Diversity in the Workplace: A Strategic Human Resources Practicum
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What You Need to Know
The Human Resources practicum programme is designed to give you a balanced perspective on the increasingly important global functions of the new marketplace – the world. While diversity in the workplace is a very popular topic in strategic Human Resource Management (HRM), many companies in North America and Europe face major problems in converting their white male-based structures and orientations into those that can support and facilitate true diversity. This practicum will, through a range of site visits among MNCs in London and in-depth strategic analysis, explore the contemporary issues in diversity. Students will also have the opportunity to participate on a team practicum experience with specific companies, thus gaining real life and resume building experience.
Perhaps no organizational issue facing firms in the US as well as many other countries has attracted as much attention as diversity in the workforce. Specifically, there will be more women, minority group members, and older workers, suggesting a more heterogeneous workforce, which is a significant departure from the largely homogeneous workforces in many countries. Whereas the notion of diversity brings with it opportunities for organizations, it poses serious challenges as well.
While this course will provide an overall view of strategic HRM, a major focus will be on one of the most serious challenges and fundamental inconsistencies surrounding the notion of workplace diversity. That is, while there are many claims in the US as well as European countries that diversity (or heterogeneity) is valued, a large percentage of contemporary HRM practices (e.g., selection, promotion, etc.) simply encourage, reinforce, and allow only similarity (i.e., homogeneity).
In the global economy of today, organizations cannot afford to waste resources. Indeed, organizations can achieve competitive advantage through the most effective utilization of their entire workforce's competencies and talents.
Students will be assigned to project teams and these teams will be balanced to ensure a mix of disciplines and experiences.
The condensed nature of the summer practicum program will mean that you will gain valuable real life experience which will not only benefit you but also provide important input to your sponsoring organisation.
The program runs for seven weeks. Your work assignment and experience will be unique—but every student gains the invaluable experience of performing meaningful work in a culturally diverse international setting. Final team/client placements are made overseas.
Students must register for two three (3) credit courses:
Undergraduate Work Experience (BUA 470)
Undergraduate Independent Study (BUA 490)
Graduate Work Experience (BUA 670)
Graduate Independent Study (BUA 690)
Students may not audit these courses.
All students are required to record their daily course related activities and document the educational nature of their assignments. A final report is required following the practicum. In addition, students registered for independent study credit are required to collect data for and produce a major research paper.
Drew Hageman has developed, redesigned and managed undergraduate and graduate university programs in the US, France, Switzerland and the UK. He has over twenty five years of university teaching and management experience in these countries. He has also undertaken project development in Poland and intercultural training projects in Spain. He served as a reserve deck and gunnery officer as well as an intelligence officer in the US Navy and retired as a reserve Commander in 1996.
Participants must have completed at least two years of college in a program that includes management or business courses, or have other relevant experience.
Although you will be supervised in your practicum assignment, you will be expected to take a professional and independent approach to problem-solving and job responsibility.
Participants arrange and pay for their own transatlantic flights.
Advantage Travel has arranged a group flight for students on this program. We encourage students to travel on the group flight, which includes ground transportation upon arrival. More information, including a group flight reservation and payment form, can be found here:
Updated 2010 information will be available soon.Please note that while we encourage students to pursue flight arrangements, we would not encourage you to purchase your airline tickets before confirming that the program and courses you plan to take will be offered in 2010. Please request written notification from us that you can book your flight. You will have to present this notification if we cancel the program at a later date, and you want to be reimbursed for the cost of the ticket.
Students are housed in shared rooms in furnished flats arranged by Syracuse University for the duration of the program. SU Abroad’s pre-arranged housing is located in the heart of the University district, the Bloomsbury neighborhood of London, and a short walk to our London Centre.
Students who chose to arrange and pay for their own housing must notify SU Abroad by March 15, 2010. The program fee will be reduced for these students. These students should expect to pay about 160 British Pounds (about $313) per week for a shared apartment. They will also be responsible for their own hotel bookings and costs for the first few days of the program while they look for housing. They can contact the Royal National Hotel to pay the hotel directly for their accommodations.
| Program begins: | May 27, 2010 |
| Program ends: | July 10, 2010 |
| Application deadline: | March 1, 2010 |
| UNDERGRADUATE (6 credits) | |
|---|---|
| Tuition | $5,592 (estimated) |
| Program Fee | $2,935 (2009 rate) |
| Total | |
| GRADUATE (6 credits) | |
| Tuition | $6,978 (estimated) |
| Program Fee | $2,935 (2009 rate) |
| Total | |
Additional Financial Information: We estimate that students should budget accordingly for the following expenses:
Air travel: $1,000
Books & Supplies: $30
Personal: $500
Meals: $1,200
Visa Fees: $200
Inter-city transportation: $300
These figures are for expenses not covered in the tuition or program fee and are paid out-of-pocket.
Important Visa and Work Permit Information
Students are required to secure a student visa or work permit to pursue an internship in the UK. More information on visa requirements will be posted soon and sent out to accepted students. Ifyou have any questions or concerns about your eligibility to participate in this program due to visa issues, please contact SU Abroad directly.