Lussier, Human Resources Management 3e
SAGE Publishing, 2019
Sample Answers
Chapter 2: Strategy-Driven Human Resource Management
Answers to Applying the Concept Exercises
Applying the Concept 2-1: The External Environment
Read each statement and write in the letter corresponding to the external environmental
factor it refers to.
a. customers
b. competition
c. suppliers
d. labor force
e. shareholders
f. society
g. technology
h. the economy
i. governments
1. The CEO was fired by the owners because our company is not profitable.
2. GE wanted to acquire our company, but the SEC said that would be in violation of
antitrust laws, thereby preventing the deal.
3. Karen bought a new oven that will cook our pizza in half the time and make it taste even
better.
G. Technology. A new improved faster oven is a technology change.
4. eHarmony online dating service is losing some customers to other services focusing on
Christian, African-American, and older people seeking matches.
Lussier, Human Resources Management 3e
SAGE Publishing, 2019
5. Our purchasing agent just closed a deal that will let us buy sugar for a few cents less per
pound, saving us thousands of dollars per year.
Applying the Concept 2-2: Strategies
Identify which strategy is used by each brand or company listed and write the letter
corresponding to the company’s strategy by the company’s name.
a. cost leadership
b. differentiation
c. focus or niche
6. iPhone
7. Bodybuilder magazine
8. Rolex watches
9. TOMS shoes
B. Differentiation. The TOMS logo differentiates it from other brands, and TOMS has a
social mission of giving away free shoes for every pair you buy.
10. Walmart
Applying the Concept 2-3: Writing Objectives
For each objective, write in the letter corresponding to which “must” criteria is not
met.
a. single result
b. specific
Lussier, Human Resources Management 3e
SAGE Publishing, 2019
c. measurable
d. target date
11. To start working out aerobically within a few weeks
12. To double ticket sales
C. Measurable
13. To sell 7% more sandwiches and 15% more chips in 2016
14. To decrease the number of sales returns by year end of 2016
15. To be perceived as the best restaurant in the Boston area by 2017
Applying the Concept 2-4: The Internal Environment
Identify which internal environmental factor is referred to in each statement and then write
the letter corresponding to that factor before the statement.
a. Strategy
b. Structure
c. Culture
16. “At Victoria’s Secret, we focus on selling clothes and other products to women.”
17. “At the SEC, we have several layers of management.”
B. Structure
Lussier, Human Resources Management 3e
SAGE Publishing, 2019
18. “At Ford, quality is job one.”
19. “Walking around the office, I realized that I would have to wear a jacket and tie every
day.”
20. “I work in the production department, and she works in the marketing department.”
B. Structure
Answers to the Skill Builder Exercises
SKILL BUILDER 2-1 IDEAS AND ANSWERS
Writing Objectives
This exercise is individual-based; there is no need for group work during class.
Total Time (5–20 min)
The real skill development comes from the preparation for the exercise. If you have limited
time, choose Option 1. I use Option 2, which takes around 4 min to go over Part 1, and then I
give students around 6 min for sharing objectives. I judge how they are enjoying sharing
objectives and give them more time if needed.
Preparation
Students should have corrected and written objectives in the preparation section before class.
Experience
Lussier, Human Resources Management 3e
SAGE Publishing, 2019
Options (8–20 min)
Review the suggested corrections for the four objectives in Part 1 of the preparation, then call
on class members to share their written objectives (Part 2) with the class.
Conclusion
Lead a class discussion and/or make concluding remarks.
Sharing
Testing on Skill Builder 1
I tell students to expect to have to list the four steps of the model for writing objectives and to
write a job-related objective of their choice that meets the criteria for setting objectives.
Test Question and Answer (Also found in Test Bank)
Write the four steps of the model for writing objectives and below it write a job-related
objective that meets the criteria for setting objectives.
Solution
Lussier, Human Resources Management 3e
SAGE Publishing, 2019
SKILL BUILDER 2-2 IDEAS AND ANSWERS
The Strategic Planning at Your College
This exercise is individual or group-based; but the students may need help from you to know
about the strategic plan at your college, unless you instruct the class to do their own research
to get the answers.
Doing Skill Builder 2 in Class
Objective
To apply the strategic planning process to your college or university.
Preparation
Students should have completed the preparation.
Options (8–20 min)
Professor leads class discussion by getting student answers to each part.