In the Module 2 Case, you will write Chapter 2 of your thesis-style paper – relating to the Human Resources Frame.

Module 2 – Case

The Human Resources Frame

Assignment Overview

In the Module 2 Case, you will write Chapter 2 of your thesis-style paper – relating to the Human Resources Frame. Using specific examples of “human resources” or “human relations” as they are defined by Bolman and Deal, you will use the Human Resources Frame as a lens through which you will analyze the effectiveness of the Walt Disney Company.

Begin the Module 2 Case by visiting the Walt Disney Company website:

The Walt Disney Company. (2014). Retrieved on May 8, 2014 from http://thewaltdisneycompany.com/  

Then, read the following:

So just how does Mickey make magic? The following article discusses how Disney’s excellent employee performance is recognized. Note the section entitled “Disney Recognition 101”:

Ligos, M. (2009). How Mickey makes magic. Successful Promotions, 42(5), 44-47. Retrieved from EBSCO – Business Source Complete.

Case Assignment

After you have reviewed the contents of the Walt Disney Company website, completed the readings provided at the Background page of Module 1, and performed additional research from the library and on the internet, write a 6- to 7-page paper in which you do the following:

 Using the following assumptions of the Human Resources Frame, complete an in-depth assessment of the Walt Disney Company:

· Organizations exist to serve human needs rather than the reverse.

· People and organizations need each other. Organizations need ideas, energy, and talent; people need careers, salaries, and opportunities.

· When the fit between individual and system is poor, one or both suffer. Individuals are exploited or exploit the organization—or both become victims.

· A good fit benefits both. Individuals find meaningful and satisfying work, and organizations get the talent and energy they need to succeed.

Keys to the Assignment

The key aspects of this assignment that are to be covered in your 6- to 7-page paper include the following:

· Describe Walt Disney’s approach to human resources. Is Disney’s overall approach to human resources more or less effective relative to its ability to help the organization accomplish its stated purpose (vision, mission)? Explain.

· Using Bolman and Deal’s Human Resources Frame, analyze two or three human resources/ human relations characteristics of the Walt Disney Company. Because you cannot cover all characteristics that are related to human resources/ relations in a short paper, you will need to be selective; therefore, choose two or three characteristics that are of particular interest to you. These might include, for example the Walt Disney Company’s benefits design, its employee orientation/training programs, or its employee evaluation systems.

· For each of the human resources characteristics that you have included in your Case, discuss the extent to which that characteristic has been effective or ineffective relative to helping Disney to attain its stated purpose. Defend your answer in the context of the four (4) assumptions given above (how well do the  two or three human resources/ relations characteristics you’ve identified ascribe to these assumptions – if at all)?

· Having had applied the Human Resources Frame to the Walt Disney Company, is there anything that you would you do differently? Conclude Chapter 3 of your paper by giving recommendations as to what you believe Disney should do, and explain why.

· The background readings will not give you all the answers to the Case. Therefore, you are expected to perform some research in the library, using a minimum of 3-4 scholarly sources from the library to support and justify your understanding of the case.

· Your paper must demonstrate evidence of critical thinking (if you need tips on critical thinking, http://www.criticalthinking.org/pages/college-and-university-students/799 is an excellent resource). Please do not restate facts – instead, be sure to interpret the facts you have accumulated from your research.

· Remember that the Module 3 Case will serve as Chapter 3 of your session-long thesis-style paper.

Assignment Expectations

Your paper will be evaluated using the following five (5) criteria:

· Assignment-Driven Criteria: Does the paper fully address all Keys to the Assignment? Are the concepts behind the Keys to the Assignment addressed accurately and precisely using sound logic? Does the paper meet minimum length requirements?

· Critical thinking:  Does the paper demonstrate graduate-level analysis, in which information derived from multiple sources, expert opinions, and assumptions has been critically evaluated and synthesized in the formulation of a logical set of conclusions?  Does the paper address the topic with sufficient depth of discussion and analysis?

· Business Writing: Is the paper well-written (clear, developed logically, and well-organized)? Are the grammar, spelling, and vocabulary appropriate for graduate-level work? Are section headings included in all papers?  Are paraphrasing and synthesis of concepts the primary means of responding to the Keys to the Assignment, or is justification/support instead conveyed through excessive use of direct quotations?

· Effective Use of Information (Information Literacy): Does the paper demonstrate effective research, as evidenced by student’s use of relevant and quality sources? Do additional sources used in paper provide strong support for conclusions drawn, and do they help in shaping the overall paper?

