Deck 4: Job Analysis, Strategic Planning, and Human Resource Planning

Question 1

A document that provides information regarding the tasks, duties, and responsibilities of the job is referred to as a ________.

A) job analysis
B) job description
C) job specification
D) job document

Answer 1

B
Explanation: B) The job description is a document that provides information regarding the essential tasks, duties, and responsibilities of the job. The minimum acceptable qualifications a person should possess in order to perform a particular job are contained in the job specification.

Question 2

Job description information benefits HR management in all of the following ways EXCEPT ________.

A) supporting the legality of employment practices
B) specifying safety and health issues
C) mandating staffing diversity
D) identifying training needs

Answer 2

C
Explanation: C) A well written job description helps support the legality of promotions, transfers, and demotions and identifies health issues related to a job. Training and development needs also stem from a job description. However, minority hiring practices are not mandated by job descriptions.

Question 3

Which of the following is NOT a time when job analysis is performed?

A) when new jobs are created
B) when an organization is founded
C) when jobs are changed significantly
D) when an organization faces a downturn

Answer 3

D
Explanation: D) Job analysis is performed on three occasions: (1) when the organization is founded and a job analysis program is initiated for the first time; (2) when new jobs are created; and (3) when jobs are changed significantly as a result of new technologies, methods, procedures, or systems. Job analysis is less likely to be performed when a company experiences lower sales.

Question 4

In which of the following occupations, would observation be the least useful method of job analysis?

A) forklift operator
B) financial analyst
C) assembly line worker
D) baggage handler

Question 5

Jessie, an HR specialist, has been assigned the task of performing a job analysis for a new position created at the firm. Which of the following questions is LEAST relevant to the job analysis that Jessie will conduct?

A) Where is the job to be accomplished?
B) What qualifications are needed to perform the job?
C) When is the job to be completed?
D) What is the national hourly rate for this job?

Question 6

Which of the following provides the minimum acceptable qualifications that a person should possess to perform the job?

A) job title
B) job description
C) job specification
D) job evaluation

Question 7

All of the following EXCEPT ________ are included in job specifications.

A) knowledge
B) skills
C) responsibilities
D) abilities

Question 8

Which of the following refers to the collection of tasks and responsibilities performed by one person?

A) job
B) position
C) job cluster
D) work group

Question 9

Which term refers to a group of tasks that must be performed if an organization is to achieve its goals?

A) occupational specialty
B) job
C) position
D) post

Question 10

What studies are conducted to determine how long it takes for a task to be performed?

A) job analysis
B) work measurement
C) job evaluation
D) work process

Question 11

How does job analysis primarily benefit an HR manager?

A) improves public relations
B) adheres to federal standards
C) provides guidelines for staffing
D) outlines labor negotiation requirements

Question 12

Job analysis information is used to prepare ________.

A) job requisitions
B) budget reports
C) job specifications
D) corporate assessments

Question 13

Monica is an HR manager who needs to conduct a job analysis quickly and economically. Which method should Monica use?

A) questionnaire
B) observation
C) interview
D) employee recording

Question 14

Why are most job analyses conducted?

A) creation of new jobs
B) obsolescence in jobs
C) changes in the nature of jobs
D) requirements of upper management

Question 15

A firm's ________ should focus on possible catastrophes, ranging from natural calamities such as hurricanes to smaller events such as water leaks.

A) disaster plans
B) readiness efforts
C) contingency resolution efforts
D) sustainability efforts

Question 16

In today's workplace, ________ expedites the recovery of computer-related data that is essential to business operations.

A) blue-ray DVDs
B) the cloud
C) social networking
D) USB drives

Question 17

In a workgroup consisting of a supervisor, two analysts, and four clerks, how many jobs and positions are involved?

A) 3 jobs; 7 positions
B) 6 jobs; 1 position
C) 7 jobs; 3 positions
D) 1 job; 6 positions

Question 18

The systematic process of determining the skills, duties and knowledge required for performing jobs in an organization is referred to as a job ________.

A) description
B) specification
C) qualification
D) analysis

Question 19

A ________ is a comprehensive job analysis approach that concentrates on the interaction between the work, the workers, and the organization.

A) functional job analysis
B) position analysis questionnaire
C) guidelines-oriented job analysis
D) fundamental analysis schedule

Question 20

Which document clarifies the importance of a well-prepared job analysis?

