Question : 81) Mary Ellen using a computer to collect, record, store, : 1346184

81) Mary Ellen is using a computer to collect, record, store, and analyze her company’s human resource. She is most likely using a:

A) human resource information system.

B) human resource training system.

C) human resource monitoring system.

D) human resource management system.

82) An HRIS has a number of applications for HRM professionals, such as:

A) negotiating union contracts.

B) tracking employee skills.

C) training employees in simple repetitive tasks.

D) creating organizational design.

83) Which of the following methods is LEAST likely to protect the security of HRIS records?

A) Grant permission to access employee information only on a need-to-know basis

B) Develop policies and guidelines that govern utilization of the HRIS information

C) Require passwords and special codes to access different areas of the database

D) Provide access to the HRIS only to employees and their spouses

Case 2.1

Benson Manufacturing is a young, small firm that makes computer components and peripherals for assemblers like Dell and Gateway. Benson’s market share is highly volatile based on the entrance and exit of competitors into the market. Benson buys raw materials from several suppliers who also supply competitors. The firm has two layers of management between the CEO and the component maker on the line.

The firm’s CEO read a book about innovation and organizational change and now wants to look at what HR should do about reorganizingand changing staffing practices. The CEO wants to reduce costs in order to increase profit margins because he believies that margins will continue to shrink.

While productivity and quality are largely a function of the machines used in the process, the CEO still wants to focus on motivating Benson employees. He wants to motivate them by increasing wages through a bonus program, improving working conditions, and providing job security.

84) Refer to Case 2.1. Based on the current market situation, what business strategy would be best for Benson?

A) Prospector strategy

B) Defender strategy

C) Tactical strategy

D) Differentiated strategy

85) Refer to Case 2.1. Which type of organizational structure would be most appropriate for Benson?

A) Bureaucratic structure

B) Boundaryless structure

C) Flat organizational structure

D) Pyramid organizational structure

86) Refer to Case 2.1. The CEO most likely read a book that referred to the motivation theory of:

A) Frederick Herzberg

B) Richard Hackman

C) Edwin Locke

D) Henry Mintzberg

87) Refer to Case 2.1. What is the flaw in the CEO’s suggestions for motivating the workforce?

A) He’s not involving the employees in the decisions.

B) An MBO-based strategy would be more effective.

C) It does not take the diversity of the workforce into consideration.

D) None of the things he wants to do impact motivation, only satisfaction or dissatisfaction.

88) Refer to Case 2.1. Given the market demand for computer components, the best flexible work design to use would be:

A) part-time workers.

B) telecommuters.

C) condensed workweeks.

D) temporary workers.

Case 2.2

You are the HR manager at Steel City, Inc., a firm that is considering going global in its product line and markets. The president realizes that this may require a reorganization. She wants to move into new international markets with minimum time and effort. She also wants to reduce management overhead and labor costs.

At the same time, employees have been complaining about their work. Jobs are repetitive, and employees don’t know how their work fits into the big picture. The president wants to provide employees with satisfying work, autonomy, and a performance-based pay system. She wants to give them as much control as possible and remove layers of management.

89) Refer to Case 2.2. The best organizational design match for Steel City would most likely be a:

A) flat organizational structure.

B) generic organizational structure.

C) boundaryless organizational structure.

D) bureaucratic organizational structure.

90) Refer to Case 2.2. The president is discussing the use of teams in the company. Given the company direction and the president’s goals, you should recommend:

A) that she implement special project teams.

B) quality circles as a type of problem-solving team.

C) ISO 9000-based teams.

D) self-managed work teams.