Information & Grading Criteria
Each student is to complete a term paper analyzing a particular area within the Human Resource function of a selected organization. In this paper, you will select an organization in which you are familiar and have access. You must be able to obtain detailed information and examples of HR policies, processes and procedures.
You are an HR Consultant, and you have been asked to assess the effectiveness of a particular Human Resource function within your organization and make recommendations for improvement.
You will begin by selecting the organization and selecting the function that you will assess. You may choose one of the following areas:
HR Planning
Staffing
Performance management
Compensation
Benefits
Following is a summary of the sections that should be included in your paper and the potential points for each section.
Executive Summary
This section should provide a brief but clear and concise overview of the entire paper, summarizing all of the major facts including the your assessment and recommendations.
Description of Organization & Strategy
Describe the organization in detail. Then describe the organization’s business strategy.
Human Resources: Strategy & Role Within Organization
Describe the organization’s overall structure and role. (How many people are in HR, what are their roles and responsibilities, where does the top HR executive fall in the company’s organization chart?)
Then describe the organization’s HR strategy, if one exists. Describe the role that the HR function plays in supporting the organizational strategy. Does HR participate in strategic planning? Is there a HR Plan based on the company’s business strategy?
Description of Selected HR Function – Current
Describe the current state of the HR function you have chosen to assess. What are the current policies and procedures? How were the current practices created? (Have they been using that performance evaluation form since the company was started back in 1952? Did they just introduce the new benefits plan?, etc…)
Analysis of selected HR Function
How is this function perceived by employees, managers, and HR staff? Do specific HR objectives related to this area exist? Does this function support the business strategy? Why or why not? Does this provide the company with any kind of competitive advantage? What is done well and what problems exist?
Recommendations for Improvement
Outline your recommendations for improvement. Provide specific recommendations such as a new strategic planning process, new compensation or benefit plans, improved staffing processes or methods, new performance evaluation methods, etc… Be sure to provide a detailed explanation of how your recommendations will help the organization be more successful. You should also address any costs, recommended timelines for completion, potential problems or other issues surrounding your recommendations.
Summary/Conclusion
Summarize your findings and the rationale for your recommendations.
Appendices
Include copies of current or recommended policies, flowcharts, procedures, forms, etc…
References
Completely and thoroughly cite any sources used, using the proper APA format.
Important Notes!
The purpose of this paper is for you to analyze a company’s HR function and apply your knowledge of strategic Human Resource Management by giving specific examples of how this organization can improve its HR effectiveness. Please do not describe a company’s HR function and explain that no improvement is needed because they are doing everything perfectly. Be sure to select a company that needs your expertise!
I feel strongly that excellent writing skills are essential in the business environment. Please note that points will be deducted for poor grammar and writing. Be sure to proofread your work!
