Exam 1: The Challenges of Hrm

Scenario 1.3: HRM Challenges-Staffing Cuts Artic Learning Systems was under pressure to reduce staffing costs and improve productivity.They took advantage of a Canadian federal program involving work-sharing and encouraged people to use any banked overtime.In some cases,employees were working 50% less.SunSystems Learning,in the same industry,was under the same pressures and decided to do an across the board reduction and laid off 50% of their employees based on performance.Both companies' organizational strategic plans indicated significant growth within a year due to new communication technologies and the ability to provide their learning systems globally.They both assess the best practices of other organizations looking for ways to enhance their performance. -Please refer to Scenario 1.3.What can be attributed to Artic Learning Systems' competitive advantage?

Cultural changes are influencing employee reactions to work assignments,reward systems,and career choices.

Which of the following is NOT one of the ways that information technology influences HRM?

The Ethics Resource Center identified how leaders can enhance ethical practices.What is one of these practices?

In recent years,has the educational attainment of the Canadian labour force changed?

Which of the following is NOT an emerging area in the field of HRM?

What is the significance of the new phrases "human capital," "intellectual assets," and "talent management" that have crept into business jargon?

Scenario 1.4: HRM Challenges-Innovative Hydraulic Systems Lansdowne Inc. ,a Quebec-based company,designs and manufactures innovative hydraulic systems which are sold to projects in more than 20 countries.They hire people based on their specialized technical and broader innovation and communication skills.They recruit globally.They also continue to provide training to their employees in the leading edge hydraulic systems technology and provide workplace environments that encourage innovation.Their mission and strategy is to be competitive through technical innovation. -Please refer to Scenario 1.4.According to the Conference Board of Canada,what two employee skills will contribute to the innovation required in Lansdowne's workplace?

Scenario 1.2: HRM Challenges-A Mining Merger Trimack Resources Inc. ,a Western Canada mining company,bought WestStar Mining,an Eastern Canada company.Ray Morrison,the CEO of Trimack Resources Inc.was focused on ensuring the new business revolved around how well the people side of the merger was handled.Ray felt that it was critical that the two businesses integrated their people.Morgan Grant,the CEO of WestStar Mining was focused on managing the complex financial issues of the merger.Morgan felt that it was critical that the financial reports were in order before they could move forward with their strategic plans.The new HRM department immediately began terminating employees when they noticed that there were several situations where two employees were doing the work of one position. -Please refer to Scenario 1.2.What is this merger an example of?

Because HR managers function in support roles,their job knowledge needs to focus primarily on HR issues rather than the operating goals of the company.

Being open to opportunities for change and learning from your experiences are essential elements of implementation skills.

A technology system that provides data for the purposes of control and decision making is called the Human Resources Information System.

Providing family-friendly practices can serve as a powerful way to attract and retain top-calibre employees.

Which activity is NOT part of HRM?

Which term describes the structure of HR processes and activities and their relationship to the organization and the employees?

HR programs and assignments have often aided in learning and knowledge being shared among employees.

Trade agreements that allow a free flow of goods and services mean that competitors may be located in our own back yards.

While the U.S.economy has been in a longer slump than Canada,the countries are linked since approximately 72 % of Canada's GDP is exported to the U.S.

Which of the following is a cultural change,well-established in terms of attitude toward work,which has had an impact on HRM?

Scenario 1.2: HRM Challenges-A Mining Merger Trimack Resources Inc. ,a Western Canada mining company,bought WestStar Mining,an Eastern Canada company.Ray Morrison,the CEO of Trimack Resources Inc.was focused on ensuring the new business revolved around how well the people side of the merger was handled.Ray felt that it was critical that the two businesses integrated their people.Morgan Grant,the CEO of WestStar Mining was focused on managing the complex financial issues of the merger.Morgan felt that it was critical that the financial reports were in order before they could move forward with their strategic plans.The new HRM department immediately began terminating employees when they noticed that there were several situations where two employees were doing the work of one position. -Please refer to Scenario 1.2.What is an example of an HR initiative that would support Ray's approach to the merger?