EHRM1514 – ONLINE ASSIGNMENT 1: STUDENT INSTRUCTIONS

Dear student

The purpose of assignment 1 is for you, your group members, and your tutor to get to know each other
better. You will have to start communicating with your group members and provide them with
constructive and supportive feedback. You will be expected to make meaningful contributions based on
the questions that you are provided with.

INSTRUCTIONS FOR ASSIGNMENT 1

A final assignment (‘Word’ document) must be uploaded on Blackboard in the assignment link called:
Assignment 1

Section A:

Question 1 (3 marks)

1. Introduce yourself to your tutor and the group.

Itumeleng Mohojane and I’m currently enrolled for Bachelor of commerce in the University of Free
State.

1.2 Tell the group and your tutor what your dream job is and also why human resource management is
relevant to your specific field of study.

 I am Itumeleng Mohojane and HR is relevant to Training and Development

Manager because it is responsible for training and developing skills of new employee
and assist them to be as productive so that they can help the organization to be
effective.
Section B:
Question 2 (22 marks)

2.1 History of HRM: 3 Approaches (12 marks)

Human resource management has changed a lot in the past 100 years. In the past, people in
organisations were managed according to different approaches, namely, the scientific management
approach, the human relations approach as well as the human resources approach.
 Identify the underlying principles of each of the three approaches to HRM.
 Debate the strengths and weaknesses of each approach.
 Which approach would be relevant to your respective field of study? Could it be implemented for
businesses today? Provide reasons why.
 2.1.1 Scientific Management

Strength
Standardisation of tools, equipment, materials
and work methods. It gives incentive wages to the
workers for higher production. There is the
elimination of wastes and realisation of syste
Weakness

2.1.2 Human Relations Approach

Strength

Weakness

2.1.3 Human Resources Approach

Strength

Weakness
3.3 HR Functions and Legislation (Combine these two activities)
3.3 HR functions and the law
Hence, the Human resource approach is the best role I prefer, because it links to how worker’s skills are
developed and improved in order to bring a healthy competition within the organization

2.2 Statutory employment laws (10 marks)

You have recently been appointed as the HR manager of a company in South Africa. As an HR
manager, it is important to maintain good employment relationships. Employment relations in South
Africa are governed by a comprehensive legislative framework. This is the system of laws that control
and give structure to the relationships in the work environment. Your first assignment is to complete the
table below by linking the different HR functions with the correct labour laws. You would then have to
prepare a word document for the board of directors of your company.

Please allow for 30 minutes for discussions within the small groups. After the discussions have taken
place, allow the students 5 minutes to present their findings to the tutor.
HR Section: Law

 Human Resource Management in Context Labour Relations Act 66 of 1995 (LRA)

 What is human resource management?
 Human resource role players
 Ethics in human resource management

 The Employee at Work Basic Condition of employment act 75 of 1997

 Workforce planning (BCEA)
 Talent acquisition

 Developing Employees National Economic Development and Labour Council

 Performance management and Act 35 of 1994 (NEDLAC)
evaluation
 Learning and development
 Leadership and management

 Retaining Employees Labour Relation Act 66 of 1995 (LRA)

 Talent management and retention
 Rewarding and recognising employees
 Employee Care Occupational health and safety act 85 of 1993
 Employee safety (OHSA)
 Workplace wellness
 Employee relations

Total: 25 Marks