Unit 5
Discussion (1 Page)
You should consider the discussion threads as being analogous to the kind of discussions you would have in a face-to-face class: our goals should be to say things that are interesting, provocative, and respectful. Since this is a classroom setting, you are encouraged to proofread, and to avoid the more slang- and emoticon-fueled discourse that appears on Twitter and Facebook. One of the goals here is professional preparation; if you would not say or do something in the workplace, then you should not post similar material in a discussion thread. You can post more than twice to the postings of your peers; the two longest postings are the ones that will be evaluated.
Where possible, the threads will cover supplemental material incorporated into each chapter, via videos related to the supporting discussion integrated into your textbook chapters. Postings should not merely summarize the material, but should deal with how to apply the material in practice.
Directions
Every week respond to one question. The posting should consist of no less than 250 words and should incorporate at least one outside, i.e., from a library database search, APA formatted reference at the end of the post. After posting your answers, begin making two (2) or more replies to other students’ posts. Your responses should ask a pertinent question, contribute significantly to your classmate’s posting and foster further discussion in order to receive the full points per response (up to 2 responses). Response postings have the same requirements for length and outside references as original postings. Review the grading rubric before beginning this assignment.
Questions
INDICATE, BY NUMBER, WHICH QUESTION YOU ARE RESPONDING TO WHEN MAKING YOUR POSTS.
Discuss communication strategies to resolve conflict during change and how the response is informed by theory (theories)?
Managing change in practice 14.1 Johnny Schmidt: Know, Feel, Do – Discuss steps a change leader could take to support change or motivate others to change, include how the response is informed by theory (theories)?
CS (1 Page)
Introduction
The student will be provided with case studies (or similar exercises) related to the current readings during Units 1 through 8 of the course. After reading the relevant cases (or similar exercises), students will provide a written response in either one of two ways. The student will provide either a 2-3 paragraph written response for each question listed after the case study (or similar exercise) or provide a written case study analysis. Either product should be constructed using 7th Edition APA style, include in-text citations and references. If the case or similar exercise does not have questions listed, the written response will follow the directions in the below section. Directions will indicate when to use the case study guidelines or provide a 2-3 paragraph response for the listed questions.
Directions – Case Study Guidelines
Drafting the case, think like a practicing manager. As part of your analysis, it is necessary, but not sufficient to answer the following questions in enough depth to show that you have performed more than a superficial reading of the case’s content, and subsequently applied relevant theory.
Introduction
Identify the key problems and issues in the case study. What is the issue being presented or analyzed in the case? Focus on the main issue in the case if more than one topic is presented. Use your judgment to decide on which issue is the one that is potentially most costly to an organization if left unresolved. There are more kinds of costs to be considered than economic costs. Do not neglect them in your analysis. Formulate and include a thesis statement, summarizing the outcome of your analysis in 1–2 sentences.
Background
Set the scene: background information, relevant facts, and the most important issues.
Where did the issue take place? Consider this because you need to consider cultural and environmental considerations that may differ from those of the United States, in your analysis.
When did the issue take place? There may be historic and environmental considerations different from those of the United States, which should be considered in your analysis.
Who was affected by the issues? In other words, who are the stakeholders inside and outside of the organization that needs to be considered when formulating an analysis, and possible response to the situation?
Evaluation
Why did the issue occur? This may involve conjecture on your part. It is all right to speculate; just identify your speculation as such. In an empirical case, causal factors may be identified as such. Outline the various pieces of the case study that you are focusing on. Evaluate these pieces by discussing what is working and what is not working. State why these parts of the case study are or are not working well.
Proposed Solution/Changes
Provide specific and realistic solution(s) or changes needed. Explain why this solution was selected. Support this solution with solid evidence, such as: concepts from class (text readings, discussions, lectures), outside research
Recommendations
How would you, as a manager, apply the insights gained from the case to improve an organization’s operations? Determine and discuss specific strategies for accomplishing the proposed solution. If applicable, recommend further action to resolve some of the issues. What should be done and who should do it?
