Alyssa- 

• Greener Living Farmers (GLF) is facing significant challenges that require a careful choice of management approaches to modernize and stabilize operations. Two management theories that could guide this modernization are Scientific Management and Human Relations (Motivation) Theory. Scientific Management, rooted in classical management principles, focuses on improving efficiency through standardization, work simplification, and task optimization (George, 2021). Applying this theory at GLF could enhance farming operations by streamlining workflows, improving labor productivity, and optimizing the use of machinery and equipment. This approach aligns with the modernization option of improving farming operations for better efficiency. However, its limitations include potential employee dissatisfaction if the workforce feels overly controlled or dehumanized, and it may not address broader innovation or revenue generation opportunities. 

  In contrast, Human Relations Theory emphasizes employee motivation, satisfaction, and collaboration (George, 2021). By focusing on employees' needs and engaging staff in decision-making, GLF could foster innovation and improve productivity indirectly through higher morale. This approach aligns with GLF's needs to innovate for greater revenue yields, as motivated and satisfied employees are more likely to contribute creative solutions to modern challenges, including sustainable farming practices and diversified product offerings. A potential weakness of Human Relations Theory is that it may not provide immediate measurable efficiency gains and requires careful attention to communication and leadership skills to be effective. Nevertheless, it complements strengths in communication and team-building identified in a self-assessment of management skills, offering opportunities to further develop strategic planning and operational oversight.

  Considering the strengths and weaknesses of each theory, a combined approach appears most appropriate for GLF. Scientific Management principles can be applied selectively to optimize labor and equipment efficiency without undermining employee motivation, while Human Resources Theory can guide initiatives that encourage staff engagement and innovation. For example, workflow improvements and machinery optimization can be implemented alongside employee-involved brainstorming sessions for new revenue-generating ideas. Therefore, the recommended modernization option is a dual focus on improving efficiency and fostering innovation, leveraging structured processes while maintaining high employee motivation to support sustainable growth. This balanced approach aligns with personal management strengths in communication and collaboration and provides areas for further development in strategic implementation and operational decision-making.

  References:

  George, J. M. (2021). Fundamentals of management (10th ed.). McGraw-Hill Education. https://research-ebsco-com.ezproxy.umgc.edu/c/fbrdda/viewer/html/fm7iwlo4sv

  University of North Georgia. (2020). Fundamentals of healthcare administration. University Press. https://web.ung.edu/media/university-press/fundamentals-of-healthcare-administration.pdf

  Key Differences. (2023). Difference between Maslow and Herzberg theories of motivation. https://keydifferences.com/difference-between-maslow-and-herzberg-theories-of-motivation.html#google_vignette
  

  Second student- Arthur 

  The new business operations manager of Greener Living Farmers (GLF) is confronted with the problem of modernizing the organization, being under financial strain, having decreasing profit margins, and external factors like climate change and large agribusinesses. In deciding which strategy was the best, I have taken into account my self-assessment of management skills. The findings revealed that I had strong business planning, systems thinking, and critical problem-solving skills. My strongest quality is the ability to analyse complex processes, plan resources effectively, and keep in mind the strategic orientation on long-term sustainability. Yet, I see other ways of becoming a better person in terms of supporting innovation and emphasizing creativity among employees. These insights allowed me to analyse the management theories that will be able to support my strengths and lead GLF to the turnaround. Among the most applicable approaches are the Scientific Management and Systems Theory (Fuchs, 2025).
              Scientific Management is the term that was first introduced by Frederick Taylor and focuses on efficiency, standardization, and measurable productivity. The benefit of this strategy is that it has a systematic process enhancement that has the potential to directly address the challenges facing GLF in maximizing farming operations in terms of yield and cost control. As an example, GLF might need to examine workflow, implement easier processes to harvest, or introduce effective ways to schedule equipment and workforce. This theory would suit the fact that Michael Buff prefers to enhance efficiency, and it would result in quantifiable savings that would be used to offset the declining profit margins. Scientific Management has one drawback, though, and this is that it tends to underestimate creativity and morale among the workers. Perhaps, focusing excessively on strict procedures may suppress creativity, which GLF requires to keep up with uncertain tasks such as climate change or evolving customer demand. The only way that I would resolve this weakness is by balancing practices that are efficiency-oriented with methods that encourage employee involvement and flexibility (Wang, 2025).             On the contrary, the Systems Theory sees the organization as a system, in which farming, distribution, marketing, and community engagement are interdependent. The beauty of this method is that it is holistic in nature, and this aspect appeals to my systems thinking abilities. GLF does not exist in a vacuum; its financial well-being is based on the balance between the production of crops and customer demand, sustainable agricultural practices, and market positioning. Systems Theory would enable GLF to analyse the overall value chain, know the bottlenecks or inefficiencies, and also be able to identify opportunities to create synergy in the operations. As an example, enhancing the pick-your-own community experience would support the brand of GLF as sustainable and local and align it with the rest of the marketing and distribution plans. The problem with Systems Theory, however, is that it is an extensive theory, making decision-making complex. Without priorities, it might lose focus or the chain of motion in the modernization process. In order to overcome this drawback, I would be forced to use systematic planning and focus on major initiatives, including crop diversification or the creation of new sources of revenue (Wang, 2025).             Comparing both theories with the results of my self-assessment, it is clear that both of them are very relevant in my strong aspects of planning and problem-solving, in different aspects. Scientific Management works to my liking of organizing and streamlining processes, whereas Systems Theory works to my strength of seeing the big picture and connections. Simultaneously, both theories encourage me to develop: Scientific Management would force me to be efficient in matters of innovation, and Systems Theory would make me avoid overcomplicating strategies.             Since GLF has urgent needs, I would suggest the implementation of the Systems Theory as the management strategy. Although the enhancement of efficiency is a significant phenomenon, the survival of GLF lies in unifying all the parts of its activities and getting creative to grow sustainably. As far as modernization choices are concerned, I would propose to innovate in order to get a higher revenue accumulation, like introducing organic product lines, utilizing the agritourist experience, like the farmer market, and considering a collaboration with local restaurants or health food stores. The emphasis on interconnected systems will allow GLF to develop a more robust and flexible business model that will help it counter external forces (Phillips, 2023).   References: Fuchs, K. P. (2025). An exploratory study on tourist perception of green hotels: Empirical evidence from Thailand. Journal of Vacation Marketing, 31(3), 683-697. Phillips, J. &. (2023). Change management: From theory to practice. TechTrends, 67(1), 189-197. Wang, Y. (2025). Beyond the Drowning Child: Rethinking Moral Urgency Through Singer and the Great Leap Forward. Journal of Research in Social Science and Humanities, 4(5), 42-50.