Reference no: EM131899564

INSTRUCTIONS

When preparing for your discussion post on this case, it is recommended that you read it several times.

Read it the first time to familiarize yourself with the case.

On the second reading, consider your assigned role in the situation, and let that guide your perspective. Look deeper at the details: facts, problems, organizational goals, objectives, policies, strategies.

Next, consider the concepts, theories, tools and research you need to use to address the issues presented.

Then, complete any research, analysis, calculations, or graphing to support your decisions and make recommendations.

BACKGROUND INFORMATION

In this module, you explored learning curves and their application to business operations. The learning curves covered in this module assume the organization has rational actors, meaning its employees will indeed learn at some predictable rate. However, is this always true? You also explored autonomous and induced learning and the Deming Cycle (or PDCA cycle). All of the module's readings and videos should help frame and inform your discussion participation.

This discussion addresses the following Module Outcome:

Differentiate between alternative business processes utilizing the Plan-Do-Check-Act (PDCA) cycle, and various performance measures.(CO1, CO4)

DISCUSSION PROMPT

For this discussion, assume you are the Chief Operating Officer (COO) of Sweet Cakes, a locally owned cupcake business in Portland, OR. Your organization has a turnover rate of 25% per year and you have 20 bakers on staff at any given time. The company tends to hire from two demographics: local college students and retirement aged personnel.

TASKS

1. Answer the following questions: a.Would you predict the same learning curve from both demographics? Why or why not?

b.What measures could you put into place to achieve the desired learning rate (you will have some predicted learning rate, but your organization may want a higher learning rate to maintain cupcake quality and product rates at a certain level)?

c.How does the turnover rate affect the learning curve utilization over a three-year period? You should explain how you can compensate for turnover rate.

d.How do emotional responses/behaviors affect learning rates (think about how learning curves are developed)?

2. When responding to at least two classmates, consider the measures they would take to achieve the desired learning rate. Why would their measures not work? Cite specific reasons or evidence.

Ensure you support your responses with scholarly reference material using APA formatting.