What does management really mean?
Ones ability to form a team,
The organizational structure,
The inevitable horizontal mixture.
An egg and some straws,
Stand before us as we make our last call,
We plan bit by bit,
Studying the egg to see if our straw house was a perfect fit,
To form a team that was sufficient,
Only to end up with one that was not efficient.
The egg broke on the floor,
A timely death could it ask for more?
Jell-o is all about simplicity,
Passing it around that sparks our creativity,
Ideas forming,
Brainstorming,
The moving gelatin gave us innovation,
Coming up with new products of our own creation.
A building made of toys,
Vivid colors that would make wonders,
Out of us three,
One was allowed to see the majestic building,
Only to come back and tell us about the wondrous sight,
Communication broke down,
As we could not understand each other physically and psychologically,
Nothing got done,
The building fell apart,
All of us were left in the dark,
As we put both buildings face to face,
They were different,
Our team failed our task.
What does management really mean?
The legs of an organization,
The arms of its function,
Management changes as time elapses,
It’s responsible for the organization’s growth or collapse,
Management and the organization is like two lovers,
You can’t have one without the other.
Sunday, December 14, 2008
Tuesday, December 9, 2008
My Opinion
Honestly when I first discovered that I had to do blog assignments I was not too thrilled. But then after the first few assignments it wasn’t too bad.
I believe the blog assignment was a great way to get to know others in the class room, especially since we rarely get to interact with out peers at a class size such as this one. The assignment brought us closer together as a class making it more comfortable to learn. Unlike the conventional class settings where students are just listening to lectures and not have the opportunity to reflect what we have learned and share thoughts with all of our peers. But this class actually gives us the opportunity to interact with students in our class through the blog assignments. Some blog entries can be quite interesting and I benefit from learning more about my classmates. For instance, I really enjoyed reading some of my classmates’ visions for the future. At times the blog entries can be boring and I would get nothing out if it. Like the evaluation of the egg activity, for instance. I did not really enjoy reading or commenting or others blogs.
I think the most beneficial aspect of the blog is being able to voice my opinion and having others acknowledge it. Especially, since I have low participation in class I think the blog compensates for it. In addition, the blogs forced me to reflect on the assignment with management concepts we learned in class. Like the egg and test reformatting class activity.
The blogs posted by the professor were quite interesting. I really like the monkey blog. I guess the extra mini management lessons from the professor are like goody bags that we can take away from this class.
It’s always nice to know you can control a good portion of your grade by simply voicing your opinions and responding to your classmates in a timely matter. It definitely lessons the anxiety a bit.
Before this management class I never had a blog. Blogs never appealed to me. However, after this class I might reconsider it in the future. I think I enjoy reading blogs more than writing them.
Overall I think the blog assignments are a keeper!
I believe the blog assignment was a great way to get to know others in the class room, especially since we rarely get to interact with out peers at a class size such as this one. The assignment brought us closer together as a class making it more comfortable to learn. Unlike the conventional class settings where students are just listening to lectures and not have the opportunity to reflect what we have learned and share thoughts with all of our peers. But this class actually gives us the opportunity to interact with students in our class through the blog assignments. Some blog entries can be quite interesting and I benefit from learning more about my classmates. For instance, I really enjoyed reading some of my classmates’ visions for the future. At times the blog entries can be boring and I would get nothing out if it. Like the evaluation of the egg activity, for instance. I did not really enjoy reading or commenting or others blogs.
I think the most beneficial aspect of the blog is being able to voice my opinion and having others acknowledge it. Especially, since I have low participation in class I think the blog compensates for it. In addition, the blogs forced me to reflect on the assignment with management concepts we learned in class. Like the egg and test reformatting class activity.
The blogs posted by the professor were quite interesting. I really like the monkey blog. I guess the extra mini management lessons from the professor are like goody bags that we can take away from this class.
It’s always nice to know you can control a good portion of your grade by simply voicing your opinions and responding to your classmates in a timely matter. It definitely lessons the anxiety a bit.
Before this management class I never had a blog. Blogs never appealed to me. However, after this class I might reconsider it in the future. I think I enjoy reading blogs more than writing them.
Overall I think the blog assignments are a keeper!
Wednesday, December 3, 2008
What? ….4 Pickles?……No salt?
4 pickles in a hamburger is way too much and no salt on fries?!!! This extra credit assignment forced me to become a very picky customer which I am definitely not good at. This was going to be one tough assignment.
