DDBA8582 Week 1 to Week 8 Assignments and Discussion Questions

DDBA 8582: An HR Plan for Organizational Agility

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DDBA 8582 Week 1 Discussion: Strategic Planning (D–W1)

DDBA 8582 Week 1 Assignment: Begin Writing Final Paper: Section 1 (5–7 pages) (A–W1)

DDBA 8582 Week 2 Discussion Strategic HR Management (D1–W2)

DDBA 8582 Week 3 Assignment 2 Final Paper Annotated Bibliography (A2–W3)

DDBA 8582 Week 3 Discussion 2 Presentation Peer Review Presenter and Participants (D2–W3)

DDBA 8582 Week 3 Assignment 3: Continue Writing Final Paper: Section 2 (5–7 pages) (A3–W3)

DDBA 8582 Week 4 Discussion 1 Restructuring and Strategy (D1–W4)

DDBA 8582 Week 4 Assignment 1 Presentation of Analysis and Synthesis of Research (A1–W4)

DDBA 8582 Week 5 Discussion 2 Presentation Peer Review Presenter and Participants (D2–W5)

DDBA 8582 Week 5 Assignment 2: Continue Writing Final Paper: Section 3 (5–7 pages) (A2–W5)

DDBA 8582 Week 6 Discussion 1 Performance Strategies (D1–W6)

DDBA 8582 Week 7 Discussion 2 Presentation Peer Review Presenter and Participants (D2–W7)

DDBA 8582 Week 7 Final Project Final Paper and Flowchart

DDBA 8582 Week 8 Discussion 1 Looking Ahead (D1–W8)

DDBA 8582 Week 8 Discussion 2 Reflection (D2–W8)

DDBA/8582 Entire Course

DDBA8582 An HR Plan for Organizational Agility

DDBA 8582 Week 1 Discussion: Strategic Planning (D–W1)

Discussion: Strategic Planning (D–W1)

According to HR management expert John Bratton, “Strategic human resource management is the process of linking the human resource function with the strategic objectives of the organization to improve performance” (Bradley, 2014). Understanding the organization’s strategy is a key component in planning. Although some organizational strategies may not be published, one can make business assumptions regarding strategies based on available information.

For this Discussion, you will become familiar with the role of HR as it relates to HR strategy formation and planning.

By Day 3 of Week 1

Based on this week’s readings and your own academic research, respond to the following discussion questions/prompts:

·         Explain the role of an HR audit as it relates to strategy formation. Describe one benefit of an HR audit.
·         Explain the role of the organizational mission and vision in creating an HR operating plan.
·         Suggest how the results of a gap analysis directly impact HR strategy and organizational strategy formation. Provide one example.


DDBA8582 Week 1 Assignment: Begin Writing Final Paper: Section 1 (5–7 pages) (A–W1)

Assignment: Begin Writing Final Paper: Section 1 (5–7 pages) (A–W1)

For the first section of your Final Paper, summarize the mission and vision statements and other public information about the organization and its business direction, including their key business objectives and strategies. You will then explain how this information would drive and inform an HR operating plan.


DDBA/8582 Week 2 Discussion Strategic HR Management (D1–W2)

Discussion 1: Strategic HR Management (D1–W2)

Participants:

Many organizations use the SWOT analysis to determine a department or organization’s strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats. For this Discussion, you will explore the results of an HR SWOT analysis and its role as an integral part of creating an HR operating plan. You will also examine change management strategies and workforce diversity as other important elements that might also affect the details and components of the HR operating plan.
By Day 3 of Week 2

Based on this week’s readings and your own academic research, respond to the following discussion questions/prompts in the Discussion 1 – Week 2 thread:

·         Suggest how an HR SWOT analysis drives an HR operating plan.
·         Explain one role change management plays in an HR operating plan.
·         Explain one way workforce diversity might affect change management plans.


DDBA 8582 : Week 3 Assignment 2 Final Paper Annotated Bibliography (A2–W3)

Assignment 2: Final Paper: Annotated Bibliography (A2–W3)

As part of your Doctoral Seminar, you will submit your Final Paper . In preparation, you will create an annotated bibliography of 15+ reputable, relevant, current resources related to the topic of your Final Paper. For each entry, be sure to do the following:

·         Include the full APA citation.
·         Discuss the scope, purpose, and philosophical approach or methodology of the resource.
·         Relate the resource to the body of resources you have consulted thus far in this seminar.
·         Evaluate both the limitations of and the opportunities for further inquiry.

By Day 7 of Week 3

Submit your annotated bibliography. Refer to the Walden University Online Writing Center link in this week’s Learning Resources for additional information on annotated bibliographies.


