Fishy Business
Table of Contents Title page………………………………...1 Project Introduction………………...3 General Idea…………………………….4-5 Group Members……………………...6-8 Show Production……………………..9 Character Introduction…….........10-22 Series Guide……………..................23-38 General Conclusions…………........39-40 Reflections……………………………….41-42 Recommendations…...……………..43 Fishy Business Facebook…………..44 Works Cited………………………....….45
Project Introduction The goal of this project is to create a television series in which the characters use management skills. The show that we created is called Fishy Business. The show is a pirate themed comedy that targets aspiring business majors to help teach them about management. There are seven live action episodes plus a trailer. In each episode the characters use different management skills to deal with the problems they encounter on their journey.
General Idea In a world full of adventure and treasure, there lived a captain and his faithful crew. They sailed the seven seas leaving their mark from one end of the world to the other. This is a story of how a group of unlikely sea creatures came together to become the best pirates with great management skills. They must overcome many obstacles on their journey to find treasure and adventure. In the episodes you will find specific management characteristics and theories which are used to lead the crew.
General Idea The target audience is the general work force from ages twenty to fifty. The setting will mainly be a large pirate ship in the middle of the ocean. Some scenes may be filmed off ship. The show will focus on several problems that appear in management. The topics are individual and group decision making, organization structure and design, managing diverse human resources, planning, managerial environment and communication, ethical decision making, and negotiation .
The Creators of Fishy Business
Group Member Introductions A: 18 year old junior in college majoring in entrepreneurship. Absolutely loves nature, chocolate ice cream and adventuring. C: 21 year old pursuing a degree in Accounting, currently in her junior year. Loves to travel and enjoys working in this group. J: 19 year old finance major, fear that we wouldn’t work well as a group, I enjoy being creative with crochet and love curling up with my dog and a book
Group Member Introductions cont. M: 19 year old junior majoring in Accounting. I love marine life and math so much that one of my prized possessions is a graphing calculator that graphs in color. R: 18 year old junior majoring in Business Management. My greatest fear was that I would have to take the leadership role within the group, but I love how everyone has taken that role upon themselves in some way. I love sports, and going on adventures. R: 21 year old entrepreneurship major. I love teaching and competing in the martial arts. I have a passion for Brazilian Jiu Jitsu and enjoy defending my title as a Florida State Champion.
Show Production In order to complete the show and project our group met at regular meeting times during the week to plan and organize ideas about production. We made our characters out of crochet and designed our ship out of cardboard. The background setting for our show is made out of different colored table cloths. We filmed each episode on an ipad and used editing software to polish each episode. Each member of the group plays the role of one character and also writes the script for one episode. In following these methods we have found much success as a team.
Character Guide
Captain Krab Job: Captain of the ship Personality Traits: -Leader -Adventurous and Greedy -Charming to get out of sticky situations -Loves seaweed and rum -Loyal to his crew -Hard shelled notorious pirate
Captain Krab cont. Backstory: Was a well respected but there was a mutiny and now he needs a new crew. He is shady in his business dealings and has crossed more than a few pirates in his time. Management Traits: Authoritative as captain of the ship he gives orders and he holds positional power. He has conceptual skills like coming up with a plan for their voyage. Leader (manager) of Fishy Business which represents a for profit organization.
Squinty Squid Job: Navigator Personality Traits: - Very shy and lacks confidence - People pleaser - Extremely smart and a bookworm - A very good navigator - Understands maintenance but is clumsy - Nerdy and needs glasses due to vision problems which affect her ability to navigate
Squinty Squid cont. Backstory: Squinty has loved maps since childhood. She read about pirate adventures in books and wanted to live it out in real life. Management traits: As the navigator of Fishy Business, she has conceptual skills that she uses to read the maps and chart their way across the sea. She uses her technical skills to steer the ship where they need to go.
