InfoTrac Exercises

Chapter 5 Organizational Goal Setting and Planning

1. Taken by the inch, life's a cinch. (restaurant industry's human resource management)

Mel Kleiman.
Full Text: COPYRIGHT 2006 Penton Media, Inc.
Restaurant Hospitality, Feb 2006 v90 i2 p28(1)
Record: A142572983

Abstract: The topic of goal setting in the hospitality industry is discussed. Key recommendations include engaging your employees’ calls for first sharing your goals and asking their help in establishing an overall game plan, then breaking down the goals into readily attainable inch-long steps. Ideas on how to support others in reaching their goals and ways of making the process fun are suggested.

1. Do you regularly set goals for yourself? In what areas of your life do you not set goals?
2. How does the article suggest that we make goal setting fun?
3. How can organizational goals be communicated? From the example in the article, how can the restaurant staff keep track of their dessert sale goals?
4. How does the MBO process apply to the restaurant example?

2. P&G's global supply chain starts with the consumer: Procter & Gamble is dedicated to accelerating growth in developing markets but this strategy presents new challenges for the supply chain. (global links)

Keith Harrison.
Full Text: COPYRIGHT 2006 Reed Business Information, Inc. (US)
Supply Chain Management Review, Oct 2006 v10 i7 p8(2)
Record: A153910064

Abstract: Proctor and Gamble’s global supply chain is constantly improving and has recently been renamed a "Consumer-Driven Supply Network." The company strives to have its products “always there, always affordable, and always preferred by the consumer when he or she stands at the shelf and decides what to buy.” The article notes that the new focus is on three areas: reliable service; agile, demand-driven supply; and affordable differentiation. With 99 percent of world-population growth occurring in developing markets, adapting products for local markets in foreign countries is essential. The author notes how all planning begins with understanding the customer.

1. Why is Proctor and Gamble focusing so much on developing markets?
2. Why is knowledge of what customers want so important?
3. How would you suggest that an organization like P&G go about accomplishing the task set out in question #2 in a developing market?