Part 1 – Skills to Successfully Tackle Problems
The modern work place has numerous set of problems, issues as well as varied challenges. In this context, decision making and effective management warrants critical mind set and logical tools to identify, understand, and resolve the issues being faced and make suitable decisions. It has to be also noted that there cannot be a one size fits all framework or guideline that can be applied across industries, work place or as universal solution. Each and every circumstance and situation are unique and focussed assessment of the same forms a crucial basis to address the relevant challenges and proceed with reliable decision making.
In this context, the objective of this report is present a critical analysis of an hypothetical situation where in the author of this report has completed certification in HE skills and is at present employed at a manufacturing unit of Daimler Trucks North America (“Daimler Trucks NA”) that focuses on manufacturing buses, trucks and various vehicle parts.
Problem Definition
In essence, simple problems refer to problems that relate to activities that have a well-defined processes, action steps and expected outcomes and any issues / challenges mostly arise from not following these predefined processes, action steps and procedures, any external influences on these, etc. In contrast to these, a complex problem relates to the activities wherein there are no well-defined processes, action steps and expected outcomes and in addition even if a successful outcome can be derived in one undertaking, the same can never be replicated just on account of having it implemented earlier (Frensch and Funke 2014; Larson 2012; Whimbey et al. 2013).
The stages of problem solving at the outset comprise the following – (i) recognising as well as defining said problem prior to any of the action could be possibly undertaken for solving the said problem as one needs to essentially recognise such a problem actually exists. This process for definition varied amongst closed and that of an open ended problem. In case of closed problems one shall be required to define each of the circumstances which actually surround the observed deviation as against the norm. At times the same shall offer strong clues for the ultimate cause of said problem, (ii) finding all possible solutions is the next step and closed problems in general possess one or else limited amount of solutions that are possible, whilst the problems which are open-ended often could be solved with increased number of approaches. The solution that is most effective for the problem that is open-ended are found through selection of the best forms across wider ranges of relevant possibilities. The finding of solutions essentially involve the analysis of problems in ensuring that one shall completely understand the same and later the constructing of courses for action that shall attain the objectives, (iii) Choosing best solution represents the stage over which one shall evaluate possible set of solutions as well as select one which shall be highly effective for solving related problems. It represents the process for making the decisions on the basis of the comparisons involving potential outcomes with alternative set of solutions. The same involves identification of all of the relevant features for the ideal solution, encompassing the various constraints the same is required in meeting for eliminating the solutions that fail to meet the overall constraints evaluating solutions which are remaining as against the outcomes which are required to assess the various risks affiliated with a solution that is best suited for decision making and for implementing the solution, and, (iv) Implementation of the solution
Critical Thinking
shall involve three different stages, that is, planning / preparing for implementing the said solution undertaking the suitable actions as well as monitoring the ensuing effects, reviewing of ultimate successes concerning the actions, and, implementation of the said solution representing a culmination over all of the efforts as well as requiring highly careful planning. This planning essentially describes overall sequences in terms of the actions that are required for attaining the objectives, overall timescale as well as resources which are required across each stage. The ways for minimising these risks involved as well as the prevention of the mistakes need to be suitably devised as well as built within the overall plan. The varied details over what needs to be undertaken in case things end up wrong shall in addition be included (Frensch and Funke 2014; Larson 2012; Whimbey et al. 2013).
In case of the specific case and the organization identified, the simple problem shall be a case where the production process which is repetitive and well-defined with expected outcomes goes wring due to employee negligence. A complex problem will be the research and development activity to design trucks that have lesser carbon emissions.
