| Problem Solutions Matrix |
| Directions: You will use this matrix to record previous attempts to address the problem and proposed problem solutions. Complete the columns on the matrix as directed. For the "Previous Problem Solution/Proposed Problem Solution" column, include a detailed description of the solution, including the source of the solution. In the case of a previous solution, the source could be a manager interview, while the source for a proposed solution could be a link to an online reference article or resource. All other columns must rank the specified element as it relates to the solution using a 1, 3, or 5, with 5 being the highest ranking. Note that the "Customer Importance" column is weighted at twice the value of the other categories, since the impact of a solution on customers if of utmost importance. For example, if the solution was very important to the customer experience, it would earn a 5. If that same solution was only a 1 in efficiency and quality, then a 1 would be used in those two columns. If employees were somewhat satisfied with the solution and it was in the middle in terms of cost-effectiveness, then both of those columns would be ranked as a 3. When calculated, the overall solution score would be 18. This number could then be used to compare the solution to other solutions as a means of determining whether or not it should receive further consideration for implementation as a problem-solving strategy. |
| | Customer Importance | Efficiency | Quality | Employee Satisfaction | Cost-Effectiveness | Solutions Score |
| Previous Problem Solution | Rank each item as a 1, 3, or 5, with 5 as highest ranking. Note: Customer Importance is weighted more heavily than other categories. |
| Conducting health and safety assessment of suppliers' working environment in terms of safety gears, exposure to chemicals, working hours, and health hazards | 5 | 3 | 2 | 2 | 1 | 4 |
| Training of suppliers and their employees to identify and respond to hazards and emergencies | 4 | 4 | 5 | 5 | 2 | 5 |
| Regular environmental audits of suppliers' plants to determine if there are emissions and poor waste management practices that affect immediate communities | 4 | 2 | 1 | 3 | 4 | 5 |
| Introducing whistle-blowing programs for anonymous reporting of unethical practices in the supply chain | 5 | 5 | 2 | 5 | 5 | 5 |
| Conducting communicaiton and public relaitons initiatives to build company image to employees and assure them of Apple's ethical commitments. | 5 | 3 | 4 | 2 | 5 | 5 |
| Proposed Problem Solution | Rank each item as a 1, 3, or 5, with 5 as highest ranking. Note: Customer Importance is weighted more heavily than other categories. |
| Developing supplier code of conduct and conducting regular audits to determine suppliers' conformity with the standards set by the organizaiton | 3 | 3 | 4 | 3 | 4 | 5 |
| Requiring all suppliers to seek ethics accreditaitons and certifications. This can be done using global and local certificaiton bodies such as ISO and Social Accountability 8000 | 4 | 4 | 3 | 2 | 4 | 5 |
| Increasing the frequency of ethics and environmental audits from annual to quarterly to maintain consistency in ethical observance by suppliers | 5 | 5 | 5 | 5 | 5 | 5 |
| Using independent auditors and external evaluators such as ISO and Global Reporting Initiative. Independent auditors provide non-biased reports unlike Apple, which may hide certain malpractices | 5 | 3 | 4 | 4 | 5 | 4 |
| Introducing and using supplier management portals. These platforms helps to capture and manage global supplier information to avoid potential risks of supplier weaknesses | 3 | 5 | 5 | 3 | 4 | 5 |
| Cancel contracts of suppliers sho fail to cooperate with the company on ethical issues. For instance, suppliers who fail to give room for transparent ethical auditing of their premises should be avoided | 2 | 3 | 4 | 2 | 4 | 5 |
| Introducing ethical ranking systems. Rating suppliers with respect to their observance of fair labor practices, environmental issues, and occupational health motivates them to work harder | 2 | 2 | 3 | 2 | 3 | 2 |
| Introducing rewards and incentives for suppliers who perform excellently in terms of observance of ethical standards. Example of a reward may include extending their contracts with the companysion | 5 | 3 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 5 |
Cling1919
MatrixWeek4.xlsx
