GBA-398 module 7 discussion
Discuss how, as a leader, you can anticipate and overcome resistance to change in your organization.
In a well-written response at 1-2 paragraphs in length, supported by this week’s reading and, if necessary, any outside sources, post a response to the discussion prompt along with a response to at least two of your classmates’ discussion posts. Be sure to include any necessary citations and a corresponding reference list.
MGT-492 Module 7 part 1 discussion
Using the Winter Storm Scenario, please consider for your (downtown located) organizational supply chain management activities and responses.
Based upon what you have been able to find out, Saint Leo City did activate an Incident Command, but not until well into the week of the ice storm. Also, you never received any feedback on the water that your organization provided prior to the storm actually hitting. In fact, you realize that you have received no communication via the incident command and don’t even know if there are planning meetings. You know that with your supply chain expertise, you could really help in the Logistics Branch.
What do you think Saint Leo City could have done better to prepare? What would you do differently? When would you start these recommendations?
WINTER STORM DISCUSSION: INITIAL SCENARIO
Sunday, 5:00 PM: The National Weather Service (NWS) detects a cold front moving toward Saint Leo City. Weather officials urge citizens to prepare for a large storm that will likely begin in the next 24 hrs. A winter storm warning is issued by NWS for Saint Leo City as well as surrounding areas within 100 miles. The NWS predicts light snow that will likely mix with or change to sleet from freezing rain with significant icing possible by tomorrow afternoon. Ice accumulation will likely be between ½ and 1 inch, with highest icing potential near downtown. The public is advised to expect widespread power outages, damaged trees, and treacherous road conditions because of the ice storm. Local schools are beginning to announce closures for Monday.
WINTER STORM DISCUSSION: INITIAL SCENARIO
Sunday, Monday 7:00 AM: A winter storm warning is issued by NWS for Saint Leo City as well as surrounding areas within 100 miles. The NWS predicts light snow that will likely mix with or change to sleet from freezing rain with significant icing possible by this afternoon. Ice accumulation will likely be between ½ and 1 inch, with highest icing potential near downtown. The public is advised to expect widespread power outages, damaged trees, and treacherous road conditions because of the ice storm. Local schools are beginning to announce closures for Monday. The local Incident Command has decided to dedicate closed schools as warming shelters to those without power. They need bottled water and have contacted your organization to provide it. They would like water delivered for three local school locations before 9:00 AM, as the storm is expected to get worse.
WINTER STORM DISCUSSION: SCENARIO UPDATE #1
Monday, 1:00 PM: Precipitation begins as wet snow for several hours, changes to freezing drizzle, and then freezing rain. Ice up to 1 inch thick accumulates on roads, sidewalks, trees, power lines, and houses. Wind gusts up to 40 miles per hour are reported in the area. Authorities are attempting to clear major roadways, but the dangerous conditions make it impossible to keep even the largest vehicles on the road. All roads are impassable. Emergency response vehicles are unable to respond to calls for assistance. Heavy accumulation of ice and wet snow causes dozens of trees to fall, taking down power lines. Power outages are widespread. Your school district has extended closures until Thursday and all local government buildings are closed.
WINTER STORM DISCUSSION: SCENARIO UPDATE #2
Tuesday, 8:00 AM – As the day begins, 1 inch of ice remains underneath the snow covering. Several major roads have been cleared, but most secondary roads remain impassable. Most businesses remain closed, including many gas stations, banks, and grocery stores. Many cell towers were damaged during the storm and phone service remains spotty. Saint Leo Utility Co. Is still overwhelmed; so much of the infrastructure- power lines and poles- is damaged that they estimate it may be a week or more to completely restore power to all affected areas. You are not able to assess your facility to determine if there has been any damage.
MGT-492 Module 7 part 2 discussion
For this discussion, we will use a realistic inbound Winter Storm Scenario like the events in Texas in 2021. Each scenario/discussion will provide an update to the information and some topics for discussion. Please answer accordingly and for your (downtown located) organizational supply chain management activities and responses.
WINTER STORM DISCUSSION: SCENARIO UPDATE #2
Tuesday, 8:00 AM – As the day begins, 1 inch of ice remains underneath the snow covering. Several major roads have been cleared, but most secondary roads remain impassable. Most businesses remain closed, including many gas stations, banks, and grocery stores. Many cell towers were damaged during the storm and phone service remains spotty. Saint Leo Utility Co. Is still overwhelmed; so much of the infrastructure- power lines and poles- is damaged that they estimate it may be a week or more to completely restore power to all affected areas. You are not able to assess your facility to determine if there has been any damage.
Based upon this update, how have your concerns changed? Do you have any new concerns? What information are you sharing with your employees? How are you now communicating this information? Are you trying to locate or account for all employees? How? Do you now have redundant systems or plans of communication if the primary method does not work? Is anyone working on-site? How do you communicate with them? How do you communicate those on-site issues and resolve them? Your organization has multiple locations and some are functional outside the affected area. How would you continue operations in those areas?
MGT-492 Module 8 part 1 discussion
Using the Winter Storm Scenario, what types of ethical decisions were required? Consider different moral and ethical lenses used by organizations and individuals to make decisions. Think about decisions for the individual versus the greater good. What would you struggle with in a real-world event? How would you make ethical decisions? What would you consider or who would you talk to?
MGT-492 Module 8 part 2 discussion
Reminder: Phase 4 of your crisis – Lessons learned. Explain the ripple effect of a global crisis upon all parts of an organization. (Lessons learned from the pandemic; bring examples from your own communities).
Use a realistic Winter Storm Scenario. Each scenario/discussion will provide an update to the information and some topics for discussion. Please answer accordingly and for your (downtown located) organizational supply chain management activities and responses.
WINTER STORM DISCUSSION: SCENARIO UPDATE #3
Saturday, 8 AM: Across the area, ice and snow are beginning to melt. Temperatures have remained in the 40s for the past several days. Utility crews from across the country are working around the clock to restore electricity to the area but there was so much damage. They estimate it could take an additional week or more to fully restore power. Many schools remain closed, and many streets are littered with debris. You are finally able to check on your facility and find serious water damage to your lower level from flooding due to frozen pipes. Your food storage area has flooded, as well as the area where your IT and communications hardware is housed.
Now that you know the extent of your own damage, consider the widespread damage possible in the community. How long can you operate without your primary facility? What are your next steps? Do you have agreements or other options that will allow you to continue to operate? Can you shift operations to another facility? Are you able to help anyone else out with what you have left to create relief synergies?
What are the critical services your employees rely upon to come back to work? Are there any steps that you can take now to minimize the impact of a future event like this? How can you prepare within the community to ensure better outcomes in future crises?
Most notably, what are some of your own individual experiences with weather emergencies in your real-world communities?
