INSTITUTE OF PEOPLE MANAGEMENT OF ZIMBABWE
ASSIGNMENT BOOKLET
DIPLOMA SUBJECTS
APRIL 2015
*n.b.ALL ASSIGNMENTS SHOULD BE TYPED
Assignment Submission Deadline for students writing April 2015 Examinations
is Tuesday 10 February2015.
April 2015
CONTENTS
DIPLOMA SUBJECTS
PAGE
ASSIGNMENTS AND EXAMINATIONS INSTRUCTIONS........................
2
Module 1
HUMAN RESOURCE MANAGEMENT ..........................................
3
Module 2
RECRUITMENT AND SELECTION.................................................
4
Module 3
SAFETY, HEALTH AND WELLNESS.............................................
5
Module 4
REWARD MANAGEMENT .............................................................
6
Module 5
EMPLOYMENT RELATIONS .........................................................
7
Module 6
MANAGEMENT OF TRAINING .....................................................
8
Module 7
TRAINING TECHNIQUES ...............................................................
9
Module 8
MANAGEMENT DEVELOPMENT ................................................
10
Module 10
HUMAN CAPITAL PLANNING ......................................................
11
Module 11
EMPLOYMENT LAW .......................................................................
12
Module 20
INTRODUCTION TO LAW ..............................................................
13
Module 21
MANAGEMENT OF INFORMATION SYSTEMS..........................
14
Module 23
FINANCIAL ACCOUNTING ...........................................................
15
Module 24
INDUSTRIAL PSYCHOLOGY ........................................................
16
Module 25
PUPLIC RELATIONS ......................................................................
17
Module 26
LABOUR ECONOMICS ....................................................................
18
1
April 2015
ASSIGNMENTS AND EXAMINATIONS INSTRUCTIONS
In line with the New Curriculum, Assignments were re-introduced with effect from the
December 2011 Examinations.
Please note that the final examination mark will be an aggregate of Assignments and
Examinations marks.

Assignments
:
Will contribute 30%

Examinations
:
Will contribute 70% to the final
examination pass mark

Answer any TWO (2) Assignments questions per subject.

The assignment should be about 1 500 words in length. Some answers should be
brief where required.


Now it is A MUST
Margins
:
:
Typed assignments, font size 12
2 cm
Important Notice to Students
PLAGIARISM OF ASSIGNMENTS
Students Please Note that Plagiarism of Assignments is not Allowed nor Tolerated.
While students are allowed to study and discuss the study materials/assignment questions with others
and/or with the tutors; but ultimately the assignment to be submitted should contain one’s own
thoughts and research findings and understanding of the subject matter. Submitting an assignment
copied word by word with another person is considered plagiarism and is not acceptable.
IPMZ is a professional body, and as such we cannot be seen to be condoning behaviour which is
completely at variance with our code of ethics. We expect our members to behave in an ethical and
professional manner as representatives of the HR profession.
Please be advised that if an Assignment is deemed to have been Plagiarised, the following will
happen:A)
Suspension from writing the examination/s in the Assignment/s proven beyond reasonable
doubt to be plagiarized.
B)
Forfeiting of the examination fees paid for the subject/s.
ALL assignments submitted will not be marked. Writing of examinations on the other
subjects will be allowed but will be marked out of 70%.
C)
Resubmission of the assignments in the subject/s if and when one decides to register for
future examinations.
PLEASE NOTE THAT NO CORRESPONDENCE SHALL BE ENTERED INTO AND NO FURTHER
REDRESS SHALL BE PERMITTED
2
April 2015
HUMAN RESOURCE MANAGEMENT
1.
2.
3.
4.
Module 1
Explain with examples the major factors that influence the organisation of the
health department and the service it provides.
[25]
Describe fully principles that must be consistent in administering the Code of
Conduct.
[25]
(a)
Outline some key uses of spread sheets in office application.
[10]
(b)
What is E-Learning.
(c)
What are the features of a good payroll system?
[5]
Give a full outline of the process of job evaluation.
3
April 2015
[10]
[25]
RECRUITMENT AND SELECTION
Module 2
Describe some of the best practice guidelines for developing selection criteria,
advertising, short listing, application forms, testing, interviewing, referee reports,
making the decision and medical examinations for recruiting and selecting the
most appropriate person for the job.
