People - Workforce planning

Question 1

Reasons for workforce changes

Answer 1

NEW STAFF NEEDED
- meet increasing demand for existing products
- to develop new products to satisfy demands
- to assist in opening new stores
EXISTING STAFF REMOVED/LEAVED
- to respond to falling sales
- to work elsewhere
- because employees retire

Question 2

Skills analysis of current staff

Answer 2

• attainment test - demonstrate skills
• aptitude test - assesses natural capabilities
• psychometric test - personality and mental suitability
• IQ test - mental ability

Question 3

3 selection methods

Answer 3

• interviews
• testing
• assessment centres

Question 4

Interviews - advantages and disadvantages

Answer 4

+ how applicants react under pressure
+ personality and character
- train specifically for interview but not good for job
- highly stressful, quality employees underperform

Question 5

Assessment centres - advantages and disadvantages

Answer 5

\+ scrutinise applicants over long time
\+ judge interactions
\+ assess role-play representing real work
- venue needs hired
- several managers must be sent
- careful planing and preparation

Question 6

Testing - advantages and disadvantages

Answer 6

+ easy to compare ability of different applicants

• time consuming
• too much pressure
• prepared for day but not job