Human Resource Planning (AQA A Level Business): Flashcards
Exam code: 7132
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Define human resource planning.
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Cards in this collection (23)
Define human resource planning.
Human resource (HR) planning is the process of analysing a business's current workforce, forecasting what it will need in the future and putting strategies in place to close the gap between the two.
True or False?
HR planning is an ongoing process that must be reviewed regularly.
True.
HR planning is not a one-off exercise. It must be reviewed regularly as business strategy and external conditions change.
Why is proactive recruitment better than filling vacancies at short notice?
Filling vacancies at short notice often leads to rushed decisions and higher costs. Proactive recruitment gives the business time to find the right candidates.
What types of training might HR planning identify?
HR planning may identify technical skills for new equipment or systems, management development for future senior roles and compliance training required by new legislation.
Define redeployment.
Redeployment means moving employees from declining areas of the business into different roles elsewhere, rather than making them redundant.
Define redundancy.
Redundancy is the dismissal of employees because their role is no longer needed, typically due to restructuring, falling demand or the introduction of new technology.
How does early identification of redundancies help a business?
It allows the business to explore alternatives to compulsory redundancy, such as voluntary redundancy or reduced hours. It also gives time to consult affected employees in line with legal requirements.
Define employee retention.
Employee retention is a business's ability to keep its staff over time.
What are the benefits of effective HR planning?
Effective HR planning reduces costs, supports strategy delivery and reduces risk. It also improves employees' experiences and helps ensure the business is legally compliant.
A workforce with many older employees is a sign of upcoming _________.
A workforce with many older employees is a sign of upcoming retirements.
What is the difference between a numbers gap and a skills gap?
A numbers gap is when the business expects to have too few or too many employees for its future requirements. A skills gap is when it has enough people but they lack the capabilities required.
Define labour market.
The labour market is the pool of available workers and the conditions in which businesses compete for them.
True or False?
In a tight labour market, a business should rely mainly on external recruitment.
False.
In a tight labour market, a business must plan further ahead, offer competitive pay and invest in developing existing employees rather than relying solely on external recruitment.
How do finance decisions shape what HR can achieve?
Finance sets the budget available for staffing. If finance introduces cost-cutting, HR may have to reduce headcount, freeze pay or limit training.
How can positioning a business as a premium brand affect HR?
A premium brand needs customer-facing staff who can deliver a high level of service. This has implications for recruitment standards, training and pay.
True or False?
Introducing automation always reduces the number of employees needed in every role.
False.
Automation may reduce the need for manual workers, but it increases demand for technically skilled maintenance and programming staff.
Investing in staff training can improve customer satisfaction scores that feed directly into _______ performance.
Investing in staff training can improve customer satisfaction scores that feed directly into marketing performance.
How does higher labour productivity improve competitiveness?
Higher output per hour worked reduces unit labour costs. This allows the business to price competitively or achieve higher profit margins.
True or False?
High employee turnover reduces productivity, even when leavers are replaced.
True.
New recruits take time to reach full effectiveness, so high employee turnover reduces productivity.
What are the effects of poor training on quality in manufacturing?
Poor training leads to higher defect rates, increased waste and costly rework. These issues raise costs and damage the business's reputation.
Why is customer service often key to competing in markets where products are similar?
Where products are similar, the quality of service is often what differentiates one business from another. Engaged, motivated employees deliver a better customer experience.
A skilled, diverse and engaged workforce is better placed to generate new ideas and ___ to changing market conditions.
A skilled, diverse and engaged workforce is better placed to generate new ideas and adapt to changing market conditions.
Why are both overstaffing and understaffing harmful to cost competitiveness?
Overstaffing increases wage costs without a matching increase in output. Understaffing leads to overworked employees, quality problems and missed deadlines.
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