31 Jul and distributes communications equipment. Paul’s
and distributes communications equipment. Paul’s direct subordinates are the supervisors of the
four production departments in the company’s manufacturing plant. Six months ago, the engi-
neering manager at Echo Electronics proposed a plan to install new computerized workstations
to increase productivity in the plant. It seemed to be a good idea to Paul, and he welcomed the
change. The CEO also approved the plan, and the new equipment was installed immediately.
Three months later, Paul was surprised and disappointed to find that the expected increase
in productivity did not occur. In fact, productivity and quality actually decreased. The mar-
keting manager told Paul that several of their best customers complained about receiving Echo
equipment that was defective. Paul does not believe that the problem lies with the new worksta-
tions. Technicians from the firm that built the workstations recently checked them and found
that they were operating properly. Paul talked to someone at another company that uses the
workstations, and his contact reported that they were having great success with them.
When Paul discussed the problem with his four production supervisors, he found that they
shared his concern but did not agree among themselves about the cause of the problem. Reasons
given for the decline in performance included poor design of the workstations, inadequate train-
ing of the production workers who operate them, and lack of financial incentives for increasing
productivity. The supervisors also told Paul that the production workers have strong feelings
about the workstations. Morale declined, and two employees quit because they were upset about
the changes made in the way the work is done.
This morning, Paul received a phone call from the CEO who just received the production
figures for last month and was calling to express concern about them. The CEO indicated that
the problem was Paul’s to solve, but he must take immediate steps to deal with it. The CEO wants
to know by next week what steps Paul will take to reverse the decline in productivity and product
quality.
SOURCE: Adapted from a case by Timothy R. Hinkin and used with his permission.
Questions
1. What actions could Paul have taken to prevent the problem?
Our website has a team of professional writers who can help you write any of your homework. They will write your papers from scratch. We also have a team of editors just to make sure all papers are of HIGH QUALITY & PLAGIARISM FREE. To make an Order you only need to click Ask A Question and we will direct you to our Order Page at WriteDemy. Then fill Our Order Form with all your assignment instructions. Select your deadline and pay for your paper. You will get it few hours before your set deadline.
Fill in all the assignment paper details that are required in the order form with the standard information being the page count, deadline, academic level and type of paper. It is advisable to have this information at hand so that you can quickly fill in the necessary information needed in the form for the essay writer to be immediately assigned to your writing project. Make payment for the custom essay order to enable us to assign a suitable writer to your order. Payments are made through Paypal on a secured billing page. Finally, sit back and relax.
About Wridemy
We are a professional paper writing website. If you have searched a question and bumped into our website just know you are in the right place to get help in your coursework. We offer HIGH QUALITY & PLAGIARISM FREE Papers.
How It Works
To make an Order you only need to click on “Order Now” and we will direct you to our Order Page. Fill Our Order Form with all your assignment instructions. Select your deadline and pay for your paper. You will get it few hours before your set deadline.
Are there Discounts?
All new clients are eligible for 20% off in their first Order. Our payment method is safe and secure.