· Citing Sources: Does the student demonstrate understanding of APA Style of referencing, by inclusion of proper end references and in-text citations (for paraphrased text and direct quotations) as appropriate? Have all sources (e.g., references used from the Background page, the assignment readings, and outside research) been included, and are these properly cited? Have all end references been included within the body of the paper as in-text citations?

Module 2 – SLP

The Human Resources Frame

SLP Overview 

In the Module 2 SLP, you will write a 3- to 4-page paper in which you will apply the Human Resources Frame to the organization in which you are currently employed (or in which you have worked previously). 

Assignment

The Module 2 SLP requires that you write a 3- to 4-page paper, in which you address the following: 

After giving a brief description of the organization in which you presently work – or in which you have previously worked – apply the Human Resources Frame to the organization, analyzing the effectiveness of two or three human resources/ human relations characteristics you have identified.  

Keys to the Assignment

The key aspects of this assignment that should be covered in your paper include the following:

· Briefly describe your organization – name, what it does, size (number of employees, annual revenue, relative market share, etc.);

· Choose 2 or 3 human resources activities within your organization (e.g., recruitment, evaluation, development, training, etc.); and

· Using Bolman and Deal’s Human Resources Frame as a lens, discuss the relative effectiveness of the human resources characteristics you have selected. If you were CEO of your company, what (if anything) might you do differently? Why would you make the changes you suggest?

SLP Assignment Expectations

Your paper will be evaluated using the following five (5) criteria:

· Assignment-Driven Criteria: Does the paper fully address all Keys to the Assignment? Are the concepts behind the Keys to the Assignment addressed accurately and precisely using sound logic? Does the paper meet minimum length requirements?

· Critical thinking:  Does the paper demonstrate graduate-level analysis, in which information derived from multiple sources, expert opinions, and assumptions has been critically evaluated and synthesized in the formulation of a logical set of conclusions?  Does the paper address the topic with sufficient depth of discussion and analysis?

· Business Writing: Is the paper well-written (clear, developed logically, and well-organized)? Are the grammar, spelling, and vocabulary appropriate for graduate-level work? Are section headings included in all papers?  Are paraphrasing and synthesis of concepts the primary means of responding to the Keys to the Assignment, or is justification/support instead conveyed through excessive use of direct quotations?

· Effective Use of Information (Information Literacy): Does the paper demonstrate effective research, as evidenced by student’s use of relevant and quality sources? Do additional sources used in paper provide strong support for conclusions drawn, and do they help in shaping the overall paper?

· Citing Sources: Does the student demonstrate understanding of APA Style of referencing, by inclusion of proper end references and in-text citations (for paraphrased text and direct quotations) as appropriate? Have all sources (e.g., references used from the Background page, the assignment readings, and outside research) been included, and are these properly cited? Have all end references been included within the body of the paper as in-text citations?

Module 2

Required resources:

Mabey, C. (2003). Reframing human resource development. Human Resource Development Review, 2(4), 430-452, Retrieved from ProQuest.

The Walt Disney Company. (2014). Retrieved on May 8, 2014 from http://thewaltdisneycompany.com/

Westbrooks, E. (2012). Reframing organizations: The human resources frame. Prezi. Retrieved on May 4, 2014 from http://prezi.com/8n7gntvkuzw8/reframing-organizations-the-human-resources-frame/

Optional resources:  

Bolman, L. G. & Deal, T.E. (2003). Reframing organizations: Artistry, choice, and leadership (3rd ed). San Francisco: John Wiley.

Human Resources (2014). The Walt Disney Company. Retrieved on May 8, 2014 from http://thewaltdisneycompany.com/about-disney/human-resources

Jacobs, R. M. (n.d.). Theories of practice: The human resources frame. Villanova University. Retrieved on May 8, 2014 from http://www83.homepage.villanova.edu/richard.jacobs/MPA%208002/Powerpoint/8002%20MPA/human.ppt

Ligos, M. (2009). How Mickey makes magic. Successful Promotions, 42(5), 44-47. Retrieved from EBSCO – Business Source Complete.

Shuit, D. P. (2004). Magic for sale. Workforce Management, 83(9), 35-40. Retrieved from EBSCO – Business Source Complete.

Trahan, K. (2009). Make your company a magic kingdom. Sales & Service Excellence, 9(2), 15. Retrieved from EBSCO – Business Source Complete.

Working Here Overview (2014). Disney Careers. Retrieved on May 7, 2014 from http://disneycareers.com/en/working-here/overview/