Christian SalazarUH ID: 0979809Chapter 4 Case Studies 1 and 2Case 1: This case is about how flexible work schedules can be beneficial to employers and employees. 1. What are the pros and cons of flexible schedules from an employee’s perspective?The pros of flexible schedules from an employee’s perspective is that this reduces absenteeism, turnover, and helps employers attract the best candidates for job openings.2. What considerations should an employer take into account when designing a flextime work schedule?Some considerations that an employer should take into account when designing a flextime work schedule is the employers to take a look at the objectives needed to be completeddaily, weekly, and quarterly and as well as what exact hours the employer will require the employee to be present in the peak times of business that the company has and what areas need to be manned at all times. Also the employer should see what types of employees would be the best fit for flextime work because not everyone functions the same. 3. What can HR managers do to help facilitate flexible work schedules in their organizations?To help facilitate flextime work schedules in their organization, HR managers need to work together with the employees to create a realistic work schedule that would balance the company’s objectives as well as the employee’s needs. Both sides of the party need to be open to negotiation because there exists different types of employees of all age groups with different cultures and needs. It’s essential for this teamwork and open communication to take place so the employer can have employees that work at their optimal best and that aren’t stressed out allthe time. Case 2: This case is about the use of virtual teams and how it proved successful when building the F-35 Fighter program in the designing and creation of a stealth fighter aircraft. 1. What advantages did Lockheed Martin gain by using virtual teams? Explain.Christian SalazarUH ID: 0979809The advantages Lockheed Martin gained by using virtual teams were numerous. Just the fact that Lockheed Marin, Northrop Grumman, BAE systems and numerous teams of people working nationally and internationally as one mega team shows the major advantages of using virtual teams. With the use of the Internet and the use of other communications, this virtual team did not have to be all at one location. Thanks to the use of virtual teams, individuals were able to work around the world but at the same time be connected together as they were in one location. 2. Identify and discuss potential problems with using virtual teams.Some potential problems with using virtual teams in the interpersonal aspect would be that if team members around the world don’t know how to explain or speak to their other team members around the globe they can’t expect to have effective communication. Language and cultural barriers can really affect the virtual team. If they don’t know the same language how can they understand each other. Other problems that could arise are technical problems. If some team members in one part of the team do not know how to use technology correctly it makes them useless and potentially could slow down the project as a whole. Everyone should have the most up to date technology and be able to use it in real time so the project can come out successfully. I also see geographical concerns because sometimes things like the weather and distance can significantly slowdown the shipping of parts to one central location. I also see a huge cost of importing goods from different parts of the globe. 3. Discuss the characteristics that virtual team members should possess.Virtual team members should possess a commitment to shared goals and objectives andbe motivated to the job at hand. Virtual team members also need to be open and have honest communication with one another. Furthermore, members should be clear of their role assignments as well as being able to recognize a conflict and its positive resolution.4. What specific training should virtual teams receive?Christian SalazarUH ID: 0979809Virtual teams need to receive training on how to utilize the telecommunications technology very well, how to use document sharing platforms, online chat and instant messaging, web and video conferencing, the use of electronic calendar, and whatever other technological training is needed for the type of virtual teams being