Which activity assesses the optimal employment of current manpower resources?

The assessment of the optimal employment of current manpower resources is best captured by the inventory of present manpower resources. This activity involves a comprehensive evaluation of the existing workforce within an organization, including their skills, experiences, qualifications, and overall capabilities. By taking stock of the current manpower, organizations can effectively identify how well their existing human resources are aligned with their operational needs and strategic goals.

This inventory enables HR professionals to understand not only the quantity of personnel available but also their qualitative aspects, such as the skills and competencies present in the workforce. It provides a clear picture of strengths to leverage and weaknesses to address, thus facilitating informed decision-making regarding workforce management, training needs, and potential reassignments.

On the other hand, forecasting primarily looks at predicting future manpower needs based on various trends and scenarios, but it does not focus specifically on current resources. Planning involves the strategic process of preparing for future HR needs and aligning them with business objectives, but it also doesn't directly assess the current workforce. Estimating manpower gaps identifies discrepancies between current capabilities and future requirements but does not evaluate how effectively the current resources are employed.

Therefore, the inventory of present manpower resources is crucial for understanding and optimizing the human capital already within the organization, making it the most appropriate choice for