Chapter 9 HRM

Question 1

What is HRM

Answer 1

Involves managing the employees In a business

It’s main purpose is to ensure that the business finds keeps and makes the best possible use of its employees

Question 2

What is manpower panning

Answer 2

Involves the HR manager making sure the business has the people with the right skills in the right place at the right time
It Involves forecasting future staff needs and the recruiting or making redundancies to ensure the business has exactly the right number of skilled workers

Question 3

What are the three steps involved in manpower planning

Answer 3

Step 1: forecast future demand: estimate how many employees and what skills are needed in the future

Step 2: calculate existing supply: conduct an audit of the existing employees

Step 3: if demand is greater than supply then the need is to recruit suitable new employee
If supply is greater than demand then redundancies may be necessary

Question 4

What are the benefits of manpower planning

Answer 4

It avoids the problem of the business being understaffed. Too few workers might result in products/services being behind schedule unhappy customers and lost sales

It also avoids the problem of being overstuffed. Being overstaffed results in higher wage bills and will result in redundancies and higher costs

Question 5

What is recruitment and selection

Answer 5

Recruitment: means funding a suitable candidate for a job vacancy and persuading them to apply. There are two methods of recruitment it can be internal or external

Selection: means choosing the best applicant for the vacancy from all those who applied. The manager will review and shortlist the applicants the the HR manager can use a variety of tests such as interviews and test to choose the best candidates

Question 6

What is external recruitment its sources and 3 advantages

Answer 6

It means finding someone from outside the business the apply for the job

Sources: advertise the vacancy in the media
Use a recruitment agency, advertise online through job Ireland

Advantages: brings a fresh perspective and new ideas
Increases the chances of finding an excellent candidate
Less jealously/resentment from existing staff

Question 7

What is internal recruitment its sources and 3 advantages

Answer 7

Means finding someone from inside the business to apply for the job

Sources: promotion demotion and transfer

Advantages: existing employees know the business
Knows the employees work
Motivates existing employees to work harder for promotions

Question 8

What’s the curriculum vitae

Answer 8

A document providing the following information 
Name 
Address 
Contact details 
Education details 
Work experience details 
Interest and hobbies 
Details of reference 
Signature and date

Question 9

What’s an application form

Answer 9

A pre-printed document to be completed by the candidates providing information regarding educational details work experience and interest and hobbies
Allows specific questions to be asked

Question 10

What’s a cover letter

Answer 10

It’s a letter in which the candidates introduce themselves states which job is being applied for and outlines a brief summary of why they are applying and the qualities and they can bring to the position

Question 11

What is screening

Answer 11

The HR manager will now examine all the applicants received and will reject those who do not meet the minimum requirements
The remaining applicants are shortlisted for the next stage of the selection process

Question 12

What are the two benefits of recruitment

Answer 12

A job description and a person specification prepare in advance helps the business to identify and recruit the ideal candidate

Good recruitment saves the business moment eg discourages unsuitable applicants use of online recruitment methods

Question 13

What are the two benefits of selection

Answer 13

Choosing the right candidate who fits the business will reduce the risk of future industrial action

Choosing the best possible person will mean that the job will be done well which will result in happy customers and increased sales and profits

Question 14

What is training and what are the different types of training

Answer 14

this is where the employee is taught or shown the knowledge, skills and attitude needed to perform the job properly.
There are a number of different types of training:
• Induction Training – this introduces new employees to the workplace and familiarises them with the procedures and information they will need.
• On-the-job Training – the employee learns through practical experience while at work, e.g. job rotation.
• Off-the-job Training – the employee learns by attending courses away from the workplace.

Question 15

What is development and list three benefits

Answer 15

This provides the employee with the skills and knowledge that will allow them to grow and improve their work abilities, and become more confident and successful in any job.
Benefits of Training and Development:
• It teaches the workers the skills needed to do a good job and provide an excellent product/service.
• Provides workers with a skill set that makes them more flexible and able to cope with any changes.
• Employees will require less supervision, thereby freeing the manager for other duties.

