UNIVERSITY OF SOUTHERN INDIANA

College of Business

Management 341 D.M. Partridge

Human Resource Management Fall 2005

EXAM III STUDY GUIDE

NOTE: The questions below illustrate the type of questions one could expect to see on Exam III. The exam will consist of six course vocabulary terms (with a choice out of seven) [30%], 20 multiple choice questions [40%], and one essay question (with a choice out of two) [30%]. Keep in mind that you are responsible for material covered in the text, class lecture, and discussion. A good written answer is one that demonstrates command of the basics; an excellent answer is one that goes beyond the basics to integrate text, class lecture and discussion, and/or other things such as examples from one’s work experiences. Conversely, a deficient answer is one that fails to demonstrate a command of the basics.

Part I. Course Vocabulary Terms.

Chapter SevenChapter Ten

comparabilitybase compensation

dimensionbenchmark job

frame-of-reference trainingcomparable worth

MBOcompensable factors

peer reviewexempt employee

rater errorexternal equity

360-degree feedbackFair Labor Standards Act

internal equity

job banding

Chapter Elevenjob evaluation

ESOPnonexempt employee

expectancy theorypay grades

gainsharing

merit pay

pay-for-performanceChapter Twelve

perksCOBRA

piece-rate systemcopayments

profit sharingdeductible

defined benefit plan

defined contribution plan

ERISA

FMLA

flexible benefits program

HMO

PBGC

PPO

SUB

vesting

workers’ compensation

Part II. Multiple Choice Questions. These questions will be based primarily on text material. Material covered both in the text and in class has a greater likelihood of appearing on the exam.

Part III. Essay Questions. These questions will be quite similar to those appearing below. Students are encouraged to develop outlines for the essays, working either alone or with classmates, although no outlines may be brought into the examination.

  1. Performance appraisal involves setting expectations, assessing performance against expectations, and providing feedback. Briefly discuss: (a) the “measurement tools” (appraisal formats) from which an organization can choose; (b) challenges to effective performance measurement, in particular rater errors and bias (note that there is a reason the wording of the question matches section headings in the text); and (c)
  1. Compensation refers to all forms of pay or rewards employees receive arising from their employment. Briefly discuss: (a) several of the most important criteria for developing a compensation plan (e.g., internal vs. external equity); (b) several of the most important challenges facing organizations that want to adopt a pay-for-performance system (e.g., the “do only what you get paid for” syndrome”); and (c)