including the president, have noticed and commented on her outstanding work. Peter and Margo are particularly pleased with Rebecca because of the cordial manner in which she greets and accommodates Front’s customers and vendors, who frequently visit the plant. They feel that Rebecca projects a positive image of the company.
To begin the meeting, you say the following:
(Fill in what you would say.)
But before you can finish, Peter interrupts: “I suggest we start with Rebecca.” Margo nods in agreement. When you regain your composure, you quietly but firmly assert:
(Fill in what you would say.)
Then you proceed to pass out copies of the receptionist job description to Peter and Margo, who are visibly irritated.
Continue in the meeting and lead the discussion, in a conversational tone as if Rebecca were also in the room.
1              Explain to the group why you insist that the job, not the person, be evaluated.
2              Share with the others whether or not you think there should be a maximum rate of pay for every job in an organization, regardless of how well the job is being performed. Justify your response.
3              Rebecca is earning the maximum of the range for her pay grade. Discuss ways an employee at the top of his/her pay range might be able to obtain a salary increase. Be specific and give good examples that Rebecca might also be able to apply easily to her situation.
Use at least 3 library sources and/or module materials to help strengthen and support what you say.
Submit your response by the module due date. Your response can be in one of the following formats:
•             Audio (about 8-10 minutes, with a written reference list provided)
•             Audio/visual (about 8-10 minutes, providing a reference list either within the video, on a slide, or in a separate document)
•             Written submission (3–4 pages, not counting the cover and reference page)
Assignment Expectations
Your submission will be evaluated using the criteria as stated in the Case rubric. The following is a review of the rubric criteria:
•             Assignment-Driven: Does the submission fully address all aspects of the assignment? Is the assignment addressed accurately and precisely using sound logic? Does it meet minimum length requirements?
•             Critical Thinking: Does the submission demonstrate graduate-level analysis, in which information derived from multiple sources, expert opinions, and assumptions has been critically evaluated and synthesized in the formulation of a logical set of conclusions? Does it address the topic with sufficient depth of discussion and analysis?
•             Business Writing: Is the submission logical, well organized and well written? Are the grammar, spelling, and vocabulary appropriate for graduate-level work? Are section headings included, if submission is in written form? Are paraphrasing and synthesis of concepts the primary means of responding, or is justification/support instead conveyed through excessive use of direct quotations?
•             Effective Use of Information: Does the submission demonstrate that the student has read, understood, and can apply the background materials for the module? If required, has the student demonstrated effective research, as evidenced by student’s use of relevant and quality (library) sources? Do additional sources used provide strong support for conclusions drawn, and do they help in shaping the overall submission?
•             Citing Sources: Does the student demonstrate understanding of APA Style of referencing, by inclusion of proper citations (for paraphrased text and direct quotations) as appropriate? Have sources (e.g., references used from the Background page, the assignment readings, and outside research) been included, and are these properly cited? Have all sources cited in the submission been included on the References page?
Timeliness: Has the assignment been submitted to TLC (Trident’s learning management system) on or before the module’s due date?
 
MGT511 Advanced Topics in Human Resource Management
Module 1 SLP
WAGE AND SALARY ADMINISTRATION
View the following video concerning internal equity.

(Patriot Software, 2016)
Time for Change in Pay Plans?
You are a newly hired HR professional now working for Jeans Inc. Jeans does not have a formal wage structure or rate ranges and does not use compensable factors. Wages are basically set on prevailing wages in surrounding communities coupled with some attempt for internal equity among workers.
Jeans does not participate in formal pay surveys. Instead, the administrative assistant routinely looks over online job openings and conducts informal surveys among her friends in local organizations. Jeans has always followed a policy of paying employees about 10% above what the assistant determines are the prevailing rates. She thinks this reduces turnover and fosters employee loyalty. The practice is to pay men about 20% more than women for the same job. The assistant explains, “When we hire males, they have families, and they are stronger and can work harder for longer hours.”
