Dexter Lee's Blog

Post #4 Class Learning – Fishbone & 2×2

Post author By Dexter Lee
Post date September 27, 2010
No Comments on Post #4 Class Learning – Fishbone & 2×2

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We learnt about 2 methods that helped us analyze problems and using this analysis, we would be able to come to a decision. These methods are: The Fishbone and the 2×2 diagram

The Fishbone

This form of analysis takes every little detail apart so that the person reading this diagram will be able to see what the cause of the problem is (bone) and the problem itself (head). For example, in the diagram (above left), there’s a bone labeled cost. We can further elaborate the cost, in terms of fixed costs, variable costs, sunk costs, and using these we can further branch out to labour costs and whether labour costs affects the problem.

2×2

This method is pretty much self-explanatory. The person using the diagram would need to sort the problems into each quadrant. This would allow the person reading the diagram to see the importance of the problems.

In my opinion, both methods lead to great analysis, but they have their differences. Simply speaking, the fishbone is a more detailed presentation that requires a lot of time to read. The 2×2 diagram is more simple if you just want to pinpoint the most urgent and important problems.

Word Count: 198

-dex

Cases

Post 3# Competition – Lieber Light & Vancouver Light

Post author By Dexter Lee
Post date September 27, 2010
No Comments on Post 3# Competition – Lieber Light & Vancouver Light

The case we discussed in class was based on two skylight companies, Lieber Light & Vancouver Light.

Lieber Light had 70% of the skylight market share. However, as Lieber failed to supply skylights to Canada, Vancouver Light was founded. Vancouver Light was able to manufacture skylights at a lower cost, and hence sell their products at a cheaper price. This decrease in price resulted in many of Lieber’s customers turning to Vancouver. However, the factor of customer loyalty helped Lieber, as some clients stayed with Lieber even with the higher priced skylights.

Here’s an extract from the case. What this shows is that some decisions are made based on emotions, and these decisions could harm the company. If Carney didn’t step in to interfere with the decision, and Chu’s decision was carried out, Lieber could lose a lot of revenue and that could lead to a loss in profit.

“Tamara Chu was becoming quite heated about Vancouver Light by this time. “Let’s cut the price a further 10% to $130 and drive those Canadians right out of the market! That Jennifer McLaren started with those big builders and now she’s after the whole market. We’ll show her what competition really is!”

But Carney was shocked: “You mean we’ll drive her and us out of business at the same time! We’ll both lose money on every unit we sell. What has our sales force been doing all these years if not building customer loyalty for our product?”

Word Count: 245

-dex

Business Ethics In-class Assignment

Post #2 Ethics – Mott’s

In today’s Comm101 class, we were given a group assignment to do in-class. The assignment had to do with whether or not Mott’s management should try to get workers to accept lower wages. The context of the problem is that Mott’s is earning record profits and still wants to cut its labor costs.

In a group, we came to a decision that Mott’s management should NOT try to get workers to accept lower wages. This is because the workers are the people who are making the products which is the reason behind Mott’s record profits. Instead of lower wages, they should be offering them a bonus instead! Another point is that by trying to force the workers to accept lower wages, they are decreasing the employees’ incentive of working harder, which as stated in the Shareholder Theory, will lead to a declining business.

Word Count: 145

-dex

Business Ethics

Post #1 Business Ethics

Article Title: Freight Hauling Company Settles Discrimination Suit for $10 Million
Source: Chicago Tribune
Link: http://www.chicagotribune.com/business/ct-biz-0916-race-discrimination-lawsu20100915,0,910722.story

African American employees of Roadway Express and YRC Inc. have been discriminated against due to their race. Complaints include how the African American workers were “subjected to harsher discipline and scrutiny than their white counterparts” and “given more difficult and time-consuming work”. The article also states the first complaint dates back to 2004 where “allegations of bias and discrimination” was reported to the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOP). However, it took six years until the company settled the lawsuit.

I am disturbed that in this day and age, when we are meant to treat others equally, there are still people who discriminate against others due to race. I believe that in the 21st century, people of all races should be able to work well with one another and should not be favored or be biased due to ones race.

As an Asian about to enter the business world, I hope that the issues of racial discrimination will not affect me. I would like to be respected and given work according to my performance and status in the company. Racial discrimination or discrimination of any form should not be tolerated in the business world or anywhere for that matter.

Word Count: 198

– dex

Miscellaneous

INTRO

My name is Dexter Lee. I was born in Vancouver and raised in Hong Kong since the age of 2.

I am currently living in Place Vanier, Sherwood Lett House.

Enjoy!

-dex