Objective (3)

Date: Tuesday, October 21, 2008
Time: 8:45 PM
Place: Kitchen

The objectives of DeVry’s individual courses are relevant to being a modern Operations Manager. “Operations Strategy and Operations Analysis” will build my decision-making skills. “Total Quality Management and Master Planning” will provide skills needed when overseeing activities. Many courses, such as “Logistics and Production Activity Control” and “Just in Time,” contain labs to practice technology.
As I complete my program at DeVry, I will use their stated objectives like a checklist. This will ensure that I am molded into the manager that DeVry can teach me to become.
“Oprah, girlfriend, it’s driving me crazy!” “Dr Phil, I just don’t know what to do.” “Jerry, I aint puttin’ up with this s@%t, I’m just gonna loose my mind!” Each day, people allow the public access into their personal lives by seeking guidance from television celebrities. Recently, a dilemma appeared in my life. Rather than seek help from a talk show host, I used problem solving and critical thinking. A recent headache that I tackled dealt with me being able to maintain my standard of living while in school. By considering three possible solutions and then reflecting on my values, I have made a final solution.
In order to attend DeVry, I quit my previous managerial job. There was no way I could maintain the integrity of the position while attending school. I am willing to not have the luxury of so much income in order to obtain a degree. I am willing to not go out as often and spend less time with friends. My lifestyle includes being able to make certain purchases and going to the gym. I must be able to maintain my esteem through being physically active and I must be able to make certain payments such as rent, food, etc. Initially, my job after Quizno was as a security guard. The hours offered and pay were not enough, so I went for a second job. Now the total hours a week of the two jobs is 65. My dilemma is that Ii have a heavy work load- 65 hours of working, two classes part time, and I have to be physically active.
Although tempting, instead of using the psychic abilities of one of Montell Williams distinguished guests, I listed my own three possible solutions. One solution is to quit one of my jobs and just become extremely budget conscious and sacrifice more luxuries. The second solution is to tighten up my time management. There are enough hours in the day, so maintaining my job, school and exercise is possible. The third is to stop going to the gym. I currently dedicate two hours or more a day, six times a week to fitness. This includes the commute time. All three solutions are viable.
In order to choose the best solution, I have reflected on my values. Whatever I decide, I must maintain my self esteem and feel financially secure. I am not one to borrow from others. I am a hard worker and committed to myself. My values have made it easy to decide upon a solution.
I have chosen to keep both jobs, continue going to the gym and go to DeVry. I just have to improve my time management. I have prepared monthly and weekly calendars. I will have an agenda and goals for each day. The responsibility of my two jobs is not overwhelming, so I can maintain the positions and school. Being a hard worker, I am willing to have a tight schedule. Being committed to myself, I must remain healthy with a solid financial base. Relying on my values, I am confident in my decision.
What a disaster! With only two hours until his niece’s surprise party, James has forgotten that he has to bring the birthday cake. Low on cash, he decides to bake a Duncan Hines mixed stored in his cabinet. The recipe calls for milk. Oh, but the milk in the fridge expired last week. So, James used water. Now its time to blend the mix, oh but he has no blender. James doesn’t even have spoons! So, he blends the mix with his hands. Now time to bake the cake. But, the oven is broken. James eyeballs the microwave….. The proper tools are the keys to success. I’ve acquired many tools during my Critical Thinking and Problem Solving course that will aid me in fulfilling my educational and career objectives. I am able to manage my time and perform better by recognizing who I am.
Making the most of my time is crucial to my success. One can easily fall behind on coursework or forget an appointment or waste time. Among the tools that I have acquired, Ii will use timetables and calendars. One master calendar so Ii get a full view of tasks and weekly timetables to map out daily plans. I will also set weekly and daily priorities. I am able to weigh my priorities using problem solving strategies such a T-charts.
Identifying who I am will ensure that I am able to work efficiently and that I grow each day. It also improves my interaction with others. Identifying my learning style as tactic//kinesthetic shows me how I handle information. I am aware of my weaknesses and will use them to improve. Using a SWOT analysis on myself is an aid to my goal of always growing and improving. Identifying my personality style and creating a mission statement will help me think productively about identifying my profession. I have acquired tools that are like headlights through what could easily be a dark educational and career journey. I am equipped to succeed.
I am confident in myself. I have reached solid ground. My personal mission statement is to remain healthy and continuously strive for excellence. I will remain determined to always grow and present myself as a good example. I will be an ethical and productive member of society.