Reflection And Discussion: 600 Words Reflect On The Assigned ✓ Solved

Reflection And Discussion 600 Wordsreflect On The Assigned Readings

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? Respond to the post of at least two peers, using 100 words minimum each. Assignment Activity I: An activity on the critical path of a project was scheduled to be completed within 12 weeks, with a budget of $8,000. During a performance review, which took place 7 weeks after the activity was initiated, it was found that 50% of the work had already been completed and that the actual cost was $4,500. Calculate the EV of the activity. Calculate the CI and SI for the activity. Calculate the expected BAC using the original estimate approach. Calculate the expected BAC using the revised estimate approach. Compare and discuss the results obtained in parts (c) and (d). Activity II: Identify a new product that is based on an innovation in technology, and draw up a strategic technical plan for its development. Be sure to discuss the risk factors at each stage, and indicate how you would deal with each.

Sample Paper For Above instruction

The assigned week's readings provided vital insights into the core principles of management control systems, innovation, and strategic planning within both societal and business contexts. One of the most significant learnings was understanding the importance of integrating control mechanisms to ensure organizational goals are met efficiently. Control systems are instrumental in monitoring performance, guiding decision-making, and fostering accountability, which ultimately underpins the success and sustainability of organizations (Anthony & Govindarajan, 2014). The readings emphasized that without proper controls, organizations risk deviating from their strategic objectives, leading to inefficiencies and potential failure.

The reflection on organizations lacking control systems raises an intriguing question. It is rare—and arguably unjustifiable—for organizations to operate without any control mechanisms, as this generally leads to chaos, misaligned goals, and resource wastage. For instance, startups in their initial phases often operate with minimal formal controls, relying mainly on adaptive leadership and informal processes, which can be justified temporarily. However, as organizations grow, the absence of formal controls diminishes accountability, hampers performance tracking, and impairs strategic alignment (Simons, 2013). Therefore, a complete lack of control systems is typically unjustified in mature organizations, and strategic controls are vital for ensuring organizational coherence and success.

Turning to the U.S. automotive industry, it becomes evident that lapses in technology and innovation have historically allowed foreign competitors to gain market share. Japan's emergence as a dominant player in automotive manufacturing during the 1980s exemplifies this. These foreign automakers capitalized on advanced manufacturing techniques, such as Just-In-Time (JIT) inventory systems and quality control processes, which were underdeveloped domestically at the time (Hunt & Williams, 2016). The domestic industry’s resistance to adopting these innovations stemmed partly from entrenched organizational complacency, labor issues, and regulatory hurdles. Blame can be attributed to corporate leadership's inertia, lack of foresight, and resistance to change, which collectively delayed the adoption of cutting-edge manufacturing processes.

The case of General Motors' $5 billion automation initiative in the 1980s highlights how large-scale technological investments can falter if mishandled. The technical challenges faced stemmed from underestimating the complexity of integrating robotics into existing manufacturing setups, inadequate training for staff, and ineffective project management. Additionally, the rapid pace of technological change meant that the systems installed quickly became obsolete or incompatible with newer technologies (Gordon, 2003). A significant factor contributing to the poor outcomes was perhaps a lack of strategic planning aligned with clear objectives and realistic timelines.

From a long-term perspective, the automation program, despite its initial failures, was a valuable endeavor. It laid a foundational understanding of integrating robotics and computer technologies into manufacturing. Over time, technological advancements and experience gained from earlier failures have helped refine automation strategies, improving productivity and quality (Brynjolfsson & McAfee, 2014). These automated systems are now foundational to modern manufacturing, suggesting that the long-term benefits outweigh the short-term setbacks. As industrial automation continues to evolve, firms that embraced early investments with strategic adjustments are now reaping significant competitive advantages.

References

• Anthony, R. N., & Govindarajan, V. (2014). Management Control Systems. McGraw-Hill Education.
• Brynjolfsson, E., & McAfee, A. (2014). The Second Machine Age: Work, Progress, and Prosperity in a Time of Brilliant Technologies. W. W. Norton & Company.
• Gordon, J. P. (2003). Automation, productivity, and the future of work. Harvard Business Review, 81(4), 80-89.
• Hunt, B., & Williams, A. (2016). The Japanese Automotive Industry: Disruption and Innovation. Business Horizons, 59(3), 271-280.
• Simons, R. (2013). Levers of Control: How Managers Use Innovative Control Systems to Drive Strategic Renewal. Harvard Business School Publishing.

In summary, the readings highlighted the critical roles that control systems, innovation strategies, and technological investments play in shaping organizational success and competitiveness in a globalized economy. Understanding these elements enables managers and stakeholders to craft informed strategies, avoid pitfalls, and harness technological advancements for sustainable growth.