Retaining human capital: a danger zone for METAL STAR
Publication date: 27 April 2021
Issue publication date: 27 April 2021
Abstract
Learning outcomes
This case is to familiarise students with the peculiarities of managing people by focussing on human capital development (HCD). Through the case, students are exposed to the critical recruitment and retention issues faced by METAL STAR Limited Company (METAL STAR), which have a detrimental impact on their business operations. Through the novel use of the transformer-transactor-performer (TTP) profiling tool, students are able to recognise the importance of matching the right candidate to the right job as a solution for recruitment and retention issues. At the end of the case analysis and discussion, students would have a clear idea of the TTP Profiling tool and how to identify core elements needed for an effective and holistic recruitment-retention-separation strategy for a company. The knowledge gained is most valuable for the students as it can be applied to other companies having similar HCD issues.
Case overview/synopsis
Carina Yew is the General Manager of METAL STAR, a sheet metal fabrication company in Penang, Malaysia. After more than 28 years of operations, METAL STAR has been adopting the same human resources (HR) processes and has failed to keep up with the current HR trends. Yew has to decide the best way to lead her company in transforming the HCD strategy to enable smooth and profitable business growth.
Complexity academic level
The case is relevant for undergraduate, postgraduate or even executive students taking courses pertaining to HCD or human resource management.
Subject code
CSS 6: Human resource management.
Supplementary materials
Teaching notes are available for educators only.
Keywords
Acknowledgements
The authors wish to thank all those, including the managers, supervisors and reviewers, who contributed significantly to improvements in the drafts of this case. The authors also wish to acknowledge the support of the institutions where they are working now and of Ms Chee Lean Imm (Kathleen), Mr Loo Kun Meng and Dr Teoh Ai Ping. Last but not least, this case would not have been possible without the support of Dato’ Ng Chai Eng, Ms Ng Sze Yen and Mr Ng Chin Liang, and the company they are working now.Disclaimer. This case is written solely for educational purposes and is not intended to represent successful or unsuccessful managerial decision-making. The authors may have disguised names; financial and other recognisable information to protect confidentiality.
Citation
Kong, S.M., Muthuveloo, R., Chan, J.I.L., Nezakati, H. and Joshi, J.P. (2021), "Retaining human capital: a danger zone for METAL STAR", , Vol. 11 No. 1. https://doi.org/10.1108/EEMCS-09-2020-0330
Publisher
:Emerald Publishing Limited Bingley, United Kingdom
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