Human Resource Management: A Comprehensive Analysis of 'Say it with Chocolate' and Microsoft

This assignment delves into the critical aspects of Human Resource Management (HRM) by examining two case studies: 'Say it with Chocolate' and Microsoft. It explores the purpose and functions of HRM, recruitment and selection processes, employee performance, reward and development, and the impact of legislation on HR decision-making. The analysis provides insights into best practices, potential improvements, and the significance of employee engagement in achieving organizational success.

UNIT 3- HUMAN RESOURCE MANAGEMENT
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Table of Contents
INTRODUCTION................................................................................................................................3
TASK 1..............................................................................................................................................4
(LO1).................................................................................................................................................4
Part 1............................................................................................................................................4
TASK 3..............................................................................................................................................9
(L02).............................................................................................................................................9
TASK 4............................................................................................................................................13
(LO3)...........................................................................................................................................13
TASK 2............................................................................................................................................17
LO4.............................................................................................................................................17
CONCLUSION.................................................................................................................................24
REFERENCES...................................................................................................................................25
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INTRODUCTION
Human resource management is the important function and aspect of the organization like the
other functions of the management. Thus every organization needs to focus on the importance
and function of the human resource department (Veloso, et al. 2015). Human resource
department plays a tactical role in the management of the people, culture, environment and
the culture.
This assignment will give deep insights into the scope and purpose of the HRM, selection and
recruitment. This will also gain understanding and knowledge of the employee performance,
reward and development and the factors that affect the decision making of the human resource
in context with the “Say it Chocolate” and Microsoft.
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TASK 1
(LO1)
Part 1
“Say it with Chocolate” is the UK based organisation which is operating its business in the North
Yorkshire. It provides greeting cards which are based on the tailor-made chocolate. The
company is looking for expansion of its business and that will need talented and skilled
workforce (Veloso, et al. 2015). Being a human resource officer of this company, it is crucial for
recruiting the workforce. For this a report has been prepared which are as follows:
A) HR FUNCTION PURPOSE AT THE “SAY IT WITH CHOCOLATE”
There are various functions which are being followed by the ‘Say it with Chocolate’ and that
involves operative and managerial functions both. In respect to the managerial functions, the
team of the human resource follows the planning, organising, staffing, directing and controlling
functions. The human resource team of the ‘Say it with Chocolate' engaged in the performing of
the above functions for the recruitment of the new staff and workforce that will balances the
problem of the employee turnover and also help in maintaining the quality of the products
offered by the company (Chowhan, 2016). Planning is accompanied for the achievement of the
goal of the Human resource department and also the company with the help of the proper
research as the number of vacant places to be filled or employees needed for the expansion of
the business. The other function is the organising which is also important in which the work has
been designated to the employees. Directing is being done for the enhancement of the
employee potential to work. The last function focuses on the scrutinizing the work of the staff
and making the changes wherever necessary (Armstrong, and Taylor, 2014).
The operative function aims at the recruitment, selection, training and appraisal of the
employees. This all functions are performed by the human resource team of the “Say it with
Chocolate” that will also help in the recruitment of the workforce so that the company’s
current problem of the employee turnover can be sorted out (Chowhan, 2016). The human
resource of the company also engaged in the development and training of the employees so
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that the company can maintain its product quality and also the employee turnover problem can
be minimised.
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B) RESPONSIBILITIES AND ROLES OF HUMAN RESOURCE OFFICER
Following are the responsibilities and roles of the human resource officer:
1. To create, implement, supervise and manage the policies of HR and ensuring the
development of the HR policies for the corporate in respect to the Say it with Chocolate.
2. To develop the team of HR and to ensure the professional HR provision of the Say it with
Chocolate (Shin and Konrad, 2017).
3. Managing the team of the company and guiding, mentoring and developing them.
4. Also ensuring the recruitment at the vacant place.
5. Preparing the input and information for the budget of the salary.
6. Developing the business plan of HR.
7. To develop and maintain the system of the HR.
8. To support and facilitate the team members development (Armstrong, and Taylor,
2014).
