The document discusses performance appraisals in organizations. It states that while informal judgments of performance have always occurred, formal performance appraisal systems are a more recent development originating around World War II. It defines performance appraisal as a method for evaluating an employee's job performance in terms of quality, quantity, cost and time. The course will cover topics like planning, designing, implementing and outcomes of performance appraisal systems, as well as challenges in the process.