NU 12 - by KC Professionalism – new work, methods, practices

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----- Forwarded Message -----
From: "Crisostomo, Kathleen Lizette C.
Sent: Sunday, 10 June 2012, 1:43
Subject: NU 12 - Professionalism – new work, methods, practices

Hi Sir,

Here is my 10th NU 12 Blog - Professionalism / New Methods (service to manufacturing = is it possible?)

Thank you!

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Crisostomo, Kathleen Lizette C.

ENTREP

NU 12: Professionalism – new work, methods, practices

There's a Mc Donald's branch in the ground floor of our office building.  Because it is located along Ayala Avenue, the place is jam-packed for certain hours within the day.  My colleague who was in front of the line had just finished giving her order and was already preparing her payment when the store manager already asked for my order.  Both my colleague and I were still not finished paying and have not received our orders when the manager again asked the person behind me for her order.  The thing is, we were the only 3 customers in Mc Donald's.  There was no need to rush but the manager made sure there was no down time.

I thought of applying this concept in my workplace: would it be effective to change the operations of a service company to that of a manufacturing company?

My field, recruitment, is service-oriented industry.  Even if we are measured based on the number of hires and the revenue generated, metrics are quite difficult to measure because of the volatility of job hiring in different industries.  We can predict trends for some industries such as call centers who hire more for technical support positions during Christmas shopping season.  However, majority of our job orders come from unexpected means such as incumbent managers who need to be replaced or a sudden resignation from an employee.  Some clients need people in a week's time, while others will still hire in 6 months.

Based on what I learned from my Operations Management class, I have thought of applying some manufacturing principles in our industry in spite of its unpredictability.  I am currently developing methods on how to maximize our capacity for each recruitment consultant in my group.  Each recruiter should be able to interview candidates of various positions whether we have current demand or not.  This is to be sure that we have enough pool anytime a client contacts us for any position.  The performance of each employee will be measured based on the number of calls made in a day, number of interviews made, number of reports created and percentage of hires.  It is as if I am turning my team into an assembly line.

Right now, my team is composed end-to-end recruiters.  I am exploring how effective and efficient it would be to have a person specialize on one task just like in an assembly line.  I am also exploring possibilities of using forecasting, project management and linear programming to make further computations. 3.5

Here is a short structure of what I propose and on the maximization capacity of our group:

http://s17.photobucket.com/albums/b79/lengyistherealbombdiggity/AGSB%20files/?action=view&current=recruitmentprocessmaximized.jpg

I am aware that there will be consequences in case this is implemented.  Because we are a service industry, we will be sacrificing flexibility and the customer service experience of our recruitment consultants.  Having jobs which are also too specialized may lead to burnout and boredom.  There is a chance that this change will not completely be welcomed by the employees, even if it will be appreciated by the management and stockholders.

This is just an exploratory project; I am looking to other options to keep the quality of work and the satisfaction and motivation employees while maximizing their output.  There are so many complexities involved in managing an outsourced function such as recruitment.  There could be sudden changes in trends due to the shift of power in the global market—we always have to be in the lookout for better processes and methods.

NU 12 - What pisses you off at the neighborhood?

Hi Sir,

Here is my 7th NU Blog - runners have nowhere to run!

Thank you!

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Crisostomo, Kathleen Lizette C.

ENTREP

NU 12: What pisses you off at the neighborhood? What do you suggest?

I'm preparing for my third half Mary (half marathon / 21k) where I have to train 5 days a week, 3 of which includes running long distances.  My main problem each time is that I do not know where to run.

Every Sunday, I run within the perimeter of SM Southmall which is 30 minutes away from our home and often see groups of other health buffs doing their thing—running, playing badminton, doing push-ups, or dancing in groups.  This is a typical Sunday morning in Las Pinas.  I used to run in the park in a nearby subdivision until their security started asking for IDs as they prioritize the security of their residents.  My father told me I should just run along the main road.  I didn't think it was a good idea to risk being chased by dogs or being run over by vehicles.  I read an article from a local running magazine regarding a jogger's hit and run accident which almost cost his life.  He was just running within the subdivision.

There is a growing interest in sports, physical activities and health, and it is sad to realize that the community is not prepared for this.  There are few public areas where people can do their sports activities and not all of these places are safe or "healthy" enough.  Most parks such as in Ayala Triangle, CCP and Luneta are right across main roads.  Health buffs cannot enjoy the benefits of their exercises while inhaling fumes at the same time.  Safety and security is also a concern since there is no area for people to leave their belongings unless they have their own vehicles.  I lost my tumbler once in Ayala Triangle when I left it in a bench while I was running.  I now have a hydration belt which can carry my valuables but I see more people running without any of their belongings.

Yes, there are formal areas such as Rizal Memorial Coliseum or in University of Makati and there will always be gyms, arenas and studios.  However, not everyone can afford these and some will actually be intimidated to still go to these areas for their activities.  A group of teenagers playing badminton will not go through the hassle of renting a badminton court and a group of 40-year old mothers who plan to have morning dance exercises will not need to rent a studio for their activities.

I believe there should be more places in our local communities that encourage sports and physical activities.  There should be track ovals surrounding parks and more open-area courts for those who want to play badminton, tennis or volleyball.  We can imagine a bigger Legaspi Active Park (Legaspi Village, Makati) with a rubberized track oval, better Bermuda grass for more activities, hydration and wash areas, covered and open air courts and secured locker rooms.  More sports and recreational activities encourage people to do more than just being couch potatoes while playing with their iPhone.  Sports have always been one of the target activities of the government to keep bystanders out of drugs and crimes.  During summer season a.k.a. basketball league season, it is quite endearing to see tricycle drivers and guards in neighborhoods playing basketball against residents on a per division / class basis. 3.5 <more sidewalks to be built>   <not safe though;  practice at Ayala Alabang Zapote road and Daang Hari route>

From a macro point of view, the government has not given much priority to the country's involvement in sports yet it is one of the fields we are excelling in.  We have all heard of stories of professional and amateur athletes who either pay for their own expenses or are being sponsored by private institutions.  Recently, I personally joined a charity running event created by triathletes for the benefit of young triathletes who cannot sustain the cost of their training and equipment while managing their education and family expenses.  It is good to see athletes helping other athletes, but we need a bigger intervention.  If the government's budget priority is not in sports, but also not in health and education, then I need not wonder why CJ Corona is so rich.

Filipinos have the potential to do well in sports.  Aside from home where everything starts, the next support group is the community.  I hope there will be an increased awareness for our government on the sports and other physical activities in our country.  In years to come, I am looking forward to younger dancers, players, runners and triathletes.