Organizational Theory and Operations Management Trip

Photo submitted by Cynthia Lanphear on 5/30/2006.

Students in the Organizational Theory and Operations Management class took a field trip to visit Whirlpool Corporation facilities in Fort Smith. The Organizational Theory class studied the characteristics of the Divisionalized Bureaucracy structure that is the prevalent style of most major American corporations. The Operations Management class was learning how Whirlpool Corporation applies and practices the philosophies of Lean Manufacturing, a concept coined by Toyota. The group heard from several top managers as well as hourly employees and union representatives. Finally they were treated to lunch and a plant tour conducted by the employees.