Answer the following four questions below. Use question-and-answer (Q&A) format; in other words, include the original question along with your response. Within your answer, support your responses with information from at least 2 reputable sources (library and/or Web-based), and provide the full citation at the end. Use APA format for your references. Share your own personal experiences, readings, and research, where applicable.
1.            Compare and contrast two job evaluation methods discussed in this module. Which method (if any) do you recommend for Jeans Inc.? Why?
2.            Should Jeans Inc. set up a formal salary structure based on a complete job evaluation? Why or why not?
3.            Is the policy of paying 10% more than the prevailing rates a sound one? If so, how could it be determined? If not, what do you recommend?
4.            What would you do now with respect to a pay plan process at Jeans Inc.? Why?
SLP Assignment Expectations
Your paper will be evaluated using the criteria as stated in the SLP rubric. The following is a review of the rubric criteria:
•             Assignment-Driven: Does the paper fully address all aspects of the assignment? Is the assignment addressed accurately and precisely using sound logic? Does the paper meet minimum length requirements?
•             Critical Thinking: Does the paper demonstrate graduate-level analysis, in which information derived from multiple sources, expert opinions, and assumptions has been critically evaluated and synthesized in the formulation of a logical set of conclusions? Does the paper address the topic with sufficient depth of discussion and analysis?
•             Business Writing: Are the responses logical, well organized, and well written? Are the grammar, spelling, and vocabulary appropriate for graduate-level work? Are paraphrasing and synthesis of concepts the primary means of responding, or is justification/support instead conveyed through excessive use of direct quotations?
•             Effective Use of Information: Does the submission demonstrate that the student has read, understood and can apply the background materials for the module? If required, has the student demonstrated effective research, as evidenced by student’s use of relevant and quality (library?) sources? Do any additional sources used provide strong support for conclusions drawn, and do they help in shaping the overall paper?
•             Citing Sources: Does the student demonstrate understanding of APA Style of referencing, by inclusion of proper citations (for paraphrased text and direct quotations) as appropriate? Have sources (e.g., references used from the Background page, the assignment readings, and outside research) been included, and are these properly cited? Have all sources cited in the paper been included on the References page?
•             Timeliness: Has the assignment been submitted to TLC (Trident’s learning management system) on or before the module’s due date?
MGT511 Advanced Topics in Human Resource Management
Module 2 Case
EMPLOYEE BENEFITS
Assignment Overview
Compensation and Strategy: Controlling Benefits Costs
The ability to adequately control employee benefit costs today is often the difference between organizations that are successful and those that are not.
This is even more complex with the recent governmental focus on health insurance and the attempts to roll back the Affordable Care Act. If you are interested in mandated health insurance in the U.S., a Google search will result in several sources; for example:
Levy, N. and Kim, K. (July 2017). A side-by-side comparison
of Obamacare and the GOP’s replacement plans (2017). The
Los Angeles Times. Retrieved from
http://www.latimes.com/projects/la-na-pol-obamacare-repeal/.
Case Assignment
For this assignment, you are asked to write a blog discussing:
1              How health insurance benefits impact (a) an organization’s business results, and (b) employee wellbeing.
2              Discuss how businesses today attempt to control their health insurance costs while still using benefit packages as recruitment and retention tools.
3              Give practical examples and real-life business examples of health insurance benefit best practices (include employer names from your readings/research).
Use at least 3 library sources and/or module materials to help strengthen and support your response. Paper length: 3-4 pages, not counting the cover and reference pages.
Submit your paper by the module due date.
Assignment Expectations
Your paper will be evaluated using the criteria as stated in the Case rubric. The following is a review of the rubric criteria:
•             Assignment-Driven: Does the paper fully address all aspects of the assignment? Is the assignment addressed accurately and precisely using sound logic? Does the paper meet minimum length requirements?
•             Critical Thinking: Does the paper demonstrate graduate-level analysis, in which information derived from multiple sources, expert opinions, and assumptions has been critically evaluated and synthesized in the formulation of a logical set of conclusions? Does the paper address the topic with sufficient depth of discussion and analysis?
