Memo

To: BUS-2200 Colleagues

From: Duane Bennett
Subject: Request for Proposal

Suggestions, feedback, and distribution of information intra-organizationally are vital to

improving business. Improving the flow of information between departments in companies
such as Varian, DesertTech, and Ken Garff Automotive Group (KGAG) would aid
interdepartmental communications and thus create more efficient and effective organizations.
Project Statement
Departments within Varian, Ken Garff Automotive Group, and DesertTech regularly report that
communications between departments would contribute to more efficient operations and thus
impact the bottom line.
Benefits
When different departments have a better flow of information between each them the company
can become more efficient.
As a result morale will be higher because different departments will be unified on achieving
corporate goals. This will demonstrate the usefulness of effective communication WITHIN a
business.
Feasibility
Working with Joe Christensen from Varian Medical Systems, Michael Bluemel from
Allstate/Ken Garff Automotive Group, and Hannah Young from DesertTech provides three
opportunities to improve organizations with connections to the class.

In a masters thesis from 2010, Strategies and Benefits of Fostering Intra-Organizational

Collaboration by Katherine S. Dean from Marquette University proves there are many
benefits to fostering intra-organizational collaboration.
In addition, an article, How to Foster a Cooperative Culture by Lynda Gratton found at 6/17/16
on the Harvard Business Review website that speaks to improve the culture within a company to
improve collaboration, increase efficiency and morale.
The companies, mentioned here, are all large companies with several departments that need to
communicate well to deliver the core product to the customer or client base.
Varian Medical Systems is headquartered in Palo Alto, CA, and has facilities throughout the world
and has more than 6,000 Varian employees, their devices are used in radiotherapy, radiosurgery,
proton therapy, and brachytherapy. They develop diagnostic X-ray technology including flat-panel

digital radiograph machines and X-ray tubes for medical, scientific and industrial applications. As
well, they design imaging solutions for port security and cargo inspection.

Ken Garff Automotive Group (KGAG) is a group of car dealerships that was founded in 1932 in Salt
Lake City, Utah. KGAG has over 50 locations across the country. They have stores in Utah, Texas,
Iowa, Michigan, Nevada, and California. KGAG sells over 15 different makes of vehicles from Porsche
to Ford.

DesertTech is an arms manufacturer with a 35,000 square foot facility in West Valley City. They
were founded in 2007 and have established a reputation of creating the most accurate and
compact rifle systems in the world.
Materials and Methods
Observations performed by our contacts within these organizations will be utilized as well as,
interviews and/or shadowing employees and management within these organizations.
Based on the research conducted and described in Dean and Grattons articles, we will use a
similar type of method.
Personnel
Depending on the company/companies selected for this project Joe, Michael or Hannah would
be a main point of contact. They would create contacts within their respective organizations for
interviews/observations and assist in obtaining access for interviews and feedback.
Interviewing would need groups of two, one being either Joe, Michael or Hannah and the other
someone with good note taking skills and is personable.
The other two people would compile the interview information and research information for
implementation as presentation or mediators for the training presentation.
Time Frame
Interviews/observations Done:
Research and Interview Information Compiled:
Presentation ready for respective company:

July 16
July 23th
July 30th

Hurdles
Time frame issues with communications with the companies. Can be addressed through our
points of contact and explanation of projects and out deadlines.
Access to the companies and their management. Can be addressed by giving them buffer dates
and times for our access and appointments by contacting ahead of time.
Honesty from participating companies. By having our interviews occur in pairs it will increase
our interviewers/observers ability to verify communication issues.