Topics to discuss. Describe the evolution of human resource management from a purely administrative function to a strategic function in the organization. Based on your description is there a significant difference between the two types of human resources? What are the most important societal and workplace trends affecting human resources today? Explain how an organization can create competitive advantage by strategically positioning their human resources department as a representative on the executive leadership team. What are the major objectives of human resource planning? Why is each of these objectives critical for an organizations success? Discuss key areas and/or tools that human resource managers can utilize to access and improve the organizations current and ongoing performance. What challenges exist relative to creating buy-in for the ongoing support of the strategic human resource function within the organization?