Question 16

What is performance appraisal and it’s 4 steps

Answer 16

Performance Appraisal is the process of evaluating the progress, contribution and effectiveness
of the employee.
The main steps in performance appraisals are:
Step 1: Set targets – at the start of the period
Step 2: The manager monitors and evaluates the employee’s progress
Step 3: The manager fills in a performance appraisal form Step 4: Meet with the employee to discuss the results of
the appraisal

Question 17

What are three benefits of performance appraisal

Answer 17

• It identifies employees who are suitable for promotion.
• It helps to motivate employees – employees will want a
good performance appraisal.
• It helps to improve employer/employee relations – by having regular meetings and communication a better working relationship should develop.

Question 18

What are pay and rewards and list three financial and non financial rearward

Answer 18

Pay and Rewards are the incentives offered to employees as compensation for the work they have done

FINANCIAL
• Basic wage
• Hourlyrate(€perhour) • Piecerate(€peritem)

NON-FINANCIAL
• Improved working conditions, e.g. flexitime, more holidays
• Job enlargement – extra duties to avoid boredom
• Job enrichment – greater responsibility to develop skills

Question 19

What does the levels of pay and/or rewards will depend on

Answer 19

Skills – the more valuable the skill the more the firm will pay.
• Qualifications – the more qualified a person is the more pay you get.
• Scarcity – If skills are scarce employees will be paid more.
• Responsibility – The more responsibility the more pay.

Question 20

What are Benefits of Pay and Rewards

Answer 20

• Good pay and rewards will motivate employees to work harder. This will result in better products or services, increased sales and profits.
• It will help the business to attract and recruit the very best employees.
• Good pay and rewards will help to promote good industrial relations.

Question 21

What is employer and employees relationship and how can the HR manager improve industrial relationship

Answer 21

This involves making sure that there is a good working relationship between the employer and the employees.
The HR manager can improve industrial relations by:
1. Regular open communication – have regular face-to- face meetings with employees, being honest and open, which will establish trust.
2. Grievance procedures – have agreed procedures for dealing with potential conflict situations.
3. Training – managers should be trained to handle conflict and employees trained to perform their jobs.
4. Careful selection – the HR manager should recruit employees who fit in and share the business’s beliefs.

Question 22

What are the benefits of good employer/employee relationship

Answer 22

• Employees will be happier in their work if employer/employee relations are good. Thus employee motivation and productivity increases.
• Employees will put in an extra effort at their job and more likely to become ‘intrapreneurs’.
• Employees are more likely to stay because they are happy. Thus labour turnover will decrease.

Question 23

What are the six functions of the HR manager

Answer 23

1. Manpower Planning
2. Recruitment and Selection
3. Training and Development
4. Performance Appraisal
5. Pay and Rewards
6. Employer/Employee Relationships

Question 24

What are the 8 steps involved in recruitment and selection

Answer 24

Step 1: Prepare a Job Description

Step 2: Prepare a Person Specification Prepare a Job Advertisement

Step 3: Encourage Suitable Candidates to Apply

Step 4: Screening

Step 5: Selection Tests

Step 6: Interview

Step 7: Check References

Step 8: Offer the Job

Question 25

Selection test and interviews

Answer 25

Selection Tests
The ‘shortlisted’ candidates may now be asked to undergo tests to assess their abilities and suitability.
These tests include:
• Intelligence tests
• Aptitude tests
• Personality tests

Interview
The applicants who remain at this stage will be called for a face-to-face conversation. Here they will be asked specific questions relating to their experiences, skills, etc. The interview may involve a panel (group) of interviewers.

Question 26

What is a cover letter

Answer 26

It is a letter in which the candidate introduces themselves, states which job is being applied for, and outlines a brief summary of why they are applying, and the qualities and/or skills they can bring to the position.