QUESTION 1

Read the following scenario and then answer the questions that follow.

RESPONDING TO EMERGING SKILLS REQUIRED AT EATWOOD MANUFACTURING

Eastwood Manufacturing is a large manufacturing plant that produces components for the automotive industry. The plant employs approximately 500 employees, and the workforce mostly consists of tradespeople, process workers and casual labourers. Recently, the plant secured a significant contract with an automotive manufacturer; and, as a result, expanded its operations and did some restructuring. As part of the restructuring exercise, ten tradespeople were reassigned to supervisory positions as leading hands. Even though none of these employees had previous supervisory experience, the upward move resulted in greater responsibility and authority. Furthermore, five casual labourers were moved from the body shop to the paint shop with the same duties and responsibilities; and two process workers were demoted to administrative support due to continuous infringements of the safety protocols and engaging in unsafe behaviour. The large-scale reassignment of the tradespeople is a concern for management. Previously, the company had not invested in any supervisor training under circumstances such as these, largely because it had never promoted so many employees at a single point in time. Usually promotions occurred occasionally, one employee at a time. The new supervisors have just been placed into their new roles and have learnt on the job with informal guidance from more experienced supervisors. This has had mixed results. This time, however, there is recognition by management that the sink-or-swim approach would be problematic. Terrance, the plants training and development manager, has been given the responsibility of preparing the new supervisors for their roles. The logical starting point, he thinks, is to undertake a needs assessment. This will help to ensure that the training is relevant and appropriate for the learning styles and backgrounds of the trainees. Terrance also knows that he needs to act quickly and pragmatically for the new supervisors to work effectively and efficiently on their own within one month.

Source: Adapted from Nel, P., Werner, A., Fazey, M., Millett, B., Du Plessis, A., Wordsworth, R., Mackinnon, B.H., and Suseno, Y. 2017. Human Resource Management in Australia. 2nd ed. Melbourne: Oxford University Press Australia & New Zealand (p 310).

1.1 Identify the internal staffing moves that took place at the manufacturing plant. Use the following table to structure your answe:

Type of job	Internal staffing move	Reason for your answer (9)