MGT 362T Week 5 Apply: Wk 5 – Evidence-Based Analytics and Decision Making Case Study

The old adage “nothing is constant but change” implies that organizations are always in a state of flux and business leaders cannot necessarily keep pace with the rate of change. Thus, which of the following statements do you consider the most accurate.

Multiple Choice

This observation indicates that business leaders’ ability to make effective decisions is limited by an uncertain future.

The use of evidence-based analytical tools is necessary to assess current situations and improve the quality of strategic decision making.

Considering the accelerated rate of change in today’s business climate, a permanent title of change manager should be adopted in organizations to scan the environment.

None of the above.

Refer to Highlight “Change Metrics”. Which of the following statements best describes why the business leaders altered their approach to the organizational crisis.

Multiple Choice

Upon assessment of the competitive environment using evidence-based analytics, Continental’s leaders recognized that the organization’s emphasis was misplaced, and changed its strategic objectives.

The bankruptcy court appointed independent overseers to force change.

Continental leadership was attempting to raise stock prices in anticipation of a buyout.

Union leadership was ready to call for a national walkout during the Chapter 11 hearings.

Upon review of the effectiveness of a strategic business decision using evidence-based analytics, business leaders may reverse course. Refer to Highlight, “Unanticipated Consequences at FedEx”. What factor(s) led to reversal of the new scheduling system?

Multiple Choice

Restrictions on international air space were not accounted for in the decision making.

The cost of upgrading the technology infrastructure was cost prohibitive.

The new system contained assumptions that did not consider critical factors such as changes in time zones, travel time across hemispheres, and pilot flying hours.

There was an inadequate number of aircraft to accommodate the new schedule.

Sustainability of change is associated with:

Check All That Apply

• New working practicesNew working practices
• Reductions in time to marketReductions in time to market
• Adapting to circumstances to gain increasing benefits for organizational initiatives

Redesigning roles, staff selection, and redesign of reward systems is linked to

Multiple Choice

Changing societal requisites and regulatory policies

Attracting employees

“human sustainability” policies to address human and social sustainability

None of the above

Walking the Talk” is a(n)

Multiple Choice

Euphemism

Theoretical term for employee / manager communication

Phrase that refers to a leader who encourages volunteer acts of initiatives, celebrates “smaller wins” and “corrections” in progress

Outdated term for leadership in today’s cyber world

When using evidence-based analytics in decision making, measurement is an essential tool in gauging progress. However, the leader needs to assess data based on the following consideration(s).

Check All That Apply

• To what extent is the measurement an accurate representation of the success of the change initiative?To what extent is the measurement an accurate representation of the success of the change initiative?
• What is the relationship between the time of the measurement being reported and the timeframe over which the benefits of the change is expected to be delivered?What is the relationship between the time of the measurement being reported and the timeframe over which the benefits of the change is expected to be delivered?
• What are the components of the measurement being monitored e.g. internal and/or external environmental factors and to what extent are they relevant to the organizational change?

Analytical tools and decision-making framework models are essential in the business leader toolbox to move an organization forward in refreshing the vision and associated strategies to achieve that vision. In order to sustain the change initiative, what are some actions necessary to prevent initiative decay?

Check All That Apply

• Ensure changes are sustainable, and are handed over to the operational environment of the organization.Ensure changes are sustainable, and are handed over to the operational environment of the organization.
• Develop capacity and capability for continuous improvement.Develop capacity and capability for continuous improvement.
• None of the above.

In times of change, strong leadership is essential and cannot be overstated. While the use of metrics may reinforce presentation of a persuasive argument for change to stakeholders, leaders need to project certain qualities and values, which include, but not limited to the following.

Check All That Apply

• Leaders should be “role models” of the desired changes, focusing on organizational culture and developing a climate for continuous improvement.Leaders should be “role models” of the desired changes, focusing on organizational culture and developing a climate for continuous improvement.
• Leaders must possess the qualities of integrity and credibility in order to communicate change and enlist the support for change among employees effectively.Leaders must possess the qualities of integrity and credibility in order to communicate change and enlist the support for change among employees effectively.
• Leaders should empower change teams to take risks, communicate decision making authority clearly, and remove barriers to their progress accordingly.

As noted earlier, today’s business leaders are equipped with a “toolbox” to improve strategic decision-making involving change. However, not all initiatives should be sustained, which was referenced in the FedEx case. In distinguishing between “blameworthy” and “praiseworthy” change initiatives, what guidelines are relevant in determining the difference?

Check All That Apply

• “Blameworthy” failures include deliberate or inadvertent deviations from the prescribed practice.”Blameworthy” failures include deliberate or inadvertent deviations from the prescribed practice.
• Experimental approaches designed to improve performance are considered “praiseworthy”, because managers can learn from the failure.Experimental approaches designed to improve performance are considered “praiseworthy”, because managers can learn from the failure.
• There are no failures that are considered acceptable, and differences don’t matter.