Motorcycle Manufacturing Essay

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Motorcycle Cruisers

Motorcycles are considered to be a way for enthusiasts to feel a sense of freedom and connect with others who share similar interests. The result is that the industry is continually evolving with older demographics in global markets engaging in the activities. The shift in the medium sized manufacturing firm is underscoring the opportunities and challenges it is facing. To be successful requires the firm focusing on a number of factors to include: the project organization, short / long-term strategies, the leadership style and mitigation techniques. Together, these different elements will illustrate how the firm can adjust with the changing needs of customers.

Select one (1) of the types of project organization that would suit the development of the larger touring class motorcycles. Outline the process steps that your company would take in order to develop the motorcycle. Provide a rationale for the response.

The matrix structure is the most effective project organization. It is focuses on all of the different departments working together to provide input / output and create workable solutions everyone can utilize. This is accomplished by focusing on five different areas to include: research / development, marketing, distribution, customer support and adapting to changes in the marketplace. (Slack, 2013)

Research and development is concentrating on creating a product which is innovative and can address the demands of consumers. This will allow the firm to standout and offer cliental with something more. When this happens, the organization can be the first to introduce it. This will lead to increased sales and it improves their image as the industry leader. (Slack, 2013)

Marketing is showing consumers the way the product will address their needs. This involves illustrating the benefits, how it will make someone feel and the price. These factors will serve as an avenue in helping to promote the merchandise by meeting specific demands. (Slack, 2013)

Distribution is when the firm will ensure that the stores and supplies have lots of merchandise available. At the same time, they are concentrating on shipping them to locations when demand will be the highest (such as: the holidays). This will contribute to an increase in earnings, revenues and ROI by taking these variables into account. (Slack, 2013)

Customer support is addressing any kind defects or assistance cliental will need after the final sale. This will last for the life of the product (which is 7 years). In the event there are any kinds of issues, the firm will work on resolving them over the long-term (Slack, 2013)

Adapting to changes in the marketplace will focus on offering customers with something more. This is because competitors will introduce substitutes when they see how the firm is dominating the industry. The ability to adjust, will help to protect image of the organization. (Slack, 2013)

These factors will prevent any kind of disruptions and ensure the merchandise is delivered to the proper locations. When this happens, the company can make certain that retailers have them at the right time (in order to maximize sales). It is at this point, when the organization will be more competitive and can build upon the favorable images it has established since the initial product release.

Recommend one (1) strategy to the senior executives that the organization might use to balance short- and long-term needs. Specify the crucial resources that you would need as a project manager to run the existing business interests at the same time that the business changes to the production of touring class motorcycles.

To address the short- and long-term challenges requires the firm embracing value stream mapping (VSM). It is focusing on ) is focusing on analyzing, documenting and improving the flow of information or material to produce a product or service for a customer. The different areas it focuses on include: the ability to display a broad range of information utilized during the process, how key objectives are achieved on broader level, the way various products / services can be improved and the ability to identify / adapt with significant events. The combination of these factors is utilized to provide specific insights to help the organization to adjust with key challenges and become more responsive to the needs of stakeholders. (Slack 2013)

There are three factors which are important to the success of any project these include: knowledge, performance and personal. Knowledge is when the person will have the education and experience to troubleshoot critical situations. On any job, there will be times when everyone will face challenges.

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The skills, education and experiences (i.e. knowledge) enables them to relate with and defuse situations. Performance is the specific actions taken by the project manager. This is when they will lead by example through their behaviors and attitudes. Personal occurs with the project manager understanding issues impacting the people they are working with. They will listen to their challenges and help to solve them. Each one of these areas allows the project manager to address key challenges, lead and work with stakeholders in achieving key objectives. Over the course of time, this will allow them to manage both production cycles. (Kloppenborg, 2011) (Meredith & Mantel, 2012)

Suggest the project management leadership style that is most conducive to overseeing the operation of the business growth plan.

The basic strategy will involve utilizing transformational leadership. This is when executives will enlist the support of employees. These objectives are achieved through treating everyone with a sense of respect and listening to their views. This will encourage employees to see the benefits for themselves by helping the firm reach key benchmarks. (Dvir, 2002)

At the same time, they will feel a sense of motivation with executives bringing them in as a part of the process. Once this happens, is the point everyone can see the benefits of the strategy and will do more to help the organization to be successful. A good example of this can be seen with insights from Dvir (2002) who said, "In a longitudinal, randomized field experiment, we tested the impact of transformational leadership, enhanced by training, on follower development and performance. Experimental group leaders received transformational leadership training, and control group leaders, eclectic leadership training. The sample included 54 military leaders, their 90 direct followers, and 724 indirect followers. Results indicated the leaders in the experimental group had a more positive impact on direct followers' development and on indirect followers' performance than did the leaders in the control group." (Dvir, 2002) This is illustrating how these strategies can be successful in the long-term. All that is required is the flexibility and a willingness to work with employees.

To achieve these objectives requires using different theories incorporated with the transformational leadership style (i.e. Maslow's Theory of Needs, Hertzberg's Theory of Motivation and the Third Drive Theory). Maslow's Theory of needs is focusing deprivation and growth. Deprivation occurs at the lower ends of the spectrum under this model. The most notable include: psychological, social, esteem and self-actualization. Growth takes place when the basic needs are met and the individual wants to have something that will help them to be more fulfilled as a person. Addressing the most basic requirements (i.e. psychological) will lead to the individual wanting to have a sense of accomplishment in their lives. (Bass, 2006)

Hertzberg's Theory of Motivation is concentrating on two areas to include: hygiene and motivation factors. Hygiene is the most basic level of motivating someone by addressing their basic requirements. While motivation, is seeking to have a greater sense of empowerment. This is similar to Maslow's theory by showing, how their basic needs must be met to have greater levels of empowerment. While at the same time, it is different from Maslow's concepts through having more levels to experience in order to have greater fulfillment. (Bass, 2006)

The Third Drive Theory, determined that human beings are motivated to do more when they have a sense of learning without the punishment - reward system in place. This is when they will have better results and complete tasks quicker. Intrinsic motivation is occurring from having a natural desire to learn. Autonomy is the independence to complete these tasks without pressure from others. Mastery is the individual's ability to complete these tasks and take their learning comprehension to another level. Purpose is when the person will feel as if what they are doing counts and is making a difference. (Bass, 2006)

These areas are important, as they are addressing issues which could impact motivation. The basic idea is to remove any kind of resistance. Then, encourage everyone to have greater amounts of empowerment throughout the process. Over the course of time, this will enable the firm to utilize the talent of its employees to create a product which is in demand and offer customers something more. (Bass, 2006)

Recommend at least three (3) risk mitigation strategies to address project plan details that might be forgotten or overlooked. Justify the selection.

The three major risks.....

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