Order Description
Course Overview (BUS599) Integrative Project
(Note for writer: This is a following on to assignment # 1 that you recently completed)
Case Assignment: In your Case Assignments, you will study a single company, identified for you, that you will use throughout the course, and analyze it from Organizational Development (OD) and Open Systems Theory (OST) Perspectives. You will review some OD models and determine which one would be best for the chosen organization. You will use several different models to analyze the inputs, outputs, and through-puts of the organization and determine how well these factors create synergy (or not), support strategy, and generate profitability. You will use OST and theory of feedback loops to analyze learning opportunities for the company.
Module 2
Determine the best OD model to use for diagnosing a specific organization.
Analyze a company’s financial performance and determine a modified strategy.
Module 2
Falletta, S. V. (2013). Organizational diagnostic models: an integrative review & synthesis. Organizational Intelligence Institute (www.oi-institute.com).
Henderson, R. M., Conkling, J., & Roberts, S. (2007). MIT Sloan Management. Retrieved from https://forio.com/simulation/solar-test/downloads/SunPower-Henderson.pdf
Sveiby, K-E. (2010). Methods for measuring intangible assets. Retrieved from https://www.sveiby.com/articles/IntangibleMethods.htm
Systems Thinking and Learning Organizations (n.d.). National Defense University. Retrieved from https://www.au.af.mil/au/awc/awcgate/ndu/strat-ldr-dm/pt1ch4.html
Module 2 – Home
Organizational Diagnostic Models
Modular Learning Outcomes
Upon successful completion of this module, the student will be able to satisfy the following outcomes:
Case
Evaluate various OD models and determine the best one to use for a specific organization.
Apply OD models to analyze a business organization.
Module Overview
CASE 2: Art will assign you another project for analyzing Whole Foods Market. This one concerns determining which of the various Organizational Diagnosis models you should use to analyze Whole Foods Market.
Module 2 – Background
Organizational Diagnostic Models
Organizational Development (OD) is a fundamental management subject and important for an MBA degree program. One aspect of Organizational Development is Organizational Diagnosis, which is not as comprehensive as the overall development or change process. Diagnosis is often the first step in the OD process. Over the years, there have been many OD models developed. Some are better than others and some are more useful in certain situations than others. Later models were developed with Open System Theory in mind, which tends to make the models more comprehensive. ABC Company and Whole Foods Market are interested in using an OD model to diagnose Whole Foods Market’s current situation. You will need to have an understanding of some of these models in order to make a recommendation.
Required Reading
Download and read this white paper by Falletta about OD models. Salvatore Falletta, President and CEO of Leadersphere, has written a white paper that reviews several commonly used models of organizational diagnosis. You will use several of these models in conducting your integrative Case project. The relevant part of this paper in terms of this class is the first 31 pages. The last part of the paper (pp. 32-43) deals with the theoretical foundations of the Burke & Litwin model, Falletta’s Organizational Intelligence Model; this is optional reading. We are not covering Falletta’s Organizational Intelligence Model.
Falletta, S. V. (2013) Organizational diagnostic models: an integrative review & synthesis. Organizational Intelligence Institute (www.oi-institute.com).
Falletta provides an overview of Open Systems Theory (OST) in his paper (pp. 8 & 9). Keep in mind that OST is not an OD model, but rather a basis for most of the later models. For a deeper understanding, go to the following optional reading and read about systems, systems thinking, and organizations as open systems. You will see that businesses are not unlike living organisms: they depend on the environment for sustenance; they comprise multiple, mutually dependent parts; and they affect the environment in the course of their daily activities. Open Systems Theory provides valuable insights into organizations.
Optional Reading
Systems Thinking and Learning Organizations (n.d.). National Defense University. Retrieved from https://www.au.af.mil/au/awc/awcgate/ndu/strat-ldr-dm/pt1ch4.html
However, if you need a refresher on various theories (product life cycle, pricing, price elasticity, market saturation, product development, etc.) there are a multitude of articles on the Internet.
Optional Review Materials
Once again, this small sample of Useful Internet Sites may help you throughout the course, and can serve as a complement to previous course materials. You are encouraged to supplement this list if you need additional refreshers.
Module 2 – Case
Organizational Diagnostic Models
Assignment Overview
XCG
The Excellent Consulting Group
Communication from Art:
Thank you for your report on the strategy analysis of Whole Foods Market. Now, we need to move ahead to the next part of this project.
ABC Company and Whole Foods Market have decided they want to do an Organizational Diagnosis to determine how various aspects of Whole Foods Market are aligned, such as inputs, resources, productivity, throughput effort, outputs, performance, strategy, etc. They want to know if there are any significant issues at Whole Foods Market and how these issues might affect its integration into ABC Company.
Required Reading:
Download and read this white paper by Falletta about OD models. Salvatore Falletta, President and CEO of Leadersphere, has written a white paper that reviews several commonly used models of organizational diagnosis. You will use several of these models in conducting your integrative Case project. The relevant part of this paper in terms of this class is the first 31 pages. The last part of the paper (pp. 32-43) deals with the theoretical foundations of the Burke & Litwin model, Falletta’s Organizational Intelligence Model; reading that is optional. We are not covering Falletta’s Organizational Intelligence Model.
Falletta, S. V. (2005) Organizational Diagnostic Models: A Review and Synthesis. Retrieved January 15, 2014, from https://www.iei.liu.se/fek/frist/723g16/files/1.120328/Orgmodels.pdf
Falletta provides an overview of Open Systems Theory (OST) in his paper (pp. 8 & 9). Keep in mind that OST is not an OD model, but rather a basis for most of the later models. For a deeper understanding, go to the following optional reading and read about systems, systems thinking, and organizations as open systems. You will see that businesses are not unlike living organisms: they depend on the environment for sustenance; they comprise multiple, mutually dependent parts; and they affect the environment in the course of their daily activities. Open Systems Theory provides valuable insights into organizations.
