Group Assignment $(25\%$ of Course Grade$)$

Background

The consultant, OD Bob, met with the client contact, ED CEO of the Transitioning Business $($TB$),$ on July $1,2005$ regarding a possible organizational development project. Also in attendance at that meeting were two Board members who, together with Ed$,$ comprised the Search Committee. During the meeting, Ed described TB$$s current challenges, which included the need for attention to strategic planning, finances, staffing and public relations $$ and probably more areas, but Ed was not sure which yet. Ed explained that TB had experienced recurring cash shortages and recurring conflicts among members of the Board and among employees. Ed added that things seemed to be getting worse. OD Bob described how an overall systematic approach to organizational development would be the most effective approach to addressing TB$$s major problems. He added that, during times of major change, it often is best to include some Board and leadership development in the project to help leaders understand and guide the change throughout the organization. OD Bob added that the organizational development activities would best be conducted in the overall context of short$-$term, internally strategic planning, including the development and implementation of the Strategic Plan. After some discussion, participants agreed that a systematic approach to overall organizational development would be highly useful to TB$.$ Ed asked OD Bob to provide a proposal that described more specifics on how OD Bob might work with TB$.$ This proposal itemizes OD Bob$$s proposed project and includes: outcomes, overall activities and deliverables, work plan, evaluation plan, schedule, roles and responsibilities of the consultant and client, costs and payment terms. The proposal also includes description of OD Bob$$s qualifications as a consultant, along with reference to relevant clients whom Ed could contact regarding the quality of OD Bob$$s work.

Question

"Consider that you are OD Bob. ED CEO of the Transitioning Business $($TB$)$ also asked you and your team to explore the introduction of Artificial Intelligence $($AI$)$ into the business model and operations in order to improve efficiency and provide a competitive advantage.$$

$1.$ Assuming that you and your team conducted a complete OD intervention, in a $20$ minutes presentation and a follow$-$up $10$ pages report to ED CEO:

a$.$ Identify one $(1)$ key area of the business operations and describe how AI can be introduced to enhance operations; and describe the impact of this proposed change on the business and staff of TB$.$

b$.$ Outline and explain the OD intervention process undertaken and the factors considered in arriving at your recommendation.

c$.$ Assuming TB accepts your AI recommendation, describe and justify the Change Management Model$/$Approach that you would use to implement this planned change. How will you and your team determine the success of this proposed change?

Suggestions

Length $8-10$ pages