Task 1
a. Clearly define strategic human resource management. Then, with reference to Tarmac and using examples from another organisation, explain in detail why HRM is important in these organisations. (AC 1.1, 1.2)
b. As stated in the case study for Tarmac, Human Resource Management is a strategic process. This is because it involves the whole business in planning for the future. Having the right skills and knowledge enables the business to meet its objectives and compete more effectively than its rivals. A key element of Human Resource Management is to identify what level of human resources the business needs. This includes the skills and knowledge that will be required by the organisation both now and in the future. This is an integrated process as it involves looking at every area within an organisation. Tarmac constantly reviews all of its human resource needs.
Analyse the framework of strategic HRM using examples from the Tarmac case study i.e. how does Tarmac decide and plan its HRM strategy on a strategic level
(AC 1.3)

Task 2
a. Tarmac has a clear process for developing its strategy for managing its people/human resources including workforce planning and even its own ‘DREAM’ acronym
Analyse the HRM processes that Tarmac uses to develop its HR strategy and using examples from another organisation, consider in depth how the strategic human resource process is developed in these organisations. As part of your answer you must analyse:
 Planning of the total workforce/demand forecasting,
 Recruiting the required human resource,
 People and Performance/reward management systems
(AC 2.1)

b. With reference to the Tarmac case study and through conducting your own research, assess the different roles played by various individuals at Tarmac in the strategic HRM function.
Note: you can choose from CEO, role of top management/Board of Directors, stakeholders, Strategic HR role of front-line management, HR Function, HR specialists/consultants, etc.
(AC 2.2)

c. As Tarmac’s business is now much broader, it must keep developing its people. A key element of its plan is to ‘engage employees’ to use their energy and skills to improve the business. The HR management process provides the means to do this. For example, the HR department offers and arranges formal internal and external courses to give people training in key skills related to their current roles. There are many other HR strategies used by Tarmac.
i. Identify and analyse the HR strategies that have been developed and implemented in Tarmac.
ii. Then assess the HR strategies that have been developed and implemented in Tarmac (i.e. do you believe they are effective, has Tarmac used the right HR strategies, what improvement, if any, do you think will result from these HR strategies, etc).
You should refer to a particular HR strategies when you are making your assessment. Conduct your own research and give examples from other organisations where required.
(AC 2.3, 3.1, 3.2)

Task 3
In 2010 and 2012 respectively, Tarmac hit the news as it planned to cut 550 jobs and also considered moving its Head Quarters from Wolverhampton. Downsizing is just one of the contemporary issues affecting the strategic human resource management at companies such as Tarmac.
a. Through conducting your own research, identify and analyse contemporary issues in today’s modern world that can affect strategic management of human resources.
Note: you must analyse at least TWO issues in DETAIL to meet the standards and pass this assessment criteria. If your answer is not in detail and is too brief, you will fail this assessment criteria.
(AC 4.1, 4.2)
Useful link(s): www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-birmingham-20156373