Case Study: Lakes Automotive Essay

1. How do companies combine methodologies?  Answer: Companies combine methodologies by conducting research to determine the fastest and most cost effective method to move product and satisfy the customer; criticizing both advantages and disadvantages; asking for the opinions of the employees and managers, and/or deciding which phase the company is willing to keep. 2. How do you get employees to change work habits that have proven to be successful? Answer: In order to get employees to change work habits that have been proven to be successful, management must ensure that the new, implemented work habits are just as good and will benefit the overall longevity of the company as well as the employees of the company. 3. What influence should a customer have in redesigning a methodology that has proven to be successful? Answer: The customer should have a lot of influence in redesigning a methodology that has proven to be successful because the overall goal of any company should be to satisfy the customer. The customer is essential in generating the company’s revenue. 4. What if the customers want the existing methodologies left intact? Answer: If the customers of both companies, Lakes Automotive and Pelex Automotive Products, desire to implement the existing methodologies than the board will have to agree on a standard methodology to satisfy both parties. Therefore, combining methodologies becomes a vital option. 5. What if the customers are unhappy with the new combined methodology? Answer: If the customers are unhappy with the new combined methodology than management should revisit the most effective way to satisfy the majority of the customer base. 1. Why was it so difficult to develop a methodology?  Answer: It was difficult because the employees were not trained and was not knowledgeable on the one particular methodology. 2. Why were all three initial methodology based on policies and procedure? Answer: The three initial methodologies were based on policies and procedure, because that was the only standard that information systems, new products, and new corporate clients have in common. It was used because everyone is aware of policies and procedures and have access to references. 3. Why do you believe the organization later was willing to accept a singular methodology? Answer: It is not possible for there to be any organization or success in doing business with using three different methodologies. It had to be chaotic. Moreover, the company â€Å"had a problem deciding how to assign the right project manager to the right project.† (Kerzner, pg. 5) 4. Why was he singular methodology based on guidelines rather than policies and procedures? Answer: In the beginning the company used policies and procedures as a map for the three initial methodologies it was using, because they probably thought that was a way to have some sort of organization amongst the three methodologies. Later when the company realized the strategy was not working, they decided to use one methodology. Furthermore, since everyone is trained in the only methodology the company is now using it made sense for everyone to follow the guidelines of the methodology instead of the policy and procedure. 5. Did it make sense to have the fourth day of the training program devoted to the methodology and immediately attached to the end of the three-day program? Answer: Yes, it certainly made sense to have the fourth day devoted to training the employee on the new methodology. It is important for the employee to learn the new methodology specially since the previous strategy of using three different methodologies did not work for the company. In order for a company to be successfully all the employees should be trained, practice, and be comfortable with the company’s culture and methodology. According to the PMBOK Guide, a methodology is defined as, â€Å"A system of practices, techniques, procedures, and rules used by those who  work in a discipline,† therefore a company will have a difficult time being successful if everyone doesn’t know the methodology the company practices. 6. Why was the consultant not allowed to teach the methodology? Answer: The consultant was brought in only to train employees on project management skills, therefore, as the text implies, the consultant’s expertise is only in that subject. Moreover, the new methodology was developed internally. Since it was created internally only an internal employee could have the knowledge to train employees on the new methodology. 1. What is the critical issue?  Answer: The critical issue is that the Clark Faucet Company has a non-cooperative culture; therefore, the engineering and marketing department is not encouraged to communicate. This causes friction between the two departments and many failed project management implementations. 2. What can be done about it?  Answer: The executive council should enforce better company structure. For example, good project management practices and mandate communication between the engineering and marketing departments in order to complete task effectively and efficiently. 3. Can excellence in project management still be achieved and, if so, how? What step can you recommend? Answer: Excellence in project management may still be achieved if the project manager follows the tasks identified under the planning, execution, and closing. I would recommend the project manager keep constant communication with the stakeholder to identify risk (issues) internally and externally that will prevent the project form progressing. 4. Given the current non-cooperative culture, how long will it take to achieve a good cooperative project management culture, and even excellence? Answer: The length in changing the project management culture depends on the executive decisions and implementation process. If all employees are made  aware of change and consequences of not adapting to change than the culture should transition quickly. However, if its not encouraged or practiced than a culture transition may take a while to achieve. 7. Should a singular methodology for project management have a process for the prioritization of projects or should some committee external to the methodology accomplish this? Answer: There should be a singular methodology for project management to have a process for the prioritization of projects because as a project manager, you are responsible for the planning, execution, and closing of the project. Therefore, the prioritization falls under the planning phase, which falls under the project manager.