The fun begins……
Luckily, when I arrived at Mc Donald’s there were no lines. Knowing that I will be facing some conflict, I scanned the 3 available cashiers hoping to find the one that seem the nicest. As I walked towards the cashier, I gave a big smile and placed my special order from the dollar menu: a hamburger with 4 extra pickles and small fries with no salt (emphasizing the 4 extra pickles on my burger and no salt on my fries). I specified to the cashier that I need the details printed on the receipt. She took my order, punched in a whole bunch of keys with no hesitation and no questions asked. Surprised that I encountered no problems with my order, I repeated my order stating again, “I need this to be shown on the receipt.” She replied, “Yea it’s there but it will only say extra pickles. Don’t worry I will tell them to put 4.” I paid for my order and received my receipt. She turned around and yelled out “4 pickles for the order with extra pickles!” The 2 staff members in the hamburger assembly line made the burger as usual placing the meat on the bun followed by a squirt of ketchup and lastly placed 4 extra pickles on my burger. At the frying station, there was already someone making a new batch of fries. So she simply told her to hold off the salt and poured the unsalted fries into the little pouch and the rest was salted. I sat down and checked the correctness of my order. To my surprise, my order was fulfilled completely- hamburger with exactly 4 pickles and salt less fries.
The whole process was much faster than I expected, I would say it took less than 10 minutes. Majority of the time was spent specifying the order, but the actual time to make the order took less than 5 minutes. The cashier was very nice. She took my order without any complaints. The rest of the staff members fulfilled my order like any regular order given on a routine basis. Waiting time was minimal since there were no prior orders. In total 4 people were involved: the cashier, the 2 staff from the hamburger assembly line and the person making the fries.
During my entire order, no management was involved. It was not necessary for management to get involved since the cash registers were well equipped with a system that can print orders with such specifications. The staff members were well trained to fulfill such orders. No one perceived my order as a “special” order at all. To them it was like any order they received on a regular basis. Everyone was nice, no eye rolls, signs of irritation or complaints, so for customer service I would give them high marks. Communication was fairly done; the cashier only had to inform the hamburger assembly line to add the extra pickles. As for the fries, I guess I was lucky that a new batch was being made. The staff members coordinated with each other very with no obstacles to note.
If I were a consultant for Mc Donald’s I would tell them “keep up the good work.” However, I noticed I made my order during a less busy time. If I had placed my order during a more hectic hour, say lunch time, my order might not have been so easily fulfilled. Yelling out the 4 extra pickles might not be as effective because of the multiple orders coming in. So to make improvements, they should implement a system that is able to list the 4 extra pickles on the orders screen for the burger preparers. Other than that, they are doing a great job taking special orders. Overall, it was quick painless process.
The fun begins……
Luckily, when I arrived at Mc Donald’s there were no lines. Knowing that I will be facing some conflict, I scanned the 3 available cashiers hoping to find the one that seem the nicest. As I walked towards the cashier, I gave a big smile and placed my special order from the dollar menu: a hamburger with 4 extra pickles and small fries with no salt (emphasizing the 4 extra pickles on my burger and no salt on my fries). I specified to the cashier that I need the details printed on the receipt. She took my order, punched in a whole bunch of keys with no hesitation and no questions asked. Surprised that I encountered no problems with my order, I repeated my order stating again, “I need this to be shown on the receipt.” She replied, “Yea it’s there but it will only say extra pickles. Don’t worry I will tell them to put 4.” I paid for my order and received my receipt. She turned around and yelled out “4 pickles for the order with extra pickles!” The 2 staff members in the hamburger assembly line made the burger as usual placing the meat on the bun followed by a squirt of ketchup and lastly placed 4 extra pickles on my burger. At the frying station, there was already someone making a new batch of fries. So she simply told her to hold off the salt and poured the unsalted fries into the little pouch and the rest was salted. I sat down and checked the correctness of my order. To my surprise, my order was fulfilled completely- hamburger with exactly 4 pickles and salt less fries.
The whole process was much faster than I expected, I would say it took less than 10 minutes. Majority of the time was spent specifying the order, but the actual time to make the order took less than 5 minutes. The cashier was very nice. She took my order without any complaints. The rest of the staff members fulfilled my order like any regular order given on a routine basis. Waiting time was minimal since there were no prior orders. In total 4 people were involved: the cashier, the 2 staff from the hamburger assembly line and the person making the fries.
During my entire order, no management was involved. It was not necessary for management to get involved since the cash registers were well equipped with a system that can print orders with such specifications. The staff members were well trained to fulfill such orders. No one perceived my order as a “special” order at all. To them it was like any order they received on a regular basis. Everyone was nice, no eye rolls, signs of irritation or complaints, so for customer service I would give them high marks. Communication was fairly done; the cashier only had to inform the hamburger assembly line to add the extra pickles. As for the fries, I guess I was lucky that a new batch was being made. The staff members coordinated with each other very with no obstacles to note.
