Emma hiring a professional consultant - Essay Example

1. In addition to the HR or process interventions discussed in the previous module, what types of technical or structural changes may be appropriate for ESP? Some of the most important technical or structural changes needed for ESP are adoption of an evaluation system in tandem with the institutionalization of change. Here, the evaluation system enables data analysis and comparison to previous data as the change becomes part of the organization. This is also important, according to Borkowski (2011), if the members of the organization begin to adopt the change strategy and take ownership for its success. (p. 365) This strategy also allows for the seamless integration of learning-oriented interventions and management interventions as the organization establish the wider “change” organizational culture.

And, again, instead of expansion by opening more stores or introduce franchising alternative, Emma could build an e-commerce infrastructure, acquire a point of sale system (POS) that would integrate all aspects of the business - from sourcing, stocking, to sales – among other strategies that integrate technology to the organization’s business operations. Developing computer/technological solutions could address issues of ergonomics, challenges in data access, communication, customer service, speed and cost constraints, among many other dimensions.2. What kinds of questions should Emma prepare for Dr. Lipscomb? Give at least three examples.

 There are a number of questions that Emma could ask Dr. Lipscomb. Three of these follows: 1) Is small business preferable than expanding it to a medium sized one in the context of Emma’s capability, skills, goals and interests; Would it be more profitable, considering the previous variable?; 2) What are the risks and variables that would threaten the business both in the short term and long-term; and, 3) What is the best model to be adopted in order to efficiently run the organization?3. What kinds of questions should Dr.

Lipscomb prepare for Emma? Give at least three examples.  The most important information that Dr. Lipscomb should identify is the owner’s preferences, personality and goals. So the first questions should be about these so that he could tailor the solution and strategy he would be able to develop for the small organization. Other questions should attempt to determine Emma’s willingness to change her perspective, lifestyle even some of her objectives in order for the organization to grow. For example, Is Emma willing to delegate the responsibility of immediate day-to-day problems so that she could concentrate on the wider and long-term issues; or, is she willing to sacrifice more of her time so she could focus on running her business.4. Assume Emma decides to hire Dr.

Lipscomb as a consultant. What would be the next steps for Dr. Lipscomb? The very first step that Dr. Lipscomb must undertake once hired was to gather comprehensive information in regard to the business. Dr. Lipscomb would only be able to draft a strategy/plan and business model(s) to go with it if he understands the marketplace. And so he needs to know about: 1) market information; and, 2) marketing information. The former is fundamentally concerned with existing and potential customers, trends in the market as well as the demography and dynamics of the competition.

The latter, on the other hand, is about those factors which can change the existing position of customers and competitors and that it seeks to find out what will influence customers in their decision-making process. (Stokes and Wilson 2006, p. 142)ReferencesBorkowski, N. (2011). Organizational Behavior in Health Care. Sudbury, MA: Jones and Bartlett Publishers.Stokes, D. and Wilson, N. (2006). Small business management and entrepreneurship. 5th ed. London: Thomson Learning.