DDBA 8582 Week 3 Discussion 2 Presentation Peer Review Presenter and Participants (D2–W3)

Discussion 2: Presentation Peer Review: Presenter and Participants (D2–W3)

Participants
By Day 3 of Week 3

Upon review and consideration of the Presenter’s PowerPoint (ALIGNING STRATEGIES), and based on your own research, respond to your assigned presentation in an edited 3–paragraph, formal academic peer review.

In your review, be sure to:

·         Assess the conceptualization, analysis, and synthesis of key research concepts presented.
·         Determine whether or not the presentation provides a cohesive summary of the assigned concepts with an effective evaluation of their implications for human resources.
·         Assess whether or not the Presenter made a meaningful academic argument or interpretation that demonstrated fluency with the material.
·         Include an annotated bibliography of at least five additional resources related to the research topic.

In the subject line of your reply, replace the text with “Your First Name Last Name’s Response to First Name Last Name’s Presentation” (e.g., “Jeff Smith’s Response to Melissa Gore”). This will ensure it is easily identifiable by your Instructor and your colleagues.

Presenter(s) and Participants

By Day 3 and 7 of Week 3

Continue the Discussion on both the Participants’ and Presenter(s)’ postings by addressing the following summative considerations that pertain specifically to the topics for this 2–week unit:

·         In what ways do the readings provided (Learning Resources) in this week’s Learning Resources and those identified by you and your colleagues answer important “so what?” questions in the field of human resources?
·         How are these readings potentially valuable for research in the field?
·         Are there any important gaps (i.e., contradictions, arguments, disagreements, or areas of divergence) within this set of readings that point to potential topics for future research?
·         How would you follow up to extend or explore these gaps?


DDBA 8582 Week 3 Assignment 3: Continue Writing Final Paper: Section 2 (A3–W3)

Assignment 3: Continue Writing Final Paper: Section 2 (5–7 pages) (A3–W3)

Drawing upon and applying the insights you have gained from this 2–week unit’s learning activities and your own academic research, focus on Section 2 of your Final Paper. To complete this Assignment, review the “Gap Analysis Matrix” and “SWOT Analysis Matrix” documents provided in this 2–week unit’s Learning Resources:

·         For the second section of your paper, include a 4–cell HR SWOT analysis and a 3–column HR gap analysis between the organizational strategy and HR strategy currently in place for your chosen organization.


DDBA 8582 Week 4 Discussion 1 Restructuring and Strategy (D1–W4)

Discussion 1: Restructuring and Strategy (D1–W4)

Participants:

One approach to improving organizational productivity is restructuring the organization and restructuring human capital and how it is utilized. Human resource (capital) restructuring can involve cutting staff through downsizing, layoffs, and early retirement buyout programs (Mathis & Jackson, 2011). There are a few choices that organizations can select from if downsizing or restructuring occurs. Each approach has advantages and disadvantages that can affect an HR operating plan. For this Discussion, you focus on how downsizing or restructuring might affect an operating plan.

By Day 3 of Week 4

Based on this week’s readings and your own academic research, respond to the following discussion questions/prompts in the Discussion 1 – Week 4 thread.

·         Explain one reason why an organization should adhere to a no–layoff philosophy when restructuring.
·         Explain how a no–layoff policy might affect the strategic plan if downsizing is needed.
·         What downsizing strategy (elimination by seniority, performance, or position) should be utilized to provide a smooth transition while reducing staff? Provide a rationale for your decision.
·         Explain one legal or ethical consideration related to downsizing strategies that might offset the rationale to downsize.
·         Should employing the owners’ family members affect a restructuring plan? Explain why or why not.


DDBA 8582 Week 4 Assignment 1 Presentation of Analysis and Synthesis of Research (A1–W4)

Assignment 1: Presentation of Analysis and Synthesis of Research (A1–W4)

By Day 7 of Week 4

As the Presenter for this 2–week unit, based on your own prior knowledge and current research, you will present a 7– to 10–slide PowerPoint presentation relating to the weekly topic, “Operationalizing the Plan.”

Your presentation should contain the following elements:
·         Incorporation and analysis of the Required Resources from this 2–week unit
·         Incorporation and analysis of at least three additional resources from the Walden Library
·         Identification of principal schools of thought, tendencies in the academic literature, or commonalities that define the academic scholarship regarding your topic
·         Evaluation of the main concepts with a focus on their application to management practice and their impact on positive social change
·         Incorporation of the Learning Objectives from this 2–week unit

By Day 7 of Week 4

Post your 7– to 10–slide PowerPoint presentation to the Discussion 2 – Week 5 thread. In the subject line of your post, replace the text with “Your First Name Last Name’s Presentation” (e.g., the subject line for Jeff Smith’s post would be “Jeff Smith’s Presentation”). This will ensure it is easily identifiable by your Instructor and your colleagues.


