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SUPPLMENTAL CASE SOLUTIONS
Where Do You Find the Bodies? – This case identifies problems associated with HR planning
Questions
1. How does this case illustrate the lack of HR planning?
2. What approaches could be used to recruit mechanics?
Comments
The situation described in Boomtown is very typical in several parts of the western United
States. Unfortunately there are no easy solutions that Milt can adopt. He might try recruiting
mechanics from economically depressed areas elsewhere and Milt might design an incentive
system for use with shop personnel. Another alternative is to start renting space in the center for
individuals to work on their own vehicles. Also, Milt and his boss must convince headquarters
1. Discuss the challenges faced by HR management when significant staff cutbacks occur
and how they should be addressed.
When companies cannibalize the human resources needed to grow and innovate, disruption
follows for some time. Downsizing can hurt productivity by leaving “surviving” employees
2. Use of technology, employee retention, and HR development have been at the core of
HR becoming more strategic at Xerox. Why have those areas been so key?
These areas have been key because they illustrate to employees that Xerox is committed to
Chapter 2: Strategic HR Management and Planning
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