[Abstract]
The purpose of this document is to describe what types of management challenges can be incurred based upon a scenario of Kucera Clothier‚ introducing a collaboration system into their organization. Also included within this document are methods that can be used to manage change with expectations of other personnel. This document is intended for anybody looking to gain a basic understanding or knowledge of managing challenges within an organization and providing solutions for problems.
[Content]
Kucera Clothiers is implementing a collaboration system into their organization in order to improve communications, increase efficiency, and to improve customer relations, however they will most likely incur management challenges throughout the implementation of the new system. When managing people, products, or even projects there is a great probability that problems will occur and in order to effectively manage the challenge is important to address any issues immediately and move forward with the desired objective. Some of the challenges that can arise can come from people such as personality differences, power struggles, training issues, or even the lack of manpower. Other business challenges that can arise from a global company like Kucera Cothiers are religious, cultural, time related, and even legal issues. It is important for Kucera Clothiers to address any issues that may arise quickly and then refocus on the collaboration system project.
To better understand how Kucera Cothiers can deal with different challenges it is important to look at different management challenges that could arise and then consider possible solutions. First and foremost the most valuable asset to any organization are the employees of that organization. People management is instrumental to ensuring Kucera Clothier’s success (Frenzel, Frenzel, 2004 P.524). When managing people it is important for a manager to maintain a positive attitude and deal with any issues on a case-by-case basis. For a manager of people it is necessary to provide employees the tools that are needed to do their job and empower their employees to be creative to complete a task, however it is important for the manager to follow up on a task to ensure it has been completed according to requirements. A manager is also able to gain support and respect of their employees by being proficient in their job and by being proficient as a manager. This is important because an employee’s willingness to do a better job can come from feeling like they belong to a successful team. A manager can create and maintain a high level of morale by fostering a positive and competitive environment for which employee’s want to be a part of. One example of how a manager can foster a positive work environment is by sticking to the rule of thumb of “praising in public, punishing in private.” By following this rule of thumb a manager does not make an employee feel embarrassed or humiliated for making a mistake. In order to be an effective manager of people there are expectations that are required from others in order to effectively manage people. One of the expectations of employees is to provide feedback and effective communication in order to keep the manager aware of any challenges so that the manager can effectively manage the issues. Another expectation is to be respectful of others to aid in creating a positive work environment. Lastly another expectation of an employee is for the employee to do the best job they are able to with the resources that they have available.
Change management is another management that may be required by Kucera managers in order to deal with different challenges of implementing the collaboration system that could affect the delivery of the collaboration system service. Change management is a technique that is used to handle changes of the system such as hardware changes, software changes, environmental changes, management changes, or any other type of change to the system that can affect directly on the system or the service of the system that is being provided. In order to effectively manage changes there are five different elements that can help a manager effectively manage the change. A change request can be submitted that identifies what change is necessary to the system. After the change request has been submitted the manager can conduct a change analysis and then prioritize the change request based upon a risk assessment (Frenzel, Frenzel, 2004 P.390). The manager can then plan for the change, which may require some additional research. Then the manager can get authorization to implement the change. By following this process managers can effectively manage changes and minimize risks that could adversely affect the system. An expectation of employees is that they follow the change request procedure so that the manager can manage the change accordingly.
In conclusion, there are numerous possible challenges that could arise for Kucera Clothiers, while they are implementing the collaboration system, however by addressing the challenges effectively allows for Kucera to maintain focus on the implementation of the collaboration system, which can lead to the success of the system. When managing people it is important for a manager to create and maintain a positive environment for employees, while empowering them and challenging them to complete their tasks quickly and completely. Managers can also effectively manage any change to the system by following a process, which gives the manager necessary information to complete the process. No matter whether people, processes, or even change is being managed there are expectations of others that aid the managers in having the ability to properly managing the challenges.
References
Frenzel, Frenzel, C. W., J. C. (2004). Management of Information Technology Fourth Edition. Boston, Massachusetts: Thomas Learning Inc..