MGMT 4020: Class Presentations

It has often been said that the best way to learn something is to teach it to someone else. In that spirit, part of your class grade depends on you (and your group) teaching the rest of the class about a particular topic related to hiring or retention.

THIS IS YOUR CHANCE TO DESIGN THE COURSE TO COVER WHAT YOU WANT IN THE WAY YOU WANT! Take a look at the syllabus and see what you’d like to learn more about. Or what’s not on the syllabus that you’d like to cover. Then let’s talk about when would be a good date to include your topic. If you’re really out of ideas, I’ve listed below some possible topics and dates, but I’d rather you pick what interests you.

Sign-up is first come, first served. Please turn in (or email) this form with your preferred topics (give me a first and second choice) ASAP, butNO LATER THAN 2/2; after that date I will assign topics to groups randomly..

You will have about 15 minutes for your presentation, and I encourage you to think creatively about the best way to present the material. In addition to the standard presentation, you might consider a debate, a demonstration, a role play, etc. Please provide the class with a handout summarizing the key points, a list of references, etc.

You will be evaluated both by me and by your fellow students, using the attached sample evaluation. The group will share in the grade for the presentation, although it is not necessary that all group members participate in the presentation. As with the hiring project, you must go beyond the minimum requirements to get an “A”. Some key things to keep in mind:

  • Go beyond textbook material when researching your topic
  • Get the class involved (lively discussion, questions, etc.)
  • Be sure your presentation is balance (i.e., presenting both sides of controversies) and critical (i.e., providing a thoughtful analysis)

MGMT 4020 Presentation Evaluation

Group: ______Topic: ______

A. Knowledge AND Critical Analysis of Topic:

1 / 2 / 3 / 4 / 5
Appeared to be clueless about even the basics. / Significant gaps in knowledge were apparent. / Knew the basics, but analysis was limited OR very one-sided. / Comprehensive topic coverage. Answered questions confidently and completely / WOW! Appeared to be expert on the topic.

B. Organization of presentation: Getting started and finishing on time (15 mins), everyone comfortable with their material, smooth transitions, well-practiced, key points well described in introduction and summary.

1 / 2 / 3 / 4 / 5
Seriously disorganized; chaos reigned / Appeared to be winging it—not all were on the same page / A glitch or two, but mostly well-organized. / Smooth, clearly well-practiced presentation. / WOW! This show is ready to go on the road.

C. Got class involved in discussion:

1 / 2 / 3 / 4 / 5
Seemed to forget the class was there. / Mostly a talking head presentation. Maybe asked for questions at end. / Made effort more than once to get class involved. / Evident strategy for involving class in a meaningful way / WOW! Class was so involved they didn’t want the session to end.

Evaluator: ______Total: ___/15

Other Comments:

MGMT 4020: Class Presentations

Team: _____ Leader: ______

We would like to do our presentation on the following topic (& date, if you have an idea):

______

-- OR (last resort!!) –

We’d like to pick one of the standard topics and dates below:

Choice 1 / Choice 2 / Date / Topic
2/7 / What’s new in recruiting today’s employees?
2/23 / EEO: Does the IT industry have a bias against “older” employees?
3/7 / Affirmative Action in college admissions decisions (or any other arena): The “right thing to do,” or “good intentions gone awry”?
3/9 / Background investigations of applicants: Due Diligence or Big Brother? (privacy issues and practicalities)
3/14 / What are “case interviews”, or why is this interviewer asking me such odd questions? - or – What are the pros and cons of video (or phone) vs. in-person interviews
4/4 / Personality testing (good debate topic)
4/6 / Integrity (honesty) testing - or- Drug or alcohol testing (only one can be chosen)
4/11 / Genetic testing: Can your DNA predict your job suitability?
4/20 / Work-life balance--key retention factor or just the latest fad?
4/25 / Job Satisfaction: What are today’s employees looking for in work? How are employers responding?
4/27 / How do (should) companies deal with crooks (and other n’er do wells) within their ranks? (Legal, ethical, practical issues)
5/4 / Layoffs: What legal protections are provided by the Worker Adjustment and Retraining Act or by the Older Worker Benefit Protection Act? - or- Debate: “Does Lean have to equal Mean?”