http://blog.case.edu/jay/ My Thoughts on the Discourse en-us Mon, 11 Dec 2006 16:20:03 EST Mon, 11 Dec 2006 16:20:03 EST jayanti.yeratha@case.edu jayanti.yeratha@case.edu http://blogs.law.harvard.edu/tech/rss Movable Type v3.121 http://blog.case.edu/jay/2006/12/11/tom_mendola For one of our recent classes, we were asked to read the Tom Mendola case. In this case, Tom is... http://blog.case.edu/jay/2006/12/11/tom_mendola mgmt250 case cwru Case Western Case Western Reserve University Mon, 11 Dec 2006 16:20:03 EST For one of our recent classes, we were asked to read the Tom Mendola case. In this case, Tom is a young seventeen year old who quits high school in order to support his family. The case tells us that his performance was very poor. The management, however, was unaware as to whether or not they should let him go. The class was divided into two sections. One section wanted to fire him and the other was against firing him. Although he had circumstances prevailing at home, he was warned several times. He was only seventeen years old. I definitely think that he needs more advice about a full time job.

]]> http://blog.case.edu/jay/2006/12/11/mgmt_250 Management 250 was one course that I never wanted to take. Initially, it was very overwhelming. Nevertheless, I had to... http://blog.case.edu/jay/2006/12/11/mgmt_250 mgmt250 case cwru Case Western Case Western Reserve University Mon, 11 Dec 2006 15:53:09 EST Management 250 was one course that I never wanted to take. Initially, it was very overwhelming. Nevertheless, I had to take it since it was a requirement for my major. Now, after completing the course, I realize the importance of the class. It was not similar to other classes that I’ve taken. I enjoyed the fact that we had no exams all semester. The projects and assignments were very useful as well. One aspect of the class which I thought was very different was the fact that we had to apply the class lectures to our projects. The blogging assignment was a useful tool. The ability for readers to leave comments on other entries in an interactive format was useful as well. Overall, I can say that this course taught me a lot about various topics.

]]> http://blog.case.edu/jay/2006/12/11/hr_simulation The HR simulation was one of the assignments for MGMT 250. I thought it was a great learning experience. Each... http://blog.case.edu/jay/2006/12/11/hr_simulation mgmt250 case cwru Case Western Case Western Reserve University Mon, 11 Dec 2006 15:52:37 EST The HR simulation was one of the assignments for MGMT 250. I thought it was a great learning experience. Each team managed an organization and competed with other teams. Teams of 4-5 people established certain objectives or goals, planned strategies and made the required decisions based on these goals. After submitting the decisions, each team received quarterly reports concerning the firm’s results. I thought that this assignment was very useful. It taught us how to manage budgets, unit labor cost, morale, quality, grievances, quality and more. Apart from that, we were also given the opportunity to work as a team.

]]> http://blog.case.edu/jay/2006/12/11/mgmt_250individual_learning_plan Although I did not enjoy writing a 12-15 page Individual Learning Plan, I thought it was a very helpful... http://blog.case.edu/jay/2006/12/11/mgmt_250individual_learning_plan mgmt250 case cwru Case Western Case Western Reserve University Mon, 11 Dec 2006 15:51:44 EST Although I did not enjoy writing a 12-15 page Individual Learning Plan, I thought it was a very helpful tool. It was based on self-assessments, goals and targets. It was a path which guided me towards my future. It helped in building skills, evaluating career options, setting goals and planning actions in order to achieve personal and professional goals. The plan was very flexible and also gave me the chance to stretch far and meet personal needs. Now, I know where I am headed. After completing my undergraduate degree, I would love to work in the international marketing division of a well known multinational corporation. Ten years from now, however, I see myself as a professor in a university with a well known business faculty.

