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Management Class Offers HR Strategy to Amigos/Kings Classic

The strategic human resources management class at the University of Nebraska–Lincoln College of Business Administration worked on a semester-long project for a local dual restaurant chain that specializes in Mexican and American quick service food. Over the semester, students applied what they were learning to create a talent acquisition strategic analysis and present their findings to Roger, ’72, and Jan Moore, CEO and founder and vice president of marketing of Amigos/Kings Classic.

“I was very impressed at the level of class engagement and their enthusiasm in this semester-long project,” said Dr. Gwendolyn M. Combs, associate professor of management. “The class was able to connect strategic human resource management concepts and theories to the real and practical nature of the organizational issues we were examining.”

They applied class readings, experiential exercises and case studies to the circumstances and issues faced by Amigos/Kings Classic. The students worked together to create and analyze a survey of current employees and target market of employees.

“Working and interacting with a real business on this type of project allowed the students to experience directly the integration of human resource management theory and practice to the intricacies of a ‘live’ business operation,” said Combs.

The students made recommendations for the company’s comprehensive recruitment program in the areas of overall recruitment strategy, social media, job design and work environment. Many of their suggestions were to raise the visibility of the company’s Student Tuition Employment Program (STEP).

Roger and Jan Moore listen to student presentations

Roger and Jan Moore listen to student presentations

“We learned a lot in creating and analyzing survey results. For example, we found 47 percent of potential employees would more likely work for the company because of the student tuition employment program,” said Reid Rauterkus, senior management major from Omaha, Nebraska.

After the presentation, the Moores asked follow-up questions and invited the students to an informal thank you reception.

“The students presented a very thorough presentation. Their feedback on our human resources programs were invaluable as they represent the age range of many of our employees,” said Jan Moore. “We plan to utilize many of their ideas about marketing STEP and how important social media can be in achieving our goals.”
Published: August 29, 2014