After several weeks working with EKT, you and your clients have collaboratively developed a sense of the changes that need to take place. Your lead client has asked you to draft a change vision statement to be delivered to the CEO of EKT. They will then create a final change vision statement to begin to communicate to the employees at EKT.

Findings:

1. After a careful review of the findings, research, and analysis of the environmental forces driving change at Elite Knowledge Training, it is possible to diagnose what needs to be changed in the organization. Using the Nadler and Tuchman Organizational Congruence Model, the key problem areas identified include Strategy and Goals, Structure, People, and Leadership.

The current strategy of the organization is focused on providing face-to-face training, which is no longer the most effective way to provide training in today's digital world. To remain competitive, it is important for Elite Knowledge Training to begin to offer more advanced forms of instruction such as video conferencing, video-based instruction, and distribution of materials in a digital format.

The structure of Elite Knowledge Training is outdated and needs to be updated to reflect the current needs of the organization. In particular, the Training Specialists are resistant to the idea of introducing online training, and their roles need to be redefined to better fit the new direction of the organization.

The people at Elite Knowledge Training need to be better aligned with the goals and objectives of the organization. This includes fostering a better sense of collaboration between departments, which is currently hindered by the conflict between Bill Johnson (VP Marketing) and Jay Clark-Gardner (VP Learning Design). Additionally, the employees need to be better trained and supported to be successful in their roles.

The leadership at Elite Knowledge Training needs to be more focused and aligned with the organization's goals and objectives. Mike Harrenton (CEO) needs to be more assertive in his role and make sure that the organization is moving in the right direction.

Based on the findings and analysis, the following recommendations are proposed to move Elite Knowledge Training forward and create positive change:

Update the strategy of the organization to focus on offering online training and more advanced forms of instruction. To successfully implement this change, Elite Knowledge Training will need to invest in the necessary technology and resources to provide online training. This includes hiring or training existing employees to become proficient in the use of the technology and tools needed to provide online training. Additionally, the organization will need to create a comprehensive plan for introducing online training and ensure that all employees are on board with the change. Elite Knowledge Training will need to create an effective marketing plan to increase awareness of their online training offerings.

Reorganize the structure of the organization to better align with the current goals and objectives. The structure of Elite Knowledge Training is outdated and needs to be updated to reflect the current needs of the organization. In particular, the Training Specialists are opposing to the idea of introducing online training, and their roles need to be redefined to better fit the new direction of the organization.

Foster a better sense of collaboration between departments and better support employees in their roles. The people at Elite Knowledge Training need to be better aligned with the goals and objectives of the organization. This includes fostering a better sense of collaboration between departments, which is currently hindered by the conflict between Bill Johnson (VP Marketing) and Jay Clark-Gardner (VP Learning Design). Additionally, the employees need to be better trained and supported to be successful in their roles. To successfully implement this change, Elite Knowledge Training will need to create a comprehensive plan for fostering collaboration between departments. This includes identifying the areas in which collaboration is needed and creating guidelines for how collaboration should be handled. The organization will need to invest in training and support for employees to ensure that they are adequately equipped to handle their roles and responsibilities.

Encourage Mike Harrenton to be more assertive in his role as CEO and ensure that the organization is moving in the right direction. The leadership at EKT needs to be more focused and aligned with the organization's goals and objectives. Mike Harrenton (CEO) needs to be more assertive in his role and make sure that the organization is moving in the right direction. To successfully implement this change, Elite Knowledge Training will need to create a comprehensive plan for Mike Harrenton to be more assertive in his role as CEO. This includes creating a plan for how he will be more involved in the day-to-day operations of the organization, as well as identifying areas that need his attention and how he can best provide leadership and direction. The company will need to create a plan for how the organization can ensure that it is moving in the right direction and identify areas that need to be addressed to move the organization forward.

Diversify revenue streams to reduce reliance on a few key partners. As identified in the research and interviews, Elite Knowledge Training is currently reliant on a few key partners for over 60% of their revenue. To reduce this reliance and create a more stable financial situation, it is important for Elite Knowledge Training to diversify their revenue streams.

To successfully implement this change, Elite Knowledge Training will need to create a comprehensive plan for diversifying their revenue streams. This includes identifying potential new revenue sources and creating a plan for how to attract and maintain these new sources. Elite Knowledge Training will need to invest in marketing and sales efforts to effectively promote their offerings and increase their reach. Lastly, Elite Knowledge Training will need to assess the current partnerships and identify areas for improvement to ensure that those partnerships remain strong.

These proposed changes will require a significant investment of time and resources to implement, but they are necessary for Elite Knowledge Training to remain competitive in today's digital world. With the right leadership, focus, and commitment, Elite Knowledge Training can create a successful future and remain a leader in leadership development.

2. Elite Knowledge Training (EKT) is facing significant challenges and pressures, including increased costs, declining revenue, and competition from online training providers. In response to these challenges, EKT has asked for an organizational change analysis to help identify opportunities for change and adaptation. This report presents findings from interviews with key executives at EKT, as well as online research. The report includes an analysis of external forces driving change, an assessment of EKT's current strengths and weaknesses, and recommendations for potential opportunities for change.

External Forces Driving Change According to the interviews with EKT's executives, several external forces are driving change within the organization. These include increasing costs of doing business, competition from online training providers, and changes in the business environment. EKT has experienced rising costs of city taxes, supplies, and employee compensation. The organization has been forced to develop creative solutions to maintain the quality of its products and services, while also making a profit. However, declining revenue has made this increasingly difficult, raising concerns among employees about job security.

