Course Syllabus

Course Description

Presents the dynamics involved in compensating employees for services rendered in a modern organization. This course
focuses on the critical tools and techniques of job analysis, job descriptions, job evaluation, pay surveys, pay administration,
and required benefits.

Course Textbook(s)

Milkovich, G. T., Newman, J. M., & Gerhart, B. (2020). Compensation (13th ed.). McGraw-Hill Education.
https://online.vitalsource.com/#/books/9781260486100

Course Learning Outcomes

Upon completion of this course, students should be able to:

1. Prepare a corporate total compensation philosophy and strategy.
2. Perform a job analysis.
3. Investigate employee compensation strategies.
4. Compare and contrast merit-based and pay-for-performance programs.
5. Evaluate performance appraisal programs.
6. Analyze the impact of compensation on employee behavior.
7. Explain the influences of government regulations on compensation practices.
8. Research the various options to pay plans.

Academic Integrity

Honesty and integrity are taken very seriously at Waldorf University. All students should be familiar with the Waldorf
University Academic Integrity Policy (found in the current Student Handbook) and the consequences that will result from
breaches of this policy.

Credits

Upon completion of this course, the students will earn 3.00 hours of college credit.

Course Structure

BUS 4700, Compensation and
Benefits

BUS 4700, Compensation and Benefits 1

1. Study Guide: Course units contain a Study Guide that provides students with the learning outcomes, unit lesson,
required unit resources, assignments, and supplemental resources.

2. Learning Outcomes: Each unit contains Learning Outcomes that specify the measurable skills and knowledge
students should gain upon completion of the unit.

3. Unit Lesson: Unit Lessons, which are located in the Study Guide, discuss lesson material.
4. Required Unit Resources: Units contain Required Unit Resources from one or more chapters from the textbook

and/or outside resources.
5. Suggested Unit Resources: Suggested Unit Resources are listed within the Study Guide. Students are encouraged

to read the resources listed if the opportunity arises, but they will not be tested on their knowledge of the Suggested
Unit Resources.

6. Learning Activities (Nongraded): Nongraded Learning Activities are provided to aid students in their course of
study.

7. Discussion Boards: Students are required to submit Discussion Board posts in Units I-VIII. Discussion Boards
provide students the opportunity for student-to-student and professor-to-student interaction based on relevant course
concepts and ideas. Specific information about accessing the Discussion Board rubric is provided below.

8. Unit Assessments: This course contains Unit Assessments, which test student knowledge on important aspects of
the course. These tests may come in many different forms, ranging from multiple choice to written response
questions.

9. Unit Assignments: Students are required to submit for grading Unit Assignments. Specific information and
instructions regarding these assignments are provided below. Grading rubrics are included with each assignment.
Specific information about accessing these rubrics is provided below.

10. Ask the Professor: This communication forum provides students with an opportunity to ask their professor general
questions or questions related to course content.

11. Student Break Room: This communication forum allows for casual conversation with other classmates.

Unit Assignments

Unit I PowerPoint Presentation

Compensation: Direct and Indirect = Total Compensation (Research)

Per the textbook, compensation can come in the form of financial returns, tangible services, and benefits. The two types of
compensation are direct and indirect. Direct consists of pay for work performed. Indirect consists of the perks and benefits
associated with the position/employment.

Imagine that you are a human resources (HR) manager, and it is your responsibility to identify data to help strategize,
benchmark, and develop proper pay compensation for all positions within the organization. There are tons of software,
vendors, and/or other services available to help with developing the pay grades, levels, and/or categories. Some sites you
may consider using include the BLS website, where you can search via the Occupational Outlook Handbook.

The O Net Online website where you can select career choice, scroll down to Wages & Employment Trends, click Local
Salary Info, then select State.

For this assignment, you will create an eight- to ten-slide PowerPoint presentation. You will first choose a job title and a
location to present the www.salary.com findings/results. Imagine that you are presenting to your company leaders, and
ensure that you identify the following components:

core compensation (direct compensation),
benefits (indirect compensation), and
benchmark benefits with the industry average.