If I were a consultant for Mc Donald’s I would tell them “keep up the good work.” However, I noticed I made my order during a less busy time. If I had placed my order during a more hectic hour, say lunch time, my order might not have been so easily fulfilled. Yelling out the 4 extra pickles might not be as effective because of the multiple orders coming in. So to make improvements, they should implement a system that is able to list the 4 extra pickles on the orders screen for the burger preparers. Other than that, they are doing a great job taking special orders. Overall, it was quick painless process.
Sunday, November 30, 2008
D.I.S.C
The leadership/management diagnostic conducted in class was quite interesting. I would say the test would be a somewhat accurate description of type of manager I would be. According to the diagnostic I was a "C" (Conscientiousness) with a high "I" (Influence). I am the type of person who likes to do things accurately and always think through situations very thoroughly, weighing each pro and con. Basically, I think a lot (sometimes too much!) before I make a decision. The descriptions of C very accurately depict that. I would say it accurately describes 80% of my characteristics. According to the descriptions, I need to work with someone that makes quick decisions, which is very true. At times, I just contemplate so much about a situation that I am unable to formulate a solution.
"I" would be the type of person I am striving to be, which probably explains why I scored a high "I". I would not say the test was a 100% accurate because at times, I found myself choosing the choice that I wanted to be rather than what I really am. Additionally, oftentimes I found myself stuck between 2 choices. To make this test more affective I think a close friend or family member should be included in this test.
I think this type of test would be useful in determining a persons management style to a certain extent, however I do not believe this method should be the only factor in determining ones management style. It can not fully depict someone’s personality. And it is very possible for someone’s management style to change over time and based on the environment he/she is working in. For example, I am a “C” but I strive to become a “I” which I believe someday I will become. Based on the results I already have some “I” characteristics. Depending on the group members and the task given, I can sometimes be a “C” or an “I”. So it is very possible for a person to change based on the environment they are in. In terms of personal life this test would only be useful maybe for a preliminary level. Sometimes total opposites compliment each other and it works out. Once again I would not use this test as the only factor.
"I" would be the type of person I am striving to be, which probably explains why I scored a high "I". I would not say the test was a 100% accurate because at times, I found myself choosing the choice that I wanted to be rather than what I really am. Additionally, oftentimes I found myself stuck between 2 choices. To make this test more affective I think a close friend or family member should be included in this test.
I think this type of test would be useful in determining a persons management style to a certain extent, however I do not believe this method should be the only factor in determining ones management style. It can not fully depict someone’s personality. And it is very possible for someone’s management style to change over time and based on the environment he/she is working in. For example, I am a “C” but I strive to become a “I” which I believe someday I will become. Based on the results I already have some “I” characteristics. Depending on the group members and the task given, I can sometimes be a “C” or an “I”. So it is very possible for a person to change based on the environment they are in. In terms of personal life this test would only be useful maybe for a preliminary level. Sometimes total opposites compliment each other and it works out. Once again I would not use this test as the only factor.
Monday, November 10, 2008
Vision
Thinking about the future can be both exhilarating and terrifying...
But having a vision can ease those worries and guide us into the future.
With action we can turn those visions into reality.
Here are my visions which hopefully one day I will see happen.
1. Become successful in the accounting field and have a high paying salary. To achieve this goal I must graduate Baruch and continue on to obtain my MS. Then pass the CPA exam. This goal will be difficult to achieve but I am determined to do whatever it takes to make this happen.
2. One of my personal life long goals is to create a happy family =). How I will go about doing so... I am not too sure, I guess I will just learn from experience through time.
3. Since I was younger I have always loved animals. So I would love to have a house full of pets.
4. The dream of many: Travel the world!!! I would love to one day travel out of New York and explore the world, see new things, taste different foods, learn about different cultures, and experience something different. The success of this vision will depend on my first goal to get a high paying salary.
But having a vision can ease those worries and guide us into the future.
With action we can turn those visions into reality.
Here are my visions which hopefully one day I will see happen.
1. Become successful in the accounting field and have a high paying salary. To achieve this goal I must graduate Baruch and continue on to obtain my MS. Then pass the CPA exam. This goal will be difficult to achieve but I am determined to do whatever it takes to make this happen.
2. One of my personal life long goals is to create a happy family =). How I will go about doing so... I am not too sure, I guess I will just learn from experience through time.
3. Since I was younger I have always loved animals. So I would love to have a house full of pets.
4. The dream of many: Travel the world!!! I would love to one day travel out of New York and explore the world, see new things, taste different foods, learn about different cultures, and experience something different. The success of this vision will depend on my first goal to get a high paying salary.
