(Estella)
In the IDEAL problem-solving model, it shows to Identify the problem, Describe the outcome, explore possible strategies, anticipate outcomes & act, and look and learn (Sippl, 2023). This is great to use in work and volunteering settings when you need to resolve a program or have a difficult conversation. We had a problem where we had three ideas on how to complete a set-up we needed, and everyone was getting exhausted so mor emotions then normal got brough into the conversation which made it more intense. By using the IDEAL model, we would’ve been able to see what the best case with emotions could be aside. A problem I had a work in the past is we has two employees that didn’t get along, so the managers could’ve sat down and used the IDEAL model to come up with the best way to go about this and solve this. I think the IDEAL problem-solving method is a clear way to deal with an issue without causing more problems.
Sippl, A. (2023, April 10). Teaching the ideal problem-solving method to diverse learners. Life Skills Advocate. https://lifeskillsadvocate.com/blog/teaching-the-ideal-problem-solving-method-to-diverse-learners/
Response 2: Respond with at least 150 words, one in-text citation, and one reference
(kathleen)
In the IDEAL problem-solving model, IDEAL stands for Identify, Define, Explore, Action, and Look back (Frank, 2020). An issue I am currently encountering that I can apply the IDEAL problem-solving model to is that in three weeks I am supposed to start my last course for my BSN degree. My last course is my capstone project which has a clinic element to it and requires that I complete a certain number of clinical hours. To apply the IDEAL model, I first must identify the problem; the problem is that my requested clinic site has not yet been approved, and if it does not get approved with enough time for me to complete making necessary arrangements for this course, my start date will be delayed. To further define this problem, if my course start date is delayed, that means that my course completion and graduation date will also be delayed. Furthermore, if my clinical site is denied, then not only will there be a delay in my course and my completion, but there is an additional challenge to find a new clinical site and a preceptor willing to work with me as a student. Next, I must explore my options. I can choose to be patient and trust that the concern will resolve itself. I can choose to be proactive and anticipate that my requested site is not going to be approved; in this case I should start looking for an alternative site and preceptor now. After exploring my options, I must act on one of my options. For the time being, the action I am choosing to take is to follow up with my GCU Field Experience Counselor frequently and follow their advice as to continue to wait for the approval or submit a new request for approval. The final step I will take will be to look back on the outcome of my action and evaluate how the challenge could have been handled differently for a better outcome.
A past problem that I have dealt with was losing a staff member for my department and having to decide how to address the change in staffing. I have been aware of and using the IDEAL problem-solving model for quite some time now. The problem with losing a staff member was that there were fewer team members to complete and manage the same workload, therefore everyone’s work responsibility was increased. When faced with this problem, the options I explored included hiring another permanent staff member, hiring a temporary staff member, or trying to get by with the current staff by dividing up and sharing the extra responsibilities among staff members. The action taken was to look for a new staff member to join our department. However, shortly after this action was pursued, funding for staff members was decreased, and there were therefore no funds to hire a new staff member. The options for action were re-evaluated, and the department has re-divided and shared the work responsibilities and has so far been successful at carrying on without additional staff. The last step of IDEAL, look back or evaluate, is the step I need to practice more thoroughly. I need to carefully consider the consequences or benefits from the action I take and evaluate if a better action existed. In this example, I still think that my first action to try to hire a new staff member was the best action for the whole department, but circumstances outside my control preventing that from coming to fruition. Sometimes part of addressing a problem is learning to work with the limited resources at one’s disposal.
Reference
Frank, R. (2020, January 22). The I.D.E.A.L. Problem-Solving Method. LinkedIn. https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/ideal-problem-solving-method-ryan-frank
Response 3: Respond with at least 150 words, one in-text citation, and one reference
(aiden)
Business level strategy and value chain activities are closely interconnected. Business level strategy is how a company gains a competitive advantage and creates value, while value chain activities are the interconnected set of activities like producing, marketing, and supporting products or services. Disruptive business models can change the value chain by introducing new ways of creating and delivering value. They challenge normal practices and often leverage innovative approaches. This can lead to changes in the production, marketing, or support of products or services. Disruptive business models have both positive and negative purposes for a company. On the positive side, they create opportunities for gaining a competitive advantage, entering new markets, and capturing value. They can lead to better prices, improved efficiency, and a better customer experience. However, they also bring challenges and risks, requiring increased investments, changes in organizational structures, or needing to add new capabilities. For competitors, disruptive business models can be disruptive as well. Companies that fail to adapt may lose market share, profitability, or face bankruptcy. Competitors must judge the impact of disruptive models on their own value and respond effectively. This may involve changing strategies, embracing innovation, adopting new technologies, or forming partnerships. In summary, business level strategy guides value chain activities, and disruptive business models reshape the value chain by introducing new ways of creating and delivering value. This has implications for both the business and its competitors, offering opportunities for growth and success to those who can adapt and respond effectively.
