Tuesday, January 28, 2020

Managing change paper III Essay Example for Free

Managing change paper III Essay Managing Change Part III Electronic Arts is one of the leading video game developers within the gaming culture. With development sites located in Canada, Florida, Texas, and Louisiana EA has arguably become the mainstay in the gaming world and should remain competitive within that market for years to come. During this essay members from Team A will discuss the appropriate change model that should be applied to Electronic Arts in regards to incorporating change within the organization. Next, the team will provide a step by step explanation of that model, and which model they selected for this organization. In addition, Team A will develop a communication plan for that change as well as how the three variables apply to EA. At the end of the essay the team will recap what was discussed. A change model is a tool that can be applied to the functioning of an organization. Change models capture the most important features that determine the function of an organization. Models are developed with specificity to an organizations culture. Models are useful in simplifying complex situations and making them more manageable. A model can also help identify areas within the organization that needs more attention (Akin, Dunford, Palmer, 2006). In relation to EA Sports, the most relevant to the current culture is the six-box model developed by Marvin Weisbord. Focus is placed on the relationship among the variables without singling out and concentrating on one individual part but on the entire model. The current culture of EA Sports is conducive to enhancing their employees work environment. Using the first three variables of the six-box model, which are purpose, structure, and rewards can further enhance the capabilities of the company to motivate employees and satisfy customers. These variables, such as the purposes states or defines what business the company is in. EA Sports is a gaming company that manufactures games for video gaming systems, such as Play Station, and Xbox 360. The structure helps to sort out the division of the work among teams to complete projects. EA Sports encourages employees to go big, take risks, and take the initiative to show leadership skills. The rewards variable can assist the company in recognizing what incentives should be given employees for what tasks and the scope of those incentives (EA corporate, 2013). Applying these three variables of the six-box model can help the company improve future operations. The six box model for Electronic Arts is as followed: Communication Change Plan: Six Box Organizational Model Electronic Arts Inc. Organization Planned Change Effort Purpose: Electronic Arts Inc. company communication for a planned change effort, this transition initiative will take place throughout the next six months all employees and departments participation and attention is required and effective dates will be announced in the up and coming future. Audience: All Electronic Arts Inc. employees and departments (corporate officials, managers, supervisors, and associates. Strategy: There is a good reason for this change or transition initiative. In the past years company corporate officials at EA Inc. have been experimenting and testing new processes for the Electronic Arts organization and for its 9,300 plus employees. After years of analysis and experimental studies results show us that a new initiative for the company called the six box organizational model is the most successfully tested model for company implementation. This model has been discussed with company officials, different groups of current associates, and many other managers and supervisors from each of the individual departments. Reasoning: †¢As managers—indeed as members of the Electronic Arts Inc. organization in any capacity—we carry around in our heads our own views as to â€Å"how things work,† â€Å"what causes what,† and so forth, within our organization. In this sense, diagnosis exists whether or not explicit diagnostic models are used (Akin, Dunford, Palmer, 2006). †¢Although these views may not be explicitly stated, as implicit models they still have a powerful capacity to guide how we think about situations that we face in our company, how we talk about those situations, and what we deem to be appropriate courses of action (Akin, Dunford, Palmer, 2006). †¢The apparent option of EA Inc. not using a model is not a real option; the choice is whether EA Inc. should use one that is explicit or one that is implicit. †¢While implicit models may  provide valuable insights based on accumulated experience, they do have limitations. First, they are likely to be based on the limited experience of one or a few employees at EA Inc.; thus, their generalizing ability may be uncertain. Second, because they are implicit, it is difficult for other employees to be aware of the framework/assumptions within which decisions are being made (Akin, Dunford, Palmer, 2006). Blueprint for New Structure of Change Six Box Organizational Model Representation 1.Purposes: What business are we in? The Business of Gaming. 2.Structure: How do we divide up the work? Teamwork through departmental cooperation. 3.Rewards: Do all tasks have incentives? Yes, EA prides itself on employee recognition. 4.Helpful mechanisms: Have we adequate coordinating technologies? The best the world has to offer and while making new progress with new technologies every day. 5.Relationships: How do we manage conflict among people? With technologies? EA Inc. manages conflict from the point of origin EA works with involved parties to insure the best resolution possible for the best of the parties involved and for the overall good of the company. Technological conflict is managed and monitored by our EA company officials working closely with our EA ethics department to insure that our clients and customers are happy with all products and safe from harm thanks to new and current regulations. 