•             Business Writing: Is the essay logical, well organized and well written? Are the grammar, spelling, and vocabulary appropriate for graduate-level work? Are section headings included? Are paraphrasing and synthesis of concepts the primary means of responding, or is justification/support instead conveyed through excessive use of direct quotations?
•             Effective Use of Information: Does the submission demonstrate that the student has read, understood, and can apply the background materials for the module? If required, has the student demonstrated effective research, as evidenced by student’s use of relevant and quality (library?) sources? Do additional sources used provide strong support for conclusions drawn, and do they help in shaping the overall paper?
•             Citing Sources: Does the student demonstrate understanding of APA Style of referencing, by inclusion of proper citations (for paraphrased text and direct quotations) as appropriate? Have all sources (e.g., references used from the Background page, the assignment readings, and outside research) been included, and are these properly cited? Have all sources cited in the paper been included on the References page?
•             Timeliness: Has the assignment been submitted to TLC (Trident’s learning management system) on or before the module’s due date?
 
MGT511 Advanced Topics in Human Resource Management
Module 2 SLP
EMPLOYEE BENEFITS
In this assignment you will be analyzing the following Social Security benefits:
•             life insurance
•             disability income
•             Medicare
•             retirement income
To begin, create a table of facts and figures that you have developed showing important information about these benefits. Refer to your table in the text of your essay. Respond to the following:
Provide an overview of the Social Security benefits listed above.
Compare and contrast the four benefits.
Did it help you to present some of the information for this SLP assignment in table form? Why or why not?
Use at least 3 library sources and/or module materials to augment the Sanicola (2011) source.
Your submission should be 2-3 pages in addition to the page with the table, your cover page, and your Reference page. Provide enough discussion/detail to make this assignment informative to you and to your reader.
Submit your paper by the module due date.
SLP Assignment Expectations
Your paper will be evaluated using the criteria as stated in the SLP rubric. The following is a review of the rubric criteria:
•             Assignment-Driven: Does the paper fully address all aspects of the assignment? Is the assignment addressed accurately and precisely using sound logic? Does the paper meet minimum length requirements?
•             Critical Thinking: Does the paper demonstrate graduate-level analysis, in which information derived from multiple sources, expert opinions, and assumptions has been critically evaluated and synthesized in the formulation of a logical set of conclusions? Does the paper address the topic with sufficient depth of discussion and analysis?
•             Business Writing: Is the essay logical, well organized, and well written? Are the grammar, spelling, and vocabulary appropriate for graduate-level work? Are section headings included? Are paraphrasing and synthesis of concepts the primary means of responding, or is justification/support instead conveyed through excessive use of direct quotations?
•             Effective Use of Information: Does the submission demonstrate that the student has read, understood and can apply the background materials for the module? If required, has the student demonstrated effective research, as evidenced by student’s use of relevant and quality (library?) sources? Do additional sources used provide strong support for conclusions drawn, and do they help in shaping the overall paper?
•             Citing Sources: Does the student demonstrate understanding of APA Style of referencing, by inclusion of proper citations (for paraphrased text and direct quotations) as appropriate? Have all sources (e.g., references used from the Background page, the assignment readings, and outside research) been included, and are these properly cited? Have all sources cited in the paper been included on the References page?
Timeliness: Has the assignment been submitted to TLC (Trident’s learning management system) on or before the module’s due date?
 
MGT511 Advanced Topics in Human Resource Management
Module 3 Case
EMPLOYEE BENEFITS: CONTINUED
Assignment Overview
Today’s HR professionals are expected to measure the success or failure of HR practices based on the achievement of organizational outcomes. Brand identity, bottom-line profitability, employee job satisfaction, and increased management focus are all outcomes that can be achieved in part through an organization’s total rewards program.
This case examines a fictitious M. K. Makey organization and how it aligns its total rewards programs with its organizational goals and values.
