How large firms and small firms could utilize change management concepts to meet growing technology demands. Provide one example for a large company and one example for a small
company of necessary changes resulting from these growing technology demands. Keep in mind that some changes are proactive while others are reactive. Be sure to include these two concepts in your recommendation analysis. Discuss some of the pitfalls to avoid in implementing change.
Here is what I have so far, nut I am stuck.
Large firms and small firms could utilize change management concepts to meet growing technology demands by enhancing and reviewing sales policies, administration policies, production policies, and delivery policies. This purpose would be to review what changes could be made through automation, software and other modern technology.
McDonald’s fast foods qualify as a large company. When McDonald’s business started to grow they installed drive in windows, issued wireless microphones to attendants inside and outside, installed computer automated cooking systems, and computer monitors in all processing areas. This is a” reactive change, change that occurs after external forces have already affected performance” (Snell, 2007)
A small company such as Tangles and Tanz would set up a Website where customers can make appointments, and purchase products. This is in addition to normal store hours, in which have not been able to keep up with customer demand. This is an example of “proactive change, initiated to take advantage of targeted opportunities.” (Snell, 2007)
This looks good so far. What pitfalls should these companies try to avoid? What about training older workers to use new technologies? Also -- the more automated a business is, the fewer employees it needs -- at least to service current customers.
Large firms and small firms could utilize change management concepts to meet growing technology demands by enhancing and reviewing <~~wouldn't reviewing come before enhancing? what if a review of some aspect of the business showed no "enhancing" was needed? sales policies, administration policies, production policies, and delivery policies. This purpose would be to review what changes could be made through automation, software<~~add comma and other modern technology.
McDonald’s qualifies as a large company. When McDonald’s business started to grow<~~add comma they installed drive in windows, issued wireless microphones to attendants inside and outside, installed computer automated cooking systems, and computer monitors in all processing areas. This is a”<~~space after "a" and quotation marks right before the r in "reactive" reactive change, change that occurs after external forces have already affected performance” (Snell, 2007)<~~add period
A small company such as Tangles and Tanz would set up a Website where customers can make appointments,<~~delete comma and purchase products. This is in addition to normal store hours, in which<~~change "in which" to "during which" and add a subject for the verb~~> have not been able to keep up with customer demand. This is an example of “proactive change, initiated to take advantage of targeted opportunities.” (Snell, 2007)<~~the period goes AFTER the citation, not before
You've made a good start. Now keep adding details. Did Tangles and Tanz have to add personnel to take care of added business? How did both companies train their personnel to use the new technologies? Etc., etc.
The verb tenses with "could" and "would" indicate possibilities, not realities. Be sure to double-check all the verbs to make sure they're in the tense you intend.
To effectively utilize change management concepts to meet growing technology demands, both large and small firms can follow the following approach:
1. Analysis and Assessment:
- Understand the current technological capabilities and identify the gaps and opportunities for improvement.
- Conduct a thorough analysis of the technological needs and demands in the industry.
- Identify both proactive and reactive changes that need to be made in order to meet these demands.
2. Planning and Strategy:
- Develop a comprehensive change management plan that outlines the necessary changes, their purpose, and the timeline for implementation.
- Define clear objectives and goals for each change, ensuring they align with the overall business strategy.
- Determine the resources, budget, and team required to implement the changes effectively.
3. Implementation and Execution:
- Prioritize the changes based on their importance and feasibility.
- Ensure effective communication and training to all stakeholders involved in the change process.
- Start with small pilot projects to test and evaluate the changes before scaling them up.
Now let's look at specific examples of necessary changes resulting from growing technology demands for both large and small firms:
Example for a Large Company (McDonald's):
- Proactive Change: McDonald's could implement mobile ordering and payment systems to enhance customer convenience and reduce wait times at their restaurants. This would involve developing a mobile app and integrating it with their existing systems to streamline the ordering process.
- Reactive Change: In response to the increasing demand for delivery services, McDonald's could partner with third-party delivery providers and implement a robust delivery management system. This would involve optimizing the delivery logistics and integrating it with their existing operations.
Example for a Small Company (Tangles and Tanz):
- Proactive Change: Tangles and Tanz could invest in an online booking system, allowing customers to easily schedule appointments through their website or mobile app. This would proactively address the growing customer demand and improve the overall customer experience by reducing waiting time.
- Reactive Change: If Tangles and Tanz notice a decline in foot traffic due to increasing competition from online hair styling services, they could invest in digital marketing strategies such as social media campaigns, targeted ads, and online promotions to attract new customers and increase their online presence.
Some pitfalls to avoid when implementing change management include:
1. Lack of clear communication: It is essential to clearly communicate the reasons for the change, the expected benefits, and any potential impacts on employees or customers.
2. Resistance to change: Anticipate resistance from employees and provide them with training and support to adapt to the changes.
3. Insufficient planning: Ensure that the change management plan is comprehensive, realistic, and considers all necessary resources and timelines.
4. Poor stakeholder engagement: Involve key stakeholders in the change management process and address their concerns and feedback.
By following a systematic approach, considering both proactive and reactive changes, and being mindful of potential pitfalls, both large and small firms can effectively utilize change management concepts to meet growing technology demands.