DDBA 8582 Week 5 Discussion 2 Presentation Peer Review Presenter and Participants (D2–W5)

Discussion 2: Presentation Peer Review: Presenter and Participants (D2–W5)

Presenter(s) and Participants:

By Day 3 and 7 of Week 5

Continue the Discussion on both the Participants’ and Presenter(s)’ postings by addressing the following summative considerations that pertain specifically to the topics for this 2–week unit:

·         In what ways do the readings provided in this week’s Learning Resources and those identified by you and your colleagues answer important “so what?” questions in the field of human resources?
·         How are these readings potentially valuable for research in the field?
·         Are there any important gaps (i.e., contradictions, arguments, disagreements, or areas of divergence) within this set of readings that point to potential topics for future research?
·         How would you follow up to extend or explore these gaps?


DDBA 8582 Week 5 Assignment 2: Continue Writing Final Paper: Section 3 (A2–W5)

Assignment 2: Continue Writing Final Paper: Section 3 (5–7 pages) (A2–W5)

Drawing upon and applying the insights you have gained from this 2–week unit’s learning activities and your own academic research, include the following in your paper:

·         Identify 3–5 strategies the HR department might want to implement based on the HR SWOT analysis and HR gap analysis and its need to support the organization’s strategic direction. Include a minimum of 6–8 action steps for each strategy that will ensure its attainment.
·         Implementation stage: Include a mini–communication, outlining what key information must go to which key layers of groups and key individuals who should receive information and at what times during the implementation of the plan (explain how you will communicate this to the organization). Also, explain what internal or external obstacles or organizational pushback HR might expect and what tentative steps they should plan to address in anticipation (i.e., how should they plan for these things, which are highly likely to occur). That’s what a plan is all about—anticipating and planning for what is needed.


DDBA 8582 Week 6 Discussion 1 Performance Strategies (D1–W6)

Discussion 1: Performance Strategies (D1–W6)

Participants:

Why is it important to measure organizational performance through HR metrics? How might individual performance strategies be aligned with HR and organizational strategies?

An HR operating plan consists of various strategies that are aligned with the organization’s mission, vision, and its larger strategies. Departments often develop performance goals as action steps that support organizational HR strategies identified to improve overall organizational performance. For this Discussion, you explore how various pay–for–performance strategies might support several organizational objectives and the HR operating strategies related to organizational performance.

By Day 3 of Week 6

Based on this week’s readings and your own academic research, respond to the following discussion questions/prompts in the Discussion 1 – Week 6 thread:

·         Explain how pay–for–performance strategies may align HR and organizational strategies.
·         Explain how the combinations of individual versus team and monetary versus non–monetary compensation decisions affect achievement of HR strategies. Provide one example.
·         Describe one way HR can predict if an incentive is desired by the workforce.
·         Suggest one way supervisors can be held accountable for reducing voluntary turnover and developing successors.


DDBA 8582 Week 7 Discussion 2 Presentation Peer Review Presenter and Participants (D2–W7)

Discussion 2: Presentation Peer Review: Presenter and Participants (D2–W7)

By Day 3 of Week 7

Upon review and consideration of the Presenter’s PowerPoint, and based on your own research, respond to your assigned presentation in an edited 3–paragraph, formal academic peer review.

In your review, be sure to:

·       Assess the conceptualization, analysis, and synthesis of key research concepts presented.
·       Determine whether or not the presentation provides a cohesive summary of the assigned concepts with an effective evaluation of their implications for human resources.
·       Assess whether or not the Presenter made a meaningful academic argument or interpretation that demonstrated fluency with the material.
·       Include an annotated bibliography of at least five additional resources related to the research topic.

In the subject line of your reply, replace the text with “Your First Name Last Name’s Response to First Name Last Name’s Presentation” (e.g., “Jeff Smith’s Response to Melissa Gore”). This will ensure it is easily identifiable by your Instructor and your colleagues.

By Day 3 and 7 of Week 7 

Continue the Discussion on both the Participants’ and Presenter(s)’ postings by addressing the following summative considerations that pertain specifically to the topics for this 2–week unit (Learning Resources):

·       In what ways do the readings provided in this week’s Learning Resources and those identified by you and your colleagues answer important “so what?” questions in the field of human resources?
·       How are these readings potentially valuable for research in the field?
·       Are there any important gaps (i.e., contradictions, arguments, disagreements, or areas of divergence) within this set of readings that point to potential topics for future research?
·       How would you follow up to extend or explore these gaps?


