Week 15 HR/Manpower Planning

Why is it vital for organisations to have HR plans? Quoting Mondy et (1996) they define it as a systematic analysis of HR needs in order to ensure that correct number of employees with the necessary skills are available when they are required.

Planning is not as easy as one might think because it requires a concerted effort to come out with a programme that would easy your work. Commencing is complicated, but once you start and finish it you have a smile because everything moves smoothly.

There are many factors that you have to look into when deciding for an HR Planning programme. HR Planning involves gathering of information, making objectives, and making decisions to enable the organization achieve its objectives. Surprisingly, this aspect of HR is one of the most neglected in the HR field. When HR Planning is applied properly in the field of HR

Management, it addresses the following questions:

1. How many staff does the Organization have?
2. What type of employees as far as skills and abilities does the Company have?
3. How should the Organization best utilize the available resources?
4. How can the Company keep its employees?

HR Planning helps companies succeed and helps utilize their staff more effectively. HR Planning forms an important part of Management information system.

HR have an enormous task keeping pace with the all the changes and ensuring that the right people are available to the Organization at the right time. It is changes to the composition of the workforce that force managers to pay attention to HR planning. The changes in composition of workforce not only influence the appointment of staff, but also the methods of selection, training, compensation and motivation.

If HR planning is not in place many things can go wrong
· there can be lack of staff working at peak times therefore a loss in turn over
· if employees may want to take annual leave at the same time and if policies and procedures or planning is not put in place then staffing could be an issue
· planning needs to be in place for training staff – ensuring all training is cost effective to the company
· by planning in advance staff feel they have set rules and guidelines and feel more secure, if there is no planning then staff can feel de valued and less motivated

PERSON SPECIFICATION FOR A UNIVERSITY LECTURER

1. Knowledge & Experience

· A good honours degree in a relevant subject
· A clear philosophy on how and why the subject should be taught
· Subject knowledge sufficient to challenge able students and achieve high outcomes in their module
· A good understanding of curriculum developments in the specific subject area

2. Skills & Abilities

· Able to use a range of teaching & learning strategies and methods
· A confident & competent user of ICT, especially power point
· Knowledge & understanding of how ICT can be used in the teaching of the subject to enhance student learning, for more interaction
· Able to communicate both orally & in writing to students in a form which they understand
· Ability to use outlook


3. Personal Qualities

· Enthusiasm & a positive outlook
· The ability to work independently and collaboratively as a member of a team
· Creative in problem solving together with a willingness to take on or try new approaches & ideas
· A positive attitude towards professional development and their own learning
· Reliability & integrity
· Good personal organisation
· Excellent time management skills
· Good listener

In addition to assessing the candidates’ ability to perform the duties & responsibilities associated with the post, the interview will also explore issues relating to safeguarding & promoting the welfare of the students

(Adapted from: Web.keaston.bham.sch.uk/.../PERSON+SPECIFICATION+FOR+A+SUBJECT+TEACHER.doc)


· If Waitrose were considering opening a new store in High Wycombe, what are the key labour questions they would need to ask. Give at least 5 answers.

1. How many staff they need
2. What will the peak trading time be so they ensure staff numbers are enough
3. How many managers they will need on site
4. What trading hours will be
5. What training staff will require.