NEED HELP ON 10 MARK QUESTION!

[ataroo]

Hi all,
Could someone please provide a sample response to this ten mark question I'm having difficulty on. Most notably I don't understand the "discuss" part as I can't see how you're supposed to list the strengths and weaknesses of being ethical and socially responsible in this case.

Outline four strategies that can be adopted in operations management. Discuss how the ethical and socially responsible management of an operations system applies to each of the four strategies.

Many Thanks! 

[GuZz]

Hi all,
Could someone please provide a sample response to this ten mark question I'm having difficulty on. Most notably I don't understand the "discuss" part as I can't see how you're supposed to list the strengths and weaknesses of being ethical and socially responsible in this case.

Outline four strategies that can be adopted in operations management. Discuss how the ethical and socially responsible management of an operations system applies to each of the four strategies.

Many Thanks! 

Four strategies...I am assuming this could include inventory management, the use of technology, quality management, lean management?
Each of these have CSR considerations.

E.g The use of technology in the operations system, has allowed for the introduction of automated production lines. This is a system in which raw materials enter and leave the manufacturing plant with minimal or no human interaction. The use of this technology must be balanced with a businesses commitment to corporate social responsibility (the commitment of a business to operate in an environmentally, financially and economically sustainable manner whilst considering the interests of various stakeholders - now and in the future).

Firstly, the introduction of automated production lines ensures that employees are not forced into dangerous working conditions. Replacing these dangerous tasks by automation show a commitment by the business to operational health and safety. Additionally, the removal of repetitive and boring tasks can also be replaced by automation. This further reinforces a commitment to the wellbeing of employees in the operations system.

Conversely, the introduction of an automated production line may cull the role of some employees. As such a business is failing to value employees and the value they add to the business. Likewise, automated production lines may increase the values of goods, so much as the product produced does not provide real value to the customer. This will give the impression to consumers, that the business does not value their purchase.

Rinse and repeat for four strategies

All in all a pretty tough question. I feel like the question is very very broad, yet quite short.

[ataroo]

Four strategies...I am assuming this could include inventory management, the use of technology, quality management, lean management?
Each of these have CSR considerations.

E.g The use of technology in the operations system, has allowed for the introduction of automated production lines. This is a system in which raw materials enter and leave the manufacturing plant with minimal or no human interaction. The use of this technology must be balanced with a businesses commitment to corporate social responsibility (the commitment of a business to operate in an environmentally, financially and economically sustainable manner whilst considering the interests of various stakeholders - now and in the future).

Firstly, the introduction of automated production lines ensures that employees are not forced into dangerous working conditions. Replacing these dangerous tasks by automation show a commitment by the business to operational health and safety. Additionally, the removal of repetitive and boring tasks can also be replaced by automation. This further reinforces a commitment to the wellbeing of employees in the operations system.

Conversely, the introduction of an automated production line may cull the role of some employees. As such a business is failing to value employees and the value they add to the business. Likewise, automated production lines may increase the values of goods, so much as the product produced does not provide real value to the customer. This will give the impression to consumers, that the business does not value their purchase.

Rinse and repeat for four strategies

All in all a pretty tough question. I feel like the question is very very broad, yet quite short.

great answer thanks!

[Jigsaw]

I'll just add on to Ataroo's post:

I would also include the sourcing of inputs as apart of the operations system, as it links in really nicely with corporate social responsibility considerations; i.e Ensure that inputs are sourced from a supplier that is ethical in their processes (has environmental sustainability procedures, suppliers are not exploiting workers in sweat-shops ect.)

Good luck on Monday!

[ataroo]

I'll just add on to Ataroo's post:

I would also include the sourcing of inputs as apart of the operations system, as it links in really nicely with corporate social responsibility considerations; i.e Ensure that inputs are sourced from a supplier that is ethical in their processes (has environmental sustainability procedures, suppliers are not exploiting workers in sweat-shops ect.)

Good luck on Monday!

cheers
would any of u guys know how to answer this 10 marker. Stuck again.. Don't understand the "evaluate business practice against theory" bit.

Using a contemporary business case study from the past four years, evaluate business practice against theory, considering how corporate social responsibility can be incorporated into the change process.

thanks

[vj4K]

Using a contemporary business case study from the past four years, evaluate business practice against theory, considering how corporate social responsibility can be incorporated into the change process. 10 marks

Hi, recently did this 10 marker in a trial exam. This is my response. Hope it helps!

Qantas is a publicly listed company and in 2014, it recorded a $300 million loss. Alan Joyce, the CEO, has implemented a range of cost reduction strategies to rectify this issue. This includes introducing smaller aircrafts, re-routing plane routes to minimise fuel usage and reduce employee numbers. Alan may adhere to Lewin's three step change model when implementing this change and also has to consider the corporate social responsibility issues. CSR is how a business conducts in an environmental, sustainable, ethical and social manner that goes above and beyond legal obligations.

The first step in Lewin's three step model is unfreeze. Alan needs to break the status quo during this time. This includes challenging and altering daily operations such as in-flight services, customer service and the routes that the plane takes. Additionally, Alan must also inform and explain to stakeholders on why the change is necessary. For this instance, Alan could report to stakeholders that the change is vital for the survival of Qantas. During this time, employees are fearful and anxious as they may feel that the change may be unsuccessful or affect their job security. Alan has implemented a wage freeze to show that he is being ethical. Employees will then feel valued and motivated and thus embrace change.

