Assignment
Resources
Kinicki, A., & Williams, B. K. (2016). Management: A practical introduction (7 ed.). New York, NY: McGraw Hill Education.Chapter 16
Discussion starter. Limit your response to 150 to 300 words, demonstrate understanding of and cite the required readings or other credible sources that you apply, and look for opportunities to engage with and learn from others.
#1 Scenario: Measuring Performance
In addition to reviewing the course materials, watch the Harvard Business Review video "The Explainer: The Balanced Scorecard" and then answer the following questions:
1. What are barriers to effective measurement that can complicate the control process? Why do you think not all firms are measurement-managed?
2. Considering your company (or a previous one), develop goals and metrics that the organization could use in applying the balanced scorecard technique.
3. Using "The Explainer: The Balanced Scorecard" and the chapter readings as your foundation, what are your recommendations for improving performance at work (or your performance here at school)?
References
Barr, S. (2015). Convince executives to measure performance[Video]. The HBR Channel.
Gino, F. (Director). (2013). Measure employee productivity accurately[Video]. The HBR Channel.
Kaplan, R. S., & Norton, D. P. (2014). The explainer: The balanced scorecard[Video]. The HBR Channel.
Kinicki, A., & Williams, B. K. (2016). Management: A practical introduction(7th ed.). New York, NY: McGraw Hill Education.
#2 Scenario 2: One standard corporation's use to evaluate their performance against their competitors is the set of rankings developed by Fortune magazine. These include the Fortune 500, the 100 Best Companies to Work For, and other lists. The public also uses these rankings to decide to what companies they should give their business; however, should they? Is there an intrinsic value in these rankings, or are they subjective? Should a business set a specific ranking on a list like this as a standard to be met? Support your assertions.
#3 Scenario wanted to make sure you are aware of some of the different performance evaluation tools we can use to perform quality assurance. Here is a list of some quality decision-making tools available for your use. You may have already used some of these in the past. While imperfect in their own ways, these tools can help tremendously in quieting the chaos, surveying the available options, and then collecting and evaluating the information you need to choose the best course of action. Please pick one and tell the class how they work and what you think of it.
1. Pareto Analysis
2. Grid Analysis
3. Decision Trees
4. Pareto Charts
5. Force Field
6. Six Thinking Hats
7. Cost/Benefit
8. Cause-and-effect diagrams
9. Quality Control Charts
#4 A decision matrix is a chart that allows a team or individual to systematically identify, analyze, and rate the strength of relationships between sets of information. The matrix is especially useful for looking at large numbers of decision factors and assessing each factor's relative importance.
A decision matrix is frequently used during quality planning activities to select product/service features and goals and to develop process steps and weigh alternatives. For quality improvement activities, a decision matrix can be useful in selecting a project, in evaluating alternative solutions to problems, and in designing remedies. Attached is the full document on how to use this tool.
Do you feel this is a valuable tool or a waste of time, tell me why?
#5 Brainstorming can be an effective way to generate lots of ideas on a specific issue and then determine which idea - or ideas - is the best solution. Brainstorming is most effective with groups of 8-12 people and should be performed in a relaxed environment. If participants feel free to relax and joke around, they'll stretch their minds further and therefore produce more creative ideas. Attached is a PowerPoint with some brainstorming suggestions for your review.
Anyone have any experience with brainstorming?
#6 Quality Management, and in particular Lean Six Sigma, is a popular topic in our Operations Management courses. Quality gurus like Juran and Deming brought quality into the focus of senior managers after World War II. Moreover, companies like GE and Honeywell have made great strides in implementing Lean Six Sigma beginning in the later part of the last century and extending its implementation into this century.
However, where do we take it from here?
Summary
Considering Ch. 16 "Control Systems and Quality Management", the "What is Six Sigma" web site and the article "Proposed Progression of Lean Six Sigma", Respond to the following scenario.
References
Kinicki, A., & Williams, B. K. (2016). Management: A practical introduction(7th ed.). New York, NY: McGraw Hill Education.Taylor, J., Sinn, J., Ulmer, J., M., Badar, M., A. (2015) Proposed Progression of Lean Six Sigma. Journal of Technology Studies, vol. 41, no. 1, pp. 2-8.
Format your assignment according to the following formatting requirements:
1. The answer should be typed, double spaced, using Times New Roman font (size 12), with one-inch margins on all sides.
2. The response also include a cover page containing the title of the assignment, the student's name, the course title, and the date. The cover page is not included in the required page length.
3. Also Include a reference page. The Citations and references should follow APA format. The reference page is not included in the required page length.