Essay: Analysing HR Activities and Competitive Advantage (700030)

This essay examines the critical role of human resource (HR) activities in fostering employee performance and, subsequently, enhancing an organization's competitive advantage. It focuses on three key HR functions: recruitment, training, and performance appraisal. The essay begins by defining human resource management and its significance in achieving organizational goals. It then delves into recruitment, highlighting how the selection of qualified candidates impacts the company's ability to compete. Next, the essay discusses training, emphasizing its role in improving employee skills and knowledge, leading to increased productivity and adaptability. Finally, the essay analyzes performance appraisal, demonstrating how it motivates employees, recognizes achievements, and provides a framework for continuous improvement. The conclusion synthesizes these arguments, reinforcing the vital connection between effective HR practices and a company's ability to gain a competitive edge in the market.

Managing People at Work 700030
Assessment 3: Essay (25%)
Due Week 9
Write a 1250 (+/-10%) word essay that responds to the following question.
It is often asserted that employees are a significant source of competitive
advantage. Analyse three human resource activities that can impact on employee
performance and consequently enhance an organisations competitive advantage.
Instructions
Students are required to write a 1250 word essay that includes scholarly research and follows
formal essay structure.
Students are expected to present an essay with an introduction that includes a clear position on
the question and supporting arguments (thesis and preview of essay), a series of body
paragraphs which include evidence and evaluation, and, a conclusion which sums up each
argument and the overall position and provides a final comment on the topic.
The essay must include a reference list and in-text citations. The reference list should follow the
essay on a separate page, titled - References. The reference list should be listed in alphabetical
order, in single line spacing and each entry on the reference list must be cited within the essay.
Students are required to use at least 5 scholarly journal articles. Students can supplement this
research with textbooks and edited book chapters; government, industry, organisational and
university websites; and, where appropriate, newspaper articles.
The essay should be completed with double line spacing, Arial 12pt font, & left justified.
Students must complete the assessment in this template which includes the marking guide.
Students are required to download, complete and attach a cover sheet.
Students are required to upload an electronic copy of their assessment to the appropriate
Turnitin assignment drop box in the Managing People at Work vUWS site no later than 12 noon
on the day before their week 9 tutorial. Students must submit a hard copy in their week 9
tutorials. Students must attach the full Turnitin pdf report to the back of their assessment for
submission, where there is no Turnitin report attached the tutor will return the assessment and
the student may incur late penalties.
Start your essay on the following page

HUMAN RESOURCE
ACTIVITIES

TABLE OF CONTENTS
INTRODUCTION..............................................................................................................1
MAIN BODY..................................................................................................................... 1
Recruitment............................................................................................................. 2
Training....................................................................................................................3
Performance appraisal.............................................................................................4
CONCLUSION................................................................................................................. 5
REFERENCES.................................................................................................................6

INTRODUCTION
Human resource is a functional unit of an organisation which deals with the
employees and problems that arises within workplace for improving work performance and
to have competitive advantage. There are some functions of human resource management
like recruitment and selection, training and development, reward management, performance
appraisal and making policies and laws. These all functions are for welfare of both
employees and organisation. This essay is about the human resource activities that impact
on performance of employees and for having competitive advantage for company.
Organisation development and growth is indirectly in hands of the human resource because
choosing right candidate is their responsibility.
MAIN BODY
Human resource management is a practice in organisation where HR managers fulfil
requirements and needs of company. For having stability and growth in organisation, HRM
tries to win competition, which is one of the tools that result in having more profitability.
Competitive advantages take a company to higher level and one of the favourable brands
among the public. Employee performance is measured through number of achieved
business objectives. Their leaders to them give these objectives and a deadline is assigned
for completion of that task. Under this deadline, of employee-achieved objectives then their
performance is ranked in high priority. Work is assigned according to their capabilities and
their area of interest. This is all about in benefit of employees and now for organisation,
competition is measurable growth. Among them, three human resource activities are
explained below:
Recruitment
It is one of the human resource activity of HR manager where they hire number of
employee who work in favour of organisation. This activity deals with filling vacancies in
organisation, all functional unit informs HR department about the need of extra candidate for
the improvement in work and for completing the work (Ekwoaba, Ikeije and Ufoma, 2015). It
becomes a responsibility and duty of HR for searching and selecting a right candidate who

