A review of mathematical models in human resource planning

Abstract

To manage its manpower, the organization must be informed about its internal dynamics and about the dynamics of its environment. This involves the monitoring of internal personnel movements and the analysis of external supplies. The internal situation can largely be controlled through hirings, promotions, internal transfers, redundancies and retirement planning. The problem is precisely to plan and control these interrelated activities in order to achieve a stable organization capable of meeting its objectives. The influence of the environment, through the economic situation, legislation, competition and other factors complicates the problem further. To assist in the planning and control of these activities, the organization can have recourse to models that are either descriptive (Markov chains, renewal models) or normative (linear and goal programming, network methods, stochastic programming). Having reviewed a number of modeling approaches the authors are able to draw certain conclusions as to their applicability for solving various practical problems.