A large pharmaceutical company located in the Northeast is one of the leading manufacturers of pharmaceuticals in the US. Because of the intense competition in the industry and the heightened competition for highly skilled personnel, the company believes that qualtiy of work life (QWL) is a key factor for achieving a competitive advantage. In support of this belief, the company is considering the option of telecommuting work arrangement for selected jobs.

The public relations specialist has been identifed as an appropriate job for telecommuting because the job reposnibilities are mostly information related actvities that require independent mental effort with no supervisory responsibilities.  There is only one job incumbent and that person has resigned.

Job Description:Public Relations Specialist

Department: Public Relations

Reports to: Director of Public Relations

General Summary: Serves as a writer on numberous firm publications, coordinates materials, writes, edits, and proofs articles, public relations publications and advertiseing copy.

Essential Job Functions: Writes, edits and proofs public relations articles, newspaper copy and human interest stories, writes advertising copy in conjunction with the marketing department, writes, edits and coordinates printing and layout of company newsletter, meets with executives to determine public relations needs, meets with media officials and the public to publicize firm's accomplishments, attends informational meeting at the main office on an as-needed basis, gives presentations at meeting and other public events, performs other related duties as assigned by management.

Education and Experience Required: Degree in art/graphic design, demostrated ability to use computer hardware/software, some experience in television or public speaking, considerable knowledge of journalism principles, English grammer and usage, demonstrated ability to write newspaper, news, and human interest articles, reports, brochures, and advertising copy, demonstrated ability to work and communicate effectively with others.

Based on the information you have been asked to develop a plan for recruting and hiring a replacement who will telecommute from home.

Answer the following questions.

1. What method of job analyis do you recommend to determine the job requirements and job specifications for a telecommuting job?

2. Is the method you recommend different from the method you would use if the job were performed in a traditional office enviroment?

3. What procedures do you recommend for recruiting and hiring a telecommuter?

4. Are the procedures you recommend different from the procedures you would use if the job were performed in a traditional office enviorment?

5. What changes would you make to the job description to reflect the telecommuting nature of the job?

6. What other recommendations would you make in order to ensure the successful implementation of a telecommuting work arrangement?