Fishsticks Job: First mate Personality Traits: -Strong and very confident -Good fighter -Mercenary for hire who loves fighting -Very familiar with boats -Gets all the ladies -Swashbuckler -Sometimes lazy
Fishsticks cont. Backstory: Worked on pirate ships his whole life. Got kicked off the last ship for disobeying orders. He has some attitude problems and feels he should be a captain after so long as a first mate. Management Skills: As first mate of the ship he has some authority because he is second in command. His interpersonal skills are rough. He has technical skills and can do any job on the ship but would rather tell Sharkbait what to do.
Sharkbait Job: Inexperienced swabbie Personality Traits: -A newcomer with high aspirations -Aims to be a good captain -Believes in himself but doesn't have a lot of potential -Trying to learn from the best pirates
Sharkbait cont. Backstory: Ran away from home, has lots of siblings and is the runt of his litter so no one misses him. Has big plans of becoming a captain. The crew, especially captain Krab, treats him like a joke. Management Skills: As the swabbie of the ship he doesn’t have any authority or well defined skill set. He is learning as he goes. He is a likeable character with good interpersonal skills and wants to please everyone. He builds some personal power and eventually uses to change the Captain’s mind.
$ayyida Job: Captain of Rival Pirate Crew Personality Traits: -Confident woman -Knows how to get her way -Considers herself better than Captain Krab - Thinks she can outsmart him in any situation.
$ayyida cont. Backstory: Has run across Captain Krab before and he cheated her out of her share so she is wary of dealing with other pirates. Her loyal first mate, Squirt, is the only crew she trusts. Management Traits: Portrays weak negotiation skills in the last episode. As a captain of her own ship she has positional authority.
Squirt Job: $ayyida’s first mate Personality Traits: -Adorable -Friendly -Loyal -Intelligent
Squirt cont. Backstory: Squirt was found by $ayyida floating on a raft in the middle of nowhere. She has no memory about her life before that point. She wants to find out what happened and if she has any family out there. Management Traits: Has valuable technical skills of being able to read the stars and has great interpersonal and negotiation skills that she puts to good use at the end of the series to save the deal.
Series Guide
Episode 1 Individual & Group Decision Making (All Members) Captain Krab goes out searching for a new crew in a nearby tavern and finds Squinty, Fishsticks and Sharkbait. In order to make his decision he begins using the bounded rationality model (pg 338). He first starts with defining the problem he needs to solve which is not having any crew mates. He has a good idea of what kind of crew he has in mind and then interviews people within the tavern. He realizes that they aren’t the best choices and reevaluates his criterion level and then satisfices for them as his crew mates. He cannot spend a lot of time searching for the perfect crew and even if he found them there is no guarantee he could get them to join.
https ://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Zt2e3qgkn0M&index=2&list=PLx-B4JHzverz3eowW09OboKYUBJ7gKE5p
Episode 2 Organization Structure and Design (Claudia) Overall: During this episode, Captain Krabs assigns duties to his crew members and gives them general rules about reporting to him. All the crew members of this organization agree and begin their training. The goal of this episode is to represent the flat organizational structure, opposite of tall organization, and the hierarchy of positions for the crew members in Fishy Business (pg. 138). To the side we have included an image that represents their hierarchy from Captain Krabs who has the most power to Sharkbait who is only the swabbie. This demonstrates work specialization and task differentiation. The Fishy Business crew also represents a group working towards the goal of delivering seaweed through group cohesion by working together to combine all their specializations. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FZUTDc4d2Xs&index=1&list=PLx-B4JHzverz3eowW09OboKYUBJ7gKE5p
Episode 2 cont. • As seen in this first episode, Captain Krabs makes it clear to his crew members that he is the individual in charge with authority and will be making all the decisions. When employees don’t have a clear understanding about who they can reach in case of problems, most of the times nothing is done and the problems just gets worse. Example of Flat Organizational Structure Hierarchy
• Establishing organizational structure also allows the manager to explain other topics such as the kind of dependence employees will have, the goals and values of the business which employees should follow, the formality of the business, the line of authority, and the span of control (Chapter 10). • The structure of Fishy Business follows the idea of unity of command which states that an employee should have one boss only (pg. 137).
