Question 1

The nominal group forecasting technique typically involves outside experts as well as company employees.

Accepted Answer

The answer of The nominal group forecasting technique typically involves...

Question 2

According to the textbook,which qualitative approach to forecasting human resources needs has the advantages of facilitating the exchange of ideas as well as greater acceptance of results?

Accepted Answer

The nominal group technique is a qualitative approach to forecasting that involves a brainstorming session with a group of experts. The technique promotes the exchange of ideas and encourages all members to participate. This inclusive process often leads to greater acceptance of the results than other methods. Trend analysis and regression analysis are quantitative approaches that rely on data analysis rather than expert opinions. An informal expert forecast may not be as inclusive as the nominal group technique, while a formal expert forecast may be too structured for open discussion.

Question 3

In large organizations,needs forecasting is primarily

Accepted Answer

In large organizations, needs forecasting is primarily quantitative in nature. This involves the use of statistical analysis and mathematical models to forecast future demands based on historical data and trends. This approach is more objective and provides reliable predictions to aid decision-making processes.

Question 4

Anthony is a company's HR Manager and he is helping the production department determine seasonal employment needs.Anthony tracks multiple variables and determines the line of best fit in order to predict future employment levels.Which forecasting method is Anthony using?

Accepted Answer

Anthony is using regression analysis, which involves tracking multiple variables and determining the line of best fit in order to predict future levels. A scatter plot is a tool used to visualize the relationship between two variables, but it does not involve determining the line of best fit. Computerized forecast is a general term used to describe any forecasting method that uses computer technology, but it does not provide information about the specific method used. Trend analysis involves analyzing past data trends to make predictions about future trends, but it does not involve determining the line of best fit. Ratio analysis involves analyzing financial ratios to make predictions about a company's financial performance, but it is not relevant to employment forecasting.

Question 5

A decision-making technique that involves experts meeting face to face and can also be used for HR forecasting is known as

Accepted Answer

The technique being described is the nominal group technique, which involves experts coming together and brainstorming ideas in a structured way. It can be used for decision-making as well as HR forecasting. The Delphi technique is similar, but involves experts providing input anonymously and then synthesizing the responses. Managerial judgement and informal expert forecasts do not involve a structured process of experts coming together. Formal expert forecasts may involve a more quantitative approach, whereas the nominal group technique is more qualitative.

Question 6

From a practical point of view,according to the textbook,what should be considered first when forecasting the number and type of people needed to meet organizational objectives for a manufacturing firm?

Accepted Answer

Sales should be considered first when forecasting the number and type of people needed to meet organizational objectives for a manufacturing firm. This is because the number of employees needed will be heavily dependent on the level of production required to meet sales targets. Other factors such as turnover, absenteeism, and commitment may be considered in later stages of the forecasting process. Profitability may also be considered, but it is only relevant if it affects the sales forecast.

Question 7

Permitting a group of outside experts as well as company employees to critically evaluate a wide range of views is an advantage of which forecasting technique?

Accepted Answer

The Delphi technique is designed to gather and synthesize the opinions of a group of experts through a series of questionnaires, with the aim of achieving a convergence of opinion. It allows for a wide range of views to be considered and critically evaluated, often anonymously, to prevent the dominance of any single viewpoint. This method is particularly useful for complex problems where predictions are difficult to make based on available data alone.

Question 8

Which of the following would an airline use to visually illustrate the relationship between passenger volume and ticketing agents required?

Accepted Answer

A scatter plot is the best choice to visually illustrate the relationship between passenger volume and ticketing agents required as it allows for a simple representation of how the two variables are correlated. The x-axis can represent passenger volume, the y-axis can represent ticketing agents required, and each data point on the plot represents a specific observation of the two variables together. This allows for easy identification of any patterns or trends in the data.

Question 9

In contrast to quantitative approaches,qualitative techniques rely solely on

Accepted Answer

Qualitative techniques mainly rely on subjective data obtained from the opinions, experiences, and insights of people, such as expert judgments. They seek to explore and understand phenomena beyond numeric data and may involve techniques like interviews, focus groups, and case studies. The other options listed (scatter plots, regression analyses, trend analyses, multiple regression analyses) are quantitative techniques that involve measuring, analyzing, and interpreting numerical data.

Question 10

What is needed in order to modify human resources forecasts based on anticipated changes?

Accepted Answer

Managerial judgment is needed to modify human resources forecasts based on anticipated changes, as it involves assessing and interpreting various factors and potential impacts on the organization.

