Ba 453 Research Paper Topics 6v2l55

RESEARCH PAPER TOPICS – BA 453 HRM The primary objective of your paper is to do “research” in a specific area of HRM. Such research requires the formation of a “research question” with a narrow focus to facilitate in-depth exploration and often entails a blend of field and literary research. You can elect to do primarily field or literary research. Some suggested topics are below, but you are encouraged to find one which excites your intellect and/or is relevant to your future business career. FIELD RESEARCH – requires ing a company or companies, identifying their current HR policy issues or HR concerns, selecting only one, developing a list of interview questions based on a brief review of research in that HR area, and then conducting an interview to explore the matter in depth. It is NOT merely a report of the conversational narrative of the interview. It is a thorough critique with recommendation for improvement. 1.

Critique a current HR policy or issue in a specific company and make recommendations for improvement. Examples of policies are: recruiting, hiring, orientation, training, succession planning, career planning, team development, performance review, equal employment opportunity, pay incentives, a specific type of employee benefit or perk, corrective/disciplinary action, OSHA compliance, and safety recognition.

2.

Describe a current HR strategy in a specific company and how it enhances their competitive advantage in business. Discuss strengths and weaknesses of the strategy. Examples are: HR employment planning, performance management system, organization design/development, compensation planning, quality of work life (QWL), promotion of diversity, and team building.

3.

Interview a HR Manager in a specific company and identify the major issues facing him/her and how they plan to address them. Generally, this is a three step process: (1) phone interview to identify an issue(s); (2) select an issue and develop a list of exploratory questions based on related theory and research; and (3) conduct an in-person interview, ask the questions, and explore possible interventions.

4.

Identify and critique the practices adopted by a specific company to comply with a specific employment law. Examples are: pregnancy leave, FMLA, affirmative action, sexual harassment, disparate impact, ADA, wage-hour practices, OSHA, workers compensation, unemployment compensation, veteran rights, and ERISA or WARN.

5.

Critique a performance management system in a specific company and make recommendations for improvement. Note that this system entails more than performance review. See posted materials.

6.

If you have a company for whom you plan to work after graduation, inquire into whether there is a specific HR policy or issue or program that is problematic and critique it. (or some other HRM need you can research for them).

LITERARY RESEARCH – requires an in-depth exploration of the current field of research for a specific area; it is NOT an essay merely expressing your opinion of it. 1.

Focus on a specific aspect of an employment law and examine the major case law with implications for HR policy. Examples are: religious accommodation under Title VII, veteran rights in employment, national origin discrimination, age or gender discrimination, etc.

2.

Examine the value, legality and ethics of background investigations (factors to be investigated and how they relate to job requirements). To narrow the focus of your research, select one of the areas commonly investigated, e.g., social security verification, criminal records, education credentials, prior work history, credit history, DMV records, etc.

3.

Examine a specific stream of employment litigation and its implications for HR policy and pract1ce.

4.

Examine one key macro HR concept such as “Organization Design” or “Workforce Planning” or “Compensation Planning” and its link to Strategic Planning and HR policy development.

5.

Critique a specific type of employment recruitment method based on available research.

6.

Critique a specific type of employment selection method, e.g., personality testing, cognitive ability testing, integrity testing, situational interviews, assessment centers, etc.

7.

Critique a specific type of Performance Evaluation method and its fit in an overall performance management system. Include an example of this method used currently in a company.

8.

Critique a specific type of job analysis method and its implications for HR policy.

9.

Examine the research underlying the various types of judgment bias in evaluation (employment interviewing, organization assessment, performance reviews, complaint investigations, etc.).

10. Identify key aspects of the research surrounding performance measurement or more in-depth review of the research surrounding a specific type of performance review method. 11. Critique an innovative recruiting method (identify companies using it and their experience). 12. Critique an innovative employment screening method (e.g., personality testing) and its implications for HR policy. Note of caution: Solid research takes time. Select a topic which is of interest to you or one that you may clearly have an opportunity to use in your first job after college. Email me your research topic and method asap so that if a dialogue is necessary to clarify the final topic, we will have time to exchange information. Topic declaration, 4/16, and papers are due at the end of class on 4/30.Samples of “A” graded papers from previous classes are available in my office for review.

Topics for A Human Relations Research Paper Human resource hiring policies can be one area for fruitful research.

The department of human relations or human resources is integral to any business. Students taking coursework in business istration or human resource management may be called upon to submit research papers on this vital topic. Choosing a research paper topic can be half the battle for many business students. Human resources is a diverse field, however, that touches many aspects of business, making it a fruitful area for research.

