Chapter 24: Departmental Functions (Version)

Question 1

What is workforce planning in HR?

Answer 1

Calculating the number and types of staff needed for the business.

Question 2

Departments

Answer 2

Sections in a business where all employees have similar skills & specialise in particular activities.

Question 3

Market orientated

Answer 3

Where a business focuses on the needs of consumers when developing products.

Question 4

Pharmaceutical

Answer 4

Relating to the production of drugs & medicines.

Question 5

Automotive

Answer 5

Relating to cars.

Question 6

What is the role of HR in recruitment and selection?

Answer 6

Planning workforce needs, placing job adverts, selecting and interviewing candidates.

Question 7

What is the purpose of training in HR?

Answer 7

Organizing induction and other employee training sessions.

Question 8

How does HR ensure health and safety?

Answer 8

Ensuring compliance with health and safety laws, providing training and protective gear.

Question 9

What does staff welfare include?

Answer 9

Ensuring a comfortable working environment, access to hygiene and break facilities.

Question 10

What employment issues does HR handle?

Answer 10

Preparing contracts, clarifying pay & working hours, job descriptions & holidays.

Question 11

What is the role of HR in industrial relations?

Answer 11

Maintaining communication with trade unions and handling employer-employee negotiations.

Question 12

What are disciplinary and grievance procedures?

Answer 12

Managing disciplinary actions and grievance handling processes.

Question 13

How does HR handle dismissals?

Answer 13

Issuing formal warnings, handling legal requirements for termination of employees.

Question 14

What is redundancy and how does HR manage it?

Answer 14

Following proper procedures for employee layoffs, including written notice and redundancy pay.

Question 15

What is the main function of the finance department?

Answer 15

Recording, monitoring, and managing all financial transactions of the business.

Question 16

Why is recording transactions important?

Answer 16

Ensuring all purchases and sales are documented for financial reporting.

Question 17

How does the finance department manage wages and salaries?

Answer 17

Processing payments, wage slips, tax payments, and handling payroll queries.

Question 18

What is credit control?

Answer 18

Monitoring money owed by customers and chasing outstanding debts.

Question 19

How does finance manage cash flow?

Answer 19

Creating cash flow forecasts and budgets to control the firm’s money.

Question 20

What are business accounts?

Answer 20

Financial statements such as income statements and balance sheets showing company performance.

Question 21

What is market research?

Answer 21

Collection, presentation & analysis of information relating to the marketing & consumption of goods & services.

Question 22

What is product planning?

Answer 22

Deciding on product launches, relaunches, or discontinuations.

Question 23

How does the marketing department set prices?

Answer 23

Based on costs, competition, and market conditions.

Question 24

What are some examples of sales promotion?

Answer 24

Discounts, loyalty cards, BOGOF offers, and special deals.

Question 25

What does advertising involve?

Answer 25

Creating and purchasing media space for promotional content.

Question 26

What is customer service & why is it important?

Answer 26

Providing assistance before, during, and after purchases to enhance customer experience.

Question 27

What is public relations (PR)?

Answer 27

Managing company reputation and communication with the public and investors.

Question 28

Why is packaging important in marketing?

Answer 28

It influences branding and product appeal to customers.

Question 29

What is the role of distribution in marketing?

Answer 29

Ensuring products are available to customers in the right place at the right time.

Question 30

What does the production department do?

Answer 30

Making goods and providing services in a business.

Question 31

What is product design?

Answer 31

Creating new or custom product designs to meet customer needs.

Question 32

What is purchasing in production?

Answer 32

Obtaining raw materials, tools, equipment, and packaging for production.

Question 33

How does stock control work?

Answer 33

Managing inventory, storage, and supply chain processes.

Question 34

What is maintenance in production?

Answer 34

Ensuring equipment and business property are clean and well-maintained.

Question 35

What is research and development (R&D)?

Answer 35

Innovating and discovering new materials, processes, and products.

Question 36

Why is interdependence between departments important?

Answer 36

Departments rely on each other for success and must communicate effectively.

Question 37

Contracts of employment

Answer 37

Written agreements between an employer & an employee in which each has certain obligations.

Question 38

Unfair dismissal

Answer 38

When a worker is dismissed illegaly by a business.

Question 39

Employment tribunal

Answer 39

Court that deals with cases involving disputes between employers & employees.