A) Federal Register # 12
B) Uniform Guidelines on Employee Selection Procedures
C) EEOC Register of Guidelines
D) OFCCP Federal Register

Question 21

The ________ contains job descriptions for all U.S. workers in more than 800 occupations.

A) Standard Occupational Classification (SOC)
B) Occupational Position Paper (OPP)
C) Workplace Status Assessment (WSA)
D) Federal Employment Guide (FEG)

Question 22

What is a comprehensive government developed database of worker attributes and job characteristics?

A) G*NET
B) Job Identification Network
C) O*NET
D) Job Analysis System

Question 23

Outside consultants would most likely be hired to conduct job analyses when an organization ________.

A) is unusually large
B) is highly profitable
C) lacks technical expertise
D) lacks global sales offices

Question 24

The primary reason for reviewing job analysis results with employees is to ________.

A) gain their acceptance
B) comply with state laws
C) negotiate their salary
D) comply with union requirements

Question 25

The job identification section of the job description includes the ________.

A) required skills of the job
B) size of company
C) reporting relationship
D) primary duties and tasks

Question 26

Which section in the job description includes the job title, the department, the reporting relationship, and a job number or code?

A) job summary
B) job identification
C) duties performed
D) job specification

Question 27

The person who conducts job analysis is interested in gathering ________.

A) data on what is involved in performing a particular job
B) information about the competitive marketplace for talent
C) information about what it's like to work for a particular company
D) data to reveal hiring trends in various industries

Question 28

The ________ is the essential foundation for facilitating career counseling, education, employment, and training activities.

A) Job Almanac
B) Public Broadcasting Network
C) Occupational Information Network
D) Small Business Administration

Question 29

Which of the following is LEAST likely to be included in a job description?

A) major duties performed
B) percentage of time devoted to each duty
C) performance standards to be achieved
D) specific details about benefits and compensation

Question 30

Mario, an HR specialist at General Motors, needs to conduct a job analysis for the position of a financial analyst position. Which job analysis method is LEAST appropriate for Mario to use?

A) interview
B) employee recording
C) questionnaire
D) observation

Question 31

The HR department at Top Choice Manufacturing has been asked to collect job analysis information about general worker behaviors rather than tasks. Which job analysis method would be most appropriate?

A) position analysis questionnaire
B) functional job analysis
C) personal interview
D) observation

Question 32

What document should provide concise statements of what employees are expected to do on the job and indicate what employees do, how they do it, and the conditions under which the duties are performed?

A) job specification
B) job description
C) job identification
D) job evaluation

Question 33

One of the primary advantages of O*NET is that it ________.

A) provides a list of all federal and state job openings
B) serves as a recruiting tool for small and large firms
C) maintains current job requirement information
D) tracks changes in the U.S. job market

Question 34

Which of the following helps ensure that a job description does not become obsolete?

A) providing the job requisition number
B) including the job analysis date
C) providing an overview of the job
D) listing the major job duties

Question 35

The people who participate in job analysis should include, at a minimum, the employee and the ________.

A) immediate supervisor
B) human resource manager
C) human resource department
D) job analysis committee

Question 36

The Standard Occupational Classification (SOC) of 2010 does not ________.

A) reflect actual changes in the nature or organization of work activities in the economy
B) allow organizations to seek greater recognition for their members' occupations
C) allow organizations to seek a higher profile for their members' occupations
D) include sweeping changes in the descriptions of nearly all current occupations

Question 37

Which of the following is a True statement regarding job analysis methods?

A) A single analysis method is typically used to ensure consistency.
B) Analysts often use a combination of methods for accurate job descriptions or specifications.
C) Questionnaires minimize employee exaggeration.
D) Observation is the best method for all jobs.

Question 38

Mario, an HR specialist at General Motors, needs to conduct a job analysis for the position of an assembly line operator. Which job analysis method would be most appropriate for Mario to use?

A) simulation
B) observation
C) benchmarking
D) employee recording

Question 39

In the job description, which element provides a concise overview of the job?

A) job summary
B) job identification
C) purpose statement
D) performance standards

Question 40

All of the following are items typically included in the job specification EXCEPT ________.

A) educational requirements
B) required compensation
C) physical capabilities
D) personality traits

Question 41

According to many experts, which of the following best explains the growth of human resources as a profession?

A) increasing size of the global workforce
B) rising number of entrepreneurial businesses
C) increasing need to comply with equality laws
D) rising cost of health insurance and technology

Question 42

Which of the following serves as the basis for the strategic planning process?

