Mid Term Examination, Fall 2017
Course: MGT 543 Human Resource Management
Level : Masters Full Mark: 100
Program: MBA Evening Pass Mark: 60
Trimester: V Time : 3 hrs.
Read the instructions clearly before you start. Try to be direct, original and specific with your answers as
far as possible. Manage your time thoughtfully so that you are able to complete the paper within the set
timeframe. The figures enclosed in brackets indicate the full marks for the respective questions.
1. Radha Joshi is the Head of Compliance Department in a financial institution. She has been working in this
organization for last 16 years and is knowledgeable staff. Her prior work experience of working in the
government sector has contributed to her knowledge of getting things done quickly at the government
offices and how to logically debate on issues that generally the government officials try to linger on the
work processing. She has just celebrated her 54 th birthday but still very active and energetic with her life.
She generally talks loudly and takes pride to say that she is expressive to say what she feels upfront and she
is like that everywhere whether inside or outside office, she likes to talk casually pass comments with office
colleagues no matter who it is, when it is or without measuring if it is for her to answer certain things as a
comment or gesture. Sometimes, her communication behavior leaves other senior colleagues and few new
entrants in doubt whether she is a bit immature on her approach as she it seems she isn’t being tactful or
speaking without thinking and how her style of communication would leave impression of the organization.
About her current role in compliance department, she is very effective in dealing with government officials
on regulatory affairs and putting forth organization’s proposals. Besides, one of the primary roles are to
review reports, proposals drafted for the organization with an expert eye, conduct evaluative analysis and
make recommendation for changes in light of the government rules regulation, market demand perspectives
and matching organization’s goals and desires. She is given autonomy and it is up to her how she
coordinates with various other departments to collect and recheck information and arrange work priorities.
The Office Manager, Anita Kafle is responsible for preparing reports and proposals. However, Ms. Joshi,
doesn’t thoroughly read nor reviews such documents but simply forwards to higher management or other
concerned Managers for their views/feedback. It looks as though she is trying to avoid the detailed reading
and analysis of written document and she generally shows in front of other colleagues that she is busy for
other letter drafting/printing works. This has burdened the work of Sr. Managers who are super busy with
managing the daily office operations and with passing on of such reports without through review only
hampers their regular work schedule and the quality of the work as there are many things to be completed
within time line and it is not just the reports that these senior officials have to look at.
She also has missed out on pointing out important regulatory policy affairs that directly impact’s
organization’s operations which organization could have corrected in time and avoid seeing such remarks
through audit comments. For such issues and or delayed works, she silently tries to put in ears of higher
authorities stating reasons that Ms. Kafle doesn’t submit the documents to her on time. On the other hand,
Page 1 of 4
Ms. Kafle is also seen quite handful with her personal choices of voluntary works, writing journals in
newspapers and traveling for such purpose. However, the higher authorities along with the Head of HR
department, are now thinking that her involvement in such reports reviews, support and compliance affairs
need to be more assertive. They also feel there should also be equal distribution of work through proper
analysis of work load.
The organization’s higher authorities carry strong belief on work life balance while giving autonomy to
staffs whereby the staffs themselves should feel more responsible for their actions. Staff should feel
workplace as second best place to their home and should not feel burdened to come to work. The recent
survey conducted by the HR department showed that staff do feel high for their organization and work life
balance is appreciated. Besides such survey, the HR department has noted in general across the organization
that there is room for improvement in terms of productivity and in the name of work life balance early
leaving from office or not completing the job assignments as per required standards should not be easily
accepted.
Ms. Joshi was made the head of Compliance department just 2 years back on account of her expertise, with
salary raise and is one of the top highly paid employees. Could it be that the age factor is taking toll on her
work affairs?
Questions:
a. If you were the CEO of this organization, do you think there is a need to intervene or should leave things as
it is? If you are to intervene, explain in detail the precise steps that you would undertake to manage the
organization for betterment or justify your alternative answer with ample reasoning. (15 Marks)
b. What are the specific outcomes that an organization’s Human Resource Management strives to achieve? In
reflection of the case situations, explain in detail how such outcomes are relative-interdependent on one
another and how they should be well balanced for organizational effectiveness. (15 Marks)
2. An organization operates in a dynamic environment and its internal work affairs are highly influenced by
the external factors. In this context:
a. What are the new proficiencies required for a HR professional? (5 Marks)
b. Explain in detail the HR Issues that are evident in today’s work place? (10 Marks)
OR
What is strategic Human Resource Management (HRM)? Explain in detail its nature/characteristics?
(5+10 = 15 Marks)
3. A Non-Profit organization has recently been granted funds by an international donor agency to carry out for
a 1-year project established for providing vocational education training i.e. skills for livelihood (for
resident/villagers of Terai-Nepal affected by recent flood of 2074). The project aims to train 500 trainees
and available fund is NPR 50,000 per trainee which should cover all expenses of staffs, trainers, logistics
and stationaries for trainees. The approved training areas are in four areas i) mason/construction building, ii)
electrical, iii) agriculture and iv) plumbing.
Page 2 of 4
State and outline the HR planning process that you would carry out to make this project a success. (15
Marks)
4. Given below is the vacancy announcement made by one of a Cargo company in Nepal, you are now
required to review and answer the questions that follow:
One of a leading courier and Cargo Company announces the vacancy for the following post:
Female Front Desk Executive cum Accounting - 1
Qualification: +2 in accounts stream with good computer skill. Capable of dealing with company clients and
able to update daily accounts independently. Booking of Documents and parcels and on line Tele-
marketing are part of the job. Experience would be preferred.
Interested candidates having zeal to grow up in a working environment may send bio-data to
hr@cargo.com.np before November 25, 2017. Selected candidates will be called for interview.
Contact address: Cargo Service P. Ltd, Baneshwor, Kathmandu, Phone: 998833221
Do you think there is room for improvement in the above advertisement? If yes, using the AIDA concept and
incorporating all important aspects/components of job description and job specification, redraft the vacancy
advertisement (for online job portal) in the best possible manner. (10 Marks)
5. In order to select the best candidate, the selection steps must be undertaken properly. In this context, state
the selection process that can be carried out to ensure that right candidate is hired for a job? (10 Marks)
6. Explain the concept of Job Design. What are the various techniques of Job Design (explain giving
examples)?
(10 Marks)
OR
If developing people in an organization is an ongoing activity, what are the critical steps or process to be
followed for conducting training & development?
(10 Marks)
7. Write short notes on any TWO: (5x2 = 10 Marks)
A. Advantages of flexible working hours
B. Strategies to deal with staff surplus
C. Socialization Process/Steps
Page 3 of 4
All the Best!
Page 4 of 4
