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Saturday, 17 November 2012 14:17

Ms-23 dec 2008

Written by

MS-23    Dec, 2008

MS-23 : HUMAN RESOURCE  PLANNING

1. Define  and discuss  the objectives  of  Human   Resource  Planning.  Describe  Pianning Processes of  Human  Resource  Planning.

2. Explain the  concept  of  job evaluation  and discuss  any two  methods  adopted  to conduct  the  process citing  suitable  examples.

3. Discuss  the purpose and  process  of  recruitment  function.  Explain  methods  of  recruiting manpower  with  the help  of  illustration.

4. What  are the main  features  of  Human  Resource Information  System (HRIS)  in  an organisation ? Discuss  the usage  and advantages  of HRIS.

5.Write  short  notes on  any  three of  the  following  :

(a)  Succession planning

(b)  Competency mapping

(c)  HR inventory

(d)  Interview

(e)  Demand  forecasting

 

6. Read  the  case  given  below  and  answer  the  questions given  at the  end  :

The following  is  a memorandum from  the Managing Director  of  National  Audio  Clubs Limited  (NAC)  to  the  Chairman of  the Planning Committee of which  the  Personnel  Manager  is a member.

        There is  a need for  NAC  to  adopt  a more formal  approach to  manpower  planning.  We have  been  going through  a period  of  explosive growth  and  this  shows  no real  sign  of slackening. The problem we  have always faced  and are still facing  is  the  difficulty  of  making accurate  forecasts in the  fluid,  indeed  volatile,  environment  in  which we  operate.  But  we  must  find  a  way  of overcoming  this  problem in  order to  achieve  four main aims  : to  obtain forecasts  of  manpower costs  for budgeting purposes; to  determine,  as  accurately  as  we  can,  future requirements  so that  we  can plan  the necessary  recruitment  and  training programmes  to  fulfil  them; to  ensure  that  we  are making  the  most effective and  economical  use of  our  key resource  -  manpower

   Full case not available 

Questions  :

(a)  What  are the  main  contents of  the memorandum empha  sized  ?

(b)  \A/hat  indicators  are  highlighted in the data  provided  by the  MD  ?

(c)  Discuss  the  justification  of  the  action

required.

(d)  As HR Manager,  what advice  would you  give  to  the  planningcommittee on

how to  tackle  this  manpower  planning task  ?

Saturday, 17 November 2012 13:57

Ms-23 dec 2009

Written by

MS-23    Dec, 2009

MS-23 : HUMAN RESOURCE  PLANNING

 

1. Why Human Resource Planning is important ? Describe the planning process.

2. What is job analysis ? Explain various steps involved in job analysis.

3. Define and discuss the objectives of performance appraisal. Briefly discuss the various methods of performance appraisal.

4. Explain the concept of HR Audit. Describe the essential steps in HR Auditing process.

5. Write short notes on any three of the following :

a) Demand Forecasting

b) HR Inventory

c) Succession Planning

d) Potential Appraisal

(e) Competency Mapping

 

6. Read the following case and answer the questions given at the end.

Abraham Kurien was confused, distracted, and worried. A day earlier, he had been called for a chat with Sanat Sharma, the finance director of the Rs. 2,000-crore Gitane Steel Ltd. (GSL). Apparently, Kurien's transfer had been finalised. He was to hand over charge of the corporate funds management function in Mumbai by the end of the month and take over as the commercial controller of GSL's Bhilai (Madhya Pradesh) plant. Unfortunately, the prospect hardly pleased Kurien. Liberalisation was revolutionizing corporate finance, and he was loath to lose contact with the world of finance at this exciting juncture. Kurien had already proved his mettle during his two years as a finance trainee with GSL.

In fact, Kurien wondered if his transfer to Bhilai —and to another function—wasn't a

strategic brake that GSL's top management team was applying on his mobility. While GSL's job rotation programme was viewed positively by most managers, several employees felt dissatisfied because of the perceived erosion of their specialist skills. Like

Kurien, who while believing that job rotation was  a valuable means to building generalists within the organisation, felt that his own move to plant administration was not right for  him. Kurien eventually decided to take up the job the Welbright Group had offered him and quit GSL.

Following his departure, a debate broke out within GSL about whether the incumbent commercial accountant at Bhilai should be shifted to corporate finance—as had been planned—or whether that move should wait until a replacement for Kurien could be found. Finally, it was decided that Vijayan Warrier from GSL's internal audit department would be moved to Bhilai as its commercial accountant. However, fresh complications arose. A B-school graduate and a cost accountant, Warrier had been in the internal audit department for three years.  A manager in the M-3 grade, Warrier had a track record of excellent appraisals. While the move to Bhilai meant a promotion as the post was an M-2

grade position, Warrier was, in any case, due for a grade change that year. But as he had not acquired plant-level experience yet, GSL's Management Development Team (MDT) decided to transfer Warrier to Bhilai. Although he should have been pleased, Warrier opposed his transfer on the grounds that he was locationally-constrained.

