December 1999
IM218 :INFORMATION MANAGEMENT

QUESTION 3

Total Marks: 15 Marks

• Question 1
• Question 2
• Question 4
• Question 5
• Cover Page

SUGGESTED SOLUTIONS
Solutions and allocated marks are indicated in green.
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It is important to find good candidates when recruiting for an open position.

(i) Why is it not good enough simply to get as many candidates as possible? [1 mark]

Unsuitable candidates only have to be weeded out during the selection process, costing time and money, so there is no point in attracting them in the first place.

(ii) Give one advantage and one disadvantage of using referrals from employees to find candidates. [2 marks]

The candidates are likely to be good, as they will come with at least some degree of recommendation, since it is in employees' best interests to have proficient colleagues. On the other hand, this technique does not reach a wide audience. (1 mark for the advantage, 1 mark for the disadvantage; any reasonable answers should be accepted.)

Briefly discuss four techniques that can be used in initial applicant screening during recruitment.

visual screening: simply looking at a candidate can weed out those whose appearance or dress is inappropriate;

critical or knock-out questions: ask questions directly related to the skills and characteristics required for successful performance in the job;

reviewing application forms: forms should be phrased in such a way as to elicit detailed information relating to the applicant's suitability for the position;

briefly describing the job to the applicant: applicants may be unfamiliar with the position, and may remove themselves from further consideration on learning more;

aptitude test: an objective means to determine whether the candidate has the basic competences required to perform the tasks involved.

(1 mark for each description, to a maximum of 4 marks; no discussion, no mark.)

Why is it the data processing manager and not the personnel specialist who conducts the structured selection interview?

It is the DP manager who will be working with the candidate (1 mark), so they know best who would make a suitable candidate (1 mark).

Training is an important part of a personnel development programme. Discuss the different training needs appropriate for the following personnel:

(i) end-users;

End-users need to be trained in how to use new computer hardware and software (1 mark). They also need training on why computers are used in the first place, in order to dispel any misconceptions and fears they may have (1 mark).

(ii) developers;

Developers need training in new development techniques, languages and environments (1 mark). They may also need training in designing aspects of a system for users to use, rather than simply designing systems that perform the required tasks (1 mark).

(iii) management.

Management personnel also need training in new development techniques, as they need to be aware of them even if they need not be proficient in using them (1 mark). Management will also need training in management techniques and trends (1 mark).