Question

Discussion Question.....

Stringtown Iron Works is a small fictional shipyard on the East Coast dedicated to ship overhaul. It focuses on obtaining government contracts for overhauling naval ships. These overhauls require Stringtown to maintain a quality workforce that is capable of rapid production. The position of pipe fitter is particularly critical for success.

Pipefitters are responsible for repairing and installing the piping systems on board the vessels. Employees in the pipefitter classification may also be called on to work in the shop, building pipe pieces that are ultimately installed on the ships. Like most union jobs in the yard, pipe fitters are predominantly white men between the ages of 30 and 45. As part of the most recent bargaining agreement, work is primarily done in cross-functional teams.

Job Description

Job: Pipefitter

Pay: $12.00 to $20.00 per hour

A pipe fitter must:

Read and interpret blueprints and/or sketches to fabricate and install pipe in accordance with specifications.

Perform joint preparation and fit-up to fabricate and install brazed and welded piping systems.

Perform layout and calculations to fabricate and install pipe.

Fabricate pipe pieces up to 10” in diameter and up to 10' long to support shipboard pipe installation.

Install ship's piping, such as water, drains, hydraulics, lube oil, fuel oil, high-temperature air, etc. on location and within tolerances per design.

Inspect and hydro test completed piping systems to ensure compliance with ship's specifications.

Use a variety of hand and power tools to perform joint preparation, assembly bolt-up, and positioning during fabrication and installation.

Utilize welding equipment to tack-weld pipe joints and to secure pipe supports to ship's structure.

Completion of the above tasks requires pipe fiT1tters to do the following:

Frequent lifting and carrying of 25–50 pounds

Occasional lifting and carrying of over 50 pounds

Occasional to frequent crawling, kneeling, and stair climbing

Frequent pushing, pulling, hammering, and reaching

Frequent bending, stooping, squatting, and crouching

Occasional twisting in awkward positions

Occasional fume exposure

Questions:

Which of the overall HR strategies would be best for Stringtown Iron Works?

Should Stringtown focus on job fit or organization fit?

Should Stringtown hire based on achievement or potential?

What selection methods would you recommend for Stringtown? Why?

Answer 1

Q.1 Committed Expert HR strategy would be the best HR strategy for Stringtown Iron Works. The main objective of the Committed Expert HR strategy is hiring and retaining employees who have specialized job skills. Since Pipefitters have specialized skills and they are critical for the organization's success they need to be retained by the organization. Hence, the Committed Expert HR strategy is the most suitable HR strategy for Stringtown Iron Works.

Q. 2 Stringtown should focus on job fit as the Pipefitter's job is a very specialized and critical job. The job requires skills in multiple activities.

Q. 3 Since the Pipefitter's job is critical and requires specialized skills, Stringtown should hire based on achievements. Experienced Pipefitters would be the ideal fit for Stringtown. The organization may develop its junior employees who show potential, as Pipefitters. These employees could work under the experienced Pipefitters and learn the skills required for the job.

Q.4 The selection methods should include:

Skill test - To ascertain the skill levels of the candidates

Physical fitness test- As the job involves activities like frequent lifting, carrying, hammering, the ideal candidate should be physically fit.

Personal Interview- The interview would help the see how well the candidate can read and interpret blueprints, perform layout calculations, understand the specification, etc.