September 10: Human Resource Management Overview
Pamela Acuff, Senior Management Consultant, Acuff Consulting
An introduction to the changing role of the HR function in a progressive organization, and the current market dynamics affecting it. Key topics include: understanding organizational behavior, culture, change and design. HR "best practices" will be presented as keys for obtaining outstanding business success.
September 17: Employer Obligations & Employee Rights
Robert E. O'Connor, Jr., J.D., Private practice
The workplace has many legal issues, State and Federal, which can affect the employment relationship. Recognizing and understanding those issues is important for HR professionals. This session will cover the major employment laws utilizing examples of appropriate procedures and protocol to minimize litigation and protect employees.
September 24: Workforce Planning
Pam Acuff, Senior Management Consultant, Acuff Consulting
Learn how to identify staffing requirements to meet the goals and objectives of the organization. Conduct job analysis to write job descriptions and develop job competencies, identify and document the essential job functions for positions and establish hiring criteria based on the competencies needed. Identify internal and external recruitment methods and implement them within the context of the organization's goals and objectives and develop strategies to market the organization to potential applicants.
October 1: Employee Selection & Placement
Tom Pauldine, HR Consultant
There are few decisions that are as important as hiring the right person for the right job. Most candidates come with the skills to do the job, yet interviewers insist on probing into the skills rather than the applicants potential "fit" for the organization. You will learn how to conduct a comprehensive assessment of applicants. You will also learn that the key to the process is to have a good "map" of the job you are trying to fill. You will find the process of assessing candidates to be a comfortable, stress-free exchange of information during which good rapport is established.
October 8: Human Resource Training & Development
Gretchen Finke Patras, President, GFP & Company, Inc.
Effective HR training and development can determine the health of your organization. We will discuss the state of the training and development industry and current best practices. Become familiar with the 5-step approach to Instructional Systems Design that will enable you to identify employees needs and design, implement and evaluate effective training programs. You will also be presented with a number of professional resources for your ongoing references.
October 15: Performance Management
Ann Gillaspie, Corporate Training Manager, Zurich Corporation
Learn how to accurately assess the performance of your employees by writing SMART goals which includes: assessing employee competencies, learning the difference between training deficiencies, learning the legal implications of writing and giving fair and consistent performance evaluations, and leaning how to constructively coach and give feedback necessary for a productive work environment.
October 22: Compensation Strategies & Practices
Gordon Parry, HR Consultant
How your organization compensates its employees for their contribution is central to a successful HR program. Not only does it have a key role in recruiting and retention, it reinforces corporate values and individual performance. You will learn about the legal constraints on pay systems, and how to develop base and variable pay programs, and what to consider when developing your compensation strategy.
October 29: Managing Employee Benefits
Bob Foley, Director of Benefits, Mutual of Omaha Insurance Company
Your company's benefit plans play an important role in attracting and retaining employees in a competitive labor market. Benefit plans also protect employees and their families from financial risks. In today's business environment, the costs of employee benefits are a significant portion of the HR budget. This session will help you understand the legal framework that is the basis of benefit plan designs. Learn what you can do as a manager to help minimize plan costs and maximize the value of benefit plans for your workforce.
November 5: Employee and Labor Relations
Ray Weinberg, Principal, SilverStone Group
This session will focus on creating an issue-free workplace with a proactive employee relations function designed to prevent unions. Traditional labor relations will also be presented including union organizing, contract negotiations, and contract administration. Preventing and responding to unfair labor practice charges will be addressed. Innovative approaches to employee relations will be emphasized.
November 12: Human Resource Strategic Management
Pamela Acuff, Senior Management Consultant, Acuff Consulting
In HR, all of the HR functions must be compatible with one another and with the organizational culture to work effectively. In this final session, integrate the various HR functions learned in this program with the business model. Understand the importance of HR in the strategic planning process, and learn how HR can bring greater value to that process. Analyze the direct link between your HR strategy and your organization's culture. Identify proper metrics and measurements to assess HR effectiveness and the organization's performance relative to the use of human capital.