Questions for HR

Questions Describe the way in which employment patterns have changed over the last 20 years (6) Describe the following types of workers: –Core workers –Flexible workers –Sub-contracted workers (6) Discuss the advantages and disadvantages of new employment patterns for an organisation.(4) Describe the process of HR planning.(4)

External influences can affect the HR department and their planning. Describe how the staffing of an organisation may be affected by current external influences (6 marks) Question

An organisation has a problem with high staff absenteeism and decides to analyse the problem to see if a specific pattern emerges. (2001 case study) 1. Describe how absenteeism records might be broken down to see if a pattern emerges (2) 2. Describe why a high staff turnover would be of concern to an organisation (5)

Solution Q1 Absence records can be broken down as follows: By gender By department – do certain departments have more absenteeism than others? Age of employees Days of the week – are certain people off regularly on certain days Months – are employees off more in the winter than in summer? (any 2 for 2 marks)

Solution Q2 Reasons why an organisation may be concerned about high staff turnover include: Bad publicity for the firm will affect reputation Low productivity The recruitment and selection process is expensive in terms of time and money Other workers get disgruntled as they may be asked to do extra work Increased overtime payments The company will need to train frequently as new staff need to be trained The company will loss knowledge and skills to rivals Customers like continuity (5 marks)

Questions Justify the need to carry out a job analysis when a vacancy arises. (2) Compare a job description to a person specification. (3) Justify the reasons why a company may always look to fill a vacancy with an existing employee. (4) Explain the possible negative effects of this policy?(3) Describe an effective recruitment procedure for an organisation.(4)

Questions Describe a selection process which an organisation may use to ensure the best applicants are appointed to work Sec 2 Q1(c)(5 marks) Discuss the different forms of testing that an organisation could use to select the best candidate Sec 2 Q2 (d) (6 marks)

Questions 1Describe the costs and benefits of staff training to an organisation. (6) 2Describe the term induction training. (1) (2007 Sec 1 Q6 (i)) 3Outline the benefits of induction training (4) (2007 Sec 1 Q6 (ii)) 4Organisations can use both on the job and off the job training for employees. Describe each of these types of training (4)

Solution Questions 2 (i) Describe the term induction training. When a new member of staff is given training when they start a job which will include essential H & S and a tour of the department. New employees will learn relevant aspects of the organisation’s mission, culture, policies, procedures and methods of working. (1)

Solution – Question 3 (ii) Outline the benefits of induction training. New employees are integrated more quickly into the organisation. Provides a good image for the company to both the new employee and prospective employees. Is motivational for the new employee as they feel welcomed. Should allow the new employee to be more productive in a shorter time scale. Induction Training is an essential first stage of an employee’s development programme. Should make a new employee feel more comfortable in a new post. Essential Health and Safety issues can be cleared up. New employees are aware of their surroundings and working area. (4)