Courses Human Resource Management

Doctor of Philosophy in Business Management

PhD in Business Management, Human Resource Management

School of Business, Technology, and Health Care Administration

The PhD Human Resource Management specialization focuses on knowledge and skills needed to teach, consult, lead, practice, and conduct research in the field of human resource management. Learners evaluate multidisciplinary theories and human resource management strategies and practices for creating flexible and innovative settings in the 21st century’s global workplace. The specialization focuses on key issues related to attracting, developing, and retaining a global workforce. The coursework addresses diverse demographic and cultural perspectives, the influence of new technologies on the workplace, and the impact of the dynamic external work environment on human resource management practices.

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Core courses:

BMGT8002
Research Processes, Theory and Practice in Global Business

Learners in this course explore business theories, research, and practice. In particular, learners study the challenges of conducting scholarly research and the practice of leading and managing a business enterprise. Learners explore the depth and breadth of business research, the research methodologies used to conduct it, and potential business research topic areas. Learners are also immersed in a culture of inquiry to focus on strengthening critical thinking and scholarly writing skills. Must be taken during the learner’s first quarter. Cannot be fulfilled by transfer.

6 quarter credits
BMGT8006
Business Principles and Practices

Learners in this course apply theories of organization to critically analyze the organization as an arrangement of systems to develop a holistic understanding of its interrelated, interdependent functions. Cannot be fulfilled by transfer.

4 quarter credits
BMGT-V8925 *
Doctoral Project Development – Topic Ideation

In this ten-week virtual residency, learners develop and evaluate proposed topic areas and theories for their doctoral project. Learners analyze the literature on potential topics to assess relevance to the discipline and potential methods to use in the doctoral project. Learners gain an understanding of the writing, research, and critical thinking skills necessary to complete the final project. Further development of the doctoral project is determined through a final assessment. This residency includes required synchronous sessions. For PhD in Business Management and PhD in Information Technology learners only. Grading for this course is S/NS. Prerequisite(s): BMGT8019, BMGT8028. Cannot be fulfilled by transfer. 

3 quarter credits
BMGT-V8926 *
Doctoral Project Development – Topic Development

In this ten-week virtual residency, learners apply writing, research, and critical thinking skills by identifying a problem, developing project questions, and finalizing a project topic that is appropriate for the program. Learners use evidence to support the selection of theories, problems, and questions to guide further refinement of their topic. Learners establish an appropriate topic area, preliminary project design, and begin development of a literature review. Further development of the doctoral project is determined through a project topic framework. This residency includes required synchronous sessions. For PhD in Business Management and PhD in Information Technology learners only. Grading for this course is S/NS. Prerequisite(s): BMGT8034 or BMGT8040; BMGT-V8925. Cannot be fulfilled by transfer.

3 quarter credits
BMGT-V8927 *
Doctoral Project Development – Framework Development

In this ten-week virtual residency, learners apply advanced research and writing skills through the development of a detailed project framework based on work in prior residencies. Learners develop a project framework that includes methodological and/or research design, sampling or participant recruitment plan, intervention plan (if applicable), strategies for data collection, analysis, and outcomes of the project. Further development of the doctoral project is determined through an assessment of the project framework, which is finalized once the learner enters the advanced doctoral stage of the program. This residency includes required synchronous sessions. For PhD in Business Management and PhD in Information Technology learners only. Grading for this course is S/NS. Prerequisite(s): BMGT8040 or BMGT8043 or RSCH7868; BMGT-V8926. Cannot be fulfilled by transfer.  

3 quarter credits
BMGT8008
Ethics and Leadership in Global Environments

In this course, learners examine ethics theory and practice, ethical decision making, and the leader’s role in creating an ethical environment in global business. Learners also explore the ways cultural intelligence fosters multicultural and ethical thinking.  

4 quarter credits
BMGT8012
Marketing Principles and Practice

This course presents marketing principles and best practices. Learners analyze the factors influencing marketing strategy and explore ways to use marketing theory to identify market opportunities and segments. Learners then formulate appropriate marketing strategies to pursue those opportunities and markets from cultural, virtual, and global perspectives.

4 quarter credits
-or-
BMGT8016
Strategic Management and Practice

Learners in this course examine theories associated with effective strategy development, integration, and implementation across all functional areas of business operations. Learners study the skills required of strategic thinkers and leaders in today’s complex global business environment and practice applying them to solve contemporary business issues.

4 quarter credits
BMGT8019 *
Business Dissertation Specialization Literature

This course provides a guided review of the literature in the learner's specialization for the purpose of identifying a study topic. Learners research and evaluate associated major threads of research and theory in the literature. The course prepares learners for the development of an appropriate topic during Residency Track 1. Prerequisite(s): BMGT8028. Cannot be fulfilled by transfer.

