Lesson eLearning

A tech startup plans to hire 180 new staff: 60 % in R&D, 25 % in Sales, and 15 % in Support. After 9 months, 15 % of R&D hires are transferred to Sales due to skill gaps. Calculate the number of employees in each department after the transfer, and briefly explain how such internal transfers can improve organisational performance.

hard 3 marks Class 12 · Business Studies · Staffing
Answer
R&D: 92, Sales: 61, Support: 27; internal transfer enhances skill utilisation and reduces recruitment cost

The correct answer is R&D: 92, Sales: 61, Support: 27; internal transfer enhances skill utilisation and reduces recruitment cost — Explain that transferring skilled staff addresses skill gaps, reduces hiring cost, and boosts productivity.

Step-by-step solution

  1. Compute initial hires: R&D = 60% of 180 = 0.60×180 = 108.
  2. Sales = 25% of 180 = 0.25×180 = 45.
  3. Support = 15% of 180 = 0.15×180 = 27.
  4. Number transferred from R&D to Sales = 15% of 108 = 0.15×108 = 16.2 ≈ 16 employees.
  5. New R&D headcount = 108 - 16 = 92.
  6. New Sales headcount = 45 + 16 = 61.
  7. Support remains 27.
  8. Explain that transferring skilled staff addresses skill gaps, reduces hiring cost, and boosts productivity.
Common mistake: Using percentage of total employees instead of R&D hires for transfer calculation

Concept tested: Placement and internal transfer

Published · How this solution was prepared and checked

← All Staffing questions