• Think of an example where change was attempted but failed.
• Using the concepts presented in this week's readings, discuss what contributed to the failure and what might have been done to prevent it.

Several years back, I worked as a Full-time Assistant Manager at a convenience store/ gas station. The payroll system was computerized but the record-keeping for orders and order management weren't monitored through a management information system.There was literally a clipboard for checking in items to the store orders when inventory arrived. The store had to place orders manually and then receive them, shelf them, etc. Upper management above me proposed that there should be a customized order management system for the store because of its expanding business sales and growth to streamline all stores in the chain and less room for error.A custom system was made but the training and implementation of the system were a failure.

There were several reasons why the implementation was a failure:

• The employees were not part of the project because their input would have made it easier to get the requirements right.
• There was no test run for the order system. This was a major glitch in the training and implementation plan. Training on the system was nonexistent.
• The employees were not given any formal off-the-job training that allowed them to use the system effectively without any problem, stress, or wastage. Training should have been carried out at least before the system was widely used in the store.
• The system led to a complete change in the shelving and storing method of the inventory. This caused confusion not only for the employees in the warehouse but also for the customers in the store. The system automated the inventory items through a code sequence which had to place at specific places in the warehouse as well as the store. This caused distress and confusion for all employees that were a part of this function.

The implementation could have been a success if the employees were given a chance to participate and provide feedback on what the cashiers would want, and what works best, and offer feedback. Training is a must for employees who have never used a system like this before. If the places of inventory items had been changed, they should been clearly marked at visible points so that customers and employees were confused and struggled with learning the new process and that slowed efficiency and sales over time when anyone new came along.

WHATS YOUR THOUGHTS? OPINIONS?