Essay About Patterson Operationpoint Of View And Negative Reactions Of The Management

Patterson Operation
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CASE TITLE:Patterson OperationPOINT OF VIEW:Patterson Operation’s First-line Supervisor: May AllisonTIME CONTEXT:Three years ago until current time. Section 10’s below break-even point of the cost figures started three years ago, the space problem started early last year and Fred Hammond was replaced by May Allison last year as well.STATEMENT OF THE PROBLEM:How will Patterson operation remove the negative reactions of the management?OBJECTIVES:To improve and modify the working environment of the Patterson Building by next year.To improve the esprit de corps of the employees by next year via purposive activities.To make them competitive against other units of the main plant in terms of production and attendance records by next year.AREAS OF CONSIDERATION:SWOT ANALYSISSTRENGTHSWEAKNESSESDevelopment of an assembly line which facilitated work speed, hence, bonusesEmployee participation in decision makingCompletion of an air-conditioned rest break area from employees’ pocketsEmployees’ sense of ownershipMutual cooperation (esprit de corps)Cultural diversity (blacks & white)32.8% increase in productivity on year 1Management tolerance in line with schedule changes and dress codesFormation of own softball teamLow grievance rateOld brick structure suitable only for warehouses 3 miles from main plantDark, poorly ventilated, not airconditioned, inadequately heated working conditionsPoorly suited building for assembly operationsNo cafeteria or food service10⁰C in winters, 32⁰C in summersPoor restroomsViolations of certain company personnel policiesInfrequent visits from main plant managers/supervisorsOPPORTUNITIESTHREATSFix coordination problems with receiving goods very early in the main plant for earlier assembly operationsRenovation of the warehouse into a better working space for assembly linesCreation of a cafeteria funded by employees or creation of a cooperative cafeteria which will provide food for everyone and funds for renovationFormalize the formation of “Patterson Warriors” regarding company policyFormation of other sports and interest groups such as “fun run groups, “craft groups”, “bake-sale groups” which in turn, will provide funding for different employee needs.Betterment of work records concerning absenteeism, tardiness and turnoversPositive management reactionsRun down, low income housing neigborhoodMugging, and other crimes from the neighborhoodSickness because of the varied and intense temperature changes in the warehouseNatural disasters such as earthquakes, fires or hailstorms that might easily destroy the Patterson operation building.Change of management – new management may not be as liberal or as tolerating as the previous onesCoordination problems form the main plant could make them work in the hot afternoons of summerNegative and ambivalent management reactions

ALTERNATIVE COURSES OF ACTION:ACA 1. Creation of sustainable fund source to renovate the Patterson building/facilities1a. Cooperative Cafeteria or Canteen1b. Sportsfest / Fun Runs / Sports Sponsorship for the “Patterson Warriors”1c. Bake Sales / Bingo Games / Raffle DrawsACA 2. Submit new policies and regulations concerning the Patterson Operation2a. Submit new policy proposals about dress code liberalization2b. Submit new policy proposals about schedule changes during the summer2c. Submit new policy proposals regarding perfect attendance incentivesACA 3. Request for renovation fund from the management for workplace improvement3a. Submit a thorough analysis and building inventory regarding employee needs3b. Launch a signature campaign rto improve the mediocre working conditions3c. Submit a cost-benefit analysis regarding employees’ job satisfaction and outputANALYSIS OF THE ALTERNATIVE COURSES OF ACTIONSACAADVANTAGESDISADVANTAGESACA 1. Creation of sustainable fund source to renovate the Patterson building/facilitiesEmployees will feel ownership of the Patterson Operations. They will feel confident about themselves and will have a sense of independence that will enhance their “esprit de corps” and in turn will promote job satisfaction.Some might complain that the renovation funds are coming from their own pockets. Management might complain that their activities might interfere with their jobs. But May will make sure that these will not take place during business hours.ACA 2. Submit new policies and regulations concerning the Patterson OperationThe violations that the management are tolerating will be made official and part of the usual operations at Patterson.Other units of the Carrington company might feel that the Patterson operation has a special treatment from the upper management.ACA 3. Request for renovation fund from the management for workplace improvementThe funding will not come from the employee efforts and pockets.Highly unlikely, because the management did not even care about the working conditions of the Patterson Operations, also, this will not foster “esprit de corps”.