Cognitive
Analyze, synthesize, use inductive and deductive reasoning to solve problems effectively and creatively
EDTEC 540 – Educational Technology
Artifacts – Performance Analysis and Job Aid
EDTEC 540 – Educational Technology
Artifacts – Performance Analysis and Job Aid
Context
Our assignment for 540 was to focus on a problem or opportunity for some population to which we had access. I conducted a Performance Analysis (PA) for my employer and developed a job aid that helped solve some of the gaps that we found.
One of the motivational factors for me for this project was the possibility of make my job easier. While doing the Performance Analysis, I had to dig into the Sales and Operations process and doing so served to help me learn the processes for all of the departments involved.
Outcomes
Throughout the process of conducting the PA, I had to analyze the current processes and synthesize the feedback I received from the various interviews I conducted. I was able to use deductive reasoning to identify issues or opportunities for improvement in the processes. I was also able to use inductive reasoning to determine that the issues would continue if process changes were not implemented.
I worked with the VP of Operations and the Director of Sales and Marketing while doing the analysis and included them in reviewing the final draft of my Performance Analysis. They were impressed with the report, and they shared it with the President of the company.
When the President called me to her office, I thought it was to praise me for my efforts. When I entered the office and saw the company’s Legal Counsel, I wasn’t so sure anymore. Although they both agreed with all the points made in the Performance Analysis, they were upset that the company’s name was used and they ordered me to call my instructor to get the paper back so I could revise it and take out any reference to the company. I was then suspended for a week while they could make a decision on whether or not to terminate me.
After a week, they found that I had not intended to do any harm to the company and I was reinstated. After 6 months 100% of the recommendations that were in the PA and the Job Aid were put into action and I was promoted to oversee a new Project Management team.
Lessons Learned
After I got over being suspended, I was very happy with the outcome of this assignment and the fact that I was able to have a positive impact on the company. One of the biggest lessons learned from this experience is that I needed to be more careful when working with organizations and pointing out their opportunities for improvement. Since then, I have used an alias when documenting any such observations.
Since completing this analysis, I have worked at 3 different organizations and each time I began, I went through a similar analysis and have created or revised Job Aids where appropriate. Doing this for 540, proved invaluable in understanding my role and how it relates to the overall organizational process. It adds to the initial training I received as a new employee, but it helped to decrease the learning curve and the Job Aids I have developed have helped me to be able to make a positive impact faster than I would have if not going through this process.
I think the situation demonstrated my innocence in that I had not thought about the information I had gathered being used to hurt the company.
I believe the artifact demonstrates my capability to thoroughly analyze a business process or situation and solve real issues, thereby enhancing performance. This was my first time doing it, and all of the recommendations were implemented. I have continued to demonstrate this ability in 3 other organizations as well since that time.
Our assignment for 540 was to focus on a problem or opportunity for some population to which we had access. I conducted a Performance Analysis (PA) for my employer and developed a job aid that helped solve some of the gaps that we found.
One of the motivational factors for me for this project was the possibility of make my job easier. While doing the Performance Analysis, I had to dig into the Sales and Operations process and doing so served to help me learn the processes for all of the departments involved.
Outcomes
Throughout the process of conducting the PA, I had to analyze the current processes and synthesize the feedback I received from the various interviews I conducted. I was able to use deductive reasoning to identify issues or opportunities for improvement in the processes. I was also able to use inductive reasoning to determine that the issues would continue if process changes were not implemented.
I worked with the VP of Operations and the Director of Sales and Marketing while doing the analysis and included them in reviewing the final draft of my Performance Analysis. They were impressed with the report, and they shared it with the President of the company.
When the President called me to her office, I thought it was to praise me for my efforts. When I entered the office and saw the company’s Legal Counsel, I wasn’t so sure anymore. Although they both agreed with all the points made in the Performance Analysis, they were upset that the company’s name was used and they ordered me to call my instructor to get the paper back so I could revise it and take out any reference to the company. I was then suspended for a week while they could make a decision on whether or not to terminate me.
After a week, they found that I had not intended to do any harm to the company and I was reinstated. After 6 months 100% of the recommendations that were in the PA and the Job Aid were put into action and I was promoted to oversee a new Project Management team.
Lessons Learned
After I got over being suspended, I was very happy with the outcome of this assignment and the fact that I was able to have a positive impact on the company. One of the biggest lessons learned from this experience is that I needed to be more careful when working with organizations and pointing out their opportunities for improvement. Since then, I have used an alias when documenting any such observations.
Since completing this analysis, I have worked at 3 different organizations and each time I began, I went through a similar analysis and have created or revised Job Aids where appropriate. Doing this for 540, proved invaluable in understanding my role and how it relates to the overall organizational process. It adds to the initial training I received as a new employee, but it helped to decrease the learning curve and the Job Aids I have developed have helped me to be able to make a positive impact faster than I would have if not going through this process.
I think the situation demonstrated my innocence in that I had not thought about the information I had gathered being used to hurt the company.
I believe the artifact demonstrates my capability to thoroughly analyze a business process or situation and solve real issues, thereby enhancing performance. This was my first time doing it, and all of the recommendations were implemented. I have continued to demonstrate this ability in 3 other organizations as well since that time.