Managing Human Capital in Retail

Go to Course: https://www.coursera.org/learn/wharton-managing-human-capital-retail

Introduction

**Course Review: Managing Human Capital in Retail on Coursera** If you're looking to deepen your understanding of human capital management within the retail industry, "Managing Human Capital in Retail" offered on Coursera presents an insightful and comprehensive learning opportunity. Taught by Professor Matthew Bidwell, a recognized authority in the field, this course effectively outlines the essential strategies and practices that drive employee engagement, retention, and overall organizational success. ### Course Overview Every successful retail business recognizes that its people are its greatest asset. In this course, Professor Bidwell expertly navigates the complexities of human capital management by emphasizing the crucial relationship between effective people management and enhanced organizational performance. With a clear and structured syllabus, the course is divided into four modules, each focusing on core concepts that collectively build a robust foundation for effectively managing human resources in a retail context. ### Module Breakdown #### **Module 1: Human Capital and Performance** The first module establishes a crucial link between people management and organizational performance. It explores how human capital can generate value and presents the ability-motivation-opportunities framework. By delving into this module, learners will gain a comprehensive understanding of the systemic nature of human capital management and how these systems interconnect within an organization, ultimately aligning with broader strategic goals. #### **Module 2: High Performance Staffing** The focus shifts to staffing strategies in this module. High-performance staffing is a cornerstone of effective human capital management, and this segment details best practices for hiring. Professor Bidwell emphasizes the significance of a robust internal hiring pipeline and the long-term benefits of effective recruitment strategies. By the end of this module, participants will be equipped to comprehend and implement practices that enhance staffing decisions, paving the way for a skilled workforce. #### **Module 3: Development and Retention** Employee development and retention are crucial for maintaining a high-functioning team. This module critically evaluates various approaches to training, discussing the implications of employee turnover and the costs associated with attrition. Participants will learn to identify key reasons behind employee departures and develop strategic plans to retain their top talent, thereby safeguarding organizational investments. #### **Module 4: Motivating the Frontline Workforce** The final module addresses the essential topic of employee motivation, especially for the frontline workforce that is pivotal to retail success. Professor Bidwell offers practical insights on designing jobs and implementing incentive mechanisms that sustain motivation over time. Participants will leave this module with a variety of strategies aimed at fostering employee satisfaction and enhancing overall productivity. ### Recommendation "Managing Human Capital in Retail" is a must-take course for anyone involved in the retail sector, whether you're an HR professional, a retail manager, or a business owner looking to optimize your workforce. The knowledge and tools provided throughout the course are not only applicable to retail but can also be adapted to various industries. What sets this course apart is its practical approach, backed by real-world insights and methodologies. Professor Bidwell’s engaging teaching style makes complex concepts accessible, and the case studies included within the modules enhance learning by offering tangible examples of successful human capital practices. ### Conclusion Investing your time in "Managing Human Capital in Retail" will reward you with valuable strategies for optimizing human capital within your organization. The course not only equips you with theoretical knowledge but also empowers you to implement effective practices that foster both employee satisfaction and organizational success. Don't miss out on this opportunity to enhance your skills and drive positive outcomes within your retail business. Enroll today on Coursera!

Syllabus

Module 1: Human Capital and Performance

In this module, you will begin to assess the links between managing people and organizational performance and how human capital can drive value. You will examine methods of managing people in ways that create value. using the ability-motivation-opportunities framework. By the end of this module, you will have a clearer understanding of how human capital management operates as a system, the ways these systems interrelate across a company, and how it all relates to a broader organizational strategy.

In this module, you will examine various elements of high performance staffing, an important concept in effective human capital management. You will delve into specific best practices for making the right decision in your hiring process and how the internal hiring pipeline plays a role in this decision making process. By the end of this module, you will be able to identify the benefits of adopting effective hiring practices and understand how this contributes to to well-established internal hiring channels in the future.

In this module, you will consider the best ways to develop and retain current employees. You'll think critically about job skills as well as the the drawbacks and benefits of job training depending on your approach. You'll examine the impact of turnover, and the loss of organizational investment in an employee associated with attrition. By the end of this module, you'll be able to identify reasons why an employee leaves an organization and develop a plan for retaining valuable members of your team.

In this module, you will continue examining human capital in the organizational workforce. You'll utilize your knowledge about employee retention to now focus on employee motivation, identifying multiple factors that play a role in employee satisfaction. You'll discuss how to pay employees effectively and how to design a job so that employees feel motivated on a day-to-day basis. By the end of this module, you will possess a wide array of tools to incentivize employees to work effectively over longer periods of time with a company.