Question 1

According to the textbook, what is one disadvantage of the Delphi technique?

Accepted Answer

The Delphi technique can be time-consuming and costly because it requires multiple rounds of feedback and analysis from experts.

Question 2

What stage in the nominal group technique would typically ask a question like, "What will ABC Corporation's demand for production workers be in the year 2015?"

Accepted Answer

The stage that defines the question is where the focus question is presented, and the group members clarify any doubts regarding the question. In this case, the focus question is about the projected demand for production workers for ABC Corporation in the year 2015.

Question 3

According to the textbook, what method of estimating HR demand was used in Ireland?

Accepted Answer

Cohort analysis is a method of estimating HR demand that involves tracking a group of employees over time to determine their turnover rates and other factors that affect HR demand.

Question 4

What is the most common operational index used by organizations in a trend analysis?

Accepted Answer

Out of the options given, sales level is the most commonly used operational index in trend analysis. It provides a clear indication of the organization's financial performance and is often the primary focus of analysis for businesses. Units produced, clients served, and production hours may also be useful operational indices depending on the nature of the organization, but sales level is the most commonly used.

Question 5

If you want to determine the total HR demand requirement for operational or short-run time periods, what type of information should you gather?

Accepted Answer

The answer of If you want to determine the total...

Question 6

In a simple regression prediction model, what does B represent?

Accepted Answer

In a simple regression model, B represents the slope of the linear relationship between the independent variable (X) and dependent variable (Y). The constant or intercept is represented by the letter A in the equation Y = A + BX. Therefore, choices A, B, and D are incorrect.

Question 7

According to the textbook, when the Delphi technique was used to identify competencies for research chef, which of the following was NOT a topic for consideration?

Accepted Answer

The Delphi technique survey did not focus on the years of experience for successful and unsuccessful research chefs. It instead focused on factors that differentiate successful from unsuccessful research chefs, skills and knowledge needed to be a successful research chef, and tasks that differentiate a successful research chef from an ordinary chef.

Question 8

Which of the following is NOT typically considered to be an expert for HR forecasting?

Accepted Answer

Line employees are not typically considered to be experts for HR forecasting as they do not have the necessary skills, knowledge, and experience for this task. Union staff members, university researchers, and business consultants are all considered experts who can provide valuable insights for HR forecasting.

Question 9

Which of the following demand forecasting methods is NOT a quantitative method?

Accepted Answer

The Delphi technique is a qualitative method that involves a group of experts providing their opinions and estimates about future demand. The other options (trend analysis, regression analysis, and staffing table) are all quantitative methods that use historical data and mathematical models to predict future demand.

Question 10

Typically, how is most of the expert information gathered using the Delphi technique?

Accepted Answer

Most of the expert information is gathered using questionnaires in the Delphi technique. The questionnaire is designed to collect information, feedback, and opinions from experts in the field anonymously. The experts provide their responses and rate the responses of other experts until a consensus is reached. This helps to eliminate biases and groupthink that may occur in other forms of group decision making.

Question 11

If HR specialists use multiple predictor estimates of the future demand for personnel based on a variety of differing assumptions about how future events will unfold, what type of forecasting technique or analysis are they using?

Accepted Answer

HR specialists are using scenario forecasting technique which involves creating different scenarios or possible futures and evaluating the impact of each scenario on the demand for personnel. This technique allows for the consideration of multiple predictor estimates based on different assumptions to arrive at a more accurate and reliable estimate of future demand.

Question 12

Why are assumptions necessary when implementing the steps of the nominal group technique?

Accepted Answer

Assumptions are necessary when implementing the nominal group technique to minimize the chance that expert estimates will be misinterpreted. Without assumptions, there may be confusion or misunderstandings about the estimates provided by the experts, which could undermine the effectiveness of the technique. By establishing clear assumptions at the outset, the group can ensure that everyone is on the same page and that the estimates provided are as accurate and reliable as possible.

Question 13

Which of the following is NOT considered a benefit of the nominal group technique?

Accepted Answer

The nominal group technique is known for promoting equal participation, supporting brainstorming, and producing reliable and valid results. However, it is not specifically recognized for lowering costs and time compared to other group decision-making techniques.

Question 14

In the Delphi technique, why does the project coordinator continue to issue questionnaires to the experts?

Accepted Answer

The Delphi technique is used to gather input from a group of experts anonymously and iteratively until a consensus is reached. If the information gathered to date has not led the group to make a consensual decision, the project coordinator would issue further questionnaires to gather additional input in hopes of achieving consensus. Therefore, option C is the correct answer. Options A and D do not necessarily relate to the purpose of the Delphi technique, and option B falls short in explaining why additional information is necessary.

Question 15

In the Delphi technique, why do the experts not meet face-to-face?

Accepted Answer

The experts do not meet face-to-face in the Delphi technique because they worry about groupthink. By avoiding direct interaction, experts are less likely to be influenced by dominant personalities, social pressure, or conformity bias. This helps to ensure that each expert has an equal opportunity to express their opinion and that the final outcome reflects a true consensus.

Question 16

What type of analysis reveals the historical relationship between the operational index and the demand for labour?

Accepted Answer

The answer of What type of analysis reveals the historical...

Question 17

What technique should be used if you want all the participants to have equal participation in the sessions and to minimize dominance, personal attacks, and defensive behaviour?

Accepted Answer

Nominal group technique encourages equal participation by providing structured steps for idea generation and decision making. It also minimizes dominance and personal attacks by allowing all participants to contribute their ideas anonymously. Additionally, it emphasizes collaboration and positive communication, reducing defensive behavior.

Question 18

Which forecasting technique provides a long-run qualitative forecast where experts meet and give their assessments about the future?

Accepted Answer

The answer of Which forecasting technique provides a long-run qualitative...

Question 19

What federal government agency provides expert information for labour demand forecasting?

Accepted Answer

Statistics Canada provides expert information on labour market trends and demand forecasting through their Labour Force Survey and other statistical data. The other options listed, such as the National Occupational Classification or Citizenship and Immigration Canada, may provide related information but are not specifically focused on labour demand forecasting. The Conference Board of Canada also provides economic analysis and research but is not a government agency.

Question 20

How do the experts finally agree on a solution in the nominal group technique?

Accepted Answer

In the nominal group technique, experts agree on a solution by individually ranking the solutions with a secret vote, which helps to reduce the influence of dominant individuals and encourages independent thinking.

Quiz 6: Determining HR Demand