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C) ADVANTAGES AND DISADVANTAGES OF THE CURRENT SELECTION PROCEDURE AND
COMPARISON WITH OTHER APPROACHES
Selection method adopted at “Say it with Chocolate”
External recruitment: The Company aims at the recruitment of the staff from the outside of the
organization. Say it with Chocolate is recruiting its workforce for the expansion and growth of
the organisation from the outer area as their nearby area have the high rate of the
unemployment (Para-González, et al. 2015).
Advantages of the External recruitment method:
1. It brings the fresher skills to the company.
2. It also enhances the competition.
3. It also improves the quality of the products as the new employees would provide the proper
training (Shailashree, and Shenoy, 2016).
Disadvantages of the External recruitment method:
1. The candidates have the less understanding of the company.
2. This method needs a lot of efforts and time.
Comparison with another method:
1. The external method takes lots of time as compared to the internal method of the
recruitment.
2. Internal method recruitment has the candidates who have already knowledge of the
company.
3. External methods provide the new ideas and market knowledge by the new candidates
(Shailashree, and Shenoy, 2016).
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D) POTENTIAL IMPROVEMENTS IN THE CURRENT SELECTION METHODS AT “SAY IT WITH
CHOCOLATE”
The recruitment process of the “Say it with Chocolate” can be improved by the adoption of
following changes (Armstrong, and Taylor, 2014):
The selection process of the company focuses at the conduction of the test, the company can
avoid the test procedure and adopt the technical test so that there can be the evaluation of the
suitable candidate for the vacant post can be done. Moreover, there may be the conduction of
the formal interview and there should be the panel of 4-5 members for the interview process
and prior to the interview process group discussion should be conducted to scrutinize the
potential employees. After the selection process, the company should conduct a full day
induction program so that the new employee can have the proper understanding of the
company. The company should make the rules for minimising the employee turnover like the
agreement period or can address the reason for resigning from the company. Also, the
company can also go for the campus recruitment this will also help in the recruitment of the
desired candidate (Para-González, et al. 2015).
.
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TASK 3
(L02)
Microsoft is a multinational corporation that provides, manufactures, develops, supports,
licenses and sells the computer software. It has been recognized as the world’s largest maker of
software in terms of the revenue as in 2016 and also as the most valuable companies in the
world. This task focuses on the preparation of the summary report that will address and
encourage the following (Ayentimi, et al. 2018):
A) BENEFITS OF THE APPRENTICESHIP AND GRADUATE TRAINING SCHEMES AT MICROSOFT:
Benefits to the employees:
Microsoft focuses on providing the graduate training schemes and apprenticeship which helps
in the self-development of the employees. It also appreciates the employees for their working.
Apprenticeships programs that are offered by the Microsoft focuses at providing the chances if
work towards a qualification. It also helps the employee in gaining the knowledge and skills that
are needed for the success of the organization (Rees and Smith, 2017). This also opens the door
for the progress in the career as it helps in the development of the career quickly.
Apprenticeships provide the professional and fantastic experience to the employers and also
give the real and practical approach to apply the skills and knowledge to the employees that
they have studied during their academic duration. It also provides the chance of earning money
while learning so it provides the dual benefit of earning and learning (Fuller, et al. 2017).
Benefits to the employers:
There are various benefits of the apprenticeship and graduate training programs to the
Microsoft also: It helps the company to increase the productivity of the organization with the
less pay and also providing the training to the employee, it reduces the cost of the company.
Microsoft uses the customized apprentice training as per the job profile requirement. This helps
the company to save a lot of time. The company also gets the fresh ideas and the people who
are serious, knowledgeable, academic understanding and hardworking (Fuller, et al. 2017). This
all can use by the Microsoft in the betterment of the society.
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B) DEVELOPMENT OPPORTUNITIES IN THE PERMANENT JOB ROLE:
Following are the development opportunities available to the Microsoft employee after getting
in the permanent job role:
Career development or counselling services: The employees of the Microsoft have the right to
get the different educational programs and study further for the skills improvements and
getting incentives and appraisal in the current job role. Microsoft allows the employees to take
a break from the study and rejoin the company after the completion of the services (Cummings
and Worley, 2014).
Coaching on the career development with the help of the ongoing connections with
managers:
Microsoft provides the coaching on the development of the career through the managers. The
managers provide the guidance related to their career and suggest the best option for their
growth in the career (Cummings and Worley, 2014).