Competition from online training providers is also a significant challenge facing EKT. The company has been slow to enter the online training market, despite pressure from executives and a recognition that competitors have been successful in this area. EKT's marketing efforts have focused primarily on its existing client base and their partners, rather than expanding into new markets. However, this may no longer be sufficient to remain competitive in the industry.

Finally, changes in the business environment are also driving change at EKT. The organization has been successful in the past by landing big clients, but the current market requires a different approach. EKT may need to adapt to changes in customer needs, preferences, and behaviors to remain relevant and competitive.

Assessment of EKT's Current Strengths and Weaknesses EKT has several strengths that can be leveraged to address the challenges it faces. The organization has a strong reputation for delivering high-quality training services to clients, which has resulted in several long-term partnerships. The company also has a talented and experienced workforce, which has been able to develop creative solutions to manage rising costs.

However, EKT also has several weaknesses that may impede its ability to adapt to changing market conditions. The organization has been slow to embrace online training, despite increasing demand from clients and pressure from within the organization. The company's marketing efforts have been primarily focused on its existing client base, rather than expanding into new markets. EKT's revenue has been declining for the past seven years, which has put pressure on the organization to cut costs and find new sources of revenue.

Opportunities for Change Based on the analysis of external forces and EKT's current strengths and weaknesses, several opportunities for change can be identified. These opportunities are as follows:

Embrace Online Training: EKT should consider expanding its training offerings to include online training. This would allow the organization to reach a broader audience, reduce costs, and remain competitive in the industry.

Develop New Markets: EKT's marketing efforts should be expanded to include new markets beyond its existing client base. The company should consider targeting industries and sectors that have a high demand for training services but are currently underserved.

Improve Revenue Generation: EKT should explore new revenue streams, such as partnerships with other companies or developing new training products and services.

Increase Efficiency: EKT should focus on improving its operational efficiency to reduce costs and increase profitability. This could include streamlining processes, improving supply chain management, and implementing new technologies. Analysis and Recommendations:

Based on the interviews and research conducted, EKT is facing several challenges that are impacting their ability to remain competitive and profitable in the current business environment. These challenges include increasing costs of doing business, declining revenue, lack of online presence, and growing competition from online training providers.

The increasing cost of doing business is a major challenge for EKT, and it is affecting their ability to consistently produce high-quality training for their clients. The VP of Finance and Budgeting, Sally DeSuzan, explained that the organization is dealing with steadily increasing costs for doing business, such as city taxes, cost for supplies, and competitive pay for employees. This is putting pressure on the organization to find creative solutions to maintain profitability.

To address this challenge, EKT needs to undertake a comprehensive cost analysis to identify areas where they can reduce costs without compromising on quality. For instance, they can explore ways to streamline their operations, such as reducing overhead costs and negotiating better deals with suppliers. Additionally, they can consider outsourcing some non-core functions, such as marketing, to reduce costs and increase efficiency.

Another challenge facing EKT is the decline in revenue over the past seven years. This is a major concern for the organization, and there is a need to identify the root causes of the decline in revenue and develop strategies to address the issue. One way to address this challenge is by diversifying the organization's revenue streams. EKT can consider expanding its offerings to include complementary services such as e-learning, consulting, and coaching. Additionally, EKT can explore new markets and geographies to increase its customer base and generate more revenue.

Another significant challenge for EKT is its lack of online presence. This is a critical issue that needs to be addressed, given that many training providers are moving online and EKT's competitors are already highly successful in this area. The VP of Marketing, Bill "The Shark" Johnson, expressed his concerns regarding this issue, stating that he has been pushing for online training for years but has been met with resistance from the CEO.

To address this challenge, EKT needs to develop a comprehensive online strategy that includes the creation of an e-learning platform, social media marketing, and online sales channels. This will enable EKT to reach a wider audience and compete with online training providers. The organization can also consider partnering with online training providers to expand its offerings and reach a wider customer base.

Another challenge facing EKT is the growing competition from online training providers. The VP of Learning Design, Jay Clark-Gardner, explained that there is a shift towards online training, and this is a significant challenge for EKT. He also expressed his belief that face-to-face training is irreplaceable.

To address this challenge, EKT needs to focus on developing unique and high-quality training programs that cannot be replicated by online providers. They can achieve this by leveraging their expertise and experience to provide tailored training solutions to their clients. EKT can also consider developing a hybrid model that combines online and face-to-face training to provide a more comprehensive and flexible training experience.

Conclusion:

Based on the findings from the interviews and research, EKT is facing several challenges that are impacting its ability to remain competitive and profitable in the current business environment. These challenges include increasing costs of doing business, declining revenue, lack of online presence, and growing competition from online training providers.

To address these challenges, EKT needs to undertake a comprehensive analysis of its operations and develop a comprehensive strategy that includes cost reduction, revenue diversification, online presence, and unique training offerings. EKT should also consider partnering with online training providers and developing a hybrid model that combines online and face-to-face training to provide a more comprehensive and flexible training experience.

Action Items

1. Based all of your work so far, propose an organizational change vision statement that clearly articulates the changes that need to take place at EKT. You may want to consider Table 4.2 on page 124 of Organizational Change, which shows a cynical view of organizational vision statements. This should be linked to your assessment of the EKT group and its opportunities and future strengths.

1. Document your change vision statement for the client.

2. list and explain an overview of recommendations for communicating the change to change recipients. Keep it at a high level at this point - Refer to the pages 323-324 of Organizational Change for key principles in communication for change.