Management theories and environmental analysis for Sandwich Blitz

¶ … Bateman & Snell (2013) in chapter 2. This essay will explain, compare and contrast the sociotechnical theory, the quantitative management theory, organizational behavior and systems theory. These theories will be explored for their relevance to environments discussed in chapter 3 and how they can impact each area or realm of each one of these environments.

Sociotechnical Theory

The ideas-based behind this theory suggested by the authors include the technological tools that are available to the organizational environment. The impact of technology has created great opportunities for the application of knowledge. Social change has been largely based on technological advances, and this theory posits the idea that these factors are actually driving the effects of managerial experience.

Sociotechnical theory requires the application of that technology in the right direction and with the right attitude. Contemporary approaches to management including the benefits of technology must be careful not to ignore the human aspect of the art. Applying technology is purely a human task, that requires reason, guidance and the correct moral and ethical approach in order for it to be effective. The strongest benefit of this model is the taking advantage of the advances such technology may provide when properly aligned with organizational and environmental strategy.

Quantitative Management

The concepts behind Quantitative Management theory are based in a reliance of statistical interpretation and numerical manipulation. According to the authors" The quantitative management theory emphasizes the application of quantitative analysis to management decisions and problems." Quantitative application of ideas and intangibles are synthesized with real and measurable data in this theory that provides the manager with decision making through data supply.

Contemporary managers can benefit from this approach when using it in a piecemeal fashion. In certain aspects of the environment quantitative analysis is priceless, however an over dependence on this approach may be disorientating. The human aspects of quality and subjectivness must be tempered with cold hard numerical processing if a total or holistic environment may thrive.

Part 2

The purpose of this essay is to provide an environmental analysis for the fictional company Sandwich Blitz. The SWOT method will be used to help identify the environmental factors that can assist the management in making decisions that can help create a competitive advantage for this organization. The SWOT examination consists of the following four terms: Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities and Threats. Each component will be examined in relation to Sandwich Blitz' market environment.

Strengths

This organization has many strengths inherent in its organization. The most prominent is that the product is unique and that no other company can do what SB can do. The brand name also carries much power and strength as the market readily identifies with this organization. SB also has very loyal customers that will stick with them through any transformations that may be proposed.

Weaknesses

Unfortunately the talent pool at SB is weak. The managerial style suffers from dynamic leaders and as a result the company is suffering. This weakness bleeds into the possibility that the company is vulnerable to internal problems and sabotage.

Opportunities

There are many opportunities that are present in SB's environment. The new services proposed can help put this organization in a new classification of restaurant. The new products and approaches to sandwich making are also opportunities that management may take advantage of within this environment.

Threats

The food market is always threatening due to new competition entering the market. The current economy in SB's market also threatens their ability to remain competitive as well. The dietary fads of the market also suggest that fast food is becoming unpopular.