HRM Report: British Airways - Role, Planning, and Employment

This report provides a comprehensive analysis of Human Resource Management (HRM) practices within British Airways. It begins by examining the role and purpose of HRM, including planning, recruitment, employee contracts, monitoring, training, and budget management, emphasizing both hard and soft HRM approaches. The report then details the creation of an HR plan for new flight launches, covering recruitment sources, selection procedures, compensation, training, and performance appraisal for cabin crew and customer service roles. Further, it assesses the current state of employment relations, highlighting the functions of employee relations managers in areas such as policy consultation, benefit packages, union representation, and contract negotiation. Finally, the report discusses the impact of employment law on HRM, covering key legislation like the Employee Relations Act, and the role of training and development in enhancing operational effectiveness within the service industry. The report provides an in-depth look at HRM strategies and their practical application within a major airline.

Human Resource
Management

Table of Contents
TASK 1............................................................................................................................................1
AC1.1 Analyse the role and purpose of human resource management in British Airways...1
AC 1.2 Creation of HR plan based on analysis of supply and demand..................................2
TASK 2............................................................................................................................................4
2.1Assess the current state of employment relations in a selected service industry.............4
2.2Discuss how employment law affects the management of human resources...................5
TASK 3............................................................................................................................................6
3.1Application of HRM practices...........................................................................................6
TASK 4............................................................................................................................................8
4.1Assess the contribution of training and development activities to the effective operation of
a selected service industry business.......................................................................................8
CONCLUSION..............................................................................................................................10

INTRODUCTION
Human resource management is a process of recruiting right person for a right job in a
organisation and also to provide training and development sessions to its employees with a
motive to make its workforce effective and efficient. It helps business entity in gaining
competitive advantage in a business environment. In this present report, the chosen organisation
is British Airways which is a largest airline in UK. In this context, purpose and role of HRM
department in British Airways is discussed with human resource planning based on analysis of
supply and demand. In addition to this, employees relationship and various employment
legislations act, how the training and development sessions organised by HRM department will
helps British Airways has also been discussed. In task 3, comparison between selection process
of two different job profiles in service industries is an important assignment.
TASK 1
AC1.1 Analyse the role and purpose of human resource management in British Airways
Human resource management is a process of recruiting, motivating and training
employees of business entity in order to achieve their common goals and objectives (Storey,
2014). It also helps an organisation in improving their overall growth and development in a
business environment. In this context, HRM department of British Airways reward and
compensate its employees, on basis of their outcomes arises from a specific task which indirectly
helps an organisation in gaining a competitive advantage in a business environment.
Role of Human Resource Management:
(a) Planning and Forecasting
The main purpose of HRM department is to recruit suitable employees for an
organisation. This planning and forecasting helps an organisation in appointing right person for a
right job in accordance with the organisational objectives. It will helps British Airways in
making their workforce efficient and effective by identifying required workforce for achieving
organisational objectives.
(b) Recruitment process
The main role of HRM department of British Airways is to make recruitment process
effective by knowing vacant positions and needs, design a description of vacant jobs, hire
suitable employees and complete the procedures. These steps will help British Airways in
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appointing right person in accordance with their skills and knowledge required for a particular
task.
(c) Contract of employment
This contract involves condition of a job offer from an organisation, it is done by HRM
department to provide information to new employees that helps in protecting both parties (Unger
and et. al., 2011). In this context, it will help the chosen organisation, British Airways in building
a healthy working relationship between employees and an organisation.
(d) Monitoring of employees
It is essential for HRM department and top level managers of an organisation to monitor
their employees performance on a regular basis. In this context, it will help British Airways in
solving their employees' issues and improving their overall performance, which leads in making
their workforce competitive in a business environment.
(e) Training and development
Training and development are important for employees of an organisation in improving
their performance, in order to achieve their specific goals and objectives (Welch and et. al.,
2011). The HRM department plays an important role in organising training and development
sessions for its employees. In this scenario, British Airways organises training sessions for
improving skills and knowledge of their new employees and development sessions to motivate
their existing employees, in order to improve their overall performance.
