Bob has had numerous errors in the last month one of which being poor quality analysis. Due to
the lack of success in recent months retraining will be discussed with Bob to ensure he is up to
date with what is acceptable and what is not. This will allow for clarification and updates that Bob
may have forgotten or not been aware of due to changes in procedures. Engineering will also be
asked to analyse whether there is a better way to go about this stage of the process. 100% human
inspection is only about 70-80% successful inspection due to the nature of human error that is
involved (See, 2012). This leads to the idea that this is not the most efficient way to catch defected
parts. This will enable resources to be better utilized in other areas of the company while also
decreasing the amount of defect parts making their way to the customer. Understanding Bob's
situation will also be important through this process as he has not had issues in the past and the
most recent work has been somewhat random in behaviour. Sitting down to discuss if Bob needs
anything will not only create a better workplace but help Bob get the help he needs if any is
needed as this is not a common characteristic for Bob. Following the sit-down discussion will
include the re-training as previously discussed as well as the engineering research ongoing to find
out if automatic defect equipment is feasible and the steps required to being them on board to
ensure better products and better use of time are achieved.
The issue I will help Bob create a solution for is inventory. b First, as a manager I would speak with
HR about his performance and the coaching process within the organization. b Most start with a
verbal conversation. b Then I would go to Bob and discuss the inventory situation and explain how
the inventory errors are causing the organization financial hardship and poor customer satisfaction.
Maybe Bob has a personal issue, or the organization has increased production. Making sure Bob
understands and can handle the current expectations is the first step. After having a conversation
with Bob and determining the expectations are reasonable, I would move forward with plan
development as follows.
First, I would enlist the help of a department manager to correct any potential internal inventory
errors. Next, I will go over the results with Bob and his direct manager. b We then will have a
double check system where the information of products pulled for shipping must match Bobs
numbers signed off. b If the number of the associate pull does not match what Bob counts to enter
before shipping the system will not process the bill of lading for shipping and will send an email
flag to the manager. b The manager must sign off on all discrepancies in the system.
Second, I would make sure in the conversation Bob understands the new system is to protect him
and the organization. b If his errors continue, then the next step in the process is a written warning.
Correct inventory is important and continued errors will not be tolerated up to and including
termination. b I want Bob to succeed so explain again our open-door policy and if at any point he
needs us to look at the systems implemented for improvement he must come to us immediately.
Performance evaluations make me nervous! I take it very seriously as I use the opportunity to
reflect on the employee’s performance, work responsibilities and provide feedback to help them
improve and develop as a professional. I always end it by sharing their potential. In regards to
Bob’s performance, I do recognize that employees cannot always be high performing. It is to be
understood when an employee is going through a rough time, they should give flexibility. b
I would support Bob by monitoring his shipments. I would temporarily assign a person to audit his
work and be a second level approver of his transactions. If there is a mistake, I will let him know
immediately. I would have formal check-in meetings with him on a monthly basis. I would
implement a 6-month timeline where we would track progress together. I would also ask how he
can best be assisted and if everything is okay at home. b
References
See, J. (October, 2012). Visual Inspection: A Review of the Literature. Sandia National Laboratories
