Exam 14: Human Resource Management: Building a Top-Quality Workforce

Compacted scheduling is the term used for a version of flextime scheduling that allows employees to work a full-time number of hours in fewer days than the standard work week.

Because they recognize that many in the baby boom generation are reaching retirement age, most firms now have extensive programs in place to try to retain their older workers.

Jasmine's company, MarbleTech Inc., recently won a major government contract scheduled to last six years. Jasmine has been given the responsibility to recruit, select, and train the high-quality workforce the company will need to complete the contract on time and within budget. Which of the following will Jasmine be required to perform?

Define human resource management, and explain how it supports corporate goals.

Most human resource managers have strong strategic skills.

Ali Khan is a human resources manager who believes that his company needs some fresh energy and new ideas. So rather than hire from within, he's looking to fill some of the new openings in his company with new employees. What is the most effective way of locating new hires who would be a good fit?

What problems do human resource managers face when they try to make a strategic contribution to their firm's business success? How can they overcome these problems?

Wages are the pay that employees receive in exchange for the number of hours or days worked.

Workers, shareholders, and other stakeholders generally accept that the gap between average worker pay and the pay of CEOs can be justified by the heavy burdens and responsibilities associated with holding the top job at a major corporation.

What is a key problem faced by HR managers as they attempt to add value to their companies?

Internal recruitment is the process of seeking employees who are currently within the firm to fill open positions.

The goal of human resource management is to nurture the organization's human investment so that it yields the highest possible return.

A firm that wants to tap new ideas and fresh perspectives is likely to find an internal recruitment approach to be the best way to fill positions that come open.

Management development helps current and potential executives develop the skills they need to move into leadership positions.

Leading-edge firms expect every department including human resources to offer "big picture" strategic contributions that boost company value.

When it comes to performing references and background checks, which of the following may be easy to identify?

Name and briefly describe the two main steps that managers must complete when creating a human resource (HR) plan. List the six core areas that must be covered in a complete HR plan.

One drawback of telecommuting is zero commute time.

One of the advantages of hiring younger workers is that they tend to have a strong sense of loyalty and commitment to the organizations they join, which pays off in terms of lower worker turnover.

One sign that senior management doesn't place much value in the human resources function is an organization chart that shows the HR department reporting to the CFO.