Learning Activity # 1
Provide an example of a mass customized product and explain why this type of operation is best for the organization. Why are more companies devoting at least a portion of their operations to mass customization?
Learning Activity # 2
Consider these three positions at Starbucks: retail store manager (in charge of the day-to-day operations at one store) district manager (responsible for the operations at multiple stores) and president of Starbucks North America (in charge of operations throughout the United States Canada and Mexico). Identify the information needs of managers at each level.
QUESTION 1: What does Strategic HR mean?
In Chapter 1 we talk about the role HR plays within todays organizations. Its logical is it not? Today the most valuable asset a company can have is its employees! Years ago while pursuing our MBAs we took courses in Inventory Management Production and Plant Operations. But then twenty years ago our economy was based upon manufacturing and a companys production capacity and inventory were of prime importance. Today were in the information age and employees especially creative employees with innovative ideas and technological skills are paramount.
Twenty years ago an HRM was little more than an administrator someone to process the application form and ensure the new employees beneficiary form was completed correctly. Today HRMs are strategic partners in every thriving business enterprise developing policies and programs to support the mission of the business enterprise. Be sure to read and understand the information presented in Table 2.1 on pages 3 and 4 of your text.
Take a moment and define for us in your own words what you understand strategic to mean? And then discuss in detail and in your own words why we look at Strategic HRM as one of the first topic in this course.
Don’t forget to read over and then respond to a colleague’s ideas.
Be sure to include citations from at least two sources you used to develop your responses!
QUESTION 2: Thoughts about HR Functions in todays world
What I would like you to do is read chapters one and two and then the Art Brooks and the Mayhew articles. As you read make note of all of the HR functions identified in the readings and reflect carefully on the responsibilities of todays HRMs.
In your thoughtful idea presentation you want to talk about organizational functions and about the responsibilities an HRM has today to help an organization achieve maximum efficiency and meet their stated goals. Include some thoughts to demonstrate your understanding about how and HRMs roles and responsibilities have developed and grown. Once youve posted your thoughts take the time to respond to a colleagues ideas.