     Said Warrier, "I cannot leave Mumbai now. My son is in the middle of a school year and I cannot disrupt that. I have been through much agony to secure his admission and  I am not going to give it up. Besides, my wife is a professional and I cannot expect her to move from place to place. The company feels the need for Wander to gain plant-level exposure. "Besides", said Kamath, "the Bhilai job entails a grade change.

Every finance person has to go through a stint at a plant and Bhilai is the best opportunity to gain all-round experience. Moreover, the corporate finance job has already been offered to someone else and there is no question of reversing that decision." Since there were so many personal issues at stake, Warrier was reluctant to accept the transfer.

When Warrier did not change his stand even the following week, GSL's MDT decided that Warrier should stay on in the internal audit department. But now, Warrier wondered if he had unwittingly grounded his chances of being promoted to the M-2 grade. While Kamath appreciated Warder's predicament, he said,  "I guess Warrier will remain in the audit department. He must gain plant exposure either at the M-3 grade or in transit to the M-2 grade. But now, Warrier will have to wait till a suitable vacancy arises at our Thane plant, new Mumbai. Until then, his grade change is likely to be delayed." And that is exactly what happened. At the end of the year, Warrier was appraised as excellent. But he did not get promoted to the M-2 grade. Disappointed, Warrier asked: "Why have I not been promoted ? I have been in the M-3 level for close to four years now. My peers have moved up." Replied Dhananjay Puri, GSL's chief internal auditor. "The job at Bhilai was an M-2 job and I had timed your move there to coincide with your grade change. But how can I justify a promotion when you have not covered all the necessary milestones at the M-3 level ?" General Manager in GSL's HRD department pointed out Raj: "Your immobility has become a factor in your appraisal. While GSL isn't penalising you for immobility, your growth within the organisation does get retarded. As grades  are earned through experience and the willingness to accept change, your promotions will get delayed. After all, they are a function of your having covered particular milestones during your tenure with the company." In other words, GSL's logic was that a manager could either consider a string of jobs or a career with GSL to climb the corporate ladder. But the latter meant falling in line with its management development plan. And one of the key tenets of the plan was that the  company would not recruit directly for any of the M-1 grade positions; direct recruitment would take place only at the entry level and, in a few

cases, at the M-3 level. Other positions were open only to internal candidates because, GSL believed, they were key areas that needed experience and ingraining in its organisational culture. Said Kamath: "At any point of time, we are planning the careers of 300-odd managers. Our responsibility is to provide them with the necessary skills to emerge as GSL's vice-presidents, who will take over from those retiring. And their profile does not consist of just age and experience. It is a gradual understanding of GSL, its markets, its rivals, its strengths, its weaknesses. This is attained best through structured growth. Today, if GSL is a Rs. 2,000-crore company, with a 36 per cent share of the market, it is because the people at the helm have a tremendous feel for GSL’s business and have participated for years in shaping it.”

Questions :

a) Why was Kurien confused and worried ?

 b) What are the merits and demerits of the company's job rotation programme ?

(c) Why did Kurien resign even after not being transferred ?

Saturday, 17 November 2012 13:57

Ms-23 dec 2010

Written by

MS-23    Dec, 2010

MS-23 : HUMAN RESOURCE  PLANNING

Saturday, 17 November 2012 13:55

Ms-23 dec 2010

Written by

MS-23    Dec, 2010

MS-23 : HUMAN RESOURCE  PLANNING

Saturday, 17 November 2012 13:53

Ms-23 dec 2011

Written by

MS-23    Dec, 2011

MS-23 : HUMAN RESOURCE  PLANNING

 

1. Explain the concept and process of HRP. Describe  the manning standards and utilisation of Human  Resource Planning.

2. Discuss different kinds of roles. Describe the  factors contributing to role changes in an orgn  with suitable examples.

 

3. Explain the aims and objectives of career  planning. Discuss the career planning process and  also highlight the benefits of having career  planning in an organisation.

4. Discuss the concept of HRIS. Describe an IT  supported HRIS and its advantages with suitable  examples.

5. Write short notes on  any three  of the following :

(a) Human Resource Inventory

(b) Job Specification

(c) Potential Apprisel

(d) Sources of man power supply

(e) The cost approach in HRA.

