Consider the following statement about Strategy and Human Resource Management (SHRM). The economic and
technological context has changed very significantly over the last thirty years and this has led to some key
adaptations in HR systems in a firm. ?How might a firm develop, interrelate and manipulate its resources –
human and non-human – to become the best adapted, the most consistently profitable of all firms in its
industry, despite the efforts of other firms to emulate or undermine it? This is the nub of the debate in
strategic management around sustained competitive advantage? ( Boxall and Purcell 2011, p. 97).
Task
Critically analyse Fordism. Compare and contrast Fordism with Lean Manufacturing linking them to the different
approaches to SHRM in order for a firm to achieve sustained competitive advantage through oganisational
strategy/direction and HRM (?best fit?, ?best practice? and the Resourced Based View). You are required to
examine the HR challenges, issues and practices associated with various directional strategies.

Essay – 3000 words (+/- 10%)

Task Description Stimulus
Consider the following statement about Strategy and Human Resource Management (SHRM). The economic and
technological context has changed very significantly over the last thirty years and this has led to some key
adaptations in HR systems in a firm. “How might a firm develop, interrelate and manipulate its resources –
human and non-human – to become the best adapted, the most consistently profitable of all firms in its
industry, despite the efforts of other firms to emulate or undermine it? This is the nub of the debate in
strategic management around sustained competitive advantage” ( Boxall and Purcell 2011, p. 97).
Task
Critically analyse Fordism. Compare and contrast Fordism with Lean Manufacturing linking them to the different
approaches to SHRM in order for a firm to achieve sustained competitive advantage through oganisational
strategy/direction and HRM (‘best fit’, ‘best practice’ and the Resourced Based View). You are required to
examine the HR challenges, issues and practices associated with various directional strategies.
The following aspects should be critically analysed to reinforce your argument:
Strategic approaches explained in chapters 3 & 4 in your prescribed text book. Work systems and changes in
economic production (chapter 5) including the two key elements to each HR system: the kind of work
organisation involved; and the employment practices that are used to hire and manage the people doing the
work.
To demonstrate your research ability and understanding of the topic, your essay should include:
o Practical (real world) examples, with evaluation of the successes and/or failures evident in those  examples
o Reference to relevant theories and models
o Synthesis of research from multiple, correctly cited sources (at least fifteen (15) peer reviewed  research articles).
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