Exam 2: Strategy and Human Resources Planning

Replacement charts are listings of current jobholders who are potential replacements if an opening occurs.

Scenario 2.1 Blockbuster Canada was the first of its kind in Canada in the movie and games rental business and operated for more than 21 years. However, with the advent of more modern technology accessible mainly through Netflix and Rogers On Demand, Blockbuster struggled to stay relevant in a tech-savvy environment where videos and games could now be rented conveniently from the comfort of one's couch via computer or TV. Despite efforts to try to stay relevant, Blockbuster did not leverage technology that had become an important part of their consumer base's daily lives. As a result, Blockbuster was not able to fight off the competition. -Refer to Scenario 2.1. To remain competitive, Blockbuster Canada needed to systematically monitor the major external forces influencing the movie/game rental business. Which of the following would be important to its success?

Utilizing a balanced scorecard is an aspect of the internal analysis in a SWOT analysis.

Manning Logistics laid off nine employees from data-entry positions in its finance division. Two weeks later, it hired 15 employees into data-entry positions in the inventory division. What mistake has the company committed?

Over time, organizations may try to reduce their workforce by relying on attrition.

Describe the three key elements of the HRP model.

What is the term for the process that is used to identify "best practices"?

Through human resources planning, organizations strive for a proper balance between demand considerations and supply considerations.

Scenario 2.2 Avie Products Inc. is planning to add a third shift to its production schedule. It currently has 450 workers involved in all aspects of its fertilizer business, best done in Canada. A recent surge in demand from its global customers is driving the need for more workers; however, Simi Meher, the CEO, is concerned that the surge may be temporary, especially in light of the recent economic downturns in the global environment where Avie does business. -Refer to Scenario 2.2. What is the best strategy for Avie to follow with respect to workers on the third shift?

Which of the following can be used to translate strategic goals to operational objectives?

Under the umbrella of layoff strategies are several work reduction options: reduced workweek, reduced shifts, transfers to related companies, and so on.

During its strategic retreat, the top management team at IAMME Gold Corporation pondered on the question "What's the organization reason for being?" What was the team most likely focusing on?

From an organization's perspective, what is an important shortcoming of having to rely on part-time employees?

Which of the following is a graphical representation of all organizational jobs along with the numbers of employees currently occupying those jobs and future employment requirements?

ATM Company has experienced a recent growth in its business. Which of the following is NOT a likely response to its new HR demands?

Human resources planning plays a key role in organizational strategy implementation because organizational leaders must make decisions regarding resource allocations to human capital, among other things.

Investors are primary stakeholders of an organization.

What do we consider the firm's resources to be when they improve the efficiency or effectiveness of the company?

Severance pay is a lump-sum payment given to terminated employees.

The use of part-time employees creates a problem of labour costs at fast-food restaurants.