]]> http://blog.case.edu/jay/2006/12/11/last_class Our last class was very interesting. I thought it was a very good idea to have each student talk... http://blog.case.edu/jay/2006/12/11/last_class mgmt250 case cwru Case Western Case Western Reserve University Mon, 11 Dec 2006 15:49:45 EST Our last class was very interesting. I thought it was a very good idea to have each student talk about what they liked and disliked about the class. In my opinion, I thought that the mock interview experience was fantastic. I have never been interviewed for a real job in the past. Therefore, the mock interview was a great learning experience which gave me guidelines to my being a better interviewee in the future. Apart from the mock interview experience, I also thought the HR simulation was a great experience. It helped me gain a batter understanding of strategic issues of a human recourses department.

]]> http://blog.case.edu/jay/2006/11/09/dreams In a recent class, we spoke about dreams. We were asked to write down seventeen dreams and categorize them. As... http://blog.case.edu/jay/2006/11/09/dreams mgmt250 case cwru Case Western Case Western Reserve University Thu, 09 Nov 2006 19:24:32 EST In a recent class, we spoke about dreams. We were asked to write down seventeen dreams and categorize them. As I was writing my dreams down, I noticed that I had a few which could not be achieved. They would remain as things that I would love to do and experience. However, I also had certain dreams which I could consider as goals. They were specific, measurable, attainable, relevant and time bound. My categories included travel, success and family. George Lucas once said, “Dreams are extremely important. You can't do it unless you imagine it.” I agree with his quote. As I think of my dreams, I realize how important they are. It is considered lucky to consider your dreams.

]]> http://blog.case.edu/jay/2006/11/09/training_and_development In one of our recent classes, we discussed the four steps in the Training and Development process. It needs analysis,... http://blog.case.edu/jay/2006/11/09/training_and_development mgmt250 case cwru Case Western Case Western Reserve University Thu, 09 Nov 2006 18:40:48 EST In one of our recent classes, we discussed the four steps in the Training and Development process. It needs analysis, instructional design, validation and implementation. In my opinion, analysis is very important. During such a process, I believe that it is essential to analyze and identify the skills that help increase production. Setting training and development objectives would be a way to improve performance levels as well. Apart from the four basic steps, we also discussed various training techniques. I feel that Action Learning is a technique which would benefit managers. It gives them time to work on projects and derive solutions. Managers form groups of four to five people in order to discuss their findings. This increases group work and also brings in diverse ideas. Therefore, I trust that this technique is very useful.

]]> http://blog.case.edu/jay/2006/11/09/feedback In today’s class, we discussed the art of feedback. I think feedback is extremely important in a workplace. Although... http://blog.case.edu/jay/2006/11/09/feedback mgmt250 case cwru Case Western Case Western Reserve University Thu, 09 Nov 2006 17:39:51 EST In today’s class, we discussed the art of feedback. I think feedback is extremely important in a workplace. Although it can be negative at times, such criticism helps individuals realize their mistakes and improve performance in the future. At the same time, feedback can also create fear amongst people. I learned that it creates procrastination, denial, brooding and jealousy. Although these behaviors can be negative, I believe that individuals can deal with them in adaptive ways.
The Harvard Business School summarizes certain adaptive techniques. According to me, the most effective one is the recognition of emotions and responses. Personally, I recognize the responses when I get feedback from my professors after doing an assignment. As a result, it helped me achieve higher scores in the future. I also trust that people could take actions toward such constructive criticism.
In class, we also learned a SAFE approach to deal with negative feedback. If I were to give feedback, I would follow this approach and summarize behaviors. I would ask questions in order to understand and clarify specific aspects. Lastly, I would express my feelings of gratitude with sincerity, which would increase self esteem and appreciation by co-workers. Would anyone else decide to use a different approach?