Optional Reading:
Systems Thinking and Learning Organizations (n.d.). National Defense University. Retrieved from https://www.au.af.mil/au/awc/awcgate/ndu/strat-ldr-dm/pt1ch4.html
Review Case Analysis since it is so important in this final course. The purpose of a Case is to show that you have thought critically about the subject matter that you are learning and to make an argument for a Claim about the specific situation in the Case Assignment. Stephen Toulmin has developed an Argument Methodology that is very useful in Making a Case. To review Case Analysis and Toulmin’s Argument Methodology, go to Making a Case page.
Case Assignment
There is some disagreement in the Executive ranks as to which OD method or model should be used. Some executives have familiarity with a couple of models, but it seems to be only based on what they have read or heard about. You need to explore some models and determine their strengths and weaknesses, and ultimately recommend which one is best for Whole Foods Market. As part of making that determination, you will also need to identify several critical issues facing Whole Foods Market.
The executives want you to include the 7S model, the Congruence Model, and the Burke-Litwin Model in your analysis. Pick three or four more models to include for a well-rounded group of OD models.
Prepare a report in which you include the following:
1. A brief overview of what each of the six or seven models you are analyzing does.
2. Clearly identify the strengths and weaknesses of each model.
3. Identify and discuss two or three issues that Whole Foods Market is facing.
4. Determine which model you think is the best one to use.
5. Recommend which model to use. Make a Strong Case. Explain why your selection would be the best choice, and how the recommended model can be used to help diagnose the issues you have identified.
This should be a 5- to 7-page paper (not including Title Page and References).
Assignment Expectations
Your paper will be evaluated on the following seven points:
Precision – Does the paper address the question(s) or task(s)
Breadth – Is the full breadth of the subject, that is, the Keys to the Assignment, addressed
Depth – Does the paper address the topic in sufficient depth and include the background reading and other background resources as references
Critical thinking – Is the subject thought about critically, that is, accurately, logically, relevantly, and precisely
Clarity – Is the writing clear and are the concepts articulated properly Are paraphrasing and synthesis of concepts the primary means of responding to the questions or are points conveyed through excessive use of quotations
Organization – Is the paper well written Are the grammar, spelling, and vocabulary appropriate for graduate-level work Are headings included in all papers longer than two pages
Referencing (citations and references) – Does the paper include citations and quotation marks where appropriate Are the references from the background reading and assignment present and properly cited Are all the references listed in the bibliography present and referred to via citation
TIPS AND SUGGESTIONS
You may use a simple diagram to highlight important factors. However, do not use the diagram in lieu of valuable analysis (or to take up valuable writing space) – it should be in addition to your 5 pages of analysis.
Just because you have written the minimum five pages does not mean that you have adequately covered the topic. Err on the side of writing more rather than less.
Choose the data you use carefully. Is it relevant and important
Include a cover page and reference page, in addition to the 5 pages of analysis described above.
Include headings within the paper.
Cite and reference all sources that you use in your work, including those that you paraphrase. This means include citations and quotation marks for direct quotes of more than five words, and citations for that information which you have “borrowed” or paraphrased from other sources.
Our Service Charter
-
Excellent Quality / 100% Plagiarism-Free
We employ a number of measures to ensure top quality essays. The papers go through a system of quality control prior to delivery. We run plagiarism checks on each paper to ensure that they will be 100% plagiarism-free. So, only clean copies hit customers’ emails. We also never resell the papers completed by our writers. So, once it is checked using a plagiarism checker, the paper will be unique. Speaking of the academic writing standards, we will stick to the assignment brief given by the customer and assign the perfect writer. By saying “the perfect writer” we mean the one having an academic degree in the customer’s study field and positive feedback from other customers. -
Free Revisions
We keep the quality bar of all papers high. But in case you need some extra brilliance to the paper, here’s what to do. First of all, you can choose a top writer. It means that we will assign an expert with a degree in your subject. And secondly, you can rely on our editing services. Our editors will revise your papers, checking whether or not they comply with high standards of academic writing. In addition, editing entails adjusting content if it’s off the topic, adding more sources, refining the language style, and making sure the referencing style is followed. -
Confidentiality / 100% No Disclosure
We make sure that clients’ personal data remains confidential and is not exploited for any purposes beyond those related to our services. We only ask you to provide us with the information that is required to produce the paper according to your writing needs. Please note that the payment info is protected as well. Feel free to refer to the support team for more information about our payment methods. The fact that you used our service is kept secret due to the advanced security standards. So, you can be sure that no one will find out that you got a paper from our writing service. -
Money Back Guarantee
If the writer doesn’t address all the questions on your assignment brief or the delivered paper appears to be off the topic, you can ask for a refund. Or, if it is applicable, you can opt in for free revision within 14-30 days, depending on your paper’s length. The revision or refund request should be sent within 14 days after delivery. The customer gets 100% money-back in case they haven't downloaded the paper. All approved refunds will be returned to the customer’s credit card or Bonus Balance in a form of store credit. Take a note that we will send an extra compensation if the customers goes with a store credit. -
24/7 Customer Support
We have a support team working 24/7 ready to give your issue concerning the order their immediate attention. If you have any questions about the ordering process, communication with the writer, payment options, feel free to join live chat. Be sure to get a fast response. They can also give you the exact price quote, taking into account the timing, desired academic level of the paper, and the number of pages.