works actively and smartly. Choosing experienced candidate will make a great impact on
competition because that candidate already knows the work. They just need to implement
strategies for organisation to have competitive advantage. Therefore, HR manager makes a
job description format at initial level so that only eligible candidates apply on that post. It
makes easy for HR to do selection among eligible candidates only. Selected one will be
responsible for the company growth and development (Breaugh, 2017).
This activity also has an impact on employee performance because after the
selection of candidate and posting in right place in their area of interest increases their work
performance level. Specified field improves their weaker areas, which helps to achieve
business objectives within schedule time. For a new start-up company, employee
performance plays an important role for having stability in emerging market. HR selects
candidate at high risk because if right one can make profit, then wrong can also lead to a
loss for company. Therefore, they made some agreements with them at the time of joining
so that they follow company's policies (Gómez-Cedeño and et.al., 2015). The effective
recruitment will surely support the company in achieving the faster level of growth within firm.
The recruitment process surely deliver higher-quality and engaged into providing competitive
advantage which is directly impacting performance of business.
Training
Training refers to an action that is given to person for their improvement in
knowledge and skills. Similarly, in organisation HR managers takes feedback from
employees about their weaker areas that needs improvement. Training is also one of the
human resource activity which is organised by HR unit for employees for their improvement
in skills. Training is given according to the specified area for different employees. For
example, marketing unit employees need training in making customer relation while
production unit needs training in learning new technologies for producing products. So,
training is provided accordingly (Hassan, 2016).
Training makes an employee perfect in their field and increases their performance
level. An employee stays back in getting growth due to weaker areas. But this HR activity
overcomes their weaker areas and helps them to achieve business objectives before

deadline. Training also makes their attitude in confident state. Confident personality get
attention from distance as well which helps in making more customers to organisation and to
increase market share in less time. Knowledge full persons never face problems in providing
alternative solutions because they already know the right and wrong paths. Training makes
them complete which results in getting promotion easily and in less time. Every employee
works for the growth and wants to reach to higher level. This HR activity makes possible for
employees to implement training activities in their workplace for getting improvement and
success.
Training of employees also leads to competitive advantage. Employees implement
training skills in their work place for having improvements in their work performance. This
improvement is not only limited to employees but also for the organisation (Hanaysha,
2016). Achieving business objectives on time makes profit for the organisation. This also
helps to make strategies against other favourable brands after getting full knowledge. For
having more market share. These strategies lead to competitive advantage for organisation
for reaching to higher level. Training also increases leadership qualities of employees which
results in having efficient and improved decision making process. A decision of a leader can
make a competitive advantage in less time.
Performance appraisal
Performance appraisal refers to a view on work of employees and to measure their
work performance. If an employee has high ranking in its performance, it becomes a duty for
HR to give them appraisal according to their performance. It can be on annual basis,
quarterly basis or monthly basis. HR evaluates the skills, talent, growth and achievements of
employees. They measure the qualitative work that has been done within specified period. It
can be measured either through feedback from seniors or by identifying their achievements.
Appraisals are given in the form of prizes, incentives, bonus, salary, tours, working flexibility
and all.
Performance appraisal improves the work performance of employees because it
motivates them in positive manner and increases their interest to do more work. Motivation is
another key of success which makes employee active, enthusiastic and hard working. This

