Preparing to Manage Human Resources Course Syllabus

Overview: This course provides a comprehensive introduction to human resource management, focusing on strategic, motivational, and legal aspects of managing people in organizations. Over approximately 17 hours, learners will explore different HR approaches, understand what drives employee behavior, and examine the legal frameworks shaping HR practices. The course is designed for beginners and professionals alike, offering practical insights applicable across industries.

Module 1: Alternative Approaches to Managing Human Resources

Estimated time: 3 hours

• Introduction to various HR management strategies
• Evaluation of HR strategy alignment with organizational goals
• Assessment of fit between managerial styles and business environments
• Recommendations for effective people management in diverse contexts

Module 2: What Makes Employees Work? Money, Of Course!

Estimated time: 4 hours

• Examination of monetary motivations for work
• Understanding self-interest in employee behavior
• Managerial concerns related to financial incentives
• Strategies using economic insights to manage performance

Module 3: What Makes Employees Work Revisited…Non-Monetary Motivations

Estimated time: 5 hours

• Exploration of non-monetary employee motivations
• Identifying psychological drivers of work behavior
• Managerial challenges with intrinsic motivation
• Applying sociological insights to improve engagement

Module 4: The Legal Context of Human Resource Management

Estimated time: 5 hours

• Understanding legal constraints on HR management
• Comparison of legal perspectives on employment relationships
• Analysis of how laws affect HR practices

Module 5: Developing a Personalized Approach to Managing Employees

Estimated time: 1 hour

• Integrating strategic, motivational, and legal insights
• Assessing personal management style
• Creating a tailored approach to employee management

Module 6: Final Project

Estimated time: 2 hours

• Develop a comprehensive HR management plan
• Apply concepts from all modules to a real-world scenario
• Submit for self-assessment and reflection

Prerequisites

• Familiarity with basic business concepts
• No prior HR experience required
• Open to learners at all career stages

What You'll Be Able to Do After

• Analyze different HR management strategies and their organizational fit
• Evaluate monetary and non-monetary factors influencing employee motivation
• Apply psychological and economic insights to management practices
• Understand the legal context shaping HR decisions
• Develop a personalized, effective approach to managing employees