VCE Business Management Question Thread!

[LiquidPaperz]

Can someone please explain how i can answer this:

All Bunning’s staff members, regardless of rank, must wear the red shirt in store, and hence be prepared to serve customers. Evaluate this policy in terms of its impact on the motivation of all staff.

[Blues Fan]

Can someone please explain how i can answer this:

All Bunning’s staff members, regardless of rank, must wear the red shirt in store, and hence be prepared to serve customers. Evaluate this policy in terms of its impact on the motivation of all staff.

The idea of all Bunning's staff members wearing red t-shirts in store, is to increase the overall motivation at the workplace. This is demonstrated as all staff are unified as a whole group. Junior staff feel included with the senior staff, which leads to the whole staff working towards a common objective/ the organisation objective. Thus, staff motivation is increased.

[Blues Fan]

Hey guys,

I'm not sure if this question has been mentioned before, but here goes.

What on earth do the task descriptors (e.g. explain, evaluate, analyse, describe, discuss) really want you to do?

I know exactly what define means, but task descriptors vary in meaning from subject to subject and, as such, I find it extremely confusing/irritating, you name it. Can someone please end the ambiguity once an for all?

For instance, does 'explain' require you to define a term, outline its characteristics, and add an example?

For evaluate or analyse is it a must to outline the strengths and weaknesses of what ever the question is referring to?

It will be greatly appreciated if someone can provide a specific and detailed answer.

Task words   
Analyse          
Identify the main features then examine closely; examine in parts; show how the parts relate to the whole, e.g. analyse the essential components in decision-making or in the problem-solving process
Apply
Use the information provided or knowledge in a particular situation and make links and connections; use theory to help  in a practical example
Compare
Bring together for noting the points of likeness and difference, e.g. compare management theory and practice
Define   
Accurately state or explain the meaning of the term
Describe
Provide a detailed account of something; give the facts about something and if the question refers to a process, provide a detailed account in sequential order
Discuss   
Examine an issue or response and state arguments or opinions covering both sides of the issue or response covered in the stimulus material
Distinguish
Recognise or show points of difference; note the distinctive characteristics
Establish criteria
Determine criteria or measures to conduct an evaluation
Explain
Make the meaning of something clear and understandable
Evaluate
Apply a weighted criteria to the relative strengths and weaknesses of the arguments raised in the stimulus material, as well as provide your opinion
Identify
Determine or establish as being a particular thing, or determine the key characteristics or features
Illustrate   
Provide an example to support your statement or comment
Label   
Describe or designate, e.g. label the organisational chart with the appropriate management levels
List   
Enter in a list with others
Outline
Provide a brief description of the term or topic
Provide reasons/justify   
Justify your choice or selection
Recommend/suggest
Present and state facts, ideas or feelings appropriate to the issue or response covered in the stimulus material
Select
Choose one in preference to another

[El-Baba]

Thanks a lot Blues Fan, but, is it possible to further elaborate and clarify the meaning of 'analyse' and 'discuss', especially with regard to the meaning of 'examine' which comprises the two task descriptors

Further, does anyone have know what intrinsic and extrinsic factors are? Definitions please?

[Blues Fan]

Intrinsic factors are intangible.
e.g. you enjoy working with children because it brings a smile to your face everyday, this motivates you to keep working everyday.
Extrinsic factors are tangible.
e.g. a promotion or a company car.

[Sendoh]

Hey guys , how would you do a compare question between Herzberg and Locke's theory of motivation?

[TimewaveZero]

Discuss a quality management approach that Nike could adopt to ensure that it produces high quality shoes. In your answer, provide justification for your choice.

This question is worth 4 marks and this is what I wrote, I know this would not get me 4 marks so if someone could please expand on or just rewrite a response that would get 4 marks that would be much appreciated

To ensure they produce high quality shoes, Nike could adopt a Total Quality Management (TQM) approach. TQM refers to an on-going, organisation wide commitment to excellence that is applied to every aspect of the organisation. By utilising a TQM approach, Nike could ensure all aspects of their operations are undertaken correctly. This would significantly minimise the risk of error and also ensure there are no defects in their products.


