Every organization requires defined systems and structure to work smoothly in order to accomplish set goals. Lack of systemized processes in organizational activities hinders learning of individuals to understand and comprehend procedures and processes in some organizations. The essay will relate FAA, a US government aviation agency that ensures applicants meet the requirements specified in explaining different concepts of the essay
Organization process and business process
Organization process involves defining tasks in different sections or departments in the organization, arranging and planning the tasks using carefully worked processes which work harmoniously in every department to achieve predetermined end results in a smooth and effective way (Blau et al 2008). Organization process involves all members who are made to understand their roles and responsibilities in the working environment. Lack of coordination in the organization process may result in confusion, frustrations and demotivated workforce (Ashforth, and Mael, 1989). Federal Aviation Authority (FAA) is a United States national authority agency concerned with air civil aviation control both nationally and internationally. FAA is categorized into several divisions of businesses. The airport (ARP) division ensures all airports comply with the federal requirements. The requirements start from planning, implementation, growth, developments, and construction of airports. Air traffic organization (ATO); ensure safety and smooth movement of air traffic within the national air traffic system. Their employees control facilities like traffic control towers Terminal radars and airway operations. Aviation Safety (AVS) division ensures pilots; aircraft and other related machinery meet certification standards. Commercial space transportation (AST) ensures US air travel assets, personnel, and other related appliances are protected and secured.
A business process is a step of defined activities undertaken by a group of stakeholders in a business project to accomplish a solid goal. For FAA to accomplish its goals in the business of aviation, the federation accomplishes its mandates through a series of activities like Airspace management, regulation, licensing, research and development (FAA website, 2018). Organization and business processes involve several steps for them to succethe ed; dividing the total work into several units, grouping the units into their specified departments, assigning tasks to individuals in line with skills and qualifications, establishing superior- subordinate reporting relationships and mitigation systems (Alderfer, and Smith, 1982).
The relationship between organizational structure (OS) and business processes (BP)
Organizational structure defines organizational hierarchy by identifying different departments or units and reporting relationships in a work environment between managers and their employees. OS describes the flow of information in a coordinated manner between different levels in facilitating organizational goals (Blau et al., 2008). In a BP perspective, FAA, ensures all regulations and requirements are met to satisfy the civil aviation authorities across the world. In the process, the agency wins trust from customers who board US airliners. In FAA, there are clear definitions of different units like aircraft, Air traffic, data and research, training, licenses, and training units. Each unit is headed by the departmental head who oversees every activity and reports to other seniors like chief flight instructors, Training centers evaluators who then report to the central unit. FAA is a large organization and employees have delegated tasks and responsibilities in specified divisions. Employees are engaged according to their work relating to product or services offered.
A business process describes all activities that aid the organization in accomplishing set goals. Both OS and BP have defined systems that work together to achieve positive outcomes (Jeston, 2014). While OS work to consistently improve the environment in every working unit by defining and assigning tasks, BP, on the other hand, is involved in setting the best environmental standards for the business to interact with suppliers, customers, internal staff and other stakeholders (Van der Voet, 2014).
Organizational development activities identified
Organization development is an effort to influence, and include every member of the organization with the responsibility of the organization success (Orpen, 1997). Through IACRA, FAA validates and defines different roles and categories of employees. For every applicant or member, their details are electronically verified by matching them with details from FAA. Also, IACRA is more advanced software that helps users and applicants have access to information about positions and different airman roles. FAA website provides information about the agency, activities, positions and roles and how one can register as an airman.
Organization learning mechanism (OLM)
OLMs are structures and procedures that enable the organization to methodically collect, and analyze data and make it into proper use. The learning approach is majorly viewed in terms of structure and culture of an organization (Ng et al.,2006) Organization Learning facilitates continuous improvement in culture and individual-based learning to adapt to system learning. OLM is related to information theory and uncertainty reduction in any responsible activity (Clifford, and Thorpe, 2007). FAA incorporates the use of modern technology in IACRA to guide and provide every detail in the application process. Every data set must be validated before any airman application process proves successful. Every procedure and information, for example, training, instruction manual, helpful links define FAA culture of providing and disseminating information through online platforms.
Organization use of IT processes system
The organization adoption of IACRA, a web-type platform subjects every airman to the same application process. On-line training site provides the user with information about logins procedures, application processes, and certification processes. Registration and disapproval processes are clearly elaborated in IACRA 8.15 version. When an applicant fails the test the system automatically rejects registration continuation and the information is sent to the certifying officer in charge. The same information about disapproval is also sent to the client. The online process equips the users with IT and support systems and processes in acquiring the information they need.
Personal factors that deter individuals from learning
Every application process is via IACRA website which could be difficult to navigate without having prior information about how it operates. The process could deter some airmen from learning due to boredom and lack of support team to advise them. The procedures involved are complex and time-consuming. The system relies on the internet which may experience technical errors at times. Limited internet coverage may deter individuals from learning the information on the FAA website.
Organization sections that deter learning
The organization consists of different departments and sub-units that make it hard for one to master different roles of each unit. The certificate section requires one to give fine details in every subsection which could be confusing to some applicants. The instruction manual is so detailed that makes any person lose interest in learning the information contained.
Conclusion
Integration of processes and systems in organizations is vital in disseminating information to the required parties. FAA ensures aviation safety by ensuring all airmen applicants are verified by use of IACRA systems. Though some procedures prove complex and lengthy, the organization has embraced the use of technology to solve current and future challenges.
References
Alderfer, C. P., & Smith, K. (1982). Studying intergroup relations embedded in organizations. Administrative Science Quarterly, 27(1), 35-65.
Ashforth, B., & Mael, F. 1989. Social identity theory and the organization. Academy of Management Review, 14(1): 20-39
Blau, G., Andersson, L., Davis, K., Daymont, T, Hochner, A., Koziara, K. Portwood, J., and Holladay, B. (2008). The relation between employee organizational and professional development activities. Journal of Vocational Behavior, 72(1): 123-142.
Clifford, J., and Thorpe, S. (2007). More ways than one exploring the use of different learning methods in organizations. Industrial and Commercial Training, 39(5): 267.
FAA website ( 2018), Federal Aviation Administration. Retrieved from: https://iacra.faa.gov/IACRA/Default.aspx
Jeston, J. (2014). Business process management. Routledge.
Ng, T. W. H., Butts, M. M., Vandenberg, R. J., DeJoy, D. M., and Wilson, M. G., (2006). Effects of management communication, opportunity for learning, and work schedule flexibility.
Orpen, C., (1997). The effects of formal mentoring on employee work motivation, organizational commitment and job performance. The Learning Organization, 4(2): 53.
Van der Voet, J. (2014). The effectiveness and specificity of change management in a public organization: Transformational leadership and a bureaucratic organizational structure. European Management Journal, 32(3), 373-382.
