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Burke-Litwin Throughput Model- National Presto Industries

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Identify key transformation or throughput processes and look at the relationships between them. To do this draw on the Burke-Litwin Causal Model. Read the article referenced on the background information page.

The Burke-Litwin is a complicated model and is, perhaps, too big for an analysis of this size. For this reason, limit analysis to those transactional variables identified in the article.

The seven transactional variables are:

? Structure (Burke-Litwin describes structure as the arrangement of the functions, people responsibilities, authorities, communication and interactions in a way that supports the organization's mission, goals and strategy. Identify the organizational structure of National Presto Industries, Inc., and comment on how well it fits - or not - with its strategy, as described in module 2. Be sure to specify the structure by type: matrix, team based, functional or product departmentalization, organic/mechanistic, etc.)
? Tasks and Skills (Unique or core competencies)
? Management practices (e.g. participative or centralized decision making)
? Systems and Policies (information systems, financial, marketing, production, human resources, etc.)
? Work unit climate
? Motivation
? Individual needs and goals

Research National Presto Industries, Inc. on its throughput variables. This may take some digging, since companies do not usually provide this inside information liberally. You may have to make some inferences.

REQUIRED READING:
Burke, W.W. & Litwin, G.H. (1992) A causal model of organizational performance and change. Journal of Management, 18(3), 523-545. Source: ABI/INFORM Database through the TUI Library.

ASSIGNMENT:
Make a Case that the amount of Motivation in the chosen company has a direct effect on the Performance. In order to make this case, you need to generate some backing evidence and data.

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Solution Summary

Uses a case study of National Presto Industries (NPI) to illustrate Burke-Litwin's organizational diagnostic model. Includes a discussion of each of the seven transactional variables of the B-L model, and applies them specifically to NPI. Makes a case toward motivation effect on organizational performance. 1,300 words in 6-page APA format with references.

Solution Preview

I've done some background research on National Presto Industries and organized it along the lines of the Burke/Litwin article. See attached for better formatted solution.

Introduction

Organizational performance and change are essential for any business if it is to remain sustainable and at the top of its industry. Warner Burke and George Litwin developed a model that shows various causal relations that influence an organization's performance and change processes. This paper focuses on National Presto Industries-and specifically the throughput of NPI- through the lens of the Burke-Litwin Model.

National Presto industries (NPI), Inc is a company based in Eau Claire, Wisconsin and founded in 1905, (National Presto Industries, nd). It deals in the production, distribution and sale of household appliances, absorbent products and defense products. Its houseware/small appliance segment designs, produces and distributes home electrical appliances and housewares including cookers, griddles, fryers, electric heaters, slicers and shredders, pizza ovens, waffle makers, corn poppers, shoe polishers, coffeemakers, microwaves and timers, (Market Watch, 2011). It sells these products either through independent distributors or directly to customers in the U.S and Canada. The defense products segment produces electromechanical and precision mechanical products and ammunitions for the United States Department of defense or other contractors working for the department. The absorbent products segment produces and sells "private label adult incontinence products and diapers" selling them to other absorbent product producers or distributors (Yahoo Finance, 2011).

Organizational structure at National Presto Industries

NPI leadership has the enterprise organized primarily along parallel lines of its three operational segments. These segments are subsequently divided into functional departments: accounting, research and development, marketing, and most importantly, production, (National Presto Industries, 2010). This organizational structure serves the overall strategy of price point leadership well-as it offers opportunities for innovation and efficiency improvements along various levels of authority.
Corporate authority-as with all successful business enterprises-begins at the top with the board of directors. The board sets corporate strategy and a general roadmap for development, then cedes its authority to the chief executive officer-Mary Jo Cohen, (National Presto Industries, 2010). Ms. Cohen then delegates much of ...

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