HR

Question 1

Explain the difference between Internal and External job advertising

Answer 1

Internal Advertising
Internal job advertising is used when an organisation promotes or moves a person who is already working for the business. Internal advertising could be carried out using the organisation’s intranet or website, or a noticeboard.

External Advertising
External is used when a business employs a person from outside the organisation. External job advertising could be in the national or local press, recruitment agencies, job centre and online advertisement, including social media.

Question 2

Describe the main features of an Application Form and a Curriculum Vitae (CV)

Answer 2

Application Form
Application forms consist of pre-prepared questions set by the organisation. This allows an organisation to easily compare potential candidates. It also ensures the organisations get all the information they require from the candidate. Application forms are increasingly carried out online.

Curriculum Vitae
Curriculum vitae (CV) is a summary of the summary of the person’s education, qualifications and previous employment history.

Question 3

Describe the process of reviewing candidates’ applications and creating a shortlist

Answer 3

The recruiting manager will review all the application forms and CVs submitted by candidates. Each candidate’s skills and qualities are compared with those listed in the person specification. This makes it easier to identify candidates based on those whose skills best match those that are required to do the job.

The application forms or CVs are compared to the person specification and job description. This is used to draw up a shortlist of the most suitable candidates. These candidates will be invited to interview. A small number of candidates are then selected from a larger group and this is known as the shortlist.

Question 4

Describe the role of an Assessment Centre and the kinds of tests that might be used

Answer 4

At the interview and testing stage candidates may attend an assessment centre to be tested and interviewed for a job. This could take place over a day or more.

Testing can provide extra information on a candidate’s suitability through practical assessments. Testing allows an organisation to see how a candidate copes under pressure. It aims to find out about a candidate’s true personality and abilities and not just what they say about themselves.

Types of test include aptitude tests, intelligent tests, psychometric tests.

Question 5

Explain what is meant by a Reference and its purpose in recruitment and selection

Answer 5

A reference is document from a previous employer stating the suitability of the candidate for the vacancy.

Question 6

Describe how Technology is used in recruitment and selection

Answer 6

Computers are used to create job adverts and advertised on the Internet or via social media platforms. Applications are often filled out using an online form.

Laptops, tablets or a smartphone can be used Online tests and assessments can be used during the testing stage of the selection process. These tests can then be electronically marked. This allows the company to better compare potential employees’ abilities.

Job interviews can be carried out using video conferencing technology, or technologies such as Skype and MS Messenger.

Question 7

Describe the benefits to an organisation of training employees

Answer 7

Benefits of training could include:

Employees who are trained will have better skills meaning a higher quality output
Employees who are trained will be more efficient at their job which means productivity will increase
Employees will be more motivated which means they are less likely to be absent
Employees may gain qualifications which may give them more incentive to remain with the organisations
Employees may be able to gain experience which can help them to achieve promotion

Question 8

Describe and give examples of Induction training

Answer 8

Induction training is offered to new employees when they join an organisation and usually includes:

a tour of the premises
health and safety information
straining on any duties/skills required to do the job
company policies such absence procedures
introduction to colleagues

Question 9

Describe and give examples of On-the-Job training

Answer 9

On-the-job training is training that is undertaken at an employee’s place of work.

Coaching
An experienced member of staff will work through a task step-by-step with an employee. The experienced member of staff or ‘coach’ will support the employee through the learning process by passing on their knowledge and skills.

Role play
Role play involves acting out a scenario to see how an employee would perform under certain conditions. This will allow the employee to practise appropriate ways to deal with situations that may occur in the workplace.

Job rotation
Members of staff can be rotated or moved through different jobs within the organisation, so they acquire a range of skills from each department or job role.

Shadowing
Shadowing is when an employee observes another employee working to gain a better understanding of how they do their job. This is usually for a set period of time such as a few days.

Demonstration
Demonstration is when an employee watches a task, or a particular process being carried out and then attempts the task/process themselves.

