The Integrative Case Project
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BACKGROUND
The case for this course is a little different from most classes, because it is an ongoing case analysis, and we call it the Integrative Case Project.
In this Module, Case 1 is about understanding OD models and applying them to a specific organization. In Case 2 and Case 3, you will use one specific OD model to analyze the Inputs and Outputs of a specific organization. In Case 4, you will use another model to analyze the Throughputs of a specific organization. And in Case 5, you will use OST and Feedback Loops to analyze the potential learning situations in a specific organization. By the time you are finished, you should have a very complete and integrated analysis of your organization.
You will analyze one organization throughout the course, applying different models to assemble an organizational diagnosis. The organization will be Industrial Services of America, Inc, identified as a leading company in Forbesâ?? 2010 Best Small Companies.
REQUIRED READING:
Refer to the assigned and optional readings in the background for this module.
Review Case Analysis since it is so important in this final course. The purpose of a Case is to show that you have thought critically about the subject matter that you are learning AND to make an argument for a Claim about the specific situation in the Case assignment. Stephen Toulmin has developed an Argument Methodology that is very useful in Making a Case. To review Case Analysis and Toulmin's Argument Methodology, go to Making a Case page.
CASE 1 ASSIGNMENT:
Make a Case for which OD model you think is the best for doing an OD analysis for Industrial Services of America, Inc. based on several current issues the company is facing. You must identify these current issues through your own independent research about Industrial Services of America, Inc. There are several parts to this assignment.
KEYS TO THE ASSIGNMENT:
As the warrant for your case, explain the purpose and the value of conducting an OD diagnosis.
Then briefly evaluate each of the models presented in the background reading by Falletta. Omit Falletta's Org Intel model. Do NOT merely describe the models. You need to infer and comment on their strengths and weaknesses, and specifically indicate what type of organizational problem or functional area would benefit from an analysis using each model. This too will add to the warrant for your Case.
Now, Make a Case. Once you have discussed each of the eleven models, their strengths and weaknesses, and how they could best be applied, identify the model that you would choose for use in your analysis of the chosen company. First, introduce the company and describe its products/services. Then clearly explain the issues you are most concerned about. Then explain why your selection would be the best choice. You may want to find more data/information about the chosen model to make a stronger case with more backing.
ASSIGNMENT EXPECTATIONS
Your paper will be evaluated on the following seven (7) points:
Precision - Does the paper address the question(s) or task(s)?
Breadth - Is the full breadth of the subject, i.e., all the keys to the assignment, addressed?
Depth - Does the paper address all elements of the topic in sufficient depth? Does it include and apply the background readings and other background resources? Are they included as references?
Critical thinking â?" Are the concepts of this module applied accurately, logically, and relevantly?
Organization - Is the paper organized in a coherent and systematic manner? Are headings included in all papers greater than 2 pages?
Clarity - Is the writing clear and the concepts articulated properly? Are paraphrasing and synthesis of concepts the primary means of response to the questions, or are thoughts conveyed through excessive use of quotations?
Referencing (citations and references) - Does the paper use citations and quotation marks where appropriate? Are all references listed in the bibliography used and referred to via citation?
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Solution Summary
This solution looks into an an ongoing case analysis, called the Integrative Case Project. It gives insight into understanding OD models and applying them to a specific organization.
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Business review: Industrial Services of America Inc
Purpose of the OD Models:
The main aim of the Organization development while conducting an analysis involves boosting an organization's results, other than individual levels and groups. The performance and organizational development should be increased which involves the act of encompassing plan-change intervention which have their basis upon humanistic democratic values which aims at improving the effectiveness of an organization and the well being of an employee. There are several different models which are used in organizational development intervention's management such as the Burke's seven phase model. This model includes entry activities, diagnosis, contracting, planning, feedback, changing, intervention and the evaluation phases (HR. Intelligence report 2008).
While conducting organizational diagnosis, there are several models which may be employed however, the most appropriate tools and models should be used in conducting the organizational assessment and diagnosis just as suggested by literature.
The various organizational models may be used for different purposes despite the fact that the organizational model assists in promoting a proper understanding and a clearer understanding of the organization being analyzed. The four main purpose of the model involves enhancing a proper understanding of how an organization behaves, forming categories of the available data about an organization, interpreting an organization's data, and providing a common short hand language (Bezboruah 2008).
The Organizational Diagnostic Models:
Force Field Analysis:
There are 12 major OD Models which may be employed during organizational analysis, with the Force Field Analysis being the first one to be developed in the year 1951. This model is easy to understand and visualize which one of its strengths. It involves identifying an organization's push and pull factors which rise from the organization's environmental factors such as the factor of limited resources in an organization which act as an organization's barriers to change. This model has a goal of intentionally moving to an equilibrium state which is desirable. The model assists in identifying and understanding the problem within an organization (HR. Intelligence report 2008).
Leavitt's Model:
This is also a simple model which has the strength of specifying an organization's variables ...
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