Instructor Resource
Kavanagh and Johnson, Human Resource Information Systems: Basics, Applications, and Future Directions, 4e
SAGE Publishing, 2018
Sample Answers to Discussion Questions
Chapter 9: Talent Management
1. Why is it important to establish the meaning of talent and talent management in a
particular organizational setting?
The field of TM brings with it a new perspective that unifies recruiting, hiring,
2. How does the strategic direction of the organization influence human resource
planning activities?
HRP begins with the identification of the strategic goals of the company and
3. Given the different needs of the HRP process discussed in this chapter, what types
of data would you expect the HRIS data warehouse to contain?
The data warehouse should have the following data:
1. The forecasted need for employees based on the strategic objective
Instructor Resource
Kavanagh and Johnson, Human Resource Information Systems: Basics, Applications, and Future Directions, 4e
SAGE Publishing, 2018
4. What would be the most effective “bundles” of metrics for talent management?
The metrics from both the performance management and the TM programs
5. How would one justify the purchase of software for an HRP program?
By the resulting number of available people working in the proper jobs at the
6. Discuss the pros and cons of using social networks to recruit top talent.
Social networking using the Web has become popular with recruiters and
potential applicants. These social networks (e.g., Facebook, LinkedIn, and
7. What are some potential disadvantages of using a packaged application to help
automate the employee goal-setting process?
Instructor Resource
Kavanagh and Johnson, Human Resource Information Systems: Basics, Applications, and Future Directions, 4e
SAGE Publishing, 2018
The software package speeds up the task of setting goals, and it helps define
8. How would you use workforce analytics to support talent programs such as
recruiting, retention, and employee development?
Using workforce analytics to manage talent can involve asking many
9. Why is it important to have an adaptable workforce in a global economy?
A major aspect of a successful TM strategy, short or long, is to have an
10. Discuss the underlying attributes necessary to support high achievers.
The following attributes are necessary for high achievers:
11. How might the attributes of a highly motivated employee change for different job
descriptions?
Each job has specific KSA requirements for effective performance. If the
12. Discuss corporate tactics that can be used in a down economy to keep top talent.
Instructor Resource
Kavanagh and Johnson, Human Resource Information Systems: Basics, Applications, and Future Directions, 4e
SAGE Publishing, 2018
There needs to be both a long-term talent management strategy and a short-
13. Discuss how you would use information systems (IS) to support succession
planning.
An information system would have the KSAs of all employees, their job