6.Leadership: Does someone keep the boxes in balance? This new implementation will have a new system of checks and balancing. This new system will also include positions for auditing which will be pursued through external sources that company officials have compiled. This transition will be modeled by all leadership within the company so no employee should feel left out. Example: EA Inc. recognizes a visual representation of the six box organizational model is as akin to a radar screen: â€Å"Just as air controllers use radar to chart the course of aircraft—height, speed, distance apart and weather—EA Inc. is seeking organizational improvement and must observe relationships among the boxes and not focus on any particular blip. † That is, while one variable might be identified as the department requiring the greatest attention, the systemic effect of any change must be noted (Akin, Dunford, Palmer, 2006). Future Formats: Alongside our visually appealing change plan model, we will, if necessary, employ more direct leadership both internally and externally to assist with any changes. We are very much interested in trying this more grassroots approach first, however, as we believe the outside-the-box qualities it possesses are perfect indicators of current company structure weakness. EA Inc. does not believe or foresee any company mishaps in this mass company endeavor. Closing: This project is a chance to let the EA Inc. organizational employee team and department’s creativity shine! Thinking of low-budget ways to improve company protocol shows leadership and effectiveness from all chain of command within the company. The departments with the best adaptability to the new company initiative will receive bonuses, rewards, and more. Weisbord’s last three variables are helpful mechanisms, relationships, and leadership. EA’s helpful mechanisms, which question their coordinating technologies, are one reason EA is of the leading sports entertainment brands in the world. EA has award winning interactive technology programs and cross-platform digital experiences. EA is an official Sports Technology Partner with Premier League and through this partnership and involvement with official match data; EA has developed unique match study tools to improve the knowledge and viewing experience of fans around the world. In addition, EA can measure player’s input to the success of his or her team using objective measures with an in-depth statistics matrix called Player Performance Index (Barclays Premier League, 2013). Dedicated to striving for excellence in technology, EA has also launched their new Ignite technology. This technological change is to build a code base for games to draw from when they are being developed. This will prevent the repeat of past events by adding specific codes to one of EA’s sports game series, like Madden, and many times that technology did not flow over to other game franchises because the team responsible for that specific game develops the changes to the game. EA will use Ignite technology for four next-generation sports titles, which are FIFA 14, EA Sports UFC, Madden NFL 25, and NBA Live (Dean, 2013). The next variable is relationships, which questions how EA manage conflict among people. As with any organization, EA do not tolerate conflict. If the parties involved cannot peacefully resolve conflict, certain employees are in place to handle any conflict that may arise. At EA, the parties involved determine who will handle the conflict. The first stage will be supervisors or department managers if the employees  are both of lower levels. Afterwards the problem will be the responsibility of human resources if the conflict involves management. It is in the best interest of the company and all parties involved to respond quickly to conflict and try to reach an acceptable solution (Scott, 2013). The management of technological conflict occurs among employees. When someone finds something wrong, this individual will report the problem to proper personnel. The last variable is leadership, which questions does someone keep the boxes in balance. At EA, every position is important to the organization. Regardless if it is the receptionist taking care of the customers or clients, the production coordinator working on a game, management trying to meet deadlines, or executive employees keeping up with the flow of the business; without each employee providing the skills at the highest level of excellence the company will not be what it is today. Therefore, the boxes are kept in place by the dedication of each employee not just one (Electronic Arts, 2008). This essay focused on the gaming company Electronic Arts. During this essay members of Team A provided a six box model to help incorporate any change that may be necessary for EA. The team also explained what a change model is and how it captures the most important features of a company. Next, the team provided an example of how the six box model would work with EA. Before concluding the team discussed Weisbord’s three variables (mechanisms, relationships, and leadership) and how they would fit within this organization. References: Akin, G., Dunford, R. Palmer, I., (2006). Managing organizational change: a multiple perspectives approach, 1e. The McGraw-Hill Companies, Inc. Barclays Premier League. (2013). Retrieved from http://www.premierleague.com/en-gb/commercial/ea-sports.html Dean. (2013). Nextpowerup Beta. Retrieved from http://www.nextpowerup.com/news/2981/eas-ignite-technology-to-improve-every-sports- game.html EA Corporate, (2013): Retrieved from: https://careers.ea.com/teams/corporate/ Electronic Arts. (2008). Retrieved from, http://jobsdev.ea.com/about/roles/role.aspx?id=8 Scott, S. (2013). Chron. Retrieved from http://smallbusiness.chron.com/human-resources-conflict-resolution-10432.html

