1) Review the LEARNING discussion of organizing information flows by Quinn, et al. (2015) beginning on pg 110.

2) View the “Info Please” parody.

3 ) Based on reading and viewing, reply briefly to the discussion questions at the end of the parody. Number your responses – 1, 2, 3, 4 – matched with the number of the question and begin your reply to the questions with a space between each question.

The parody includes a rating scale from 1 to 4. Choose the number you believe is appropriate for where you work. Post two sentences regarding your rating. 150+ words.

4) Post 150+ word reply to the questions below.

Do not write one long paragraph.

1. To what degree does your organization “max perform” the technology it has? What’s happening?
2. What differences in priorities have you seen between IT and non-IT employees? So what?
3. Does technology “drive” change where you work?
4. Do you “love your geeks”? Why or why not?
5. Rating scale and comments.

6) reply to two (2) other students

STUDENT#1

1. To what degree does your organization “max perform” the technology it has? What’s happening?

I believe my organization performs to the max when it comes to technology. USAA has some of the best IT technicians in the business. In fact, USAA was the first organization to invent e-deposit for their financial institution. The computer system we use on a daily basis is state-of-the-art, and our moto on the insurance side, is to trust the system. USAA has invested a lot of time and money into information technology, and it has paid off by the way we are able to serve our members.

2. What differences in priorities have you seen between IT and non-IT employees? So what?

There are not many differences I see between IT and non-IT employees. We all have one purpose – to be there for our members and to create the best experience for them. So, for non-IT employees, they focus on serving members and rely on the system to help them give the best information possible. For IT employees, their goal is to keep the system running like a “well-oiled machine.” We are all there for each other and for the member.

3. Does technology “drive” change where you work?

I think technology drives change everywhere, although most people probably don’t realize it. Every time our system is updated, there is always some sort of change, whether it’s the way we login or something else. In fact, the example I used for e-deposits was an instance where new technology drove a change in the way members did their banking.

4. Do you “love your geeks”? Why or why not?

Of course, I love our geeks! They are there for the employees and ensure that everything is running smoothly for our members!

5. Rating scale and comments.

For the Technology Assessment Rating, I give USAA a 1. Everyone is happy with our technology, and rarely are there complaints. If there ever is an issue, an IT “geek” is on it in a heartbeat. When you consider the size of USAA, and the number of employees working there, it’s a huge technological undertaking, but one that is working well.

-Jordan

Quinn, R. E., Faerman, S. R., Thompson, M. P., McGrath, M. R., & Bright, D. S. (2015). Becoming a Master Manager: A Competing Values Approach, 6th edition.Retrieved from https://bookshelf.vitalsource.com/#/books/9781119034377/cfi/12!/4/4@0.00:52.3

Harkrader, A., Vandermark, M. J. (2006). Information Please. [Video File]. Retrieved from