Critical thinking encompasses the application of the range of skills which are interconnected for analysing, integrating creatively, as well as evaluating what one reads / hears. For the purposes of becoming effective critical thinker one needs to have the ability for deciding if the opinions of an author are either true or else false, if the said person has defended adequately these various ideas, if certain set of recommendations could be practical, in addition to whether these specific solutions could be fully effective. Critical thinking encompasses specific dispositions (Paul and Elder 2013; Mulnix 2012; Bowell and Kemp 2014). This disposition refers to the tendency for acting or else thinking in the specific manner. Reviewing of a range these dispositions form a key characteristic amongst any critical thinker. For the purpose of learning the ways by which once could think in a critical manner, there is a requirement for learning skills which are built over one other. Solely by way of concentrating on as well as practicing these various basic skills could one could gain mastery over critical thinking. The list of three set of basic level characteristics in terms of skills required for thinking them critically include, (i) they shall be interconnected, (ii) they build over one other, and, (iii) they shall be goal-oriented within that one could apply constantly these towards the situations across everyday life. Critical thinking encompasses the utilization of the form of thinking referred as reasoning, over which once could construct and / or undertake evaluation of the reasons for supporting varied beliefs. In addition, critical thinking involves reflection, that is, an examination as well as evaluation concerning one own as well as others’ ideas / thoughts (Paul and Elder 2013; Mulnix 2012; Bowell and Kemp 2014). Lastly critical thinking can be essentially practical. The actions shall be highly rational in case they shall be based over the beliefs which one takes for being justified. Then critical thinking is a careful as well as deliberate form of determination over whether one should reject / suspend / accept the judgement concerning the truth pertaining to claims or the recommendations for acting in the specific manner.
The analysis of the keys steps underlying critical thinking are as follows,
- Step #1: Knowledge: With respect to critical thinking, basic level for acquisition of the knowledge shall require that one needs to have the ability for identifying what can be said – relevant topic, specific issue, underlying thesis, as well as key set of points (Paul and Elder 2013; Mulnix 2012; Bowell and Kemp 2014).
- Step #2: Comprehension: Comprehension refers to understanding over the material being read, seen or else heard. By way of comprehending, one shall make newer set of knowledge which you has acquired on own by way of relating the same with what one actually knows already. The better one can be involved to the said information; better can be the comprehension of the same. In all instances, primary testing over whether you has comprehended certain thing holds whether one could put what one has read or else heard in one’s own words. The reviewing of specific key words which aid one in identifying when the comprehension shall be called for. It is important to consider that comprehending certain thing shall imply that one could go over just merely parroting relevant materials back and instead one could offer the materials of one’s own significance (Paul and Elder 2013; Mulnix 2012; Bowell and Kemp 2014).
- Step #3: Application: Application shall requires that one knows what one has actually seen, heard or else read which one can comprehend it, as well as which one can carry out certain tasks for apply what one comprehends to the actual situation. The reviewing of certain tasks which require the application is essential (Paul and Elder 2013; Mulnix 2012; Bowell and Kemp 2014).
- Step #4: Analysis: Analysis comprises breaking down what one hears or else reads to the component parts, for the purposes of making it clear how relevant ideas can be connected, related, or else ordered with respect to other set of ideas. Essentially analysis deals both with the content as well as form. Reviewing how the critical thinkers shall analyse form as well as how the critical thinkers analyse the content becomes essential (Paul and Elder 2013; Mulnix 2012; Bowell and Kemp 2014).
- Step #5: Synthesis: Synthesis encompasses the overall ability for putting together various parts one has analysed amongst other set of information for creating something that is original. The review of certain key words which aid one to identify when the synthesis can be called for (Paul and Elder 2013; Mulnix 2012; Bowell and Kemp 2014).
- Step #6: Evaluation: Essentially evaluation takes places once one has fully understood / analysed what are being written / said as well as reasons which are offered for supporting the same. Later one could appraise the said information for the purposes of deciding whether one could withhold or offer belief, as well as whether if one can take any specific action (Paul and Elder 2013; Mulnix 2012; Bowell and Kemp 2014).
Key Influencing Factors
As described earlier the organization identified is Daimler Trucks NA and the critical set of influencing factors across the PEST framework include the following,
- Political
The company is based in United States and has manufacturing units across the country. The recent elections in United States have brought in President Trump with political beliefs and policy direction that is way different from the earlier government (Kew and Stredwick 2017; Aguiar-Conraria et al. 2017). The current governmental policies favour companies that setup their production facilities locally at United States and pay their taxes here. Daimler Trucks NA despite being owned by German parent company has significant business presence in United States (Kew and Stredwick 2017; Aguiar-Conraria et al. 2017). This policy change from new government will not affect Daimler Trucks NA.
- Economic
The economy of United States underwent significant recession starting from the global financial crisis in the year 2007 / 08 and since then the American economy has rebounded significantly (Kew and Stredwick 2017; Bîrsan et al. 2016). The GDP levels have increased, unemployment levels reduced and overall commerce has increased (Kew and Stredwick 2017; Bîrsan et al. 2016). These outcomes are favourable to the company as rebounding economy indicates increased purchasing power amongst the customer base.
