Sunday, December 2, 2007
MBA 765 ASSIGNMENT 4-4 LEARNING JOURNAL
How may the implementation of action steps differ in the closure stage from the prior stages?
The implementation of action steps differ in the closure stage from prior stages because the leader must consider all stakeholders during this time of uncertainty. Whereas, in other stages the focus may be only on the stockholders or employees guiding the leader to reach desired goals for specific business related issues. During the closure stage, the leader must carefully consider all areas may be affected by any decision. In the early stages, a company can be quite bit smaller, fewer partners, or even a single location. The implementation of moving operations out of a different location would become a lot more involved than a single location. Property and assets become complicated legal issues with more people involved and considered. Hiring specialist to assist with the closure plan can ensure a more positive outcome.
What types of personal and professional risks do leaders run into while attempting to complete the closure process?
Personal risks the leaders run into while attempting to complete the closure process would be lack of motivation from the employees, failure to complete orders, finding jobs for displaced workers. Tax and legal issues related to the closing can be cumbersome especially if the business is closing completely. These issues may become quite involved when it comes to a merger since so many important issues will be addresses as far was employee placement, severance packages, and retirement. A clear plan of the merger must be written out so both parties understand any liabilities for a smooth transition.
What type of closure implementation activity would you find to be the most personally difficult? Why?
Closure implementation of each employee’s future would the most difficult activity. If the company has been in business for a long period of time many of the employees may have dedicated much of their life to the business. I would have to ask myself to consider the impact of my decisions on each one of their lives. It would challenge me to find a way to communicate the end strategy to them so they will stay motivated. Failing to relate the exit strategy at the best possible time could result in problems for the close of business. Not only would emotional issues need to be addressed, business issues would ultimately dictate how and when the news would be related to the employees. There would be no easy way to tell them they are out of a job other than assuring the workers that you are doing everything in your power to help them deal with the change would be the only way to avoid their mistrust in management or the company.
In what ways might the closure stage actually not be final?
The closure stage may not be final when the company has effectively entered into a business venture with larger company with resources to avoid actually closing the business. When just part of a company or a unit is being closed down it may actually prevent the business closure from being final. Considering a new strategy may mean embarking on an acquisition to keep the business alive. This may happen when a company stops manufacturing a certain item and returns to focus of its core business. Or in the case of a merger, the business operations may continue with the help of the acquiring company who may be in a more financial situation or have resources to continue the core business of the company being acquired
.
Should particular kinds of stakeholders be given priority in obtaining the remaining organizational assets? Why?
Investors either public or private should be the first to be considered. Ultimately they have invested into the business and should be the last to lose. It almost seems unfair to say that when employees may have given a lifetime to the business and then walk away with a small severance pay. Ethical considerations must come into play at the end, supplier relationships must be considered since the integrity of the business owners may be jeopardized for future business they may wish to enter into. Any avoidance of financial or legal obligations could result in negative feelings or even legal ramifications.
The implementation of action steps differ in the closure stage from prior stages because the leader must consider all stakeholders during this time of uncertainty. Whereas, in other stages the focus may be only on the stockholders or employees guiding the leader to reach desired goals for specific business related issues. During the closure stage, the leader must carefully consider all areas may be affected by any decision. In the early stages, a company can be quite bit smaller, fewer partners, or even a single location. The implementation of moving operations out of a different location would become a lot more involved than a single location. Property and assets become complicated legal issues with more people involved and considered. Hiring specialist to assist with the closure plan can ensure a more positive outcome.
What types of personal and professional risks do leaders run into while attempting to complete the closure process?
Personal risks the leaders run into while attempting to complete the closure process would be lack of motivation from the employees, failure to complete orders, finding jobs for displaced workers. Tax and legal issues related to the closing can be cumbersome especially if the business is closing completely. These issues may become quite involved when it comes to a merger since so many important issues will be addresses as far was employee placement, severance packages, and retirement. A clear plan of the merger must be written out so both parties understand any liabilities for a smooth transition.
What type of closure implementation activity would you find to be the most personally difficult? Why?
Closure implementation of each employee’s future would the most difficult activity. If the company has been in business for a long period of time many of the employees may have dedicated much of their life to the business. I would have to ask myself to consider the impact of my decisions on each one of their lives. It would challenge me to find a way to communicate the end strategy to them so they will stay motivated. Failing to relate the exit strategy at the best possible time could result in problems for the close of business. Not only would emotional issues need to be addressed, business issues would ultimately dictate how and when the news would be related to the employees. There would be no easy way to tell them they are out of a job other than assuring the workers that you are doing everything in your power to help them deal with the change would be the only way to avoid their mistrust in management or the company.
In what ways might the closure stage actually not be final?
The closure stage may not be final when the company has effectively entered into a business venture with larger company with resources to avoid actually closing the business. When just part of a company or a unit is being closed down it may actually prevent the business closure from being final. Considering a new strategy may mean embarking on an acquisition to keep the business alive. This may happen when a company stops manufacturing a certain item and returns to focus of its core business. Or in the case of a merger, the business operations may continue with the help of the acquiring company who may be in a more financial situation or have resources to continue the core business of the company being acquired
.
Should particular kinds of stakeholders be given priority in obtaining the remaining organizational assets? Why?
Investors either public or private should be the first to be considered. Ultimately they have invested into the business and should be the last to lose. It almost seems unfair to say that when employees may have given a lifetime to the business and then walk away with a small severance pay. Ethical considerations must come into play at the end, supplier relationships must be considered since the integrity of the business owners may be jeopardized for future business they may wish to enter into. Any avoidance of financial or legal obligations could result in negative feelings or even legal ramifications.
Sunday, November 25, 2007
MBA 765 Module 3 Assignment 3-3
When choosing the best option for organizational closure, what categories of selection criteria seem particularly important to employ?
Categories that appear to be particularly would be the information contained in the balance sheet, profit and lose statements, and information about the executive team. The margins report would be a good source for product information, marketing and sales, and accounting information as it relates to the cost of manufactured goods. All this along with company performance information should provide an accurate assessment of the company’ s current situation and provides the critical data when making a decision.
Where would you look for possible organizational closure strategies?
I would look at using decision tools to evaluate the available data to look for possible closure strategies during what is usually the most uncertain of conditions. The findings from this data integrated with holistic thinking and the smart question approach would help me to find solutions to the most difficult problems.
What are the dangers involved with identifying and selecting among closure options?
One of the dangers involved with identifying options would be the pressure of time. Usually during this stage of uncertainty pressure from time constraints can add to the difficulty of finding the most beneficial solutions. Ideally, sufficient time would give the decision maker an opportunity to look for solutions that meet more conditions of the closure stage. Failure to consider legal and moral consideration may also debilitate recommendations for a successful closure.
What emotions are likely to surface during the process of identifying and choosing among options? How would you deal with them?
There may be many emotions that need to be addressed during closure. Feelings of uncertainty and mistrust may surface during closure. Making the right choices that address as many stakeholders’ demands and uncertainty would reduce the emotional effect on the company’s people. It is clear throughout all stages of the lifecycle that communications is key. However, the timing and how the information is delivered would be critical. In my own mind, I would continue to encourage and motivate the employees by keeping them informed with as much information without jeopardizing the company’s normal business practices and functions. As a manager, I would have to do whatever is best for the company while trying to consider the employees, even if it means withholding information until the very end to meet company goals.
Categories that appear to be particularly would be the information contained in the balance sheet, profit and lose statements, and information about the executive team. The margins report would be a good source for product information, marketing and sales, and accounting information as it relates to the cost of manufactured goods. All this along with company performance information should provide an accurate assessment of the company’ s current situation and provides the critical data when making a decision.
Where would you look for possible organizational closure strategies?
I would look at using decision tools to evaluate the available data to look for possible closure strategies during what is usually the most uncertain of conditions. The findings from this data integrated with holistic thinking and the smart question approach would help me to find solutions to the most difficult problems.
What are the dangers involved with identifying and selecting among closure options?
One of the dangers involved with identifying options would be the pressure of time. Usually during this stage of uncertainty pressure from time constraints can add to the difficulty of finding the most beneficial solutions. Ideally, sufficient time would give the decision maker an opportunity to look for solutions that meet more conditions of the closure stage. Failure to consider legal and moral consideration may also debilitate recommendations for a successful closure.
