Posted: February 14th, 2023
The purpose of this assignment is to conduct internal and external research to determine viable solutions that could be implemented to solve an identified problem.
For this assignment, you will create an Excel spreadsheet that summarizes the data collection you have completed. The spreadsheet should indicate the date on which particular data were collected, the source of the data collected, the type of data (qualitative or quantitative), and a one- or two-sentence summary of the data findings.
Please note that as part of the research process, taking the initiative to speak with management and then requesting and reviewing business metrics and operations reports will allow you to find the data you need for the project while also showing your employer that you can be proactive and use critical thinking to solve problems within the organization.
Part 1:
The first step in data collection is to conduct research. You are looking for specific, measurable data (statistics and numbers) related to how the problem is affecting the organization. This information should be recorded in the form of a chart or graph that presents the data so key decision makers can see the “cost” of failing to address the problem.
Part 2:
Next, conduct additional research to learn what has already been done to address this problem within the organization. Ask questions and interview individuals who assisted with the implementation of previous solutions used to address the problem. Prior to meeting with individuals, develop a list of questions about previous solutions. Consider factors such as customer importance, efficiency, quality, employee satisfaction, and cost effectiveness. You will want to make sure you ask questions that allow you to gather measurable data and include information about how successful previous solution options were in addressing each of the problems. When you have completed your research, the findings should be summarized in an illustration using at least one chart or graph that represents the data you have collected. Use the study materials for assistance with creating Excel graphs and charts that can be used to illustrate your findings.
Part 3:
The last step in determining potential solutions is to conduct external research. Using Internet and industry resources, research ways other companies have addressed this issue or one very similar to it. Look for specific information related to the customer response, efficiency, quality, employee satisfaction, and cost effectiveness of solutions others have implemented. Find at least five potential solutions you can consider for solving the problem you have identified. Your goal in conducting this research is to find practical examples and measurable data related to how other companies, and related industries, have resolved the same problem or one very similar to it. When you have completed your research, the findings should be summarized in an illustration using at least one chart or graph, representing the data you have collected. Use the study materials for assistance with creating Excel graphs and charts, as this will help illustrate your findings.
Submit the data collection Excel spreadsheet and the three data summary charts/graphs you have created from the research conducted.
While APA style is not required for the body of this assignment, solid academic writing is expected, and documentation of sources should be presented using APA formatting guidelines.
Brainstorming with an Affinity Diagram
Problem/Issue: Low morale within military
“Why” Question: Why are soldiers within the military experiencing low morale?
Favoritism
Multitasking
Time away from families
Long hours
Lack of vision/goals
Hostile work environment
Too-heavy work demands
Poor management
Improper training
Conflicting systems
Themes based upon commonalities
Systems
Leadership
Progression
Compensation and Benefits
Employee Training and Tools
Low compensation
Improper training
Conflicting systems
Hostile work environment
Favoritism
Time away from families
Multitasking
Too-heavy work demands
Lack of vision/purpose
Poor management
Connection
The majority of the members agree that there is a need to improve leadership training, hence this group has a lot in common with the Employee Training & Tools group.
Defined Problem: Low morale and productivity among Soldiers
Why are soldiers within the military experiencing low morale?
· Workers report a deficiency of direction and believe their efforts are being wasted.
Why is that?
· Employees believe that many managers are not providing effective leadership.
Why is that?
· A large number of employees believe that their supervisors are more interested in furthering their own careers than in achieving the organization’s objectives.
Why is that?
· Workers have a negative impression of their workplace climate.
Why is that?
· People are promoted to positions of authority over which they have neither prepared nor expertise.
Why is that?
· Because of personnel turnover caused by promotions or transfers, many leaders feel pressured to find replacements for vacant positions. Every tier of management has to have its own set of tests and training, but it’s easy for poor performers with toxic qualities to slip through the cracks when there are so many people to choose from.
Validate of root causes
Low morale is a result of the effects of toxic leadership, which may be witnessed in the military. There is evidence that working under a negative manager may lead to a decline in both effort and quality (by up to 38 percent) (Kerns, 2021). This lowers morale and has knock-on effects on teamwork, efficiency, and preparedness for missions. In order to solve this problem, Army supervisors at all levels must strictly enforce laws and promote open-door systems where undesirable behavior may be reported. The promotion of managers might be based on personality tests like those employed by large civilian organizations. Leaders who fail to deliver and have a negative influence on morale and productivity should be removed from their positions as soon as possible because they are a threat to both the training and battle environments.
Reference
Kerns, Z. D. (2021). A Crisis of Low Morale: Support for the Military in America’s Working Class. US Army School for Advanced Military Studies.
SOLUTION
that you have just been promoted to CEO of a large corporation. You will be working with your human resources director to update your current benefits plan. In 2015, the U.S. Supreme Court issued its ruling in Obergefell v. Hodges regarding the fundamental right of same sex marriages. Your current benefits plan does not include benefits for same sex marriages. You must prepare a proposal to your board of directors on implementing this benefit into your organization’s benefits plan.
Place an order in 3 easy steps. Takes less than 5 mins.