1. Using what you learned in Chapter 9 about the linkage between strategy and HR policy/practices, suggest the difficulties that HR faced after the Compaq acquisition.
2. Recent news about HP indicates they will keep the computer business. Suggest things you might do as a benefits manager at HP that would both balance low cost mandates and innovation aspirations. How might you structure communications, cost saving/controls, and new design issues to both save on benefit costs and reinforce innovation?
3. Indicate the challenges of being both a low-cost provider and innovator under the same corporate roof.