 

6.  Read the following case and answer the questions  given at the end.

K.M.T. Ltd. is a government undertaking  situated near Cochin. It manufactures textile

machinery and other machine tools, and has  about 4,000 employees. The company till 1984 had  a good business record. It started showing  declining results because of competition from four  new private sector industries. This setback was  further aggravated because of competition from  H.M.T. and P.M.T. in the area of manufacture of  machine tools. Adding to this was K.M.T. Ltd.'s  failure to diversify into other areas though it had  enough capacity, particularly with regard to  variety in machine tools and textile machinery. It  was also noticed that the costs of textile machinery  and other machine tools produced by K.M.T. Ltd.  were higher than those produced by other  companies.  The company was managed by the  Managing Director, Mr. Menon, under the  guidance of the Board of Directors. The General  Manager, Mr. Joseph, was incharge of production.  The company's management thought of adding  two new departments, namely Industrial  Engineering and Cost Accounting. A few old  hands were selected from within the organisation  and were sent for training to NPC, Madras, and  ICWA. Following this, the section heads of these two departments - Industrial Engineer  Srikumaran, and Cost Accountant, Nambiar -began their departmental activities. They were  promoted as Senior Industrial Engineer and Senior  Cost Accountant and subsequently to the Chief's  post. It was, however, noticed that these two  departments could neither effectively check nor  control manufacturing costs with the available  talent.

The MD in order to check the cost factor  thought of recruiting well-qualified and  experienced individuals for the senior-level posts  of industrial engineer and cost accountant. An  advertisement for the two posts was given and to  attract qualified personnel, the salary offered was  in the higher grade of 'G4'  (Spl).  The Officers  Association (OA) approached the MD and  requested him not to recruit outsiders for these  posts, but instead, arrange for suitable training  for existing experienced officers of these  departments and promote them afterwards. They  also objected to the recruitment of outsiders in a  higher grade of 'G4' (Spl) instead of the usual 'G4'  grade. Under pressure from the OA, the personnel  department sent the interview letters indicating

the correction in recruitment grade to 'G4'. A large  number of outside candidates wrote back saying  that they would be interested, provided they were  considered in 'G4' (Spl) grade as already  advertised. Under the advice of the MD, telegrams  were sent asking candidates to appear for the  interview and which also stated that the 'G4' (Spl)  grade would be considered.

     Seven candidates, including two  departmental officers, appeared for the Industrial  Engineer's post and eight candidates, including  three departmental candidates, appeared for the  Cost Accountant's post. In each case, well-qualified and experienced outsiders (Mr Gopalan  as Senior Industrial Engineer and Mr. Nayar as  Senior Cost Accountant) were selected in  ` G4'   (Spl)  grade as per the original plan of the  MD. The General Manager, the Chief Industrial  Engineer and the Chief Cost Accountant were not  included in the board for selection of candidates  and thus, felt neglected.

Mr. Gopalan and Mr. Nayar joined the  organisation and were asked to report to their  respective chiefs. The chiefs allotted some minor  assignments to them, retaining major ones with  either themselves or with some of their close  associates (who had been recently promoted  mainly on the basis of seniority).  The present profile of work assignments  were covering only a limited area of industrial  engineering and costing. Many other areas were  not tried out and taken up; the latest techniques  were also not being used. When an opportunity  for promotion of both Mr. Gopalan and Mr. Nayar

arose (as Chief of Industrial. Engineering was  retiring and the Chief Cost Accountant had  resigned), the departmental promotion  committee, consisting of the MD, GM, Chief

Personnel Manager and the Chief Industrial  Engineer, selected and promoted two  ` G4'  grade  officers to 'G5' grade on the basis of their duration  of service in the organisation. The cases of Mr.  Gopalan and Mr. Nayar (of 'G4'  (Spl)  grade) were  rejected as they had only a year's experience with  the organisation. Both these new officers were  dejected at not being considered for promotion.  They had joined the Officers Association, but after  this incident the two were also neglected by the  OA. Mr. Gopalan and Mr. Nayar decided to quit  the organisation as early as possible since they  were not prepared to work under their juniors.

The business of the company declined  further. Then, there came a sudden change. The

MD, Mr. Menon, was replaced by  Mr. Ramakrishanan. After reviewing the  comapany's

position, the new MD called Mr.  Gopalan and Mr. Nayar as well as their new  chiefs. He gave them new assignments and asked  them (Mr. Gopalan and Mr. Nayar) to report back

urgently through their chiefs.  After 10 days, Mr. Gopalan met the MD and  handed over his resignation instead of the  assignment report. The MD enquired about the  reason for the resignation. Mr. Gopalan explained  as to how he had been sidelined for promotion to

  the Chief Industrial Engineer's post, and how he  had been treated in the department with respect  to assignments. Moreover, he stated that he was  not willing to work under his junior. He also said  that he had been offered a divisional head's post  in a big (multi-unit) private industry and would  like to join them at the earliest. He further added  that he was interested in utilising his potential and  talent to the fullest. The MD asked him to think  over his resignation, and particularly since he was  joining a private sector industry after serving in  the public sector. He promised to make use of his  talent at K.M.T. Ltd. Itself and to look into his  case and promote him as Joint Chief Industrial  Engineer. After a lapse of another week, Mr.  Nayar also approached the new MD with his  resignation letter.

