Minnesota State University, Mankato

Core Human Resources Functions and Strategic Impact

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Minnesota State University, Mankato

Core Human Resources Functions and Strategic Impact

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Gain insight into a topic and learn the fundamentals.
Beginner level

Recommended experience

8 hours to complete
Flexible schedule
Learn at your own pace
Gain insight into a topic and learn the fundamentals.
Beginner level

Recommended experience

8 hours to complete
Flexible schedule
Learn at your own pace

What you'll learn

  • Explore how core HR functions align with organizational goals to strengthen workforce development and improve performance.

  • Apply legal and ethical frameworks to HR decisions while ensuring compliance and employee advocacy.

  • Use HR analytics and KPIs to make data-driven decisions that enhance workforce planning and effectiveness.

Details to know

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Recently updated!

January 2026

Assessments

8 assignments

Taught in English

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This course is part of the Business Leadership Essentials: HR, Org Design & Negotiation Specialization
When you enroll in this course, you'll also be enrolled in this Specialization.
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There are 4 modules in this course

Step into the engine room of organizational success. In this module, you’ll explore the core Human Resources (HR) functions—talent acquisition, onboarding, learning and development, performance management, compensation and benefits, employee relations, and compliance—not as isolated tasks, but as a strategic ecosystem that fuels business results. You’ll learn how smart recruiting builds a resilient talent pipeline, how meaningful onboarding accelerates time‑to‑impact, and how continuous development and fair rewards ignite performance and retention. You’ll connect the dots between day‑to‑day HR practices and the outcomes executives care about: productivity, engagement, culture, risk reduction, and sustainable growth. By the end, you won’t just understand HR—you’ll be able to speak the language of strategy, translate people insights into measurable value, and architect people practices that make both employees thrive, and organizations outperform.

What's included

10 videos1 reading2 assignments2 discussion prompts

In this module, you’ll discover how employment laws and ethical standards form the foundation of trustworthy, compliant, and people‑centered workplaces. You’ll explore the essential labor regulations that govern hiring, compensation, workplace safety, discrimination, and employee rights—while also examining the ethical judgment required to apply these laws with fairness and integrity. Rather than memorizing rules, you’ll learn how to interpret and use these laws strategically to protect your organization from risk, strengthen its credibility, and create a culture where employees feel respected and safe. You’ll analyze real‑world dilemmas, uncover how ethical decisions shape workplace morale, and practice making balanced choices that honor both legal requirements and human impact. By the end of this module, you will have the confidence to navigate complex employment challenges, advocate for ethical HR practices, and serve as a trusted partner who supports organizational resilience—while building your own professional value as a responsible, informed, and principled business leader.

What's included

4 videos2 readings2 assignments

In this module, you will explore how organizations intentionally attract, develop, and retain the people who drive their success. You’ll learn how to craft a talent strategy that goes beyond filling positions—one that builds capability, nurtures growth, and strengthens long‑term commitment. Through practical tools and real‑world examples, you’ll examine what makes an employer truly competitive: compelling recruitment tactics, meaningful development pathways, and retention practices that honor employee experience and purpose. You’ll uncover how thoughtful talent management boosts performance, reduces turnover costs, and fuels innovation, while also expanding your own ability to coach, lead, and influence others. By the end of the module, you will be able to design people‑centered strategies that elevate your organization’s workforce—and enhance your own career by becoming a leader who can identify potential, cultivate strengths, and create a workplace where top talent wants to stay and grow.

What's included

3 videos2 assignments1 discussion prompt

This module will explore how HR metrics serve as a cornerstone for data-driven decision-making in modern organizations. You will examine how tracking key indicators—such as turnover rates, engagement scores, and cost per hire—provides actionable insights that align workforce strategies with business objectives. By understanding these metrics, leaders like you can identify trends, anticipate challenges, and implement evidence-based solutions to enhance efficiency and the employee experience. A key benefit of this module is that it will highlight the practical applications of HR analytics and demonstrate how leveraging data transforms HR from a support function into a strategic partner that drives organizational success.

What's included

4 videos2 assignments

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Instructor

DeQuindre Spencer, D.B.A., SPHR
Minnesota State University, Mankato
2 Courses 2 learners

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