DB compilation

Running head: group db forum 3: Part 1 1

group db forum 3: Part 1 2

Group 3 DB Forum 3: Part 1

Chapter 7

Question 1

Improving customer service and quality while reducing cost is the goal of the smart factory. Using the lean manufacturing approach (Daft, 2016), an organization may incorporate highly trained employees in all stages of the process, ensuring the production of goods which will represent value and quality. Recognizing the benefits of this model, smart factories have advanced the process using mass customization, a production technology that allows for increased cost-effectiveness while meeting the consumer demands for designs which are unique and built to order. Existing in an environment that enables higher levels of flexibility, adaptability, quality and productivity, organizations that follow a lean model recognize that technology alone cannot improve customer satisfaction (Daft, 2018).

Making up more than fifty percent of the business in the United States, the service industry is a market that employs an estimated ninety percent of the US workforce. Unlike its counterpart, manufacturing technology firms, the connection between customer and employee is more distinct (Daft, 2018). This direct interaction is a pivotal piece in the customer’s perception of service quality.

Impacted by the timeliness of response time and site location, service firms are now gravitating to a delivery system that is lean yet capable of meeting the expectations of customers (Daft, 2018). Maintaining a core that is close to the customer in a structure that is less driven by boundaries yet holds a higher focus on customer interaction is key for the service organization. However, the intangible nature of the service industry presents a unique exception when comparing service and manufacturing models (Daft, 2018).

As Liu and Yai (2018) noted, a primary organizational issue is to resolve the conflict that exists between meeting the needs of the customer and the scale of the economy. In doing so, the service firm must accept the responsibility of reforming the existing internal operational system. Addressing the diverse and customized requests of an expanding market, the service mass customization must institute strategic operational changes, such as the integration of a variety of supply chain resources, when attempting to optimize the operational system of the organization (Liu & Yai, 2018). Choosing those resources that are readily available and offer the highest level of benefit can lead to a successful outcome.

Question 2

The combination of an analyzable conversion process with experience, judgment and intuition can provide a path to a solution. Dealing with a situation in which the solution is unknown can present a problem. Therefore, when faced with an issue that lacks the ability to be analyzed, a solution can be found by applying wisdom gained from past experiences (Daft, 2018). In the setting of a craft technology, the demands of the intangible elements can present analytical barriers. When faced with these challenges, employees must utilize wisdom and experience to meet expectations (Daft, 2018).

While it may include intangible variables, teaching management in a business school is appropriate when applying a sociotechnical systems approach. The relationship between the social human need to gain knowledge and the technical expertise of the organization or educator, exemplifies the effectiveness of the design. Meeting the needs of both systems can produce an outcome that is optimal for both (Daft, 2018).

In addition, reliance on sequence and procedures reinforces the argument that superior management may not be a craft technology (Daft, 2018). Possessing an ability to decipher large volumes of input while remaining focused during task accomplishment could be viewed as a hallmark of a skilled worker-manager and while it may be a hallmark of analyzability, experience and wisdom cannot be discounted (Daft, 2018).

Chapter 8

Question 1

Used to improve the collaboration and coordination of employees, information technology is an efficient and effective tool in the exchange of knowledge and communications. Whether tacit or codified, the management of knowledge require systems that promote engagement, encouraging employees to seek out information and individuals if answers are needed (Daft, 2018. This connection, key to the success of an organization, cannot survive in a vacuum void of human contact.

While it may no longer be viewed as a nontraditional approach, the decentralization of organizations by way of the use of IT can provide a variety of benefits, such as improved coordination within an enhanced network structure (Daft, 2018). However, as Stone, Deadrick, Lukaszewski and Johnson (2015) stated, the use of IT in the process and practices of the human resource aspect of organizations have had some less favorable outcomes, notably in the areas of employee retention and motivation.

Therefore, while its prevalence may continue to grow, I do not believe technology will enable high level managers to successfully do their jobs with little face-to-face communication. The need to connect on a personal level to exchange ideas and witness behavior cannot be achieved if the boundaries of IT prevent it from occurring (Daft, 2018).

