Unprofessional Development Case Study
Technology vs. Tradition
Hans Timitzen, an employee of 123FakeCorp, was in charge of keeping the company's employee records. Although Timitzen had kept the records accurate for more than fifteen years, there was talk in the office about replacing his flat file system with an Oracle database. Franz Schledburg, director of HR, was the most insistent person in the matter. "You have to stop living in the past." He repeatedly told Timitzen, "An Oracle database could save us millions down the road!" "But think of the overhead cost!" Argued Timitzen. "A company our size shouldn't need something that big or advanced. And I've kept the employee records correct for over fifteen years without using any technology at all!" Timitzen and Schledburg continued to argue about the matter, until their boss finally decided to intervene. "Calm down, both of you." He ordered. "I'm sure that there's an equitable, logical and reasonable solution to this conflict of interest that is sensitive to the mutual and exclusive needs of both parties. Why not discuss your differences over lunch?" Timitzen and Schledburg agreed, and headed for the nearest fancy, tax-deductible dinner. Unfortunately, on the way there, they were both hit by a cement mixer and killed instantly.
Moral of the story: Look both ways before you cross the street.
Discussion Questions:
What were Timitzen and Scheldburg arguing about?
How many buzzwords did their employer use in his response?
Do you think that excessive use of buzzwords should be permitted? Explain.
What about cement mixers?