Research Assignment 1- Each student must provide a description of the industry and name of the fictitious company. Be sure to elaborate on the business strategy, competitive advantage, HR philosophy and the external environment.

Research Assignment 2- Each student must submit a list of references (at least 5 references) with an explanation of how each reference will be used in developing the research project.

Research Assignment 3- Each student will refine her or his research project by developing and submitting a complete outline of the final paper and a near complete list of references used in the final paper.

Research Assignment 4- Each student will complete the final research project. The paper will consist of a title page, abstract, a six-page main body, and a list of references. The paper will be double-spaced and written in Times New Roman using a 12-point font. Include a cover page with your name, course/instructor, date, and assignment identification. The paper will be written in 3rd person using the APA style.

Identify an industry in which you are interested in someday working and create a name for a fictitious company that you will be working on all semester for this project. If you want to use a current or past employer, you may do so. Read as much as you can about the industry you selected. You will want to know who are some of the top performing companies, the growth outlook of the industry and current challenges and opportunities to be able to make decisions in setting up a human resource management function for the company you have identified.

Your first writing assignment should include a description of the industry and the name of the fictitious company. Describe your company's business strategy, competitive advantage, HR philosophy and the external environment. Indicate how your company will position itself to successfully compete in the industry.