[25]
Advertising puts the company/organisation in the limelight. Discuss the
assertion in the context of recruitment and selection.
[25]
3.
Describe the ten areas that can be investigated in a comprehensive interview.
[25]
4.
The Human Resource Manager specialises in coaching employees. Do you agree?
[25]
1.
2.
4
April 2015
SAFETY, HEALTH AND WELLNESS
Module 3
Job burnout is a common health problem affecting a number of organisations;
critically discuss the key strategies that may be used to reduce job burnout in an
organisation.
[25]
2.
Critically discuss the impact of AIDS on organisations and national economies.
[25]
3.
Discuss the importance of spiritual wellness in management health related
programmes at the workplace.
[25]
Personal and job factors are some of the major causes of occupational accidents,
critically discuss the problems associated with personal and job factors.
[25]
1.
4.
5
April 2015
REWARD MANAGEMENT
1.
2.
3.
4.
Module 4
Describe the steps to be taken when developing a pay structure. Illustrate your
answer with relevant practical examples.
[25]
Explain the different types of benefits payable under the National Social Security
Authority and the qualifying standards for each benefit.
[25]
(a) Explain the principles of an employee benefits programme.
[15]
(b) Outline how the Market Value Theory is influenced by the law of ‘supply
and demand’.
[10]
Discuss the fundamental characteristics of a favourable incentive scheme.
[25]
6
April 2015
EMPLOYMENT RELATIONS
1.
2.
3.
4.
Module 5
Using four fundamental rights of workers (Labour Relations Act, 1985); assess
the extent to which the workers in your sector or industry enjoy their rights.
[25]
Examine four recent developments that have had a significant influence on
employment relations in Zimbabwe since 2010.
[25]
Compare and contrast the similarities and differences in the essential
characteristics between the ‘unitary’ and ‘pluralistic’ approaches to employment
relations.
[25]
The Workers Committee Chairperson of your company has requested you to
advise her committee on essential skills for use in the 2014 salary and wages
negotiations to be held soon. Prepare a comprehensive paper covering four
essential negotiating skills.
[25]
7
April 2015
MANAGEMENT OF TRAINING
1.
2.
3.
4.
Module 6
Examine the key steps for establishing training and development plans and
highlight problems associated with these steps.
[25]
Prepare a paper for newly appointed training managers entitled ‘Suggestions for
collecting data using appropriate research methods.’
[25]
Analyse critically the benefits of formulating a training policy for your
organisation.
[25]
Discuss Bloom’s three taxonomies of training objectives.
[25]
8
April 2015
TRAINING TECHNIQUES
1.
2.
3.
4.
Module 7
Principles are critical in order to assist both the Trainer and the Adult Learners.
Fully support this assertion.
[25]
According to Morrison et al (2010), the selection of appropriate Training
Technique depends on several factors. Using practical examples, explain each of
the factors.
[25]
A picture is worth more than a thousand words. Give relevant examples of
possible wall charts, that a Trainer may opt to use.
[25]
Watson (1979) and Curzon (2004) state that the success of using Case Studies
depends on the application of certain principles. Discuss.
[25]
9
April 2015
MANAGEMENT DEVELOPMENT
Module 8
1.
Distinguish between validity and reliability of data gathering tolls.
2.
Recommend to top management training methods you intend to use to ensure that
managers understand the Zimbabwe Agenda for Sustainable Socio-Economic
Transformation (ZIM ASSET).
[25]
3.
Analyse critically the more significant changes which are making a major impact
on managers and hence necessitating the need for management development.
[25]
Examine the purposes of games in management development.
[25]
4.
10
April 2015
[25]
HUMAN CAPITAL PLANNING
Module 10
1.
Conduct a SWOT analysis of Delta Corporation for strategic planning purposes.
[25]
2.
Criticize the use of strategic planning as a means to achieve organisational
objectives.
[25]
Appraise your CEO of the impact of HIV/AIDS to the organisation and the
industry at large.
[25]
Compile the purposes of the Human Resources Management in the utilization of
human resources in your organisation.
[25]
3.
4.
11
April 2015
EMPLOYMENT LAW
1.
2.
3.
4.
Module 11
(a)
What does the labour law govern?
[5]
(b)
How is work perceived by the law?
[5]
(c)
Describe the issue of ownership and control of means of production.
