2 PART ASSIGNMENT based on a problem identified for my action research project that will be ongoing in this class. The professor gave these examples “A few examples of types of problems you may want to consider for your action research project could include employee morale, employee turnover, leadership challenges, revenue/sales growth, hiring/recruiting, communication challenges, customer service, technology changes”. The problem I chose to focus on is
“The problem I have identified for my action project is the constant change in consumer behavior and the rising customer expectations in the life insurance industry”. ( I was thinking of the generational gap, emerging technology, customer’s becoming more aware of other investing options for their future etc.)
Part 1 (Affinity Diagram and Root Cause Analysis)
The purpose of this assignment is to identify an organizational problem to solve within your current workplace or industry and use an affinity diagram to brainstorm the root causes of the organizational problem and potential solutions for addressing it.
For this assignment, the first step is to identify an organizational problem to solve within your current workplace or industry. This is an opportunity for you to apply your learning while addressing a real-world problem. After you have identified a possible organizational problem, complete the “Brainstorming With an Affinity Diagram” resource to help you narrow and specify the root cause for the problem. Completing the affinity diagram will not only help you identify the root causes for the problem but also to determine the scope of influence you can have in reaching a potential solution. Keep in mind that this exercise is meant to identify a viable solution within the scope of influence in which you are directly involved and will ultimately allow you to be an agent of change.
Complete the affinity diagram action steps outlined in the “Brainstorming With an Affinity Diagram” resource, including the Five Whys Root Cause Analysis section. This can be done using online mind mapping resources like those found in the study materials, by using post-it notes, or through the use of Excel or Word documents and tables. When constructing the affinity diagram, be sure to complete all six steps described on the resource. You will reference these root causes again within your final business proposal in Topic 8.
Submit both the affinity diagram and the five whys root cause analysis to your instructor. Evidence of revision from instructor feedback will be assessed on the final business proposal.
APA style is not required, but solid academic writing is expected
Part 2 (Problem Statement)
The purpose of this assignment is to construct a problem statement from the organizational problem you have identified previously in your current workplace or industry.
Now that you have identified a potential problem, brainstormed the root causes, and determined how you might be able to influence change, you will construct a problem statement that can be used as the basis for an action research project. The problem statement must clearly articulate the single goal of the action research project and consider the influence of the organizational change that will occur.
Part of completing an action research project and enacting organizational change includes understanding how the problem is tied to the mission, vision, and values of all the involved stakeholders and how these will drive decision making. The change that is enacted should be done to enable positive progress for your fellow coworkers and the organization at large. When developing your problem statement, you will also be asked to address the organizational problem and the potential solutions through a Christian worldview perspective.
Use what you have learned in the study materials to construct a problem statement for your action research project. Read and complete the “Writing a Problem Statement” resource to construct your problem statement. For submission, be sure to delete the template and sample worksheets provided. Submit only the completed “Writing a Problem Statement Worksheet” to your instructor.
Your problem statement will become part of your final business proposal that will be submitted in Topic 8. Evidence of revision from instructor feedback will be assessed on the final business proposal.
APA style is not required, but solid academic writing is expected.