Category: MBA

There is a vast amount of issues within the team of MBA’s which inhibit them from working proficiently. They exhibit all of the five dysfunctions of a team, with the biggest issues stemming from trust, commitment and accountability. The first problem exhibited is when Onyealisi arrives and Delery is surprised to see him there. Onyealisi is usually not there because he undervalues their meetings. Delery’s reaction exhibits an absence of trust and a major lack of commitment from Onyealisi. Delery does not trust Onyealisi to even show up to help the group, negatively affecting his view of the team since everyone does not put in equal effort. Furthermore, Onyealisi has not read the required readings for the group project and is completely unprepared. He shows a total lack of accountability; all the group members are angry because he cannot participate. The whole group has problems in general as well: Martin is ignored by her group members when she suggests ideas and Cooper asks for help from the group is shot down by Delery. This is a problem that leads to fear of conflict as Cooper will no longer ask for help and Martin will not share any of her ideas.

The biggest problem existing within the group is the absence of trust because that is the root problem that affects lack of accountability, low commitment, and even fear of conflict. The absence of trust is a fault of many group members, however the biggest troublemaker of the group causing problems is Onyealisi.

Good options for the team would include making and agreeing to a team contract and setting SMART goals with a schedule for each meeting. In the contract they could express their expectations for each other and decide collectively what is best from them. It could include punishment for missing deadlines, quality standards, and ensure everyone is prepared for each meeting. Another choice is the SMART goals and agenda for meetings. This would cause focused and efficient meetings with order and everyone will know what they need to get done. The goal setting also provides something all the group members can collectively strive to do and why it is important. Both plans would improve cognitive and affective trust over time and would help resolve the lack of commitment and accountability.

I believe the best alternative plan is the team contract. It would to ensure that all members commit to important regulations that would lead to success. This would solve many issues, for example, group members do not properly prepare for meetings. There could be a clause in the contract stating people must be prepared for meetings or there will be punishment. Additionally, it could force people to have their portion of projects done by the set deadline or there will be negative consequences. Goals should also be set in stone within the contract to let people know what they are working towards. A contract will bind all members to common goals and set standards to make sure they are accomplished.

To make this contract a reality, all group members must agree to sign and believe it will be a positive factor in their operation. Members then need to devote their attention in making sure the rules and regulations they create will lead to a productive team with clear goals. The new rules must solve all current issues in the team. The team members will sign this contract, understand the standards they are upheld to, and will perform more productively in trying to accomplish their smart goals. The team will be more committed, more accountable, and most importantly they will learn to trust each other if everyone follows the rules.

When I first come over in United States from east Africa age 17 then, School was the last thing on my mind and did not even finish high school at time. Every time I begin to tell this story to my younger siblings they think I am bluffing. But it is true story I thought I was going to work work and be like the movie stars, my brother one random day took me to local high school to register me, I was visibly displeased with his action even though I do not usually contend my brother on things I openly questioned his intention and said why? He looked my right in to my eyes furiously and said these exact words “so you saying you will be dropout and will never finish even high school?” I was not sure what concern me the most his furious stare or to possibility of being high school dropout but I have responded the best response in my entire life and it was saying absolutely nothing & registered.

Regardless of my fear of new environment, not wanting to go to school, the dreams of making money like superstar. I was pleasantly surprised to others around me with similar background work tirelessly toward academic excellence and planning to even to further their education by going college. It did not take me long to leave the la la land I was in and keep in touch of reality. I quickly redirected my goals not only am I finishing high school but was determined to go to college.

Once in college I continuously challenged and strived for excellence academically, personally and my immediate surroundings. I self financed my education, upon graduating paid fifty percent of my student loan and financially supported family back home working fulltime. The thing I am most proud of perhaps is that the influence I had over other people I have never known it until recently. Most immigrants I have come to know think the process of going to higher education is beyond their reach and they put it off even if they do want it, I was surprised sharing simple facts, to putting the value of education in perspective in just five minutes conversation motivates others. People do put educated individuals to the highest standards in ever community and I am so privileged to achieve that standard.

I always thought I want to further my education right after graduation, equally compelling thought I had the transformation of academia into professional arena. The past three years working in small firm and extremely dynamic industry gave me the greatest opportunity of being exposed day to day operational activity to strategic position of the firm by directly working c with senior managements. In business one’s leadership is not on so much of the planned events of business rather always working to resolve the unexpected, unplanned yet vital decisions that takes place each day for the overall continuity of the firm. It made me realizes that I really want to do my MBA, increase my perspective and move up further in my career.

In my research I for excellent MBA program I came across TAMUC. I was excited to know the school has highest form of accreditation in business with great price tag, excellent feedbacks from former students which motivated me even more. I will be honored to be admitted in to this program, ready to face challenges, accept the opportunities, rewards and I am certain I will excel in the program.

