The shipping manager for Galaxy Toys Toledo, Ohio branch, Bart Aldrin, has been in his job since 1969. Prior to coming to Galaxy, Bart worked as shipping clerk for International Shipping, a large container company. Bart quickly rose to supervisor at International Shipping because of his ability to plan daily work, provide detailed instructions to workers that helped optimize the way tasks were performed and his knack of implementing processes so workers could be trained to perform their specialized sequence of motion in the most efficient way. He brought this management style to Galaxy, which helped to improve the methodology of toy assembly as well as the shipping processes.
A major shift in management occurred in the late 1980’s and early 90’s that caused Bart (and other managers) to reconsider their management approach. For example, heightened competition, advances in technology, the workers threat to unionize, their greater demand for employee management participation, work-life balance and a general shift in employee workplace values all affected the culture of Galaxy. A greater focus on employees led to a new approach to management at Galaxy: people focus. The owners of Galaxy embraced diversity and were willing to hear the ideas of employees and this was change in attitude and culture was evident in Bart, who embraced these changes wholeheartedly. These internal changes enabled the company to adapt to uncertainty and to respond to its competitors more quickly.
Scenario: Recently, Bart announced his plans to retire. His replacement is Joyce Barnhart. Joyce is confident as a 21st century manager that she is capable of handling the new position as manager.
• As a 21st century manager, how will Joyce’s understanding of the role of a manager be manifested/demonstrated in how she approaches her job? Remember that in responding to this question, students are expected to demonstrate their understanding of the 21st century management concepts discussed in this course.
• How will the new approach to the job likely change the production and shipping department at Galaxy headquarters?