SMLR Info

Over the past six years, the Jim Chelius Human Resource Management Case Competition has given SMLR undergraduate and graduate students the opportunity to advise corporate sponsors on HR strategies. The competition also allows these companies to identify talent for potential employment. This year, Wyndham Worldwide, one of the world's largest hospitality companies, served as a sponsor. The competition attracted approximately 64 SMLR students who showcased their impressive HR knowledge by forming 14 participating teams.

"This event was a home run in terms of providing assistance to Wyndham and positioning our HR programs and student talent in an extremely favorable light," said Professor David Ferio, Director of the Master's in Human Resource Management program and Advisor of the Rutgers Society for Human Resource Management (RU SHRM).  

The initial round began on September 18^th, when all teams were required to review and submit a written response to a Harvard Business School case centered on Home Depot’s cultural transformation. The submissions were judged by a panel of SMLR students and faculty, who reviewed the responses based on the quality of analysis, amount of insight and critical thinking, feasibility, and written clarity. 

Five teams were selected to enter the final round which centered on an assessment of social media by Wyndham's human resource management team. Competitors were given three weeks to research and analyze the data that was provided. On December 11^th, the finalists presented their recommendations to Wyndham’s HR executives, who served as judges. SMLR students expressed their appreciation for the judges’ critical feedback, and the Wyndham executives noted SMLR students’ professionalism, level of sophistication, confidence, and detailed presentations.

“We had excellent conversations this week with students in the Rutgers Graduate Program in Human Resource Management on how organizations can use social media to attract top talent in today’s marketplace. Our congratulations and thanks go to all who participated!” Wyndham shared on its LinkedIn page. 

An awards luncheon was held on December 14, 2017 to honor the 14 teams who competed in this case competition. Certificates and awards were given to all participants as recognition. 

Named after revered, former School of Management and Labor Relations’ professor, Jim Chelius. The Jim Chelius Case Competition was created in 2012 to provide Rutgers HR students with experience in handling industry-related challenges. Students are provided feedback from experts within the HR field, while practicing public speaking and analytical skills. Past sponsors include Morgan Stanley, Dow Jones, ADP, Wegmans, and L'Oreal.