Human Resources of Nordens Confectionaries - Report Example

Topic: Human Resource Report Name of Student: Registration Number: Institution: Tutor: Date of Submission: 1. Introduction In the present working environment, there are a number of complexities that are experienced and flexibility is paramount towards managing changes effectively for prosperity to be attained (Wolper, 2011). Problem solving forms the most significant part of human activity. Most organizations opt to hire the best problem solvers in order to improve their problem solving capabilities. The method for solving a problem is dependent on the nature of the problem. Some of the problems that are likely to be experienced by any organization include conflict resolution problems, legal problems, calculation problems, individual problems, factory operations problems and technical problems such as computer problems and mechanical problems (Svetlik and Sadar, 2006). The general requirement during problem solving process requites that the human resource personnel analyze the condition of the problem, analyze how it can be solved and how to make a transition. Rapid changes occur that prevent the attainment of goals of an organization in such areas as employee relationships with the management, increased need to understand the needs and expectations of employees and stakeholders and strategies for alignment of investments in certain areas to achieve higher productivity and reduction of costs of production. There are also issues relating to emergency preparedness and readiness to control threats at the workplace as well as sustainability of the environment. This paper provides the major problems that are experienced by the Norden’s Confectionaries Limited and the methods that can be used to solve these issues. In this paper, the main areas of concern are human resource decisions that have the capability to have a significant impact on performance of an organization. It is hoped that this study will provide additional research in the connection between HRM and performance of an organization. The main issues faced by the organization in the case study are identified and several suggestions are suggested that can be implemented to build a more efficient human resource management system that addresses the needs of the organization. 2. Key issues faced by the organization in the Case Study Norden’s confectionary is a leading Company in the manufacture of confectionaries such as biscuits and cakes. The company is considered a good employer by its employees. There are many attributes that have been used in reference to the company such as high recruitment rates for employees and good scheduling of workforce through shifts and engagement of full-time employees in working processes. The company also has effective management systems in all its areas of operations (Randhawa, 2007). These include management sectors and Workers Trade Union that ensure difficulties in the company are addressed. In spite of these proper organizations of the company, there are a number of challenges that are experienced by the company (Kelada, 1996). For instance, is the need to improve participation in the ‘traditional’ untapped markets in Britain by implementing production and HRM measures that result into attainment of maximum profit from the markets. The first issues include the need to invest in new machinery and starting a new shift pattern such as including night work. In addition, there has been the need raise skill levels among staffs as a method of increasing numeracy and competence. The introduction of new machinery will also require training of staffs to attain IT skills that are important in operating the machines. The other issue that has been reported in the company is that a number of women have raised a complaint that they are not involved in opportunities of promotion. One of the supervisors has also been reported to be aggressive towards women and other people within the minority group. It has also been necessary to deal with high turnover of certain groups such as the difficulty to retain young employees. The company has also tried to employ people from minority communities into the production departments but they have always left after a number of weeks. The other issue that was reported by Philip Norden, the production manager of the company is that there is need to enhance equality in the production sector by addressing diversity issue as a method of improving the value of the company. It was reported that people with disability were excluded from the recruitment process into the production sector. This was considered a factor that contributed towards lack of diversity representation in the company. Thus, it was necessary to ensure these issues were addressed. 