Manpower and succession planning needs within a major industrial and commercial group in South Africa

[摘要] This dissertation analyses a major industrial andcommercial group in South Africa in relation toits activities and level of performance in the fieldsof Manpower and Succession Planning.The first aspect dealt with, is the history of thegroup, commencing from its incorporation in thecountry as a single company, and tracing its growthfrom this point to its present state as a multi-company, multi-divisional group, manufacturing andmarketing a wide range of products. Certain causesof problems identified are shown to have their sourcesin the manning and administratibn of companies takenover during the growth period, which up to the present·has covered some seven years.The next focus of attention is aimed at the presentactivities of the group largely with regard to Manpowerand Succession Planning, and the existing systemspolicies and procedures followed together with an indicationof the persons within the organisation atpresent responsible for carrying out there existingactivities.The comment given discusses the operations down todivisional level, and shows what information systems,tuition support programmes etc., are in existence inthe group, and the nature and level of inter-divisionalliaison in Manpower and Succession Planning.The normative theory is then investigated, in an attemptto identify a satisfactory approach to a theoreticalsolution for problems thought to be facing the group.The normative theory covers aspects of Manpower Planning,Manpower Programming, Inventory Compilation,Information systems, Training and Development, CareerPlanning, Management by Objectives, Performance Standardsand Performance Appraisal.Consideration is given to the underlying needs forthese activities, and their basic roles as componentparts of a successful Manpower and Succession PlanningSystem. In addition some thought is given to EthnicConsideration, since it is felt that it will be essentialin the medium term future, and from then as an ongoingprocess, to make provision for similar planningand programming systems for the use, deployment, controland training of black labour.A comparison is made between the normative theoryapproach proposed, and the activities and operationscurLently being performed under the existing situationin the group as identified previously. Areas of poor performance against theory have been recognized inrelation to both group and divisional performance,and areas of required activities where no action isbeing taken have been identified also.Finally, recommendations, based on the deficiencysituation found, have been made, to indicate a courseof action for the group to follow, and systems andprocedures have been put forward for the group tofollow covering the introduction of and manning foran overall Manpower and Succession Planning System,together with proposals for certain corrected andextended activities at divisional level. In additionsome attempt has been made to demonstrate possiblecosts and financial benefits which could be expectedas a result of the introduction of the recommendations.

[发布机构] University of the Free State