[5]
(d)
What does the Bourgeoisie Theory postulate?
[10]
The relationship between the employer and the employee is potentially
contentious. Comment on this assertion.
[25]
(a)
Describe the questions feminism holds and its possible solutions.
[10]
(b)
How does the State deal with conflict?
(c)
What unites Marxism; Feminist Stalinist; Trotskyite Marxism and
Anarchism?
[4]
[10]
(d)
What is common between Pluralism and Communism?
(a)
Explain the criticism of the bourgeoisie labour law.
(b)
State the reasons for the aforementioned.
[2]
(c)
Distinguish between Individual Labour Law and Collective Labour Law?
[5]
(d)
Describe the purposes of the Labour Law.
[8]
12
April 2015
[1]
[10]
INTRODUCTION TO LAW
1.
Module 20
You have been invited by an indigenous business organisation to present a paper at its
forthcoming conference on “business and its environment.” You are requested to deal
with the legal environment of business in regards the essentials for validity of contracts
in Zimbabwe.
Write your comprehensive presentation.
2.
[25]
“A sale by non-owner is, however, valid in law (subject to the buyer’s usual remedies for
fraud or misrepresentation) because the seller’s duty is not to pass ownership but to give
possession and guarantee against eviction.....”
Required
3.
4.
Apart from the duty described above in the quotation, explain other duties of the seller
towards the purchaser.
[25]
Explain the differences between a contract which is void and one which is voidable.
Cite relevant Case Law.
[25]
Discuss the various remedies available to an innocent party where his contract is
breached.
[25]
13
April 2015
MANAGEMENT OF INFORMATION SYSTEMS
Module 21
Discuss the importance of going for cloud computing in the running of a
business.
[25]
2.
Explain the importance of e-commerce in today’s world.
[25]
3.
Distinguish the different types of computers and their uses.
[25]
4.
Explain what you understand by the term Decision Support System (DSS). What
are the benefits and risks of using DSS?
[25]
1.
14
April 2015
FINANCIAL ACCOUNTING
1.
Module 23
The following was extracted from the books of Mubatanidzwa Club for the year
ended 31 December 2013.
Membership fees received : 2013
2014
Printing costs of club tickets
Honorarium: Treasurer
Building purchased
Water and Electricity
Balls and equipment purchased
Bank
Fixed investment (on 30/06/2013)
Crockery
Maintenance costs of grounds
Entrance fees received
Tournament expenses
Wages: Caretaker
Income from social function
Expenses of social function
Donations
Registration fees received
7 000
1 200
800
1 200
10 000
3 000
7 000
17 000
3 000
6 000
1 000
10 200
250
2 600
2 000
1 850
1 150
200
Additional Information:
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
The club had 150 registered members in 2013. The membership fees per
annum is $50 per member.
Crockery valuation on 31 December 2013 was $4 500
Interest on the fixed deposit must still be provided for at 12% per annum
Two members still owed the contribution to the social function amounting to
$15 per member.
$150 must still be provided for expenses in arrears for the tournament.
The caretaker’s wages include $600 for January 2014
Half of the registration fees must be capitalized, while the other half must be
treated as a current income.
Required to:
Prepare the income and expenditure statement of Mubatanidzwa Club for the
year ended 31 December 2013.
15
April 2015
[25]
2.
The following information relates to Brenchin Limited:
Brenchin Limited Balance Sheet at 31 March 2013
Ordinary share capital: $1 shares
Shares premium
Retained earnings
Long-term loan
Plant and machinery at carrying amount
Inventory
Debtors
Cash in bank
Creditors
Bank overdraft
Shareholders for dividends
2013
$
15 000
1 000
5 000
8 000
13 000
16 000
19 000
1 500
14 000
6 000
2012
$
10 000
2 000
11 000
10 000
18 000
14 500
15 000
500
4 000
INCOME STATEMENT FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2013
$
Turnover
Operating profit before disclosable items
Less: Expenses
Interest on loan
Loss on sale of machinery
Auditor’s fees
Director’s remuneration
Depreciation
Net profit before tax
Normal tax
Net profit after tax
Dividends declared
Retained earnings for the year
Retained earnings at the beginning of the year
Retained earnings at the end of the year
$
60 000
22 500
950
500
2 000
2 050
2 000
15 000
6 000
9 000
6 000
3 000
2 000
5 000
Additional Information:
Machinery was sold on 31 March 3013 when its carrying amount was $1 000 and
replaced by other machinery.