Read the The Makey Case.
Case Assignment
You have been asked to write an opinion piece for a local newspaper in which you address the following:
1              Analyze the practice of companies offering their own products to enhance the total compensation of its employees.
2              Is this a common practice in U.S. organizations? Give real-life examples (employers by name). In your educated opinion, do you think this is a good idea? Why or why not?
3              Make recommendations regarding an expansion of the benefits programs offered at Makey’s. Justify your recommendations with outside sources.
Use at least 3 library sources &/or module sources to help strengthen and validate your discussion. Also, utilize actual employer examples (stating employers by name) from your readings/research.
Submit your paper by the module due date. Paper length: 3-4 pages (not counting the cover and reference pages).
Assignment Expectations
Your paper will be evaluated using the criteria as stated in the Case rubric. The following is a review of the rubric criteria:
•             Assignment-Driven: Does the paper fully address all aspects of the assignment? Is the assignment addressed accurately and precisely using sound logic? Does the paper meet minimum length requirements?
•             Critical Thinking: Does the paper demonstrate graduate-level analysis, in which information derived from multiple sources, expert opinions, and assumptions has been critically evaluated and synthesized in the formulation of a logical set of conclusions? Does the paper address the topic with sufficient depth of discussion and analysis?
•             Business Writing: Is the essay logical, well organized, and well written? Are the grammar, spelling, and vocabulary appropriate for graduate-level work? Are section headings included? Are paraphrasing and synthesis of concepts the primary means of responding, or is justification/support instead conveyed through excessive use of direct quotations?
•             Effective Use of Information: Does the submission demonstrate that the student has read, understood, and can apply the background materials for the module? If required, has the student demonstrated effective research, as evidenced by student’s use of relevant and quality (library?) sources? Do additional sources used provide strong support for conclusions drawn, and do they help in shaping the overall paper?
•             Citing Sources: Does the student demonstrate understanding of APA Style of referencing by inclusion of proper citations (for paraphrased text and direct quotations) as appropriate? Have all sources (e.g., references used from the Background page, the assignment readings, and outside research) been included, and are these properly cited? Have all sources cited in the paper been included on the References page?
•             Timeliness: Has the assignment been submitted to TLC (Trident’s learning management system) on or before the module’s due date?
 
MGT511 Advanced Topics in Human Resource Management
Module 3 SLP
EMPLOYEE BENEFITS: CONTINUED
You have been asked to give a 10-minute presentation to a college’s undergraduate HRM class. You have decided to use the following case scenario to spearhead the discussion.
An Attractive Benefits Package?
Susan greeted Beutan, her next interview applicant. Beutan had an excellent academic record and appeared to be just the kind of person Susan’s company, Jones Investments, was seeking in an investments technician. Susan is the staffing specialist for Jones and had already interviewed two individuals for the position.
Based on the application form, Beutan appeared to be the most promising candidate to be interviewed that day. From his past experience it looked as if he could be in his mid-forties. His address showed that he lived 45 miles away from the Jones facility. The application stated that Beutan achieved a 3.7 GPA in his master’s courses, with a 4.0 in his major field of finance. He achieved his degree a year ago by working during the day and attending classes at night. Beutan was not only treasurer of his district’s financial planning association but also served as volunteer on the high school’s financial advising committee. The recommendation letters in Beutan’s file revealed that he was both active socially and a rather intense and serious student. One of the letters from Beutan’s full-time employer of four years boasted a notable work ethic.
Beutan was laid off due to a cutback in business and was looking again for full-time work.
Susan knew that discussion of benefits could be an important part of the recruiting interview. But she did not know which aspects of Jones’ benefits program would appeal most to Beutan. The company has an excellent profit-sharing plan, although 80% of profits distributions are deferred and included in each employee’s retirement account. Health benefits are also good. It also has long-term care insurance but no short-term care. The company’s medical and dental plan pays a significant portion of costs. A company lunchroom provides meals at prices about 65% less than outside prices. Employees get one week of paid vacation after the first year and two weeks after two years with the company. Five days are provided each year for sick leave. In addition, there are 7 paid holidays each year. Finally, the company encourages advanced education, paying for tuition and supplies for courses directly related to an employee’s job. Under certain circumstances, employees are allowed time off to attend classes during the day. Jones also provides a 50% daycare discount for employees with young children.
