week 15 HR Planning

• Explain why it is vital for organisations to have HR plans. What might be the problems if they do not?
It is very important for an organisation to have human resources (HR) plans because the plan provides an outline all the tasks that the organisation needs to cover, for example, how many people does the organisation need in order to complete the tasks or duties and what skills, qualifications and any special licences, for example, fork lift truck are needed (Mullins, 2007). It also outlines the budget for the organisation so managers know how much they need in order to achieve the tasks.
The planning can analyse and investigating what sort of problems that the organisation can avoid. It can also provide solutions, for example, budget training so managers do not over spend.
If an organisation does not do any HR planning then tasks and duties may be jeopardised and especially HR managers will find it harder to achieve their aims and the organisation may breach regulations and laws. If an organisation does not do any planning then all the money and time maybe wasted because the organisation may employ the wrong person to do the tasks or provided the incorrect training for the staff. Lack of a clear job description can lead to many problems, for example, unsuitable candidates may apply. This will lead to a high staff turnover and it will affect the public image to the organisation.

• Using Rodger’s seven point person specification (in Foot and Hook) draft a person specification for a university lecturer.
In 1952 Alec Rodger introduced the seven point person specification and it is one of the best known theories to use in it field (Foot and Hook, 2009).
To explain the seven points person specification by using a university lecturer specification:-

Physical make up – this includes a healthy life style, also should have clear and good communication – speaking, presentations skills, full express themselves on the subject.

Attainments – degree in education - teaching and motivation skills, should have experienced in the teaching industry and give guidance to students.

Intelligence – adept to new equipments, be creative and able to improvise

Aptitudes – abilities to operate day to day equipment e.g. IT.

Interest – should enjoy socially interact with students and lecturers.

Disposition – good sense of humour, willing to improve knowledge.

Circumstances - must be will to give up their own time, for example, cover other lecturers lesion, may need own transportation.


• If Waitrose were considering opening a new store in High Wycombe, what are the key labour questions they would need to ask. Give at least 5 answers.

When Waitrose is considering opening a new store in High Wycombe, Waitrose should take the following into account because it can determine if the project will be profitable or not.

Demography and Geography in the area, what sort of age group is the highest
What is the level of education in the?
What is their average income?
Where is the location of the store?
What is the unemployment rate in the area?
Is there any government support e.g. grant?
How many competitors are in that area?

In conclusion it is very important for an organisation to do HR planning before carrying out any tasks and it also makes the aims clearer. The plan outlines the problems that organisations need to take into account, which may lead to better performance.

References:
1) Foot, M. and Hook, C. (2009). Introducing Human Resource Management. 5th ed. Harlow: Pearson Education Limited.
2) Mullins, L. J. (2007). Management and Organisational Behaviour. 8th ed. Harlow: FT Prentice Hall.