Human resource (HR) analytics or people analytics are terms used for the use of analytics to manage a company’s workforce. Google, Microsoft, and Walmart, for example, use people analytics to help retain their best people, ensure a diverse workforce, and better understand the strengths and areas needing improvement.

a. One application of people analytics is to build a model that estimates the probability of an employee departing the company within the next six months. Inputs to the model could be market demand for the skills the person possesses, how long the person has been with the company, and a major life event recently occurring for the person (e.g., divorce). Is this type of model descriptive, predictive, or prescriptive? Explain.

b. How could you use the model described in part(a) to help improve the workforce?