SPHR Questions - Part 26

1. Right Answer: C
Explanation: Answer option C is correct.The best definition of HR is that HR is evolving into a role that provides strategic, administrative, and operational services for the entire organization.Answer option A is incorrect. This isn't the best definition of HR as this answer doesn't include the administrative role of HR in the organization and it includes legal, which isn't valid.Answer option B is incorrect. This isn't the best definition of HR as this answer doesn't include strategic services.Answer option D is incorrect. This isn't the best definition of HR as doesn't include a direct component of cultural awareness.Reference: Professional in Human Resources Certification Study Guide, Sybex, ISBN: 978-0-470-43096-5. Chapter Four: Workforce Planning and Employment.Chapter: Business Management and StrategyObjective: Strategy

2. Right Answer: B
Explanation: Answer option B is correct.Working from home-based offices is actually a benefit of a virtual team, not a disadvantage.Answer option D is incorrect. Different languages among the virtual team can create communication challenges for Jen and the project team.Answer option C is incorrect. Operating with different time zones can create challenges for communications and team meetings.Answer option A is incorrect. Face-to-face communication is one of the best approaches for communicating, but virtual teams can't take advantage of face-to-face communications as easily as a collocated team.Reference: Professional in Human Resources Certification Guide, Sybex, ISBN: 978-0-470-43096-5. Chapter 7: Employee and Labor Relations. Official PHR andSPHR Certification Guide, HR Certification Institute, ISBN: 978-1-586-44149-4, Section III, The US Body of Knowledge.Chapter: Human Resource DevelopmentObjective: Global Considerations

3. Right Answer: C
Explanation: Answer option C is correct.A Pareto chart is a special histogram in that it shows categories of failures from the largest failure to the smallest failure. The idea is that the project team or organizational development team will attack the largest problems first.Pareto chart -A Pareto chart is a special type of bar chart where the values being plotted are arranged in descending order. The graph is accompanied by a line graph, which shows the cumulative totals of each category, left to right. The chart is named after Vilfredo Pareto, and its use in quality assurance was popularized by Joseph M.Juran and Kaoru Ishikawa.A Pareto chart is a histogram where items (such as number of defects) are ordered by frequency of occurrence, as shown in the below example:Example of a Pareto chart -It is a type of chart that consists both bars and a line graph, where individual values are represented in descending order by bars, and the cumulative total is shown by the line.Answer option A is incorrect. A histogram is simply a bar chart and isn't ordered from largest to smallest.Answer option D is incorrect. A fishbone diagram is also known as an Ishikawa diagram or a cause and effect chart.Ishikawa diagram -The Ishikawa diagram (or fishbone diagram or also cause-and-effect diagram) is a diagram that shows the causes of a certain event. A common use of theIshikawa diagram is to identify potential factors causing an overall effect. It helps identify causal factors and root causes.It is known as a fishbone diagram because of its shape, similar to the side view of a fish skeleton. It is considered as a basic tool of quality management.Answer option B is incorrect. A control chart shows trend analysis by tracking the results of measurements over time.What are control charts?Control charts are graphical representations of different processes. These charts contain the maximum and minimum values allowed. Control charts are used to determine whether or not a process is stable or has predictable performance. A process is considered out of control when a data point exceeds a control limit or if seven consecutive points are above or below the mean.Reference: Professional in Human Resources Certification Guide, Sybex, ISBN: 978-0-470-43096-5. Chapter 5: Human Resource Development. Official PHR andSPHR Certification Guide, HR Certification Institute, ISBN: 978-1-586-44149-4, Section III, The US Body of Knowledge.Chapter: Human Resource DevelopmentObjective: Organization Development

4. Right Answer: B
Explanation: Answer option B is correct.A simple linear regression measures one variable against another. Multiple linear regression (A) measures more than one variable against others. A ratio (D) compares one number to another. A simulation model uses a computer program (C) to predict the possible outcomes of different business scenarios. SeeChapters 2 and 4 for more information.Chapter: Core Knowledge Requirements for HR ProfessionalsObjective: Qualitative and Quantitative Analysis

5. Right Answer: D
Explanation: Answer option D is correct.The National Labor Relations Board (NLRB) determines which jobs will be included in the bargaining unit based on the 'community of interest' shared by the requirements of the jobs. See Chapter 7 for more information.Chapter: Employee and Labor RelationsObjective: Federal Employment Legislation