What emotions are likely to surface during the process of identifying and choosing among options? How would you deal with them?
There may be many emotions that need to be addressed during closure. Feelings of uncertainty and mistrust may surface during closure. Making the right choices that address as many stakeholders’ demands and uncertainty would reduce the emotional effect on the company’s people. It is clear throughout all stages of the lifecycle that communications is key. However, the timing and how the information is delivered would be critical. In my own mind, I would continue to encourage and motivate the employees by keeping them informed with as much information without jeopardizing the company’s normal business practices and functions. As a manager, I would have to do whatever is best for the company while trying to consider the employees, even if it means withholding information until the very end to meet company goals.
Sunday, November 18, 2007
MBA 765 Module 2-5 Decision Tools
What are some of the most critical decisions leaders must make during the closure stage of the organizational lifecycle?
Finding the right tools to carefully analyse just what those critical decisions are would be key for a leader. Critical decisions a leader must make during closure effects people's lives and fortunes in the business Careful identification of problems with little facts based with great uncertainty is the challenge as they make critical decisions regarding finance, legal, information, and employees during the closure stage of the business lifecycle.
Under what conditions do rational logical decision making methods appear to work best?
Rational logical decision making methods works best when there is higher degree of uncertainty. These methods break down the problem to leavage solutions against the problems with analysis of critical data. This process gives the leader the tools needed to identify areas of greater risk and uncertainty.
Under what circumstances do more intuitive approaches work best?
Intuitive approaches work best when there is a need for flexibility and a complete understanding of the business processes. This clear understanding gives the leader to understand all aspects and elements of the business to properly manage risks.
Which of the tools presented in the module has a particular appeal to you? Why?
I found the Six Facet Approach to be the most comprehensive tool to define problems. It helped identify and facts in the case with a better understanding of the consequences, problems, and results to uncover viable solutions. By considering every aspect of the case I was able to identify which areas were successful for the business.
How might you apply the tools presented during the module to a situation that you are now facing at work? At home?
Actually, I considered it as a tool to decide if I should finish the MBA Program. As I am looking toward possibly retiring in 6 years, I wonder if I really need to complete it. It seems crazy to stop at this point, with only the capstone to be completed following this course.
Finding the right tools to carefully analyse just what those critical decisions are would be key for a leader. Critical decisions a leader must make during closure effects people's lives and fortunes in the business Careful identification of problems with little facts based with great uncertainty is the challenge as they make critical decisions regarding finance, legal, information, and employees during the closure stage of the business lifecycle.
Under what conditions do rational logical decision making methods appear to work best?
Rational logical decision making methods works best when there is higher degree of uncertainty. These methods break down the problem to leavage solutions against the problems with analysis of critical data. This process gives the leader the tools needed to identify areas of greater risk and uncertainty.
Under what circumstances do more intuitive approaches work best?
Intuitive approaches work best when there is a need for flexibility and a complete understanding of the business processes. This clear understanding gives the leader to understand all aspects and elements of the business to properly manage risks.
Which of the tools presented in the module has a particular appeal to you? Why?
I found the Six Facet Approach to be the most comprehensive tool to define problems. It helped identify and facts in the case with a better understanding of the consequences, problems, and results to uncover viable solutions. By considering every aspect of the case I was able to identify which areas were successful for the business.
How might you apply the tools presented during the module to a situation that you are now facing at work? At home?
Actually, I considered it as a tool to decide if I should finish the MBA Program. As I am looking toward possibly retiring in 6 years, I wonder if I really need to complete it. It seems crazy to stop at this point, with only the capstone to be completed following this course.
Saturday, November 10, 2007
MBA 765 Assignment 1-3
What appears to unique about the closure stage of the organizational lifecycle?
The closure stage is unique because the leader must decide how much to share with the employees and when that should happen. The leader is faced with the dilemma of how to relate these organizational changes to the employees while they manage the prevelant uncertainty of the unknown.
What closure stage issues appear to warrant particular attention from company leaders?
Legal, financial, and information must be scrutinized to determine what would be the best for the company and its stakeholders as they bring a close to the business.
What critical ethical issues need to be dealt with at this stage?
Ethical considerations that must be dealt with during the closure stage would be if to tell employees and how much to tell them of the impending changes. Should a leader decide to tell the employees they may thwart off efforts to meet the goals of the company
How might I creatively express what I have learned in the MBA program to an audience of my peers?
I would creatively express what I have learned in the MBA program by creating a presentation of the MBA program learnings through technology, interactive and software to facilitate a discussion of the business lifecycles. Or perhaps, I would select a panel of MBA business executives to answer questions of organizational leadership in forum called, “Ask a MBA”.
The closure stage is unique because the leader must decide how much to share with the employees and when that should happen. The leader is faced with the dilemma of how to relate these organizational changes to the employees while they manage the prevelant uncertainty of the unknown.
What closure stage issues appear to warrant particular attention from company leaders?
Legal, financial, and information must be scrutinized to determine what would be the best for the company and its stakeholders as they bring a close to the business.
What critical ethical issues need to be dealt with at this stage?
Ethical considerations that must be dealt with during the closure stage would be if to tell employees and how much to tell them of the impending changes. Should a leader decide to tell the employees they may thwart off efforts to meet the goals of the company
How might I creatively express what I have learned in the MBA program to an audience of my peers?
I would creatively express what I have learned in the MBA program by creating a presentation of the MBA program learnings through technology, interactive and software to facilitate a discussion of the business lifecycles. Or perhaps, I would select a panel of MBA business executives to answer questions of organizational leadership in forum called, “Ask a MBA”.
Friday, June 22, 2007
MBA 755 Lessons Learned Mike's Bike
What strategy did your team decide to adopt during the renewal stage of the simulation?
Our firm chose the broad differentiation strategy. We did extremely well with the intended outcomes, at least in the first two weeks of rollovers. We were able to maintain a strong lead by aligning ourselves with clear goals as we began linking them to our initiatives for the broad differentiation strategy. Our vision for the company’s renewals was the basis for the goals of the operations. Once we had clearly stated our goals were able to make decisions for peak performance.
How did the strategy work?
The broad differentiation strategy worked very well for renewal. Our strategic plan began to form as we delved into the feedback from the reports and adjusted our strategy accordingly. This increased our commitment to the change and reinforced our decisions to continue our strategy which in turn improved performance. As we created new bikes and expanded our line our profitability increased and adjusted prices to fit the market demand our profitability and shareholder value increased. The problems we faced in our last two rollovers were clearly management issues, when the leadership changed it had a serious impact on the final decisions that were made for the last two years. The leader's ability to sustain company performance is limited to their ability to effectively communicate and channel the goals to execute the strategy.
What concepts from the course did you see reflected in the game play?
One of the key concepts that support our play of the simulation was the appraisal of external and internal indicators. During this rapidly changing environment we were able to stay in line during this mature stage of business by monitoring the expected outcome of our competitors by performing a situational analysis as we reformulated our strategy based on the competitive results. The basis for our decisions were our financial reports that helped us to look at the driving and restraining forces, as we worked to increase shareholder value. We looked at trends and patterns to gain customer loyalty, determine high quality or low price and the introduction of new products from customer demand.
What could your team do differently if you were to play the simulation again?
The most important lesson learned when operating in a renewal environment is collaboration and communication is key. If we were to play again, we would make sure that any lead doing the inputs would have a clear understanding of the strategy and a full understanding of how the game operates. Substandard leadership creates serious risks to your stakeholder and the company itself.
Our firm chose the broad differentiation strategy. We did extremely well with the intended outcomes, at least in the first two weeks of rollovers. We were able to maintain a strong lead by aligning ourselves with clear goals as we began linking them to our initiatives for the broad differentiation strategy. Our vision for the company’s renewals was the basis for the goals of the operations. Once we had clearly stated our goals were able to make decisions for peak performance.
How did the strategy work?
The broad differentiation strategy worked very well for renewal. Our strategic plan began to form as we delved into the feedback from the reports and adjusted our strategy accordingly. This increased our commitment to the change and reinforced our decisions to continue our strategy which in turn improved performance. As we created new bikes and expanded our line our profitability increased and adjusted prices to fit the market demand our profitability and shareholder value increased. The problems we faced in our last two rollovers were clearly management issues, when the leadership changed it had a serious impact on the final decisions that were made for the last two years. The leader's ability to sustain company performance is limited to their ability to effectively communicate and channel the goals to execute the strategy.