After you have read the above situation carefully, respond to the following questions in a slide presentation of about 10 slides.
•             What aspects of the Jones Investments benefits program are likely to appeal to Beutan? Explain.
•             What aspects of the Jones benefit package would likely be the least appealing to Beutan? Discuss.
•             In today’s work environment, what other benefits offered by employers might be attractive to Beutan? Why? Share examples of best-practice benefits offered by employers (discussing at least two employers by name).
Use at least 2 library sources to help strengthen and support your presentation.
Prepare 10 slides and add a voice-over component (in PowerPoint). Be sure to present a list of references at the end of your presentation.
Submit your presentation by the module due date.
SLP Assignment Expectations
Your paper will be evaluated using the criteria as stated in the SLP rubric. The following is a review of the rubric criteria:
•             Assignment-Driven: Does the paper fully address all aspects of the assignment? Is the assignment addressed accurately and precisely using sound logic? Does the paper meet minimum length requirements?
•             Critical Thinking: Does the paper demonstrate graduate-level analysis, in which information derived from multiple sources, expert opinions, and assumptions has been critically evaluated and synthesized in the formulation of a logical set of conclusions? Does the paper address the topic with sufficient depth of discussion and analysis?
•             Business Writing: Is the essay logical, well organized, and well written? Are the grammar, spelling, and vocabulary appropriate for graduate-level work? Are section headings included? Are paraphrasing and synthesis of concepts the primary means of responding, or is justification/support instead conveyed through excessive use of direct quotations?
•             Effective Use of Information: Does the submission demonstrate that the student has read, understood and can apply the background materials for the module? If required, has the student demonstrated effective research, as evidenced by student’s use of relevant and quality (library?) sources? Do additional sources used provide strong support for conclusions drawn, and do they help in shaping the overall paper?
•             Citing Sources: Does the student demonstrate understanding of APA Style of referencing, by inclusion of proper citations (for paraphrased text and direct quotations) as appropriate? Have all sources (e.g., references used from the Background page, the assignment readings, and outside research) been included, and are these properly cited? Have all sources cited in the paper been included on the References page?
Timeliness: Has the assignment been submitted to TLC (Trident’s learning management system) on or before the module’s due date?
 
MGT511 Advanced Topics in Human Resource Management
Module 4 Case
TOTAL REWARDS IN PRACTICE
Case Assignment
Take a look at the Top 20 Employee Benefits & Perks for 2017 by Glassdoor.
Eventbrite.com/press
The following employers are listed (No. 1 is the top employer):
1              IKEA
2              Reebok
3              Bain & Company
4              Goldman Sachs
5              Facebook
6              Scripps Health
7              Starbucks
8              American Express
9              Eventbrite
10           Whole Foods Market
11           In-N-Out
12           Deloitte
13           Gap Inc.
14           Microsoft
15           Swiss Re
16           Amazon
17           USAA
18           Southwest
19           Genetech
20           Timberland
•             Select one of these employers that you have not studied before and conduct research on the total rewards they offer and how they evaluate the effectiveness of those offerings. If you cannot find how the specific employer evaluates their programs, then research and discuss best approaches to evaluate their offerings.
Present your findings in one of the following ways:
•             A presentation of 10-12 slides, with either voice-over on the slides, or with detailed notes included with your slides.
•             A 4-page brochure
•             An essay format
Be sure to also include a list of references used.
Assignment Expectations
Your submission will be evaluated using the criteria as stated in the Case rubric. The following is a review of the rubric criteria:
•             Assignment-Driven: Does the submission fully address all aspects of the assignment? Is the assignment addressed accurately and precisely using sound logic? Does it meet minimum length requirements?
