Assessment Centres (AC-s) are a common method of personnel selection in the public and private sector. The European Personnel Selection Office (EPSO) introduced Assessment Centres in 2010 as part of the reformed European Union (EU) recruitment system so that candidates are evaluated on the basis of their competencies instead of solely on the basis of their specific knowledge. Assessment Centres are used for all profiles including Administrators, Assistants, Linguists and Specialists at all position levels: entry-level positions, heads of unit and even directors or director-generals.

Through the use of AC-s, the EU is looking for candidates who can demonstrate the following general competencies:

• Analysis and Problem Solving: Identify the critical facts in complex issues and develop creative and practical solutions
• Communicating: Communicate clearly and precisely both orally and in writing
• Delivering Quality and Results: Take personal responsibility and initiative for delivering work to a high standard of quality within set procedures
• Prioritising and Organising: Prioritise the most important tasks, work flexibly and organise own workload efficiently
• Resilience: Remain effective under a heavy workload, handle organisational frustrations positively and adapt to a changing work environment
• Working with Others: Work cooperatively with others in teams and across organisational boundaries and respect differences between people

The CEO has instructed you as the HR manager to review the EU’s approach as many of the competencies are similar to what a management trainee of your company should possess. In the long term, he would like to implement an assessment centre for management trainee selection.

Q1. Watch the following youtube video, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=T6nVuwr31wQ. Analyse and elaborate on ‘Oral Presentation’ and ‘Computer Tests’ being employed by the EPSO. Your analysis should review and discuss the reliability and validity of both ‘Oral Presentation’ and ‘Computer Tests’, and when best to use each method. Your discussion should also be substantiated by empirical research.