The paper requirements are: title page, reference page, double-spaced, 1″ margins, APA style headings, Times New Roman, 12 pt. font and 3 academic outside sources in addition to the textbook (minimum of 4 sources).
Finalizing the Case – After you have composed the first draft of your case study analysis, read through it to check for any gaps or inconsistencies in content or structure. If you make revisions, proofread and edit your analysis before submission.
Cases for this Unit
Chapter 13, Case Study 13.1 – Connect2
Please read the case and:
Identify the communications problems that you can spot in this case.
Provide your recommendations for how communications should have been handled in this case.
You may want to consider the case study guidelines when you are preparing your case answers as an aid to organizing your information.
Chapter 14, Case Study 14.1 – Managing change at the Douglas refinery
Identify the motivational and management problems that you can spot in this case.
Provide your recommendations for how the “transition” should have been handled in this case.
You may want to consider the case study guidelines when you are preparing your case answers as an aid to organizing your information.
RA (1 Page)
Introduction
Each chapter contains a Research Analysis assignment based on some of the theory presented in that chapter. One of your assignments each unit (1 through 8) will be to review related research as directed and write an interpretation of your results. After completing your write up, please submit it by 11:59 p.m. Sunday CT.
Directions
Using the cited research from the textbook as a starting point, you are to find a current (as recent as possible) related journal article, preferably on the same topic. You should then read the current article and compare its’ results and findings to those summarized in the text. After determining whether the results and findings are the same or different from those cited in the textbook, you then need to explain what those similarities or differences mean, in plain English.
All cited material must include both internal citations and a complete reference list at the end of the paper. A cover sheet should minimally indicate the name of the Research Report, the name of the course, the student’s name and the date.
Article Specific Directions
Chapter 14, Research Report 14.1 – Effect of group participation on resistance to change
The Coch and French (1948) article is a foundation article, so it should be possible to find something more recent than this article. The point of the exercise is to find another article dealing with participation and resistance to change. If that is not possible, find another article dealing resistance to change.
To that end it may be helpful to:
Use the library databases to search on “participation” and “resistance to change” as well as the authors names to find related articles.
Use Research report 14.1 to generate search terms, as previously suggested. The narrative and results sections have useful phrases that can be used for a literature search.
You do not want to merely summarize the article. You want to indicate whether the article you found is consistent or inconsistent with the Cochand French (1948) findings. Then you want to discuss what these results, as a whole (both articles together), mean to leaders and managers in terms of being able to deal with resistance to change.
Unit 6
Discussion (1 Page)
Introduction
You should consider the discussion threads as being analogous to the kind of discussions you would have in a face-to-face class: our goals should be to say things that are interesting, provocative, and respectful. Since this is a classroom setting, you are encouraged to proofread, and to avoid the more slang- and emoticon-fueled discourse that appears on Twitter and Facebook. One of the goals here is professional preparation; if you would not say or do something in the workplace, then you should not post similar material in a discussion thread. You can post more than twice to the postings of your peers; the two longest postings are the ones that will be evaluated.
Where possible, the threads will cover supplemental material incorporated into each chapter, via videos related to the supporting discussion integrated into your textbook chapters. Postings should not merely summarize the material, but should deal with how to apply the material in practice.
Directions
Every week respond to one question. The posting should consist of no less than 250 words and should incorporate at least one outside, i.e., from a library database search, APA formatted reference at the end of the post. After posting your answers, begin making two (2) or more replies to other students’ posts. Your responses should ask a pertinent question, contribute significantly to your classmate’s posting and foster further discussion in order to receive the full points per response (up to 2 responses). Response postings have the same requirements for length and outside references as original postings. Review the grading rubric before beginning this assignment.
Questions
INDICATE, BY NUMBER, WHICH QUESTION YOU ARE RESPONDING TO WHEN MAKING YOUR POSTS.