Harvard MBA admission essays Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1250 words

Harvard MBA admission essays - Essay Example Although I was successful in setting standards on paper; however, creation of a practical roadmap was something that made me contemplate further. Since Saudi Arabia has neither unions nor work councils, I seized at the opportunity to mold the new ‘Organization Excellence’ department into a platform as an internal employee work council, as well as an intermediary between the company and employees. After conducting employee interviews, reading extensive P&G archives on performance management, and seeking out thought leadership resources, I designed a completely new system for mobilizing and motivating human assets. Not only did strategy of unifying workers and developing a more-positive working environment pay off; however, also my approach to ‘Organization Excellence’ touched off productivity gains throughout the P&G facility. During a short period of two years, I facilitated the department in its expansion, and it set indexed performance and rising job satisfaction standards throughout the organization. P&G sites across Saudi Arabia, the Middle East and beyond are now replicating my model, and subseq uently, the companys reputation, in terms of its human resources management, has also strengthened dramatically, and winning Saudi Arabia’s Employer of the Year Award is just an example of the accomplishment. After completion of the top-to-bottom redesigning of ‘Rewards and Recognition incentive system’, it was an understanding that the system was transforming into a global benchmark for P&G sites worldwide. For this reason, my inspiration stemmed from identifying performance gaps, and at that time, during the training of 350 employees on P&G success drivers and another batch on ‘High Performance Organizations Overviews’, I felt strongly that everyone should be able to take ownership initiative and feel valuation of their contribution. Simultaneously, I sought to transform trainings from a passive information transfer to an interactive experience

If and when I raise children, I'll never Assignment

If and when I raise children, I'll never - Assignment Example I shall also try not to have arguments with my partner when my child is around so that s/he always feels secure. I shall never try to compare my child with any other child. Instead I shall encourage my child to work harder and also try new things so s/he may find where his/her aptitude lies. I will try to set up a solid support system at home that will reassure my little one that no matter what, we will always be there for him/her and our love will always be as strong. My child’s health will be a major concern and I shall always strive to keep the child away from passive smoking – meaning a strict no smoking at home, and reduce to the minimum unhealthy eating. Stressing the importance of a healthy mind in a healthy body will be an important part of my efforts to raise my child. I shall encourage the child to play outdoor games and maintain hygienic habits. I would like my child to develop the ability to keep an open mind and not rush to conclusions without due thought and consideration. I shall therefore encourage reading habits and logical thinking. I think a parent’s listening skills are very important to a child’s overall development. I shall never brush aside the child’s fears or doubts. I shall set time aside for my child in order to give him/her the confidence to be able to confide problems or worries thus helping avoid major disturbances. I sincerely hope that when I do become a parent, I shall be a good one and bring up a physically and emotionally well-balanced human

Retail Loss Prevention Assignment Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 250 words

Retail Loss Prevention - Assignment Example The 11.9% increase in eFencing from 49.2% in 2012 is a clear indication that ORC needs specialized attention. The loss resulting from ORC flows through the entire chain of distribution and the consumer becomes a victim too either by purchasing stolen products or by having to pay more money as a result of increased prices on commodities or services. Moreover, the criminals are becoming more aggressive harming those who happen to interdict them. While the article highlights partnerships and advocacy as well as federal legislations as the best methods of curbing ORC, I perceive increasing visibility on merchandise and employees involvement to be best ways of curbing the disgraceful act. The staff should be in a position to keep an eye on every stock as n uncomplicated and less costly way of preventing occurrence of ORC. Employees should also be fully exposed to the company’s policies regarding theft and stern warnings and possibly dismissal given to those caught participating in the practice (Greggo, Alan & Millie, 127). Noteworthy, Greggo, Alan, and Millie attribute the continual increase in ORC to the lessened interests to work, high unemployment and the need for individuals to uphold cozy lifestyles despite the prevailing economic hardships (p. 132). Securing credit card data has also become extremely and with the increased cyber crime, it will be challenging to handle ORC (Hedgie, N.p). The article by the National Retail Federation informs how important law enforcing agencies are in preventing retail losses. Hedgie Bartol. "Loss Prevention."  Integrated Solutions For Retailers, POS Software, POS Hardware, Retail Software. N.p.,  2014. Web. 24  Apr.  2015.

