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For this discussion, you will assume the following:

Five years ago you joined a global mid $-$ size unionized manufacturing firm as an HR manager. The role was one of managing a traditional HR department; in other words, the HR department was seen as primarily a staffing and administrative function.

At the time you were hired, your Board of Directors asked you to inform them as to what strategic human resource management is all about and how you saw your HR department $($ and its functions and subsequent activities $)$ ?transforming to such a new role as a strategic partner. Your company decided to transform the HR role from a traditionalist function to that of a strategic partner in the organization.

It has been five years since you began that transformation and the HR department is now seen as a strategic business partner to the organization. The Board of Directors, at an upcoming meeting, has asked you to describe how you have adapted to this role of strategic HR manager and what are the business implications? You have five minutes to present your information so you decide to focus on your top priorities and their success. Include in your response to the discussion:

What two HR functions did you address and why? For example, HR function might include reduced voluntary turnover of key talent, such as expatriates, by the development of training for expatriates and their families, etc.

How did you measure the success of your work? What documentation would you provide to them to demonstrate your success $($ Hint: what specific metrics would you use to demonstrate your success $)?$ ?in the case of an expat, consider the cost of training and the cost to replace an expat.

NOTE: In order to ensure a robust discussion, please describe two HR functions with solutions not mentioned by another student. In other words, make a unique contribution to the discussion. For example, one student mentions they developed a career management system based on assessments and workshops; you may also develop a career development system however it is based on mentoring with subject matter experts.

Completion of this discussion assignment will illustrate your comprehension of the HR functions and corresponding activities and how an effective HR manager can strategically utilize people as a capital asset for the organization.

After posting your initial response, you must respond to at least two comments posted by other students in the course. In addition, you must respond to all questions $/$ comments posted in response to your comments. You are expected to check the discussion and post substantive comments $/$ questions at least $3-4$ ?times per week $($ at appropriate intervals $)$ ?to participate fully in the discussion. Remember, discussions are designed to be student $-$ moderated $$ i $.$ e $.,$ ?you are responsible for helping one another work through the discussion. I will be checking in frequently but I $\text{'}$ m here primarily as a guide and will post comments only when necessary.