human resource management

Human Resource Management challenges members to demonstrate their understanding of key HR functions, including staffing, training, employee relations, and performance management. Through an objective test, members explore how effective human resource practices support organizational success and employee development.

 

Event Overview

Division: High School
Event Type: Individual
Event Category: Objective Test, 100-multiple choice questions (breakdown of question by competencies below)
Objective Test Time: 50 minutes
Educational Alignments

 

Items Competitor Must Provide: Sharpened pencil, Fully powered device for online testing, Photo Identification, Conference-provided nametag, Attire that meets the Florida FBLA Dress Code

Items FBLA Provides: One piece of scratch paper per competitor, Internet access, Test login information

Knowledge Areas

·         Nature of Human Services Management
·         Staffing and Talent Acquisition
·         Training and Development
·         Performance Management
·         Employee Relations and Issue Resolution
·         Compensation and Total Rewards
·         Health and Safety
·         Professional Development in Human Resources

Test questions are based on the knowledge areas and objectives outlined for this event. Detailed objectives can be found in the study guide included in these guidelines.

District

Check with your District leadership for District-specific competition information.

State

Eligibility

·         FBLA membership dues are paid by 11:59 pm Eastern Time on December 1 (or earlier date specified by District Director) of the current program year.
·         Members may compete in an event at the State Leadership Conference (SLC) more than once if they have not previously placed in the top 10 of that event at the National Leadership Conference (NLC). If a member places in the top 10 of an event at the NLC, they are no longer eligible to compete in that event.
·         Members must be registered for the SLC and pay the state conference registration fee in order to participate in competitive events.
·         Members must stay within the official FBLA housing block of the official FBLA hotel to be eligible to compete.
·         Each district may be represented by participant(s) based on the Florida FBLA scaled quota system found on the Florida FBLA website.
·         Each member can only compete in one individual/team event and one chapter event (Community Service Project, Local Chapter Annual Business Report).
·         Identification: Competitors must present valid photo identification (physical) that matches the name on their conference name badge. Acceptable forms include a driver’s license, passport, state-issued ID, or school ID.
·         If competitors are late for an objective test, they may be either disqualified or permitted to begin late with no extension of the time as scheduled.
·         Participants must adhere to the Florida FBLA dress code established by the Florida Board of Directors or they will not be permitted to participate in the competitive event.

Recognition

·         The number of competitors will determine the number of winners. The maximum number of winners for each competitive event is 5.

Event Administration

·         This event is an objective test administered at the SLC.
·         No reference or study materials may be brought to the testing site.
·         No calculators may be brought into the testing site.
 

Scoring

·         Each correct answer is worth one point.

·         No points are deducted for incorrect answers.

·         Ties are broken by comparing the correct number of answers to the last 10 questions on the test. If a tie remains, answers to the last 20 questions on the test will be reviewed to determine the winner. If a tie remains, the competitor who completed the test in a shorter amount of time will place higher.
·         Results announced at the State Leadership Conference are considered official and will not be changed after the conclusion of the State Leadership Conference.

Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA)

·         FBLA complies with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) by providing reasonable accommodations for competitors. Accommodation requests must be submitted through the conference registration system by the official registration deadline. All requests will be reviewed, and additional documentation may be required to determine eligibility and appropriate support.

Penalty Points

·         Competitors may be disqualified if they violate the Competitive Event Guidelines or the Honor Code.

Electronic Devices

·         Unless approved as part of a documented accommodation, all cell phones, smartwatches, electronic devices, and headphones must be turned off and stored away before the competition begins. Visible devices during the event will be considered a violation of the FBLA Honor Code.

National

If you are competing on the National level, be sure to see the National guidelines at https://www.fbla.org/divisions/fbla/fbla-competitive-events/

Study Guide: Knowledge Areas and Objectives

This study guide outlines the skills and knowledge assessed for this event. Objectives followed by a two-letter, three-digit code in parentheses are aligned to the National Business Administration Standards from MBA Research and Curriculum Center. Some objectives reference MBA Research’s Learning Activity Packages (LAPs), which are instructional resources with readings, activities, and assessments available exclusively to teacher advisers. For more information, visit MBAResearch.org/FBLA. 

