Question a) Using core theory taught on the module, what are the main challenges that the organization faces in managing a sustained period of change?
Question b) Given the nature of the company and the challenges it faces, what advice would you give to McDonnell in adapting his approach to leadership?
Task
For most of Applegate Farms’ history, its CEO has been working remotely from home. When Stephen McDonnell bought a struggling meat products company nearly 5 years ago, he spent the first six months working full-time on site, but since then he’s been working mostly from home, including during the pandemic.
From his experience at other companies, McDonnell had observed that most organisational problems were more easily diagnosed and more effectively solved, within specific teams or work groups rather than by top managers. He decided that the best way to get a company running smoothly was to give everyone constant access to relevant information, empower them with the freedom and responsibility to act on it and then stay out of the way. He has continued with this approach during the Covid-19 pandemic.
McDonnell recognizes that despite this he is full of anxiety and obsessed with meeting goals and moving on quickly. He has a tendency to micromanage which is made worse by remote working practices. When he goes to the office, which he now does once a week, he does everything from taste-testing new products, to meeting with senior managers on strategic issues to dealing with staff problems, even disciplining staff who might threaten the company’s smooth functioning. Applegate thrives under his style of leadership. Profits and productivity go up every year.
The impact of Brexit and Covid-19 have brought significant challenges to the business, particularly in relation to logistics and online shopping. The company needs to go through a process of restructuring.
Question a) Using core theory taught on the module, what are the main challenges that the organization faces in managing a sustained period of change?
Question b) Given the nature of the company and the challenges it faces, what advice would you give to McDonnell in adapting his approach to leadership?
KINDLY READ THE ATTACHMENT (CHANGE MANAGEMENT THEORY) FOR QUESTION A & (LEADERSHIP ROLES/STYLE) FOR QUESTION B
NOTE: KINDLY READ THE PROFESSOR’S SUMMARY GUIDANCE BELOW TO KNOW HOW TO GO ABOUT THE ASSESSMENT.
I HAVE ATTACHED ALL YOU NEED TO READ TO THIS ORDER AND WE HAVE SPECIFIC READINGS/REFERENCES UNDER EACH OF THE MODULES ATTACHED. KINDLY FOLLOW INSTRUCTIONS!!!
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Here is a summary of the guidance and instructions for your WRIT1 that we have been working with in our lectures and seminars.
Please read the Assessment Brief carefully so you are prepared for the assignment – particularly the marking rubric which shows you what you are expected to show.
There are two questions, equally weighted at 50 marks. Each answer should be around 800 words and should include in text references (at least five per question). You should for clarity include full references at the end of your assignment using the Harvard Referencing format – the references do not count towards the total wordcount.
These are not mini-essays – they are two simple questions which you need to answer separately Your answers should include:
• Definitions of core concepts in your own words to show understanding
• Core and recommended references (at least 7 per question) to support your answer
• Use of linking to case study to show you understand how the core concepts work in practice
• Make sure you clearly answer each question separately
Please make sure that you:
• Identify core concepts and theories from the lecture slides that you are going to use in your answers. This will principally be the sessions on change management and leadership but can also include other topics such as AI/Digitalization.
• Prioritise covering the core references used on this module and available on Moodle (online library link and PDFs for each session. Lecture slides include specific slides on referencing for some of the core theory – please make sure you have read the recommended core reading outlined on these slides.
• The main way to increase theoretical content is to make a comparative analysis between different perspectives and concepts – e.g. different leadership styles to show a range of concepts.
• You should try to define in your own words core concepts to show you have read the theory and understood it. Please avoid using bullet points, graphics/graphs or quotes as you will need to say what they mean in your own words to show your understanding. Because these are short answers you probably don’t have the space to do any more than just say what you mean in your own words.
• Start reading now – taking notes in your own wordsHere is a summary of the guidance and instructions for your WRIT1 that we have been working with in our lectures and seminars.
Please read the Assessment Brief carefully so you are prepared for the assignment – particularly the marking rubric which shows you what you are expected to show.
There are two questions, equally weighted at 50 marks. Each answer should be around 800 words and should include in text references (at least five per question). You should for clarity include full references at the end of your assignment using the Harvard Referencing format – the references do not count towards the total wordcount.
These are not mini-essays – they are two simple questions which you need to answer separately Your answers should include:
• Definitions of core concepts in your own words to show understanding
• Core and recommended references (at least 5 per question) to support your answer
• Use of linking to case study to show you understand how the core concepts work in practice
• Make sure you clearly answer each question separately
Please make sure that you:
• Identify core concepts and theories from the lecture slides that you are going to use in your answers. This will principally be the sessions on change management and leadership but can also include other topics such as AI/Digitalization.
• Prioritise covering the core references used on this module and available on Moodle (online library link and PDFs for each session. Lecture slides include specific slides on referencing for some of the core theory – please make sure you have read the recommended core reading outlined on these slides.
• The main way to increase theoretical content is to make a comparative analysis between different perspectives and concepts – e.g. different leadership styles to show a range of concepts.
• You should try to define in your own words core concepts to show you have read the theory and understood it. Please avoid using bullet points, graphics/graphs or quotes as you will need to say what they mean in your own words to show your understanding. Because these are short answers you probably don’t have the space to do any more than just say what you mean in your own words.
• Start reading now – taking notes in your own words
