3.1 The role of human resources

Question 1

what are human resources?

Answer 1

•the people who do the work for a business
•this can include the owners (if they carry out work in the business), the employees and contractors who carry out jobs for it

Question 2

what is the purpose of human resources?

Answer 2

the purpose of HR is to carry out the functions of the business
•production workers make the product or provide service
•finance workers carry out the bills and make/ collect payments
•marketing workers encourage buyers for goods and services
•HR workers are responsible for all aspects concerning the staff

Question 3

what is a human resource plan?

Answer 3

•a plan detailing the workers a business needs- how many, whether they will be full or part time, the skills they should have and when they will work

Question 4

why do businesses need a human resource plan?

Answer 4

to make sure there are enough of the right staff with the right skill to satisfy customer needs.

Question 5

what could happen if a business does not carry out planning for human resources?

Answer 5

•they may end up paying staff too much wage
•the service or products they provide may not satisfy customer needs

Question 6

what possible changes could there be to human resource needs?

Answer 6

•workers may have to be replaced e.g. when they retire, leave to work in another business or are promoted
•the business may grow/shrink meaning more or fewer workers are required
•the method of production may change or new technology may be introduced meaning more or fewer workers with different skills are needed
•the business may need to relocate and not all workers may be prepared to travel
•change in law
•temporary increase in demand e.g. during Christmas

Question 7

what may a business need to consider when planning human resource needs?

Answer 7

•the number of workers needed
•the number who should be employed on zero-hour contract
•the number of workers to hire as contractors needed
•when workers will be needed- times and days of the week
•where the workers will work
•the skills that the workers need to have
•how many staff they can afford

Question 8

what are functions?

Answer 8

different types of works that need to be done in a business