Questions  :

(a) Is the recruitment policy of the organisation  faulty ? Why ?

(b) Why are Gopalan and Nayar demotivated ?

(c) Do you think that Gopalan and Nayar  should have been selected enabling their

effective utilisation ?

(d) If you were asked to advise Menon and  Ramakrishnan about dealing with the  problems of Gopalan and Nayar, what  advice would you give ?

MS-22    June, 2007

MS-22 : HUMAN RESOURCE  DEVELOPMENT

1. Explain  the  concept  of  Career  Paths.  Briefly  discuss  various career  problems  faced  by the  professionals  in  their  career, with suitable  examples.

2. What is  Performance  Management  ?  How  are  Profit and Performance  linked to  each other  ?  Briefly  discuss  the major  methods  and  movements aimed  at  increasing organisational  performance.

3.  What  is  Compensation  System  ?  Discuss  in  brief  the characteristics  which should  be rewarded  and  explain  why. Explain  with suitable  examples.

4.  Discuss  the  concept  of HRD Audit,  and  briefly  describe  the methodology adopted  for  the  process. Explain  with example.

5.  Write short  notes  on any three  of the  following  :

(i)  Developing  Business  Ethics

(ii)  Coaching

(iii)  Re-organisation  of work

(iv)  HRD  and  Technological  changes

(v)                Approaches  to  Knowledge  Management

 

6.  Please  read  the  case  and  answer  the  questions  given  at the end.

Hara Food  Products  Company,  which was  founded  in 1955  to  manufacture  grocery  and other  food  products, had  in  the  course  of  years  grown into  a  vast enterprise having  offices  and branches  in  almost  all the  important cities  of  the  country.  Its annual  sales  amounted  to  about Rs. 50  to  60  lakhs  a year.

The company's  Head  Office  and  factory  were situated at  Calcutta. Its  products were  distributed  through  five zonal  sales  offices  which directed  25  district  sales  offices throughout  the  country.

The  administrative  responsibility of  each  zonal  office was  borne  by  a  manager  whose  duty  it  was  to  promote sales in  his  zone.  He  was  advised and  instructed  by  the Head  Office  from  time  to  time. Under  the  control  of  each  ZonalManager,  there  were four  functional  heads    viz.,  Personnel Manager,  Accounts Manager,  Sales  Manager  and  office  Manager.  These executives  advised  and  assisted the  Zonal  Manager  on various  functions  relating  to  the  zonal  administration. Each  functional  head  enjoyed  sufficient  freedom  and independence  in  respect of  his  work.

   On  matters  relating  to  sales,  the  Zonal  Manager received  advice  from  Sales  Manager.  The  latter  often formulated  policies,  plans  and  schedules  for  sales operations  and  submitted  his  views  on  all  the  matters concerning  sales  to  the  Zonal Manager. Many  a  times,  he also  issued  orders  and  instructions  to  the  District  Sales Managers  but  all  these  were  routed  through  the  Zonal Manager.  Ordinarily  all  his  views  and  advice  were accepted  and  approved  by  the  Zonal  Manager.

The  Sales  Manager was assisted  in  his work  by  three product  managers, who  were  considered to  be  experts  in their  respective fields.  Their  duty  was  to  travel  with  the

sales  supervisors  of  various districts and  study the  market for  the  company's  products;  survey  the  competitive position  of  the  company's  products;  study  dealer  and consumer  reactions, trend  in  sales,  etc.,  and  advise the district  sales supervisors  from  time  to  time  regarding  the steps  to  be  taken  for  promoting  sales  in  the  districts.

Every month  each one  of  them  submitted a  report  on  the sales  activities  of  the  company  to  the  Sales  Manager. The relationship  between  the  Product  Manager  and  the  Sales Manager  is  the  same as that  between the  Zonal  Manager and  the  Sales Manager.

