All possible questions for ASSIGNMENT 1 S2 2024
PART 1
Question 1
Read the following scenario and then answer the question that follows.
An organisation in South Africa is experiencing challenges in managing a diverse
workforce. Despite having policies and programmes in place to promote diversity and
inclusion, employees from different ethnic and cultural backgrounds are experiencing
conflict and communication barriers. The HR department is tasked with finding a
solution to improve workforce diversity and communication.
Suggest positive initiatives that could be used to address the HR challenge
described in the scenario.
Select one:
Initiate more team-building sessions.
Encourage teamwork.
Focus on diversity workshops.
Rewrite the policies and procedures.
Feedback
The correct answer is “Focus on diversity workshops”.
Refer to section 1.7.3 in chapter 1 of the prescribed book.
While laws are in place and improvements are being made, progress in achieving
workforce diversity and inclusion is still slower than it should be. This can create
challenges for organisations in managing a diverse workforce and addressing conflict
and communication barriers. In the scenario, the multinational corporation is
experiencing these challenges despite having policies and programmes in place to
promote diversity and inclusion. To overcome this challenge, the HR department must
continue to focus on training programmes that improve employees' ability to work in a
diverse workplace. This can include sports events, diversity workshops, and an
increased focus on equality, diversity, and inclusion initiatives.
Question 2
Read the following scenario and then answer the question that follows.
You are the manager of a small software development company. You have noticed that
some of your employees seem unhappy and unmotivated, and you want to improve
their quality of working life (QWL). You decide to implement some QWL approaches to
make their work more rewarding and fulfilling.
Which of the following initiatives should you implement to improve their QWL?
Select one:
Encouraging more participation in decision-making.
Offer more opportunities for development.
Giving employees more work to do.
,Dismissing employees who do not perform.
Feedback
The correct answer is “Encouraging more participating in decision-making”.
Refer to section 1.7.7 in chapter 1 of the prescribed book.
To improve employees' quality of work life (QWL), several methods can be
implemented, such as making their work more fulfilling, reducing their stress levels,
encouraging their participation in work-related decisions, and promoting teambuilding.
By creating a work environment that meets employees' personal needs, such as their
sense of security, responsibility, and self-esteem, their QWL can be significantly
improved. Employers who prioritise their employees' QWL are likely to see increased
productivity, job satisfaction, and reduced turnover rates, ultimately leading to a more
successful and sustainable organisation.
Question 3
Read the following scenario and then answer the question that follows.
The marketing department of a large organisation has been struggling with high
turnover rates and low employee morale. The HR department developed a new policy to
address these issues, but it requires the support of the marketing department’s line
managers.
Who is primarily responsible for the implementation of the HR policy in the
marketing department?
Select one:
The HR department.
The CEO of the organisation.
The marketing department’s line managers.
The employees in the marketing department.
Feedback
While the HR department designs the HR policies and procedures, it is ultimately the
responsibility of the operating managers, such as the line managers in the marketing
department, to implement them. In this scenario, the line managers in the marketing
department are responsible for ensuring that the new policy is effectively communicated
to their subordinates, and that it is implemented in a way that aligns with the goals and
values of the marketing department. They are also responsible for providing feedback to
the HR department on the effectiveness of the policy and making any necessary
adjustments to ensure its success.
Question 4
, Identify the HR function that is described in the following scenario.
Clement, a line manager at VW Construction, is responsible for identifying the supply
and demand needs of his department. The workforce data is further analysed by the HR
department to ensure that the organisation is not understaffed and that the right people
are employed in the right job at the right time.
Select one
Job analysis
Strategic human resource planning (SHRP)
Strategic human resource management
Job design
Feedback
The correct answer is “strategic human resource planning (SHRP)”.
Refer to section 1.4 in Lesson 01 as well as section 4.4 (p 127) in chapter 4 in the
prescribed textbook.
The line manager, as you have learned in chapter 4, plays an active role in SHRP. In
the scenario, Clement is responsible for identifying the supply and demand needs of his
department (see section 4.4 in the prescribed textbook). He then gives this information
to the department of HRM who will further analyse it to ensure that the organisation is
neither over- nor understaffed, and that the employees with the right talent, skills and
desire are available to conduct their duties in the right job at the right time.
Question 5
To attract and retain talented employees, HR administrators perform five critical
roles. From the list below, identify the most critical roles performed by the HR
department.
Select one or more:
create and implement policies and procedures
effectively manage employees
maintain effective communication
offer advice and guidance
provide HR-related services
control HR programmes and procedures
Feedback
Refer to section 1.5.1 (p 16) in the prescribed book.
HR professionals fulfil several roles to ensure that the organisation functions optimally.
These roles include
· creating and implementing HR policies and procedures
· maintaining communication