Read the case study below and answer the questions that follow.
1. Many companies are in danger of being 'burnt by soring oil prices. The managing director
of a specialist glass maker, where energy is the second highest cost after the wage bill reported
that the best quotes obtained for new contracts for electricity and gas were up 51 per cent and
34% respectively. He said, "this equates to a cost increase ofN$ 600 000.00 which is over half
annual profit before interest and tax". According to the Energy Intensive Users' Group,
manufacturers up and down the country are telling similar stories.
2. Bank of Namibia is about to am1ounce a bid to take over the Bank of Agriculture in order to
create the world's eighth largest bank. The business analyst at the estimated that bank would
need to lay off 8,000 employees so as to achieve its N$ 300 million synergy targets. However,
they predict that 6 000 jobs will actually be cut in order to bring processing staff, as a percentage
of the total workforce in line with the ratio operating at the bank.
QUESTION 1
In each of the very short case scenarios given above, discuss how a seasoned HR practitioner
would suggest what strategies could be used to create a competitive advantage in each case.
(20)
Question 2
Assess the benefits enjoyed by a company or an organisation that has HR practitioners that
formulates HR strategies and establish learning and development programmes geared toward
creating a competitive advantage. (20)
Question 3
Articulate how when the strategy is about to be implanted it is important and a must to
consider the variables listed below if a competitive advantage is to be created. (20)
• Organisation culture
• Work/job design
• Performance management system
• Rewards
• Communication
Question 4
Discuss according to knowledge as an HR practitioner, training and development can help to
create a competitive advantage. (20)
2