Episode 3 Managing Diverse Human Resources (Alyse) Overall: Captain Krabs trains his crew so that he is sure they will reach the destination on time. The crew demands more for the work they do each day at sea. Since Captain Krabs has recruited his crew it’s time for him to effectively socialize and train them (pg 168). He needs his entire crew to be efficient. He first finds out what each of their individual strengths are. Captain Krabs gives them duties that allows them to use those strengths while working so that they end up specializing in their specific duty (pg 179).
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3w2lG_eQXEw&index=3&list=PLx-B4JHzverz3eowW09OboKYUBJ7gKE5p
Episode 3 continued He wants them to have a clear understanding of what is correct and incorrect behavior so he gives them onthe-job training (pg 179) followed by a brief performance appraisal (pg 181). Captain Krabs’ demands become ridiculous and the crew does not believe he will satisfy all of their needs found in Maslow’s Hierarchy of Needs (pg 243). The crew wants to be sure that they will receive compensation for their efforts while aboard (pg 184). Once they go on strike however, Captain Krabs assures them that he is operating under a broadband system and they will be taken care of eventually (pg 184). Since they are all unique sea creatures, they all have diverse needs (pg 187). Captain Krabs does not want any problems or conflict so he has to effectively manage them in order to make it to their final destination. He negotiates with his crew that he’ll do his best to meet all of their basic needs while aboard(pg 320). Once they reach their destination he’ll pay them for everything they accomplished.
Episode 4 Chapter 5: Planning (Bobby) Overall: Captain Krab and his crew need to figure out how to transport the cargo on board their ship. Captain Krabs and his crew docked their ship at cut throat island and took on a small smuggling job at the local tavern in an effort to fill up their pockets with gold for their journey. The mission requires that they transport the cargo all the way to smugglers cove. The route to smugglers cove is a very long and dangerous one. Treacherous waters and sea monsters lay between the crew and their destination. Captain Krab and the crew will have to master the art of planning in order to be successful in their mission. Concepts: In this episode the chapter 5 concepts of organizational levels, types of plans, and the planning process will be implemented to help demonstrate how managers use planning to overcome obstacles. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Vc8KInUI3NU&index=4&list=PLx-B4JHzverz3eowW09OboKYUBJ7gKE5p
Episode 4 continued The crew uses planning (p113) as a method to help manage their situation and complete their assigned task. For example, Captain Krab develops a specific type of plan that is used based on the crews organizational level. There are three different types of organizational levels that organizations can be a part of: • corporate level • business level • functional level The organizational level the Fishy Business Pirates is developed on is a business level (p114). Each organizational level is best suited to a specific type of plan that will fit its structure the best. Captain Krab uses a strategic plan because it is most effective in comparison to the organizational level of the pirating business. A strategic plan is used to focus on the broad future of the organization and incorporate both external environmental demands and internal resources into manager’s actions (p113). Captain Krabs then uses the 6 step planning process (p117) to analyze the external environment, assess internal resources, set objectives, develop action plans, implement the plan, and monitor outcomes.
Episode 4 continued First, the external environment is analyzed through how Captain Krab gains the knowledge of the route to smugglers cove being treacherous due to rough waters and sea creatures. Second, internal resources are assessed by how Captain Krab evaluates his crew and the condition of his ship. Third, objectives are set through the contract that the crew accepted to deliver cargo to smugglers cove. Fourth, developing a plan of action is done by captain krabs as he secures a secret map to smugglers cove by winning a drinking contest. Fifth, the plan is implemented when Captain Krab orders the crew to set sail according to the set course. Sixth, outcomes are monitored by Captain Krab as he oversees the the journey of his crew at the helm of the ship. Interestingly enough it would seem that a Pirate ship is ran by its Captain very much in the same way that a CEO would run his company. Both seek to use planning as a crucial tool to optimize their resources in the most effective manner to overcome obstacles and make their organization a success.
