Roads and Transport Authority - Coursework Example

?3HRC Parts A & B: Roads and Transport ity (RTA) Activity A As a new manager is starting in the Roads and Transport ity (RTA) shortly, one is tasked to provide a report to this new-starter, so that the manager can gain some understanding of the organization in preparation for their start. In this regard, the report for indicate information on the following: (1) a list of the main products and services; (2) an identification of the main customers; (3) the purpose and goals of RTA; (4) an analysis of a minimum of 4 external factors and their impact on the business activities of RTA; (5) The structure and at least 4 functions of RTA; (6) an explanation of how these different functions work together within the organisation to optimise performance; and (7) an identification of the culture of the organisation and at least 2 ways this affects operations. The official website of the RTA (2011) revealed that the organization is “responsible for planning and providing the requirements of transport, roads & traffic in the Emirate of Dubai, and between Dubai and other Emirates of the UAE, neighboring countries in order to provide an effective & an integrated transport system capable of achieving Dubai's vision & serving the vital interests of the Emirate” (RTA, par. 2). Since it is a service and governmental organization, its product is the service of providing crucial functions of road safety and effective management for the transport system of Dubai. Its main customers are all commuters and drivers of buses, taxis, inter-city transport, marine, rail, and those affected by traffic and road management and safety. Its mission is to “prepare legislation and develop integrated solutions of road systems and land/marine transportation networks that are safe and in line with Dubai’s economic development plans and the highest international standards” (RTA: mission, par. 1) with the goal of ensuring safety and smooth transport to all commuters at all times. Since the organization is focused on road safety, the external factors that impact their operations are: (1) environmental (weather conditions and disturbances); (2) political factors (changes in laws and policies); (3) economic conditions (taxes paid by the public, purchasing power, rate of infrastructure development); and (4) technological factor (updates on the IT used in systems and procedures in RTA due to external advancement; the condition and status of the vehicles). The official portal of the RTA indicated that “it is responsible for planning and executing transport and traffic projects in Dubai, preparing legislation and strategic plans, planning and constructing the Dubai Metro, developing other integrated solutions of road systems and marine networks that are safe and in line with the city’s economic development plans and the highest international standards” (RTA: profile, par. 1). The functions of planning, organizing, directing and controlling relevant legislations, rules and policies on road safety and management are crucial to ensure that there is a smooth transition and governance of transport administration. Since the RTA is a governmental organization, the culture, values, beliefs and practices of the Saudi people are manifested. The flag, king, borders, regions, population, currency, landmarks (Kingdom Center) and food have shaped the lives of this nation. The cultural traditions, values and beliefs helped them stand out as one of the largest and richest countries in the Middle East. Therefore, any celebration of the rich cultural tradition impacts the administration of traffic and road safety in terms of determining the number and route of commuters and vehicles that could possible converge in commercial districts or religious institutions, as the situation warrants. Activity B Given the scenario that one’s Executive Directors are proposing to reduce the size of the HR section, or even close the function completely. One is therefore tasked to write a short report to the Board that supports the retention of the HR function within the RTA and explain the following: (1) the organisation’s strategy; (2) how at least 3 HR activities support the organisation’s strategy; and (3) a determination of at least 3 ways HR professionals support line managers and their staff. As indicated in the RTA portal “RTA had developed a comprehensive strategy to channel and provide services online in keeping with the vision of the e-Government of Dubai. RTA worked out a strategy based on fast delivery and customer centricity. It had therefore teamed up with the e-Government to introduce RTA online services and apply the metrics & benchmarks of the e-Government of Dubai, such as Quality of Online Services Document” (RTA, par. 6). In this regard, the HR function is seen as crucial in terms of achieving the goals and mission set by the Dubai government, to enable the catching up with “the strategies and objectives set by Dubai Government to achieve excellence” said Khalaf Khalaf, Acting Director of Development and Corporate Performance Dep’t at RTA Strategy & Corporate Governance” (RTA, par. 2). There are critical functions of the HR needed to support the identified strategy of the RTA/ These functions include acquisition, maintenance, and development of human resources. An important function of human resources management is to ensure that the RTA has an adequate supply of the right quantity and quality of human resources at all levels and in all positions at the right time and in the right place to man the jobs that have been properly identified and described. This function which has been terms acquisition or procurement has five phases: human resources planning, recruitment, screening, selection, and placement. As soon as the individual is hired and placed, the RTA has the obligation to maintain him not only with regard to his physiological needs but also his higher needs. This phase insures his retention in the organization and his motivation for more and better productivity. Maintenance, is therefore, another function where the employee receives his due share of wages, salaries, rewards and sanctions, psychological motivation, wholesome and safe physical working conditions, among others. This particular function includes worker orientation, physical working conditions, motivation, performance evaluation, compensation administration, management-labor relations, and movement. Finally, as forward looking management, RTA should provide opportunities for development of human capital. Employees can best be partners in any enterprise if they are maximally developed and when they reach their optimum potential. Human resources development, therefore, is a function of management that registers, traces, and insures individual progress through continued job proficiency, career growth and individual guidance. The HR manager exercises line function over the workers within the department, like the other line managers. He has direct control and supervisory powers over them. He leads and motivates them in the same way that his co-line managers lead and motivate their own subordinates. Most HR managers are given the responsibility to supervise, control, direct the overall implementation of personnel policies while the staff takes care of the specialized personnel functions. By performing staff functions, they are limited to offer advice and assistance to line managers in seeking solutions to problems. On the other hand, by doing line functions, they are expected to perform functions directly related to the profitability and efficiency of the RTA/ This would make them involved in the processes of planning, decision and policy making. Works Cited Road and Transport Authority (RTA). (2011). About. Retrieved 06 January 2011. < http://www.rta.ae/wpsv5/wps/portal/About?SwitchToLatestLocale=true> ----------------. (2011). Mission. Retrieved 06 January 2011. Read More