Meteorologists predict what the weather will be like, whether it be tomorrow or the next few hours. Demand forecasters predict what customers will buy and how much, whether it be next week, next month or next year. When a weather forecast is wrong, we don’t hold the meteorologist accountable. We may grumble about the inconvenienceContinue reading “Weather Forecasting vs. Demand Forecasting: A Case of Different Expectations”
Category Archives: Aha!
Why We Need to Define the Bigger Problem*
When Apollo 13 astronauts reported an explosion on their space module, NASA’s Houston Mission Control contemplated on continuing the mission and land on the moon. It was only when NASA realized that the problems were life-threatening that it was decided to abort the mission and to have the astronauts return to Earth safely. We tendContinue reading “Why We Need to Define the Bigger Problem*”
Why Telecoms and Banks Don’t Care
I hate telecom companies and banks
Why Should We Care?
When we get a job in an enterprise, we generally assume it’s for work the company advertised and interviewed us for. We would find it kind of funny if the company assigns us to do something we didn’t get hired for. But it happens. We sometimes are given work that are not on ourContinue reading “Why Should We Care?”
What is a Manager, Anyway?
What is a manager? That was the first question the group of line managers asked me. I just got hired by as a management trainee at a consumer goods company and was on my first month at its Manila manufacturing facility, going through orientation. I was required to undergo a qualification test with senior managersContinue reading “What is a Manager, Anyway?”
Appreciating the Value of Veteran Employees
When I was a young industrial engineer at the food production division of a multinational company, the accounting department asked me to find out why there was a large reported loss of refined coconut oil. They’re the ones we always look for when we need something. I went to the production manager and he toldContinue reading “Appreciating the Value of Veteran Employees”
Three Questions Every New Manager Should Ask
Every new manager should always ask three (3) questions about an operation he or she will be in charge of: What does the book say should be happening? What do the people say should be happening? What is really happening? Chances are each answer would be totally different from the others. What does the bookContinue reading “Three Questions Every New Manager Should Ask”
The Heroes Among Us
It’s easy to criticise. It’s simple to call someone stupid. Social media in the Philippines has been abuzz since the pandemic began in 2020. Not that it hasn’t been abuzz before; it was more so after as people stayed home and expressed their frustrations. As vaccine supply remained scarce, the COVID-19 virus continued to wreakContinue reading “The Heroes Among Us”
A Guide to City Zoning; an Example of Management Organising
I asked the water company engineer why his company was digging up the street in front of my family’s house for the second time in a few years. He answered my question with a frown and a sigh. “I have to install new pipes because of that new building,” he replied as he pointed atContinue reading “A Guide to City Zoning; an Example of Management Organising”
Burning Platforms and How to Prevent Them
A proprietor who sells electrical products was experiencing a dramatic drop in sales. He hires a consultant who comes from a large multinational corporation and asks him what can be done. The consultant suggests that the proprietor develop a vision, mission, objectives, and strategies (VMOS) for his business. The consultant conducts a team-building session withContinue reading “Burning Platforms and How to Prevent Them”
Ellery's Essays 