The purpose of this assignment is to demonstrate a practical understanding of key legal or societal concepts and to
facilitate further analytical exploration of contemporary trends and challenges in human resources. The paper should
critically examine a position on an emerging trend or challenge affecting HRM, and the impact on current practices
and/or activities.
THE TOPIC OF THE PAPER WILL BE CHOSEN AND COMMUNICTED TO STUDENTS BY THE INSTRUCTOR
The paper will likely be about 5 to 8 pages in length (excluding the references list and any other appendices), and
should include a significant amount of analysis and original thought, supported by research from four or more outside
sources. The following components should be evident in your paper:
I. Introduction and thesis (25 pts):
Identify the trend(s) or challenge(s) to be analyzed; explain rationale for choice of topic. Present a clear, wellthought-out thesis statement(s). Preview key points and arguments to be addressed.
II. Analysis of position on HR/Legal trend/challenges (75 pts):
Provide arguments that justify your choice of topic as a current and relevant HR trend and that support your
position on the trend or challenges. In developing your arguments, you should:
Explain how/why the trend has a significant impact on HRM policies, procedures, or practices.
Consider potential causes, as well as effects on individuals, groups, & the organization as a whole
Address the HR perspective! What are an HR departments roles and responsibilities in dealing with the
trends/challenges and their affects?
Consider how the trend or challenges affect an organizations ability to maintain competitive advantage.
III. Recommendations, Applicability, and Alternative Positions (25 pts):
Based on your arguments (and the honest evaluation of alternative positions), offer several recommendations for
HR departments, managers, employers, individual employees, etc. in dealing with the trend/challenges. Consider
recommendations described in the literature, as well as your own suggestions. Evaluate the potential advantages
& disadvantages of the various recommendations, andif appropriatedetermine the best overall solution.
IV. Conclusion (25 pts):
Briefly recap how your arguments and evidence from the research support your original thesis. Generalize the
findings of your research/analysis and your recommendations to universal applicability. Identify objections to your
position; provide arguments for several alternative positions; give rebuttal arguments that maintain your position
and reasoning. Balance your own analysis, interpretations, opinions, etc. with support from academic research.
Include specific examples from your workplace and/or personal experiences.
V. Integration of course concepts and outside sources (20 pts):
Reference concepts from the course and text to support analysis. Utilize current books, journal or magazine
articles, HR organizations, web sites, etc. to support your analysis and opinions expressed. If possible and
applicable, include real-world perspectives of employees and HR professionals.
VI. References (10 pts):
Identify any/all ideas or information borrowed from an outside source (use parenthetical documentation). Include
list of references cited in the paper.
VII. Style/format (10 pts):
Demonstrate articulate, academic writing. Organize information in a clear, concise, and logical format. Adheres
to APA style.
VIII. Attention to proper mechanics (10 pts):
Spelling, grammar, punctuation