Question 10

Describe and give examples of Off-the-Job training

Answer 10

Off-the-job training is undertaken outside the place of work. This training can take place at many locations such as colleges or training centres; through evening classes, day release and online through distance learning

Question 11

Compare the advantages and disadvantages of On-the-Job and Off-the-Job training

Answer 11

On-the-Job Training
Advantages

Training is specific to the organisation’s needs
Work is not interrupted by staff having to attend training outside the office
May be cheaper as internal training does not have to be paid for
Disadvantages

The quality of training may not be as good
Training can interrupt the work of other employees
Workers may pick up bad habits from others
Off-the-Job Training:
Advantages

The quality of training is higher since it is delivered by specialists
Workers can gain qualifications and certificates from external bodies
Trainees are able to concentrate better since there are less interruptions to work
Disadvantages

The cost of training may be high
The organisation may have to hire other workers to cover for absence
Productivity may fall due to workers being away on training

Question 12

Explain the advantages to a business of having a motivated workforce

Answer 12

Having a motivated staff can help to ensure:

Increased pride in work
A better quality product or service
increased productivity
lower absenteeism
higher quality production
lower staff turnover and better staff retention
better company reputation

Question 13

Describe different kinds of Financial Incentives used to motivate staff

Answer 13

Piece Rate
Employees are paid per item they produce. The more productive an employee is the higher the wage they will receive. This will encourage people to work harder and produce more.

Commission
Employees are paid a percentage of the value of their sales. Employees are encouraged to sell more as the higher their sales the more commission they will receive.

Bonus
Employees are paid an additional amount on top of their basic salary for achieving targets set by the organisation.

Question 14

Describe different kinds of Flexible Working practices used to motivate/retain staff

Answer 14

Flexible working gives employees flexibility over when, where and how many hours they work. There are different types of flexible working practices including:

Part-time Working
An employee will only work part of the working week. This flexibility enables employees to remain with the business rather than leave due to other commitments.

Job Share
Two people share the duties and salary of one full-time position. This flexibility enables 2 employees to remain with the business rather than leave due to other commitments.

Homeworking
Employees work from home or other premises away from the workplace. This flexibility and convenience enable employees to remain with the business.

Flexitime
Working a set number of hours with flexibility over your start and finish times. This flexibility encourages employees to remain with the business rather than leave for another job.

Question 15

Describe how technology can be used to support flexible working practices of employees

Answer 15

Software packages with remote access support flexible working arrangements
Video conferencing, Skype and Messenger video allows meetings between employees between different locations
Electronic documents can be shared and stored on the cloud/intranet to be used out with the office
Email and other digital methods enable an employee to communicate with the office from home
Technology supports home and flexible working which allows work to be completed outside of ‘traditional’ working hours
Less office space required as staff may be working from home using laptops

Question 16

Explain the term Work Life Balance and why it important to a business

Answer 16

Work life balance refers to the amount of time a person spends on doing their job compared with the amount of time they spend doing things outwith their job such as spending time with family and leisure pursuits such as sports.

It is important that employees have work life balance because too much time spent on work can make and employee, overtired, bored, or stressed. This can lead to illness and absenteeism. People who spend too much time on work activities are sometimes called ‘workaholics’.

Question 17

Identify different ways that an organisation can create a positive working environment

Answer 17

A positive work environment can help to sustain workers’ motivation throughout the day. The working environment can be kept positive through, eg,

providing advanced and effective technology
providing a comfortable work area and break out areas
ensuring the workplace is clean, well maintained and safe
good communication between management and employees
good employee relations between employees

Question 18

Non financial working practices

Answer 18

Fringe Benefits
This is when extra benefits are given in addition to an employee’s wage or salary. Fringe benefits can include, eg, gym membership, company car, health insurance, and free child care.

Job Enrichment
Employees are given greater responsibility or more demanding tasks to make their jobs more interesting and challenging.