Question 11

The drawbacks of which forecasting technique include the time and costs involved as well as the potential difficulty in integrating diverse opinions?

Accepted Answer

The drawbacks mentioned in the question are specifically associated with the Delphi technique. A formal expert forecast and an informal expert forecast do not necessarily involve the same time and cost commitment as the Delphi technique. The nominal group technique, while it may require integrating diverse opinions, does not necessarily have the same potential difficulty in doing so as the Delphi technique. Managerial judgment may or may not involve significant time and cost commitments, and may or may not have difficulty integrating diverse opinions.

Question 12

Calculating the number of employees in the firm over the last three to five years in order to predict future needs is most associated with which of the following forecasting techniques?

Accepted Answer

Trend analysis involves analyzing past data to identify patterns and trends in order to forecast future needs. Calculating the number of employees in the firm over the last three to five years is a common example of trend analysis. Time-series analysis, scatter plots, regression analysis, and ratio analysis can also be used for forecasting, but they are not as directly applicable to this specific scenario.

Question 13

As the HR Manager of a company,you are assisting the CEO in forecasting future human resources needs.She would like to use a qualitative technique to forecast long-term needs as well as other strategic planning issues.Which technique should the HR Manager recommend?

Accepted Answer

The Delphi technique is a qualitative forecasting technique that involves gathering opinions from a panel of experts through a series of questionnaires, with their responses being anonymously shared with the group after each round. This is the best option for forecasting long-term needs and other strategic planning issues, as it allows for a diversity of perspectives and helps to reduce bias and groupthink.

Question 14

Like trend analysis,ratio analysis assumes that productivity will increase over time.

Accepted Answer

Ratio analysis does not assume that productivity will increase over time. It simply analyzes the relationship between different financial variables and helps in making comparisons with other companies or industries.

Question 15

Which of the following is a qualitative approach to forecasting human resources needs?

Accepted Answer

The nominal group technique is a qualitative approach to forecasting human resources needs. It involves bringing together a group of individuals with diverse perspectives and opinions and having them discuss and brainstorm potential future scenarios and needs. The group then collaboratively identifies and prioritizes potential solutions and strategies for addressing those needs. This approach is useful for generating a range of possible outcomes and solutions in a collaborative and inclusive way. The other options listed are quantitative approaches to forecasting, which rely on mathematical modeling and data analysis to project future needs or trends.

Question 16

Which forecasting technique has drawbacks that include subjectivity and the potential for group pressure to lead to less accurate assessments than could be obtained through other means?

Accepted Answer

The answer of Which forecasting technique has drawbacks that include...

Question 17

Two approaches used to gather qualitative data in order to forecast HR demand (or supply)are the

Accepted Answer

The two approaches used to gather qualitative data in order to forecast HR demand (or supply) are the nominal group and Delphi techniques. The nominal group technique gathers input from a panel of experts who individually generate ideas and then discuss and rank them as a group. The Delphi technique involves a panel of experts providing anonymous feedback through a series of questionnaires, with the responses and feedback from each questionnaire used to modify the subsequent one. Both of these techniques are useful for forecasting HR demand or supply as they allow for the collection of expert opinions and insights, which can be valuable in making informed predictions about workforce needs.

Question 18

Trend analysis is used to study a firm's past employment levels to predict future needs.

Accepted Answer

Trend analysis involves analyzing historical data to identify patterns and predict future outcomes. When it comes to human resource management, trend analysis can be used to forecast future employment levels based on past trends, such as seasonal fluctuations, growth or decline in the industry, or shifts in the economy. By identifying patterns in past employment levels, organizations can make informed decisions about hiring or restructuring to meet future demands.

Question 19

Sheila is helping a Sales Manager determine if the sales department should hire more people.They are comparing the sales volume with the number of salespeople.Which HR forecasting approach is Sheila and the Sales Manager using?

Accepted Answer

Sheila and the Sales Manager are using the ratio analysis approach to HR forecasting by comparing sales volume with the number of salespeople. This approach helps determine the ideal ratio of employees to sales volume and can guide decisions about hiring or downsizing. The other options (scatter plot, time-series analysis, trend analysis, and regression analysis) are statistical methods used in forecasting, but they are not specifically focused on HR forecasting using sales volume and employee data.

Question 20

Regression analysis determines the line of best fit and often involves multiple variables.

Accepted Answer

Regression analysis involves determining the line of best fit for a set of data points, and can involve multiple variables in order to best predict an outcome.

Quiz 5: Human Resources Planning