What concepts from the course did you see reflected in the game play?
One of the key concepts that support our play of the simulation was the appraisal of external and internal indicators. During this rapidly changing environment we were able to stay in line during this mature stage of business by monitoring the expected outcome of our competitors by performing a situational analysis as we reformulated our strategy based on the competitive results. The basis for our decisions were our financial reports that helped us to look at the driving and restraining forces, as we worked to increase shareholder value. We looked at trends and patterns to gain customer loyalty, determine high quality or low price and the introduction of new products from customer demand.
What could your team do differently if you were to play the simulation again?
The most important lesson learned when operating in a renewal environment is collaboration and communication is key. If we were to play again, we would make sure that any lead doing the inputs would have a clear understanding of the strategy and a full understanding of how the game operates. Substandard leadership creates serious risks to your stakeholder and the company itself.
Thursday, June 21, 2007
MBA 755 – Reflections on Module 6 Concepts.
What is it that appears to make implementation of a renewal strategy so difficult?
Implementation for the renewal strategy may be difficult because of uknown factors and risks.
Which of the identified implementation pitfalls have you observed in your own experience with organizations?
The lack of the ability of people implementing the strategy is a pitfall. It has been my experience if the leader does not have the necessary bandwith to implement the strategy they are far less effective.
How did the pitfalls impact the overall outcome of the change implementation?
The pitfall of a change in leadership were detrimental to the success of our business. The change of leadership without the ability to sustain the business created a huge loss in shareholder value and our lead in the game.
What elements of the implementation process seem particularly relevant to your own experience?
Elements of the implementation process that seems relevant to my own experience is trends and patterns. This seems particularly important becuase it gives you an idea of the market to predict future profitablity and demand.
How does communication fit into implementation planning?
Communicaiton is key along with collaboration. As a leader if you must be able to communicate effectively to motivate and increase performance.
Which aspects of change theory seem particularly useful during renewal implementation? Why do you think so?
I would say one key aspect of the change theory is the current situation. A situational analysis helps to identify indicators to tell us what is working or not longer working. This also allows you look at what is going in internally and which part of the operations may need renewal. If you have a full understanding of what the current situation it is you are better prepared to work on areas that need attention.
What could you do differently as a result of your learning in implementing a change in your own organization?
I would look closely at how I could expand the strenghts of the business. This of course would go hand in hand with looking at what opportunities that may arise from the current situtation of the business.
Implementation for the renewal strategy may be difficult because of uknown factors and risks.
Which of the identified implementation pitfalls have you observed in your own experience with organizations?
The lack of the ability of people implementing the strategy is a pitfall. It has been my experience if the leader does not have the necessary bandwith to implement the strategy they are far less effective.
How did the pitfalls impact the overall outcome of the change implementation?
The pitfall of a change in leadership were detrimental to the success of our business. The change of leadership without the ability to sustain the business created a huge loss in shareholder value and our lead in the game.
What elements of the implementation process seem particularly relevant to your own experience?
Elements of the implementation process that seems relevant to my own experience is trends and patterns. This seems particularly important becuase it gives you an idea of the market to predict future profitablity and demand.
How does communication fit into implementation planning?
Communicaiton is key along with collaboration. As a leader if you must be able to communicate effectively to motivate and increase performance.
Which aspects of change theory seem particularly useful during renewal implementation? Why do you think so?
I would say one key aspect of the change theory is the current situation. A situational analysis helps to identify indicators to tell us what is working or not longer working. This also allows you look at what is going in internally and which part of the operations may need renewal. If you have a full understanding of what the current situation it is you are better prepared to work on areas that need attention.
What could you do differently as a result of your learning in implementing a change in your own organization?
I would look closely at how I could expand the strenghts of the business. This of course would go hand in hand with looking at what opportunities that may arise from the current situtation of the business.
MBA 755 – Reflections on Module 5 Concepts.
Trends and Patterns
The trends and patterns our organization adheres to is career planning and job descriptions. Criteria they must always consider is the demand for any technology and the career outlook.
Scenario Planning
Scenario Planning is used at Hocking College. They must consider the future scenerios to successfully turn out graduates that are ready for the field.
Personal Scenario Planning
I could use scenario planning in my own life for building a solid plan for my retirement years or even possibly for a career after retirement by outlining what areas I must renew to achieve the goals I have set.
Disadvantages of the Scenario
Firms competing in businesses subject to high uncertainty, whose decisions have costly and long-lasting effects may not benefit from scenarios.
The trends and patterns our organization adheres to is career planning and job descriptions. Criteria they must always consider is the demand for any technology and the career outlook.
Scenario Planning
Scenario Planning is used at Hocking College. They must consider the future scenerios to successfully turn out graduates that are ready for the field.
Personal Scenario Planning
I could use scenario planning in my own life for building a solid plan for my retirement years or even possibly for a career after retirement by outlining what areas I must renew to achieve the goals I have set.
Disadvantages of the Scenario
Firms competing in businesses subject to high uncertainty, whose decisions have costly and long-lasting effects may not benefit from scenarios.
Wednesday, June 6, 2007
MBA 755 – Reflections on Module 4 Concepts.
Change Model
I feel the empirical rational change model makes the most sense to me. This model's fundamental strategy is that men are rational and will make the appropriate changes based on the individuals self-interest. Once the individual understands and can justify what is desirable and effective he will benefit from the knowledge to apply a strategy for change.
Criteria for Renewal
Criteria that is appropriate for organizational renewal would be a complete analysis of its profitability and competitive advantage.
The choice of criteria may vary if it is a non-profit organization because the profitablity is not the concern. The criteria may simply be excellence in public serive. A government unit's criteria would be how the decisions may impact the local, statewide, or national communities. The urgency of the policy or reform effort must be taken into consideration. A for-profit enterprise must take into account the impact it has on its stakeholders.
Critiera for a project versus an organization
The criteria that seems to be most appropriate for organizing renewal would be the company's bottom line. Once you look at the balance sheet you can determine what areas may be an area for renewal, and looking at present and future values of their financial state. A lot may not change in a organization to provide renewal. It may only be small part of the business or project that would enhance business activities or even help them to gain a competitive advantage. An example would be Coke, when they tried to market a new coke flavor that wasn't as popular. By reversing back to the older more familiar taste their market shares increased.
Other Renewal Options
Other ways to make the renewal option choice other than by comparison against pre-selected criteria would be what is the expected outcome for the organization. The conditions only effect a small part or function of the organization. Another option would be an acquistion or merger, then a due diligience inquiry would be necesssary to expose all factors related to the business
Traps
Traps that await the decision maker could be failure to do a thorough analysis of the business to inform managers of all aspects of the business. Any information that is crucial to the business that may go unidentified may add additional risks to a business.
Renewal In My Life
Having a complete and full understanding of any life situation is crucial to identifying a clear path to renewal. Knowledge and options would be key to determine the way to go.
I feel the empirical rational change model makes the most sense to me. This model's fundamental strategy is that men are rational and will make the appropriate changes based on the individuals self-interest. Once the individual understands and can justify what is desirable and effective he will benefit from the knowledge to apply a strategy for change.
Criteria for Renewal
Criteria that is appropriate for organizational renewal would be a complete analysis of its profitability and competitive advantage.
The choice of criteria may vary if it is a non-profit organization because the profitablity is not the concern. The criteria may simply be excellence in public serive. A government unit's criteria would be how the decisions may impact the local, statewide, or national communities. The urgency of the policy or reform effort must be taken into consideration. A for-profit enterprise must take into account the impact it has on its stakeholders.
Critiera for a project versus an organization
The criteria that seems to be most appropriate for organizing renewal would be the company's bottom line. Once you look at the balance sheet you can determine what areas may be an area for renewal, and looking at present and future values of their financial state. A lot may not change in a organization to provide renewal. It may only be small part of the business or project that would enhance business activities or even help them to gain a competitive advantage. An example would be Coke, when they tried to market a new coke flavor that wasn't as popular. By reversing back to the older more familiar taste their market shares increased.