Episode 5 Managerial Environment and Communication (Re’Lynn) Overall: The crew encounters a terrible storm and prepares for the worst. Amid uncertain circumstances, they are forced to work together to keep the ship afloat. This requires ever changing roles, as well as communication between crew members. After Squinty Squid is thrown overboard by the unrelenting waves, the crew has to work together to save her. Not only that, but when the storm clears they realize that the course may not always be as clear as they had hoped. The management environment is not always clear, and sometimes you just have to take one step at a time. Storms are bound to come, what matters is how you handle them. Will you sink under the crashing waves, or will you find an alternative route? The goal of this episode is to present a situation with uncertainty (pg. 5) , risk, and teamwork. The crew has reached the performing stage (pg. 277) in the stages of group development, and develops a plan of action (pg. 117, 122-123) to get through the storm. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=d1GdSl88Zno&index=5&list=PLx-B4JHzverz3eowW09OboKYUBJ7gKE5p
Episode 5 Cont. • Going back to the beginning of the text, in chapter 1, we see that the managerial environment is filled with uncertainty; it is a rapidly changing environment that constantly needs to adapt in order to succeed. In comparison to the storm that the crew encounters, management requires a similar plan of action. Captain Krabs needs to analyze the external environment, set objectives, develop an action plan, and monitor the outcomes. While this might not be as apparent in time sensitive situations, the process is basically the same. • Implementing an action plan is of the same or higher importance as developing one. Successful implementation is achieved through monitoring and constantly making adjustments. Captain Krabs monitored the situation while the crew did their jobs, and they were able to make adjustments when Squinty fell overboard. • At this point the crew is in the performing stage in group development. In this stage a group is able to implement as a team and take actions as a coherent entity. It also means that the group is able to influence members’ attitudes and behavior on matters of importance, which we will see more of in the next episode.
Episode 6 Social Responsibility and Managerial Ethics (Jessica)
After the storm has passed, the crew sails on toward their destination to Smuggler’s Cove. In the distance, Sharkbait sees figures struggling in the water. Captain Krab and the crew find Sayyida and Squirt floating out at sea with no other ships in sight. They must decide whether or not to help the rival pirates. Captain Krabs and Fishsticks are hardened pirates and do not want to help their rivals but Squinty and Sharkbait think they should help. Eventually, the Captain is persuaded and decides to help out Sayyida and Squirt.
The goal of this episode is to examine the ethical decision making process and how different approaches can lead to different choices.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ndPUEIRCVLY&list=PLx-B4JHzverz3eowW09OboKYUBJ7gKE5p&index=6
Episode 6 cont. The utilitarian approach focuses on the consequences of an action essentially trying to find the greatest good (pg 31). If the crew decides to rescue Sayyida and Squirt, two lives will be saved and the crew is only mildly inconvenienced. If the crew decides not to help Sayyida and Squirt will probably die and the crew can continue on their journey. Action: they should help The moral rights approach focuses on examination of the moral standing of actions independent of their consequences (pg 31). According to this approach some things are just right or wrong. The only morality pirates are concerned with is what is in the best interest of the individual. Squinty and Sharkbait are not hardened pirates so they would say that leaving someone to die when you can help is wrong. The captain is in charge and says leave them. Action: don’t help The universal approach means do unto others as you would have them do unto everyone, including yourself (pg 31). This puts the pirates in a sticky situation because they would want help if they were stranded at sea but do not want the burden of taking on two more passengers. Action: they should help
Episode 6 cont. Perception plays a role in this episode because if affects how the captain and crew view and eventually respond to the situation. 1. Reside in the perceiver: captain krab and the crew observe the situation 2. In the object or target being perceived: sayyida and squirt 3. The context of the situation of the perception: helpless in the water Assumed similarity -an observer’s perception of others is influenced more by the observer’s own characteristics than by those of the person observed Captain krab assumes sayyida is just as bad of a pirate as him and wants to leave her, yet the crew sees her as similar to themselves and want to help. Based on their different perceptions of the situation there is a little bit of conflict over what to do with sayyida and squirt but the crew wins over the captain and they rescue their shipwrecked rivals.
