Assignment: Human Resource Management Individual Case Analysis
"Microsoft's Vega Project: Developing People and Products" General Procedure
Your analysis needs to explicitly answer the questions below (number each question).
Your analysis needs to be typed and has no more than 1200 words (4-5 double-spaced pages; not including the list of References or Appendices). In order to meet these page limits, you need to write concisely. Make sure every sentence has a clear point and adds unique information.
In answering the questions, you need to apply concepts from the textbook and/or class readings. Your analysis can't simply summarize the case. Nor do you need to provide a summary of the case by way of introduction; just answer the questions. Facts from the case need to be introduced only to support your arguments/analysis. If your answer to a question simply restates the facts explicitly provided in the case itself, you will receive zero points for that answer. Direct quotes from the case need to be completely avoided.
The intent is for you to develop your analytical and problem-solving skills. These skills are developed by learning to recognize the underlying cause of a problem. Developing the skills to apply your knowledge (learned through textbooks, readings, and your own experiences) to help diagnose and solve a problem in a new situation is a key to being a good manager.
The case analysis will be assessed on how well you:
(1) Apply relevant HR concepts and theories to your analysis.
(2) Identify the underlying reasons for the problem(s) and recognize the complexity of the issues.
(3) Provide recommendations and/or conclusions that are consistent with the analysis.
(4) Provide specific examples from the case to illustrate your points.
(5) Have a well-structured and clearly written analysis.
NOTE: This assignment accounts for 30 points and is due 11:00am Oct. 11, 2017. Each student is expected to bring a hard copy and turn it in at the beginning of the class on Oct. 11. You are also strongly encouraged to submit an electronic copy to the Canvas dropbox.
Questions to Be Answered
1. According to the case information, deduce the stage of organizational life cycle that Microsoft was in. Justify your answer. How could HR practices contribute to the success of Microsoft in the stage of life cycle of your choice?
2. Based on what you have learned from this course, what should be an appropriate overall contingent HR strategy for Microsoft? Did the HR practices of Microsoft descried in the case reflect that the overall contingent HR strategy of your choice was actually adopted?
3. Can you advise Mr. Kaplan on how to conduct a job analysis for project manager positions?
4. How could Microsoft design project manager jobs to increase both project success and project managers' satisfaction and retention?