As you create the content slides for your presentation, be sure to use the speaker notes function to explain the content in
detail for each of the slides.

Note: Keep the 6×6 PowerPoint rule in mind (i.e., slides should only include six to seven lines of content with no more than
six to seven words per line). Any illustrations should relate to the content being discussed. Be creative!

Include a title slide and a references slide in your presentation; however, please note that these slides do not count toward
meeting the total slide count requirement.

BUS 4700, Compensation and Benefits 2

Unit II Essay

According to various scholars, it has been identified that compensation plays a role in affecting the behaviors of employees.
The impact can be either positive or negative. Contributing factors can range from the employer, the employee, the
goals/objectives, perceptions, attributions, and behaviors. Each plays a role in determining the outcome.

For this assignment, you will identify and address the pros and cons of compensation and its effect on employee behaviors,
and you will then address the questions below.

What motivates employees?
Does compensation motivate behavior?
What are some elements of motivation?
Can compensation attract and retain employees?
What behaviors should compensation reinforce?

Your essay should be at least two pages in length, including an introduction, a body of supported material, and a conclusion.
The title page and references page do not count toward meeting the minimum page requirement. A minimum of three
scholarly references is required for this assignment. Please use the Waldorf Online Library to locate the supporting
references to complete this essay. Be sure to apply the proper APA format for the content and references provided.

Unit III PowerPoint Presentation

Job Analysis Research

In conducting a job analysis, there are two areas: (1) job-based and (2) person-based structure. For this assignment,
identify the needed knowledge, skills, and abilities (KSAs); the tasks, duties, and responsibilities (TDRs); and any other
specifics for a registered nurse’s position.

We will be using research efforts to complete the assignment. Refer to the BLS website to identify and collect needed
data/basic information about a registered nurse’s position. Utilize to the A-Z Index to access information on registered
nurses.

Then, use the following website to create your own structure-based analysis: www.onetonline.org. Follow the steps listed
below for the www.onetonline.org website to access the needed information.

1. Search www.onetonline.org.
2. Go to the Occupation Search section.
3. Enter the keyword (registered nurse) or the O*NET-SOC code.
4. Click the arrow.
5. Identify/record code for registered nurses.
6. Click Registered Nurses.
7. View the report.
8. Click the Custom tab in the middle of the page. (Note: You will customize/select your own job analysis specifics

based on the job and person-based specifics.) The following information should be identified in the PowerPoint
presentation:

credentials,
KSAs,
tasks,
work activities and detailed work activities,
technology skills,
tools used,
wages, and
an explanation of what a job analysis is and its purpose.

9. Check the appropriate boxes (see below for required information).
10. Click GO.

Once the data is collected, complete an eight- to ten-slide PowerPoint presentation about the job-based and person-based
structure needed for the registered nurse’s position.

As you create the content slides for your presentation, be sure to use the speaker notes function to explain the content in
detail for each of the slides. Imagine you are presenting to your company leaders.

Note: Keep the 6×6 PowerPoint rule in mind (i.e., slides should only include six to seven lines of content with no more than

BUS 4700, Compensation and Benefits 3

six to seven words per line). Any illustrations should relate to the content being discussed. Be creative!

Include a title slide and a references slide in your presentation; however, please keep in mind that these do not count toward
meeting the minimum slide requirement.

Unit VI Article Critique

Use the following link to access the article you will use to conduct an article critique.

Beller, M. D. (2014, November 22). Mandated benefits, good or bad? At N.Y. hearing, reviews are mixed. Insurance
Advocate, 125(19), 42–43. https://bi-gale-
com.libraryresources.waldorf.edu/global/article/GALE%7CA396766770/33d03d5be33a7c4c44c52b8843530fbc?
u=for20674

After reading the article, compose your critique by addressing the items listed below.