Thanks

[LiquidPaperz]

Hey guys,

Teacher handed out a practice SAC and I'm stuck on 1 question, that being:

"All employees have expectations - some are shared by all, others are the result of our diversity' said the CEO.
Discuss the quote in relation to modern human resource management. (5 marks)

You can just talk about generational expectations, how with varying generations they have different expectations - this would come under the result of our diversity. Talk about how, say, GEN Y are more teach savvy and are after more promotions and moving up the corporate laddy, whereas baby boomers (older ones in the workforce) just want to keep their job and get job satisfaction


Secondly for the shared by all part, you can talk about OH & S - they all want to feel safe and the employee must follow the correct steps to minimise harm. You can also talk about Job Security, and Work life balance.

[TimewaveZero]

Describe a conflict that may arise between two stakeholders in an acquisition deal?

[El-Baba]

Employees may clash with stakeholders/or their employers because an acquisition typically leads to redundancies? Or, the corporate culture of one organisation may not 'fit in' with the corporate culture of the other? The community may become saddened as employees are dismissed?

Not sure about my answer, but that was just off the top of my head. I'll do a little bit of research to see what I can find to help you.

[El-Baba]

By the way, thanks Liquid. Greatly appreciated.

With regard to 'modern human resource management' I added job security and the recent tendency to downsize and move overseas (ford, toyota, holden) and also the need to disallow all forms of discrimination (anti-discrimination legislation).

[El-Baba]

I guess I was somewhat correct TimeWave

Here you go:
http://www.slideshare.net/tutor2u/buss4-2012-research-bullet-5

[LiquidPaperz]

This is a query related to the "relationship of the HR Function to business objectives and strategies."

When one is discussing the objectives and the role of the HRM, do you have to mention POLC?

Is it sufficient enough to say general things? E.g. this manager X is the change agent of the organisation and as such is responsible for setting objectives that fit with corporate objectives?

yeah mate thats fine, polcs not needed really. just talk about how the HR manager is responsible for setting objectives that fit with corporate objectives.

Also, does one need to know all the five steps of Maslow's theory??

I would say yes to this, but you really dont need to know much more depth. As long as you know each stage/needs and what it means thats more then great. For example

Physiological - survival needs such as pay and work
Safety: are desire to be safe, and away for internal and external harm, eg job security , OH&S policies set in place
Social: being able to have a relationship with colleagues, e.g. parties (celebrating birthday party), organised events
Esteem: things such as status and recognition and achievement, e.g promotion, more responsibilities
Self-actualisation: achieving your full capabilities, moreso, it is being able to achieve your full capabilities, really, this is asking what can help you achieve your full capabilities? challenging work, and participative decision making (being able to discuss stuff and so on, improving communication and etc)

Hope that helped

[Michael Scofield]

Hey guys, I got three questions

1: How do you answer an 'analyse' question?

2: Analyse the relationship between the human resource function and the setting and achievement of business objectives.

3: What is the link between employer or choice and ethical and socially responsible management?

Thanks!

[LiquidPaperz]

Hey guys, I got three questions

Hey

1: How do you answer an 'analyse' question?

2: Analyse the relationship between the human resource function and the setting and achievement of business objectives.

3: What is the link between employer or choice and ethical and socially responsible management?

Ill keep it short and sharp

1) Analyse is breaking it down into parts, so if we look at question number two, theirs no structure (as in evaluate is pro,cons opinion etc) with analyse you need to look at key words and define and answer them

2) So here, you just talk about the relationship, many people neglect this, talk about how the HR manager will need to initiate strategies and activities that assist with HRM objectives, of which is aligned with organisation objectives etc.

3) not sure about this, but a tip is: this is the only AOS really where ethics and social responsibility isnt need. There might be a question but it is very unlikely, if your doing AOS1A like me, they will ask questions on the theories of motivation, employee expectations and establishment phase.

Thanks!

Hope i helped!!