3. Identification of theory and practice to solve the issues In order to address the issues observed at the Norden Confectionaries, a number of theories and practices have been proposed for implementation by the HRM department. The first problem can be solved by providing training on IT skills that are important in operation of new machines and equipment. It is also important to schedule working procedures so that employees are able to work in shifts. More research also needs to be done to determine the right machines that will be able to facilitate the functions of large scale production to meet the needs of customers. Managing machinery operations will be facilitated by application of the theory of constraints. In this theory, bottlenecks are identified in the factory floor. This involves identifying any component that constraints the overall throughout of the entire system. When the bottlenecks have been identified, they are sped up so that the entire system is improved. Other methods of achieving 100% capacity of the machine can include correcting bad components, reporting to the machine at the right time and working within a certain number of limited orders (Kandula, 2007). The problem of lack of consideration of women in promotion positions of the company and aggressiveness of one of the supervisors towards women can be addressed by implementing conflict management practices such as training the supervisor to practice a confidential consultation methods that are important in understanding disagreements and coming up with solutions. The HRM department should also facilitate the conflict management process by use of informal conflict resolution processes and creation of policies and processes that allow collective bargaining. The problem of losing young competent employees to other companies can be solved by formation of Worker’s Union that addresses the complaints of workers (Cornelius, 2001). This will assists in lobbying for a better pay and working conditions for employees. It will also ensure any grievances are handled and forwarded to HRM department for consideration. Diversity issues such as lack of promotion opportunities at the work place should be handled by promoting employees based on performance and not gender. The company should identify women who have shown commitment towards its goals and promote them In a similar manner as male counterparts. The difficulty of considering diversity such as people who have disabilities at the work place can be addressed by adoption of affirmative action policies that address these problems (Wolper, 2011). This involves giving opportunities to the disadvantaged workers. Hiring process should not be based on race or family member. Training should then be provided to manage disagreements that result from diversity groups. Thus, the capacity of employees will be maximized towards contributing to the goals of the organization. 4. Conclusion and recommendations and prediction of outcomes Nordens Confectionaries is a company that has the ability to improve its production activities and reach a wider market if the solutions suggested above are implemented in managing issues that are currently being experienced. The problems mentioned in the daily activities of Nordens confectionaries have solutions and the HRM department must implement them in order to attain its goals and objectives. These problems have been observed in many companies but the suggested solutions have not been implemented. Thus, it has not been easy to manage the difficulty in a number of companies. Consequently, these companies have incurred high costs in terms of time, money and efficiency. There have also been increased tensions, loss of productivity and increased conflict among employees. Interaction has also been difficult between employees and management and it has not been possible to retain competent employees. However, if Nordens Confectionaries implements the suggestions suggested in this paper, it will be possible to overcome many problems identified above. For instance, good working conditions and right amounts of remuneration for competent employees will ensure they do not leave the company for other companies. Involvement of women in promotion positions will enhance the reputation of the company as one that considers both male and female employee’s needs. However, the company needs to provide additional training programs that enhance the capabilities of its employees such as supervisors by providing them with information that assists in solving grievances of employees. There is also the need to conduct more education on ways of responding to pressure and difficulties that are experienced in the process of making changes to the operations of the company. The process of solving the above issues may be facilitated by employing the right professionals who have the understanding of challenges and coming up with methods of solving them. Despite the importance of considering diversity at the work lace, companies also need to be aware of challenges that come with involvement of diversity. In order to get maximum output from diverse work force, it is important to know to cope with these challenges. 5. References Cornelius, Nelarine. Human Resource Management: A Managerial Perspective. London [u.a.: Internat. Thomson Business, 2001. Print. Holman, David, Toby D. Wall, Chris W. Clegg, and al Et. The New Workplace: A Guide to the Human Impact of Modern Working Practices. Chichester: John Wiley & Sons, 2003. Internet resource. Kandula, Srinivas R. Human Resource Management in Practice: With 300 Models, Techniques and Tools. New Delhi: Prentice-Hall of India, 2007. Print. Kelada, Joseph N. Integrating Reengineering with Total Quality. Milwaukee, Wi: ASQC Quality Press, 1996. Print. Randhawa, Gurpreet. Human Resource Management. New Delhi: Atlantic Publishers & Distributors, 2007. Print. Svetlik, Ivan, and Sadar N. Černigoj. Hrm's Contribution to Hard Work: A Comparative Analysis of Human Resource Management. Bern: Lang, 2006. Print. Wolper, Lawrence F. Health Care Administration: Managing Organized Delivery Systems. Sudbury, Mass: Jones and Bartlett Publishers, 2011. Internet resource. Read More