Supplemental Inquiries

Units 1.2, 2.2, and 3.2 each include a supplemental inquiry that encourages you to venture beyond the text for additional learning opportunities. For the two inquiries that require reading, you may choose published (printed or elec­tronic) or unpublished (manu­script) sources. The purpose of the supplemental readings is to (1) provide you with more information on specific topics than exists in the textbook and (2) allow you the freedom to select your own reading materials.

For the supplemental inquiry that involves an on-the-job analysis, you will rely on primary (first­hand) research.

In choosing your supplemental readings, please follow these steps:

Step 1—Review the topics identified in the two units for which you need to select supplemental readings (see the unit's study assignment).

Step 2—Find readings (articles, books, Web sites, or the like) that apply to these topics.

Step 3—Submit a proposal to your mentor (see the course Calendar for due date). In the proposal, identify the two readings you have chosen for each inquiry, giving full citations and a brief description of each reading and how it relates to the topic.

Note—Include in your proposal a brief description of the on-the-job analysis you plan to conduct as your supplemental inquiry for unit 2.2.

Your mentor will comment on and approve your selections. Please keep your mentor apprised of any changes to your selected readings or on-the-job analysis as the course proceeds.

Please note that the supplemental inquiries do not require the writing of additional papers. Rather, they are meant to enhance your knowledge.

[Return to Top]

ONLINE DISCUSSIONS

Human Resources Management requires you to participate in periodic online class discussions. In addition to an ungraded introduction forum in Week 1, you are required to participate in five graded class discussions.

Communication with the mentor and among fellow students is a critical component of online learning. Participation in online discussions involves two distinct activities: an initial response to a posted question (discussion thread) and at least two subsequent comments on classmates' responses. Meaningful participation is relevant to the content, adds value, and advances the discussion. Comments such as "I agree" and "ditto" are not considered value-adding participation. Therefore, when you agree or disagree with a classmate, the reading, or your mentor, state and support your agreement or disagreement. You will be evaluated on the quality and quantity of your participation. Responses and comments should be properly proofread and edited, professional, and respectful.

For additional information on online discussions, see Online Discussions in the Online Student Handbook.

[Return to Top]

WRITTEN ASSIGNMENTS

Human Resources Management has six (6) written assignments, which are the chief means of demonstrating your analytic, assessment, and expressive abilities.

The purpose of the written assignments is threefold:

1. To provide experience in data gathering, critical analysis, and realistic applica­tion of concepts and practice.
2. To present your findings in a written document that is professional in content and appearance.
3. To reinforce the textbook, supplemental inquiries, and In-Sites.

Follow these guidelines when researching and writing these assignments:

• Conduct primary or secondary research as necessary to respond to the assignment. Primary research may involve interviews that you conduct yourself; secondary research uses published sources of information.
• Write up to four (4) pages per assignment. Your assignments should be professionally pre­sented, using clear syntax, correct grammar, and correct spelling. You must cite all sources of information according to MLA style, APA style, or The Chicago Manual of Style.

Prepare your written assignments using whatever word processing program you have on your computer. Include your name at the top of the paper, as well as the course name and code and the semester and year in which you are enrolled.

Before submitting your first assignment, check with your mentor to determine whether your word processing software is compatible with your mentor's software. If so, you can submit your work as you prepared it. If not, save your assignment as a rich-text (.rtf) file, using the Save As command of your software program. Rich text retains basic formatting and can be read by any other word processing program.

When satisfied that your assignment represents your best work, submit it to your mentor by means of the

>>View/Complete Assignment

link provided at the bottom of the respective assignment page. Use the Browse button within this link to locate and submit your assignment file.

[Return to Top]

MIDTERM EXAMINATION

Human Resources Management requires you to take a proctored midterm examination. Consult the course Calendar for the scheduling of this exam.

The midterm exam is a closed-book examination that covers all the material assigned through module 3, unit 3.1. It is two hours long and consists of four (4) fictional but realistic minicases, or scenarios, in which you apply conceptual and practical knowledge to answer questions, solve problems, or make recommendations.

You may take the midterm examination only during the designated exam week, at an approved location, and with an approved proctor. In this regard, you need to schedule your exam and submit your "Proctor Request Form" with the necessary documentation during the first week of the semester. (See Administrative Forms in the General Information area of the course Web site.)

If you are on a course extension and have not yet taken the midterm exam, you must let your examination proctor know when you plan to take the exam and contact the Office of Test Administration (609-984-1181) two weeks in advance to request that your exam be sent to the proctor.

For more information on scheduling a proctored examination, see the section Examinations and Proctors in the Online Student Handbook.

[Return to Top]

FINAL PROJECT

You are required at the end of the semester to submit a final project in the form of a case analysis. The final project will be worth 20 percent of your final grade for the course.

For details of the final project case analysis, see the Final Project area of the course Web site. Be sure that you read about the final project when you start the course so that you know what is required. The section called "Case Analysis Strategies for Success" will give you information about the timing of your work on this project, noting that you should work on your project as you study the relevant elements of the course. Do not leave your preparation of the project to the end of the semester. For details regarding the due date, see the course Calendar.

[Return to Top]