In this week’s case study, the class will review a technology outsourcing company that has staff skills and training concerns on different levels. The class will consider the human resource factors that are relevant to making a sound strategic decision. Reading Assignment The reading assignments from: Strategic Management, Training Skills, Understanding Personality Types, and What HR People Do provide conceptual overviews while the case study provides the substantive content for this week’s activity. Strategic Management, by N. Ritson, pages 47-50. Available directly from the course homepage. Training Skills, by E. Garner, pages 41-43. Available for reading from the course homepage. Understanding Personality Types, by E. Garner, pages 47-50. Available for reading directly from the course homepage. What HR People Do, by T. Greener, pages 57-70. Available for reading directly from the course homepage. Leadership Skills, by MTD Training, pages 47-51. Available for reading directly from the course homepage. Digital Divide Data, a case study by Mathew, A., Rod, G., Villalobos, J. & Yates, D., pages 1-12. Available as a free Attachment Discussion Assignment After studying the Digital Divide Data (DDD) case study, describe DDD’s business goal and the strategic choices available to it. Written Assignment After reading the case study and other available information carefully, prepare a two page (double-spaced) essay addressing the following questions. When composing your essay, do not simply list the question and provide an answer, but rather compose a narrative essay that responds to the questions. What are the current human resources (HR) challenges facing DDD? What is the business goal and strategic choices facing DDD? What skills does DDD require of its rank-and-file staff? What skills does DDD require of its management staff? What barriers prevent DDD from recruiting the management staff it needs? What HR-related advantage is there for entering into a joint venture with a partner organization? Cite references to material that you use in preparing the essay. Learning Journal The Learning Journal is a space where you should reflect upon what was learned during the week and how it applies to your daily life and will help you with your life (career) goals. For this week’s reflection, please write an essay of complete and well composed paragraphs (200 word minimum for the entire essay) where you identify a company in your community and describe the human resources challenges facing it.