Module 1 discussion
Is Happiness Worth a
Pay Cut?
Read the following:
Stack of $100s
jasastyle
I took the lower salary, and decided it was time to redefine
success.
Is Happiness Worth a Pay Cut?
Work isn’t supposed to be the best part of your day. It
serves a purpose: working earns us money which allows us to survive and,
hopefully, extra income gives us the ability to do things we enjoy, too. The
longer we work and the harder we try, the more money we make. With any luck,
that extra spending money becomes fancy cars, bigger houses, designer shoes.
Several years ago, I left journalism in search of a bigger
career. Journalism is a field I love, but a field known for overworking and
underpaying its employees, so I left it, taking an editing job with a large
company’s website. The pay was great; I moved from Washington, D.C., to a much
cheaper city, and took home a hefty raise despite the cost of living being much
lower in my new home. I enjoyed it for a while, going out to eat more often and
ordering more expensive wines than I ever could before.
Once the excitement of “oh-my-gosh-I-can-afford-this” wore off,
I began to learn that, in a different way, I was paying for that extra income.
I didn’t feel challenged at work; I didn’t feel as though I had purpose.
I brought home my paycheck, but I’d left my happiness and
sense of purpose behind in the old Washington Post building. I wanted to return
to journalism, but to do so meant giving up my shiny, big-world salary.
I took the lower salary, and decided it was time to redefine
success.
Success is taking on a challenge and finding a solution.
It’s coming into a new position and doing it in a way that’s never been
considered before. It’s surprising your boss with innovation. It’s having a
fulfilling job and home life.
We spend less and save more now that we have less disposable
income. I shop sales and never want to upgrade my MINI Cooper. Best of all, I’m
happy to go to work, and I come home feeling grateful to do something I love.
I’m satisfied with what I have: a job I enjoy, and time to enjoy being around
my husband and our dogs. I have everything I need, and many things that make
life a little bit better.
Source: Wile, K. (2017). Life lines: Is happiness worth a
pay cut? Bizwomen. Retrieved from https://www.bizjournals.com/bizwomen/news/out-of-the-office/2017/06/life-lines-is-happiness-worth-a-pay-cut.html?page=all
First Post—Module 1
The wages/salaries we make are important for our livelihood,
but just how important?
Have you worked a job where the pay, benefits, location,
etc., were terrific, but you just were not happy? On the other hand, have you
worked a job where the pay, benefits, location, etc., were not so hot, but you
were still happy? (If these situations do not apply to you, does one or both describe
something someone you know has experienced?)
Is there a job or career you would never pursue regardless
of the pay offered to you? If so, what job and why?
Should employee happiness be one of the compensable factors
employers should look at in their job evaluation process when determining the
pay for a position? Why or why not?
Subsequent Posts—Module 1
After other classmates have posted, read through their
contributions and enter individual responses to at least two classmates’ posts.
For all posts:
Introduce ideas/comments and research not previously
mentioned by your peers.
Share your own personal experiences, if applicable.
Cite all sources (minimum of 2) utilized to prepare this
module’s discussion.
Make interesting and informative contributions to this
discussion forum.
Module 2 discussion
Employee Benefits in
Other Countries
First Post—Module 2
Step 1) Select a country (NOT the United States, Canada,
Mexico, or China). Look up information about employee benefit practices in that
country. Select specific employee benefits and compare and contrast them with
similar benefits in the United States. Provide industry and/or employer
examples (by name), if possible. Select a different country than your
classmates. Also focus on different benefits (if possible) than those chosen by
your classmates.
Benefits illustrationStep 2) Answer the following 5
questions using question and answer (Q&A) format for your response; in
other words, include the original question along with your response. Within
your post 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 if
applicable.
What country other than the United States, Mexico, Canada,
or China did you analyze?
What specific benefit did you analyze? Describe it.
How does the benefit work in the United States?
How is the benefit in the country identified in Question 1
similar to the benefit in the United States?
How is the benefit in the country identified in Question 1
different from the benefit in the United States?
Subsequent Posts—Module 2:
After some classmates have posted, read through their
contributions and enter individual responses to at least 2 classmates’ posts.
For All Posts:
Introduce ideas/comments and research not previously
mentioned by your peers.
Share your own personal experiences, if applicable.
Cite all sources (minimum of 2) utilized to prepare this
module’s discussion.
Make interesting and informative contributions to this discussion
forum.
Module 3 discussion
Paid Time Off
Benefits
Initial Post—Module 3
Watch the following advertisement from HMP Finance:
(HMP Finance, 2017)
As we see from the video, HMP Finance recommends employers
to have generous paid-time-off policies.
