Discussion Posts

· Message expanded.Message readUtilization of Cross Functional Teams

posted by xxxxxxxxxx, Feb 16, 2017, 8:11 PM

 

Companies use cross-functional teams to take advantage of the different perspectives and backgrounds of various employees. For example, cross-functional teams in an organization can include employees from engineering, marketing, production and management. The cross-functional team works together to reach a goal or objective such as developing new products, reducing defects or increasing the efficiency in a process (Kelchner, n.d.).

Reference:

Kelchner, L. (n.d.). Strengths & Weaknesses of Cross Functional Teams. Retrieved February 16, 2017, from http://smallbusiness.chron.com/strengths-weaknesses-cross-functional-teams-24653.html

· Message expanded.Message readCh 9 Evaluate Feedback

posted by xxxxxxxxxxx , Feb 18, 2017, 4:48 PM

 

Opinions are everywhere, but how do you cut through the clutter to determine which feedback is valuable and helpful? (Ragusa, n.d.).  Before you jump to conclusions about what someone has said about your performance, think about what exactly is being evaluated and about how you can improve upon your method.  This type of feedback is constructive criticism and should not be taken personally.  You should review each point and ask questions if it is vague or you don't understand.  Use this feedback to assist in future tasks and as a guideline for other projects.  The evaluator is accomplishing his own task and should be taken as a helpful aid when conducting your projects.

 

Reference:

Ragusa, G. (n.d.). How to Evaluate Feedback. Retrieved February 18, 2017, from  http://www.ehow.com/how_5117587_evaluate-feedback.html

· Message expanded.Message readStakeholder Engagement

posted by xxxxxxxxxx , Feb 16, 2017, 8:58 PM

 

Class,

 

In today's 24/7 - wired world, the media is everywhere and includes everyone. Public trust is hard-earned and a company's reputation is in the hands of its stakeholders. We know stakeholder engagement is essential. As modern companies we need to be looking for ways to make stakeholder engagement an idea-generating, innovative, collaborate exercise that builds trust in the brand and ensures a company's license to operate.

 

Modern stakeholder engagement is typically focused on the following areas:

 

Risk Management - you have an issue you need to address

Corporate Social Responsibility - you want to build relationships upfront before they're most needed and avoid issues from emerging

Uncovering / Validating Customer Needs - discovering what customers really expect, want, or need

Driving Innovation - by seeking new voices and opportunities

Lastly, social media is an increasingly important way to engage with stakeholders in real time. As a business if you're not on social media, you're not able to tell or share your story effectively. We need to be open and authentic in your use of social media. Stakeholders will trust you more and be more forgiving of any mistakes.

· Message expanded.Message readSustainability in Business Strategy

posted by xxxxxxxxx , Feb 19, 2017, 10:41 AM

 

A business strategy defines how a company intends to operate in its markets. As environmental awareness has grown over the recent decades, businesses of all forms are being forced to incorporate more sustainable approaches to carrying out their activities (Schamotta, n.d.).  Many businesses include how they want to remain sustainable in their vision and mission statements.  Companies realize their employees are the backbone to their organization and need to be included in each step in obtaining sustainability.  And managers should reward them when they reach a certain goal to keep them motivated to reach higher goals.

 

Reference:

Schamotta, J. (n.d.). Sustainability in Business Strategy. Retrieved February 19, 2017, from http://smallbusiness.chron.com/sustainability-business-strategy-23665.html

 

· Message expanded.Message readCh 9 Creating Sustainable Value in Business

posted by xxxxxxxxxx , Feb 15, 2017, 7:40 PM

 

With the rise of sustainability in companies, they need to be able to measure performance in their operations for them to analyze the value in their business.  They may see benefits from sustainability in the cost savings that they get from being efficient with energy, communicating procedures with your employees, and savings in other areas.  You can find benefits from sustainability activities whether you choose to focus on big ticket technology and product improvement projects or low cost efficiency drives that deliver productivity gains and a better carbon footprint (What does sustainability mean to my business?, n.d.).

 

Reference:

What does sustainability mean to my business? (n.d.). Retrieved February 15, 2017, from  http://sustainabilityskills.net.au/what-is-sustainability/my-business/

· Message expanded.Message readWeek 05 First Message Pt I

posted by xxxxxxxxxx , Jan 16, 2017, 7:04 AM

 

The final week of the course is used to integrate many of the weekly concepts and apply solutions to real-world situations. The first four weeks focus in integrating a culture of sustainability into the organization, and on the assessment of leadership qualities that help to ensure successful sustainable practice. The sustainable management arena is analyzed in relation to the global economy in which we operate today. Evaluate the sustainable value of an organization within the global arena and in relation to the firm's stated philosophy and management methodologies. Look strongly at organizational culture and empowerment in this area. Post a summary of your findings and make sure you intereact with each other throughout the week. Please include citations as required per APA Guidelines and try to include examples from the readings and/or other credible sources. 

· Brief description of this video:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iP9QF_lBOyA

Message expanded.Message readRe: Week 05 First Message Pt II

posted by xxxxxxxxxxx , Feb 19, 2017, 2:18 PM

 

Great Video, his sustainability measures of reducing waste in the landfill have generated huge profits for his company. As stated in the video sustainability measures are profitable, saving on material cost, and saving on what would have went into the landfill. And most importantly reducing the footprint to almost 0. They have a goal of 0 footprint by 2020, the way he describes it, this can be reached and it is an attainable goal for them. As he states this is possible, any company can do this, and should do this to protect the future generations. 

I'm glad there are video out there such as this, it is an eye opener on how easier being "green" can be for an organization, it makes sense, and all organization should follow in these footsteps.