•             Critical Thinking: Does the submission demonstrate graduate-level analysis, in which information derived from multiple sources, expert opinions, and assumptions has been critically evaluated and synthesized in the formulation of a logical set of conclusions? Does it address the topic with sufficient depth of discussion and analysis?
•             Business Writing: Is the submission logical, well organized and well written? Are the grammar, spelling, and vocabulary appropriate for graduate-level work? Are section headings included? Are paraphrasing and synthesis of concepts the primary means of responding, or is justification/support instead conveyed through excessive use of direct quotations?
•             Effective Use of Information: Does the submission demonstrate that the student has read, understood, and can apply the background materials for the module? If required, has the student demonstrated effective research, as evidenced by student’s use of relevant and quality (library?) sources? Do additional sources used provide strong support for conclusions drawn, and do they help in shaping the overall paper?
•             Citing Sources: Does the student demonstrate understanding of APA Style of referencing, by inclusion of proper citations (for paraphrased text and direct quotations) as appropriate? Have all sources (e.g., references used from the Background page, the assignment readings, and outside research) been included, and are these properly cited? Have all sources cited in the paper been included on the References page?
Timeliness: Has the assignment been submitted to TLC (Trident’s learning management system) on or before the module’s due date?
 
MGT511 Advanced Topics in Human Resource Management
Module 4 SLP
TOTAL REWARDS IN PRACTICE
Address the following questions in a question-and-answer format; that is, state the question and then answer it in detail.
The Background readings for this module explore the premise of how contingent workers, who have become a key foundation of the U.S. workforce, are compensated. In this assignment, compare and contrast the various aspects of how contingent workers are compensated compared with conventional workers. As you undertake this comparative analysis, address the following:
•             How does the employment of contingent employees affect an organization’s business, its HRM responsibilities, its overall costs, and its organizational culture?
•             In your educated opinion, should the compensation of contingent workers be the same (on a pro-rated basis) as conventional, full-time employees doing the same work? Discuss, bringing in both the strengths and challenges this approach presents.
•             How would you, as the CEO of the company, create a sense of engagement with the infusion of contingent workers in a workplace that historically consisted of conventional, full-time employees?
Use at least 2 library sources and/or background readings to help strengthen and support your 3-page response.
Submit your paper by the module due date.
SLP Assignment Expectations
Your paper will be evaluated using the criteria as stated in the SLP rubric. The following is a review of the rubric criteria:
•             Assignment-Driven: Does the paper fully address all aspects of the assignment? Is the assignment addressed accurately and precisely using sound logic? Does the paper meet minimum length requirements?
•             Critical Thinking: Does the paper demonstrate graduate-level analysis, in which information derived from multiple sources, expert opinions, and assumptions has been critically evaluated and synthesized in the formulation of a logical set of conclusions? Does the paper address the topic with sufficient depth of discussion and analysis?
•             Business Writing: Is the essay logical, well organized, and well written? Are the grammar, spelling, and vocabulary appropriate for graduate-level work? Are section headings included? Are paraphrasing and synthesis of concepts the primary means of responding, or is justification/support instead conveyed through excessive use of direct quotations?
•             Effective Use of Information: Does the submission demonstrate that the student has read, understood and can apply the background materials for the module? If required, has the student demonstrated effective research, as evidenced by student’s use of relevant and quality (library?) sources? Do additional sources used provide strong support for conclusions drawn, and do they help in shaping the overall paper?
•             Citing Sources: Does the student demonstrate understanding of APA Style of referencing, by inclusion of proper citations (for paraphrased text and direct quotations) as appropriate? Have all sources (e.g., references used from the Background page, the assignment readings, and outside research) been included, and are these properly cited? Have all sources cited in the paper been included on the References page?
Timeliness: Has the assignment been submitted to TLC (Trident’s learning management system) on or before the module’s due date?

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