Unit 8 University Journal: Candidates For Interview

Unit 8 Journal: Interview
Interviews
This course utilizes two interviews to provide you an opportunity to interact with real-world
professionals within the areas of business related to your course topics.
It is an exciting time, living in the 21st Century! While the intent of the interviews is that you attempt to
interview a professional face-to-face in your local community, if this is difficult due to factors such as
living in a rural area, you can find a professional online, coordinate via email, and meet using Google
Hangouts to accomplish the interview assignments.
Keep in mind, in either method, your professionalism reflects upon yourself and our institution; make
us proud.
A few other important notes: Due to technical limitations with our learning platform, you may see
these items listed as Journal: Interview. These are not to be confused with your normal journals, as
they are very different. Consider them as interviews, and ensure you review and read their specific
instructions.
Also, as you review your Gradebook during Unit 1, look at the timing of the interview and the related
topics of the units towards the end of the term. Know the late policy, and your own work schedule.
Schedule the interview to maximize your opportunity while mitigating risk of non-completion. Do not
procrastinate. Your emergency is not your selected professional’s emergency. Plan accordingly to
ensure you are not limited by schedule and ensure a buffer and contingency so that your selected
professional is not pressured by your time constraints. It is advisable to have a backup time and date
planned, in case you need it, to accomplish the interview. If you need to switch to a different
professional, due to availability, that is also appropriate within the same area of business.
This is a realistic business opportunity. One of the positive elements of Interviews as learning
opportunities is that they also open you up to networking opportunities. The role of professional
networking in a business career cannot be understated, it is key towards success. Additionally, if you
research career sites, you will see much advice towards the concept of an informational interview.
You may want to research informational interviews from this perspective prior to your two actual
interviews.
You are being notified during Unit 1 to allow you maximize time to research, plan, coordinate, and
accomplish the interview successfully. Overcome obstacles, if they occur, and earn positive results!
In this Interview, you will be assessed based on the following outcomes:
MT435-4: Examine supply chain management and global supply chain concepts supportive of
operations management efforts.
PC-3.2: Interact with others in a professional manner using appropriate communication and
presentation skills.
Unit 8 [MT435]
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This journal is different than many journals you may have encountered during your time at university.
In fact, it is better to think of it as an Interview than a journal.
Part of learning about business is networking. This interview is to get you motivated and networking
with business professionals in your local area. If you want, you can also set-up an online interview
using Google Hangouts; however, you should make an effort in your local area if at all possible for
this experiential learning opportunity to conduct a face-to-face interview.
You will conduct a 30-minute interview with a business professional who has experience with SCM
and Global SCM.
During the interview, ask permission to submit their first name, last name, and email address as
elements of your interview summary, in case your professor wants to check in with them on their
thoughts of the interview.
As the person conducting the interview, you should dress professionally for the interview, and be
prepared with some initial research of the person you are interviewing (review their LinkedIn profile)
as well as, their organization (online research, corporate website, etc.). The point is to show up as a
business professional, and to be properly prepared and engaged for the interview. You will be asking
the questions, and you should be prepared to be an active listener and to ask pertinent follow-on
questions.
The three main question sets you are to ask, allowing about 10 minutes of discussion each, are:
Question Set 1: (SCM Theory)
Glocalization is a hybrid word of global and local, meaning, “think globally and act locally.” How does
your organization implement glocalization? What trend do you foresee, as far as glocalization, within
your industry in the next 5-years? Do you envision any radical changes in your industry that would
drive changes to the theory or strategy of supply chain?
Question Set 2: (Global SCM Practice)
How is the multi-modal system used effectively as an element of pragmatic practice for daily
operations within your supply chain? How important is the standardized container towards smooth
operations within the supply chain? Can you cover the types of pallets used by your organization,
their standard size and purpose? What is your top concern with the daily practice of your supply chain
operations?
Question Set 3: (Professional Interaction, Communication, and Presentation Skills)
How important is the concept of first impressions in the business environment? What communications
skills do you use most often within the supply chain? Do you present often in your role within the
organization? Can you cover how a normal presentation flows as one of your best practices?
To successfully complete this interview, review the rubric prior to the interview and ensure you
complete all required elements. However, in general, you will be composing 2-pages of meeting
minute format summary of the interview, highlighting who you selected to interview, their contact
information, the three responses, any other follow-on questions or key points, and then close with a
summary and your reflection on what you learned in relation to the course topics.
Unit 8 [MT435]
Page 3 of 3
Advice to Avoid Plagiarism in Interview Assignments
 Do not list the questions in the interview document you submit
 Use headers such as Question Set 1: to separate out your interview narrative
 Ensure all writing is the direct words of the person you interviewed, using quotes on their
responses, or your own original narrative as part of the interview process, or your own
reflections
 Ensure your reflection is in your own words
 Check your TII Report!
Directions for Submitting Your Journal: Interview
Compose your meeting minute format summary of the interview in a Word document and save it in a
location that includes y