name of appraisal makes employees greedy to win rewards. It can be categorised under
self- esteem needs that employee wants (Kampkötter, 2017). Appraisals in front of all
employees fulfil these needs and develops respect towards employees. This confident
nature in their personality improves their skills for achieving business objectives.
Performance appraisal increases their creative thinking skills for generating new
ideas for winning competition. Alternative solution ideas overcomes employee by problems
that makes a barrier in achieving goals and targets. These goals are based on making
profitability against other brands, which need unique ideas. Motivation through performance
appraisal makes employee comfortable for making unique strategies that helps in having
competitive advantage. These advantages lead to success for the organisation and to
become one of the favourable brands of the public. Effective appraisal system can contribute
to competitive advantage by improving performance of employee. There will be two ways to
directing employee behaviour towards organisational goal with monitoring behaviour in
ensuring that all goals are met.
CONCLUSION
This essay summarised about the human resource activities that takes place in
organisation for the improvement in work performance of employees and to have competitive
advantage. Training is analysed as one of the activity, which improves knowledge, skills and
personality of employees, which leads to success for organisation. Confident personality is
evaluated as one of the features in employee to have more profitability for the organisation.
HR has activity of recruiting right candidates for organisation to have competitive advantage
and to maintain workplace environment. Performance appraisal is also one of the activities
for which employees wait every year. This can be in form of promotions, rewards, prizes and
all. It has been analysed that performance appraisal motivates employee to do more work
and to achieve goals and targets within specified time.

REFERENCES
Books and Journals
Hanaysha, J., 2016. Examining the effects of employee empowerment, teamwork, and
employee training on organizational commitment. Procedia-Social and Behavioral
Sciences. 229. pp.298-306.
Hassan, S., 2016. Impact of HRM practices on employee’s performance. International
Journal of Academic Research in Accounting, Finance and Management
Sciences. 6(1). pp.15-22.
Ekwoaba, J. O., Ikeije, U. U. and Ufoma, N., 2015. The Impact of Recruitment and Selection
Criteria on Organizational Performance.
Breaugh, J. A., 2017. The contribution of job analysis to recruitment. The Wiley Blackwell
handbook of the psychology of recruitment, selection and employee retention.
pp.12-28.
Gómez-Cedeño, M. and et.al., 2015. Impact of human resources on supply chain
management and performance. Industrial Management & Data Systems. 115(1).
pp.129-157.
Kampkötter, P., 2017. Performance appraisals and job satisfaction. The International Journal
of Human Resource Management. 28(5). pp.750-774.

