W5D1 Granth

Why the Titanic Sank 1

Week 5 Discussion 1:

Why the Titanic Sank

LECTURE:

The White Star Line, in the early 1900s, did not intend to be the passenger line known for the largest steamship disaster in the world. They set out to have the largest, most luxurious, and fastest steamships in the world. In 1912, they realized their goal with the Titanic and two sister ships; Olympic and Britannic that they had constructed. The story is history and material for other stories both imagined and in the real for the last 100 years (with many more years of discussion to come from this massive error in planning and preparation). White Star set objectives to attain their goals for being the best passenger line in the world. The journey for this title came at a high-price. Many would say too high of a price. Unfortunately, we do not hear of the success of the sister ships or many of the other accomplishments of the White Star Line due to the disaster of the Titanic and the impact it had on the company (and industry) overall. History has taught us about the Titanic and the errors of the company. Hindsight is 20/20. How many organizations follow suit making decisions that are catastrophes? One does not have to look far into business history to find material on company failure. Some end disastrously, while others are fodder for innovation. Part of being an effective consultant is understanding the client’s objectives. Invest in the client. As a consultant you're not providing what you think needs to be done, but what the client hired you for. If you're not clear on their objectives for their project there has been a communication breakdown. What did the client sign the contract for? What services are the consultants providing? Understand where these objectives fit into the organizational structure. What are the results they seek? The Titanic had enough lifeboats for half the capacity of the passengers on the ship. We're told this is due to the desire of wider walkways. The ship was thought to be unsinkable as it was built as a dual hulled ship. Lifeboats were a formality really, as the unsinkable became unthinkable. A massive ship with a small rudder does not turn easily or quickly. The same holds true in business. Many leverage the assets to an unsafe level. The market will only improve and grow. History shows if one market corrects, move assets to a different market. What happens when multiple markets globally adjust at the same time? In recent times, economic events from 2008 until today have occurred resulting in countries in default and major corporations filing bankruptcy (some receiving government buyouts). Understand the objectives. Develop alternatives to different plans. Ask questions of the client to gain a greater understanding of their needs and goals. Invest in the point. Be prepared to flex and accommodate your plan, and always cover your assets.

Assignment - Cohesive Response:

The Titanic disaster was largest passenger steamship in the world.  In 1912, the ship hit an iceberg and 1,517 lives were lost.  In 1997 this tragic disaster was memorialized in the award winning film, “The Titanic”.

View the video clip on Root Case Analysis (9:07) and follow the process as the consultant goes deeper into the causes of this disaster.   http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GOVeO5_0qD0 . 

Cohesive Response – 4-5 paragraphs:

In your opinion

· Why would it not be sufficient to be satisfied with the simple cause? 

· Why was the deeper search as to the cause necessary? 

· APA citing

· No plagiarism