week 6 discussion post
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Walden University *
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Course
2002
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Industrial Engineering
Date
Dec 6, 2023
Type
docx
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2
Uploaded by JudgeIron12505
I Think this answer HELPFUL .. SO PLEASE GIVE A HELPFUL RATING...
Explanation:
Step 1 :
Certainly. Let's delve into the red bead experiment, its implications, and its applications in
real-world settings.
Explanation :
1. Introduction to the Red Bead Experiment :
The red bead experiment is a demonstration devised by W. Edwards Deming, a prominent
statistician, professor, author, and consultant. The primary goal of this experiment is to
illustrate the fallacy of attributing mistakes to workers, without considering the system in
which they work. In the experiment, a "willing worker" uses a paddle to pick beads from a
box containing a mix of red and white beads. The objective is to pick white beads and avoid
red beads. However, due to the randomness of the selection, red beads are inevitably
chosen, leading to reprimands from "management."
2. Working Climate at the White Bead Company :
The White Bead Company, representing any standard company, holds the workers
accountable for any red beads selected, even though the system (i.e., the randomness of
the bead mix) makes it nearly impossible for workers to meet the goal consistently. This
creates a stressful, demotivating, and blame-centric working environment where workers
feel unjustly penalized for system flaws beyond their control.
Step 2 :
3. Advantages and Disadvantages of the Inspection System :
Advantages :-
Accountability :
The system holds workers directly accountable for outcomes, potentially motivating them to
perform their best.-
Simplicity :
It's a straightforward system that doesn't require extensive training or adaptation.
Disadvantages :-
Unfair Blame :
Workers are blamed for system flaws they cannot control .-
Demotivation : Continuous failure and reprimands lower morale and motivation.-
Short - sightedness : Focusing on individual worker performance may lead management to
overlook larger systemic issues.
Step 3 :
4. Were the Management's Strategies Successful ? : The management's strategies were not
successful in improving worker performance, simply because the performance issues
weren't a result of individual workers' efforts, but rather the inherent flaws in the system. Any
attempts to improve worker performance without addressing the system would be futile.
5. Personal Reflection on Similar Situations : An example that comes to mind is a sales
team being reprimanded for not meeting sales targets despite an economic recession. While
the team might work diligently, the external factor (recession) hinders sales. Blaming the
team without acknowledging the larger economic context is similar to the red bead
experiment.
6. Suggestions for Improvement : In such situations, a holistic review of the system is
essential. Using the sales team example,
management could :-
Acknowledge External Factors : Recognize and understand factors beyond the team's
control .-
Training & Tools : Provide advanced training or tools that might help the team navigate
challenges .-
Set Realistic Goals : Adjust targets based on the current economic climate .-
Systemic Changes : Consider changes at the systemic level , such as diversifying product
offerings or exploring new markets.
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