Naeher, U., Suzuki, S., & Wiseman, B. (n.d.). https://www.mckinsey.com/~/media/mckinsey/dotcom/client_service/semiconductors/pdfs/mosc_1_business_models.ashx
Response 4: Respond with at least 150 words, one in-text citation, and one reference
(gabriele)
Hello Peers and Professor,
This topic interested me because I was unaware of the correlation between business level strategy and value chain activities. There are much more relationships between the two than I anticipated. The key relationship that stood out to me is that the business level strategy guides the design and overall management of value chain activities. This is essential to know because one will typically lead to the other. This is used to examine all the companies activities in taking a product or service to create something that is sellable. Ideally, companies can use these two to strengthen their point of view and widen their profit margin (Kelwig, 2023.) This is useful to them because it will be more efficient and it will cost them less which will be better for them in the long run.
Kelwig, D. (2023.) Value Chain: Definition, examples, and guide. https://www.zendesk.com/blog/value-chain/#:
Response 5: Respond with at least 150 words, one in-text citation, and one reference
(jenifer)
Team norms are the rules that guide the behavior of group members. They play a vital role in shaping behavior and fostering cohesiveness within a group. Norms provide a framework for interaction, promoting cooperation, collaboration, and effective communication. By establishing guidelines for acceptable behavior and performance standards, team norms help to reduce conflicts and enhance productivity. The diversity of a group significantly impacts its performance. When a group comprises individuals with diverse backgrounds, experiences, and perspectives, it brings a range of ideas, knowledge, and skills to the table. This diversity can lead to more innovative solutions, as different viewpoints challenge assumptions and encourage creative problem-solving. However, managing diversity can be complex, as it requires fostering an inclusive environment where all voices are heard and respected. Inclusion helps harness the benefits of diversity by leveraging individual strengths and promoting a sense of belonging. When properly managed, diverse teams can overcome biases, broaden perspectives, and ultimately achieve higher performance levels.
Uhl-Bien, M., Piccolo, R.F., Schermerhorn, J. R. & Bachrach, D.G. (2021) ISBN-13: 9781119791553. MGT-420 organizational behavior and management with WileyPLUS. Wiley & Sons
Response 6: Respond with at least 150 words, one in-text citation, and one reference
(brianna)
Team norms are what we expect from those around us when working in a group. When we were going to group, each person going to have an assigned job or a part of the project that they have to complete. As a group, we expect each person to complete their part of the project to the best of their ability and if they have any questions or concerns, they should reach out to other group members. When working in groups we all rely heavily on one another and sometimes that can be a lot of pressure. I do not like group work because I feel that there is always going to be one person who does not pull their weight, I could be wrong but that is my personal experience. When it comes to diversity in groups it comes with multiple perspectives because everyone is bringing a different variety of cultures, experiences, and backgrounds. When you have so many different innovative minds it will either provide a lot of great solutions, however, it can also make a lot of arguments. According to Moira Alexander, “Diversity and inclusion provide organizations with many benefits, including better access to talent and higher levels of engagement and trust” (Alexander, 2021). Diversity is something that brings a lot of minds together and that means that it brings a lot of talent to the table. Having so many different minds means that there are going to be failures, but without failure, there is no success. It is ok to fail a couple of times before you succeed. With so many minds there will also be many different solutions and with different solutions you can find the best solution to the problem.
5 ways diversity and inclusion help teams perform better. CIO. (2021, September 3). https://www.cio.com/article/189194/5-ways-diversity-and-inclusion-help-teams-perform-better.html#:~:text=With%20diversity%20comes%20multiple%20perspectives,better%20decisions%20based%20on%20facts.
Response 7: Respond with at least 150 words, one in-text citation, and one reference
(wendy)
Training and development proposal: Proposal to include training and development for employees to enhance organizational overall performance, employee retention, and to address any skill lacking.
Delivery method: a mix between on-the-job training and audio-visual training
expected outcome: to uncover any lack from our end to provide correct resources for employees to use, increase employee trust in the company, growth in employee skill and work output
ROI: Improvement of employee readiness on the job and increase in confidence from our employees. In this confidence, the employees will feel equipt to address an issue and provide better services.
Noe, R. A., Hollenbeck, J. R., Gerhart, B., & Wright, P. M. (2021). Human resource management: Gaining a competitive advantage (12th ed.). New York, NY: McGraw-Hill/Irwin. ISBN-13: 9781260780765.
Response 8: Respond with at least 150 words, one in-text citation, and one reference
(reina)
It is highly important that all employees get correct and accurate training for the job so that they will be able to do their job effectively while avoid too much time and money in training. For training and development, the chosen method would be peer-to-peer mentoring, this will help employees of the same level engage in a collaborative learning style (Best, 2023). This will also allow for the employee to ask questions among their peers about anything pertaining to the job, task, and company. The expected outcome will be that encourages collaboration, work collectively and creates stronger relationship in the workplace. The potential ROI is that peer-to-peer learning is inexpensive (Best, 2023).
Another training method similar, would be job shadowing, which will also allow for the employee to ask questions among their mentor about anything pertaining to the job, task, and company. The expected outcome is that the employees will be able to start the job by themselves and ask questions as they go along. This will also help that employee start to create a relationship with their mentor and create a more welcoming environment.
Best employee training methods & techniques (2023). The Whatfix Blog | Drive Digital Adoption. https://whatfix.com/blog/employee-training-methods/