Monday, January 20, 2020

The Young Goodman Brown Story, An Act of Faith :: Free Essay Writer

In his story "Young Goodman Brown," Hawthorne cleverly projects his attitude about the Puritan religion choosing a Christian love over the Puritan religion in this story of a mans journey to a revival. The name Hawthorne gave to his character is also significant as it implied Goodman Brown was a good man and the color brown meant that he was not perfect nor was he evil. This story highlights Goodman's commitment and faith to his wife's love and Christianity over the Puritan religion ultimately causing him to be subjected to suspicion by the community at a time where witch-hunts subjected the innocent to suffering and death. The story takes place at sunset in a Salem village during a difficult time for religion. Goodman keeps from his wife the details and purpose of his journey. He tells her good bye and makes it obvious he is leaving her behind out of obligation. He intentionally describes his wife's beauty as well as her love and desire for him. He did this to convey the first time he overcame temptation in favor of his religious obligation. His wife Faith reveals her inner desires for him. She attempts to convince him to stay but he externally exhibits his commitment to his religion obligation to make the journey while internally he is unsure about his religious convictions. Goodman reassures his wife of his faith in their relationship and assures her of his return. No doubt Hawthorn meant to show Brown's faith in the couples love for each other and the difficult choice he made to go on his journey. He leaves her behind, which shows that he is leaving sin behind because he resisted the temptation to s tay due to his obligation to go. "Dearest heart, " whispered she, softly and rather sadly, when her lips were close to his ear, "pr'ythee, put off your journey until sunrise, and sleep in your own bed tonight. A lone woman is troubled with such dreams and such thoughts, that she's afeard of herself, sometimes. Pray, tarry with me this night, dear husband, of all nights in the year! " "My love and my Faith, " replied young Goodman Brown, "of all nights in the year, this one night must I tarry away from thee. My journey, as thou callest it, forth and back again, must needs be done 'twixt now and sunrise. As a result, Goodman and his wife were fulfilling their obligations and obedience to each other.

Sunday, January 12, 2020

Americans Are Wasteful People

Americans are wasteful people How much do Americans waste? What a good question. Americans generate 30% of the world’s garbage. Americans waste many different things over 10 years. However, the government is taking measures to fix the problem, and Americans are contributing to reduce this problem. The wastefulness of the population is a major problem in USA. A wasteful person is one who is inclined to waste. Thus, recycling is not part of their daily routine. A wasteful person is characterized by useless consumption.Americans have become increasingly wasteful since mid-1990s. In the 1990s, the American population was wasting significantly high amounts of several goods, and no one was recycling. In 1990, less than 2% of America total waste was recycled. Americans were annually wasting 130 million dollars of energy and 165 million dollars of food. In addition, each American wasted an average of 2. 3 million liters of water per year. The most dangerous items wasted by America are : water, paper, energy, glass, food and plastic.For example, by not turning off the water while showering, Americans wasted 130 million dollars of energy and over 2 million liters of water. Americans often left their lights on when not needed. Trees were being unnecessarily destroyed to produce paper because only about one third of the paper produced was being recycled, and only to 37% of glass and 7% of plastic were recycled. Thus, resources were wasted unnecessarily. America started facing this big problem. Of course, the government wanted to reverse the problem and implemented measures.These measures were implemented to promote everyone to recycle. Recyclable trash receptacles were put all over the cities. TV and posters advertisements were made to encourage everyone to recycle. Investments in the recycle industry increased. Resources that were not recyclable were used to produce final goods and were replaced with recyclable goods. For instance, pickles used to be sold in jars; h owever, now there are sold in plastic jars. Other measures are going to be implemented; however, the ones already implemented are solving the problem.As Americans started to see these measures being implemented, they were really encouraged. Americans started to be less wasteful. Home-recycling increased, and energy consumption decreased. For instance, those unnecessary lights were turned off. Useless water consumption decreased, so Americans had water running only when needed. Although many actions are needed, 77% of all Americans are now recycling. The government measures were successful, and certainly waste will decrease as time goes by. The environment is clearly better. Americans are wasteful people, however they are wasting less.

