Reference no: EM132877819

Stringtown Iron Works Discussion  

Please read the case and answer the questions at the end. Please respond to two of your peers. Do you agree or disagree?

Stringtown Iron Works is a small fictional shipyard on the East Coast dedicated to shipping 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 pipefitter is particularly critical for success.

Pipefitters are responsible for repairing and installing the piping systems onboard 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, pipefitters 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 pipefitter must:

1. Read and interpret blueprints and/or sketches to fabricate and install pipes per specifications.
2. Perform joint preparation and fit-up to fabricate and install brazed and welded piping systems.
3. Perform layout and calculations to fabricate and install the pipe.
4. Fabricate pipe pieces up to 10" in diameter and up to 10' long to support shipboard pipe installation.
5. Install ship's piping, such as water, drains, hydraulics, lube oil, fuel oil, high-temperature air, etc. on location and within tolerances per design.
6. Inspect and hydro test completed piping systems to ensure compliance with the ship's specifications.
7. Use a variety of hand and power tools to perform joint preparation, assembly bolt-up, and positioning during fabrication and installation.
8. 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:

1. Which of the overall HR strategies would be best for Stringtown Iron Works?
2. Should Stringtown focus on job fit or organization fit?
3. Should Stringtown hire based on achievement or potential?
4. What selection methods would you recommend for Stringtown? Why?