Other Renewal Options
Other ways to make the renewal option choice other than by comparison against pre-selected criteria would be what is the expected outcome for the organization. The conditions only effect a small part or function of the organization. Another option would be an acquistion or merger, then a due diligience inquiry would be necesssary to expose all factors related to the business
Traps
Traps that await the decision maker could be failure to do a thorough analysis of the business to inform managers of all aspects of the business. Any information that is crucial to the business that may go unidentified may add additional risks to a business.
Renewal In My Life
Having a complete and full understanding of any life situation is crucial to identifying a clear path to renewal. Knowledge and options would be key to determine the way to go.
Monday, June 4, 2007
MBA 755 – Reflections on Module 3 Concepts.
Renewal Options Diagram
The renewal options diagrams allows me to look at the current position of each stakeholder and what possibilities can be determined based on specific factors for the product or service. This gives me a clearer picture of what needs to address and functionality for each renewal possibility.
Relevant Renewal Choices
The renewal choices for Hocking College would be to look at trends and developments in the job market to deliver quality education at the lowest prossible cost. Competition is high and there are many threats to the instituions of higher learning. These factors must be considered as managers look for ways to offset the shifts in market demand.
Factors Defining Renewal Choices
The factors that define a relistic renewal choice would be costs, quality, and the threat of new entrants into the marketplace. The renewal strategy that I would choose would be based upon these factors to define possible solutions to renewal.
Communicate Renewal Options
A Renewal Strategies Options Map would communicate renewal choices by a situational analysis of the current situation at all levels, local, national, and International. Creating a renewal possibilties map would give them a visual to see the breakdown for each stakeholder and how to redefine existing markets and create new markets for our product/service.
Life Situational Analysis
I could see using a situational anaylsis in my own life at work or as I continue in the MBA Program. Work and even school requires renewal at some point to give us options to work toward new possibilites to improve performance. AT work may situations arise that may be counter-productive, evaluating what is working and what may not be working would help guide me in a direction to improved performance and effective leadership. As far as the MBA program goes, the situational analysis may be a great tool to overcome obstacles and improve strategy to deal with barriers we face as a team or even as an individual.
The renewal options diagrams allows me to look at the current position of each stakeholder and what possibilities can be determined based on specific factors for the product or service. This gives me a clearer picture of what needs to address and functionality for each renewal possibility.
Relevant Renewal Choices
The renewal choices for Hocking College would be to look at trends and developments in the job market to deliver quality education at the lowest prossible cost. Competition is high and there are many threats to the instituions of higher learning. These factors must be considered as managers look for ways to offset the shifts in market demand.
Factors Defining Renewal Choices
The factors that define a relistic renewal choice would be costs, quality, and the threat of new entrants into the marketplace. The renewal strategy that I would choose would be based upon these factors to define possible solutions to renewal.
Communicate Renewal Options
A Renewal Strategies Options Map would communicate renewal choices by a situational analysis of the current situation at all levels, local, national, and International. Creating a renewal possibilties map would give them a visual to see the breakdown for each stakeholder and how to redefine existing markets and create new markets for our product/service.
Life Situational Analysis
I could see using a situational anaylsis in my own life at work or as I continue in the MBA Program. Work and even school requires renewal at some point to give us options to work toward new possibilites to improve performance. AT work may situations arise that may be counter-productive, evaluating what is working and what may not be working would help guide me in a direction to improved performance and effective leadership. As far as the MBA program goes, the situational analysis may be a great tool to overcome obstacles and improve strategy to deal with barriers we face as a team or even as an individual.
Saturday, May 26, 2007
MBA 755 – Reflections on Module 2 Concepts.
Long Term Trends
A long term trends that will significantly impact Chrysler over the next three years will be fuel efficiency. It is certain that Chrysler, as well as their competitors must find a way to create more fuel efficient cars to meet the market demands. Another trend to impact the automobile industry would be governmental policies for fuel emissions and safety standards
Force Field Analysis
I could use the force field analysis to determine the pros and cons of a renewal strategy by identifying the needs of the consumer and the industry trends to implement a strategy for renewal. The knowledge of the driving and restraining forces will support a new plan to implement new programs or to abandon old ones.
Urgent/Important Organization Renwal
One item that would show up as being urgent would be cost-efficiency. Locking into the cost-barriers helps the leader to identify restraining forces that may impact their decisions for renewal. An important item would be optimizing faculty and support staff by evaluating job duties or restructuring of class assignments to determine a more efficient workforce.
A long term trends that will significantly impact Chrysler over the next three years will be fuel efficiency. It is certain that Chrysler, as well as their competitors must find a way to create more fuel efficient cars to meet the market demands. Another trend to impact the automobile industry would be governmental policies for fuel emissions and safety standards
Force Field Analysis
I could use the force field analysis to determine the pros and cons of a renewal strategy by identifying the needs of the consumer and the industry trends to implement a strategy for renewal. The knowledge of the driving and restraining forces will support a new plan to implement new programs or to abandon old ones.
Urgent/Important Organization Renwal
One item that would show up as being urgent would be cost-efficiency. Locking into the cost-barriers helps the leader to identify restraining forces that may impact their decisions for renewal. An important item would be optimizing faculty and support staff by evaluating job duties or restructuring of class assignments to determine a more efficient workforce.
Saturday, May 19, 2007
MBA 755 – Reflections on Module 1 Concepts
The renewal stage
The renewal stage of the organizational lifecycle is distinctive in that it requires change or management turnaround for the business to survive. This requires a situational analysis be performed on the business to determine if it is salvageable, then a turnaround plan must be in place to try to save the company.
Organizations in the renewal stage
Apple is a an organization that seems to be in the renewal stage. With the advent of digital music players and music downloads they are shifting their technology to meet these demands. Another organization that is in the renewal stage would be the automobile and airline industries. These companies have rapid changing environments making it difficult for them to stay in the mature staege. Their success is based upon the fuel economy, cost advantages to the customers, as well as, high levels of competition. According to the acticle for Strategic Intent in our readings states,." for smart competitors, the goal is not competitive imitation but competitive innovation, the art of containing competitive risks within manageable proportions." This suggestion speaks volumes for a competitive advantage.
Leaders in the Renewal Stage
Effective leadership during the renewal phase must make smart financial and strategic decisions. An effective leader must prosess strategic thinking skills, be articulate and be a strong change advocate. They must inspire and empower the business to take new actions for turnaround.
Recognizing the Need for Renewal
Business in decline are in need of change or renewal. This become evident when there becomes a lack of communication between managers and their employees. The culture of the business becomes that of secrecy, denial, and lack of respect. The employees begin to think there is little they can do to make a difference.
Conceptual Tools
I personally likes the situational analysis tool as a way to view a company's situation to help the leader to determine the root causes for decline. Porter's Five Forces and looking at competitive advantages is a great place to start for advocating change.
Ideas For Renewal
Recognizing that a company may be in the renewal stage gives me a better understanding of what to look for in a company that may need change. After completing this module, it is clear to me my workplace is definately in need of turnaround management. Clearly, there should be reorganization and a situational analysis performed at my current workplace. Once the root causes are determined then a successful plan should be executed to manage the turnaround.
The renewal stage of the organizational lifecycle is distinctive in that it requires change or management turnaround for the business to survive. This requires a situational analysis be performed on the business to determine if it is salvageable, then a turnaround plan must be in place to try to save the company.
Organizations in the renewal stage
Apple is a an organization that seems to be in the renewal stage. With the advent of digital music players and music downloads they are shifting their technology to meet these demands. Another organization that is in the renewal stage would be the automobile and airline industries. These companies have rapid changing environments making it difficult for them to stay in the mature staege. Their success is based upon the fuel economy, cost advantages to the customers, as well as, high levels of competition. According to the acticle for Strategic Intent in our readings states,." for smart competitors, the goal is not competitive imitation but competitive innovation, the art of containing competitive risks within manageable proportions." This suggestion speaks volumes for a competitive advantage.
Leaders in the Renewal Stage
Effective leadership during the renewal phase must make smart financial and strategic decisions. An effective leader must prosess strategic thinking skills, be articulate and be a strong change advocate. They must inspire and empower the business to take new actions for turnaround.
