Nine HR Capstone Project Examples
- Human Resources Theory into Practice
- Effect of Increasing Training Budget
- Methods of Employee Assessment
- How Does the Human Resources Department Increase the Value of a Company?
- Workplace Diversity Concerns
- What Are the Key Factors that Contribute to Employee Turnover Within the Organization?
- What is the Relationship Between Employee Recognition Programs and Employee Morale and Retention?
- How Does the Implementation of Flexible Work Arrangements Affect Employee Engagement and Work-Life Balance?
- How Does Leadership Style Impact Employee Motivation and Job Satisfaction in Organizations?
A capstone project is one of the final tasks in business school. Through the process, whether an international business or HRMBA capstone project, students demonstrate that they understand the principles of their field and can practically apply this information. Many business students, especially those in human resource management, choose to use their final project as an opportunity to learn more about a particular subcategory as well as boost their resume. Since there are so many different career paths for HRMBA graduates, a targeted capstone experience can help these students jumpstart their career after graduation. Some human resources management capstone project ideas include the following.
Read: Top 50 Best Online Master’s in HR Degree Programs (MSHR)
1. Human Resources Theory into Practice
For this project idea, students can examine a few different theories in human resources or just do an in-depth study on one and describe what the selected theories look like in the industry. Many times, these capstone projects include an element of experiential learning where the student spends time in a workplace to understand what the job is actually like. During this experience, the student then watches for specific techniques used by the human resource department. Then, at the capstone presentation, they can highlight which theories and techniques were used at the work site and the results and any recommendations based on human resources theory.
2. Effect of Increasing Training Budget
This project focuses on the degree to which employee training can affect profits. For this capstone idea, after choosing a specific workplace, a student can examine the current training methods and determine what changes would be effective. Based on the data collected and predictive modeling techniques, the student can calculate the tipping point, or at what point adding money to training no longer increases profits and how much is added up until that point.
3. Methods of Employee Performance Appraisal
Along with training, another aspect of human resources involves rating an employee’s performance in a variety of areas. Sometimes, this is based on definitive data, but other times, this involves quantifying less directly measurable skills. For this HRMBA capstone project idea, a student could explore ways of objectively scoring employee performance in these positions. Another aspect of this involves removing subjective bias during the interview process.
4. How Does the Human Resources Department Increase the Value of a Company?
This capstone idea focuses on the intrinsic value of a strong human resource department and how this affects different aspects of the company. Training methods, employee motivational programs, benefits selection, and recruitment processes all affect how employees view their workplace. Further, the student can describe how these also determine the opinions of other companies, potential applicants, and the general public.
5. How do Diversity and Inclusion Initiatives Impact Organizational Performance and Innovation?
Increasing diversity at all levels of employment is becoming more important. According to Forbes, the field of human resources is changing, and one main aspect of this involves companies being open about the diversity of their staff or lack thereof. For this capstone HR project, students demonstrate all the benefits of diversity in the workplace including the financial and cultural effects.
6. What Are the Key Factors that Contribute to Employee Turnover Within the Organization?
This capstone could be a research project looking at the top reasons for turnover within an organization. While specific factors can vary based on the industry, several factors could be explored including:
- Job dissatisfaction
- Lack of career development
- Poor leadership and management
- Lack of recognition and reward
- Work environment and relationships
If turnover is your area of interest, HRMBA students could partner with an organization to do an assessment and make recommendations. Interviews or surveys could be conducted with management and former staff to learn more about their reason for leaving. Recommendations could be made to the organization with ways they could reduce their turnover rate.
7. What is the Relationship Between Employee Recognition Programs and Employee Morale and Retention?
Recognizing and appreciating employees’ efforts and achievements boosts their motivation and morale. When employees feel valued and appreciated, they are more like to be engaged and productive. But how do you know if your organization’s recognition program is effective? A capstone studying an organization’s recognition program that includes interviews or surveys with staff would be of great value to an organization. Some other HR project ideas in this area could consist of:
- What are the key factors that influence employee retention within an organization?
- What is the relationship between employee recognition and retention within the organization?
- How effective are current employee retention efforts in reducing turnover rates?
- What role does work-life balance play in employee retention?
8. How Does the Implementation of Flexible Work Arrangements Affect Employee Engagement and Work-Life Balance?
While flexible work arrangements existed before the COVID pandemic, there has been a 20% increase in companies who prioritize flexible scheduling since 2019. After years of remote work, there is finally enough data to show that it works. According to McKinsey’s American Opportunity Survey, 58% of Americans reported having the opportunity to work from home at least one day a week. The survey also showed that 87% of workers accept a flexible work arrangement when it is offered. Flexible work arrangements are a desirable feature for American workers.
Not every industry is structured to support work from home, so fortunately company leadership can choose from a variety of flexible work arrangements. Here are some research questions that could provide some capstone project ideas.
- What are the perceived advantages and disadvantages of flexible work arrangements from the perspective of both employees and employers?
- What is the impact of flexible work arrangements on team collaboration, team building, and coordination?
- How do different types of flexible work arrangements affect employee outcomes and organizational outcomes?
9. How Does Leadership Style Impact Employee Motivation and Job Satisfaction in Organizations?
Human resources is a popular concentration within an MBA program. MBA graduates are prepared for leadership roles within an organization, so their capstone experience must provide them with the opportunity to develop these leadership skills. HR MBA capstone project ideas related to leadership style can be a journey of self-discovery. Completing a capstone experience in an organization can help you identify leadership behaviors that drive employees to succeed. By comparing the leadership styles within several different organizations, MBA HR students can begin to see which styles have a positive impact on an organization and which may be toxic.
At the end of most graduate programs, students need to display their mastery of the core competencies in their field. Completing a capstone project during an HRMBA program showcases a student’s knowledge and also allows students to focus on an area of human resources that is of particular interest to them. We hope these capstone human resources/MBA ideas have been a helpful resource.