Episode 7
Communication and Negotiation (Melissa)
Episode 7 will cover how important communication is in management and the advantages and disadvantages of oral and written communication (pgs 304-305). Captain Krab will encounter a problem in which these disadvantages affect his work. It will also show examples of downward communication (pg 308), Captian Krab sends Fishsticks to send $ayyida a message which Fishsticks passes to Squinty, and Squinty passes it to Sharkbait. During the passing of this message they encounter noise (pg 304). https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=S6mNqNPbiGI&index=7&list=PLx-B4JHzverz3eowW09OboKYUBJ7gKE5p
Episode 7 cont. The loud squawk of a bird disrupts Squinty’s and Sharkbait’s conversation causing Sharkbait to get the time wrong. The episode also shows different stages of the negotiation process, the stages shown are stages 3 through 5, information exchange, persuasion attempts, and agreement (pg 323). Captain Krab and $ayyida both tell each other what they have and what their interests (pg 320) are. They then try to persuade each other make a deal, but Squirt intervenes and suggest a middle ground. The two groups then agree to make the deal.
Closing Thoughts
General Conclusions -
Management is found anywhere, even in non-organizations and managers are more than those who hold an actual title of manager. We ourselves are managers managing our lives, families, work, and activities. Putting the concept of management and all its components into a TV show about pirates has definitely allowed us to view managament differently and understand its concepts better. The production of the show itself has even put us in management positions and allowed us to get experience.
Reflections “I like to think of our team as one body; each member of the body is responsible for a certain job, and they are very good at that job, but they need the rest of the body to operate to its potential. The same goes for the rest of the body; the lack of a hand or foot is very noticeable when trying to successfully complete a task.” -R “I think the TV show was a great idea as a way to actually implement and put in practice everything learned and even though it wasn’t the easiest project I’ve done, it has definitely been one of the ones I’ve enjoyed the most.” -C “Managing this TV show and also learning management concepts each week helped to clarify what management entails. To me, management is an ongoing practice, not a science.” -A
Reflections cont. “I believe that with the time that we have spent together we have also become an informal group of friendship. I believe that by being in this group we have each learned to care about the other and this significantly affects group attitudes and performance in a very positive way because we all want the best for each other.” -B “When I first heard that we were doing a tv show in management class I had no idea what to expect, but it turned out to be so much fun. I learned more about management from this project than I could have from reading any textbook. The practical experience of working on a group project has added tools that I know will be useful in the future.” -J “At first the idea of making a short tv show was scary, but in reality it was really fun. While working with my group mates I’ve come to realize that we’re all manager even without having the official position.” -M
Recommendations - Start early, it may seem like an easy project but if you want good results there has to be a lot of work done. - Be creative and think outside the box, management is found everywhere. You can use this opportunity to teach your classmates about management being found in places or situations they don’t imagine. - Good communication. This is a group project and it will require for everyone to participate because there is so much to be done and each person has different things going on in their life. - Have fun with the project because it lasts all semester and you will spend a good amount of time with your group members. - Have set days every week to meet up with your group, and stick to it. You'll always find something to do or improve on. You can maybe try setting up a written schedule disclosing your times of availability.
Citations Textbook
Hitt, M., Black, S., & Porter, L. (2012). The Nature of Management. In Management (3rd ed.). Upper Saddle River, N.J.: Pearson Prentice Hall.