Recognizing the Need for Renewal
Business in decline are in need of change or renewal. This become evident when there becomes a lack of communication between managers and their employees. The culture of the business becomes that of secrecy, denial, and lack of respect. The employees begin to think there is little they can do to make a difference.
Conceptual Tools
I personally likes the situational analysis tool as a way to view a company's situation to help the leader to determine the root causes for decline. Porter's Five Forces and looking at competitive advantages is a great place to start for advocating change.
Ideas For Renewal
Recognizing that a company may be in the renewal stage gives me a better understanding of what to look for in a company that may need change. After completing this module, it is clear to me my workplace is definately in need of turnaround management. Clearly, there should be reorganization and a situational analysis performed at my current workplace. Once the root causes are determined then a successful plan should be executed to manage the turnaround.
Friday, May 4, 2007
MBA 745 – Reflections on Module 6 Concepts.
Key Leadership Characteristic of Sustaining Business
The key leadership characteristics required to sustain a business initiative clear communications. According to Andrew Ward in the Leadership Lifecycle, “The leader must spend a lot of time communicating the vision and company strategy to keep everyone moving in the same direction.” Communications is key internally to ensure employees remained focuses on the vision and strategies required to sustain its business. Likewise, the leader must effectively communicate externally with stakeholders, customers, advertisers to sustain success. Any shift in the market must be identified changes must be communicated by the leader for everyone to respond quickly and efficiently to these market changes. Therefore it is important that a clear communication process to keep all aspects of the business initiative moving in the same direction.
Impact of Leadership
The Leadership focus of study during my Capstone will impact my professional development plan by giving me the tools to apply the knowledge I have gained through the MBA program. The lessons learned throughout the program will give me the knowledge required to effectively communicate throughout any organization by giving me a clear understanding of my role and responsibilities as the leader in any business function. My leadership role will require reflective thought as I pass through the various stages of leadership to look at what effect I have had on the company and how I can improve. The leadership knowledge I have gained combined with more than 20 years of professional experience lays a solid foundation for all that will come to me in life.
The key leadership characteristics required to sustain a business initiative clear communications. According to Andrew Ward in the Leadership Lifecycle, “The leader must spend a lot of time communicating the vision and company strategy to keep everyone moving in the same direction.” Communications is key internally to ensure employees remained focuses on the vision and strategies required to sustain its business. Likewise, the leader must effectively communicate externally with stakeholders, customers, advertisers to sustain success. Any shift in the market must be identified changes must be communicated by the leader for everyone to respond quickly and efficiently to these market changes. Therefore it is important that a clear communication process to keep all aspects of the business initiative moving in the same direction.
Impact of Leadership
The Leadership focus of study during my Capstone will impact my professional development plan by giving me the tools to apply the knowledge I have gained through the MBA program. The lessons learned throughout the program will give me the knowledge required to effectively communicate throughout any organization by giving me a clear understanding of my role and responsibilities as the leader in any business function. My leadership role will require reflective thought as I pass through the various stages of leadership to look at what effect I have had on the company and how I can improve. The leadership knowledge I have gained combined with more than 20 years of professional experience lays a solid foundation for all that will come to me in life.
Saturday, April 28, 2007
MBA 745 – Reflections on Module 5 Concepts
Mature Leader
I feel comfortable as a leader in a mature organization, as I did when I led the team to meet our objectives. It can be very challenging but I feel I possess the characteristics that the mature state of the business lifecycle requires. They say it is lonely at the top, especially during crisis when the leader must be flexible and prepare for change. I would enjoy looking for ways to try new things that make you think differently and concentrate on both external forces to build networks for long range plans and internal forces that concentrate on the present situation within the organization to maximize efficiency. Even though a different type of leader is required for the mature stage, I believe there is room for characteristics of the creator and accelerator leadership style that would enhance any business environment.
Efficiency and Flexibility
I felt I could concentrate on improving efficiencies as I remained flexible to the ideas of my teammates. As I presented suggestions and looked for ways to improve our strategy, I was able to step up to the challenges of each assignment with suggestions for improvement. By the same token I became flexible as I considered others’ ideas to build a consensus among the team.
Expand Knowledge Base
I intend to expand my knowledge base in the focus of Leadership. The more one understands about the subject the more effective that person can be. Strengths and weaknesses are in all of us as we seek out the knowledge to understand and utilize our strengths to have an impact in the world around us. By identifying our weaknesses we can begin to work at turning it around. As I have been working on my MBA it becomes more apparent to me that my work is never good enough, I tend to dwell on an assignment instead of becoming satisfied with it and just turn it in. As I expand my knowledge base I hope to learn to be comfortable with my decisions, right or wrong to obtain my objective.
Monday, April 23, 2007
MBA 745 – Reflections on Module 4 Concepts.
Leadership Roles
There are many different challenges faced by leaders for each role of the business lifecycle. The leadership quality therefore must change to fit the role. This may be difficult if not impossible for leaders to be able to perform in each role. According to the Leadership Lifecycle, businesses can suffer if the leader is unable to transition to the next stage. As the creator, the leader must be creative to establish the organization. Their main focus must be the strategic priorities of the business. A clear vision and mission of the organization is crucial if the business is to survive. Whereas the Accelerator role is very different since they must establish systems and have more of external focus on the market share and to find the niche for the company as well as staying on top of internal communication.
The role of the Sustainer is completely different than the roles of the creator and the accelerator. The business becomes very chaotic in this mature stage of business. Consistency becomes more important as the leader works to refine the mission. In order to steady the business activities the leader must look for ways to improve efficiency and to streamline operations. The focus becomes more external than ever before.
I believe I am capable of performing all of these roles as my knowledge increases for the characteristics of each role. Although I would find the role of sustainer more challenging than the creator or the accelerator I think I would enjoy it by looking for ways to improve efficiency and communications to make operations run smoothly.
Leadership Decisions
When asked the question, is it possible to avoid making the decision to close a business or rejuvenate it...I have to say, "It depends". The external and internal factors will drive the business at the mature stage. Decisions will be based upon the company’s decisions and the impact of the competitor’s decision. The outcome of their decisions and their marketing strategies will drive the company to project the identifiable outcome of each strategic decision.
Saturday, April 14, 2007
MBA 745 – Reflections on Module 3 Concepts
Labor Surpluses
In mature organizations, there is quite often a need to reduce labor surpluses. There are several options a leader has when faced with this difficult challenge. Rather than layoffs I woud pursue a phased retirement program. This would costs to the organization by reducing hours of workers near retirement. According to the Sustaining Success text, this psyhologically prepares workers to ease into full-time retirement. This method would also allow the company to benefit from the knowledge of older workers. A phased retirement program would be less threatening to other workers and avoid salary cuts, temorarary worker, or even outsourcing possibilities.
No Layoff Policy
If a mature organization establishes a "no layoff" policy it could be advantageous to keep operations running during a market slump. The challenge would be how to reduce the costs during this downturn and the effects it may have on employee motivation and culture. The leader must analyze all options and determine which method would benefit the company. I would advocate the no layoff policy to try to sustain the complany and employee morale.
Cash Flow
Fast growing companies require more working capital than those growing more slowly or not at all, as in mature companies. The company must look for ways to stretch their cash especially for large purchases. The finance manager must try to analyze the future profitablity of the company to determine what monies will be available, by predicting future cash availabillity the company will know how to plan for the needs of the company. Based on the financial situation of the company the leader must look for ways to obtain additional funds should the need arise. Without predicting the future finances and the needs of the company may be put in a vulnerable position thus increaseing their risks.
In mature organizations, there is quite often a need to reduce labor surpluses. There are several options a leader has when faced with this difficult challenge. Rather than layoffs I woud pursue a phased retirement program. This would costs to the organization by reducing hours of workers near retirement. According to the Sustaining Success text, this psyhologically prepares workers to ease into full-time retirement. This method would also allow the company to benefit from the knowledge of older workers. A phased retirement program would be less threatening to other workers and avoid salary cuts, temorarary worker, or even outsourcing possibilities.
No Layoff Policy
If a mature organization establishes a "no layoff" policy it could be advantageous to keep operations running during a market slump. The challenge would be how to reduce the costs during this downturn and the effects it may have on employee motivation and culture. The leader must analyze all options and determine which method would benefit the company. I would advocate the no layoff policy to try to sustain the complany and employee morale.
