Consider the two large grocery store chains, Publix and Kroger. Here are some approximate figures on each of these stores from 2019:

Publix:

Total revenue: $38 Billion Number of employees: 200,000 Total compensation expenses: $6 Billion Costs of merchandise and operating costs: $29 Billion Kroger:

Total revenue: $122 Billion Number of employees: 435,000 Total compensation expenses: $16 Billion Costs of merchandise and operating costs: $103 Billion

For each of these stores, compute the following Human Capital Measures:

Revenue per employee

Human Capital Value Added

Human Capital ROI

Based just on these figures, which company do you think is more effectively managing its human resources?

Turnover has been increasing among sales associates at Kroger and the company has decided to make an investment in its human capital in order to reduce turnover. It is considering increasing compensation by $3/hour for its frontline workers. What information would you ask for in attempt to estimate whether this investment will generate a return for the organization? Be specific.

Select a public company that you are familiar with.

What industry do they operate in? Who are their major competitors?

What is the companys mission? If you can, find the mission statement for the company. If not, write a short mission statement based on what you know.

Explain this companys general strategy in terms of its

Growth (vs. stability or retrenchment)

Differentiation vs cost leadership

Focus vs. breadth

Find a SWOT analysis for this company. Briefly summarize the strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats. For many companies can find a SWOT analysis through the library website:

Go to lib.ua.edu

Click on Databases

Click on D and select D&B Hoovers

Search for your company in the box in the top right of the screen.

If you cannot find a SWOT analysis this way, you can pick another company, or find another one online from a source you trust and that makes sense.

Describe 3 major priorities or initiatives for HR that you would take based on this analysis if you were the CHRO or VP of HR in this company. In your description

Make sure you explain why you would take these initiatives in light of the companys mission and SWOT analysis.

Explain what areas of HR are going to be involved in these priorities

Explain any trade-offs that might come with these initiatives (e.g., will they cost money, reduce employee morale, etc.).