Information Systems - HRIS

Winter 2008 - Assignments

 

Session 1: Information Systems and Technology

Text readings

Chapter 1: An Introduction to Information Systems in Organizations

Chapter 3: Organizing Data and Information

Chapter 4: Telecommunications, the Internet, Intranets, and Extranets

Individual Assignment

In his paper Making the Most of On-line Recruiting, Peter Cappelli discusses how the Internet is changing how recruiting is done.  To what extent do you agree or disagree with his observations and their impact, and why?  Select an organization and briefly discuss how on-line recruiting has benefited or might benefit it.

Discussion Articles

Moving to a New HRIS

http://0-search.ebscohost.com.library.muhlenberg.edu/login.aspx?direct=true&db=bsh&AN=25293591&site=ehost-live&scope=site

New HR Systems On the Horizon.

http://0-search.ebscohost.com.library.muhlenberg.edu/login.aspx?direct=true&db=bsh&AN=20659374&site=ehost-live&scope=site

A Total View Of Employee Rewards

http://0-search.ebscohost.com.library.muhlenberg.edu/login.aspx?direct=true&db=bsh&AN=26133537&site=ehost-live&scope=site

 

Session 2: Business Information Systems

Text readings

Chapter 5: Electronic and Mobile Commerce and Enterprise Systems

Pro/Con Discussion

Pro:  The Internet and associated technologies have changed for the better how we work.  No longer are workers confined to offices; now they may work at home and be accessible throughout the day.  These new technologically-enhanced developments are for the good because they provide the capability for more personal time and yet also lead to improved productivity.

Con:  The Internet and associated technologies have invaded our personal space, now making it possible to be on call 24/7/365 and have inserted the organization smack in the middle of our private lives.  The benefits are outweighed by the negative impact that technology has on all of us.

Individual Assignment

The A Blogger in Their Midst case, discusses an employee whose private blog becomes more popular than the official blog of her company, Lancaster-Webb.  Comment on each of the four commentator’s evaluations of the situation at Lancaster-Webb and to what extent do you agree or disagree?  Formulate and present a recommendation of your own.

Discussion Articles

Internet Usage Monitoring in the Workplace: Its Legal Challenges and Implementation Strategies.

http://0-search.ebscohost.com.library.muhlenberg.edu/login.aspx?direct=true&db=bsh&AN=24654644&site=ehost-live&scope=site

Data-Driven Human Capital Decisions

http://0-search.ebscohost.com.library.muhlenberg.edu/login.aspx?direct=true&db=bsh&AN=24277400&site=ehost-live&scope=site

 

Session 3: Management and Organizational Support Systems

Text readings

Chapter 7:  Knowledge Management and Specialized Information Systems

Individual Assignment

In Transforming Human Resources at Novartis: The Human Resources Info System Novartis sought to implement a global HRIS system.  What were the proposed benefits of the system and what problems led to implementation problems?  To what extent are these common problems when implementing any system or indeed, and global process, and to what extent are they unique to Novartis?  If you were brought in as an outside consultant, what course of action would you recommend and why?

Pro/Con Discussion

Pro: Because copying and disseminating information is so easy via the Internet, tighter controls via laws and software code should be implemented to protect information owners -- both in terms of privacy and intellectual property.

Con:  Stringent controls on information privacy and intellectual property are self-defeating and impossible to administer; they should be relaxed to enable advances in commerce, the arts, the sciences, and for the good of society in general.

Discussion Articles

HR Challenges in Virtual Worlds.

http://0-search.ebscohost.com.library.muhlenberg.edu/login.aspx?direct=true&db=bsh&AN=27351205&site=ehost-live&scope=site

Face to face with social networking.

http://0-search.ebscohost.com.library.muhlenberg.edu/login.aspx?direct=true&db=bsh&AN=26324868&site=ehost-live&scope=site

 

Session 4: Social and Ethical Aspects of Information Systems

Text readings

Chapter 9: The Personal and Social Impact of Computers

Individual Assignment

The article We Googled You discusses a woman who was about to be hired for a position in China, whose “Web past” caught up with her.  Four commentators discuss their views on the case.  To what extent do you agree or disagree with each and why?  Formulate and present a recommendation of your own.

Discussion Articles

The Reign of Zero Tolerance.

http://0-search.ebscohost.com.library.muhlenberg.edu/login.aspx?direct=true&db=bsh&AN=22671265&site=ehost-live&scope=site

Heads in the Sand: If there's a bird flu pandemic, IT will be critical to business continuity. So why haven't more organizations started planning?

http://0-search.ebscohost.com.library.muhlenberg.edu/login.aspx?direct=true&db=bsh&AN=23663207&site=ehost-live&scope=site

 

Session 5: Team Presentations