Scenario

You have been put in charge of Phase I of the new production process. This phase will make or break the rest of the production operation. If production quality and quantity standards are not met, the entire process will fail to meet the rigid time and quality restrictions placed on it by the client. You have been given two alternatives by the Vice President of Operations.

Option #$1$:

You can get a new semi$-$automated $m$ shine that will replace $($you must let them go$)$ seven of the twelve peour line and will assure the success of the project. The machine has allowed three of your competitors to exceed the standards you will be required to meet.

Option #$2$:

You can keep all twelve employees on the line and attempt to retrain and motivate them to achieve the standards. These employees have never been able to meet such high standards, but they have never been formally trained either.

Before making your decision:

Strive for Clarity

Summarize the situation

What is the problem? Opportunity? What evidence is available to define the problem?

Define the problem.

Brainstorm a list of questions you need answered to help you decide. What information is missing?

Make a Choice

What assumptions have you made?

What evidence do you have to support your choice?

What choice is the best?

For the company? For the employees? For the customers?

Are you Sure?

If you fail to assure that Phase I of the production process is successful, you will seriously jeopardize your career.

If you get rid of seven employees, morale will be hurt, and you will be firing several people you have known for many years.

Factors Affecting Implementation

Machine

Who will be terminated?

How will you deal with the morale of remaining employees?

Man

How would you motivate all twelve employees?

How do you know if the training will boost productivity and quality?