Project - Core HR functions, HR as a support function, a study of HR practices

Hi all, I am a student of MBA in HR and currently working as a summer trainee. I have not been assigned a project on a particular topic in my company.

I am required to assist HR in various tasks. I have observed and learned about induction, grievance procedures, disciplinary hearings, etc. I have assisted in recruitment-related calls, maintained employee files, recorded their documents in PeopleSoft software, and participated in training programs.

I am also required to submit a project report for my summer training. Along with learning, the title of the project is crucial, so I am seeking an appropriate title based on my work in the company.

I have shortlisted titles such as Core HR Functions, HR as a Support Function, and a Study of HR Practices. However, I aim to refine them in a more constructive manner to ensure the title does not appear vague or improper.

I am open to any new title suggestions or ideas for the project. I look forward to receiving insights and support. Please feel free to share your views and provide valuable feedback.

Thank you in advance.

Choose topics like Compensation benefits & Management; Competency Mapping; Overview of HR process & attrition analysis; Conflict Management; Quality of work life, etc. Just search in Google. You will find many good & strong topics. Choose a topic that aligns well with the organization you are training in.

Simhan Sir,

I have planned to compile my project report by adding theory about the HR function (which is basically secondary data) followed by my key learnings of each function. This is the only option available to me as I wasn't allowed to collect any primary data from the employees through questionnaires, focus groups, etc. I am finding it difficult to quantify what I have learned during my training as I can't reveal any confidential company information. Is there any other way other than the way I suggested to go about the project?

Also, your PPT on research methodology posted in previous posts is indeed helpful.

Thanks

Mr. Rupinder,

Though I may not suggest any specific title without knowing the content of your project, a few suggestions may help you in selecting an appropriate title for your project.

1) If you have analyzed HR functions, considering the pros and cons, merits, and demerits of each function and have drawn your own conclusions, the title should reflect this analytical approach. For instance, if your topic involves analyzing an organization's practices in identifying employee training needs, you could title it as "Training Needs Analysis in..." or "Is [Name the Process] an Effective Tool to Identify Training Needs? - An Analysis."

2) If your project discusses methods for designing compensation and benefits, you could title it as "Tools to Design Compensation" or "How to Design a Just Compensation and Benefit Model." If you analyze existing tools and methods, the title should reflect that approach.

3) If your project is a collection of data and information about HR functions without independent analysis or findings, a simple title like "An Overview of HR Functions" or "HR Functions - A Guide for a Fresher" would be suitable.

4) If your project includes your observations and experiences regarding HR functions, the title could be "Experiential Learning of HR," etc.

In essence, the title should closely connect to the content inside so that a reader can reasonably guess the content.

B. Saikumar

HR & Labour Law Advisor

Mumbai

Sir,

Thank you for the valuable suggestions. I have not analyzed training or compensation in depth in my company or concluded any findings. I have simply observed HR functions like induction, grievance, disciplinary hearing, etc. My major task during the training was to record employee documents in PeopleSoft software and maintain personnel files.

So, the titles suggested in points 3 and 4 are useful. Regarding the content of my project report, it is basically a summary of different HR functions (from the internet) and certain key learnings. I am looking forward to some more suggestions on how to compile the project report in a better way than I have planned.

Regards,
Miss Rupinder

From the list of HR functions you have observed and the key learnings you have acquired (nature is not known), the compilation can be as follows:

1) Main head: Recruitment
a) Sub-heads: Joining formalities, etc.
b) Precautions: You can incorporate key learning inputs here, if any, on this subject.

2) Main head: Induction
Sub-heads:
a) Method of induction
b) Duration of induction
c) Posting of induction

3) Main head: Training
Sub-head:
a) Documentation on training

4) Main head: Grievance handling
a) Sub-head: Procedure
b) Key factors to redressal: You can incorporate key learnings here, if any, on this subject.

And so on and so forth. This is only a suggestive format meant for your guidance.

B. Saikumar
Mumbai

Dear Rupinder,

Others have given you valuable suggestions, and hence, I will raise a few key questions. Have you discussed the issue with your tutor guide? Were you not required to submit a synopsis of your intended project and get it approved? As you have not collected primary data, it will be difficult to display your knowledge of Research Methodology and the application of statistical tests, etc. These may be one of the key requirements of your final project. Have you checked the project regulations?

Simhan Sir,

I was not assigned any project on behalf of the company on any topic. My summer internship required me to assist in HR-related tasks. Neither was any synopsis required from my end. Additionally, the project may or may not be research-based; accordingly, no data collection or statistical tests are to be used.

I am very comfortable in designing questionnaires and using the SPSS package for analysis or any other qualitative research, but this option was not given to me. There is no role of the HR superior to guide me about the project. The confidentiality of HR data poses limitations on disclosure.