QUESTION 1
Read the case study about the strengths and weaknesses of the Human
Resources Development effort and answer the questions that follow:
Case study
Africa Foods is a giant retail corporation, one of the largest in the industry. Africa Foods stores
sell a wide selection of foods and are found in almost every medium to large-sized town in Africa.
However, Africa Foods is not an industry Leader with regard to its Human Resources
Development activities. Several years ago, the corporate-level Human Resources Development
department at Africa Foods was eliminated during a downsizing exercise. It has recently been
revived. At its helm is Johannes Shilongo, who has been with the enterprise for five years and is
destined for higher level responsibilities at Africa Foods. His year-old Human Resources
Development department is staffed with six long-time employees of the organisation. (The
department will not hire professional HRD practitioners). Johannes is to set up a department
servicing the corporate office only. The corporate office employs several hundred people.
Johannes has more or Less a free hand to determine the purpose of the department and offer
planned learned activities of value to the employees and managers of Africa Foods.
The retail industry is fiercely competitive. Like other retailers, Africa Foods plans a major
programme to revamp its stores. The programme will eventually change just about every fixture
in most stores, including product display, advertising, inventory control and even store Layout and
staffing. The plan will be a reality within ten years. In the meantime, Africa Foods will continue as
it always has - as a dominant force in the industry.
Questions:
1.1 Why would an organisation go to the extent of eliminating the HRD department?
(5)
1.2 What should Johannes do to analyse the present strengths and weaknesses of the
HRD effort at Africa Foods?
(10)
1.3 The Training and Development Manager, Mr Shilongo has the responsibility to
manage the T&D function in such a way that the set objectives are achieved. What
should he consider when apply the four management functions to T&D. (4x4=16)
QUESTION 2
2.1 Discuss is the implication of technology acceleration on training & development.
(10)
2.2 Discuss the purpose of the Skills Development Levies Act. Consider the
following:
a) Levy to be paid
(3)
2