1. Adapting to the Changing Labor Supply a. One of the major issues that human resource managers deal with on a regular basis is the ever-changing labor supply or workforce. In an Alverno College course syllabus, Professor Tom Funk notes

the transition from Generation X to Generation Y as a driving force behind the changing labor supply. Students can find a wealth of research evaluating the ways in which human resource managers can implement strategies, as well as the policies designed to deal with this fluidity in the work force.

Labor Relations b. The way that workers and employers relate to one another is an important consideration for many businesses. The relations between various worker groups, such as labor unions, sometimes create great tension in some industries. For this reason, researching labor relations in the workplace and in the business world as a whole can also provide students with an effective research topic. Things to consider can include employment practices, the economics of labor markets, employment and labor relations law and forms of dispute resolution in labor relations.

Wage Determination •

Since human resource managers are in charge if payroll-related issues, another issue for students to explore is the way in which the labor supply plays a role in wage determination. While economics are an obvious angle for research, this particular topic can also be approached from a behavioral standpoint that examines how workers' compensation is affected by their own behavior and attitudes.

The Future of Human Resources •

An ambitious paper topic that is probably most appropriate for graduate students, the future face of the human relations field can be mapped out by examining the way that the field looks today and the various trends that are currently causing it to change significantly. This topic has significant applicability for human resource professionals who can learn to anticipate the changes that will take place in the workforce and how to best prepare for them.

Conflicts Conflict resolution is always going to be a hot topic for human resources. No matter what kind of workplace environment in business you've fostered, if there are people involved, there is the chance for conflicts to arise. There will always be an opportunity to talk to your human resources team about any new information or mediation tactics you might have come across. o

Privacy With the constantly evolving rules regarding what questions can and can't be asked when interviewing new job applicants, this is one issue that will not be resolved any time soon. Even major corporations can inadvertently cause problems when laws change and the interview questions don't change with the times. In addition, it's important that your human resources team knows the current laws regarding individual rights in the area of privacy. o

Discrimination When a recession hits, businesses are forced to lay off employees. As the business environment thaws and the economy begins to pick up, companies begin to start hiring again. There has been a growing awareness of a form of discrimination known as age discrimination. When older workers are laid off, they are less likely to find a job, which means that your human resources department should be set up to handle such things as retraining and possibly even job placement. At the same time, however, all forms of discrimination should be addressed and discussed on a regular basis. o

Technology Technology is always going to be a hot topic when it comes to human resources. As technology evolves and changes, the way it impacts the workforce changes, as well. One example of this can be seen with social media. There will always be discussion over what can and cannot be shared by employees through social media. For example, at what point does an employee cross the line when criticizing a company through social media? o

Violence Violence in the workplace increases when the economy is suffering, some security experts believe. By working with your human resources team, you'll be able to implement programs designed to identify problems before they occur, as well as put in place measures to protect yourself and your employees if violence does break out. o

Business Research Paper Topics The world of business is complex and competitive. By composing a business-related research paper you can effectively explore this world of consumers, goods and monetary exchanges. There are numerous interesting topics to consider when composing your business research paper. Select an interesting topic to turn your research paper composition process into an engaging activity.

Diversity in the Workplace c. Many companies aim to promote and accept workplace diversity. Research practices that business can undertake to increase the likelihood that their employees are accepting and accommodating of each other's differences. Discuss the importance of workplace diversity acceptance in producing a healthy and productive work environment. Suggest activities or policies that might lead to a greater acceptance of employee differences.

Management Techniques d. In working to control the actions of individuals under them, managers can opt to adopt a number of different managerial techniques. Research management techniques recommended by researchers within the business field. Compare and contrast these management techniques, and discuss when each technique might be most appropriate. Explain why each technique is effective and how selecting and adopting one of the discussed management techniques could be advantageous to a fledgling manager.

Small Business Success e. Small businesses face numerous success challenges. Research small businesses and compile a list of characteristics that are commonly found in small businesses that prove successful. Discuss ways in which those starting a small business can increase the likelihood of their business' success. Prescribe a course of action for those beginning businesses to follow to ensure that their endeavor proves fruitful.

Franchise Ownership f. Some individuals find great success in buying an established franchise. Gather information on the process of franchise purchasing. Discuss the benefits and weaknesses of buying a stake in an established franchise instead of starting your own business concept. Explore reasons why buying a franchise may be a more advantageous choice as well as ways in which franchise ownership is less desirable than creating an independent start up.

Preparing for Globalization

g. Those entering the business world today commonly have to contend with globalization. Discuss how globalization complicates the process of owning and running a business as well as how it increases profitability. Gather information on what those studying business can do to prepare to compete in the global marketplace. Provide information on how globalization effects the market value of goods as well as the salaries of contemporary workers.