Explain the main topic/question of the article.
Explain and identify mandatory indirect benefits addressed in the article.
Discuss factors to consider in determining how to offer and select benefits according to the article.
Take what you have learned from the unit and article and apply the concepts to your life by explaining whether you
support mandatory indirect benefits and describing how they can affect you.

Your critique should be at least two pages in length, not counting the title page and the references page. The critique should
include at least two sources—one being the article and one being another credible source. Be sure that any citations or
references are in proper APA format.

Unit VIII Scholarly Activity

Job Description and Job Evaluation

For this assignment, you will create a job description and a performance evaluation document that can be used in identifying
a position within an organization and assessing the performance of an employee. The two items should be based on
research for a specific job position in a career field you choose.

Be sure to identify the compensation (direct and indirect) factors, the pay plan, and the performance appraisal as they apply.
You can refer to the previous units to obtain additional assistance in completing the assignment.

Access the template for this assignment in the Unit VIII document. It contains pertinent instructions to ensure you cover all of
the areas of this assignment.

In total, utilizing the template, your submission should be a minimum of three pages in length, not counting the title page and
the references page. A minimum of two scholarly references are required. Be sure to follow proper APA formatting and
guidelines.

Submitting Course Papers/Projects

Once you have completed your papers/projects, submit your completed papers/projects by uploading through the
Assignment tab in each unit. Do not e-mail your paper directly to your professor. By using the Assignment tab, your record
will automatically be updated to indicate you have submitted your papers/projects, and the assignment will be provided to
your professor for grading. Instructions for submitting your assignment can be found under the Assignment tab in each unit.

APA Guidelines

Waldorf University requires that students use the APA style for papers and projects. Therefore, the APA rules for formatting,
quoting, paraphrasing, citing, and listing of sources are to be followed. Information about using APA style can be found in
APA Style Help in the Course Menu. This area provides links to Internet sites, tutorials, and guides that provide
comprehensive information on APA formatting, including examples and sample papers.

BUS 4700, Compensation and Benefits 4

Grading Rubrics

This course utilizes analytic grading rubrics as tools for your professor in assigning grades for all learning activities. Each
rubric serves as a guide that communicates the expectations of the learning activity and describes the criteria for each level
of achievement. In addition, a rubric is a reference tool that lists evaluation criteria and can help you organize your efforts to
meet the requirements of that learning activity. It is imperative for you to familiarize yourself with these rubrics because
these are the primary tools your professor uses for assessing learning activities.

Rubric categories include (1) Discussion Board, (2) Assessment (Written Response), and (3) Assignment. However, it is
possible that not all of the listed rubric types will be used in a single course (e.g., some courses may not have
Assessments).

The Discussion Board rubric can be found within Unit I’s Discussion Board submission instructions.

The Assessment (Written Response) rubric can be found embedded in a link within the directions for each Unit
Assessment. However, these rubrics will only be used when written-response questions appear within the Assessment.

Each Assignment type (e.g., article critique, case study, research paper) will have its own rubric. The Assignment rubrics
are built into Blackboard, allowing students to review them prior to beginning the Assignment and again once the
Assignment has been scored. This rubric can be accessed via the Assignment link located within the unit where it is to be
submitted. Students may also access the rubric through the course menu by selecting the “Grades” link.

Again, it is vitally important for you to become familiar with these rubrics because their application to your
Discussion Boards, Assessments, and Assignments is the method by which your instructor assigns all grades.

Communication Forums

These are non-graded discussion forums that allow you to communicate with your professor and other students.
Participation in these discussion forums is encouraged, but not required. You can access these forums with the buttons in
the Course Menu. Instructions for subscribing/unsubscribing to these forums are provided below.

Click here for instructions on how to subscribe/unsubscribe and post to the Communication Forums.

Ask the Professor

This communication forum provides you with an opportunity to ask your professor general or course content questions.
Questions may focus on Blackboard locations of online course components, textbook or course content elaboration,
additional guidance on assessment requirements, or general advice from other students.

