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Worksheet on Human Resources (Tutor Version)

• Introduction
• Background Info.
• Aim of Task
• Blank Table
• Useful Links
• Teachers Notes, completed tasks and some evaluation tips

Introduction

This version differs from the student version in that it gives completed blank tables as examples at the end of the worksheet, along with a few points for discussion.

This Online worksheet is designed to be undertaken within a single hour class, but leaves several openings for further work.

It includes some basic background information so the task can be completed without extra notes, and also utilises links to useful resources so those with time and online access may explore the subject and relevant references in more detail.

It is assumed that students are familiar with the place of Human Resource Management in relation to the rest of the business.

Background Information

Human Resource Management

Human Resource Systems

A Basic Model

• Organisational Strategy
• Organisational Structure
• Human Resource Planning
• Selection
• Performance Appraisal
• Training

• Organisational Strategy

Any efficient Human Resources department needs to integrate its departmental strategy to fall in line with the strategy of the rest of the organisation. The HRM function needs to communicate with other departments in order to ensure a streamlined ......

• Organisational Structure

without which the staffing function becomes randomly inefficient and ineffective.

• Human Resource Planning

is the development of a comprehensive staffing strategy that meets the organisations future human resources needs. When applied to management selection it ought to ensure recruitment of the right people for the right jobs at the right time. Rather than fill poosts when they fall vacant, or a pressing need arises, efficient human resource planning needs to answer these questions.

1. Are the right numbers and type of people doing the things that need doing?

2. Are we using our human resources well?

3. Do we have the people we need to satisfy our future requirements?

• Selection

is maintaining a recruitment policy that guarantees a continuous supply of personnel in all areas of the business, that meets needs caused by retirement, resignations, promotions, maternity leave, business expansion or diversification across the organisation.

• Performance Appraisal

is the appraisal of an employees performance in a way that ensures the output of an employee matches the expectations of the organisation. This requires a proactive approach to thge appraisal of the employee, in order that agreed targets can be set and analysed on a pre-determined basis. Often this performance may be linked to pay structure and bonuses.

• Training

Once an employee is on a payroll, they must be included in a rolling programme of personal development in order to maintain their interest and motivation. The organisation needs to ensure that employees are able to meet the challenges of their role as the environment undergos changes, especially in areas such as competition, technology and product development.

Aim of Task for student.

Your current personnel assistant is leaving to live abroad with his highly paid wife who is a network programmer. He has been with the company for nearly 4 years, during which time he has risen from trainee personnel assistant to his current post. You are required to examine the recruitment process for a new personnel assistant for your organisation which is involved in the manufacture of a product within the communications industry. This could be either a computer component, telecommunications component or even a piece (or pieces) of software. Some familiarity of the industry and evidence of previous knowledge will be an advantage.

The first task will be to complete the table below with, what you consider, to be the essential needs in each area.

Your teacher will have some points of consideration, though in reality this task is one for you to complete using your own previous skills and judgement.

Try to include both general answers that can apply to any post/industry as well as specific answers to the scenario.

Blank Table to be completed using your own skill and Judgement

Useful Links

Here are some useful links which should help you find explanations and information relevant to the tasks.

Nottingham Business School has some good links to human resource management sites.

The Institute of Personnel Development or IPD lets you know who is the professional body in the UK for all those concerned with people management and development.but has little of real substance to offer without paying out professional fees! Included just so you know, and perhaps to encourage some who seek future financial success!

The following quote helps to put Human Resources Management in context as a business tool:

"Many organizations now realize that Human Resources Management is not a specialist function but is a core activity that should be part of every line manager's skill base. As initiatives on empowerment achieve greater success and as technology is improved to support the process, it could be argued that the role of the HR professional will be reduced to a narrow range of specialist activities which, ultimately, may be outsourced."

The Online Job shop at the Monster Board is an interesting example of where we may all be going in the years to come. They emphasise the need for ongoing training and offer a service to deliver it.

Congratulations!

Upon completing the task you should write out a full job description and person specification for the post either within the class, or in your own time.

Now share your results with the rest of the group and discuss why your decisions may differ from those of your colleagues.

Additional teachers notes and completed table with advice notes

This completed table, gives general rather than specific solutions to the task. It should be used as the basis for the discussion between class members. The task is open to all ability levels, since previous knowledge and the ability to think around the problem will show through in the final outcomes.

Though some may complete the task quickly, based upon prior exposure to the subject area, the secondary, optional task of completing a person specification ought to ensure nobody completes everything. If need be, and you want to continue this subject further, this work can be used as the foundations for a full assignment.

As in all Internet AVCE assignments, pointers have been included to tools that are exclusive to the medium, and if you have time or access to the Web for the class, the future impact upon the business arena ought to be discussed, in this case, that of the online 'job shops'.

The aim is for students to begin thinking about Human Resources as a part of the overall business.

Discussion will arise from the example provided, besides leading to more in depth research by the student.