2.1 Intro to HR
2.2 Organizational structure
2.3 Management & motivation
2.4 Resumes, cover letters, interviews
Error analysis
100
What is a job analysis?
Job analysis identifies and records the responsibilities and tasks relating to a job.
100
Dave works in a business that delegates decision making to a lower level of management. What is this type of decision making called?
Decentralization
100
What makes a good manager? Name 3 traits/skills.
Self-confidence, intelligence, takes initiative, assertiveness & determination, communication skills, energy and enthusiasm, foresight, strong people/interpersonal skills, etc.
100
Name 3 don'ts of a resume
Use slang, use personal pronouns (e.g. I), typos, etc.
100
You are interviewing Candice, a recent college graduate, for an entry-level position at your business. You asked Candice to go through her resume and she does so by reading the contents on the resume verbatim. What is Candice doing wrong?
Interviewer can read the resume as well. Candice is not adding any value by reading the resume.
200
We learned about the various responsibilities of the HR dept. Name and describe 3 responsibilities.
Recruitment & selection; Wages, salaries, benefits; Training; Health & safety; Industrial relations; Dismissal, redundancy, resignation
200
What is an organizational chart? What can you tell from an organizational chart? Name 2 things
Organization chart is a diagram that shows the official working relationships in an organization. Shows the chain of command, span of control, relationship between different departments, etc.
200
What is intrinsic motivation? What is extrinsic motivation? For each, explain and provide an example.
Intrinsic motivation – occurs when someone gets satisfaction from an activity itself without threats or rewards from outside (e.g. "I want to do well and learn a lot in Business class"); Extrinsic motivation – motivators that come from outside the individual (e.g. school grades, pay, other benefits, parents telling you to do well in school)
200
What are some of the most commonly asked questions in an interview? Name 3.
Tell me about yourself, what are some of your strengths/weaknesses, do you have any questions for about our business/this position; etc.
200
From Unit 2 Quiz: Question: Why do you think Intel hires interns (trainees)? Please state two reasons. Answer: (1) So the interns can get work experience (2) So the interns could get a full-time job after internship/graduation.
Question is asking for reason from Intel's point of view. Answer is from intern's/trainee's point of view.
300
In the US, employers are not allowed to ask certain questions in an interview or make hiring decisions based on certain factors of the candidate. Give 2 examples.
Questions that could result in discrimination. E.g.: Sexual orientation, race, marital status, religion, etc.
300
Why would a business allow for career progression? Name 2 reasons.
Motivates employees, increases competition, helps to retain good employees, etc.
300
Steve, the Department Head of Product Design, makes all the decisions related to product design and does not consult his team at all. What management style best describes this situation?
Autocratic
300
What is the purpose of a cover letter?
Introduce self, express interest, convince employer for interview, etc.
300
From Unit 2 Quiz: Question: David was promoted to be the manager of his company’s operations department. David heard that it is important to have motivated staff, but he doesn’t understand why it is important and asked for your advice. What can you tell him? Answer: Dave, you can motivate your employees financially (e.g. bonus, commission) and non-financially (e.g. provide feedback, job enlargement, allow for teamwork).
Question is asking about WHY it is important to motivate. Answer is HOW to motivate
400
Tests can be used in interviews to assess the fit of the candidate. Briefly explain one of the tests.
1. Skill tests (shows ability of the candidate to carry out certain tasks) 2. Aptitude tests (shows potential to gain additional skills). 3. Personality test (if a particular type of person is required for the job) 4. Group situation test (give tasks to applicants to complete in group situations and the members are assessed on the way they work individually and as a team)
400
What is a flat organizational structure? Ensure you discuss span of control, chain of command, and an advantage
This structure has fewer layers of management and relies on workers taking more responsibility for decision-making; Wider spans of control, shorter chain of command. Adv: employees can access and communicate with managers more easily and quickly, allows the business to change rapidly to respond to external forces, can create a more motivated workforce (empowerment), etc.
400
You are the Operations Manager at a cell phone assembly plant. What can you do to give non-financial motivation to your employees? Name 3.
Job enlargement, job enrichment, team work, empower employees, provide opportunities for personal growth, give feedback, give recognition when it is due, take interest in employees (from a work and personal perspective), provide chance of promotion, provide good work hours & work conditions, fair treatment, etc.
400
You are shortlisted for an interview for a paid internship position at Intel. What can you do to prepare for the interview? Name 2.
Research the company/position, think of potential interview questions and your response, bring at least 2 copies of your resume, ensure you have professional clothing for the interview, plan to arrive at the interview early, etc.
400
From Unit 2 Quiz: Question: David was promoted to be the manager of his company’s operations department. David heard that it is important to have motivated staff, but he doesn’t understand why it is important and asked for your advice. What can you tell him? Answer: If you motivate your employees then you will be able to double your profits for sure!
(1) Double profits => 2 times profits. You can't be sure that it will lead to DOUBLING of profits. (2) Many factors impact your profit. You can't be sure that profits will increase.
500
You are an HR manager at Saks Fifth Avenue (a department store in New York City). A vacancy for an entry-level position in the Marketing department arises and you are responsible to fill the position. (1) Where should you advertise the position? Please justify your answer. (2) What should be included in the job advertisement? Please name 3 things.
(1) Local newspaper, online, internal. Incorrect: national newspaper, recruiting agency. (2) Job description, job specification, reporting manager, etc.
500
Cecilia is planning a 2-day training program for the new hires at the school's technology department. Her training plan includes: school tour, discussing the school's core values, and discussing the school's Digital Citizenship Agreement. What recommendations can you give to improve her training plan?
Provide more relevant training (specific for the job, hands-on). E.g. Getting an experienced staff in the department to go thru: demo of the applications used at the school, the common technical problems and how to resolve the problem, etc.
500
You are the Operations Manager at a cell phone assembly plant. What responsibilities are you likely to have? Name 3.
(1) Sets goals/objectives for the group; decides what work needs to be done to achieve them (2) divide the work into manageable activities and select staff to perform them (3) motivate employees (4) provides feedback (5) measures performance, etc.
500
During your internship interview at Intel, the interviewer asked you a tough question that you have not thought about and you don't know how to respond. What should you do?
Ask to come back to the question later in the interview (or after the interview via email), etc.
500
Question: Where should you advertise for a waitress position in Scarsdale (a suburb of New York City with population of ~17,000)? Please justify you response. Answer: In the local newspaper because you could find people locally to fill the position. Everyone in Scarsdale will be able to see the job ad if you put it in the local newspaper.
Everyone implies 100% of the people. You can't be sure that 100% of the people in Scarsdale will see it.