Identify and explain three possible solutions.

Purpose

To explore strategic management issues through the lens of culture and satire.

Instructions

1. Research Dilbert or the Office if you are not familiar with them. Know the characters.
2. Review a Dilbert comic (from those provided) or an episode from the TV series The Office that concerns a strategic or management issue.
3. Research possible solutions to the issue presented.
4. Research how to do a value stream map (https://sixsigmadsi.com/value-stream-map/).
5. Prepare the required analysis.

Analysis

1. Provide a brief summary of the strip/episode and the characters involved. If you are not familiar with the characters, do some research on Dilbert or the Office.
2. What are the management or strategic issues presented in the strip or episode?
3. Research  six sources on dealing with the issue presented. Three sources are to be from the textbook and three from external research.
4. Discuss each source (at least one substantive paragraph per source). Apply the source to the issue under consideration.
5. Discuss how the issue impacts the overall strategic success of Dilbert’s company or the Dunder Mifflin Paper Company (the company in the Office).
6. Present and explain three possible solutions to the issue presented. Be bold and creative (but realistic). The solutions should be game changers and impact the organization as a whole.  A few pointers. Do not present a tool as a solution (e.g. a SWOT or PESTLE analysis or using the AFI framework). Do not present a solution that only impacts one person (e.g. sending the Pointy Hair Boss or Michael to management training). Do not propose firing the PHB or Michael. Move beyond solutions you might have offered in your earlier CMR courses. Think high level and strategically.
7. What are the pros and cons of each solution?
8. Decide on one of the proposed solutions and explain your recommendation.
9. Identify and explain three actions steps to implement your recommendation.
10. Prepare a Value Stream Map of your work on the project. What parts of your process created value?
11. Conclude with an exploration of what you have learned from the exercise.

Deliverables

Report: Prepare a report that details your experiences and analysis.

Structure

Introduction

1. Information about Strip (include) or Episode (identify episode)
2. Issues presented in strip or episode
3. Analysis
   • Explore research from three references from the textbook and how the research relates to the issue presented (at least one substantive paragraph per source).
   • Explore research from three external sources and how the research relates to the issue presented (at least one substantive paragraph per source).
4. Solution
5. • Identify and explain three possible solutions.
   • Identify and explain your recommended solution.
   • Identify and explain three actions steps to implement a solution.
6. Value Stream Map
7. Conclusion – what you are taking away from the exercise?
8. References – what sources did you use? Use APA formatting (see Resources on Module Page).