As a woman who has always had a dream of becoming great, I take pride in knowing that I’ve accomplished part of what I set out to accomplish. I often hear phrases such as, “You’re crazy to keep going back to school,” and “Who does that?” Now, I am on a higher playing field, though – back to square one. I am about to make an academic detour from my prescribed path, but it is all worth it in my opinion. One day, years from now, when I am dead and gone, I want my children’s children to be able to tell a story of their grandmother and mention how educated and career driven she was.” I am grateful for being introduced to the University of Phoenix by a previous friend I met in undergrad school. He encouraged me and I began to investigate why I should choose the online program at University of Phoenix. Four years later, I am a proud graduate of this University and I can honestly say that the skills I’ve gained while enrolled in my graduate degree program has caused me to be the great woman that I once dreamed of. Confidence, leadership, and communication are the three top skills that I’ve acquired during my graduate studies.

Embarking on my educational journey at the University of Phoenix has not only shaped me into the great woman I aspired to be but has also ignited my motivation to pursue further personal and professional growth. Reflecting on my experiences and the skills I have acquired, I am compelled to delve deeper into my aspirations.

Nursing is not an easy career path and many know that as a first time nursing student attending clinical rotation can be intimidating. I wish that my confidence level was as high then as it is now. Had I not chosen this particular educational institution, I don’t believe I would have acquired this skill to this level. One thing I make mention of to every mentoree that I come in contact with is: Be confident. Confidence is knowledge of yourself.” Many fear the unknown, which is natural as human beings; however, the key to becoming confident is to know that there is always a solution to the problem and being able to problem-solve is knowing how you will act in any given situation. Overall, this is foundation for being confident.

As a nurse with a career in corporate America, there were many things that I had not been previously exposed to. Most nurses work 12 hour shifts, three days a week. If you are a night nurse, you don’t typically associate with the COO, DON, or Presidents of the company. This concept is totally different in corporate America. Most would think that in order to lead you need to have charisma and a power of position in order to lead. I believe that this statement is not at all 100% correct. In fact, I will go as far as to say that the best form of leadership is quiet, internal, and self-leadership. In other words, if you do not live up to your own standards and values, how can you expect anyone else to live up to them? Positivity is essential in leadership. Empower your own thoughts and then you will naturally empower the thoughts of others. The ability to encourage others to do things they may have not done is leadership. Lead by example, inspire yourself first, and being a leader to others will come naturally.

I specifically remember a particular conversation with one of my previous graduate instructors. The conversation did not start off friendly, we did not see eye to eye on a paper that I’d written and I felt that her feedback was quite harsh. I recall making mention of communication being very important, especially when the course is online. She agreed and then said something so profound it never left me. She simply told me, You are correct, communication is the foundation of all relationships.” She then explained to me that as I advance in my career communication will grant me the ability to navigate through the toughest of issues, get what I want, and help others get what they want. Presently, I am still applying that simple advice and I strongly believe that because of this, I’ve advanced in my career because of this foundation.

In addition to acquiring the three powerful skills of confidence, leadership, and communication, I intend to master the additional acquired skills of project management, accountability, and adaptability. Project management is one of the most integral constituents of owning a business. Enhancing the skill of project management will enable me to strategically plan, properly guide, and control resources as a business owner. Developing my skill of accountability during my course of study in the MBA program will allow me to create an engaged workforce for my future employees. Adaptability is a critical requirement in order to lead. When a solution does not go over well and the first option is not successful, having mastered the skill of adaptability will allow me to bend without wavering. I am confident that obtaining my MBA at the University of Phoenix will enable me to master these skills and send me on my deviated career path to explore the countless opportunities as a business owner.

I believe what was once a relatively straightforward role of supply chain manager has now become one that is complex and multifaceted. Anticipating consumer trends and demands for different goods is one way a superior supply chain manager is differentiated from a merely good one. To establish myself, I need a degree program that will provide me with a framework that will integrate different topics and create an understanding of the trade-offs and relationships between the core supply chain concepts.

Analyzing my time as a supply chain management intern at TATA Hitachi Construction Machinery, I feel that I have been able to leverage my newly acquired supply chain analytics skills, to develop an inventory cost variance analytical tool, creating a data-driven, and productive impact for the organization, reducing eighty man-hours per month, which will transcend into per month saving.

With the knowledge of sustainable operations, advanced operations management, supply chain management, and analytics, I have already learned the basics of the supply chain. But as optimizing supply chains requires an understanding of new analytical tools and technologies that can maximize efficiency and performance reducing waste at all levels of operations and a temperament to juggle services in multiple countries around the world, I still have a long way to go before I can fully grasp the day-to-day operations within an established firm. Krannert’s MBA – GSCM STEM degree, focusing on developing a business professional who is as well-versed in business as it is in analytics and technology, is pivotal in my career enhancement to become a specialist who understands the impact of data-driven insights on organizations.

With an experience of four years in operations management generating $29,000 per day and knowing the importance of operational cost reduction and financial positioning improvement, I have developed a natural sense of curiosity about the world. I like solving problems and I never give up once presented with one. Being a certified SQL (Intermediate), Python, and Visual Basic (Beginner) developer, I appreciate learning even more about the tools that are available to me to solve problems with increased efficacy. The STEM curriculum encompasses all aspects, including six sigma, project management, and logistics that fall under the broader rubric of my chosen field.

With an MBA-STEM degree concentrating in global supply chain management, I will be able to tap into the ever-adapting industrial market, where companies need business professionals to translate the predicted 40 zettabytes of estimated market data, research and extract valuable information, explain business performance, and determine the right approach to improve the business.