Required to:
Prepare the cash flow statement for the year ended 31 March 2013 (make use of
the indirect method)
16
April 2015
[25]
3.
The following information was obtained from the accounting records of Tinashe
and Ruva at 31 December 2011who are trading as equal partners:
Capital
Tinashe
Ruva
Current Accounts
Tinashe (debit)
Ruva (credit)
Long term loan from Tinashe 1/1/2011
Debtors
Furniture and fittings at cost
Accumulated depreciation, furniture and equipment
Provision for doubtful debts 31/1/2011
Bad debts recovered
Stock 1/1/2011
Purchases
Interest paid on long-term loan from Tinashe
Stationery
Salaries and wages
Rent paid
$
50 000
60 000
2 000
5 000
40 000
53 300
35 000
3 500
2 000
105
80 500
200 500
1 800
600
6 500
2 000
Additional information:
1.
The partnership agreement provides for:
•
•
•
•
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
Interest on capital at 9% per annum
Interest on current accounts at 7% per annum
A managerial salary of $6 000 per annum to Tinashe
A bonus to C. Moyo equal to 10% of the distributable profit after the
above have been taken into account.
Bad debts of $300 are to be written off
Provision for doubtful debts must be maintained at 5% of debtors
Interest payable on the long term loan from Tinashe amounted to 12% per
annum.
Provision for depreciation at 15% per annum must be made on furniture and
equipment on the diminished balance.
Stock on hand 31 December 2011 - $61 100
The profit mark-up on sales is consistently 20%
Required to:
Prepare the Trading, Profit and Loss Appropriation Account for the year ended
31 December 2011.
17
April 2015
[25]
4.
(a) Discuss the usefulness of financial statements in the e-world.
[10]
(b) X and Y are in partnership and share profits in the ratio 2:3. Z considers
joining the partnership. Goodwill amounts to $18 000. Z contributes a
quarter of the capital of the original partnership after goodwill has been
taken into consideration in exchange for a quarter profit share. The capital
accounts of X and Y are $40 000 and $60 000 respectively.
Show the necessary entries in the books of the partnership if it is assumed
that:
(i)
Goodwill is not shown in the books
(ii) Land and buildings shown in the books at $10 000 are revalued
at $40 000
18
April 2015
[10]
[5]
INDUSTRIAL PSYCHOLOGY
1.
2.
3.
4.
Module 24
To what did Frederick W. Taylor and his Scientific Management Theory impact
on Industrial Psychology?
[25]
Compare and contrast Maslow’s Need Hierarchy Theory and Herzberg’s 2
Factor Theory. For each similarity and difference, cite a practical organisational
example.
[25]
Critique the relevance of the Swiss Cheese Model at an organisation of your
choice.
[25]
Describe very briefly with practical examples the following:(a) The Systems Approach
[5]
(b) Environmental Analysis
[5]
(c) Organisational Citizenship Behaviour categories.
[5]
(d) Hofstede’s dimensions of culture.
[5]
(e) Murphy’s performance model.
[5]
19
April 2015
PUBLIC RELATIONS
1.
2.
Module 25
Explain the tenets of each of the following models showing their applicability in
today’s organisation:
(a)
Liner model.
(b)
Interactive model.
[25]
(a)
Explain the rationale behind a PR manager engaging in the process of
counselling organisation’s leaders as well as the analysing of trends.
[15]
As a PR manager explain the value of ethics within the Public Relations
arena.
[10]
(b)
3.
Justify the importance of corporate advertising within large companies.
[25]
4.
Explain the responsibility of Public Relations being considered as, two way
communication, then, briefly account for Public Relations being regarded as a
very important management function within an organisation.
[25]
20
April 2015
LABOUR ECONOMICS
Module 26
1.
Assess labour demand in a monopoly and monopsony.
[25]
2.
Discuss the reasons for discrimination against females in Zimbabwe and trace how
the Constitution of Zimbabwe Amendment (No. 20) Act 2013 attempts to redress
this.
[25]
‘Zimbabwe’s labour market has a plethora of problems.’ Discuss this assertion
and proffer solutions.
[25]
Distinguish between types of unemployment in Zimbabwe.
[25]
3.
4.
21
April 2015