Human Resource Management Practices in Alcoa

Contents 1. Executive Summary 3 2. Introduction 3 3. Overview of the company 4 4. Recruitment and Selection 4 4.1. Introduction 4 4.2. Review of Literature 4 4.3. Recruitment and Selection in Alcoa 5 4.4. Findings and Recommendations 6 5. Learning and Development 7 5.1. Introduction 7 5.2. Review of Literature 7 5.3. Learning and Development in Alcoa 8 5.4. Findings and Recommendations 9 6. Reward Management 9 6.1. Introduction 9 6.2. Review of Literature 10 6.3. Reward Management in Alcoa 10 6.4. Findings and Recommendations 11 7. Performance Management 11 7.1. Introduction 11 7.2. Review of Literature 11 7.3. Performance Management in Alcoa 12 7.4. Findings and Recommendations 13 8. Work-Life Balance 13 8.1. Introduction 13 8.2. Review of Literature 14 8.3. Work-Life Balance in Alcoa 14 8.4. Findings and Recommendations 14 9. Conclusions 15 10. Reference List 16

Executive Summary
This assignment critically examines Human Resource Management (HRM) practices in Alcoa, focusing on select issues and relating it to the company’s approach to strategic HRM. Relevant theory and literature is reviewed in light of current HRM functions and systems, focusing on Recruitment and Selection; Learning and Development; Reward Management; Performance Management and Work-Life Balance issues. The objective is also to evaluate the company’s approach to strategic HRM and understand how this approach contributes to organisational effectiveness. Recommendations are made which can help to improve the company’s HRM and overall performance.
Introduction
In an increasingly fast-paced and competitive business world, companies are striving to find ways in which to improve organisational performance. A strategic and well-structured Human Resource Management (HRM) approach seems to be the trend to follow, as a growing number of successful companies seem confident about the positive impacts of good

References: Review of Literature A recent research identified difficulties faced by organisations when implementing a performance management system (De Waal and Counet, 2009) * The process supports continuing performance improvement. | (Alcoa, 2011) Review of Literature Recent studies highlighted the issue of work-life balance as a means to support and improve employee attraction, development and retention by organisations (Dunne, 2007; Eikhof, Warhurst, and Haunschild, 2007). Alcoa, 2011.Sustainability Highlights Report. [pdf] Available at: <http://www.alcoa.com/sustainability/en/home.asp> [Accessed 2 May 2012]. Armstrong, M., 2009.Armstrong’s Handbook of Human Resource Management Practice. Eleventh edition. London: Kogan Page.