4 quarter credits
BMGT8028
Foundations of Research, Scholarly Literature, and Theory in Management

Learners in this course examine the structure and process of the scholarly literature in peer reviewed journals and explore the role of the scholar as social and behavioral scientist. Learners critically evaluate scholarly literature, including seminal work, relevant theory, and data-based research studies from both the qualitative and quantitative traditions. Learners also explore the meaning of content and process gaps, problems, and research opportunities uncovered during the literature review. Cannot be fulfilled by transfer.

4 quarter credits
BMGT8055 *
Business Special Topics: Literature Review

This course guides learners in the development of a comprehensive literature review. Learners build on their approved Dissertation Research Plan from residency tracks 2 or 3 as the foundation for drafting Chapter 2 of their dissertation. Learners document and synthesize key seminal theoretical works, conceptual studies, and methodologies underpinning the gap in the scholarly knowledge that their proposed study addresses. While developing Chapter 2 of their dissertation, learners review and apply PhD dissertation guidelines. Prerequisite(s): BMGT-V8926. Cannot be fulfilled by transfer.

4 quarter credits
RSCH7860
Survey of Research Methods

Learners in this course critically evaluate research in order to gain an understanding of the scientific methods of inquiry and the ethical considerations of research. Learners develop and apply skills needed to become educated consumers and creators of research. Learners also use their research design skills to analyze and apply research methodologies, validity, reliability and other components of scientific research related to their field of interest. Learners may only earn credit for PSY7860 or RSCH7860. Cannot be fulfilled by transfer.

4 quarter credits

In addition, choose one of the following two categories:

For quantitative research:

BMGT8035 *
Tests, Measurements, and Business Research Design

This course is an introduction to tests and measurement instruments commonly used in business studies. Learners in this course examine instrument development, factor analysis, validity testing and review the ethical, professional, and legal aspects of the use of these instruments. Learners also develop key sections of the dissertation methodology and design, incorporating appropriate instruments and corresponding validity data. Prerequisite(s): BMGT8034 or RSCH7864; BMGT-V8926. Cannot be fulfilled by transfer.

4 quarter credits
BMGT8043 *
Quantitative Research Techniques 2

In this course, learners define a quantitative research question by demonstrating the understanding of the relationship between hypothesis and theory. Learners develop a research design using research questions and the appropriate sample, control variables, and statistical technique, and identify the logical connection between the hypothesis and theory. Other course topics include sample design, exploratory data analysis, multiple regression, logistic regression, factorial ANOVA, and multivariate analysis of variance (MANOVA). This course requires the use of analytical software. Prerequisite(s): BMGT8035. Cannot be fulfilled by transfer.

4 quarter credits
RSCH7864
Quantitative Design and Analysis

In this course, learners investigate the fundamental concepts needed to conduct quantitative research. Learners examine and apply quantitative research techniques; appropriate applications of quantitative research; research design, measurement, and analysis, and their associated interdependencies; variable types and levels of measurement; sampling; descriptive and inferential statistics; and hypothesis testing. Learners define the strengths and limitations of descriptive statistics, analyze the quantitative scales of measurement, review the logic of probability and null hypothesis testing, and leverage technology when applicable. Learners also determine the steps necessary to ensure human subjects protection, and consider methodological adaptations when conducting research with vulnerable and diverse populations. Learners may only earn credit for PSY7864 or RSCH7864. Cannot be fulfilled by transfer.

4 quarter credits

For qualitative research:

BMGT8044 *
Qualitative Research Design and Data Analysis

This course extends the topics covered in BMGT8040 and is designed to prepare learners to develop and conduct their own qualitative study for a dissertation. Learners further analyze the philosophical underpinnings of qualitative research and inquiry, emphasizing effective execution of school-approved dissertation research methodologies. These methodologies include case study, phenomenology, Delphi, and generic qualitative research. Learners assess the design, sampling, and data collection strategies associated with each of the four methodologies. Learners also examine the data analysis processes associated with each methodology, as well as the role of the researcher in documenting personal reflections in the collection and analysis of data. Prerequisite(s): BMGT8040 or RSCH7868; BMGT-V8926. Cannot be fulfilled by transfer.

