Troubled Project at Modern Materials Inc. Essay

What would you advise MMI Management to do? Why? What should MMI have done differently?

            In this case, the organization is faced a number of problems associated with the automation of the key business processes. These problems can be solved through the enhancement of customer service operations due to certain improvements in the area of supply chain management. I would recommend improving the supply chain management system of the MMI in order to deal with the issues like “overcapacity, foreign competition, and a depressed manufacturing economy putting intense pressure on profit” (Brown et al. 498). Besides, it would be useful to clarify business objectives for the new SCMS in order to avoid inefficiencies in the completion of the assigned tasks.

            I believe that it would be a wrong decision to change leadership when the project is close to its final stage. The project is crucial to the organization as it helps to achieve the key strategic goals and helps the MMI to gain a competitive advantage in the industry. Leach should continue being a leader of the project in order to provide control over the supply chain management system. Moreover, the recommendation to MMI management regarding the enhancement of the supply management system is based on the key findings provided by Carol Young, a highly qualified project manager.  It is very important to make radical changes in the SCMS to ensure that new processes are successful and easy to implement.

            Actually, MMI should have done its work organization differently in order to address the challenges caused by the inefficiencies of the system. In fact, the SCMS development effort implemented by Leach could have had a strong impact on the SCM processes. The reduction of the workforce by 8% was an improper decision because it affected the organization’s reputation. If there was no reduction in the workforce, a number of problems could have been eliminated. As a result, the project could have been completed based on a schedule. There is much evidence that increased customer satisfaction is the result of effective management and leadership practices. Hence, MMI should have selected a more efficient approach to its project implementation.

Works Cited

            Brown, Carol V., DeHayes, Daniel W., Hoffer, Jeffrey A. et al. Managing Information Technology. Prentice-Hall. 2002. Print.