Preparing to Manage Human Resources

University of Minnesota via Coursera

Go to Course: https://www.coursera.org/learn/managing-human-resources

Introduction

**Course Review: Preparing to Manage Human Resources on Coursera** Navigating the complexities of human resources management (HRM) can be daunting, but the course "Preparing to Manage Human Resources" on Coursera provides an excellent foundation for both aspiring and current managers. This four-week course is structured to equip learners with a comprehensive understanding of HRM, emphasizing a diverse range of management strategies, motivations, and the legal context that shapes employee relations. ### Course Overview The course acknowledges that all employees require management and that there is no one-size-fits-all approach. Throughout the course, learners explore various HRM strategies while considering the unique contexts of individual employees, jobs, managers, organizations, and even different countries. By the end of the course, participants will have developed their own approach to managing people effectively. ### Syllabus Breakdown 1. **Alternative Approaches to Managing Human Resources** The first module introduces the importance of effective people management. Learners will explore various HR strategies and evaluate how these align with organizational goals and management styles. By the end of this section, students will be able to recommend tailored management approaches suitable for specific scenarios. This module lays a strong foundation for understanding the strategic role of HR in organizations. 2. **What Makes Employees Work? Money, Of Course!** In the second module, the focus shifts to monetary motivations. Participants will learn about the economic aspects of work, understanding how financial incentives can drive performance. This module provides practical insights for addressing common managerial concerns regarding self-interested employees. By applying insights from economics, learners will develop strategies to motivate employees through financial means. 3. **What Makes Employees Work Revisited... Non-Monetary Motivations** Extending the previous module, the third section investigates non-monetary factors that influence employee motivation. Participants will uncover various reasons beyond financial compensation that drive individuals to work. This exploration into psychology and sociology enriches the understanding of employee needs and equips managers with the tools to create a more satisfying work environment. Learners will also justify how different motivational insights apply in various contexts. 4. **The People Manager as Part of a Complex System** The final module delves into the constraints that managers face, particularly with regards to legal regulations in HRM. This section teaches participants to navigate the legal landscape surrounding employment practices. By understanding the legal implications of management decisions, learners will create a comprehensive list of best practices and illicit behaviors in HRM. This practical knowledge empowers managers to operate ethically while maintaining compliance with local laws. ### Recommendations "Preparing to Manage Human Resources" is an excellent resource for: - **Aspiring HR Professionals:** If you're looking to build a career in human resources, this course lays the groundwork for understanding the core principles involved in managing talent effectively. - **New Managers:** Those stepping into a managerial role would benefit immensely from the diverse strategies discussed in the course. Understanding how to tailor your approach to different employee needs is essential for fostering a positive work environment. - **Business Leaders:** For executives seeking to enhance their organization’s HR strategies, this course provides valuable insights into aligning HRM with business objectives. ### Conclusion Overall, "Preparing to Manage Human Resources" is a well-structured and informative course on Coursera that balances theoretical knowledge with practical application. With its comprehensive syllabus and focus on various aspects of employee management, it's a highly recommended course for anyone aiming to create a thriving workplace culture. Whether you're an HR professional, a new manager, or a business leader, this course will equip you with the essential skills to manage human resources effectively.

Syllabus

Alternative Approaches to Managing Human Resources

Welcome to the first week of this course! This section starts with an introduction to the course, and then we'll spend two lessons looking at alternative ways of managing human resources. After completing this module, you will be able to… • Explain why managing people is important. • Compare strategies for managing human resources. • Evaluate the fit between an organization’s HR strategy, a manager’s style(s), and the business environment. • Recommend strategies and styles for managing people in a particular situation.

What Makes Employees Work? Money, Of Course!

Welcome to the second module of this course! We'll be focusing on the monetary reasons for working, and the lessons for managers that result. After completing this module, you will be able to… • Explain how money can motivate some workers. • Identify key managerial concerns if workers are self-interested and view work economically. • Develop strategies for addressing these key concerns using insights from economics.

What Makes Employees Work Revisited...Non-Monetary Motivations

Welcome to the third module of this course! We'll be focusing on the non-monetary reasons for working, and the lessons for managers that result. After completing this module, you will be able to… • Explain at least four different reasons that people work not related to money. • Identify key managerial concerns when workers work for different non-monetary reasons.• Develop strategies for addressing these key concerns using insights from psychology and sociology. • Justify the (in)application of insights from economics, psychology, and sociology in different situations.

The People Manager as Part of a Complex System

Welcome to the fourth and final module of this course! In this section, we'll finish laying a foundation for managing human resources by looking at the constraints faced by managers, especially the legal environment. After completing this module, you will be able to… • Explain at least four constraints that influence how human resources are managed in a particular organization. • Compare the ways in which the law does and does not see employment as a typical contractual relationship. • Create a list of legal and illegal HRM practices in your country. • Judge when to use strategies for managing people that go beyond what the law requires.

Overview

One way or another, all employees are managed. But approaches to managing employees varying from employee-to-employee, job-to-job, manager-to-manager, organization-to-organization, and country-to-country. This course provides a foundation for developing your own approach to skillfully managing employees by illustrating alternative human resource management (HRM) strategies, introducing the importance of the legal context, and thinking about what motivates employees. This will then give you the f

Skills

Human Resources (HR) Resource Management Hr Strategy

Reviews

Great course for new managers. Provides framework for first decisions as a new leader. Good refresher for existing managers or individuals looking to transition into HR from a leadership role.

I learned so much about what it takes to become Human Resource Manager and the different laws that are out there. More importantly i learned that its exactly what i want to do with my career now

I really enjoyed this foundation class. It provide me with a deeper understand of human resources beyond just transactional duties. Human Resources is a key component in the life of an organization.

This course has an outstanding wealth of information for new people entering the Human Resources arena. I also recommend it to others that want to brush up on knowledge and skills of the HR industry.

This Course has given me practical knowledge on HR and has helped me develop my leadership skills by using concepts from Economics, psychology and sociology. The lecturers have done an amazing job.