   Directly responsible  to  the  Zonal Manager were five District  Sales  Managers  besides  the four functional  heads. Each District Sales  Manager  was responsible  for  sales  in his  territory.  In promoting  the sales  of the company,  each District  Manager was  assisted  by  five  sales  supervisors besides  several  salesmen.  The duties  and functions  of  the District  Sales  Manager  were  to  :

1.  Select,  train  and supervise  his sales  supervisors  and salesmen  in  consultation  with the  Zonal  Manager;

2.  Make a  study  of  the  nature of  consumer  demand, changing  markets,  existing  stocks  and  formulate  sales campaigns  and promotional  methods;

3.  Fix up  targets  of  sales  to  be attained  in  his territory from time  to  time;

4.  Formulate  credit  policies  to  be  followed  in consultation  with the Zonal  Manager;

5.  Develop  better  team  work  among  the  sales supervisors  and  salesm€o;

6.  See  that  the  customers  are  satisfied  with  the company's  services;  and

7  Do  such  other  functions and  duties as  might  be assigned  to  him  from  time  to  time  by  the  Zonal Manager

    every month  each district sales manager submitted a detailed  report on the sales activities  of the company in   his  district,  to  the  Zonal  Manager.  Ordinarily  these  reports were  passed  on  to  the  Sales  Manag  er  for necessary  action to  be  taken  with  respect to  each  district. on  the  morning  of  June  6,  1981   the  following conversation  took  place  over  phone  between  Mr.  Raju, the  Sales  Manager  at  the  South  zonal  office  and Mr.  Hari  one  of  the  District Managers in  the  Zone. Hari  :  "l  wish  to  bring  to  your  notice  an  important matter  that  needs  your  urgent  consideration.....  The Product  Managers  are interfering  too  much  with  the  sales activities  of  my  district. I  receive  frequent  complaints  from the  supervisors  that  they  are  not  able  to  carry  out  my instructions  due  to  unnecessary interfe  rence  from  these people.  If  this  state  of  affairs  continues  it  would  be  very difficult  to  maintain  our  sales.  The  morale  of  the supervisors  would  be  seriously  affected.  I  will  not  be responsible if  sales  go  down  this  year  in  our  area  on  this account.  You  must  take  some  steps  to  see  that  the relationship  between  the  line  and  staff  is  maintained  on good  terms.  "

Raju:  "Mr.  Hari,  you  need  not  worry.  I  shall call the Product  Managers  and  see  that  they  maintain  proper relationship with  you.  ..." Next  day  Mr.  Raju  called  all  the  Product  Managers and  after  discussing  routine  matters,  he  said,  "I  was  told.  by Mr  Hari that his sales  supervisors  are  complaining  that you  are  interfering  with their activities.  Definitely  you  are all expected  to  advise  them  on  the  steps  to  be taken for increasing  sales.  But  at  the  same  tirne  please  remernber that  you  have  to  play  only  an  advisory role.  While advising  these  people  you  must  also  see that  the  line

authority  is respected....  "

The  product  managers  did not  say  anything. In  the  subsequent  months Mr.  Raju did  not  receive any  complaint from  the  District Office. But  in  the  first week  of  October, while  scrutinising  the  sales  progress reports of  the  various  districts  for  the  previous  quarter, the  Zonal Manager found  an  unusual  decline in  sales  in the District  which  was  under  the supervision  of  Mr. Hari. The  Zonal Manager  called  Mr.  Hari  and  asked  him why  there  was so  much decline  in  sales  in  his  territory while all the  other districts  showed  very  good progress.

Hari  replied,  "....  during  the  past  three  months  the Product  Managers  did not seem  to  have  advised  our  men properly.  In  fact,  they  never  cared  to  advise  the supervisors  on the  recent  changes  and  the latest  trends  in the market.  They seem  to  be unwilling  to  co-ope  rate  with our men to  maintain  sales."

      by Mr  Hari that his sales  supervisors  are  complaining  that you  are  interfering  with their activities.  Definitely  you  are all expected  to  advise  them  on  the  steps  to  be taken for increasing  sales.  But  at  the  same  tirne  please  remernber that  you  have  to  play  only  an  advisory role.  While advising  these  people  you  must  also  see that  the  line authority  is respected....  "

The  product  managers  did not  say  anything. In  the  subsequent  months Mr.  Raju did  not  receive any  complaint from  the  District Office. But  in  the  first week  of  October, while  scrutinising  the  sales  progress reports of  the  various  districts  for  the  previous  quarter, the  Zonal Manager found  an  unusual  decline in  sales  in the District  which  was  under  the supervision  of  Mr. Hari.

The  Zonal Manager  called  Mr.  Hari  and  asked  him why  there  was so  much decline  in  sales  in  his  territory while all the  other districts  showed  very  good progress. Hari  replied,  "....  during  the  past  three  months  the Product  Managers  did not seem  to  have  advised  our  men properly.  In  fact,  they  never  cared  to  advise  the supervisors  on the  recent  changes  and  the latest  trends  in the market.  They seem  to  be unwilling  to  cooperate  with our men to  maintain  sales."

