Harrison-Keyes Implementation Concept Worksheet

MBA/590 Implementation Plan Concepts Worksheet Assignment

WEEK ONE

The first week's assignment focuses on creating a worksheet you can use in planning to gain knowledge about key course concepts and to recognize application of those concepts in the real world. The assignment has three purposes: (A) identify at least five key theoretical concepts from this week's readings, (B) relate each key concept to its application in an organizational setting, and (C) communicate well-researched information clearly, concisely, and in an organized manner.

Read the Harrison-Keyes scenario and complete the "Selecting and Initiating Projects" simulation to identify examples of five or more key course concepts. Remember that the mind map is a source of these concepts. Then, read the assigned text materials to develop knowledge about the concepts. You may also wish to research these concepts through database searches in the University Library. This additional research will help expand your understanding of the text materials.

By completing the worksheet following the title page, you can begin to develop your research and written communication skills. The example below is from the MBA/500 course using the USAuto scenario. This example can be useful to understanding the assignment's requirements. Please note that in describing the application of the concept, the worksheet should not contain simple one-word or even one-sentence answers; it should adequately demonstrate, in short paragraphs, careful study of the situations presented in the scenario, the simulation, and the reading materials.

Example Table for Assignment

Concept Application of Concept in the Scenario Reference to Concept in Reading

Distributive negotiations USAuto's negotiating team did not carefully identify AutoMex's goals. USAuto's goal was to reduce costs through utilizing AutoMex labor. AutoMex, by contrast, viewed USAuto as a source for developing its employees' skill levels. USAuto's negotiating team also approached entering the Mexican market similarly, unwilling to allow AutoMex access to the hybrid engine for AutoMex's own production.

Both of these distributive approaches create win-lose situations and can lead to conflict, as compared to the win-win situations created by integrative negotiations (Kinicki & Kreitner, 2003, p. 504).

"A distributive negotiation usually involves a single issue--a 'fixed-pie'--in which one person gains at the expense of the other. For example, haggling over the price of a rug in a bazaar is a distributive negotiation," (Kinicki & Kreitner, 2003, p. 71).

Implementation Plan Concept Worksheet

University of Phoenix

Implementation Plan Concepts Worksheet

Concept Application of Concept in the Scenario Reference to Concept in Reading

Individual and Organizational Politics

Robert Smith, CFO, did not approve of the e-book publishing strategy from the beginning. This affected the overall strategy. Robert feels uncomfortable with the financial projections for the e-books strategic initiative. Will X. Harper: A well-established and well-known author on the "A" list, Will has reservations about e-books and is leading what has become known as the "author's opposition group." These are some of the few issues permeating the HK publishing and its new strategy. McGill, CEO, has to play some politics in order to move ahead with the e-book publishing project.

While selecting projects for implementation in an organization, a major factor that influences project selection, funding, resource allocation or prioritization is the extent of individual and organizational politics. Organizational politics can be defined as actions by individuals or groups to acquire, develop and use power and other resources in order to obtain preferred outcomes when there is uncertainty or disagreement over choices. (Gray, 2006).

Project