Students will be graded as follows:
Class participation 20%
Homework submissions 20%
Issue Paper 30%
Issue Paper presentation 10%
Final Case Analysis 20%
TOTAL.....................................................100%
Participation in class discussions and exercises is critical to understanding the topics of this course. For example, when role play is being used to illustrate a point, volunteers will be asked to participate. Since the role play will benefit everyone in the class, those members of the class who consistently volunteer to participate will be rewarded. Grading in this area will be based on the instructor's assessment of the student's work effort and contribution to classroom discussions. The quality of classroom contributions is valued over the quantity of contributions. Risk-taking will be rewarded.
Homework submissions will vary according to the corresponding component of the course. For example, there may be a request to write a critique of a real management situation. Another submission may require your response to the questions posed in a case study. The homework must be submitted at the start of class on the day the subject is being taught.
Readings play a pivotal role in preparation for class. Each sessions' readings are clearly marked as either required or additional. Additional readings are not included in the reading packet, but may be retrieved from the Reserve Desk in the BU Alumni Medical Library.
The issue paper, totaling a maximum of 1500 words (approximately 6 pages of double-spaced, 12 point times font with normal one-inch margins), will require students to write about an HRM issue in their own place of employment (past or present) and the recommendations they would take to solve it utilizing the available literature. The paper can be done individually or in a small group. It must be submitted the day before Session 13 (on Friday, April 17, 1998 by 5 pm in Talbot T-4W; it can be faxed to (617) 638-4476). The following paper structure is recommended:
 | Introduction 1/2 to 1 page |
| Problem Statement 1/2 page |
| Possible Solutions 1 page |
| Discussion of Possible Solutions 2 pages |
| Conclusion 1/2 page |
| Implications (politically, financially, etc.) 1 page |
| Bibliography (must include at least 3-5 relevant references) |
Issue Paper outlines will be due on March 3. The outline should include the title of the paper in addition to a few sentences or bullets on each of the above-mentioned components of the paper. The bibliography should include intended sources to be used.
Presentations of the Issue Papers will be held over two classes. Depending on the class size, the presentations will be from 7 to 15 minutes long incorporating the most salient issues using the above outline. Visual aids are highly desired.
Should any student require assistance with the writing process, there are numerous books available at the BU Bookstore. In addition, students will find the University Resource Writing Center on the Charles River campus at 1 University Road (tel: 353-7077) to be valuable.
There will be a take-home case analysis as the final requirement of the course. The goal is to apply the concepts learned throughout the course. Students will be able to use their course notes, readings and outside materials in order to analyze the case. Sources used must be cited and brevity is valued.
This page was last updated on 08/21/02