Reflect On The Assigned Readings For The Week Response ✓ Solved

Reflect On The Assigned Readings For The Week Respond To

Reflect on the assigned readings for the week. Respond to the following prompts: “What do I feel are the most important aspects of my learning in the chapters this week?” and “What about this learning was really worthy of my time and understanding?” Then explain how important it is in society or business. Also, provide a graduate-level response to each of the following questions: Give an example of an organization that does not use any control systems. Is this justified? Pick a major U.S. industry, such as automobiles or computers, and discuss the lapses in technology and innovation on the domestic front that permitted foreign competitors to get a foothold and, in some cases, a dominant share of the market.

Who or what do you think was to blame for this situation? In the mid-1980s, General Motors undertook a $5 billion program to introduce robotics and computer-integrated manufacturing techniques into many of its assembly plants. The results were disappointing, to say the least. Enormous technical problems dogged the program from the beginning, and the ultimate gains in productivity were decidedly modest. What do you think went wrong? Why? From the long-term perspective, was the automation program a good idea? Your initial post should be based upon the assigned reading for the week, so the textbook should be a source listed in your reference section and cited within the body of the text. Other sources are not required but feel free to use them if they aid in your discussion. Your initial post should be at least 450+ words and in APA format (including Times New Roman with font size 12 and double spaced). Post the actual body of your paper in the discussion thread then attach a Word version of the paper for APA review.

Sample Paper For Above instruction

Introduction

In this discussion, I will explore key learnings from this week's assigned readings, emphasizing the importance of control systems and technological advancements in industrial dynamics. The focus will be on understanding organizational control mechanisms, analyzing a control-free organization, evaluating the lapses in domestic technological innovation, and assessing the implications of large-scale automation projects such as those undertaken by General Motors in the 1980s.

Key Learnings and their Significance

The most significant takeaway from the readings is the critical role of control systems in organizational management. Control mechanisms ensure operational efficiency, strategic alignment, and adaptability within organizations. Without effective control systems, organizations risk inefficiency, chaos, and misaligned objectives. The readings also highlighted the importance of technological innovation in maintaining competitive advantage, especially within global markets where foreign competitors often outperform domestic firms due to superior technology and innovation capacity.

Understanding these elements is crucial in society and business because they directly impact economic growth, employment, and competitiveness. For instance, effective control systems facilitate compliance with regulations, improve product quality, and optimize resource utilization—benefits critical for sustainable business operations. Moreover, technological innovation fuels industry growth, creates jobs, and opens new markets, underscoring its societal value.

Organization Without Control Systems

An illustrative example of an organization lacking formal control systems is a small, local startup operating with a flat hierarchy and informal management practices. Such an organization might justify this approach by emphasizing agility and creativity. However, without control mechanisms, they risk inconsistent quality, inefficient resource use, and strategic misalignment, especially as they scale. While some startups successfully operate with minimal controls initially, neglecting formal controls long-term can jeopardize organizational sustainability.

Lapses in Domestic Technology and Innovation

The U.S. automobile industry faced significant challenges in maintaining market dominance due to technological and innovation lapses. During the late 20th century, foreign competitors like Japan rapidly advanced their manufacturing techniques and product quality, capturing substantial market share. Factors contributing to these lapses include complacency within U.S. automakers, underinvestment in R&D, and slower adoption of automation and quality management practices. These lapses can be attributed partially to management inertia, strategic short-term thinking, and regulatory environments that did not prioritize innovation aggressively enough.

Blame and Responsibility

The responsibility for these technological gaps and competitive disadvantages often lies with corporate leadership and industry inertia. U.S. automakers' reluctance to adopt innovative practices early on, combined with regulatory and labor constraints, hindered their ability to innovate swiftly. Conversely, Japanese automakers invested heavily in quality control and automation, gaining an edge over their U.S. counterparts.

Analysis of GM's Automation Program

In the 1980s, GM's $5 billion automation initiative aimed to revolutionize manufacturing efficiency through robotics and computer-integrated systems. Nonetheless, the initiative encountered technical difficulties, including hardware malfunctions, software integration issues, and a lack of skilled personnel—leading to disappointing productivity gains. Several factors contributed to these issues:

• Technology Maturity: During that period, automation technology was still emerging and lacked reliability.
• Implementation Challenges: integrating new systems into existing manufacturing processes proved complex, requiring significant retraining and adaptation.
• Management and Planning: inadequate planning, insufficient testing, and overestimating technological readiness hampered success.

From a long-term perspective, the automation program was a strategic investment. Despite short-term setbacks, automation laid the groundwork for future technological integration and process improvements. Over time, advancements in robotics and automation technology proved more reliable and cost-effective, confirming that the initial investment was justified in the broader context of industry evolution.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the week's readings underscored the importance of control systems, technological innovation, and strategic planning in maintaining competitive advantages. While challenges persist, organizations that embrace technological change and implement effective control mechanisms position themselves for long-term success. The lessons from historical failures and successes, such as GM's automation efforts, provide valuable insights into managing technological transitions effectively.

References

• Bateman, T. S., & Snell, S. A. (2019). Management: Leading & collaborating in a competitive world (13th ed.). McGraw-Hill Education.
• Friedman, M. (2002). The Lexus and the olive tree: Understanding globalization. Farrar, Straus & Giroux.
• Hammer, M., & Champy, J. (2000). Reengineering the corporation: A manifesto for business revolution. HarperBusiness.
• Hill, C. W. L., & Jones, G. R. (2018). Strategic management theory: An integrated approach (12th ed.). Cengage Learning.
• Porter, M. E. (1985). Competitive advantage: Creating and sustaining superior performance. Free Press.
• Rosenbloom, J. (1993). Outsourcing control systems: Challenges and opportunities. Journal of Business Strategy, 14(3), 20-27.
• Schwab, K. (2016). The fourth industrial revolution. World Economic Forum.
• Womack, J. P., Jones, D. T., & Roos, D. (1990). The machine that changed the world. Rawson Associates.
• Yamauchi, Y., & Nakagawa, K. (2015). Technological innovation and market dynamics. IEEE Transactions on Engineering Management, 62(4), 429-442.
• Zuboff, S. (1988). In the age of the smart machine: The future of work and power. Basic Books.