University of Miami Problems in the Contract Approval Process By Debby Lopez Essay

 discuss problem diagnosis analysis and arguments and why they are important.

Then we will discuss “DRW Technologies” (Harvard case) as preparation for the third individual writing assignment. 

• After we discuss the “DRW Technologies” case, you can start work in class on the assignment below.
• See the link below to submit the assignment. The link includes the due date.
• DRW Writing Assignment
• You are Debby Lopez. Edward Claiborne, the main character of “DRW Technologies” and Lopez’s boss, has sent you an email (see below). Please write a response to it. Remember that Claiborne is probably upset and, privately, worried. Write the assignment as a memo to Claiborne. Word limit: 1,000.

Claiborne’s Email to Debby:

To: Debby
From: Edward
Subject: Approval of plant contracts

It has been two weeks since I informed the procurement managers in the plants about the new contract approval process. I have not received any contracts for approval. Not one!

We know that most of our 21 plants sign contracts over $250,000 at least several times a month and no doubt with greater frequency now because of the large backlog. Furthermore, our plants do not keep large inventories of raw materials on hand and must be continually resupplied when they are working at full capacity. It is in practical terms impossible that not one of our many plants has had a contract over the threshold in the last two weeks.

Some of the messages I received from the procurement managers in response to my email announcing the policy were noncommittal. I did not like that type of response, but I was prepared for some hesitation. I was not prepared to have all of the managers ignore the policy. It is possible that some plants might not want to start complying with the policy immediately. However, I have not received a single email message or phone call from the plants requesting an extension before implementing it.

I am at a loss to understand the failure to comply with the policy. I would like your opinion on the reasons why the procurement managers are not complying. I do not want speculation; please provide evidence for your opinions. Also, suggest what you think I should do about the situation. It would be helpful to have both short-term and long-term steps.

Edward Claiborne

Vice President, Procurement DRW Technologies

Name the document file as follows: [Your FIRST name]-DRW Technologies.doc

Also include your name at the top of the document!

EVALUATION CRITERIA FOR “DRW TECHNOLOGIES” ASSIGNMENT

Have you stated the problem?

Have you identified plausible causes?

Have you argued the causes convincingly using logic and evidence?

Do you use emotion to help persuade the reader?

Is the organization of the memo easy for a reader to follow, and is your writingclear, correct, and concise?

Required Reading (books, articles, cases):

• “DRW Technologies” case (