Author: chris

MBA672/Human Resource Management

Final Exam

Cases and Internet Sites:

The Lincoln Electric Company (p. 559)
http://www.lincolnelectric.com

Southwest Airlines (p. 574)
http://www.southwest.com

Overview
1. Read the cases thoroughly to assess the effectiveness of each company’s human resource management system.
2. Note these categories of human resource management activities.

Total Compensation
See case questions on page 391 and 431.

Benefits and Services
See case questions on page 470.

Unionization
See case questions on page 556.

3. For each of the three categories above, write a mini-paper (2 or more pages) in which you compare, contrast, and evaluate human resource management practices employed by the two companies. Assert your opinions; offer ideas and make recommendations.
4. Case questions located on the pages indicated may give you some ideas of topics you might include in each mini-paper. However—as long as you compare, contrast, and evaluate the practices—it is up to you to determine what content to include and what not to include in your mini-papers.
5. You are expected to apply concepts learned in this course. Use the precise terminology of the field of human resource management and refer frequently to concepts from the textbook.
6. Secondary research is always welcome in graduate school assignments, but is not required for this exam. If you choose to visit company websites or read a few relevant articles, and include any information contained therein, cite your sources using APA format.

Conduct an interview with your chosen individual who works in the following department: emergency management department.

Write a 1,050- to 1,400-word paper about your interview. Include the following:
•A description of the targeted department or facility
•Information about the type of work done in the department or facility
•Any interesting, informative, or specific information related to the chosen department that makes it unique
•The targeted interviewee and responsibilities
•Examples of interviewees:
•Licensed professional
•Human resources director
•Department manager
•Full-time management employee

In this section of the paper, you will describe what market structure/industry (perfect competition, monopoly, oligopoly, or monopolistic competition) the product/service or firm that you analyzed in your market analysis paper would most likely fall under. You will argue for why you chose this market structure by using the assumptions that we learned for each type of industry. Then explain how the firm or firms of the product/service that you analyzed would behave in this market structure.

Here are some of the questions you should be answering. How competitive is the market for firms that produce this type of product or service? Can you find the HHI or concentration ratio for the industry? Are there many close substitutes for this product or service? Is there complete information in the market? If there are barriers in this industry, what may they be? Do firms producing these products/services face their own part of the market demand? How do they choose quantity? How do they choose price? What may be some examples of firms producing these types of products or services? If there is competition, how do the firms act?

I already know what my thesis statement for my research paper. My artist for the research paper is Louise Bourgeois. After reviewing most of her work, I would like to Write about the psychology and messages behind her work, which has to relate with her childhood for which she considered making art. For example, how spirals, spiders, cages, medical tools, parts of the body are related to her experience in life.

Effectively managing across globally dispersed multidisciplinary teams is an increasing challenge facing international organisations. The rapid emergence of a digital culture requires these companies to develop new and engaging business models in ensuring a competitive advantage. For example according to a recent Gallup Employee Engagement Index (Q4 2010), 72% of employees have been found to be either actively disengaged or not engaged at work. This has an impact on the management of globally dispersed teams in an international setting. For your report you are required to select an EU organisation engaged in one of the following key industries:

• Call Centre Offshoring

• Software Development Offshoring

Based on your chosen organisation you are required to complete an analytical report supported by academic research focusing on the following three points:

1. Cross-Border Offshoring Management.

2. Cultural Dimensions.

3. Gamification.

In completing your report you should draw on existing international management literature, academic research and theory to Critically evaluate cross-border offshoring management, cultural dimensions and gamification challenges by analysing and discussing the various approaches between the company’s EU operations and its international activities.

The Pancatantra stories were moral tools used by a Brahmin scholar to educate princes, and the Kathasaritsagara (the Ocean of Rivers of Stories) was a selection that grew out of ‘entertaining tales.
Write a comparative essay on the selections from the Pancatantra and the Kathasaritsagara. You can pick either one short tale from each or the framing narrative. Do not use external sources; use your interpretation, and the class discussions. Focus on morality and/or entertainment.

Memo: Suitable ways to Challenge the Effects of Stress on Employees’ Productivity
Outline
• Factors that will motivate workers to increase their productivity
• Teamwork’s role in the workplace
• The role of the management in creating good work environments
• Stress management in the workplace
Employment policies and employees job security

OPTION 3 (From Alicja Herriott) What Do Different Generations Do With Their Technology When They are All Together?

Select a location that will include at least 10 people from several generations. This could be a coffee shop, a mall, a restaurant or even a family gathering. You will need a piece of paper and a writing implement to take notes. Your job is to simply pay attention to what those people are doing for ONE HOUR and to note the generations of the 10 or more people (to the best of your abilities) and take notes to answer the following questions.
Describe where you decided to do your hour observation and describe the 10 or more people you observed. Be specific about the people including how many of each generation were there.
Combine the people from each generation into a group and describe what they were doing in the following areas:
Were they alone or in groups?
How much of the hour did each person use a device?
How much time did they NOT use devices? If they weren’t using a device what were they doing?What did they appear to be doing with their devices?
For those who were in groups of two or more answer the following:
How did the two people interact? Did they talk the whole time? Were they interrupted in their talking by device usage?
How did the people react if one group member started using a device?

Critical Appraisal of a Quasi-Experimental Quantitative Study

Research Article: Schultz, A. A., Goodwin, P. A., Jesseman, C., Toews, H. G., Lane, M., & Smith, C. (2008). Evaluating the effectiveness of gel pillows for reducing bilateral head flattening in preterm infants: A randomized controlled pilot study. Applied Nursing Research, 21(4), 191-198.

QUANTITATIVE CRITICAL APPRAISAL GUIDELINES KEY CONCEPTS IN
APPRAISAL
Research Problem and Purpose
1. What are the study problem and purpose?
2. Is the problem significant and relevant to nursing?
3. Was the study feasible to conduct in terms of money commitment; the researchers’ expertise; availability of subjects, facility, and equipment; and ethical considerations?

Concept Statement for the new product, Scolasticus
The current product under discussion is Scolasticus, a new product that is to be introduced among students of colleges. The product seems to have already made market at both the local and the international level. The main purpose is to select a product that is beneficial to the consumers. Under normal circumstances, college students have the difficulty in keeping up with the information of the industry. Thus selection of a product will require one that has all elements that would benefit the student. In addition, firms and organizations should offer assistance in the promotion of their products via product testing and sample marketing

I would like you to prepare the concept statement or the budget plan and the cost detail for our product SCOLASTICUS