Exam 1: The World of Human Resources Management

A human resource information system (HRIS) provides current and accurate data for control and decision making by managers.

Organization A is attempting to foster proactive change within the firm. This organization is forming teams and extending its processes to include training, performance management, communication, culture, and even rewards. The organization hopes to improve its ability to catch mistakes before they happen. What is Organization A implementing?

Off-shoring is also called "global sourcing."

Describe the key competencies of HR managers and professionals.

Organization C is attempting to manage reactive change within the organization. This organization is radically changing every process through redesigning and rethinking from the ground up. The firm needs a dramatic change in order to survive. What is Organization C implementing?

HRISs in some organizations, such as Corning Inc., are changing the way HR processes are designed and executed. What type of technological effect is this?

Scenario 1.1 Canada Proud is a small food processing company located in northern British Columbia. Recently, it has faced pressures from competitors who have been able to produce similar products more cheaply. The owners of Canada Proud are looking into the possibility of starting a branch of the company in Mexico. Trade agreements among countries around the globe help companies like Canada Proud in becoming globally competitive. However, the company is aware that there may be opposition to such a move, especially if it affects the future viability of its current operations. -Refer to Scenario 1.1. How can setting up a branch in Mexico affect the future viability of Canada Proud's current operations?

Compared with the past, what are two new areas for HR managers today?

What are the six competitive challenges facing human resources management departments?

Reengineering is a statistical method of translating customer needs into separate tasks and defining the best way to perform each task.

The most recent census (2016) shows that more Canadians have a university or college education than in the past.

HRISs in some organizations help managers to connect with employees and with the HR data they need. What type of technological effect is this?

What are the competencies of the human resources manager?

In the past, HR departments focused mainly on managing administrative issues.

Which of the following groups is responsible for building an organization's skilled and motivated workforce?

Which of the following is a critical demographic-related problem facing Canadian firms?

Because of the "dot-com bust," the initial explosive success of Internet business declined drastically and is still in a moderate decline.

Scenario 1.2 The leadership at ABS Inc. has been pondering on the use of higher levels and intensity of technology in their operations. The organization has a close knit group of about 200 employees and a strong organizational culture. It is worried that its employees could become dependent on technology and this would affect the culture. The firm is also worried about the costs to implement the technology and whether the employees can be trained. -Refer to Scenario 1.2. What is a key advantage for ABS Inc. if they install better HRISs?

Methods of reducing labour costs include downsizing, outsourcing, and employee leasing.

An important hidden cost of layoffs is a loss of institutional memory and trust in management.