If you were in charge of a business, what paid-time-off
benefits would you implement to help retain and attract great employees? Why?
What would be the strengths and drawbacks of offering the
paid-time-off benefits that you recommend?
Support your responses with information from at least two
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, if applicable.
Subsequent Posts—Module 3
After some of your classmates have posted, read through
their contributions and enter individual responses to at least two classmates’
posts.
For All Posts:
Introduce ideas/comments and research not previously
mentioned by your peers.
Share your own personal experiences, if applicable.
Cite all sources (minimum of 2) utilized to prepare this
module’s discussion.
Make interesting and informative contributions to this
discussion forum.
Module 4 discussion
Employee Incentives
for Higher Productivity
First Post—Module 4
Step 1) Read the statement and report in full below:
“The U.S. construction industry has an enormous opportunity
to improve the effectiveness of the incentives offered to employees for
increasing return on their investment and driving the desired outcomes and behaviors”
(FMI Management Consulting, 2013, p. 30).
http://www.fminet.com/media/pdf/report/IncentiveCompSurveyReport_2013.pdf
Step 2) Select a specific industry to focus on for this
discussion. (The report was about the construction industry. However, you should
branch out and select a different industry. Everyone should discuss a different
industry, if possible.) IBISWorld is available from the Trident Online Library.
You may find IBISWorld useful as you prepare for this discussion topic.
Step 3) Answer the following 4 questions below using
question-and-answer (Q&A) format; in other words, include the original
question along with your response. Support your responses with information from
at least two reputable sources (library and/or Web-based) and provide full
citation at the end. Use APA format for your references. Share your own
personal experiences, readings, and research, where applicable.
What industry did you select?
What are some ideas on how to improve the effectiveness of
using employee incentives in the workplace?
What are the challenges of offering incentives in your
selected industry?
What are your recommendations on how to overcome those
challenges?
Subsequent Posts—Module 4
After some of your classmates have posted, read through
their contributions and enter individual responses to at least two classmates’
posts.
For All Posts:
Use ideas/comments and research not previously mentioned by
your peers.
Mention your own personal experiences, if applicable.
Cite all sources (minimum of 2) utilized to prepare this
module’s discussion.
Make interesting and informative contributions to this
discussion forum.
Module 4 reflective
discussion
In the Module 4 Reflective Discussion, please reflect on
everything you have learned in this course, by addressing the following:
thought bubble
Google Images CC license
Paragraphs 1-3:
Given the readings and assignments in the course, identify
and discuss three important concepts applicable to your work experience,
profession, and/or career plans for the future. Describe how each applies.
Paragraph 4:
Which part(s) of the course (background materials,
assignments, and so forth) helped to shape or reshape your perceptions of the
role of HRM in the private sector?
Note: No outside research or citations are needed in your
Reflective Discussion. Also, you need not respond to your peers’ posts.
Module 1 – Case
WAGE AND SALARY
ADMINISTRATION
Case Assignment
office meeting illustration
Google Images
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.
Explain to the group why you insist that the job, not the
person, be evaluated.
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.
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?
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.
Compare and contrast two job evaluation methods discussed in
this module. Which method (if any) do you recommend for Jeans Inc.? Why?
Should Jeans Inc. set up a formal salary structure based on
a complete job evaluation? Why or why not?
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?
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?
Module 2 – Case
EMPLOYEE BENEFITS
Assignment Overview
stethoscope and piggy bankCompensation 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:
How health insurance benefits impact (a) an organization’s
business results, and (b) employee wellbeing.
Discuss how businesses today attempt to control their health
insurance costs while still using benefit packages as recruitment and retention
tools.
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?
Module 2 – SLP
EMPLOYEE BENEFITS
social security illustrationAnalyze the importance of Social
Security benefits (retirement income, life insurance, disability income and
Medicare).
Give an overview of what each offers for employees.
Which of these are most critical for employees? Why?
Which carries the highest cost for employers? For the
public? Discuss.
Use at least 3 library sources and/or module materials to
augment the Sanicola (2011) source.
Your response should be in table form, complete with the
cover and reference pages. Be sure to provide enough discussion/detail along
with your table to make it meaningful.
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?
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
author at work illustration
Google Images
You have been asked to write an opinion piece for a local
newspaper in which you address the following:
Analyze the practice of companies offering their own
products to enhance the total compensation of its employees.
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?
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?
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.
figures shaking hands
Google Images
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
