Syllabus – OBE 152

Human Resource Management Information Systems INSTRUCTOR:

Jim Rengstorff; M.A., CNE

ROOM:

BRH-204

CLASS HOURS:

TuTh 12:00-1:15

OFFICE:

Tahoe Hall, TAH-2051

OFFICE HOURS: Thursday 11:00-11:45; other times by appointment. PHONE:

Cell - 300.7645 (e-mail is highly preferable)

E-MAIL:

[email protected]

WEBSITE:

http://www.csus.edu/indiv/r/rengstorffj/obe152-spring02

PREREQUISITES: Comfort in Microsoft Office, PC usage, Internet usage, general HR concepts REQUIRED TEXTBOOK: Web-Based Human Resources: The Technologies and Trends that are Transforming HR, by Alfred J. Walker, Towers Perrin, Steven Fein. ISBN: 0-07-136515-x. Additional readings will be assigned throughout the course. CATALOG DESCRIPTION: Seminar focuses on critical aspects of setting-up a computerized information system specifically designed for the management of human resource responsibilities such as payroll, benefits, recruitment, selection, staffing, career development, training/development, and government compliance. Topics include: needs analysis, data element selection and definition, design and acquisition of a system, evaluation, and system maintenance. 3 units. COURSE RATIONALE: Computer information systems are omnipresent in today’s businesses. HR managers can expect to have frequent contact these systems. Skill in using information systems – understanding their capabilities and limitations, knowing how to access them directly or through technical specialists, knowing how to effectively use the information these systems can provide, and how to participate in specifying and implementing new systems – is a distinct advantage to HR managers today. Perhaps most important is for HR managers to gain familiarity with computer terminology and systems, enabling them to deal with “techies” without getting snowed. They need to know what is possible and what is impossible. They need confidence in their knowledge so they can make sound decisions about the use of IT. And they need to feel comfortable discussing IS topics. COURSE OBJECTIVES: Develop a comfort level with, and an understanding of, computer information systems from a Human Resources perspective. 1. Terminology. Be able to explain the meaning of terms used to describe common techniques and concepts in business information systems. Spring, 2002

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Syllabus – OBE 152 2. Skills. Successfully use a computer for a variety of HR related tasks. It is assumed that students in this class have an understanding of the operation of a PC, Microsoft Windows, Word, and Excel. 3. Information Systems Concepts. Be able to describe the ways in which computers are and will be used in business and HR management. These concepts include telecommunications, databases, HR systems, and future directions of computerbased information systems. 4. Systems Development. Understand the importance of an effective systems development process. The steps covered include systems investigation, analysis, design, implementation and review. 5. Behavioral and Organizational Issues. Be able to identify and suggest appropriate responses to managerial, cultural and organizational issues stemming from the development, implementation, and use of computer-based information systems. TEACHING METHODS: Class Format: Most class sessions will incorporate a combination of lecture and discussion. Videos and guest lectures may be incorporated. Material from the text and outside sources may be covered in lectures. Homework will be retrieved via the Internet, and be submitted electronically via email. Class Attendance: Role will be taken in every class. I believe you will find it extremely beneficial to be present. A lot of information will be covered in a short period of time. There may also be opportunities to meet with your group during some classes. Class Participation: This class will be much more fun and informative if the instructor doesn’t do all the talking. Students are expected to read the assigned readings before class and to participate actively in class discussions. Questions may be assigned to specific students or students may be called upon randomly. Your participation grade will be a function of your willingness to share experiences, questions, comments and views. Chapter Exams: Due to the large volume of information taught in this class, multiple-choice exams will be given. Each exam will consist of approximately 50 questions, will cover 1-5 chapters, and will test you on subjects such as assigned readings, major points from previous discussions, lectures, or videos and definitions of the more important terms from the textbook. Although remembering acronyms and definitions can be tedious and seem useless, to be ”computer literate” you must be able to speak the vocabulary of the computer world. The purpose of the exams is to encourage you to keep up with the readings, pay attention in class, and aid in gaining an understanding of the subjects presented. They will usually be given at the beginning of class.

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Syllabus – OBE 152 Final Exam: The final exam is cumulative, but will emphasize the material covered after the last chapter exam. It will consist of approximately 75 multiple-choice questions and possibly an essay question or two. It is not optional. Team Assignments: Student teams of 4-6 students will be responsible for completing a written project and making an oral presentation. It is recognized that team assignments are a mixed blessing for students. However, teamwork is an essential skill in business and is, from a practical standpoint, necessary in a large class. Some class time may be made available for teams to work on this assignment. Scores for the team assignment will be weighted by peer evaluations. Students will be allowed to develop their own teams. Begin this process as soon as possible and let me know when you have your team formed. Do not wait until the last minute to become part of a team. Team Assignments Topics Choosing an HRMIS (more details will be provided): Developing/Implementing HRMIS Creating an FSR Defining requirements for IS in a reengineering project Building a business case for an HRMIS Peer Evaluations: For the team assignment, each member of the team will rate the performance and contribution of each of the other members of the team. The team’s grade will be factored by each member’s relative rating. Who will do poorly in the course? Those who: • Do not turn in the assignments • Memorize facts, and fail to see "the big picture" • Are afraid to ask questions • Are over committed • Don't experiment with the software long before an assignment is due • Only come to some of the classes • Do not participate

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Syllabus – OBE 152 GRADING: Letter grades will be determined using a standard percentage point evaluation as outlined below. Semester percentages will be rounded to the nearest tenth of a percentage point. GRADE

GRADE POINTS

MINIMUM PERCENT OF TOTAL POINTS

A

4.0

93.0

A-

3.7

90.0

B+

3.3

87.0

B

3.0

83.0

B-

2.7

80.0

C+

2.3

77.0

C

2.0

73.0

C-

1.7

70.0

D

1.0

60.0

F

0.0