MGT 3750 - Fundamentals of Human Resources
Fall 2026 Syllabus, Section 04, CRN 41100,
Credit hours: 3
Course Meeting Times
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Instructor
Kimberly Pleva
Email: kmpleva@ysu.edu
Course Description
3750. Fundamentals of Human Resources. This introductory course provides a comprehensive overview of the fundamental principles of Human Resource Management (HRM). Students will explore key concepts such as individual and group decision-making, motivation, perceptions, and attitudes, and their impact on HR processes. Topics covered include job design, employee selection, organizational development, total rewards, employee relations, and workplace health, safety, and security. This course serves as the first step in a series of HR courses, equipping students with the essential knowledge and skills needed for advanced HR studies. Prereq.: 2.5 GPA. Prereq. or Coreq.: MGT 3725 (may be taken concurrently). 3 s.h.
Course Readings
| Group | Title | Author | ISBN |
|---|---|---|---|
| Required | Human Resource Management | Dessler, Gary | 13-9780-13-792739-5 |
- Each week a learning module will be released on Blackboard covering one large topic. The module will contain items to support the week’s learning such as readings, videos, and assignments. All recommended course readings and links are listed in the schedule at the end of this document.
- Each module should be reviewed thoroughly before starting any work. Start by reviewing the “Welcome” page. This covers all the details for that module including assignments.
- After reading the objectives, read all the readings for the week. This will contain key content to aid in completing any work (including discussion boards). THEN, start your work for the week.
The course readings are subject to change in the event of extenuating circumstances, research developments, current events, and/or to ensure better learning.
Assignments/Assessments
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Schedule of Topics and Assignments
| Week of | Reading(s) | Proposed Topic | Due/To Prepare for Class |
|---|---|---|---|
| 8/24 | Textbook Chapter 1 Textbook Chapter 2 Summary of Employment Laws - KMPleva |
Foundations of HR: Understanding Human Resource Management & Employment Law | Discussion Board DUE 8/27 Quiz DUE 8/30 |
| 8/31 | Textbook Chapter 5 Textbook Chapter 6 Textbook Chapter 7 17 Effective Employee Selection Methods to Consider https://www.indeed.com/career-advice/career-development/employee-selection-methods Selection Process: 7 Steps & Best Practices to Hire Top Talent https://www.aihr.com/blog/selection-process-practical-guide/ |
Talent Acquisition: Navigating Recruitment & Selection | Discussion Board DUE 8/31 Quiz DUE 9/6 |
| 9/7 | Textbook Chapter 8 Textbook Chapter 10 (except pgs. 317-323) What is Employee Training & Development? https://www.td.org/talent-development-glossary-terms/what-is-employee-training-and-development New Employee Orientation: 9 Best Practices To Apply https://www.aihr.com/blog/new-employee-orientation/ |
Building Skills for Success: The Essentials of HR Training & Development | Discussion Board DUE 9/10 Quiz DUE 9/13 |
| 9/14 | Textbook Chapter 9 Managing dismissals from Chapter 10 (p. 317 – 323) |
Performance Management: Appraisals, Coaching & Retention | Discussion Board DUE 9/17 Quiz DUE 9/20 |
| 9/21 | Textbook Chapter 11 (No job evaluation p. 348-362) Textbook Chapter 12 Textbook Chapter 13 What is an Employee Compensation Plan? https://www.paychex.com/articles/human-resources/what-is-a-compensation-plan How to Create a Desirable Compensation Plan https://www.businessnewsdaily.com/15831-create-compensation-plan.html mployee Benefits in 2024: The Ultimate Guide https://www.forbes.com/advisor/business/employee-benefits/ |
Total Rewards: Employee Compensation & Benefits | Discussion Board DUE 9/24 Quiz DUE 9/27 |
| 9/28 | Textbook Chapter 15 How Does Collective Bargaining Work? https://www.nea.org/sites/default/files/2022-07/How%20Does%20Collective%20Bargaining%20Work%3F%20A%20Step-by-Step%20Guide.pdf What is a Grievance: Everything You Need to Know https://www.upcounsel.com/what-is-a-grievance |
Managing Labor Relations: Union Organization, Bargaining & Grievance Resolution | Discussion Board DUE 10/1/26 Quiz DUE 10/4 |
| 10/5 | Textbook Chapter 14 Organizational Behavior (OB): What It Is and Why It Matters https://www.investopedia.com/terms/o/organizational-behavior.asp “Employee Relations Best Practices to Stay Union-Free” https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/employee-relations-best-practices-stay-union-free-walter-orechwa/ |
Building Positive Employee Relations with Organizational Behavior | Discussion Board DUE 10/8 Quiz DUE 10/11 |
The course schedule, policies, procedures, and assignments in this course are subject to change in the event of extenuating circumstances, by mutual agreement, and/or to ensure better learning.