Cash Flow
Fast growing companies require more working capital than those growing more slowly or not at all, as in mature companies. The company must look for ways to stretch their cash especially for large purchases. The finance manager must try to analyze the future profitablity of the company to determine what monies will be available, by predicting future cash availabillity the company will know how to plan for the needs of the company. Based on the financial situation of the company the leader must look for ways to obtain additional funds should the need arise. Without predicting the future finances and the needs of the company may be put in a vulnerable position thus increaseing their risks.
Monday, April 9, 2007
MBA 745 – Reflections on Module 2 Concepts
The Marketing Mix
The four Ps of marketing are product, price, place, and promotion. This is an effective way to develop a comprehensive marketing plan by remembering the four P’s that make up the marketing mix basics. These steps fit into the process to determine the right marketing strategy a company should use.
Word of Mouth Promotion
Word of mouth can be a very effective promotional tool. The more people that are talking about your product the more likely they are to buy it. This method of promotional marketing should be a part of the marketing communication program by clever commercials or any of the attention getting devices to get people to start talking would promote a product.
Knowledge Management
Use of Knowledge Management
The most significant use of knowledge management would provide both internal and external information and any forces that would increase the company's risks during the mature stage of the lifecyle. The company must be aware and understand the forces that affect their position in the industry if they are to sustain growth.
Tuesday, April 3, 2007
MBA 745 Relections on Module 1 Concepts
Leadership Traits
My own leadership traits would be more in line with the creative nature of the MBA 715. I enjoy coming up with ideas and setting up systems to implement the idea. Once I have a thorough knowledge of what needs to be done I am usually able to design an efficient plan to make the idea happen.
Idea Development
When I reflect on my personal experience, an idea I had developed was to conduct an information session for all International Students to explain how Curricular and Optional Practical Training works with their program of study and what the requirements are for authorization. The first session went very well and was well attended, the following sessions, only one or two students arrived. The other repercussion was the idea it gave to all students that they could work in the United States giving them a false impression that all were eligible. Once the idea was clear that the law states a student must have maintained status for one full year as an F-1 visa holder they were less inclined to know more. In my mind, it was good for them to know in the beginning what they had to do to plan for the transition to practical training. It raised too many questions and the students were disappointed they had to qualify to be eligible. This information was better received once they were near graduation and could step into the training. I guess it made more sense to them than not having to enroll and spending a lot of money to do so. Making money for the new students made them eager to move away from their studies. The F-1 Visa bring students hear from other countries to study not to work, work is a privilege, not a requirement.
Enhancing A Product/Service
The school as many unique programs available for students. One new program has been especially attractive to the students is the Music Technology Program. Students have a chance to perform with music and play acting. The program has been well received in the start up as it grew very quickly in the beginning, especially for those aspiring to be “American Idols”. However, due to budget cuts and the excessive expenditures required to start the program, the enrollment has leveled off. If the college were to spend the extra money to actively recruit new students and merge this program with the audio/video production technology they would appeal to a larger market segment. If the student understands what goes in to performing and into the actual production it may be more appealing.
My own leadership traits would be more in line with the creative nature of the MBA 715. I enjoy coming up with ideas and setting up systems to implement the idea. Once I have a thorough knowledge of what needs to be done I am usually able to design an efficient plan to make the idea happen.
Idea Development
When I reflect on my personal experience, an idea I had developed was to conduct an information session for all International Students to explain how Curricular and Optional Practical Training works with their program of study and what the requirements are for authorization. The first session went very well and was well attended, the following sessions, only one or two students arrived. The other repercussion was the idea it gave to all students that they could work in the United States giving them a false impression that all were eligible. Once the idea was clear that the law states a student must have maintained status for one full year as an F-1 visa holder they were less inclined to know more. In my mind, it was good for them to know in the beginning what they had to do to plan for the transition to practical training. It raised too many questions and the students were disappointed they had to qualify to be eligible. This information was better received once they were near graduation and could step into the training. I guess it made more sense to them than not having to enroll and spending a lot of money to do so. Making money for the new students made them eager to move away from their studies. The F-1 Visa bring students hear from other countries to study not to work, work is a privilege, not a requirement.
Enhancing A Product/Service
The school as many unique programs available for students. One new program has been especially attractive to the students is the Music Technology Program. Students have a chance to perform with music and play acting. The program has been well received in the start up as it grew very quickly in the beginning, especially for those aspiring to be “American Idols”. However, due to budget cuts and the excessive expenditures required to start the program, the enrollment has leveled off. If the college were to spend the extra money to actively recruit new students and merge this program with the audio/video production technology they would appeal to a larger market segment. If the student understands what goes in to performing and into the actual production it may be more appealing.
Sunday, April 1, 2007
MBA 745 Module 1 Reflections
As I reflect on this weeks I was first reminded of the characteristics of the growth stages and leadership required for that phase of business. As I look toward the mature stage of the business lifestyle changes begin to occur for the leader and role that leader must take. It was interesting how others in the class selected different companies as they selected them for the bulleting board. In replying to individuals I engaged in more research to validate my responses to their selections. It was interesting to read one article that I shared with the class defining the characteristics of what happens in the mature stage of business. In the article, Sears was the example, it holds true that during growth if the leader is to sustain success they must look for other opportunities by doing research and applying that knowledge to their situation to give them an advantage.
Next I read about the history of the printing interesting and how the life of this very old profession began in Egyptians times and how it has evolved to encompass the entire world. The problems that the industry has faced throught years of printing from woodcuts to the new digital era as it looks to the future of what the industry will require to stay alive. It was a fitting example of how economical situations, supply and demand, and the challenges it faces as the printers look for new strategies to continue growth. Competition becomes fierce for any business as they grow to become to become the largest in their industry.
The five generic business strategies was an eye opener when I discovered the pros and cons of each. It my mind I would think it is best to have a low-cost strategy but in today's habitually fierce competition one must look for other opportunities to move them forward. To be broad differentiation seems to be a strategy with the higher risk but a bigger pay off. This can make the difference in succes for a company or failure.
I look forward to applying the knowledge I gained through this Module throught the course as I work with my team, my professor and classmates to become one step closer to the prize of a graduate degree.
Next I read about the history of the printing interesting and how the life of this very old profession began in Egyptians times and how it has evolved to encompass the entire world. The problems that the industry has faced throught years of printing from woodcuts to the new digital era as it looks to the future of what the industry will require to stay alive. It was a fitting example of how economical situations, supply and demand, and the challenges it faces as the printers look for new strategies to continue growth. Competition becomes fierce for any business as they grow to become to become the largest in their industry.
The five generic business strategies was an eye opener when I discovered the pros and cons of each. It my mind I would think it is best to have a low-cost strategy but in today's habitually fierce competition one must look for other opportunities to move them forward. To be broad differentiation seems to be a strategy with the higher risk but a bigger pay off. This can make the difference in succes for a company or failure.
I look forward to applying the knowledge I gained through this Module throught the course as I work with my team, my professor and classmates to become one step closer to the prize of a graduate degree.
Wednesday, March 21, 2007
MBA 735, 725, 715 Learning Journal Concepts
The knowledge I have gained in this module has increased my awareness, understanding, and provided me with tools for new financial concepts. This information will assist me as I apply these concepts to determine value in the projects and proposals as I make decisions and determine the value of each.
There is a risk level for any leader as they make financial decisions. If a project is not evaluated correctly the decisions may not be in the best interest of the company. The greater the risk, the greater the gain and the greater the loss.
The decision-makers’ preference of the four lens perspective could definitely impact decision making based on the financial models reviewed in this module. A person from Quadrant A would look at every detail, perform every calculation, and use various concepts, whereas, someone from C or D would look at the whole picture.
Week 3 - In this post I will define the leadership characteristics for promoting growth and how to manage its impact from what I have learned throughout the MBA735 course. One of the major challenges the leader faces is to try to maintain the current culture of the business as they transition through the many changes of growth. The key characteristic a leader needs during growth is to have a clear vision that is shared with the employees while trying to maintain small company traits. Much like our ongoing analysis of the Golden Designs Woodworks business, as we managed the growth of the company we considered employees when making critical decisions.