Managing change in practice 15.1 – Debbie Middleton: Motivational coaching to help people navigate transitions. Discuss what kind of problems those who are forced to let go of their current job or are released from their job, and what can line managers or motivational coaches do to help people manage the transition, including how the response is informed by theory (theories).
Managing change in practice 16.1 – Steve Gorton: Soft skills for hard results. Discuss do top managers give sufficient attention to how attitudes and beliefs of their own and those of other stakeholders, can affect the outcome of a change and what leaders can do to ensure that change efforts will be successful, including how the response is informed by theory (theories).
Managing change in practice 17.1 – John Oakland: Figure of eight frameworks to prepare and review plans for change. Discuss which is most important for ensuring the success of a change: creating a readiness for change or managing how the change is implemented, including how the response is informed by theory (theories).
In your opinion, can a change strategy that combines a top-down drive for results and the development of organizational capability offer a better chance of achieving sustained high performance than one that focuses on either results or capability, including how the response is informed by theory (theories)?
CS (1 Page)
Introduction
The student will be provided with case studies (or similar exercises) related to the current readings during Units 1 through 8 of the course. After reading the relevant cases (or similar exercises), students will provide a written response in either one of two ways. The student will provide either a 2-3 paragraph written response for each question listed after the case study (or similar exercise) or provide a written case study analysis. Either product should be constructed using 7th Edition APA style, include in-text citations and references. If the case or similar exercise does not have questions listed, the written response will follow the directions in the below section. Directions will indicate when to use the case study guidelines or provide a 2-3 paragraph response for the listed questions.
Directions – Case Study Guidelines
Drafting the case, think like a practicing manager. As part of your analysis, it is necessary, but not sufficient to answer the following questions in enough depth to show that you have performed more than a superficial reading of the case’s content, and subsequently applied relevant theory.
Introduction
Identify the key problems and issues in the case study. What is the issue being presented or analyzed in the case? Focus on the main issue in the case if more than one topic is presented. Use your judgment to decide on which issue is the one that is potentially most costly to an organization if left unresolved. There are more kinds of costs to be considered than economic costs. Do not neglect them in your analysis. Formulate and include a thesis statement, summarizing the outcome of your analysis in 1–2 sentences.
Background
Set the scene: background information, relevant facts, and the most important issues.
Where did the issue take place? Consider this because you need to consider cultural and environmental considerations that may differ from those of the United States, in your analysis.
When did the issue take place? There may be historic and environmental considerations different from those of the United States, which should be considered in your analysis.
Who was affected by the issues? In other words, who are the stakeholders inside and outside of the organization that needs to be considered when formulating an analysis, and possible response to the situation?
Evaluation
Why did the issue occur? This may involve conjecture on your part. It is all right to speculate; just identify your speculation as such. In an empirical case, causal factors may be identified as such. Outline the various pieces of the case study that you are focusing on. Evaluate these pieces by discussing what is working and what is not working. State why these parts of the case study are or are not working well.
Proposed Solution/Changes
Provide specific and realistic solution(s) or changes needed. Explain why this solution was selected. Support this solution with solid evidence, such as: concepts from class (text readings, discussions, lectures), outside research
Recommendations
How would you, as a manager, apply the insights gained from the case to improve an organization’s operations? Determine and discuss specific strategies for accomplishing the proposed solution. If applicable, recommend further action to resolve some of the issues. What should be done and who should do it?
The paper requirements are: title page, reference page, double-spaced, 1″ margins, APA style headings, Times New Roman, 12 pt. font and 3 academic outside sources in addition to the textbook (minimum of 4 sources).
Finalizing the Case – After you have composed the first draft of your case study analysis, read through it to check for any gaps or inconsistencies in content or structure. If you make revisions, proofread and edit your analysis before submission.
Cases for this Unit (Select One Case Study)
Chapter 16, Case Study 16.1 – Asda: a winning formula
Please read the case and:
Make recommendations as to how you would have managed the situation if you had been the newly appointed CEO.