Questions that are specific in nature, such as inquiries regarding assessment/assignment grades or personal
accommodation requests, are NOT to be posted on this forum. If you have questions, comments, or concerns of a non-
public nature, please feel free to email your professor. Responses to your post will be addressed or emailed by the
professor within 48 hours.

Before posting, please ensure that you have read all relevant course documentation, including the syllabus,
assessment/assignment instructions, faculty feedback, and other important information.

Student Break Room

This communication forum allows for casual conversation with your classmates. Communication on this forum should
always maintain a standard of appropriateness and respect for your fellow classmates. This forum should NOT be used to
share assessment answers.

Schedule/Grading

The following pages contain a printable Course Schedule to assist you through this course. By following this schedule, you
will be assured that you will complete the course within the time allotted.

BUS 4700, Compensation and Benefits 5

Unit I Introducing the Pay Model and Pay Strategy [ Weight: 13% ]

Read/View: Unit I Study Guide
Chapter 1: The Pay Model (4 sections): See Study Guide
Chapter 2: Strategy: The Totality of Decisions (10 sections): See Study Guide

Discuss: Unit I Discussion Board 2%

Submit: Unit I PowerPoint Presentation 11%

Unit II Internal Alignment: Determining the Structure [ Weight: 12% ]

Read/View: Unit II Study Guide
Chapter 3: Defining Internal Alignment (6 sections): See Study Guide
Chapter 9: Pay-for-Performance: Theory and Evidence (4 sections): See Study Guide

Discuss: Unit II Discussion Board 2%

Submit: Unit II Essay 10%

Unit III Job Design [ Weight: 13% ]

Read/View: Unit III Study Guide
Chapter 4: Job Analysis (9 sections): See Study Guide
Chapter 5: Job-Based Structures and Job Evaluation
Chapter 6: Person-Based Structures (6 sections): See Study Guide

Discuss: Unit III Discussion Board 2%

Submit: Unit III PowerPoint Presentation 11%

Unit IV External Competitiveness: Determining the Pay Level [ Weight: 11% ]

Read/View: Unit IV Study Guide
Chapter 7: Defining Competitiveness
Chapter 8: Designing Pay Levels, Mix, and Pay Structures
Chapter 10: Pay-for-Performance: Types of Plans (1 section): See Study Guide

Discuss: Unit IV Discussion Board 2%

Submit: Unit IV Assessment 9%

Unit V Employee Contributions: Determining Individual Pay [ Weight: 11% ]

Read/View: Unit V Study Guide
Chapter 9: Pay-for-Performance: Theory and Evidence (1 section): See Study Guide
Chapter 10: Pay-for-Performance: Types of Plans (3 sections): See Study Guide
Chapter 11: Performance Appraisals (3 sections): See Study Guide
Unit Resources (5 videos): See Study Guide

Discuss: Unit V Discussion Board 2%

Submit: Unit V Assessment 9%

BUS 4700, Compensation and Benefits 6

Unit VI Employee Benefits [ Weight: 13% ]

Read/View: Unit VI Study Guide
Chapter 12: The Benefit Determination Process
Chapter 13: Benefit Options (1 section): See Study Guide
Unit Resource (1 video): See Study Guide

Discuss: Unit VI Discussion Board 2%

Submit: Unit VI Article Critique 11%

Unit VII Extending the System [ Weight: 11% ]

Read/View: Unit VII Study Guide
Chapter 14: Compensation of Special Groups: Executives and Others (2 sections): See
Study Guide
Chapter 15: Union Role in Wage and Salary Administration (1 section): See Study Guide
Chapter 17: Government and Legal Issues in Compensation (11 sections): See Study
Guide

Discuss: Unit VII Discussion Board 2%

Submit: Unit VII Assessment 9%

Unit VIII Managing the System [ Weight: 16% ]

Read/View: Unit VIII Study Guide
Chapter 18: Management: Making It Work

Discuss: Unit VIII Discussion Board 2%

Submit: Unit VIII Scholarly Activity 14%

BUS 4700, Compensation and Benefits 7