The successful leader must focus on the customer and customer service during the growth cycle. Anticipating growth problems through the lifecycle will help the leader to stay better informed to implement key decisions and strategies as they grow. There are many new challenges that take place with the various stages of growth as the leader tries to make sense of the constant chaos. The leader must learn to manage and balance the changes as they focus on the needs for growth especially in the day-to-day operations and planning for the needs of the company’s future. All aspects of the business must be monitored including accounting, marketing, human resources, finances, and operations. Details of the business become even more critical as the company grows. The leader must have a clear vision of company goals while considering the impact on employees when making decisions.
The indoctrination of new employees gives the leader an opportunity to align employees with the company vision as they provide training and develop programs through orientations, this will help the leader to transition new employees during growth or expansion. Encouraging and motivating employees with rewards or recognition helps facilitate the acceptance of change. This in turn will help employees lead others, as I learned from the interview with my MBA Coach, “A sense of an organization is delivered by every other person who is part of new employee indoctrination. Finding happy, committed, and informed employees lead others in that direction, as well as provide a good sense of where to go in searching for change/corrections/assistance.” Training employees to adapt to changes in a timely manner keeps costs down and production running smoothly in this unpredictable risky environment, they must align critical processes to fit any circumstance to build successful growth.
The leader must be ready to assume control and face the challenges for fast-paced growth. During the growth stage the leader becomes more challenged to manage existing financial resources, human resources, managing employees, and even their own schedules. Funding and personnel concerns become highly important; anticipating the needs of cash flow becomes critical for growth. As well as meeting the demands of the economy and customer satisfaction must be considered early on, to ward off future problems that may occur.
The leader must identify internal factors that could impact growth. Orders begin to pick up and the leader must anticipate the demands that change the internal environment drastically. Controlling costs and process flows is absolutely essential during this time for the company to generate continued growth. Project management, customer feedback, manufacturing costs, and the economy may require the leader to make innovative changes to keep costs down that could impact growth substantially. Yet another challenge the leader will face is awareness, understanding, and tools required for the financial aspects of the business. Knowledge management assists leaders as they determine value in their projects and proposals. A well-informed leader must carefully evaluate each project to minimize risks to the company and growth.
Effective leaders will explore the different waves of change throughout this cycle of growth. The leader must be knowledgeable and prepared to deal with the many issues and concerns that are raised. If the leader is mindful of the third wave, known as the knowledge revolution, it provides extraordinary leadership because of its concept of persuasive change that encompass technology, information, and education that together create knowledge (Gray & Otter, 2006). Characteristic of this wave is greater authority given to individuals, team work, customer satisfaction, and technology. Technology and information has given the owners/managers the power to change processes, power and control, as well as improve efficiency. Unlike the second wave, as stated in the Conflicted Leader, 2006, this wave "equips the man" instead of "man the equipment".
In closing I am reminded of the forth wave or judgment wave that best describes today real world for leaders. The focus in this wave is knowledge, experience, and opportunity. These concepts equip today's leader to move forward with the potential growth they envision for their company. A leader must consider the company's rapid growth and exercising judgment to allow them to make critical decisions at a fast pace. With these decisions become responsibilities guided by values, these values become shared within the company and build relationships between the workers and leaders.
Resources
Christensen & Raynor (2003). The innovator's solution: Creating and sustaining successful growth. Boston, MA: Harvard Business School Press.
Gray, A. and Otte, P. (2006). The conflicted leader and vantage leadership. Columbus, OH: Franklin University Press.
Promoting growth and managing impact. (2006). Franklin university. Boston, MA: McGraw Hill.
Ward, A. (2003). The leadership lifecycle. New York: Palgrave Macmillan.
Indoctrination of new employees. Interview with MBA Coach. March 6, 2007.
Week 4- Our team continued working on the Company Exploration assignment. As a team we had difficulties but were able to work them out. This was a learning process in itself. The feedback we received created a certain amount of dissention within the team as to what went wrong. We created questions as we read based on information in the executive summaries. Personally, I researched those companies to understand more about them to determine appropriate questions. We then responded to the other team’s questions for our company. It was interesting to receive the questions and send replies to each. I thought the other teams asked good questions and forced me to dig deeper into our chosen company.
I spent a lot of time researching Customer Service and Internal Marketing. I tried to apply one aspect of the Mike’s Bike Simulation to increase my knowledge in creative application of customer service with the batch issues a company faces during production. I felt this was, in effect giving me a better understanding as to the timing of production and why it is important to customer service.
The Indoctrination of New Employees allowed me to understand training and development of employees during the growth and expansion stages of business. I looked at orientation manuals of two different companies and met with my MBA coach to seek her knowledge and wisdom on the topic. We collaborated through Google’s online collaboration program to complete clear concise answer to the questions and this allow us both to use new technology to accomplish our goal.
Our team met for the Mike’s Bike sessions and I did additional research that I shared with my team as well as the class. I met with a librarian to come up with ideas for searching for new articles in academia. We applied the knowledge we gained from Win Net Mike handout and our results were dramatic. I learned that this extra effort paid off in our decision making for the simulation.
This was a very busy week for MBA 735 and I felt I learned a lot from each assignment, learned to appreciate my team members more, and even improved my research skills. I am truly becoming a graduate student in every sense of the word.
Week 6 - In this paper I will define the leadership characteristics for promoting growth and how to manage its impact from what I have learned throughout the MBA735 course. One of the major challenges the leader faces is to try to maintain the current culture of the business as they transition through the many changes of growth. The key characteristic a leader needs during growth is to have a clear vision that is shared with the employees while trying to maintain small company traits. Much like our ongoing analysis of the Golden Designs Woodworks business, as we managed the growth of the company we considered employees when making critical decisions.
The successful leader must focus on the customer and customer service during the growth cycle. Anticipating growth problems through the lifecycle will help the leader to stay better informed to implement key decisions and strategies as they grow. There are many new challenges that take place with the various stages of growth as the leader tries to make sense of the constant chaos. The leader must learn to manage and balance the changes as they focus on the needs for growth especially in the day-to-day operations and planning for the needs of the company’s future. All aspects of the business must be monitored including accounting, marketing, human resources, finances, and operations. Details of the business become even more critical as the company grows. The leader must have a clear vision of company goals while considering the impact on employees when making decisions.
The indoctrination of new employees gives the leader an opportunity to align employees with the company vision as they provide training and develop programs through orientations, this will help the leader to transition new employees during growth or expansion. Encouraging and motivating employees with rewards or recognition helps facilitate the acceptance of change. This in turn will help employees lead others, as I learned from the interview with my MBA Coach, “A sense of an organization is delivered by every other person who is part of new employee indoctrination. Finding happy, committed, and informed employees lead others in that direction, as well as provide a good sense of where to go in searching for change/corrections/assistance.” Training employees to adapt to changes in a timely manner keeps costs down and production running smoothly in this unpredictable risky environment, they must align critical processes to fit any circumstance to build successful growth.
The leader must be ready to assume control and face the challenges for fast-paced growth. During the growth stage the leader becomes more challenged to manage existing financial resources, human resources, managing employees, and even their own schedules. Funding and personnel concerns become highly important; anticipating the needs of cash flow becomes critical for growth. As well as meeting the demands of the economy and customer satisfaction must be considered early on, to ward off future problems that may occur.
The leader must identify internal factors that could impact growth. Orders begin to pick up and the leader must anticipate the demands that change the internal environment drastically. Controlling costs and process flows is absolutely essential during this time for the company to generate continued growth. Project management, customer feedback, manufacturing costs, and the economy may require the leader to make innovative changes to keep costs down that could impact growth substantially. Yet another challenge the leader will face is awareness, understanding, and tools required for the financial aspects of the business. Knowledge management assists leaders as they determine value in their projects and proposals. A well-informed leader must carefully evaluate each project to minimize risks to the company and growth.
Effective leaders will explore the different waves of change throughout this cycle of growth. The leader must be knowledgeable and prepared to deal with the many issues and concerns that are raised. If the leader is mindful of the third wave, known as the knowledge revolution, it provides extraordinary leadership because of its concept of persuasive change that encompass technology, information, and education that together create knowledge (Gray & Otter, 2006). Characteristic of this wave is greater authority given to individuals, team work, customer satisfaction, and technology. Technology and information has given the owners/managers the power to change processes, power and control, as well as improve efficiency. Unlike the second wave, as stated in the Conflicted Leader, 2006, this wave "equips the man" instead of "man the equipment".