(f) Budget Monitoring
Human resource department also plays an important role in monitoring companies
revenue and expenses that are allotted by top level managers. In this regard, it will help the
chosen organisation British Airways in optimum utilisation of their organisational resource,
which leads in retaining their productivity for a longer duration.
Purpose of Human Resource Management
The main purpose of HRM department of British Airways is to maximise their
productivity and to make effective workforce. There are two main purpose of Human Resource
Management which are described below:
(a) Hard HRM
It is a staff management system that focuses on considering employees as an resources
that needs to be controlled effectively to achieve organisational goals and objectives. In this
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scenario, it helps British Airways in maximising their profit and gaining a competitive
advantage.
(b) Soft HRM
In this approach, British Airways considers their workforce human beings and motivate
and guide their employees to achieve their goals and objectives. It will helps an organisation in
building a healthy and positive relationship among their workforce (Sparrow, Brewster and
Chung, 2016.).
AC 1.2 Creation of HR plan based on analysis of supply and demand
British airways is launching four new flights from Madeira to Heathrow in the peak
season and three for rest of the year. For this the chosen organisation needs 15 respondents for
cabin crews and 7 respondents for airport customer service executive. The human resource plan
based on company's requirement discussed below:
(a) Source of recruitment
In recruitment process, there are two methods .i.e. internal and external. In internal
recruitment process an organisation promotes existing employees in accordance with their skills
and knowledge (Sheehan, 2014). On the other hand, in external recruitment process organisation
opt for fresh talents rather than existing employees. In the present scenario, British Airways have
to choose external recruitment process for appointing 15 respondents for cabin crew and 7
respondents for customer service executive. British Airways can use campus placement methods
or walk in drive for getting fresh talent in order to fill their vacant position.
(b) Selection procedure
In this context, British Airways will select its appropriate candidates on the basis of three
steps, first is to analyse CV of candidates, second is written test and the third and important step
is personal interview. These steps will help British Airways in choosing appropriate candidates
for their cabin crew and customer service executive position.
(c) Determine compensation
After selecting appropriate candidates for their cabin crew and customer service
executive position, the next step is to decide salary for chosen candidates in accordance with
their skills and knowledge (Schermerhorn and et. al., 2014). In this regard, British Airways will
give offer letter to selected candidates after they agree on remuneration policy.
(d) Training
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In this step, training programmes will be organised by the chosen organisation British
Airways for their selected cabin crew and customer service executive candidates. It will help
new employees in understanding the work environment and in improving their skills and
competence in accordance with a particular task assigned.
(e) Appraise performance
In this step, the top level managers of chosen organisation British Airways will evaluate
work done by their selected candidates in order to check whether the selected candidates will
prove to be effective in future.
Responsibilities of cabin crews and customer support services are discussed below:
Cabin crews
 Ensure passengers comfort by providing them blankets and other necessary facilities
 Ensure passengers safety by providing them appropriate direction relating to emergency
landing
Customer support services
 To resolve customer related query as quickly as possible and to assist an organisation in
operating business activities in accordance with customer needs and requirement
 to inform their staff members about their flights timings and other necessary details
TASK 2
2.1 Assess the current state of employment relations in a selected service industry.
Employee relations is a very broad and vast term used in business industry for
emphasizing on positive and healthy employee relations (Rubery and Urwin, 2011). This term
defines or explains relationship of employees with their subordinates in management. It is a
broad relationship framework where rapport and trust have a direct effect on profits and business
of aviation industry. Maintaining efficient employee relations is very important as employees
help business organisations to achieve their future goals and objectives. British airways is a UK
based airline industry which provides efficient travelling services to its customers. Employee
relations manager of British airways performs various roles and functions in order to achieve
efficiency:
Consultation on new and existing policies: Policies of every company or industry
explains about its working environment and the way in which employees behave. British airlines
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has various important laws and rules such as sexual harassment laws which say that no employee
should be treated indifferent on unequally on basis of gender or any other concern.
Create benefit packages: Employee relations managers as well as HR managers work in
full co-ordination and harmony while creation of new benefit packages for employees or forming
any policies for employee benefits. Benefit packages involve paid holiday tours to employees,
sick leave, maternity leave benefits, various insurance policies and stock incentives. Managers
assess needs and requirements of all employees as to what they need. It is not always necessary
that needs and requirements of every employee is same. According to employees' needs and
requirements mangers provide them benefits.
