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(a) Explain why managers may be resistant to change - HSC - SSCE Business Studies - Question 21 - 2014 - Paper 1
Question 21
(a) Explain why managers may be resistant to change. Resistance to change is often because of costs involved, such as purchasing new equipment, redundancy payments,... show full transcript
Worked Solution & Example Answer:(a) Explain why managers may be resistant to change - HSC - SSCE Business Studies - Question 21 - 2014 - Paper 1
Step 1
Explain why managers may be resistant to change.
Answer
Resistance to change is often due to various factors including costs, uncertainty, and the comfort of existing operations. Common reasons include:
- Financial Concerns: The immediate costs of implementing changes, such as training, new equipment, or potential layoffs, can deter managers from pursuing change.
- Fear of Job Loss: Managers may fear that changes will threaten their stability and job security.
- Inertia: Over time, individuals and organizations can become resistant to change due to established routines and familiarity with current procedures.
- Lack of Skills: Employees may feel unprepared for new roles that changes could require, furthering resistance.
Understanding these factors is essential for effective change management.
Step 2
Analyse the use of sequencing and scheduling to improve business operations.
Answer
Sequencing and scheduling are critical components of operations management that focus on optimizing how tasks are performed:
- Sequencing: This refers to determining the order in which tasks must be completed. Effective sequencing minimizes downtime and improves productivity by ensuring that tasks dependent on one another are organized properly.
- Scheduling: This involves allocating time frames for the completion of each task. Proper scheduling aids in resource allocation and ensures that all activities are completed timely.
The relationship between these two processes enhances business operations by:
- Increasing operational efficiency through streamlined workflows.
- Allowing better resource management to meet deadlines and reduce costs.
- Enhancing flexibility and adaptability in operations, enabling quicker responses to market changes.
In summary, the effective use of sequencing and scheduling leads to improved productivity, reduced operational bottlenecks, and better overall performance of business operations.