A) SWOT
B) O*NET
C) AAP
D) ATS

Question 43

The EEOC defines ________ as any modification or adjustment to a job, an employment practice, or the work environment that makes it possible for an individual with a disability to enjoy an equal employment opportunity.

A) modification adjustment
B) reasonable accommodation
C) essential accommodation
D) functional accommodation

Question 44

Which of the following terms refers to a unit's continuing purpose, or reason for being?

A) mission
B) goal
C) objective
D) policy

Question 45

The ABC Company requires all maintenance supervisors to have a high school diploma, but the firm has never conducted a job analysis for the position to ensure that the standard is essential to performing the job. As a result, the ABC Company is most vulnerable to ________.

A) labor union strikes
B) criminal investigations
C) discrimination lawsuits
D) OSHA fines

Question 46

Burton Pharmaceuticals is a fast-growing drug company based in Dallas. Top executives at Burton realize that human capital plays an essential role in the continued success of the firm, and they want HR to participate in strategic planning. Which of the following questions is LEAST relevant to determining whether HR currently plays a strategic role at Burton?

A) Is HR rated by Burton's customers?
B) Is HR present at Burton's restructuring discussions?
C) Does Burton's HR provide an annual report on its ROI?
D) Does HR utilize current technology in recruiting Burton employees?

Question 47

According to recent surveys, CEOs expect HR professionals to ________.

A) outsource most clerical tasks
B) understand corporate finances
C) focus on recruiting at universities
D) assist employees with grievance suits

Question 48

Job analysis for team members is typically more ________.

A) impossible to define
B) broadly defined
C) simple to define
D) narrowly defined

Question 49

In recent years, HR professionals have increasingly been expected to ________.

A) serve as strategic planners
B) handle administrative tasks
C) implement federal guidelines
D) act as employee advocates

Question 50

Which law requires employees to be categorized as exempt or nonexempt?

A) Fair Labor Standards Act
B) Equal Pay Act
C) Civil Rights Act
D) Americans with Disabilities Act

Question 51

Which worker would receive time and a half for working more than 40 hours per week?

A) union
B) managers
C) exempt
D) nonexempt

Question 52

Under which Act are job descriptions required to specify elements of the job that endanger health or are considered unsatisfactory or distasteful by the majority of the population?

A) Occupational Safety and Health Act
B) Fair Labor Standards Act
C) Americans with Disabilities Act
D) Civil Rights Act

Question 53

Burton Pharmaceuticals is a fast-growing drug company based in Dallas. Top executives at Burton realize that human capital plays an essential role in the continued success of the firm, and they want HR to participate in strategic planning. Which of the following, if True, best supports the argument that HR should be more involved in strategic planning at Burton?

A) Burton plans to acquire another drug company within the next six months.
B) Burton recently settled a lawsuit related to charges of unfair hiring practices.
C) Burton primarily hires sales representatives who have medical backgrounds.
D) Burton experienced a small profit loss last quarter due to increased competition.

Question 54

When pay differences exist, ________ can be used to show whether jobs are substantially equal in terms of skill, effort, responsibility, or working conditions.

A) job specifications
B) job descriptions
C) performance analyses
D) specification descriptions

Question 55

Under which Act are employers required to make reasonable accommodations for workers with disabilities who are able to perform the essential functions of a job?

A) Americans with Disabilities Act
B) Fair Labor Standards Act
C) Occupational Safety and Health Act
D) Civil Rights Act

Question 56

What is the first step in the strategic planning process?

A) setting specific objectives
B) implementing long-term goals
C) assessing the business environment
D) determining the organizational mission

Question 57

What is the process called by which top management determines overall organizational purposes and objectives and how they are to be achieved?

A) objective planning
B) organizational planning
C) strategic planning
D) tactical planning

Question 58

Which of the following is NOT a step in the strategic planning process?

A) assessing the organization
B) determining financial outlays
C) determining the organizational mission
D) setting specific objectives and direction

Question 59

The marketing department at ABC Widget Company has been assigned the task of developing a strategic plan. The marketing team has completed the first three steps of strategic planning. Which of the following steps does the marketing department need to take in order to complete the strategic planning assignment?

A) determine the strategies needed to accomplish specific objectives
B) evaluate the organizational mission of the ABC Widget Company
C) establish short-term and long-term directions for the group
D) assess the primary competitors of the ABC Widget Company

Question 60

Burton Pharmaceuticals is a fast-growing drug company based in Dallas. Top executives at Burton realize that human capital plays an essential role in the continued success of the firm, and they want HR to participate in strategic planning. Which of the following, if True, suggests that HR is already involved in strategic planning at Burton?