On the job stretch opportunities: Employees at the Microsoft are allowed for the stretch their
job by providing the opportunities according to the roles and responsibilities. This helps in
growth in the professional life. These opportunities are provided to those people who are
considered for the future roles of the executive based on their potential and performance.
Tuition reimbursement: Company also focuses on providing the reimbursement for their
educational and other professional courses fees so that the employees don’t have the burden
of the courses (Kauhane and Nätti, 2015).
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C) BENEFITS OF FLEXIBLE WORKING PRACTICES ADOPTED BY THE MICROSOFT:
There are various benefits to the Microsoft organization due to the adoption of the flexible
working practices. It helps in reducing the burnout of the employee which is due to the
overload. It also allows the people to work as per their desire and when they feel fresh and
enjoy the working. Microsoft may experience the increment in the employee engagement,
commitment and morale to the organization. It also reduces the tardiness and problem of the
absenteeism (Kauhane and Nätti, 2015). This also helps in the increment in the ability to recruit
the outstanding employees. Microsoft may also face the decrement in the staff and employee
turnover. It will ultimately increase the productivity as the employees are free to work as their
flexibility in the time. This practice helps the Microsoft for working on a single project which will
save the time, money and cost of the employees and helps in achieving the organizational
goals. This will help the employee to increase their motivation which will help in increment of
the profit and productivity of the company. This will also increase the trust and confidence of
the employees towards the company (Cummings and Worley, 2014).
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D) MOTIVATION METHODS USED AT THE MICROSOFT:
Microsoft believes in the providing benefits and incentives to the deserving and potential
employees. Their development and performance program applies to the employees of the
Microsoft at the each and every level of the organization at that extent that is permitted by the
local law (Harju, et al. 2016). The key and main component of the reward system of the
Microsoft is the compensation which is based upon the stock system. It provides the stake of
the ownership in the success of the Microsoft. About 95 per cent of the employee is having
right for the award of the annual stock and approx. 90 % of employees are allowed for the cash
bonus. Microsoft also provides the discounts and offers to their employees. Apart from this
Microsoft aims at providing the incentives and offers to the employees for their performance
and rewards. It also provides the accidental and medical insurance to the employees for
providing the safety and security of the employees (Kauhane and Nätti, 2015).
Job design process is followed by the Microsoft by the human resource department for
ensuring the easy execution of the job. It also provides the company in adjusting the demand of
job load in respect of the job. It also helps in the distributing the responsibilities and duties and
this will help in performing the job in the better manner (Cummings and Worley, 2014).
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TASK 4
(LO3)
Microsoft conducted an employee engagement summit which has the involvement of the six
organizations for sharing the experience and knowledge of the leaders from this organization.
This gives the understanding and knowledge of the HR practices followed by them which helps
in achieving the success of the organization (Harju, et al. 2016).
A) Employee engagement: It is the approach adopted in the workplace which results in creating
the right conditions and situations for the members of the organization for giving their best in
each and every day. It is the process of the creating a positive environment for the employee in
the workplace for ensuring the employee feels motivated and inspired each and every day. It
helps in creating the right environment for the members of the organization so that they can
work effectively and efficiently which helps in the achievement of the goals and objectives
(Rogowski 2016). It helps in to strengthen the relationship between the employers and
employees and making sure the employees have the good working environment. It is that level
and extent in which the employees feel enthusiastic and passionate about their jobs and gives
full commitment to the organization. It also shows the level of happiness of the employees in
the workplace. It has been measured by the use of the survey that has been developed and
created particularly for this purpose. It can be benchmarked against the other organization.
There are the two components of the employee engagement first is engagement with the
organization that measure the engagement of the employees with the organization and their
feelings towards the senior management. Microsoft uses the employee engagement with the
use of the various techniques that will help the company in maintaining the good relationship
among them (Harju, et al. 2016). It will also create the strong brand image of the company and
larger customer base.
