Assignment 1
You are the VP of human resources for a 1,000 employee meat packing company in the small town of Fort Hays, Kansas. You recently examined the turnover data for the plant operation (the people who kill, butcher, and process the hogs) and discovered that turnover among employees who were in their first year of employment was 85% for 2004. In addition, exit interviews with recent quits confirm what the attitude survey you conducted last year: morale is low, despite a competitive compensation and benefits package.
At last week's executive committee meeting, the President demanded that something be done to decrease turnover and increase morale, and soon. You suggested that by using an employee orientation program or a realistic job preview program, new employees will be more satisfied and less likely to quit. The president nixed the idea of using an RJP. He argued, "If people don't know what they are getting into when they answer ads for jobs in a meat packing plant, I'm not going to waste money telling them." Besides, he added, "the hiring process already includes a brief tour of the plant, and most prospective employees know somebody who already works there."
That left you with the employee orientation program, which the president said he would consider if you could make a good case for why it should be done and what benefits could be gained. The president asks you to write a memo that addresses the following:
1.The stage or stages of Feldman's socialization model that may be influenced by an orientation program. Support your choice(s).
2.Two key content areas of an orientation program that may reduce turnover and increase morale.
3.The role of the supervisor and the new employeein an effective orientation program.
4.The timing of orientation activities (i.e., one shot? spaced over time?). Support your choice.
5.One potential problem that must be addressed to increase the chances the program will be effective, and what you could do to address
Assignment 2
Let's assume that management has approved all your training plans. In fact, Vice President Cindy Kramer is so enthusiastic, she has asked you to develop plans to include your training session in all new employee orientations to Fleet Trucking. Your task now is to create copy for a Poster or Welcome Flyer in which you invite new employees to your training session. (Just the words - phrases, short sentences, but no art work is required at this time!) Be sure to explain what is involved in the training and how vital it will be for the new employees to attend. Explain how the training session will serve as a tool to assist in orienting and socializing the employee within their new work setting.
Assignment 3
Problem 6. Health Care Plan
Frank Oldburr is the oldest employee at Discrimina, Inc. He is now 62 and has some health problems. The company-wide health plan has been discontinued, partly due to Frank's health problems. The premium kept going up. Some of the employees who don't like Frank have asked Discrimina to fire him and then reinstate the health plan.
Questions
1.What is Discrimina Inc.'s legal responsibility to provide health insurance to employees?
2.What legal options does Frank Oldburr have to get himself covered with a health plan?
3.Is there any way to come to a win-win situation here? Explain.
Assignment 4
The time has come for you to go to college and move from your parent's home. You are moving approximately 300 boxes from your parent's house to the school dorm and need to hire some help. The moving company has given you the following production table.
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Number of Workers (per hour)
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Total Product of Labor (boxes per hour)
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Average Production Level
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Marginal Production Level
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0
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0
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1
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20
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|
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2
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46
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3
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66
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4
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80
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5
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85
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Complete the table and determine the most efficient number of movers to hire. Explain. (Be sure to discuss average production and marginal production levels.) Does the production function in the table exhibit diminishing marginal returns? Explain what you think is happening.