DDBA 8582 Week 7 Final Project Final Paper and Flowchart

Assignment 2: Final Project: Final Paper and Flowchart Submission (A2–W7)

As you compile, edit, and finalize the three main sections of your paper and build your flowchart, identify the processes you might recommend to organizational leaders for critiquing and improving business practices.

Refer to the “Final Paper Guidelines” document in the Learning Resources area of Week 1 for additional Final Project details.

Use the Hoover’s Company Records database in the Walden Library to find an organization or choose one with which you are familiar for the Final Project. A public organization will also have a 10–K form on the website that could provide you with information regarding organizational strategic plans and goals.

For the Final Project, create an HR operating plan for an organization you are familiar with based upon the mission and vision statements and other public information available about the organization and its business direction. Also include:

·         HR SWOT analysis and HR gap analysis
·         Identify 3–5 HR strategies and a minimum of 6–8 action steps for each strategy
·         Implementation process

The Final Project will be in the form of a paper and flowchart. Requirements for each follow.

Final Paper

By Day 7 of Week 7

You will write three sections of the Final Paper, each consisting of 5–7 pages, across the first 7 weeks of the course. (These sections will be turned in as parts of your Final Paper, which is due.) The paper should include: 

·         Section 1: For the first section of your final paper, you will summarize the mission and vision statements and other public information about the organization and its business direction, including their key business objectives and strategies. You will then explain how this information would drive and inform an HR operating plan.

·         Section 2: For the second section of your paper, include a 4–cell HR SWOT analysis and a 3–column HR gap analysis between the organizational strategy and HR strategy currently in place for your chosen organization.

·         Section 3: For the third section of your paper, include the following: 

o    Identify 3–5 strategies the HR department might want to implement based on the HR SWOT analysis and HR gap analysis and its need to support the organization’s strategic business direction. Include a minimum of 6–8 action steps for each strategy that will ensure its attainment.

o    Implementation stage: Include a mini–communication, outlining what key information must go to which key layers of groups and key individuals who should receive information and at what times during the implementation of the plan (explain how you will communicate this to the organization). Also, explain what internal or external obstacles or organizational pushback HR might expect and what tentative steps they should plan to address in anticipation (i.e., how should they plan for these things, which are highly likely to occur). That’s what a plan is all about—anticipating and planning for what is needed.

Your Final Paper should adhere to APA format (6th edition), which requires a title page, an abstract, a reference list, and appropriate sections and their headings. Your paper should include your Week 3 annotated bibliography: A thorough review of the literature (minimum of 15 resources, with 85% being five or fewer years old and peer reviewed) that shows evidence of a potential research opportunity/gap that has not been discussed in the academic literature.

Flowchart

Provide a flowchart demonstrating the steps in creating, operationalizing, and implementing the HR operating plan.

By Day 7 of Week 7

Compile your Final Paper and flowchart into one document and submit.



DDBA 8582 Week 8 Discussion 1 Looking Ahead (D1–W8)

Discussion 1: Looking Ahead (D1–W8)

Throughout the course you have examined each component of an HR operating plan. Although each plays an important role in organizations, maintaining agility is an essential part of sustaining an effective HR operating plan. Remaining watchful of HR and even organizational trends will remain an essential part of HR performance management. For this Discussion, review this week’s Learning Resources and explore some of the trends that have developed due to continuing globalization and advances in technology.

By Day 3 of Week 8

Respond to the following:

·       In looking to the future, explain one evolving HR trend and how it could affect an HR operating plan. 
·       How might the continuing trend of virtual teams or remote workers create strategic possibilities or impediments in an HR operating plan? Explain one example.
·       How might social networks be leveraged in an HR operating plan? Explain one example. 
·       Describe one way globalization might change HR overall and how global political unrest might impact the best of HR plans.


DDBA 8582 Week 8 Discussion 2 Reflection (D2–W8)

Discussion 2: Reflection (D2–W8)

Reflect upon key lessons derived from this course, in content, discussion, and opposing views. Consider how you might synthesize lessons learned into action plans as an HR leader.

By Day 5 Of Week 8

Respond to the following:

In reflecting upon key lessons derived from this course, in content, discussion, and opposing views, how could the possibility of organizational restructuring be accounted for in an HR operating plan? Also, explain how a contingency plan might be developed. 

By Day 7 of Week 8

Continue the Discussion on your classmates’ postings by addressing one or more of the following summative considerations:

·       As a final thought for the course, explain how you would integrate the information you have learned in this seminar into a philosophy of strategic HR efforts.
·       Have your viewpoints changed from when you first began this course? Discuss how your viewpoints changed, if at all, and why.