Provide any changes that you would make to your recommendations as separate comments after you have read the chapter. If there are no changes, a brief statement to that effect will suffice.
You may want to consider the above case study guidelines when you are preparing your case answers as an aid to organizing your information.
Chapter 17, Case Study 17.1 – Planning for change at Bairrada Wines
Read the case.
Answer questions 1 through 5 on page 306.
Provide your analysis regarding why the proposed change plan failed.
Provide your recommendations for how the change plan should have been handled in this case.
You may want to consider the above case study guidelines when you are preparing your case answers as an aid to organizing your information.
RA (1 Page)
Introduction
Each chapter contains a Research Analysis assignment based on some of the theory presented in that chapter. One of your assignments each unit (1 through 8) will be to review related research as directed and write an interpretation of your results. After completing your write up, please submit it by 11:59 p.m. Sunday CT.
Directions
Using the cited research from the textbook as a starting point, you are to find a current (as recent as possible) related journal article, preferably on the same topic. You should then read the current article and compare its’ results and findings to those summarized in the text. After determining whether the results and findings are the same or different from those cited in the textbook, you then need to explain what those similarities or differences mean, in plain English.
All cited material must include both internal citations and a complete reference list at the end of the paper. A cover sheet should minimally indicate the name of the Research Report, the name of the course, the student’s name and the date.
Article Specific Directions
Chapter 18, Research Report 18.1 – Sociotechnical systems
The Trist and Bamforth (1951) article is a foundation article, so it should be possible to find something more recent than this article. The point of the exercise is to find another article dealing with sociotechnical systems.
To that end it may be helpful to:
Use the library databases to search on “sociotechnical systems” as well as the authors’ names to find related articles. “Social systems” and “technical systems” might also be used, but “sociotechnical systems” is the term usually used in the literature.
Use Research report 18.1 to generate search terms, as previously suggested. The narrative has useful phrases that can be used for a literature search.
You do not want to merely summarize the article. You want to indicate whether the article you found is consistent or inconsistent with the Trist and Bamforth (1951) findings. Then you want to discuss what these results, as a whole (both articles together), mean to leaders and managers in terms of being able to consider sociotechnical systems successfully when planning change efforts.
Unit 7
Discussion (1 Page)
Unit 7: Discussion
Introduction
You should consider the discussion threads as being analogous to the kind of discussions you would have in a face-to-face class: our goals should be to say things that are interesting, provocative, and respectful. Since this is a classroom setting, you are encouraged to proofread, and to avoid the more slang- and emoticon-fueled discourse that appears on Twitter and Facebook. One of the goals here is professional preparation; if you would not say or do something in the workplace, then you should not post similar material in a discussion thread. You can post more than twice to the postings of your peers; the two longest postings are the ones that will be evaluated.
Where possible, the threads will cover supplemental material incorporated into each chapter, via videos related to the supporting discussion integrated into your textbook chapters. Postings should not merely summarize the material, but should deal with how to apply the material in practice.
Directions
Every week respond to one question. The posting should consist of no less than 250 words and should incorporate at least one outside, i.e., from a library database search, APA formatted reference at the end of the post. After posting your answers, begin making two (2) or more replies to other students’ posts. Your responses should ask a pertinent question, contribute significantly to your classmate’s posting and foster further discussion in order to receive the full points per response (up to 2 responses). Response postings have the same requirements for length and outside references as original postings. Review the grading rubric before beginning this assignment.
Questions
INDICATE, BY NUMBER, WHICH QUESTION YOU ARE RESPONDING TO WHEN MAKING YOUR POSTS.
Managing change in practice 18.1 Paul Simpson: Using training and one-to-one coaching to deliver culture change. Discuss how can training be used to help change an organization’s culture and what can be done to ensure that learning is transferred and used in the work situation, include how the response is informed by theory (theories)?
Read: Kotter, J. P. (1995). Leading Change: Why transformation efforts fail. Harvard Business Review, 73(2): 59-67. Discuss your interpretation or application of how the content in the article can be used to promote successful change efforts and approaches you expect to be more likely to succeed in effectively sustaining and more rapidly spreading change across the organization, include how the response is informed by theory (theories).