Saturday, January 4, 2020

Bilateral Symmetry Definition

Bilateral symmetry is a body plan in which the body can be divided into mirror images along a central axis. In this article, you can learn more about symmetry, advantages of bilateral symmetry and examples of marine life that exhibit bilateral symmetry. What Is Symmetry? Symmetry is the arrangement of shapes or body parts so that they are equal on each side of a dividing line. In an animal, this describes the way its body parts are arranged around a central axis.   There are several types of symmetry found in marine organisms. The two main types are bilateral symmetry and radial symmetry, but organisms may also exhibit pentaradial symmetry or biradial symmetry.  Some organisms are asymmetrical. Sponges are the only asymmetrical marine animal. Definition of Bilateral Symmetry Bilateral symmetry is the arrangement of body parts into left and right halves on either side of a central axis. When an organism is bilaterally symmetrical, you can draw an imaginary line (this is called the sagittal plane) from the tip of its snout to the tip of its back end, and on either side of this line would be halves that are mirror images of each other. In a bilaterally symmetrical organism, only one plane can divide the organism into mirror images. This can also be called left/right symmetry. The right and left halves arent exactly the same. For example, the right flipper of a whale may be a little larger or differently shaped than the left flipper.   Many animals, including humans, exhibit bilateral symmetry. For example, the fact that we have an eye, arm, and leg in about the same place on each side of our bodies makes us bilaterally symmetrical. Bilateral Symmetry Etymology The term bilateral can be traced to the Latin bis (two) and latus (side). The word symmetry comes from the Greek words syn (together) and metron (meter). Characteristics of Animals That Are Bilaterally Symmetrical Animals that exhibit bilateral symmetry typically have head and tail (anterior and posterior) regions, a top and a bottom (dorsal and ventral) and left and right sides. Most have a complex brain that is located in the head, which is part of a well-developed nervous system and may even have right and left sides. They also usually have eyes and a mouth located in this region. In addition to having a more developed nervous system, bilaterally symmetrical animals can move more quickly than animals with other body plans. This bilaterally symmetrical body plan may have evolved to help animals better find food or escape predators.  Also, having a head and tail region means that waste is eliminated in a different region from where food is eaten - definitely a perk for us!   Animals with bilateral symmetry also have better eyesight and hearing than those with radial symmetry. Examples of Bilateral Symmetry Humans and many other animals exhibit bilateral symmetry. In the ocean world, most marine creatures, including all vertebrates and some invertebrates exhibit bilateral symmetry. Following are examples of marine life profiled on this site that exhibit bilateral symmetry: Marine MammalsSea TurtlesFishLobstersCephalopodsNudibranchsEchinoderms - although they have  pentaradial  (5-sided) symmetry as adults, echinoderm larvae are bilaterally symmetrical. References and Further Information Morrissey, J.F. and J.L. Sumich. 2012. Introduction to the Biology of Marine Life (10th Edition). Jones Bartlett Learning. 467pp.Natural History Museum. Bilateral Symmetry. Accessed June 16, 2015.Prosser, W. A. M. 2012. Animal Body Plans and Movement: Symmetry in Action. Decoded Science. Accessed February 28, 2016.University of California Museum of Paleontology. Bilateral (left/right) Symmetry. Understanding Evolution. Accessed February 28, 2016.