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B) EMPLOYEE ENGAGEMENT AS THE INTEGRAL STRATEGY:
The significance of the employee engagement cannot be overstated as the employee
engagement has been proved in reducing the turnover of staff, improving the efficiency and
productivity, retaining the customers and staffs at a higher rate and making more profits. Most
important thing is the engaged employees are happier both at the lives and work which results
in the maintaining the good relations among them. The employee engagement is considered as
the direct proportional to the employee relationships (Rogowski, 2016). The employee that is
engaged in some work will not take interest in gossiping and other work. They will always be
happy with their work and will maintain the satisfied and happier relationship with the
employees. The engaged employee will always be satisfied with their job and always think
about maintaining the good relationship with the subordinates and employers. Employee
engagement is the best strategy for improving the employee relations (Harju, et al. 2016). The
engaged employee will always be busy in their work and will not take care of the negative
thoughts. Through an employee, engagement employee is get motivated by doing work in the
group and they have to trust each fellow staff and take the help of each employee. This will
create the good relationship between them. The employee will also get the idea of getting
things done on time with the help of the each other. Thus it can be said that the employee
engagement is the best strategy adopted by the Microsoft for maintaining the good relationship
among the employees (Bakker, and Demerouti, 2014).
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C) KEY APPROACHES DISCUSSED IN THE SUMMIT AND THEIR IMPORTANCE AT THE
WORKPLACE.
Following are the methods and approaches discussed in the summit that helped in the good
communication at the workplace:
 The human resource at the Microsoft had discussed the cultural transformation of the
Microsoft and the use of technology for connecting with the employees. They produce
the product for overcoming the shortcomings and improving the productivity. This will
improve the connectivity of the employee and also the better and good communication
among them (Bakker, and Demerouti, 2014).
 The human resource at KFC also share his approach for the employee engagement that
helps in the engaging younger, large workforce and improving the experience of the
employees and their safety at the workplace and will also enhance the customer's
satisfaction. They have used the online platform with the Yammer.
 Global social enterprise lead at the Accenture also uses the employee engagement
approach for empowering its people and improving the communication and
collaboration by the working method of the project and a team-based approach. Their
employee uses the digital cockpit for the communication.
 TSB bank also uses the digital technology for connecting the different branches with
each other and helping the company in better communication among the employee
(Marek, et al. 2017).
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D) MAIN PIECES OF THE EMPLOYMENT LEGISLATION IN UK AND THEIR EFFECT ON THE
DECISION MAKING OF HUMAN RESOURCE.
Following are the legislation created for the employee and employer relations:
Sex discrimination act, 1975: This act provides the right of the employee which makes no
discrimination against the gender, religion, caste, etc. And this helps in the decision making by
the providing the equal opportunity while the recruitment, promotion and many other activities
of the Human resource (Burke, and Noumair, 2015).
Equal Pay Act, 1970: This law ensures the equality of the pay in respect of the gender and they
will be paid in the equal amount in respect of the pay and salary. This also helps in the decision
making of making payment and recruiting staff.
Health and safety laws: This law suggests that the employee of the company does will get a
safe and secure working environment for all employees at the workplace. This law is important
in the organization and also for making the decision in the organization in respect of the human
resource department (Marek, et al. 2017).
Redundancy payment act 1965: This law suggests that the staff should receive a payment and
the amount for the losing their employment in case if the company does not require the
employee. This helps in taking the decision by the HR department that payment should give to
the employee them (Bakker, and Demerouti, 2014).
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TASK 2
(LO4)
(A)PERSON SPECIFICATION FOR THE ROLE OF RECEPTIONIST AT SAY IT WITH CHOCOLATE
The following is the person specification for the role of receptionist at Say it with Chocolate
JOB ROLE Front Desk Receptionist
DEPARTMENT Customer Relationship Management
REPORTING Unit Manager
DESIRED EXPERIENCE The candidate must have an experience of more than two years
as a full-time front desk receptionist
ESSENTIAL EDUCATION The candidate must be graduate in any discipline
ESSENTIAL
CERTIFICATIONS
The certification that is essential for the job post is as follows:
 MS Office
 Customer Relationship Management
 Public Management
PURPOSE To handle the management of the front desk of the Office
JOB RESPONSIBILITY The Job responsibility of the receptionist will be as follows:
 Welcoming and directing the visitors to the office of Say
it with chocolate
 Taking care of all the entries of the visitors(Resources
Workable, 2018)
 Fixing appointment of the visitors with the executives of
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the office
 Taking Care of all the incoming and outgoing parcels of
the office
 Taking care of the telephonic communication at the front
desk (Resources Workable, 2018)
 Managing the customer relationship management