CS (1 Page)
Introduction
The student will be provided with case studies (or similar exercises) related to the current readings during Units 1 through 8 of the course. After reading the relevant cases (or similar exercises), students will provide a written response in either one of two ways. The student will provide either a 2-3 paragraph written response for each question listed after the case study (or similar exercise) or provide a written case study analysis. Either product should be constructed using 7th Edition APA style, include in-text citations and references. If the case or similar exercise does not have questions listed, the written response will follow the directions in the below section. Directions will indicate when to use the case study guidelines or provide a 2-3 paragraph response for the listed questions.
Directions – Case Study Guidelines
Drafting the case, think like a practicing manager. As part of your analysis, it is necessary, but not sufficient to answer the following questions in enough depth to show that you have performed more than a superficial reading of the case’s content, and subsequently applied relevant theory.
Introduction
Identify the key problems and issues in the case study. What is the issue being presented or analyzed in the case? Focus on the main issue in the case if more than one topic is presented. Use your judgment to decide on which issue is the one that is potentially most costly to an organization if left unresolved. There are more kinds of costs to be considered than economic costs. Do not neglect them in your analysis. Formulate and include a thesis statement, summarizing the outcome of your analysis in 1–2 sentences.
Background
Set the scene: background information, relevant facts, and the most important issues.
Where did the issue take place? Consider this because you need to consider cultural and environmental considerations that may differ from those of the United States, in your analysis.
When did the issue take place? There may be historic and environmental considerations different from those of the United States, which should be considered in your analysis.
Who was affected by the issues? In other words, who are the stakeholders inside and outside of the organization that needs to be considered when formulating an analysis, and possible response to the situation?
Evaluation
Why did the issue occur? This may involve conjecture on your part. It is all right to speculate; just identify your speculation as such. In an empirical case, causal factors may be identified as such. Outline the various pieces of the case study that you are focusing on. Evaluate these pieces by discussing what is working and what is not working. State why these parts of the case study are or are not working well.
Proposed Solution/Changes
Provide specific and realistic solution(s) or changes needed. Explain why this solution was selected. Support this solution with solid evidence, such as: concepts from class (text readings, discussions, lectures), outside research
Recommendations
How would you, as a manager, apply the insights gained from the case to improve an organization’s operations? Determine and discuss specific strategies for accomplishing the proposed solution. If applicable, recommend further action to resolve some of the issues. What should be done and who should do it?
The paper requirements are: title page, reference page, double-spaced, 1″ margins, APA style headings, Times New Roman, 12 pt. font and 3 academic outside sources in addition to the textbook (minimum of 4 sources).
Finalizing the Case – After you have composed the first draft of your case study analysis, read through it to check for any gaps or inconsistencies in content or structure. If you make revisions, proofread and edit your analysis before submission.
Case for this Unit
Chapter 28, Case Study 28.1 – KeyChemicals’ acquisition of Eco-Pure: recognizing the opportunity and starting the process
Please read the case and:
List the issues that you feel those leading the acquisition will have to attend to if it is to be implemented successfully. Provide reasoning and evidence for your answers.
Provide any changes that you would make to your recommendations as separate comments after you have read the chapter. If there are no changes, a brief statement to that effect will suffice.
You may want to consider the above case study guidelines when you are preparing your case answers as an aid to organizing your information.
RA (1 Page)
Introduction
Each chapter contains a Research Analysis assignment based on some of the theory presented in that chapter. One of your assignments each unit (1 through 8) will be to review related research as directed and write an interpretation of your results. After completing your write up, please submit it by 11:59 p.m. Sunday CT.
Directions
Using the cited research from the textbook as a starting point, you are to find a current (as recent as possible) related journal article, preferably on the same topic. You should then read the current article and compare its’ results and findings to those summarized in the text. After determining whether the results and findings are the same or different from those cited in the textbook, you then need to explain what those similarities or differences mean, in plain English.
