Question 1a.

1a What is it that appears to make implementation of a renewal strategy so difficult?

I think the single most difficult part of implementing a renewal strategy is overcoming prior habits and patterns. This may not always be the case because if the right people are in the right positions of the business, then the need for change or renewal is most likely understood and supported. If not fully supported by all functional areas or personnel then the needed changes will be harder to implement.

Question 1b.

1b Which of the identified implementation pitfalls have you observed in your own experience with organizations?

Communication and support; I seen great ideas just fizzle out because either not enough or not the right support was behind the initiative. Acceptance by top management and then communication of this level of support and commitment is needed to marshal the team into action.

Question 1c.

1c How did the pitfalls impact the overall outcome of the change implementation?

Well, by not have the right support behind the renewal idea, meaning the support of top management, there was little driving force for others to jump on board. Therefore the governing habits all ready in place and the inertia behind them denied the chances of a successful implementation.

Question 1d.

1d What elements of the implementation process seem particularly relevant to your own experience?

I find proper planning and strategizing is needed to a successful implementation of a renewal effort. Secondly, and not very far behind the first ideas I noted is the need for review and course correction if any is needed. Therefore planning and outlining the implementation plan, and proper follow-up will provide the needed support for a successful implementation.

Question 1e.

1e How does communication fit into implementation planning?

Well…. The above parts of this question speak specifically to the need for communication. I consider it a top priority.

Question 1f.

1f Which aspects of change theory seem particularly useful during renewal implementation? Why do you think so?

I found one reference we were given particularly insightful with respect to renewal efforts. In the text “Good to Great”, the study refers to the necessary act of supporting a successful renewal program is first make sure you have the right people in the right positions in the company. If the right people are in place, and they are all A players, then let them figure out what the renewal strategy and plan should be; let them buy into the ideas they construct. This will give the plan even more support because they want to see their ideas in action and successful.

Question 1g.

1g What could you do differently as a result of your learning in implementing a change in your own organization?

I think a communication plan is needed as an integral part of the plan. This communication plan will include timing of the plan to ensure all groups optimize all available resources.

Question 2a.

2a What strategy did your team decide to adopt during the renewal stage of the simulation?

Our team reviewed the company from an internal standpoint and then looked at the competition and marketplace. From these reviews we opted to increase the value of our existing products to make them more attractive to customers (enhancement strategy) and with the emerging BMX market we opted to develop an entirely new product (transformational strategy).

Question 2b.

2b How did the strategy work?

We were flawless in our analysis and implmentation of our renewal strategies. Our Firm increased market share from 20 % to 70% with a corresponding dynamic increase in shareholder value.

Question 2c.

2c What concepts from the course did you see reflected in the game play?

Obviously the initial strategy for renewal; enhancement and transformational strategies; but also the competitive review of what was happening in the marketplace was critical to our success. Mapping what the competition did each period impacted what decisions we did. Our renewal goal was to grow the company which we did, but we needed to out flank our competitors to do it.

Question 2d.

2d What could your team do differently if you were to play the simulation again?

Based on the decisions made by competing firms and the way the market place evolved; nothing. We made the right decisions for our company based on careful analysis.