]]> http://blog.case.edu/jay/2006/11/01/jonah_creighton Having read the Harrah’s Casino case and the Jonah Creighton case, I can say that the latter was more interesting.... http://blog.case.edu/jay/2006/11/01/jonah_creighton mgmt250 case cwru Case Western Case Western Reserve University Wed, 01 Nov 2006 08:13:27 EST Having read the Harrah’s Casino case and the Jonah Creighton case, I can say that the latter was more interesting.
After receiving his MBA, Creighton joined the Coulding-Henson Company in 1985. He was an efficient and effective worker. In 1988, however, after working in other divisions of the company, Creighton was asked to become the assistant director of CHAMP. He worked well in unison with Dan Newell, director of CHAMP, and brought new ideas to the organization. While Creighton helped Newell work toward sending talented recruits for an overseas placement, he learned of the company’s discriminatory hiring practices. Influenced by childhood experiences, he felt that this issue must be taken very seriously. Racial discrimination is considered illegal to a certain extent.
Although his boss and other managers of the company thought he magnified the issue, I agreed with Creighton. One of his main goals was to get this issue of potential racial discrimination taken seriously within the company. Although his relationship with Newell fell apart, Creighton was adamant about his beliefs. This left him in a dilemma as to what he must do to address this issue with severity.

]]> http://blog.case.edu/jay/2006/10/28/mgmt_250 Our last class was based on a different approach. Professor Piderit used the first twenty minutes of class to review... http://blog.case.edu/jay/2006/10/28/mgmt_250 mgmt250 case cwru Case Western Case Western Reserve University Sat, 28 Oct 2006 17:55:17 EST Our last class was based on a different approach. Professor Piderit used the first twenty minutes of class to review and elaborate on the training and development process. The process includes four basic steps. It requires analysis, instructional design, validation and implementation. In the midst of this discussion, we discussed various trends of learning and training such as the effective use of technology, knowledgeable management and other similar concepts. At the same time, we also learnt how to evaluate different training efforts.
Soon after, Professor Piderit divided the class into the Human Relation Simulation Project groups, where each student thought of themselves as supervisors with no set training procedure for the operators. We discussed the duties and responsibilities of the job and assumed different standards. Simultaneously, we talked about the issues that trouble people in the organization. Based on these discussions, each team was asked to present a one page outline of the team proposal including the agenda, training methods and measures of effectiveness.

]]> http://blog.case.edu/jay/2006/10/12/mgmt_250 As I was completing Part I of the Individual Learning Plan assignment, I realized the importance of the Myers-Briggs... http://blog.case.edu/jay/2006/10/12/mgmt_250 mgmt250 case cwru Case Western Case Western Reserve University Thu, 12 Oct 2006 22:06:07 EST As I was completing Part I of the Individual Learning Plan assignment, I realized the importance of the Myers-Briggs Type Indicator. The MBTI is one of the best ways to assess one’s personality. It helps individuals understand the practical and useful aspects of their identity.
I was characterized as an ESFP. The MBTI identifies Extravert with E, Sensing Perception with S, Feeling Judgment with F and Perceiving with P. As an ESFP, I gain energy from the outer world as opposed to the inner world of concepts and ideas. I rely on past experiences and tend to be practical while I take decisions. I noticed that my being sociable and expressive is one of my assets. Preferring extraversion in today’s world, where one has broad interests would be useful.
As a result of the exercise, it occurred to me that I would be able to focus on particular careers which involved me interacting with people. At the same time, I was able to rule out certain options. In my Learning Plan, I mentioned that I recently met a person who is a successful analyst in a high profile Wall Street firm. Although I was envious of his success, I realized that this career was inappropriate for me. While his typical day included pouring over financial data and coming up with strategic plans, it did not focus on interacting with people.

]]> http://blog.case.edu/jay/2006/10/11/mgmt_250individual_learning_plan The first part of the Individual Learning Plan was due yesterday. Although the process was exhausting, the plan helped... http://blog.case.edu/jay/2006/10/11/mgmt_250individual_learning_plan mgmt250 case cwru Case Western Case Western Reserve University Wed, 11 Oct 2006 18:36:54 EST The first part of the Individual Learning Plan was due yesterday. Although the process was exhausting, the plan helped me outline my long-term goals and form the basis of my career. It was a tool which helped me assess my individual assets, skills and accomplishments. It helped me prioritize my personal goals.
During the writing process, I realized that the main purpose of this assignment was to focus on individual strengths and weaknesses. At the same time, it gave credence to my aspirations. Developing self-assessments like the Myers-Briggs Type Indicator, the Learning Style Inventory and the “My Values” exercise helped me set goals and targets. As Matthew Collins said, each of these exercises determined my characteristics and abilities. Although they were not accurate, they were a good indicator of my personality.