All cited material must include both internal citations and a complete reference list at the end of the paper. A cover sheet should minimally indicate the name of the Research Report, the name of the course, the student’s name and the date.
Article Specific Directions
Chapter 28, Research Report 28.1 – The realistic merger preview
The Schweiger and DeNisi (1991) article is not that recent, so it should be possible to find something more recent than this article. The point of the exercise is to find another article dealing with communications or information and change.
To that end it may be helpful to:
Use the library databases to search on “communication”, “change”, “merger”, or “change” as well as the authors’ names to find related articles. The chapter may provide you with useful search terms as well. Given the difficulty that you may have in finding a direct match, if you find an article that deals with similar issues, that will be sufficient for this exercise.
Use Research report 28.1 to generate search terms, as previously suggested. The narrative has useful phrases that can be used for a literature search.
You do not want to merely summarize the article. You want to indicate whether the article you found is consistent or inconsistent with the Schweiger and DeNisi (1991) findings. Then you want to discuss what these results, as a whole (both articles together), mean to leaders and managers in terms of being able to consider the effects of communication and information sharing on change efforts.
Unit 8
Discussion (1 Page)
Introduction
You should consider the discussion threads as being analogous to the kind of discussions you would have in a face-to-face class: our goals should be to say things that are interesting, provocative, and respectful. Since this is a classroom setting, you are encouraged to proofread, and to avoid the more slang- and emoticon-fueled discourse that appears on Twitter and Facebook. One of the goals here is professional preparation; if you would not say or do something in the workplace, then you should not post similar material in a discussion thread. You can post more than twice to the postings of your peers; the two longest postings are the ones that will be evaluated.
Where possible, the threads will cover supplemental material incorporated into each chapter, via videos related to the supporting discussion integrated into your textbook chapters. Postings should not merely summarize the material, but should deal with how to apply the material in practice.
Directions
Every week respond to one question. The posting should consist of no less than 250 words and should incorporate at least one outside, i.e., from a library database search, APA formatted reference at the end of the post. After posting your answers, begin making two (2) or more replies to other students’ posts. Your responses should ask a pertinent question, contribute significantly to your classmate’s posting and foster further discussion in order to receive the full points per response (up to 2 responses). Response postings have the same requirements for length and outside references as original postings. Review the grading rubric before beginning this assignment.
Question
In your opinion, why can it be difficult for those leading change to step back and reflect on what is going on with the change process, include how the response is informed by theory (theories)?
CS (1 Page)
Introduction
The student will be provided with case studies (or similar exercises) related to the current readings during Units 1 through 8 of the course. After reading the relevant cases (or similar exercises), students will provide a written response in either one of two ways. The student will provide either a 2-3 paragraph written response for each question listed after the case study (or similar exercise) or provide a written case study analysis. Either product should be constructed using 7th Edition APA style, include in-text citations and references. If the case or similar exercise does not have questions listed, the written response will follow the directions in the below section. Directions will indicate when to use the case study guidelines or provide a 2-3 paragraph response for the listed questions.
Directions – Case Study Guidelines
Drafting the case, think like a practicing manager. As part of your analysis, it is necessary, but not sufficient to answer the following questions in enough depth to show that you have performed more than a superficial reading of the case’s content, and subsequently applied relevant theory.
Introduction
Identify the key problems and issues in the case study. What is the issue being presented or analyzed in the case? Focus on the main issue in the case if more than one topic is presented. Use your judgment to decide on which issue is the one that is potentially most costly to an organization if left unresolved. There are more kinds of costs to be considered than economic costs. Do not neglect them in your analysis. Formulate and include a thesis statement, summarizing the outcome of your analysis in 1–2 sentences.
Background
Set the scene: background information, relevant facts, and the most important issues.
Where did the issue take place? Consider this because you need to consider cultural and environmental considerations that may differ from those of the United States, in your analysis.
When did the issue take place? There may be