Answer ALL questions in this paper.

$[100$ MARKS$]$

InterMed adds chief human resources officer to its leadership team

InterMed, one of Maine's largest providers of primary health care, has hired Lindsay Fitzgerald as chief human resources officer.

In this role, Fitzgerald oversees the human resources team and its various functions, including recruiting, benefits, employee relations, workers compensation and organizational development.

She also is responsible for strategic leadership and for articulating human resource needs and plans to the executive management team, shareholders and the board of directors.

"I am honored to join InterMed at such an exciting time in its journey," Fitzgerald said. $"$My primary goal is to foster a workplace culture that empowers our people, drives innovation and supports our strategic vision. Together, we will focus on creating an environment where every team member can thrive and contribute to our shared success."

Fitzgerald brings more than $20$ years of experience in human resources, coupled with more than $15$ years in leadership roles across diverse industries, including health care, hospitality and retail. She has held roles at MaineHealth, Martin's Point Health Care, the Westin Portland Harborview Hotel and most recently at the Maine Veterans' Home.

She earned a bachelor's degree in business administration from the University of Maine.

$"$We are excited to welcome Lindsay to our executive leadership team," said Roger Poitras, CEO of InterMed. "With her extensive experience and passion for driving organizational excellence, we are confident she will play a pivotal role in shaping our company's future.

QUESTION $2$

$(25$ Marks$)$

Advise Lindsay Fitzgerald on the concept of sustained competitive advantage from a resource$-$based view $($RBV$)$ and discuss the four $(4)$ criteria for resources within this framework in the context of InterMed.

QUESTION $3$

$(25$ Marks$)$