Application with Peer Review: Creating Systems Diagrams

In your daily life, you may see a weather system diagram, a readout indicating whether a wireless device is connected to the network, or a traffic sign warning of traffic congestion. These indicators provide feedback on the systems they monitor. In business, managers use systems diagrams in a similar way to monitor operations, to identify the sources of problems, and to devise solutions.

As you review the case study "Opportunity Consultants, Inc., 2007," consider OCI's operations and problems. Think of factors that may be contributing to their poor results. Consider the turnaround team's ideas for improving the club's quality of work and what you would do if you were consulting with OCI.

Review the explanation of the "5-Whys" in the Weekly Briefing for this week. Also review the material on simple gap analysis. Think about how you could use these systems analysis tools to understand OCI's options.

Assignment

For this Assignment:

o Use a systems approach to analyze OCI's performance and develop a case-specific "effect-cause-effect logic" tree diagram using the 5-Whys tool. See the rubric for details on what this diagram should contain. The diagram itself should be one page and can be hand-drawn or drawn with software. Tables are not appropriate; it must be in the form of a diagram.

(Note: you should identify all high-level negative symptoms, then look for associated first-causes, then look for deeper root causes. The shape of your diagram will roughly look like the outline of a tree).

o Write a summary description of your diagram with specific recommendations for improving the club's performance that are linked to your diagram analysis. (1 single spaced page).