Learning Activity # 1

Provide an example of a mass customized product and explain why this type of operation is best for the organization. Why are more companies devoting at least a portion of their operations to mass customization?

Learning Activity # 2

Consider these three positions at Starbucks: retail store manager (in charge of the day-to-day operations at one store), district manager (responsible for the operations at multiple stores), and president of Starbucks North America (in charge of operations throughout the United States, Canada, and Mexico). Identify the information needs of managers at each level.

QUESTION 1: What does Strategic HR mean?

In Chapter 1 we talk about the role HR plays within today's organizations. It's logical is it not? Today, the most valuable asset a company can have is its employees! Years ago while pursuing our MBAs, we took courses in Inventory Management, Production, and Plant Operations. But then twenty years ago our economy was based upon manufacturing and a company's production capacity and inventory were of prime importance. Today, we're in the information age and employees, especially creative employees with innovative ideas and technological skills, are paramount.

Twenty years ago, an HRM was little more than an administrator, someone to process the application form and ensure the new employee's beneficiary form was completed correctly. Today, HRM's are strategic partners in every thriving business enterprise developing policies and programs to support the mission of the business enterprise. Be sure to read and understand the information presented in Table 2.1 on pages 3 and 4 of your text.

Take a moment and define for us in your own words what you understand "strategic" to mean? And then discuss in detail and in your own words why we look at Strategic HRM as one of the first topic in this course.

Don't forget to read over and then respond to a colleague's ideas.

Be sure to include citations from at least two sources you used to develop your responses!

QUESTION 2: Thoughts about HR Functions in today's world

What I would like you to do is read chapters one and two and then the Art Brooks and the Mayhew articles. As you read, make note of all of the HR functions identified in the readings and reflect carefully on the responsibilities of today's HRMs.

In your thoughtful idea presentation you want to talk about organizational functions and about the responsibilities an HRM has today to help an organization achieve maximum efficiency and meet their stated goals. Include some thoughts to demonstrate your understanding about how and HRM's roles and responsibilities have developed and grown. Once you've posted your thoughts, take the time to respond to a colleague's ideas.