Storyteller Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1500 words

Storyteller - Essay Example But he fails to specify the location of the story which is rather important for the children in understanding the culture and the story itself. This gives the audience something concrete to think about, which makes them more involved mentally. When crafting a story, use people, places, and things the children knows. His vocabulary is exceptional and his pauses very much suit the children's speed of understanding. He also entertains and amuses children with his mimicking and gestures. Dialogues make use of different voices for different characters and he shifts his facing (or posture) as the dialog switches from character to character (smaller pot to bigger one). But sometimes his mimic and gesture go out of hand and looks hard. Keep gestures simple and natural. Gestures should add to the story, not detract from it. Be careful in being overly dramatic and trying to change the voice in a too dramatic way. This may actually be distracting. Also, it is extremely difficult to maintain this. The character may end up speaking with the wrong voice. The gesture should feel "right" at the spot where you are using it. The story is important and avoid showy movements which detract from the story. The audience has a very important role in storytelling - for their minds are the canvas on which the teller paints his tale. Here Vernon understands children's mind very well and chose a story which fits them well. He also looked to that the story gives the message everyone has their own purpose. This serves to teach the younger minds of the moral values. Mike Lockett - Anansi and the Snake Mike is also very much professional in creating the interest by his maneuvers. But he looks pretty hurried up in narrating the story. He starts the story in full swing and ends it the same way. He doesn't give his audience time to settle down to his narration speed. Storytelling is best done in a relaxed atmosphere. The audience ought to be comfortable and close. But he has this tool of driving the attention of the audience through his mimics. Here is mimicking of the snake and Ananci drew the attention. Many factors affect the attention of your listeners. A storyteller always needs to be sensitive to his audience and may need to regain their attention before continuing. He also uses his voice to create the atmosphere or tension as the story progresses. He also adds some selected phrases to provide the regional color. Watch that the attempts at dialect are not interpreted as making fun of someone's "accent." He made investigation of classic editions of works, the dialects used and the culture of the source country. To retain the original flavor and vigor, he has learnt the characteristic phrases which recur throughout the story. He also doesn't hesitate to use the dialects of the original story so as to create a feel for the source culture among the audience. He modulates his voice to help establish the mood. Sometimes lowering the voice is more effective in establishing suspense than raising it. Further he introduces classic tales which all well-informed people should know. Mike Miller -Benny the Frog Probably mike comes first to me in narrating the

Pop-Culture Media Critique Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 250 words

Pop-Culture Media Critique - Essay Example make use of women as a way to attract gamers, toy and action heroes clones production that ultimately provides messages to girls from the young age that they have to dress up in the so-called Barbie manner etc. Director of the documentary has used footages of news bulletin where the subject of plastic surgery was most important and not the increasing inflation rate (Newsom, 2011). The patriarchy involved against the women has been well indicated in the film where young girls talk about intellect that is more associated with men instead of women. The documentary beholds the message that it is the era of capitalism that has highlighted and focused on the beauty and physical appearance of the girls rather than their achievements and skills. The political intervention is not the only concept on which the director has stressed in the documentary. Overall, it has successfully achieved it methods by using effective points such as talking about the plastic surgery (Newsom, 2011). The writer and director of the documentary, unlike other feminist documentaries, bestow the power of change among women instead of the circumstances and men. The documentary claims that the self-transformation method of change can bring results and it is only in the hands of women (Newsom,

Metropolis by Giorgio Moroder Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1250 words

Metropolis by Giorgio Moroder - Essay Example With this on hand, the paper will dwell on the view of the movie as women are the source to evil, and how the role of women changed as the movie unfolds. Metropolis The movie, Metropolis, released in 1927, is based on the novel by Thea von Harbou. The movie is a silent film, which was directed by Fritz Lang, who is a German filmmaker. Metropolis was a futuristic city with airplanes, flyovers, and high rise buildings used and occupied by the higher class. This population lives with all the amenities to used and enjoy, such as sports, libraries, cinemas, and the like. On the contrary, beneath the highly urbanized city are the workers who control the functions of the machines used in Metropolis. The workers strive to survive the daily routine of hard work, darkness, and even death below the lively and well-developed city. The movie evolves on the resistance of the workers towards the master of Metropolis, Joh Fredersen. Along with this, the story escalates to the development of the love story between Freder, the son of Joh Fredersen, and Maria, a daughter of a worker who aims for freedom and equality. Freder, as the son of the master of Metropolis, has the freedom to enjoy all the goodness and luxury in life. However, one day, Maria went to the Eternal Garden and brought the children of the workers there, where Freder was also present. Freder, intrigued of the passion he saw in Maria, followed them to the underground city where he saw the laborers suffer and die. The incident that he witnessed rose his concern for the workers. For this reason, he decided to take the place of a worker and was also invited to take part in the meeting that Maria organized to bring hope to the workers. In the meeting, Maria spoke of hope, and that one day a savior with the hand and the heart will come to unite their cities. At the same time, Joh Fredersen had witnessed the power that Maria had over the workers, which made him fear her. For this reason, he assigned Rotwang, a scientist , to create a robot in the likeness of Maria, and to use the robot to gain the loyalty of the workers. However, the robot Maria became out of control and led the workers to destroy the machines underground, not knowing that the machines were built to save their city from flood. Chaos came to being; however, Maria and Freder were able to save the children of the workers, and Freder became the hand and the heart that united the workers and his father (DiMare 346-348). The Portrayal of Women in Metropolis Metropolis is a science fiction film, which has the female persona represented by the cyborg Maria or the robot Maria and the human Maria. The cyborg Maria is linked with the â€Å"social chaos, and revolution suggests that these are not just economic problems: they are also sexual problems† (Brockmann 87). It is also important to note that the cyborg Maria was not created to do the typical activities a robot is expected to do. She was created and given the likeness of the huma n Maria, who poses a threat as reality, and technology unites in her (Ascott 311). Furthermore, the female cyborg, in this case Maria, is a character in the film that is mostly defined as a problematic individual torn between her ability to reproduce and her robotic ability. Most of the time, the character of the female cyborg portrays two roles, which is a hero or a villain. In this case, the cyborg Maria is described by Claudia Springer as an