Act as union representative: A union leader for British Airways is very important
because it is a labour workforce enriched industry. Union are made to provide employees with
proper job stability as well as security. Also, it aims at resolving conflicts between labourers and
employer and create a harmonial balance in working and relationships. Union also plays a role
of a evaluator where it checks working efficiency of labourers as well as employers (Renwick,
Redman and Maguire, 2013). It lays emphasis on evaluating and analysing if labour force has
violated any rules or if employers have not followed set standards as per industry.
Negotiation of new contacts and policies: Contract negotiation is a key function that is
performed by employee relations managers of British Airways. HR manager of British Airways
ensures that all employees who have crossed their probation period sign an employment
contract . It contains all the basic benefits which are to be received by employees and in return
for that what functions are to be performed by employees. Once this contract gets expired, both
employee and employers meet and negotiate about new contract with managers.
These above stated points and strategies explain about current state of employee relations
in British Airways and how HR manager of British Airways performs function of a negotiating
factor between both employee and employer. Every individual needs to follow these rules and
policies in order to work with greater efficiency and skills (Messersmith, and et. al., 2011).
2.2 Discuss how employment law affects the management of human resources.
Employment laws or legislation laws is used to govern rights, duties and functions
between employers of British Airways and workers as well. These laws are also known by name
of labour laws or legislation laws. These rules are primarily brought into existence to ensure
safety and security of workers and also lays emphasis on treating employees equally and fairly
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without any bias. These laws aim towards protecting employer's well being and interests as well.
Employment laws of British Airways are based on federal as well as state constitutions,
legislations, administrative rules and regulations etc. Various employment laws are explained as
under:
Employee relations act: It is an act which was brought into existence in 2004 in its initial
form whereas some of its provisions were considered from October 2004 (Marchington and et.
al., 2016). This act aims at forming laws and rules for benefits of employees working in British
Airways. It is an act stressing upon amending or changing laws and rules as per requirements of
trade unions and also taking proper industrial actions as and when required. Employment
relations act provides numerous rights to employees and labourers such as trade union
recognition and de-recognition , taking necessary industrial action and so on.
Employee rights act: This law or act encompasses almost all rights and obligations
within employee- employer relationship. Employees under this law can be anybody may it be
current employees, job applicants applying for new jobs or former employees working in an
organisation earlier. Every employee working in any workplace has certain rights like right to
privacy, fair compensation, and also freedom from any type of discrimination based on age,
gender, race and so on.
Maternity and paternity benefits: Maternity benefit is a name given to a benefit that is
given to women usually at their maternity time and also further provides them with
compensatory payment in full amount while she is absent from her work to take care for her
newly born infant. According to maternity benefit act, female workers are eligible of receiving a
maximum of twelve weeks of paid maternity leaves (López-Nicolás and Meroño-Cerdán, 2011).
British Airways also provides its females employees with total of twelve weeks payment during
maternity leave.
While for male employees, British Airways follows a policy of providing three weeks of
paid leave or paternity benefit for taking care of their new born child. These are most important
and mandatory benefits that are to be given by almost all employers to its employees.
These are some important factors that affect management of human resources in British
Airways as human resource is a vital part of any business concern and every organisation should
follow some policies for developing a sense of trust and loyalty in its employees and make them
feel safe and secure. Also, these policies and laws help to retain human resource or employees in
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British Airways for a much longer time. It helps workers in working with greater efficiency and
loyalty.
TASK 3
3.1Application of HRM practices
Human resource is an systematic approach in order to manage function of employees in
an organisation (Huselid, and Becker, 2011). This function aid organisation to enhance their
overall activities. Human resource in British airways ensure effective recruitment of candidates
and determines responsibilities of hired workers. In this company their managers implement
various measures in order to improve skills and abilities of their employees. There is an urgent
vacancy in this company for the post of cabin crew. Company have published their vacancy
details like roles, responsibilities and purpose relating to their job. In addition to this, company
is proving various benefits to their candidates to start their career with golden opportunities.