software
 Handling Complains of the customers at the service desk
RESPONSIBLE FOR
EQUIPMENT
Front desk Telephone and Computer, Stationary Material and
registers
WORK TIMINGS The work timing for the front desk receptionist will be eight
hours a day and five days a week ( 9:00 AM to 05:00 PM )
WORK LOCATION The work location for the Front desk receptionist will be at the
head office of Say it with Chocolates
ANNUAL
COMPENSATIONS
£25550- £45000 ( Based upon the candidate experience,
qualification and assessment process performance)
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(B) RATIONALE FOR A SUITABLE MEDIUM FOR PLACING THE ADVERTISEMENT
The reasons that the human resource department at Say it with chocolate must change the
method of hiring through the billboard advertisement are diverse. Due to such method, the
information about the job opening does not reach to a larger number of candidates, which
limits the scope of hiring good quality candidates. The billboard method is also not appropriate
and does not look professional. There are chances that the information about the job opening
may get unnoticed and the human resource department of the company may not get any
response for the opening. The other methods that the company can use can help to reach the
larger number of candidates, which will support the process of hiring. Hiring the right candidate
is significant for the company as it helps to improve the productivity of the company and
improve profits (Fong et al. 2011). The right method advertisement will also help the company
to save the time as it will make sure that the candidate appears for the interview only at the
time and place mentioned in the add. The right method of advertisement will also improve the
scope of getting the candidate according to the desired qualification, experience and skill for
the company. Advertisement in the other mediums such as newspaper and online portal will
also help to improve the brand awareness of the company; this will improve the scope of
reaching better candidates and improving brand image.
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(C) MERITS AND DEMERITS OF METHOD OF RECRUITMENT USED AT SAY IT WITH CHOCOLATE
FOR HIRING
The method that was used in hiring at Say it with chocolate was through placing the job
advertisement on the billboard of the office. The advantages of this method are, Due to this
method, the information is shared with the staff of the company and they may refer the
candidates for the job opening. The method is low cost as it does not involve the saves the cost
that is engaged in the advertisement for the job opening. The method helps to improve the
awareness of the recruitment to the visitors of the office.
The disadvantages of recruitment through this method is that Due to this method the company
may not get a quick response to the advertisement due to which the job post may remain
vacant for a long time, which may impact the productivity of the company. This method also
reduces the chances of getting good candidates for the job, as the information regarding the
job opening does not reach to a larger number of candidates (Fong et al. 2011). The company
may also get the application for the job opening in an uncertain routine, due to this the
company may face difficulty in arraigning the interview process and the assessment tests. There
are chances that the company may not desire candidate for a long time no candidate according
to the company policy may apply for the position.
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(D) INTERVIEW QUESTION FOR THE POST OF RECEPTIONIST AT SAY IT WITH CHOCOLATE
The interview is a process in which a set of questions are asked of the candidate regarding
various topics to examine his/her capability for the position that the candidate has applied for.
The interview process has many physiological and technical factors that help to judge the
potential of the candidate (Huffcutt et al. 2013). The interview process helps to identify the
view of the candidate about the job and also gives a platform for better communication with
him. The interview process is widely followed by all the companies. The interview questions
that can be asked for the job portion of the receptionist at Say it with Chocolate are as follows:
 What were the jobs and responsibility that you had in your previous job? (Reed, 2018)
 What do you know about our company, have you ever tried any of our products?
 Can you handle the customer complaints effectively, if yes, then how you will do it?
(Reed, 2018)
 What are the computer skills that you have to fulfil the objective of your job as a
receptionist?
 Why do you want to become a receptionist? (Resources Workable, 2018)
 What additional certifications that you have that support your position as a
receptionist? (Resources Workable, 2018)
 Suppose you have to face a customer who is not satisfied with the services of Say it with
Chocolates because of late delivery of product, then what will you do to handle the
situation?
 Are you comfortable to work over time?
 How good are your telephone Etiquette and customer relationship management skills?
 What are the steps that you will take to manage your daily schedules? (Resources
Workable, 2018)
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CONCLUSION
From the above assignment, it can be concluded that the human resource department is very
essential and important part of the organization that helps in the proper planning and
controlling of the workforce. “Say with it Chocolate” also engaged in the proper planning of the
workforce and also the proper management of the workforce. The organization like Microsoft
also engaged in the employee engagement for maintaining the human relations and employee
satisfaction of the employees.
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