     When  asked about  this  by  the  Zonal  Manager,  one  of the  Product  Managers  said,  "We  used  to  give  advice  to this  district  office  also as we  usually  do  with  other  district offices.  On  a  complaint,  seems from  Mr.  Hari,  we  had been  told  by  Mr.  Raju  that  we  were  exceeding  our authority  and  unnecessarily interfering  with  the  activities in  the  district.  We  had  been  asked to  restrain  ourselves. The  District  Manager takes advice  directly from  the  Zonal Sales  Manager.  We  have  got  nothing  to  do  in  this matter....'

Questions

(a)  What  is  the  problem  in  the  case  ?

(b)  Analyse the  causes  which  led to  the  problem.

(c)  As  a  member  of  the  management team,  what  would you  do  to  solve  the  problem  immediately  ?

(d)  Suggest  a  suitable  organisation  structure  for  this company  so  that  such  problems  do  not  occur  in future.

MS-22    June, 2008

MS-22 : HUMAN RESOURCE  DEVELOPMENT

1. Explain  the  concept  of  career.  Describe different  strategies for  career development.

2.  What is  Human  Resource  Development ? Discuss  briefly the various strategies  of  HRD.

3. Critically  analyse  the  process  which  brings  us  from performance  appraisal  to  performance  management.

4 Discuss the  ways  and  means  of  managing  technological change in  work  organisation.  Cite suitable  illustrations.

5.  write  short nctes on  any  three  of  the  following  :

(a)  Diversity management

(b)  Socialization

(c)  Induction Training

(d)  Coaching

(e)  Reward svstem

 

MS-22    June, 2009

MS-22 : HUMAN RESOURCE  DEVELOPMENT

 

1. Define  HRD  and  discuss  value-anchored processes  of  HRD.  Explain  how do  these  processes help  an  organization in  achieving excellence. Explain  with  relevant examples.

2. What  is  Action Research  ?  How  does  it differ from OD  ?  Discuss the  important  factors  to  be considered in  the  development of  internal self-renewal  facilitators,  with  suitable  examples.

3. Define  and  describe  the  objectives  and disadvantages  of  Multisource Feedback  and Assessment  Feedback  System  (MAFS).  Discuss what  are the  indicators  of  an  organization's readiness  to  participate in  MAFS ?

4. Discuss  the means  of  managing technological changes  in work  organization.  Briefly describe  the factors  which  facilitate  developing the  change mind-set.  Explain with  suitable  examples.

5. Write  short notes  on any three  of  the following:

(a)  Need for  competency  mapping

(b)  Diversity  management

(c)  Horizontal re-skilling

(d)  Mentoring

(e)  Role  of Trade  Unions  in  HRD

 

6.  Read  the  csse  and  answer  the  questions  giaen  at the end.

ABC  Food  Limited,  a  multinational corporation  dealing  in  consumer  food  products,

started  its operations  in  India from  1965. Initially,  the  growth  of  the  company has

been  very  slow,  because  of  the  limited  market  size in  India  for  ready food  items.  However, during the  last  three  years  there  has  been  a  boom  in  the fast  food market  and many new companies  have ventured into  the same  product line.  ABC Food Limited,  being  an  old  company  operating  in  India, has  distinct advantages  vis-a-vis  its competitors who  are of recent  standing.  The  products of the company  have enjoyed  very  good reputation in the  market from  the day of its inception.  Over a period  of  time,  the company  has added many new  products which  have  been  successfully accepted  by  the market. In  view  of  the recent competition offered to  its  existing product  line, the  company  has launched a number  of  new products in  the  last three  years.  Based  on  the Market  Research  Survey conducted by  the company regarding  acceptance  of  their  new products, the feedback  has  been  excellent.  There is  ample scope  for  the  company  to penetrate  into   the  existing rnarkets  as  well  as  expand the  size  of the  existi.g  market by  introducing  its  products into  areas  in  which  the  company  does not  have any marketing set-up till  date.

The organisational  set-up of  the  company in  India  consists  of  Marketing  Director  at  the corporate  level  and  four  Zonal  Managers Marketing,  each  in  charge  of  East,  West, North, South zone independently. The  order  of  promotion  in  Marketing Department is Management  Trainee – Marketing Officer  -  Branch  Manager -  Regronal  Manager -Zonal Manager -  Director  Marketing. Mr.  Khan joined  the company  in  1982  as  a Management Trainee, Marketing  and  after completion of two  years  of rigorous  Management Training in  all  the  four zonal  offices,  he  was  placed in Bombay Zonal  Office as  Marketing  Officer. Mr. Khan  did  his  MBA  in  1982  after  graduating  in Commerce.  He was selected  on  the  basis  of Campus  Interview  by the  company.  Mr. Khan has been  recognized  as  an outstanding  officer  based on his  previous Performance  Appraisal  Reports throughout  his  career  with  the  company  by

different  bosses  with whom he  had  worked during the relevant time.