Chapter 9

Question 1

Improving efficiency and effectiveness are two benefits bureaucracy can provide to an organization. The machinelike system and organization that are produced by a set of rules and regulations can transform an organization, as seen in the success of UPS (Daft, 2018). However, if the structure is overburdening, which is often the case, the inflexibility can lead to stagnation and failure. To remain competitive and increase flexibility, organizations take the necessary steps to cut those hierarchical layers that impose excessive limitations, thus busting the bureaucratic chain (Daft, 2018).

Jose Almeida, the CEO of the healthcare giant Baxter International, is an example of a transformational leader. Identifying the impact culture has on an organization, Almeida took the committed steps of cutting bureaucratic layers. Creating an open culture in which the exchange of ideas is encouraged, Almeida gave his employees an increase level of freedom and authority in the organization’s decision-making process. Utilizing this successful bureaucracy busting strategy, Baxter’s stock increased nearly 70%, creating a viable opportunity for acquisition (Gharib, 2018).

Another example of bureaucracy busting is seen in the efforts and initiatives of JPMorgan CEO Jamie Dimon. Identifying it as a disease, Dimon actively tries to reduce the threats imposed by bureaucracy. By limiting internal meetings and creating small, dedicated “war rooms”, Dimon attempted to link employee autonomy with the resources needed to improve the sought-after organizational outcome, a reimagined customer experience (Lebowitz, 2018).

Question 2

In response to a declining economy, organizations may elect to make certain changes to avoid failure. Lay offs, hiring freezes and abandoned construction projects are a few examples of the conscious decisions made by organizations and service firms as they attempt to downsize and create and a survivable organizational decline. Often followed by a lengthy period of success, these measures are taken stabilize an inefficient and deteriorating environment (Daft, 2018).

Facing stages that cannot be ignored, organizations may adopt a framework that will inhibit growth while promoting sustainability. Revising practices while utilizing embedded organizational strategies that secure performance and contribution can ultimately allow for benefits such as cost savings, employee retention and reduced risk (Le Roux & Pretorius, 2016). A proactive paradigm, the strategy of no growth is a necessary reality for many organizations as they strive to remain viable. No longer an exception, the curriculum in business school s must expose future leaders to every facet of operations, not just those that appeal to a booming economy or the enticement of entrepreneurship.

Biblical Worldview Application

Striving for stability in a global environment that is often tumultuous, the words and message of Psalm 16:8 provide the message that can give guidance during times of uncertainty and instability. Accepting the power that God’s presence offers allows for a deeper sense of strength and commitment, one that can lead to a renewed spirit. As Jude 1:24-25 states, it is through the presence and glory of God that one is kept safe, giving hope to pursue remarkable things under His authority.

word count 1291

References Daft, R. L. (2016). Organizational theory & design (12th ed.). Boston: Cengage Learning. Gharbib, S. 2018, February). This CEO believes that innovation and culture are one and the same. Fortune. Retrieved from http://www.fortune.com/2018/02/14/baxter-international-jose-almeida/ Lebowitz, S. (2018, April). Jamie Dimon says bureaucracy is ‘a disease’-and JPMorgan takes 5 steps to combat it. Business insider. Retrieved from https://www.businessinsider.com/jp-morgan-jamie-dimon-bureaucracy-2018-4 Le Roux, C., & Pretorius, M. (2016). Conceptualizing the limiting issues inhibiting sustainability embeddedness. Sustainability, 8(4), 364. Retrieved from doi:10.3390/su8040364 Liu, C., & Yao, J. (2018). Dynamic supply chain integration optimization in service mass customization. Computers & Industrial Engineering, 120, 42-52. Retrieved from doi: 10.1016/j.cie.2018.04.018 Stone, D. L., Deadrick, D. L., Lukaszewski, K. M., & Johnson, R. (2015). The influence of technology on the future of human resource management. Human Resource Management Review, 25(2), 216-231. Retrieved from https://doi-org.ezproxy.liberty.edu/10.1016/j.hrmr.2015.01.002 .