Human Resources Management Diploma (Online & In-Class)

This course introduces the importance of professional practice in human resources. Human resources’ strategic contribution to an organization’s business plan is emphasized. Topics include the human resources functional knowledge areas, as defined by CPHR Canada. Students will gain an understanding of the areas of responsibility and general principles of HR management within the Canadian environment and how effective HR management builds professional and supportive relationships while maintaining the well-being of an organization’s culture.

The students will examine the impact of corporate and business strategy on human resources management stressing the importance of aligning human resources management policies and practices with organizational strategy. A strategic human resources planning model is introduced and includes the following elements: organizational strategy, HRM strategy, environmental influences on HRM, job analysis, HR management systems and forecasting supply and demand.

Organizational effectiveness applies the principles of lean management, change management and strategic human resources to assess the effectiveness of an organization’s processes, and recommend interventions that will build the organization’s capacity to achieve and sustain desired capability, set of behaviours or improved processes. Accounting and finance principles are also covered from the perspective of the HR professional as a business partner in the organization. The course will provide the students with an understanding of accounting information for the use of business managers and working knowledge of financial accounting for human resources managers.

This course also integrates business and corporate strategy with elements of strategic human resources management. It challenges the role of HR professionals to move beyond HRM foundations to strategic heights.

The students will develop a strategic analysis of a human resources management issue and learn how to effectively manage human resources in a way that contributes to improved performance, productivity and morale. This course introduces the student to the theory, concepts, and business application of human resources research, data, metrics, systems, analyses and reporting.

Desirable behaviours in an organization can be promoted with a strategically designed rewards plan and an organization’s reward system can have a significant impact on the profitability of the organization. This course will help to identify the elements of a systematic framework for designing an optimal reward system. Students will examine the strategic and behavioural framework for compensation, critical elements of rewards strategy, compensation values, performance pay and indirect pay.

The importance of employee relations and the intricacies of labour relations are significant components of strategic HR. Students will explore the best practices in union and non-union relations, grievance management, and dispute resolution processes including mediation and arbitration. This course will highlight controversies and issues related to the structure and functioning of today’s industrial relations system. The course emphasizes the practical or process-oriented side of labour relations as it applies in today’s workplace.

An overview of laws, regulations and guidelines for the HR professional will be provided, along with case studies and a discussion of current practices. Topics such as occupational health and safety within the Canadian legislative context, Workers’ Compensation and disability management, types of hazards and techniques for controlling them and hazard control procedures will also be discussed.

This course draws attention to the importance of organizational learning, development and training. Organizational development often includes workplace improvements and training. These efforts are based on the ability to develop clear job and organizational expectations, improve job performance and reduce employee anxiety. Development programs and training enhance the employee’s initial skills as they build on the knowledge, skill and ability of the employee.

This course provides a complete and comprehensive study of training and development theories, reflecting on the science and practice of the field. The course also explores the changing role of trainers, outsourcing, the aging workforce and e-learning.

The students will evaluate the importance of employee engagement as the commitment and energy that employees bring to work and are key indicators of their involvement and dedication to the organization. Employees who are engaged are more productive, content and more likely to be loyal to an organization.

In the information age, the success of an organization depends entirely upon the quality of their employees. This course explores the evolving best practices in the fields of recruitment and selection while providing specific examples that modify best practices as a result of different organizational and environmental contexts. To complement staffing and other HR functional dimensions, this course introduces the principles and common practices associated with human resources information systems (HRIS).