Important Notice Regarding Test Preparation 

MBA Research materials are not required to study for or prepare for FBLA competitive event tests. MBA Research provides curriculum and instructional resources directly to teachers and does not administer or manage individual student testing or competition participation. 

Note for members and parents: All questions related to tests, study materials, scores, or competition guidelines should be directed to the local FBLA adviser. Only teacher advisers should contact MBA Research directly.

Nature of Human Resources Management (15 test items)  

  • Discuss the nature of human resources management (HR:410, LAP-HR-410) (CS)  

  • Explain the role of ethics in human resources management (HR:411, LAP-HR-411) (SP)  

  • Explain the nature of leadership in organizations (HR:493, LAP-HR-493) (SU)  

  • Describe the use of technology in human resources management (HR:412) (SP)  

  • Explain human resources management functions (HR:413) (SP)  

  • Discuss factors that impact human resources management (e.g., availability of qualified employees, alternative staffing methods, employment laws/regulations, company policies/procedures, compensation and benefit programs, staff diversity) (HR:415) (SP)  

  • Explain unfair labor practices (BL:119) (SP)  

  

Staffing and Talent Acquisition (20 test items)  

  • Describe planning techniques used in the hiring process (e.g., succession planning, forecasting) (HR:416) (SP)  

  • Determine hiring needs (HR:353) (SU)  

  • Develop job descriptions and profiles (HR:518) (MN)  

  • Recruit new employees (HR:498) (SU)  

  • Screen job applications/resumes (HR:354) (SU)  

  • Interview job applicants (HR:355) (SU)  

  • Explain assessment methods used in the hiring process (HR:522) (SP)  

  • Select and hire new employees (HR:356) (SU)  

  • Complete new hire documentation and reporting (NF:273) (SP)  

  

 

Training and Development (10 test items)  

  • Orient new employees (HR:360) (CS)  

  • Explain the role of training and human resources development (HR:362) (SU)  

  • Explain the nature of management/supervisory training (HR:363) (SU)  

  • Train staff (HR:392) (SU)  

  • Coach employees (HR:364) (SU)  

  

Performance Management (10 test items)  

  • Supervise staff (HR:393) (SU)  

  • Assess employee performance (HR:368) (SU)  

  • Assess team performance (HR:494) (SU)  

  • Recognize/Reward employees (HR:365) (SU)  

  

Employee Relations and Issue Resolution (20 test items)  

  • Describe ways that businesses build positive employer-employee relationships (HR:449) (SU)  

  • Foster employee engagement and commitment (HR:513) (SU)  

  • Handle employee complaints and grievances (HR:366) (SU)  

  • Explain labor-relations issues (HR:452) (SP)  

  • Discuss issues associated with workplace diversity (e.g., ethnic, generational, religious, gender) (HR:515) (SP)  

  • Manage employee issues (e.g., attendance, workplace harassment, workplace violence) (HR:544) (SU)  

  • Explain the nature of remedial action (HR:369) (SU)  

  • Conduct exit interviews (HR:357) (SU)  

  • Dismiss/Fire employees (HR:358) (SU)  

   

Compensation and Total Rewards (15 test items)  

  • Discuss employee compensation (HR:390) (SU)  

  • Explain issues associated with the payroll process (HR:394) (SU)  

  • Explain payroll functions (HR:465) (SP)  

  • Explain components of total rewards system (HR:467) (SP)  

  • Explain the nature of benefit plans (e.g., health insurance, life insurance, educational assistance, health club membership) (HR:475) (SP)  

  • Comply with compensation and benefit laws (BL:120) (SP)  

  

Health and Safety (5 test items)  

  • Describe general health and safety practices monitored and assessed by human resources management (OP:212) (SP)  

  • Discuss the nature of incident and emergency response plans (OP:213) (SP)  

  

Professional Development in Human Resources (5 test items)  

  • Explain career opportunities in human resources management (PD:187) (SP)  

  • Describe certifications for human resources-management professionals (e.g., Professional in Human Resources [PHR], Senior Professional in Human Resources [SPHR], Global Professional in Human Resources [GPHR]) (PD:188) (SP)