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Labor and Employment Law for Human Resources

MANAGMNT

This course is designed to introduce students to the policy considerations that underlie labor and employment law. Students will also develop an understanding of how these policies and laws apply to human resource management. This class will introduce students to the major federal and state statutes, case law, and administrative rules that are essential for effective human resource management. Topics will include: employment contract issues, anti-discrimination law and unlawful harassment (including the Americans with Disabilities Act, the Age Discrimination in Employment Act, Title VII and Massachusetts Chapter 151B), labor law statutes (including the Fair Labor Standards Act and the National Labor Relations Act), wage and hour regulations, benefits law (including the Family and Medical Leave Act and ERISA), unionization rules, and privacy issues (including the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act of 1996), among others. Ethical decision-making in the business context and the interplay between law and ethics will be a central focus. The role of sustainable business practices and social responsibility in corporate decision-making will be incorporated into our discussions about law and the legal environment of business. In addition to familiarizing students with the relevant law governing human resource management, the course will also allow students to strengthen their research and writing skills and engage in critical analysis. Application of the material to current human resource issues will be a core component of the course.

Course Details

Fall 2026

This class is non-credit
Course Notes
U+ class; $85/term reg. fee + $680/credit. Refunds differ from Univ. day classes; see www.umass.edu/universityplus/resources/refund-policy.

Strategic Compensation

MANAGMNT

This course explores the objectives, procedures, and problems involved in the establishment and administration of employee and executive compensation plans. The focus is on how managers can use compensation strategy to attract, retain, and motivate valued employees, while controlling labor costs.

Course Details

Fall 2026

This class is non-credit
Course Notes
U+ class; $85/term reg. fee + $680/credit. Refunds differ from Univ. day classes; see www.umass.edu/universityplus/resources/refund-policy.

Operational Excellence

SCH-MGMT

This course will explore the continuous improvement initiatives pursued in successful organizations around the world. Rather than simply reviewing and studying the methods and tools utilized in organizations to achieve high performance, this course will delve further into the true underpinnings of what makes some companies excel in ways that are not easily replicated. During this journey, topics related to lean systems will be presented and discussed. In addition, employee involvement efforts, including idea systems, as a means of gaining buy-in and building trust, will be studied. The goal is to provide participants with skills and problem solving abilities necessary to successfully improve the operations of any organization, whether in the service sector or manufacturing.

Course Details

Fall 2026

This class is non-credit
Course Notes
U+ class; $85/term reg. fee + $925/credit. Refunds differ from Univ. day classes; see www.umass.edu/universityplus/resources/refund-policy.

Labor and Employment Law for Human Resources

MANAGMNT

This course is designed to introduce students to the policy considerations that underlie labor and employment law. Students will also develop an understanding of how these policies and laws apply to human resource management. This class will introduce students to the major federal and state statutes, case law, and administrative rules that are essential for effective human resource management. Topics will include: employment contract issues, anti-discrimination law and unlawful harassment (including the Americans with Disabilities Act, the Age Discrimination in Employment Act, Title VII and Massachusetts Chapter 151B), labor law statutes (including the Fair Labor Standards Act and the National Labor Relations Act), wage and hour regulations, benefits law (including the Family and Medical Leave Act and ERISA), unionization rules, and privacy issues (including the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act of 1996), among others. Ethical decision-making in the business context and the interplay between law and ethics will be a central focus. The role of sustainable business practices and social responsibility in corporate decision-making will be incorporated into our discussions about law and the legal environment of business. In addition to familiarizing students with the relevant law governing human resource management, the course will also allow students to strengthen their research and writing skills and engage in critical analysis. Application of the material to current human resource issues will be a core component of the course.

Course Details

Fall 2026

This class is non-credit

Strategic Compensation

MANAGMNT

This course explores the objectives, procedures, and problems involved in the establishment and administration of employee and executive compensation plans. The focus is on how managers can use compensation strategy to attract, retain, and motivate valued employees, while controlling labor costs.

Course Details

Fall 2026

This class is non-credit

Data Management Using Spreadsheets

SCH-MGMT

This course teaches students how to maximize spreadsheets as a data management tool using advanced functions and formulas. Students will learn how to efficiently manipulate, format, and automate data, and use spreadsheets to build customized reports, dashboards, amazing charts, pivot tables and macros. This course is applicable to all business disciplines. Prerequisites: basic spreadsheet knowledge.

Course Details

Summer 2026

This class is non-credit
Course Notes
U+ class; $85/term reg. fee + $925/credit. Refunds differ from Univ. day classes; see www.umass.edu/universityplus/resources/refund-policy. Open to Online MBA students.

The AI Enabled Manager

MANAGMNT

This course equips future managers with the knowledge and skills to effectively leverage artificial intelligence (AI) technologies in decision-making, organizational management, and leadership. Through exploring AI's applications in various managerial domains, students will learn how to integrate AI into strategic planning, teamwork, and innovation while addressing ethical and operational challenges.

Course Details

Fall 2026

This class is non-credit

Financial Modeling

FINANCE

Application of financial models in the business environment. The use of computer-based spreadsheet and simulation packages in business analysis.

Course Details

Fall 2026

This class is non-credit

Financial Modeling

FINANCE

Application of financial models in the business environment. The use of computer-based spreadsheet and simulation packages in business analysis.

Course Details

Fall 2026

This class is non-credit

Applied Business Analytics Practicum

SCH-MGMT

This course provides real-world experience for pre-approved MSBA students. Students will transform data into actionable insights for strategic and/or operational decision-making and will refine skills gained in graduate coursework through team-based, real-world projects. Emphasis is placed on interpreting analytical results within organizational contexts and communicating findings effectively to stakeholders. Students will apply advanced tools and methodologies to solve complex business challenges.

Course Details

Fall 2026

This class is non-credit
Course Notes
U+ class; $85/term reg. fee + $925/credit. Refunds differ from Univ. day classes; see www.umass.edu/universityplus/resources/refund-policy. Interested students should email their resume to msbaindustrypracticum@isenberg.umass.edu. Students will be notified by email of their status. To apply, students must have completed at least 1 full semester of the program.
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