    The company's  performance  appraisal system  has  been  recently  updated  and modified with  the  cooperation  and  consultation  of  an outside  consultant  in the  area  of Human Resource Development.  The  thrust of the  new performance appraisal  system  is  on mutual  consultation  and fixation  of target  on the  basis  of joint  discussion between  the  appraisee  and  the  appraiser.  Another distinct feature  of  the new  system  is that  it  has two-tier  system of  assessment,  one  by  the immediate boss  under  whom  the appraisee  is working  and second  by the  boss  of the  reporting officer.

The  immediate  boss  of  Mr.Khan  is  Mr. Singh, who is  in the  grade  of Branch  Manager  but placed at  Zonal Office, Bombay.  During  the last  three years,  Mr.Khan  and Mr.  Singh  have  been  given the  assignment  of  conducting Market Research in  various  parts  of  the  country  with  the help  of an advertising  company.  In  this connection  both have  to travel extensively  to different parts  of the country,  being  away from  their  families  and permanent  place  of  work  at times  for  even  more than  15 days in  a  month.  Mr.  Dutt,  the  Zonal Manager,  Marketing in charge  of Bombay  division since  1985,  was  transferred  on  promotion  as Zonal Manager form  Northern  Zane where he  was working  as Regional Manger. He  has been observing the  working  of Mr.  Khan as  reviewing officer,  being the  immediate boss  of  Mr.  Singh. During  this  period, Mr.  Dutt  had  developed  a fancy  for  Mr.Khan  being smart, energetic  and

dynamic  in  his  approach  to  work.  He  has been talking good  about  him to  Mr. Singh  from  time  to time. However, during  some  of  the  trips  to outstation which  were jointly  undertaken by Mr. Khan and Mr. Singh,  Mr.Singh  observed  that Mr.  Khan has started  taking his work  lightly  as he  tends  to  spend more time  with  clients in informal  get-togethers  instead  of serious  business discussions.  Moreover,  he  has  developed  tendency of overcharging  his  expenses  on  such  tours  to the company.  So  far,  all  such  expenses  were authorized  by  Mr. Singh  for  payment  to  Mr. Khan. Keeping  in  mind  Mr.Khan's  excellent performance,  Mr.Singh  has  been  avoiding bringing  it  to  Mr.  Khan's  notice. Mr. Singh  has  to  fill  up the  Appraisal  Report of  Mr.Khan for  the calendar  year 1988.  For the last three years,  ever since  Mr.  Khan  started working  wit-h Mr.Singh, he has been getting excellent  reports from  Mr.Singh. In  view  of  the above developments,  Mr.Singh has  not  given  an excellent report  to  Mr.  Khan for  the  Appraisal Year 1988.  He  has also  made certain adverse remarks  about his integrity  and honesty.

  Mr.  Khan is  due  for  promotion  and the Appraisal Report  for  1988  is very  important  for him  because  as  per the promotion  policy of  the company,  promotions  are  decided  on  the  basis  of the  last  three  years'  appraisal  reports.

Questions  :

(a)  Identify  and discuss  the core  issue  in  the case.

(b) Was Mr.  Singh  justified  in  giving  adverse remarks  regarding  Mr. Khan's  integrity and honesty?

(c)  How  would  you  view  the  action  of Mr.Singh, if  you  were the  M.D.  of  the company?

(d)  If  you were  the  M.D. of the  company,  how do  you solve  the  issue?

MS-22    June, 2010

MS-22 : HUMAN RESOURCE  DEVELOPMENT

 

1.Define HRD. Briefly discuss the changing boundaries of HRD and HRD trends in Asian Countries.

2.What is the concept of career ? Briefly describe the individual and organisational strategies for career development. Explain with suitable example.

 

3. What are the objectives of compensation cum reward system ? How is assessment done for rewarding employees, discuss with example.

4. What is Self-Renewal System ? Describe the important aspects of development of Internal Self Renewal Facilitators, with suitable examples.

 

5. Write short notes on any three of the following :

a) Competency Mapping.

b) The Coaching Process.

c)  HRD Audit.

d)  Knowledge Management in Organisations

(e) Managing Technological changes in work organisation.

MS-22    June, 2011

MS-22 : HUMAN RESOURCE  DEVELOPMENT

1. What are the 3 Ss of Organisational Development ?  Discuss the Competency based Organisational  Development System. Explain with suitable  examples.