In closing I am reminded of the forth wave or judgment wave that best describes today real world for leaders. The focus in this wave is knowledge, experience, and opportunity. These concepts equip today's leader to move forward with the potential growth they envision for their company. A leader must consider the company's rapid growth and exercising judgment to allow them to make critical decisions at a fast pace. With these decisions become responsibilities guided by values, these values become shared within the company and build relationships between the workers and leaders.
Resources
Christensen & Raynor (2003). The innovator's solution: Creating and sustaining successful growth. Boston, MA: Harvard Business School Press.
Gray, A. and Otte, P. (2006). The conflicted leader and vantage leadership. Columbus, OH: Franklin University Press.
Promoting growth and managing impact. (2006). Franklin university. Boston, MA: McGraw Hill.
Ward, A. (2003). The leadership lifecycle. New York: Palgrave Macmillan.
Indoctrination of new employees. Interview with MBA Coach. March 6, 2007.
MBA725 Learning Journal - October 2006
My theory of an effective leader in the Launch Stage of the business lifecycle is someone who is willing and prepared to lead people to get things done and face the challenges when leading in ever-changing environment. A leader motivates and influences individuals by a process of empowering individuals and meeting the needs of his followers. The leader must define a clear path for the team or his followers as to how they will achieve their vision and mission. The leaders are the ones who dare to challenge the current situation and who are prepared to lead towards a personal vision. Leaders identify problems, look for opportunities, and create their own future, they consider where they want to go and then outline a positive approach for the journey to realize their vision.An effective leader must encourage and lead by example. By identifying better ways to plan and use a positive approach, they teach team members to learn to take risks and go with their gut feelings based on the situation. It has been my own personal experience that people learn from mistakes and this will in turn teach them what works. If we empower them to make decisions and learn the right path based on the outcome that is necessary for that situation.
Life experience, learning by doing is one of the most invaluable tools to educate followers. The leader must fit into the organization by proving their leadership ability by influencing people to follow their guidance. Honesty and integrity is an important trait for a leader to have. Good leadership is a process that takes time to build the necessary relationships to be effective and efficient.Leaders communicate effectively with knowledge in every of the business. They must advise and guide them through the decision making process. An effective leader will lead staff in problem solving discussions to find effective solutions and outline a plan to avoid the same mistakes in the future. This type of leadership communication gives them a better understanding why it is important to stay within the parameters outlined.Both personal and organizational challenges a leader face during the implementation stage relies heavily on the knowledge of what motivates people. They must effectively communicate the importance of the work, not only to themselves but also to the customers they serve and the integrity of the business. The leader must be prepared and well thought out plan and thought out manner to influence them to do their very best. The basic values and belief is core for an effective leader. Their guidance can influence and lead others to achieve the mission and vision set out before to reach their common goal as they embrace their team fill the needs as they lead their team forward to achieve the desired outcome.The challenges a leader faces when leading a next wave organization and dealing with organizations in the agricultural, industrial, and information age are extremely important when creating a culture that is conducive to change.
A leader is the risk take to seize opportunities that could have a favorable impact on the future success of the company. The leader must identify the best way to lead, inspire, and motive others to effectively implement and integrate a strategic plan. It is essential for leaders to build a strong management team that can lead the organization forward with its mission and vision to reach their goals.
LEARNING JOURNAL CONCEPTS MBA 715
1.6
In what stage of the business lifecycle is your current or former organization? Support your rationale. I would say our institution is in the growth to maturity stages. Programs are always being developed to fit the waves of change yet they continually are raising the bar for innovation and creativity as they develop new programs that allows for continual growth. Since the college has been in business for over 35 years they have matured in the fact they have a reputation to stay ahead of the competition by identifying and adapting to constant change. Institutionally they strive for success to become the one of the best two-year colleges in the nation. Why is it important for a leader to identify environmental trends at his or her organization? Would you consider yourself a manager or a leader at this stage in your MBA career? Explain your reasoning. I would consider myself more of a manager at this stage of the game. As I rise to each level of my education I am fast becoming a leader.
2.4
What can a leader do to promote innovative ideas from workers? What role does a leader play in generating creative ideas? Explain why you believe this. A leader can promote innovative ideas from workers by allowing them to design new programs for implementation. The leader clearly communicating that vision to each worker can realize the role the leader plays in generating creative ideas through assignment of tasks that will meet the vision of the company. The leader builds motivation and commitment to reach the goals for the venture. Why is it important for an effective leader to be cognizant of the functional content areas of business when they are not his or her area of expertise? A leader must cognizant of the functional content areas for effective market research and evaluation of the project. This will help them to plan in all areas of pricing, sales, service, distribution, and new product planning. Accounting must accurately reflect financial data to determine how the new product will fit with their current financial status. The leader must be able to define the technology required for implementation of the project and the human resources required to fulfill the personnel needs. Lastly, the leader will require a complete understanding to identify operations of the new plan to be effective. All these pieces fit together if the company is to succeed in the new venture. You and your coach discussed tactics of obtaining information and data from within an organization. What can a leader do to strengthen the informal culture of an organization to make data more easily available to those within the company? A leader must communicate effectively to make data more easily available. This would mean the leader must be sure to identify the data required for the project and to be able to ask for the information intelligently. He must be able to identify the areas accurately to be sure he gets the correct data. It has been my experience to be patient when requesting data and create somewhat of a friendship of respect for those you ask to gather information for you. They are more encouraged and motivated to get you the information if they feel respected and you are clear on what exactly what you need. What is the impact on obtaining needed data if you were working in organizations in each of the four different waves. Obtaining data in the four different waves has an impact by giving the leader an overview of the system to help identify and manage necessary change required to develop effective leaders within the organization. This information will assist with strategies and scenario planning for the future of the organization and assist with developing high performing teams.
3.4
How can a leader collect and access effective data? Data can be collected from a variety of sources. Internal audits, board minutes, company websites, and financial statements are good sources for effective data. Sometimes, a leader must conduct research for more data; there are very good library sources that can help them locate journals, news articles and online databases. How does a leader determine what information is relevant to overall leadership of the functional area? The leader must have an overall clear understanding of the organizations missions and goals and to be able to identify the areas of functionality to meet those goals. Why does a leader need to be able to analyze data from a strategic, operational, and tactical point of view? As a leader identifies areas of possible changes that may occur they can better plan for the overall strategic plan to meet these challenge. This will allow them to make appropriate operational changes necessary to stay productive and to have a competitive advantage.
4.4
How does a leader obtain resources from within the organization? A leader can obtain resources from within the organization connecting with higher level managers or accountants to give them information or areas to seek out the necessary resources they require. What role does social capital play in obtaining these resources? Social capital plays an important role when obtaining resources. This opens the door for information that may not be readily more available. As they say, it isn’t what you know it is who you know that can make all the difference in obtaining resources. Why is it important to look at resources through the 4-Lens Perspective when reviewing resource needs for a project? It is important to look at resources through the 4-lens perspective to determine all issues, determine strategy and implement a plan for success. This perspective will help identify possibilities of innovation and creativity as well as provide a sound strategic analysis for the project.
5.6
How does an effective leader ensure that projects or proposals align with the vision, mission, and goals of the organization? The leader can ensure the proposal aligns with the vision, mission and goals for an organization by constantly evaluating the strategic plan and the successes that are realized through the lifecycle of the project. How does an effective leader ensure that projects or proposals conform to the strategic, operational, and tactical plans for the organization? This can be done through a strategic analysis of all functional areas of the organization.
6.3
The key leadership characteristics needed to implement a business proposal is good communications, charisma, and confidence. A leader can plan and prepare for many different scenarios for business proposals and when changes occur the leader must be ready to adapt to these changes. The major challenge the leader faces is to always have the flexibility for change and the ability to change or rework a plan based on newly defined information. The leader must be willing and able to adapt to these ever changing scenarios in order to succeed in the future. A leader must always be ready to make the necessary changes in a fast changing world.
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