4 quarter credits
BMGT8046 *
Qualitative Data Collection Strategies, Data Collection Guides, and Field Testing

This course is an in-depth review of qualitative data collection strategies, data collection guides, and data collection techniques commonly used in business research. Learners use their approved dissertation research plans to develop a data collection guide and conduct an expert review and mock data collection. Learners also assess the ethical issues involved in qualitative data collection associated with their study method and design and propose mitigation strategies for participant and data protection and to ensure credibility, dependability, transferability, and trustworthiness. Finally, learners develop key sections of the dissertation methodology and design, incorporating the data collection strategy, and field-tested data collection guide.Prerequisite(s): BMGT8044. Cannot be fulfilled by transfer.

4 quarter credits
RSCH7868
Qualitative Design and Analysis

Learners in this course assess the fundamental concepts needed to conduct qualitative research. Learners practice qualitative research techniques; appropriate applications of qualitative research; the strengths and weaknesses of qualitative research design, sampling, and analysis and their associated interdependencies; and leverage technology when applicable. Learners also determine the steps necessary to ensure human subjects protection, and consider methodological adaptations when conducting research with vulnerable and diverse populations. Learners may only earn credit for PSY7868 or RSCH7868. Cannot be fulfilled by transfer.

4 quarter credits

Specialization courses: 

BMGT8410
Foundations of Human Resource Theory and Practice

This course addresses ways in which social and economic changes have transformed human resource management’s role in organizations. Learners examine issues that currently impact human resources managers in today’s rapidly evolving environment. In addition, learners investigate the theories on which human resource practices have been built to determine their relevance in the 21st-century, informationage workplace. Cannot be fulfilled by transfer.

4 quarter credits
BMGT8412
Creating Adaptive, Innovative Workplaces

In this course, learners explore human resource management strategies, tools, and issues related to the changing world of work. Learners analyze the ways in which HR professionals support the creation of innovative, engaging and productive work to meet the needs of the contemporary and future workplaces. Learners also examine the human resource components of employee engagement to include organizational design, leadership, career development, communication, flexibility, and virtual work environments. Cannot be fulfilled by transfer.

4 quarter credits
BMGT8414
Attracting and Retaining Talent

Learners in this course evaluate emerging human resource management theories and practices for effectively attracting employees. Learners analyze workforce selection practices for reliability and align performance management strategies to support the organizational mission. Cannot be fulfilled by transfer.

4 quarter credits
BMGT8416
Human Resource Practices for Developing Talent

In this course, learners explore human resources management’s role in developing talent and evaluate human resource management theories and ethical frameworks associated with individual adult learning, human resource development, succession planning, mentoring, coaching, and performance management. This course emphasizes the theoretical basis of development, compensation, rewards, and motivation in order to better serve organizations and to contribute to the knowledge base in the human resource management field. The course also stresses the importance of evaluating and critiquing current workforce development trends in support of innovative workplace environments. Cannot be fulfilled by transfer.

4 quarter credits

Upon completion of all required coursework:

GBUS9919 *
Doctoral Comprehensive Examination

This course includes an overview of the comprehensive examination process, the university’s expectations of academic honesty and integrity, the three core themes of the examination, and the evaluation criteria. The courseroom mentor provides three questions addressing the core themes. Learners write answers to the comprehensive examination questions. Answers are evaluated by faculty readers using point-scale scoring rubrics. Upon passing the comprehensive examination, learners are eligible to register for the first dissertation course. Department consent is required for registration. Grading for this course is S/NS. Prerequisite(s): Completion of all required and elective coursework with a cumulative GPA of 3.0 or better. Completion of practicum courses, if applicable. Fulfillment of all residency requirements. Cannot be fulfilled by transfer.

3 quarter credits

Learners must register for GBUS9960 a minimum of four times to fulfill their specialization requirements. 

GBUS9960 *
Dissertation Courseroom

This course provides learners with resources, guidance, and peer and mentor support during each dissertation course as they complete the required milestones. Department consent is required for registration. Grading for this course is S/NS. Learners must register for this course a minimum of four times to fulfill their specialization requirements. Prerequisite(s): BMGT9919 or OM9919 or GBUS9919. Cannot be fulfilled by transfer.

3 quarter credits each

 

 

One Elective Course

 

 

At least 4 quarter credits

Choose any business management (BMGT) course(s).

 

 

Total

 

 

At least 90 quarter credits

* Denotes courses that have prerequisite(s). Refer to the descriptions for further details.

Learners who do not complete all program requirements within quarter credit/program point minimums will be required to accrue such additional quarter credits/program points as are associated with any additional or repeat coursework necessary for successful completion of program requirements.

PhD in Human Resource Management | Online Degree Program | Course Information | Capella University
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Each unit consists of readings, discussions, and other activities you will be expected to complete throughout the week. Assignments are due on Sundays, though not every course requires an assignment each week.

In each course, you will receive a detailed scoring guide that describes expectations for every graded assignment.

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