2. What are the objectives of compensation cum-  reward system ? Briefly discuss various  components of compensation system, citing  suitable examples.

3.  How does HRD Audit contribute towards  development process of an organisation ? Explain  the process of HRD Audit in an organisation.

4.What are the issues in managing technological  change in work organisation ? Briefly discuss the  role and relationship of HRD in managing  technological change.

5.  Write short notes on any three of the following :

(a)  360 Degree Appraisal

(b)  Mentoring

(c)  Role of Trade Unions in HRD

(d)  Career Transition and choices

(e)  Diversity Management

           

6.  Read the case and answer the questions given  at the end :

The HRD programme was decided to be  initiated in IOC as a totally fresh and  uncontaminated idea. To introduce HRD as a  fresh idea was in itself an innovative idea, since  the Corporation had well - established Human  Resources Management policies and practices.  Yet, the very idea was mooted as a concept,  accepted as a principle, presented to the top  management in the company represented by the  Directors and got cleared for introduction as a  necessary intervention, considering the growth  and development plans of the organisation.

To start with, the road -show of the concept  comprised a wide campaign to create extensive  awareness that HRD, as an issue, was everybody's  baby and that it needs to be properly nurtured  and cared for. When the whole objective was  explained to critical senior management groups,  the concept received wide acceptance. After all,  any new idea should be worth looking into !  The top and senior management groups in  the Corporation, thus backed and accepted in  principle, the process of undertaking a company  -wide campaign for the new-look HRD  programme. This, no doubt, implied that the   established policies will continue to be operated,  but are liable to be tested for validity and modified  for deficiency, wherever called for.  The awareness campaign was set in motion  with great vigour and gusto. The initial campaign  was concentrated on executives at all iceek. This  pre - supposed two things : top management commitment as a vanguard action and executive  involvement as a lead group activity. Within a  short time, conferences, seminars, workshops and  training programmes were designed, drawn -up  and delivered throughout the organisation to cover  virtually every executive.

What was missed in the process was the  large bulk of non- executives. Though there was

a plan to cover the non execuuive involment in the  second  leg  of the campaign, the the very fact intial  efforts  were  going only in the direction of executives  created its own rustles amid rambles.

The HRD action groups, who were  spearheading and controlling the HRD activities,  naturally had to take notice or the message which  had come too soon from the non --executive  categories of employees. It was, therefore, only  natural to recognise that  . without waiting for the  second leg of the campaign, the need was to  advance the campaign schedule and initiate the  HRD awareness programme for non- executives.

    as well. After : all. the milk has to  be  given gladly  to the baby which started crying !  But the  process  of covering the large mass  of non- executive employees was not an easy task.  The number  as well as the spread of numerous locations throughout the company made the task   to achieve coverage of maximum number of  non-executive employees to a one-day "HRD)  awareness programme". The programme outline  was centrally designed but the specific inputs were  left to be  decided  by the divisional and unit  functionaries.

The programme design provided for  executives as faculty, who would  cover  small  non - executive groups in lecture and discussion  sessions on the whole concept of new FIND  programme that the Corporation is contemplating.  When the executives speak to the non -executives  on any projected company programme, needing  involvement of non  executives, a pinch of salt is  always present ! This was true for the initial  awareness programmes organised for  non -executives as well. When it became clear that  the message was not really going down to the  participants, naturally the question arose whether  it was worthwhile going ahead with the rest of  the programmes covering the large majority of  non-executives.

     The HRD group stepped in and rolled back  their campaign at least temporarily to review  whether everything is going to be okay or not. It  was the general view that there is a "receptability  block" operating in the communication channel  between the executive faculty members and the  non -executive participants. This has to be  overcome if the programme is to give the  maximum possible return.

It was one of the ideas to try out the next  few programmes with faculty drawn from among  the non -executives themselves, rather than the  traditional executive faculty. Employees from  non - executive category with excellent  communication, comprehension and influencing  skills were identified and provided with a briefing  as to what exactly is the inherent purpose of the  awareness programme.

It was a revelation to find a sea - change in  the receptability of participants. Although, the  programme input was the same, the difference  lay in the fact that earlier the executive faculty  used to speak to the non - executive participants,  whereas now it was the non - executives  themselves functioning as faculty, speaking to  their own colleagues in a language perceived as  their own. We often tend to forget this and end  up reaping a harvest much below our expectation.

      Therefore, it is worth considering : why settle for  a lean harvest when you can afford to have the  full harvest ! It is small ideas that often bring big  results.

Questions :

(a)  What is the problem as you see it ?  Elaborate.

(b)  List the lessons learnt. What is your  recommendation in this situation ?

(c)  What is the "receptability block" ? Explain.

(d)  What were the changes witnessed ? How  did they occur ?

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