Case study

Sonia is the production manager at an electronics manufacturer. She has just been notified of a fire at a key supplier, which means they will not be able to deliver for months. This supplier provides the components for their most popular computer game console. It is September, one of their busiest months, as they produce stock for Christmas sales.

This has the potential to significantly reduce the organisation's total revenue and profit. Sonia knows she cannot resolve this alone. She calls a meeting with the:

• Purchasing Manager
• Warehouse Manager
• Sales Manager

Sonia knows the team needs to decide their approach quickly, or they will miss the Christmas opportunity. She decides to plan the meeting so that the time is spent constructively and results in an action plan.

1. What problem-solving techniques might Sonia use to resolve this concern? Why would these be useful?

2. What criteria might Sonia and the other managers use to choose between alternative solutions? Why are these appropriate?

3. Why is it important to involve other areas of the organisation in developing an action plan to address this concern?

4. Sonia reports to the Operations Manager. What upward communication may be required as part of resolving this situation?

TASK 2:

Deliver a 10-15minute presentation on your favourite topic from this unit.