Term Project:

Your term project is a comparative analysis of the Human Resource practices of two organizations. Any two may be chosen (large, small, multi-national, non-unionized, public, non-profit or private sector), from the same or different industries. Do not, however, choose a company with less than 25 employees nor one in which Human Resource practices are determined at a location other than the one with which you are dealing.

Students are encouraged to work in pairs: single projects will not be accepted and groups of three are strongly discouraged. The purpose of the project includes developing the ability to work as a team, to gather material by the interview process and to discuss and compare, contrast and critically evaluate the material. The process of the project is important.

The analysis should include the following components:

•	A brief description of the two companies and why you chose them.
•	A brief description of the Human Resource department (if applicable) and their function.
•	A comparison of traditional Human Resource functions (e.g. recruitment, selection, compensation, training and development, performance appraisal, etc.).
•	An analysis of each company’s attitudes and reactions to recent legislation and social trends including challenges of Diversity and Human Rights issues, Pay Equity, and recent changes to Workplace Safety and Insurance Act (formerly Workmen’s Compensation Act) and Employment Standards Act.
•	An analysis of what works and what does not seem to work in the two organizations. What problems are the companies experiencing in Human Resource practices and how are these being resolved? What changes (if any) do you feel should be made by the organization to improve their HR programs and practices?
•	A conclusion that addresses the question, “What did we learn from this project?” Each student should write his or her own response. This includes not only your comparative analysis, but also the process of working together as a team.
•	Much of your research will involve speaking to appropriate managers (including Human Resource management) within the organizations and their employees. The project will be conducted by two students working together. It is imperative that interviews be done jointly. You will be given in-class time to form teams. Please submit your team members in writing at the end of this class.
•	The assignment is due on Nov.14/02 Late papers will be penalized one full letter grade and will not be accepted after Nov.21/02. Your paper must identify the companies described although the confidentiality of individuals may, if necessary, be respected.
•	Each member of the group will receive the same mark, unless (subject to my approval) they advise otherwise in writing.
•	The paper should be approximately 20 pages long (double-spaced, 12-14 point font size), excluding exhibits. If you use exhibits, it is important to refer to them in your text.