Archives for the Month of December 2006 on Libby Robinson's Management Profile
Final Annual Report
After the First Annual Report for the HR Simulation my team made an effort to include class materials and discussions in the Final Annual Report. After compiling the second report, I was interested in my teams usage of these materials. Although relevant to the simulation, I was left with the feeling that the simulation did not necessarily reinforce what I learned on topics such as feedback and training. I do not think that I understand these topics any more than I did after discussing them in class. On the other hand, I think the simulation helped me better understand motivation, as my team tried different methods to raise morale. We found that money is not always the best motivator and that other factors such as quality and safety of the workplace oftentimes have greater affect. I think realizations such as these are important parts of the final reflection in the annual report.
Tom Mendola
After discussing the Tom Mendola case in class, I still feel the same as I did when I first read it. Of course, Tom is in an unfortunate situation that compromises his ability to work effectively. He is also younger than his coworkers. With these factors in mind I think it was reasonable for the factory to give him the opportunity to work in different departments in the company. His supervisors tried to find a fit for him that would keep him engaged and efficient. After these special considerations I think it is completely fair, if not expected, that the company release him. As I mentioned in a comment on someone else's blog, if he cannot be motivated by the well-being of his family then the company cannot expect to motivate him with anything else. I find it hard to argue on his behalf, and think that the company made the right decision.
The End!
Sadly, or not so much, we have reached the conclusion of the HR Simulation. As we compile the Final Annual Report, I'm finding many of my realizations about the second fiscal year very similar to those we made concerning the first. This is not a disappointing feature, as it makes our supplemental materials very useful in making this report. Our first annual report outlines many of the goals we determined and disregards the neglected methods we set forth in our team plan. The simulation journals, though seemingly meaningless, are handy for recalling which decisions we made during which quarter.
In relation to the in class lectures, it is obvious that certain topics are introduced in class to coincide with incidents in the simulation. This feature is interesting to me because despite how many times we may discuss performance appraisal in class, when presented with a "real life" issue in the simulation, I still find myself defending my original viewpointsand assume that my teammates are doing the same. I suppose if the new information is meant to reinforce current viewpoints, then we have found success, but as far as developing new thought processes, I see very little progress in myself and can only imagine the progress in others.