Human Resources
Which of the following is NOT one of the key HR initiatives in support of organizational strategy?
- focusing on past mistakes and making contingency plans
A shoe company with a differentiation focus strategy is most likely to reward which of the following employee accomplishments?
- innovative design
In the context of the strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats (SWOT) analysis method, which of these is NOT considered an opportunity?
- leadership
What should implementation plans include at an operational level?
- specific actions required, who is responsible, required resources, completion timeframe
How did the Gilbreths' studies on motion and domestic management impact the average work experience?
Their studies led to improved efficiency and ergonomic designs.
Which of these is NOT one of the primary goals of a learning system?
To establish a set of procedures to use in perpetuity
What is the purpose of establishing a set of core values?
To guide and inform business practices and policies
What was Taylor's proposed solution to the search for more competent workers?
To provide systematic management
Mary Parker Follet described organizational conflict as an important dynamic of the workplace, characterizing genuine power in what manner?
coactive or participative
Peter Senge proposed five disciplines of a learning organization. Which of the following is NOT one of the five disciplines Senge covers in his management theory?
impartiality
Which of these needs in Maslow's hierarchy of needs is NOT considered a deficiency need?
inner fulfillment
Which of these best describes how managers allocate tasks using scientific management theory, also known as Taylorism?
match workers to jobs based on capability and motivation
Which modern management theory views management as a problem that analytical tools and techniques can solve?
quantitative management
Human capital planning roadmaps generally cover a timeframe of about how long?
- 3-5 years
the terms "power over" and "power with" describe different power dynamics, each of which involve conflict. What purpose did Mary Parker Follet believe conflict served?
- Conflict can be a stimulus for innovation.
An energy drink company sponsors extreme adventure sports. Employees and representatives must be "on-brand" in public to promote their products. What is LEAST likely to occupy HR's concerns?
- HR will advise to change the production price per can of the beverage.
A shoe company that prides itself on providing comfortable high fashion footwear would be most likely to praise which of these employees?
- Ron, who designed a beautiful new peep-toe sneaker
The U.S. Office of Personnel Management (OPM) planning guide suggests inclusion of all of the following elements of strategic planning, EXCEPT:
- a detailed budget
Which of these is NOT one of the essential elements of human capital strategic planning, as identified by the U.S. Office of Personnel Management (OPM)?
- a detailed roadmap of staffing plans for the next 3-5 years
Developing the required capabilities in the current talent is included with which of HR's key initiatives supporting organizational strategy?
- attracting, retaining & developing critical talent
Randy produces rubber gaskets for model airplane engines, and his strategy focuses on being the lowest cost provider for this market. What competitive strategy is Randy employing?
- cost focus
In Porter's Generic Competitive Strategies, which strategy combines a focus on a total market scope and a competitive cost advantage?
- cost leadership
Which of these statements is NOT one of the objectives of a strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats (SWOT) analysis?
- eliminating risk factors
Sales team members engage in a friendly competition to see who can come up with the best slogan for a new product, and the winner chooses the next team lunch location. What principle does this team display?
- esprit de corps
Aja is brainstorming ideas with her HR manager, striving to make her workforce the most effective team she possibly can. Which of these ideas is Aja's HR manager LEAST likely to agree with?
- establishing a fixed rate for employee raises
Mario is working on building a high performance work organization as part of his HR duties. Which of these tasks will Mario most likely NOT perform during this process?
- establishing a fixed rate for employee raises
Which term is defined as "the ability to mesh strategy with reality, align people with goals, and achieve promised results"?
- execution
A successful human capital plan is likely to place the LEAST amount of emphasis on which type of goals?
short-term
Henry Fayol's original management principles include all of the following EXCEPT:
staffing and motivation
Elton Mayo's Hawthorne studies:
viewed workers in a social context
Which of these tasks stands the best chance of success in aligning personnel with goals to achieve a desired outcome or result?
· Rhoda's ice cream shop values customer service, and she provides on-the-job training in addition to training videos.
Which of the following statements is NOT true, regarding the Gilbreths' contributions to scientific management?
· Their film studies identified dangerous working conditions and mitigation plans.
From a human resource management standpoint, which of these is the most important factor in implementing a successful strategy?
· alignment
A company trying to be the lowest cost producer in the whole market would be characterized by which of Porter's Generic Competitive Strategies?
· cost leadership
Ysela's company is focused on selling one-of-a-kind artisanal chairs at a premium price. What is the best way to characterize Ysela's basic company strategy?
· differentiation focus
Lorina, a manager, is assigning personnel to tasks. She chooses who does what job based on each person's skill set, level of efficiency in that task, and production numbers. Which of Fayol's management principles is Lorina enacting?
· division of work
Which of these management principles was NOT one of the 14 principles of management Fayol proposed?
· staffing and motivation
