单选题
In the information technology industry, it is widely
acknowledged that how well IT departments of the future can fulfil their
business goals will depend not on the regular updating of technology, which is
essential for them to do, but on how well they can hold on to the people skilled
at manipulating the newest technology. This is becoming more difficult. Best
estimates of the current shortfall in IT staff in the UK are between 30,000 and
50,000, and growing. And there is no end to the problem in
sight. A severe industry-wide lack of investment in training means the long-term
skills base is both ageing and shrinking. Employers are chasing
experienced staff in ever-decreasing circles, and according to a recent
government report, 250,000 new IT jobs will be created over the next
decade. Most employers are confining themselves to dealing with
the immediate problems. There is little evidence, for example, that they are
stepping up their intake of raw recruits for in-house training, or re-training
existing staff from other functions. This is the course of action recommended by
the Computer Software Services Association, but research shows its members are
adopting the short-term measure of bringing in more and more consultants on a
contract basis. However, this approach is becoming less and less acceptable as
the general shortage of skills, coupled with high demand, sends contractor rates
soaring. An experienced contract programmer, for example, can now earn at least
double the current permanent salary. With IT professionals
increasingly attracted to the financial rewards and flexibility of consultancy
work, average staff turnover rates are estimated to be around 15%. While many
companies in the financial services sector are managing to contain their losses
by offering skilled IT staff 'golden handcuffs'—deferred loyalty bonuses that
tie them in until a certain date—other organisations, like local governments,
are unable to match the competitive salaries and perks on offer in the private
sector and contractor market, and are suffering turnover rates of up to 60% a
year. Many industry experts advise employers to link bonuses to
performance wherever possible. However, employers are realising that bonuses
will only succeed if they are accompanied by other incentives such as attractive
career prospects, training, and challenging work that meets the individual' s
long-term ambition. This means managers need to allocate
assignments more strategically and think about advancing their staff as well as
their business. Some employers advocate giving key employees projects that would
normally be handled by people with slightly more experience or capability. For
many employers, however, the urgency of the problem demands a more immediate
solution, such as recruiting skilled workers from overseas. But even this is not
easy, with strict quotas on the number of work permits issued. In addition,
opposition to the recruitment of IT people from other countries is growing, as
many professionals believe it will lead to even less investment in training and
thus a long-term weakening of the UK skills base.
单选题
According to the first paragraph, the success of IT departments will
depend on ______.
A. their success in retaining their skilled staff
B. the extent to which they invest in new technology
C. their attempts to recruit staff with the necessary skills
D. the ability of employers to keep up with the latest
developments
【正确答案】
A
【答案解析】
单选题
A problem referred to in the second paragraph is that ______.
A. the government needs to create thousands of new IT posts
B. the pool of skilled IT people will get even smaller in the future
C. company budgets for IT training have been decreasing steadily
D. older IT professionals have not had adequate training
【正确答案】
B
【答案解析】
单选题
What possible solution to the long-term problems in the IT industry is
referred to in the third paragraph?
A. Ensuring that permanent staff earn the same as contract staff.
B. Expanding company training programmes for employees.
C. Conducting more research into the causes of staff leaving.
D. Offering top rates to attract the best specialist consultants.
【正确答案】
B
【答案解析】
单选题
In the financial services sector, the IT staffing problem has led to
______.
A. cash or other benefits for skilled staff after a specified period of
time
B. more employees seeking alternative employment in the public sector
C. the loss of customers to rival organisations
D. more flexible conditions of work for their staff
【正确答案】
A
【答案解析】
单选题
According to the final paragraph, the UK skill base will be weakened
by ______.
A. changes to managers' strategic thinking
B. insufficient responsibility being given to IT staff
C. the employment of IT staff with too little experience