MTC Midterm Examination - Case Study Example

MTC Midterm Examination Memo Chief Executive Officer CC: September 2, Re: Joint venture for optics-equipped robotic scanner In reference to your memo to explore the possibility of suitable joint venture to produce optics-equipped scanner I take this opportunity to submit my findings and suitable recommendations in the following paragraphs.It is heartening to note that our company has received a very good opportunity to do a sizeable business with Montex as they have shown their serious inclination to purchase optics-equipped robotics from us.

Technologies are changing fast in the market place and RoboCorp does not have in-house capability to build required robotics. It is a pressing need to enter into a joint venture with an appropriate manufacturer who has credentials and track records to produce and deliver the scanner as per the specifications of Montex. At this juncture, our company has options to start a joint venture with any one of the three companies namely Electronic Innovations (EI), Optics America (OA), and World Optics (WO) to cater the needs of the Montex.

EI does not have the product right now as needed by Montex; however, it has capacity to develop the same in 4 months time. In view of the recent layoff at EI and with the possibility of another one in near future any dealing with this company is highly risky. Though EI claims that product will be compatible with our robotic arms, we cannot take the risk of any delay in development of the product and it is in our interest to rule out this option for obvious reasons. Currently, Optics America and World Optics both manufacture the scanners meeting the requirement of Montex.

Either of these two companies can be suitable to us for starting a joint venture given the cost economics; however, we need to train our staff and create a new workflow and system for the scanner project. It is important to note that significant technology change will occur in the new venture and will force us to train our shop floor and allied staff to effect a smooth transition to a new process. Getting inspiration from Kotter (1996), I recommend four major initiatives to be carried out in the sequential order as listed here with.

A Sense of Urgency needs to be established in the company to remove a false sense of complacency at all levels. Before starting any transformational program cooperation from numerous individuals is needed and a sense of urgency in the organization has to come from the top rank of the company.A team of people with sufficient power to lead the change is needed. The team members must possess enough expertise, credibility, and leadership quality to exercise the change. It is crucial that all members of coalition share commitment to change and a sense of urgency will keep this coalition together creating trust and communication among them.

Vision is necessary in developing strategies for successful change and transformation and that will come from guiding coalition collectively. Without a proper vision, a transformation process may get derailed. A vision tries to focus the efforts in the right direction. Vision and strategies need to be communicated in every possible manner using every vehicle so that employees follow the guiding coalition taking an inspiration of a role model.Above steps will institutionalize the new approaches, new processes and new behaviors in the company for successful technology change.

A selection between Optics America and World Optics can be made on the basis of favorable cost economics and other relevant factors; however, extra considerations should be given to the company who demonstrates flexibility and adaptability to implement the change process for the joint venture under consideration. This is essential for the lasting success of the newly formed joint venture. Strictly adhering to the above points for a veritable change is sure to bring success to this new venture through our ever dedicated team of employees.

With Best Regards,ReferenceKotter, John P., (1996), Leading Change, Harvard Business Press