,HRM3701 OCTOBER NOVEMBER PORTFOLIO
(COMPLETE ANSWERS) Semester 2 2024 (785623)
- DUE 28 October 2024; 100% TRUSTED Complete,
trusted solutions and explanations. .
TASK 1: POOR RAJ (13 marks) Read through the following case
study and answer the questions that follow. Poor Raj Raj Kumar
is a new recruit from a reputed management institute, who was
recruited as a sales trainee in an office selling large computer
hardware located in Pretoria. Thabo is the sales manager
responsible for overseeing the work of the sales officer, field
executives and more than 70 trainee salesmen who operate in
three areas, namely Pretoria, Centurion and Menlyn. The sales
growth of the products in his area was highly satisfactory owing
to the developmental initiatives taken by government agencies
in spreading computer education. Thabo had collected several
sales reports, catalogues and pamphlets detailing the types of
office equipment sold by the company for Raj’s reference. On
Raj’s first day at work, Thabo introduced himself and showed
Raj to his assigned desk and provided him with the material
collected. Thereafter Thabo excused himself and did not return.
Raj, feeling alienated and unsure of what was expected of him,
scanned through the material given to him until 5:00 pm before
leaving the office. 1. What do you think about Thabo’s training
programme? Why is it adequate or inadequate? Do you think
Raj will benefit from this type of training? Explain. (2) 2. Provide
a detailed programme of what Raj’s first day should have looked
like. (11) 2.
,This case study presents a scenario that highlights some
significant shortcomings in the training and onboarding process
for a new sales trainee, Raj. Let’s break down the questions:
1. Evaluation of Thabo’s Training Program
Inadequacies of Thabo’s Training Program:
Lack of Structure: Thabo’s training program lacks a
structured approach. Simply providing Raj with sales
materials and then leaving him alone does not facilitate
effective learning or integration into the team.
Absence of Guidance: Thabo did not offer any guidance on
how to use the materials or what specific tasks Raj should
focus on. This lack of direction can lead to confusion and
feelings of alienation, as Raj experienced.
No Interaction or Feedback: There was no opportunity for
Raj to ask questions or receive feedback, which is crucial
for learning, especially for someone new to the industry.
Insufficient Support: Thabo's quick departure means Raj
missed out on crucial socialization and team integration,
which are essential for building relationships and
understanding the company culture.
Benefit to Raj:
Given this type of training, it is unlikely that Raj will benefit
significantly. He may become familiar with the materials,
but without proper guidance and support, he might
, struggle to understand how to apply that knowledge in a
practical context. The lack of an interactive learning
environment hinders his development and confidence in
his new role.
2. Proposed Program for Raj’s First Day
A well-structured first day for Raj could look something like this:
8:30 AM - 9:00 AM: Welcome and Introduction
A warm welcome from Thabo and the team.
Brief introduction to the company’s mission, vision, and
values.
9:00 AM - 9:30 AM: Orientation Session
Overview of the office layout, including key areas such as
meeting rooms, break areas, and emergency exits.
Introduction to key personnel, including other team
members, HR, and IT support.
9:30 AM - 10:30 AM: Detailed Overview of Products
Thabo or a senior sales officer should give a presentation
on the types of computer hardware sold by the company.
Discussion on the unique selling points (USPs) and features
of key products.
10:30 AM - 11:00 AM: Q&A Session