Katherine Osborne Strategic Advantages of Human Resources Human resources describe the people who work for a company or organization and the department responsible for managing employees' resources. Human resources are also used to describe the management and development of employees in an organization. Due to the many human resources areas, it is typical for professionals in this field to possess specific areas of expertise. Human resources involve developing and administering programs designed to increase the effectiveness of an organization or business. Target Corporation manages its workforce as a source to be optimized, rather than as a cost to be minimized. (Journal Of Organizational Excellence, Spring 2006) Target's strategic Human Resources organization creates a competitive advantage for its company by rapidly filling vacancies with highly qualified candidates before they are needed. This develops a company-wide strength and ensures that they are always capable of meeting and exceeding guests' needs. The recruitment process represents fast, fun, and friendly features conveying to candidates these essential characteristics of Target's culture and gaging their fit with it. The recruiting method also reflects the company's obligation to vast diversity in its hires to build a workforce that understands guests' needs. Human Resources Departments, staff positions by running reports that can anticipate their employment needs. For example, business analysts, and store-team-leaders-in-training, are assigned to other departments to move quickly into the role once an opening occurs. Although hiring and training ahead of need means additional labor cost, this "preparedness" eliminates any gap between staffing needs and availability, enabling the organization to maintain the maximum productivity and guest services. (Journal Of Organizational Excellence, Spring 2006) Target's succession planning tool, developed and implemented by their Human Resources Department, requires senior leadership members to