The next step is change. This is a process of transitioning. During this time, Alan may implement and adopt the new practices such as reducing employee numbers and the re-routing of plane routes. To be ethically responsible and show CSR, Alan may provide outplacement services to employees that are made redundant. This involves providing job seeking assistance such as developing interview skills, being a good referee for the next business or provide further training. An advantage of this is, is that it creates a positive business reputation and image. Furthermore, employees will feel valued as Alan is going above and beyond legal obligations. A disadvantage however, is that it may damage and increase Qantas's expenses and may be timely. Providing training, counselling, and job seeking assistance may be costly which will further decrease Qantas's profits in the short-term.

The final step is refreeze. This is where Alan must make the newly implemented practices become the status quo. Alan may develop new policies, culture, job description or a rewards and recognition program to reinforce the change. To be environmentally sustainable, Alan should ensure that suppliers are sourcing renewable fuel. This renewable energy source will preserve natural resources for the future generations such as fossil fuels. An advantage is that it will paint and develop a positive image and reputation towards Qantas showing the general community that Alan cares about the welfare of future generations. A disadvantage is that it may be costly to source renewable fuel. This may put Qantas under financial pressure and decrease profits in the short-term.

Despite the costs and time involving the outplacement services and sourcing renewable fuel, the long-term gains outweigh them. In 2016-2017, Qantas has recorded a $1.5 billion profit and increase their market share by 4.5% indicating that Alan's strategies were successful.

[ataroo]

Using a contemporary business case study from the past four years, evaluate business practice against theory, considering how corporate social responsibility can be incorporated into the change process. 10 marks

Hi, recently did this 10 marker in a trial exam. This is my response. Hope it helps!

Qantas is a publicly listed company and in 2014, it recorded a $300 million loss. Alan Joyce, the CEO, has implemented a range of cost reduction strategies to rectify this issue. This includes introducing smaller aircrafts, re-routing plane routes to minimise fuel usage and reduce employee numbers. Alan may adhere to Lewin's three step change model when implementing this change and also has to consider the corporate social responsibility issues. CSR is how a business conducts in an environmental, sustainable, ethical and social manner that goes above and beyond legal obligations.

The first step in Lewin's three step model is unfreeze. Alan needs to break the status quo during this time. This includes challenging and altering daily operations such as in-flight services, customer service and the routes that the plane takes. Additionally, Alan must also inform and explain to stakeholders on why the change is necessary. For this instance, Alan could report to stakeholders that the change is vital for the survival of Qantas. During this time, employees are fearful and anxious as they may feel that the change may be unsuccessful or affect their job security. Alan has implemented a wage freeze to show that he is being ethical. Employees will then feel valued and motivated and thus embrace change.

The next step is change. This is a process of transitioning. During this time, Alan may implement and adopt the new practices such as reducing employee numbers and the re-routing of plane routes. To be ethically responsible and show CSR, Alan may provide outplacement services to employees that are made redundant. This involves providing job seeking assistance such as developing interview skills, being a good referee for the next business or provide further training. An advantage of this is, is that it creates a positive business reputation and image. Furthermore, employees will feel valued as Alan is going above and beyond legal obligations. A disadvantage however, is that it may damage and increase Qantas's expenses and may be timely. Providing training, counselling, and job seeking assistance may be costly which will further decrease Qantas's profits in the short-term.

The final step is refreeze. This is where Alan must make the newly implemented practices become the status quo. Alan may develop new policies, culture, job description or a rewards and recognition program to reinforce the change. To be environmentally sustainable, Alan should ensure that suppliers are sourcing renewable fuel. This renewable energy source will preserve natural resources for the future generations such as fossil fuels. An advantage is that it will paint and develop a positive image and reputation towards Qantas showing the general community that Alan cares about the welfare of future generations. A disadvantage is that it may be costly to source renewable fuel. This may put Qantas under financial pressure and decrease profits in the short-term.

Despite the costs and time involving the outplacement services and sourcing renewable fuel, the long-term gains outweigh them. In 2016-2017, Qantas has recorded a $1.5 billion profit and increase their market share by 4.5% indicating that Alan's strategies were successful.

that was really helpful.. thanks a lot n good luck for monday 

[biomaster]

Four strategies...I am assuming this could include inventory management, the use of technology, quality management, lean management?
Each of these have CSR considerations.

E.g The use of technology in the operations system, has allowed for the introduction of automated production lines. This is a system in which raw materials enter and leave the manufacturing plant with minimal or no human interaction. The use of this technology must be balanced with a businesses commitment to corporate social responsibility (the commitment of a business to operate in an environmentally, financially and economically sustainable manner whilst considering the interests of various stakeholders - now and in the future).

Firstly, the introduction of automated production lines ensures that employees are not forced into dangerous working conditions. Replacing these dangerous tasks by automation show a commitment by the business to operational health and safety. Additionally, the removal of repetitive and boring tasks can also be replaced by automation. This further reinforces a commitment to the wellbeing of employees in the operations system.

Conversely, the introduction of an automated production line may cull the role of some employees. As such a business is failing to value employees and the value they add to the business. Likewise, automated production lines may increase the values of goods, so much as the product produced does not provide real value to the customer. This will give the impression to consumers, that the business does not value their purchase.

Rinse and repeat for four strategies

All in all a pretty tough question. I feel like the question is very very broad, yet quite short.

could I just ask where the allocation of marks are? I would assume:
1 mark for each 4 strategies named.

But where does the other marks come from? If you give each strategy with adv and disadv then wouldn't it make it 12 marks? Sorry I'm not very good at determining mark allocation