Task 5- Final
The final project, is an integral part of this course. It gives students the chance to apply the main themes we discuss during the term and demonstrate comprehension of key learning objectives. In this task, you will assume the following general case study:
In today’s business climate, organizations are faced with hard choices. To stay in business, organizations with similar products/services and missions are often faced with conversations about mergers and acquisitions. As you look to the news, just about every month you are hearing how business is refocusing and resetting into our new economy. Transformation is truly occurring. For the purposes of this assignment, you are to identify a recent merger or acquisition (within the last 2 years). Complete initial research about the merger (two companies coming together with equal partnership) or acquisition (one company purchasing the other to bring into their portfolio). Conduct introductory research into both companies, the merger/acquisition process, and the challenges it was faced with. Examples you can consider include: Family Dollar & Dollar Tree, Sprint & T-Mobile, BB&T & SunTrust Bank, Uber & Postmates, etc. You may also research a recent merger or acquisition of your own choice/interest. Please conduct initial research and ensure you have a minimum of 3 resources that showcase your review of the available news and information. I recommend your resources include information about the merger/acquisition as well as information about human resources, personnel, or “people” component of the business. Focusing your research on the human resources impact of the merger/acquisition will inform and strengthen your overall assignment.
Your Task: You have been hired as a HR Consultant to either the acquiring organization’s HR department or the new consolidated/merged HR department. The Chief HR Officer has asked you to develop a strategic HR proposal which outlines strategy and approach on several of the key HR functions. Your ideas should be grounded in solid human resource planning techniques and reference your learning throughout the term. In addition, you will be asked to include information on organizational culture and how the HR function can contribute to the organizational culture.
The cornerstone of the project is a detailed written HR Strategy Proposal (Task #5) covering the various class topics and concepts. Lesson #5 will be your prepared References List.
Deliverables
There are two required deliverables for the project. The second deliverable (APA reference list) is outlined in Lesson #5.
1. Written HR Strategic Plan Proposal (Upload to Moodle Task #5) – Each student will write and submit an original proposal based on the case noted above and other information provided during class and from your individual research. The proposal is to be a minimum of 6 pages, maximum of 8 pages, double spaced, with a cover page and reference list. Cover page, table of contents and reference list are not to count towards the 6-8 page total. The proposal is to be written in APA formatting. The reference list is to include the term’s textbook and a minimum of three credible, academic resources (i.e. business journals, magazine articles, academic articles). Total grade will be marked down if the appropriate number of credible resources are not incorporated. Please refrain from using information from basic .com websites found by google searches. The student is challenged to locate strong academic sources. Be sure to include your reference list in your Task #9 submission, as well as Lesson #9.
The written proposal should include at least the following parts. Please be sure they are clearly indicated by either paragraph breaks, or sub-headings.
Description: Company description of both companies that are or have merged or gone through an acquisition process (include industry, number of employees, target customer, and a concise description of the products/services the company sells)
Problem/objective Statement: (what business problem prompted the merger or acquisition)? What are they attempting to solve with their combined products/services? What makes them unique in the marketplace? Who are their competitors?)
External Branding: Describe the external branding approach of each original company. How has the new consolidated business emerged from the merger or acquisition? What is their current branding/marketing approach? What do you propose to continue the branding evolution?
Internal Branding: What was the impact of the merger/acquisition on the current employees? What challenges did they face? What do you propose to increase employee engagement and employee satisfaction?
Recruitment/Talent Acquisition: What do you propose to increase attractiveness to external talent who are applying for positions with the new combined organization?
Culture: Define behaviors, expectations and skillsets of the company’s management team. Defining the management culture will be critical to ensuring long term success. What do you propose to increase adoption of the new organizational culture? Is the merged company continuing with an existing culture or shifting/evolving into a new experience for the employee/customer?
Training & Development: Define training plan for sustaining success of this new business venture. What recommendations do you have to shape: leadership development programs, onboarding/orientation programs, required training, and development planning?
Performance Management: Discuss the top 3 key performance indicators the Chief HR Office should be concerned with when reviewing employee performance over the next several years.
Stakeholders: Who are your stakeholders? (who do you need buy-in from, who do you need to include for implementing this HR strategic plan? who will approve your proposal?
Define Success: Define what success looks like – for the business owners, the company, the employees and the customer/client?
Summary: Include any other details that you would like to propose or share with the Chief HR Officer. Make your case to ensure sustained success. How would you describe the workforce of this combined organization in 5 years?
Grading
The written proposal (Task #5) is graded on several factors including:
1. Accuracy of Thought – consistent and accurate application of key concepts from class that are well thought out and developed. You must show evidence of integrating course concepts, key ideas and information from your readings and assignments.
2. Competence – all topics are well understood and properly applied to the situation. You must include 3 academic references, cited in APA format throughout the proposal and on the reference page. Please review the requirements for academic references (i.e. business journal, business article, academic article, interviews, books). Do not use wikipedia or other unverified .com websites.
3. Professionalism – all aspects of the proposal are well written with a clear flow. There should be clear evidence that you read, proofread and spent valid effort building this proposal.
4. Synergy – all aspects of the proposal are mutually supportive and build upon each other. The above requirements are a minimum. You may add to these requirements, or seek to make it your own.
Lesson 5
In support of your Final (Task 5), you will use Lesson 5 to begin building your academic reference list. There is a requirement for a minimum of 3 academic resources that you will use to build, integrate and support the ideas within your proposal. Complete your required research, and upload your reference list in APA format (required). You will still include this as part of your final proposal (Task #5); however, Lesson 5’s completion will ensure you have the required academic resources so you will be well prepared to complete a quality product.