- Social
The American demography is unlike the various Asian economies of significance like China and India that are characterized by a young population at an average level, booming middle class and wide / varied demography (Cobb and Stevens 2017; Storey 2016). American demography has far more matured with less growth potential among its demography and more skewed to the population that is much older (Cobb and Stevens 2017; Storey 2016). Hence from a long term business perspective, the same indicates a not so good scenario for the company.
- Technological
The vehicle and automobile industry is characterised by competitive advantages that are focussed on technological advancements and innovations (Hildebrandt et al. 2015; Wesseling et al. 2015). In this context, the collective strength of the Daimler Trucks NA’s parent group with global research and development team with proven success and superior technology offers critical advantages to the company.
In the recent monthly review undertaken for external factors affecting the company, a thorough and comprehensive analysis was undertaken. The key points identified indicate largely a beneficial picture for the company though there is certain concern which may require the company to seek focus on markets outside United States in the longer term. The summary of the findings are presented below,
- The current governmental policies favour companies that setup their production facilities locally at United States and pay their taxes here. This policy change from new government will not affect Daimler Trucks NA.
- The current macroeconomic situation is favourable to the company as rebounding economy indicates increased purchasing power amongst the customer base.
- American demography has far more matured with less growth potential among its demography and more skewed to the population that is much older. Hence from a long term business perspective, the same indicates a not so good scenario for the company.
- The collective strength of the Daimler Trucks NA’s parent group with global research and development team with proven success and superior technology offers critical advantages to the company.
Employee behaviour refers to specific manner by which employees shall respond towards specific situations or else circumstances within any workplace (Yao et al. 2014; Mowday et al. 2013). Whilst many of the elements determine the behaviour of an individual within a workplace, the employees shall be shaped by way of their respective culture as well as organizational culture. The corporate as well as the personal culture impacts the way employees shall communicate / interact amongst one other and to management (Yao et al. 2014; Mowday et al. 2013). In addition, the beliefs of employees shall affect their ethics as well as overall ethical responsibility.
Part 3 – Working with Others and Understanding Employees Behaviour
The two main forms of employee behaviours include the following – (i) Task Performers: These individuals shall be aware of the key set of responsibility domains as well as what they shall be supposed to be doing at their workplace. Each of the individual are required in having some of the objectives in their life. The task performers shall set the targets for themself as well as strive harder for accomplishing the tasks on or before the time frame stipulated (Yao et al. 2014; Mowday et al. 2013), and (ii) Counter-productive Work Behaviour: Individuals who illustrate counter-productive work behaviour possess the tendency for harming their respective organization. These individuals not just speak ill about their respective organization but in addition abuse their fellow workers. They shall be most often embroiled with objectionable activities as well as doing tasks that are unproductive spoiling the overall work culture (Yao et al. 2014; Mowday et al. 2013).
The various set of forces that shall influence the employee behaviour include,
- Positive environments: An internal and critical force which influences the employee behaviour refers to actions of their colleagues. Organizations which can build effectively the internal culture which is based over mutual respect, support, and, teamwork shall attract / retain the employees in terms of good behaviour (Sathyapriya et al. 2012; Ariani 2013).
- Technology: Technologies represent significant form of factor which can lead to both disruptive as well as positive influences over the employee behaviour. Whilst technology most often aid the streamlining of processes as well as make work to become easier towards employees, learning the use of newer technology whilst continuing to productive may be stressful (Sathyapriya et al. 2012; Ariani 2013).
- Customer demands: The external force of customer demands can exert pressure over the organizations for continually staying ahead over the broader competitive curve. Employees need to adapt towards needs of the customers which are always changing, growing shrewdness amongst the customers, as well as heightened levels of expectations which customers shall put on the employee behaviour (Sathyapriya et al. 2012; Ariani 2013).
At the outset, Information Technology (“IT”) and ICT have played significant roles across various elements of any business across any industry in terms of productivity enhancement, process efficiency, innovation, enhancement of research and development, etc. (Buckl et al. 2012; Mültin et al. 2012). In specific, the role of IT and ICT in vehicle and automobile industry has proven to be a game changer across varied domains like marketing, day to day operations, human productivity, technological advancement, innovation, etc. In this context, Daimler Trucks NA has illustrated a wide and varied application of IT and ICT across every facet of its operations, functions and domains both internal as well as external across the overall organization. The same has armed the company with significant assets and capabilities for retaining its competitive edge and continue a significant market position and product superiority.
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