Flexible Working Arrangements
Flexible working gives employees flexibility over when, where and how many hours they work. There are different types of flexible working practices such as part time working, job share, homeworking and flexitime.

Question 19

Explain the role and purpose of a Trade Union

Answer 19

Trade unions are organisations that employees can join to enable them to have a collective voice. Employees pay an annual subscription to have the trade union negotiate on their behalf. The role of a trade union is to negotiate better pay and conditions, get involved in the resolution of disputes, and providing legal and financial support to its members.

Question 20

Explain the term ‘Industrial Action’ and why it is used

Answer 20

When employees are unhappy with their working conditions or duties this could lead to industrial action. Industrial action can have a big impact on an organisation in terms of its success, productivity and reputation.

Industrial action is usually a last resort by employees who feel their opinions and views have not been taken into consideration by the organisation’s management or owners. The aim of industrial action is to put pressure on managers to negotiate and agree to workers’ demands.

Question 21

Contrast different types of Industrial Action that can be taken by workers

Answer 21

Sit In
Employees occupy their workplace in order to prevent any work from taking place. Production will be stopped leading to customers going to the competition to fulfil their needs/orders.

Overtime Ban
Employees refuse to work any overtime hours, leading to deadlines not being met.

Go Slow
Employees carry out all their duties but at a slower pace of work. Customers will be lost due to orders not being produced in the required timescale.

Question 22

Describe the possible effects of industrial action on an organisation

Answer 22

The possible effects of industrial action on an organisation include:

Production will slow down or even stop
The firm is unable to meet customer orders or provide a service
Existing customers may lose trust and go elsewhere

Question 23

Explain the meaning of Discrimination in the workplace

Answer 23

Discrimination means unfairly treating a person or group of people based on a characteristic such as age, race or sex. It is illegal to discriminate against workers on 9 protected characteristics: age, disability, gender, marriage and civil partnership, pregnancy and maternity, race, religion or belief, sex/gender and sexual orientation.

Question 24

Explain the meaning of the terms ‘Bullying/Harassment’ and ‘Victimisation’

Answer 24

Bullying or Harassment
Where a person engages in unwanted conduct, creates an intimidating, hostile or offensive environment, or violates someone else’s dignity in relation to a protected characteristic such as age, gender, disability or religion.

Victimization
Where someone treats another badly because they are taking part in or are thought to be taking part in proceedings related to the Equality Act such as age, gender, disability or religion.

Question 25

Outline the main types of Legislation which protects the rights of workers

Answer 25

The Equality Act 2010
This law aims to prevent discrimination in the workplace. It is illegal to discriminate against workers based on nine protected characteristics: age, disability, gender reassignment, marriage and civil partnership, pregnancy and maternity, race, religion or belief, sex/gender and sexual orientation.

The National Minimum Wage Act 1998
This sets out the minimum amount of pay a worker is entitled to per hour. This wage is based on a worker’s age. There is also a specific rate for apprentices.

The Health and Safety at Work Act 1974
This is the main piece of legislation covering health and safety in the workplace. It outlines the responsibilities of both the employer and employee in ensuring there is a safe working environment.

Question 26

Describe the main duties of an employer to ensure the health and safety of employees

Answer 26

Make the workplace safe and prevent risks to health
Ensure that plant and machinery is maintained and safe to use
Make sure that all materials are handled, stored and used safely
Provide adequate first aid facilities
Make sure that all facilities meet health and safety requirements eg ventilation

Question 27

Give examples of the role of technology in managing people

Answer 27

Spreadsheets and other dedicated software help with human resources functions such as such as payroll.

Computer software helps to generate policies and documents for staff.

Email is commonly used to communicate amongst workers in an organisation.

Databases are used to record staff records and Cloud storage is also used to store such information.

Computers are used to create job adverts and advertised on the Internet or via social media platforms. Applications are often filled out using an online form.