Sunday, October 26, 2008
Chaotic
With the class averaging a lousy 68 the professor proposed a very unusual solution; change the current test and future test however you like....but under 1 condition the class must meet a 100% consensus. 100% consensus? Not a problem. How difficult can it be? With such a low average I'm quite certain the entire class is on the same page. As soon as the professor set us free... the fun began. Immediately we divided ourselves in an arrangement of groups, mostly within our sections. After some time, a group of classmates formed in front the class. They were supposedly the "leaders" of our sections. They stormed around the room attempting to gather some sort of consensus from everyone. Unfortunately, it failed and from afar a smile emerged from the professor's face. Ideas continued floating around the room "Get rid of the multiple multiple choice!", "Curve the test!", "Drop the lowest grade!." I soon realized it was going no where. Pressure built as we entered into our last 15 minutes of class. Fortunately, someone decided to stand amongst the class as our leader. After an intense battle between ideas we finally reached a verdict.
So what was my contribution to this chaos? Although, I would have loved to be the one with the 100 and having the luxury of siting back and supporting my classmates (Accommodation), it was not one of my options. For me it was to get the best out of this or drop the class. In my mind I wanted to take on the "compete to win" approach, but I knew I would not have been able to influence the class, so my final approach to the situation was "collaboration." During the decision making process I attempted to let my section leader know my ideas and wants. I was constantly up to date with the ideas that were floating around the classroom. I questioned peoples proposals and tried to let people know my wants. At the end I was satisfied with the decision.
If I could change the way the conflict were to be handled I would probably divide the class into groups and designate a representative for each group. I think this would have lesson the tension between classmates. And since the groups are smaller everyone will be able to participate.
So what was my contribution to this chaos? Although, I would have loved to be the one with the 100 and having the luxury of siting back and supporting my classmates (Accommodation), it was not one of my options. For me it was to get the best out of this or drop the class. In my mind I wanted to take on the "compete to win" approach, but I knew I would not have been able to influence the class, so my final approach to the situation was "collaboration." During the decision making process I attempted to let my section leader know my ideas and wants. I was constantly up to date with the ideas that were floating around the classroom. I questioned peoples proposals and tried to let people know my wants. At the end I was satisfied with the decision.
If I could change the way the conflict were to be handled I would probably divide the class into groups and designate a representative for each group. I think this would have lesson the tension between classmates. And since the groups are smaller everyone will be able to participate.
Tuesday, September 30, 2008
Bye George =(
When we first heard about the assignment we were all very excited and ready to to pour out our ideas. 25 minutes? Plenty of time to plan.....
One idea came after another. Time was rolling and we could not decide on an idea. Until the very last 3 minutes we quickly decided on one of the ideas ( To make a little basket).
When it came down to the building stage we quickly told one of our teammates to grab the scissors. Seeing that we would have a very little chance of getting them we decided to think of another way to cut the straws. We thought of a brilliant idea keys! We were so happy it worked. Now it was time to build that's when the problems started. Our original plan did not work. The whole entire team was all over the egg. We noticed it wasn't getting any where so abandoned our idea and did something totally different. At the end we barely made it. Unfortunately, our little George did not make it.
Evaluation
Step 1: I would say we clearly knew our goals. We were aware of the time constraints and assignment.
Step 2: We skip this step. We all just brainstormed ideas and attempted to build the egg contraption. The jobs were not defined. No team leader was assigned.
Step 3: We did not plan any alternatives during the planning stage. Although we did have come up with alternatives during the building stage.
Step 4: We somewhat allocated jobs. For instance, who would drop the egg and who would draw the design.
Overall, I think our team worked great as a group. We did not have problems with brainstorming or communicating as a team. The group would have been more effective if we distributed our roles more clearly.
One idea came after another. Time was rolling and we could not decide on an idea. Until the very last 3 minutes we quickly decided on one of the ideas ( To make a little basket).
When it came down to the building stage we quickly told one of our teammates to grab the scissors. Seeing that we would have a very little chance of getting them we decided to think of another way to cut the straws. We thought of a brilliant idea keys! We were so happy it worked. Now it was time to build that's when the problems started. Our original plan did not work. The whole entire team was all over the egg. We noticed it wasn't getting any where so abandoned our idea and did something totally different. At the end we barely made it. Unfortunately, our little George did not make it.
Evaluation
Step 1: I would say we clearly knew our goals. We were aware of the time constraints and assignment.
Step 2: We skip this step. We all just brainstormed ideas and attempted to build the egg contraption. The jobs were not defined. No team leader was assigned.
Step 3: We did not plan any alternatives during the planning stage. Although we did have come up with alternatives during the building stage.
Step 4: We somewhat allocated jobs. For instance, who would drop the egg and who would draw the design.
Overall, I think our team worked great as a group. We did not have problems with brainstorming or communicating as a team. The group would have been more effective if we distributed our roles more clearly.
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