Task

In December 2013 Holden announced that they would cease manufacturing in Australia by the end of 2017. The closure of plants at Port Melbourne and Adelaide will result in the loss of 2,900 jobs. During this period they will continue to produce motor vehicles in Australia. To do this Holden will need to maintain an efficient workforce and will face a range of issues retaining highly skilled workers as employees prepare themselves and seek new employment opportunities.

As Director of Human Resources, you have been asked to prepare a report for Head Office in Detroit outlining the issues faced by HR endeavouring to keep an efficient workforce to maintain productivity levels, and developing strategies for the ultimate reduction and lay-off of employees.

Rationale

This assignment is designed to:

•  
  • familiarise students with the nature of the HRM phenomenon and the different perspectives from which it is viewed;
  • encourage students to explore various HRM theories;
  • develop the ability to identify the importance of the HR function in the effective management of people;
  • familiarise students with the gap which may exist between the academic theories and the real world practice of HRM;
  • encourage students to develop a critical understanding of the extent to which organisations adhere to espoused HRM policies;
  • encourage students to explore the various HR challenges such as environmental, organisational, individual and in the performance of their day-to-day responsibilities; complicated relationship among top management, line managers, HR managers and employees and its effect on HR policies and practices;
  • encourage students to develop sound analytical skills based on in-depth literature research, learnt theories, case studies and work practices.
• Presentation

Report Writing
Reports are frequently used in business to focus on practical issues or problems for which decisions need to be made, or action taken. Such a report would need to clearly outline the problem or issue, interpret the problem/issue using theoretical principles or evidence to support observations and recommendations. A well written report requires the author "to exhibit investigative skills, judgment and the ability to write persuasively" (Sligo, 1994 in Emerson, 1995). A persuasive argument is objective, and well supported with proof or evidence to support your ideas; you need to explain why your recommendations are the best (in the short and long term).

There are many different report formats that could be used. Work with a generic report structure for the assignment, using those sections you consider to be relevant.

Remember your report should offer practical ideas that are grounded in the present situation and be supported by good principles, practice and evidence.