]]> http://blog.case.edu/jay/2006/10/06/teams_and_groups Professor Piderit spoke about groups and teams in Tuesday’s class. Besides being a member of the Doubletree Hotel group... http://blog.case.edu/jay/2006/10/06/teams_and_groups mgmt250 case cwru Case Western Case Western Reserve University Fri, 06 Oct 2006 14:33:20 EST Professor Piderit spoke about groups and teams in Tuesday’s class. Besides being a member of the Doubletree Hotel group for the Human Resource Simulation project, I haven’t had the opportunity to work with people in a team or group in the past. Therefore this class discussion interested me.
Being a member of a team for the HR simulation project, I noticed that each member shares common goals and interests, and are interdependent. Although the team has a leader, I realized that leadership roles may move from person to person. As our team leader, John hill mentioned in a recent entry, “We tackle the obstacles ahead of us.” After the class discussion, I felt that the Doubletree Group has those characteristics that teams must have. All the members participate actively and enthusiastically. They show keen interest, commit themselves to decisions and focus on achieving good results. I trust that the Doubletree Group will work together and complete the project successfully.

]]> http://blog.case.edu/jay/2006/09/26/mgmt250_mock_interview_experience My mock interview experience on Friday, 22nd September was with a representative from the Sherwin-Williams company. It was a fantastic... http://blog.case.edu/jay/2006/09/26/mgmt250_mock_interview_experience mgmt250 case cwru Case Western Case Western Reserve University Tue, 26 Sep 2006 22:17:59 EST My mock interview experience on Friday, 22nd September was with a representative from the Sherwin-Williams company. It was a fantastic experience. Since I am an international student from India and this was my first interview, I was nervous. However, to get most out of this interview, I made it as real as possible. One of my class sessions with Professor Piderit focused on interviews and the precautions that must be taken. It was of great help and assisted me to get through my first interview.
Besides giving me the opportunity to practice how to respond to questions about my qualifications and aptitude, the mock interview experience taught me to be more confident about myself.
A few points I would want to carry with me in order to be a better interviewee were what Ms. Rambert asked me to improve upon while she gave me her informative feedback. I was informed that I would be expected to know more about the culture and values of the company that was interested in hiring me. I realized that I must personalize the questions to the interviewer and not generalize them. I also noted that the interviewer will expect me to ask a minimum of three questions about the company.
On the same note, I was proud when Ms. Rambert told me that I was appreciated for having a positive attitude, because being pessimistic was one of my weaknesses that I’ve worked on over a period of time. Although I received a score of 82 out of a 100, I am positive that this experience would help me earn higher scores in the future.

]]> http://blog.case.edu/jay/2006/09/22/mgmt_250_mbti_testing Considering a business management major, I personally think it is very essential to know what qualities one must possess in... http://blog.case.edu/jay/2006/09/22/mgmt_250_mbti_testing mgmt250 case cwru Case Western Case Western Reserve University Fri, 22 Sep 2006 13:22:15 EST Considering a business management major, I personally think it is very essential to know what qualities one must possess in order to be a good manager. I wasn’t very sure about what field of management I wanted to specialize in.
However, after taking the Myers Briggs personality test, I thought the concept of personality testing was very interesting.
On the other hand I was bewildered or rather confused. I never thought I was an extrovert. I never realized I would be characterized as someone who enjoys being attuned to the external environment.
In the MBTI test that we performed in class, I was characterized as an ESFP which said that I was outgoing, sociable and that I love being around people. Also, I adjust to people and new environments readily.
I was never open to such tests in the past. However, after I went through the process in class I realized that it helped me focus more on what I could do. It made me narrow down my options in the future. A few years ago, I was undecided. I still am, but the tests made me rule out certain options for my career. They were a good way to learn more about myself and realize who I really am.

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