Job Details
Post: Cabin Crew
Company: British Airways
Job Purpose
Effective handling of staff and grievances of workmen analyse their grievances continuously
and provide corrective measures, counsel passengers whenever it is necessary. Responsibility
to manage conflicts among passengers their security and safety also to manage welfare and
administrative activity. In addition to this there is a responsibility to comply all legal measures.
Roles & Responsibilities
 Check availability of fresh refreshment as per according to number of passengers.
 Ensure availability of emergency equipments and display their using.
 Fulfil basic requirement of every passenger during travel and provide them meals,
refreshment and beverages.
 Use first aid is proper and hygienic manner at time of requirement.
 Make appropriate decision while managing maximum number of passengers at the
time of emergency.
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 Instruct passengers during emergency situations and manage conflict among them.
CV:
Curriculum Vitae
Name: xyz
Address: Andhra Road Street 5
e-mail id: [e-mail]
Contact No.: 9257846128
Objectives: To seek challenging career in professional organisation. Adaptive nature and have
high manageable skills as well as multi-tasking. Eager to serve in big travailing industry.
Qualification:
 Master of Business Administration
 Graduate in Business Administration
Experience:
Ten years of experience in airlines industry as a cabin crew in UK.
Skills and abilities:
 Have Good written and verbal communication skills
 Excellent problem solving and conflict management skill in critical situations
 Adaptable in changing environment and emergency trends, self motivated and quick
learner.
 Basic computer skills like MS Office, Word and Power Point
 Highly driven and energetic and of competitive nature.
DECLARATION
I herby declare that all the above information given is correct up to my knowledge and
certificates issued by recognised board/ university.
After screening resumes of selected candidates HR managers further prepare detailed
analyses for conducting interviews it includes questionnaire of related post then joining letter
detailed description of role and responsibilities, appraisal etc.
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3.2 Difference between recruitment process of British Airways and Transport for London
As human resource are considered as main factor for every organisation in driving its
success. Therefore, HR managers of companies concern on using best techniques of recruitment
for hiring most eligible employees. In context with British Airways and Transport for London,
both companies focuses on this concept for getting high skilled employees. But there are various
difference in recruitment process of both organisations which can be shown in following
manner:-
 As per job description process of British Airways, there is a large eligibility criteria for
every post. Therefore, its HR managers majorly focuses on meeting the requirement of
each factor while hiring new candidates. While in context with Transport for London, its
managers concern on experiences in same field of potential applicants, who early wants
to work with this company.
 Transport for London mainly use video conferencing technique for taking interviews of
eligible candidates. This would give advantage to both business and recruiters in reducing
time and money which consumes during interview process (Chelladurai, and Kerwin
2017). While British Airways, weighs more on questionnaire format for taking interviews
of selected candidates.
 Through online applications, British Airways gain advantage to get a list of eligible
candidates among whom best one can be recruited. While, HR managers of Transport for
London use recruitment agencies like Wiser to fulfil its vacant position with high skilled
workers.
TASK 4
4.1Assess the contribution of training and development activities to the effective operation of a
selected service industry business
Training and Development
Training is an act of increasing skills of an employee in order to enhance their job
performance for doing a specific task. It is a process of continuous learning which aimed towards
helping workers to attain their basic skills for effective execution of organisation function.
Whereas, on other hand development broadly refers as an long term process in which employees
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are prepared for other job in company. It helps employees to increase their ability and enhance
their skills for managerial positions.
Training Development
 There are various types of
training methods which
includes technical or
technological training, skills
training, soft skills training,
managerial training an safety
training.
 Development activities includes
continuous education,
participation in professional
organisation, improve job
performance, increases duties
and responsibilities and
increased duties and
responsibilities.
 Training aims at preparing an
individual for a specific job or
role.
 Training usually requires
appropriate guidance and
instructions for gaining a
certain skill or knowledge.
 Development aims at
increasing potentials of
employees as well as make
them better and skilled
individuals.
 Development is aimed being
general and non tangible in
nature.
Role and need for training: Training and development is very important for every
business concern for efficiently developing its organisational structure as well as human resource
(Budhwar, and Debrah, 2013). Following are importance of training and development as per
British Airways:
Improves morale level and confidence: Training and development helps employees in
achieving job security as well as job satisfaction in long run. It helps British Airways in retaining
its employees for longer time and also contributes towards achieving organisational success and
growth.
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