A) HR representatives attend merger and acquisition discussions.
B) HR handles all compliance issues related to OSHA and the ADA.
C) HR regularly updates job analysis and job specification information.
D) HR representatives monitor employee training needs and interests.

Question 61

What primarily determines which type of organizational structure is best for a company?

A) age of the firm
B) needs of the firm
C) product or service
D) corporate competition

Question 62

Which of the following is NOT a characteristic of an objective?

A) measurable
B) universal in nature
C) expressed in writing
D) challenging but attainable

Question 63

What is the primary reason for implementing human resource planning on a continuous basis?

A) employing temporary workers
B) changing business environments
C) selling goods to overseas customers
D) recruiting workers on Internet job sites

Question 64

What forecasting technique involves an analysis to determine whether the firm can justify filling an open position?

A) bottom-up approach
B) simulation
C) Delphi technique
D) zero-base forecasting

Question 65

A firm becomes aware of having a surplus or shortage of employees as a result of comparing ________.

A) availability and tasks
B) tasks and performance
C) skills and requirements
D) requirements and availability

Question 66

In strategic planning, the purpose of a SWOT analysis is to assess the organization's ________.

A) information technology
B) anticipated long-term goals
C) perceived value and structure
D) internal and external environment

Question 67

Which of the following is a forecasting technique that uses the organization's current level of employment as the starting point for determining future staffing?

A) bottom-up approach
B) zero-base forecasting
C) the Delphi technique
D) simulation

Question 68

The systematic process of matching the internal and external supply of people with job openings anticipated in the organization over a specified period of time is referred to as ________.

A) strategic planning
B) personnel forecasting
C) human resource planning
D) human capital supply analysis

Question 69

What is the desired end result of any activity called?

A) policy
B) mission
C) objective
D) procedure

Question 70

In ________, each successive level in the organization, starting with the lowest, forecasts its requirements, ultimately providing an aggregate forecast of employees needed.

A) simulation forecasting
B) zero-base forecasting
C) cycle forecasting
D) bottom-up forecasting

Question 71

Steve is an HR specialist at Cisco Systems. Steve needs to determine the number, skill, and location of employees that Cisco will need in 12 months in order to achieve the firm's strategic plan. Which of the following would best meet Steve's needs?

A) requirements forecast
B) labor supply analysis
C) availability forecast
D) sales forecasting

Question 72

The owners of a start-up company are in the process of developing a corporate mission statement. Which of the following questions is LEAST likely to help them create an effective mission statement?

A) Should we emphasize financial stability to employees?
B) What are the greatest threats to the success of the firm?
C) Should we maximize profit and shareholders' dividends?
D) What is upper management attempting to accomplish?

Question 73

According to a recent poll, 53 percent of companies are either already using or plan to use ________ to identify skills gaps in their workforce.

A) workforce planning
B) employee training
C) succession planning
D) work sampling

Question 74

Which of the following should most likely be accomplished before setting an objective?

A) cost benefit analysis of every alternative
B) SWOT analysis of all competitors
C) performance analysis of each employee
D) job analysis for each position

Question 75

Wilson Marketing, Inc. uses the bottom-up forecasting method. Who is considered the most knowledgeable about employment requirements at the firm?

A) HR managers
B) statisticians
C) unit managers
D) stockholders

Question 76

The duties of today's HR professionals are moving from a transactional to a strategic model. As such, they work toward ________.

A) keeping track of government regulations
B) supporting day-to-day operational processes
C) solving strategic problems in the organization
D) solving transactional problems in the organization

Question 77

AAA Technology manufactures 2,000 cell phones each week, which requires 20,000 hours of work from assemblers during a 40-hour week. How many assemblers does AAA need each week?

A) 200
B) 400
C) 500
D) 800

Question 78

What are the two components of human resource planning?

A) demand and objectives
B) strategy and requirements
C) requirements and availability
D) availability and objectives

Question 79

What activity precedes the human resource planning process?

A) HR forecasting
B) strategic planning
C) HR demand analysis
D) labor supply analysis

Question 80

Which of the following involves determining whether the firm will be able to secure employees with the necessary skills and from what sources these individuals may be obtained?

A) planning forecast
B) requirement forecast
C) strategic forecast
D) availability forecast