MARKING GUIDE: WRITTEN ASSIGNMENT (ESSAY)
Fail Pass Credit Distinction High Distinction
Essay
Structure
 Essay does not
have a clear
introduction,
body and/or
conclusion.
And/or
 Essay may have
poorly structured
paragraphs
making the
document
difficult to read.
Essay includes
 An introduction
with an attempt at
a thesis statement
and main
arguments
 Body paragraphs
with a single topic
and evidence
 A conclusion with
a summary of the
main arguments
and a restatement
of the thesis
Essay includes
 An introduction with
general statements, a
clear thesis, and an
outline of main
arguments
 Body paragraphs with
an attempt at a topic
sentence, superficial
analysis of the
evidence
 A conclusion with a
summary of the main
arguments, and a
restatement of the
thesis
Essay includes
 An introduction with
general statements,
a clear thesis, and
an outline of main
arguments
 Body paragraphs
with topic sentence
that articulates the
main argument to be
developed, some
analysis of evidence
 A conclusion with a
summary of the
main arguments, a
restatement of the
thesis, and a final
comment on the
topic
Essay includes
 An introduction with
general statements
relevant to the topic, a
thesis which asserts a
valid response to the
question and main
arguments that support
the thesis
 Body paragraphs with
topic sentence that
articulates the main
argument to be
developed, in-depth
analysis of evidence
 A conclusion with a
summary of the main
arguments, a
restatement of the
thesis, and an analytical
final comment on the
topic
0-7 7.5-9 9.5-10.5 11-12.5 13-15
Understanding
of Topic
Essay does not
demonstrate an
understanding of
topic as the
response to the
question is
confused or
irrelevant. Student
has misinterpreted
the question.
Discussion and
evidence provided
are relevant to the
essay question.
However, the
discussion and
evidence are limited
and/or descriptive
demonstrating a
basic understanding
of the topic.
Discussion and
evidence provided are
relevant to the essay
question. There is an
attempt to provide a
discussion of some of
the key issues on the
topic and an adequate
attempt at integrating
relevant evidence.
Discussion and
evidence provided are
relevant to the essay
question. Discussion
highlights some of the
key issues on the
topic. Evidence used
is relevant.
Discussion and evidence
provided are relevant to
the essay question.
Discussion highlights a
number of key issues on
the topic. Evidence used
is both highly relevant and
interesting.
0-14.5 15-18.5 19-22 22.5-25 25.5-30
Critical
Analysis
There is no analysis
of the alternative
views on the essay
topic.
There is an attempt
to investigate and
evaluate relevant
views/approaches to
the essay topic with
an attempt to
develop a
considered opinion.
The relevant
views/approaches on
the research topic have
been investigated.
There is some
evaluation of relevant
research with an
attempt to develop an
overall opinion.
The relevant
views/approaches on
the research topic
have been
investigated. There is
thorough evaluation of
relevant research with
a clear overall
opinion.
The relevant
views/approaches on the
research topic have been
investigated. There is in-
depth and critical
evaluation of relevant
research with a clear
overall opinion.
0-9.5 10-12.5 13-14.5 15-16.5 17-20
Expression Poor or no
proofreading and
editing evident.
Essay has many
spelling, grammar
and punctuation
errors. Difficult to
read and/or
understand.
Essay demonstrates
an attempt at
proofreading and
editing. There are
some spelling,
grammar and
punctuation errors.
Attempts to use
formal academic
language.
Essay demonstrates
editing and
proofreading. There are
few spelling, grammar
and punctuation errors.
Formal academic
language used
throughout.
Essay demonstrates
editing and
proofreading. There
are minimal spelling,
grammar and
punctuation errors.
Formal academic
language used
throughout.
Essay demonstrates
editing and proofreading.
There are no spelling,
grammar or punctuation
errors. Formal academic
language used
throughout.
0-4.5 5-6 6.5-7 7.5-8 8.5-10

Presentation Essay
 Does not adhere to
word limit
 Does not use the
template formatting
and/or contains
errors and
inconsistencies
 Does not have an
accurately
completed
coversheet
Essay
 Adheres to word limit
 Uses the template
formatting without any
errors or inconsistencies
 Has an accurately
completed coversheet
0 5
Research Essay
 Has less than 5
appropriate
resources
(according to
assignment
guidelines)
Essay includes
 5 appropriate
resources
(according to
assignment
guidelines)
Essay includes
 6 appropriate
resources (according
to assignment
guidelines)
Essay includes
 7 appropriate
resources (according
to assignment
guidelines)
Essay includes
 8 appropriate resources
(according to assignment
guidelines)
0-4 5 6 7 8-10
Referencing  Does not
acknowledge all of
the research used
(may be missing
in-text citations or
have an
incomplete
reference list)
 Acknowledgement
of all research
used through in-
text citations and
an accurate
reference list
 The Harvard style
is adequate
 Acknowledgement of
all research used
through in-text citations
and an accurate
reference list
 The Harvard style is
good
 Acknowledgement of
all research used
through in-text
citations and an
accurate reference
list
 The Harvard style is
near perfect
 Acknowledgement of all
research used through in-
text citations and an
accurate reference list
 The Harvard style is
perfect
0 5 6-7.5 8-9 10
Feedback
Sub-Total (100) Late Penalties Academic Misconduct Penalties Total (100)
Note: Academic misconduct includes instances where a student has copied material
from electronic sources and presented this as their own work.