The Bubble Factory: Addressing Difficult Issues in HRM

Abstract

The Bubble Factory is a fish-bowl, participatory exercise wherein three to eight students participate in a “factory” that produces high-quality soap bubbles using wands and soap and glycerin solution (such as Mr. Bubbles brand) typically found in toy stores or department stores. The instructor doctors the materials prior to the exercise so that unequal results are produced across “production lines.” This sets up discussion of the relative importance of individual versus situational influences, Deming-style quality problem solving, and industrial design of experiment, and discussion of the limitations of traditional HRM practices and how one might apply quality concepts to HRM. This is suitable for undergraduate (45–60 minutes) or MBA levels (45–75 minutes).

Keywords:

• human resource management
• performance management
• total quality management
• situational factors
• management by objectives

Additional information

Notes on contributors

Drew L. Harris

Drew L. Harris, Professor of Management & Organization at Central Connecticut State University (CCSU), leads the Entrepreneurship program at CCSU. His research focuses on holistic approaches to “what works”—for individuals, organizations, and communities—and on structures and activities thatL enable more effective learning. He has invented and tested this and other experiential exercises for use in classroom and consulting. Dr. W. Edwards Deming, the inspiration for this article, was a mentor and friend while Dr. Harris was a graduate student at New York University, where he earned his MBA and PhD. Dr. Harris can be reached at [email protected].