You have been tasked with managing a change initiative for Southwest Airlines (see Southwest Story below).
The goals of your change management plan are:
- Tell your organization about the change.
- Help those stakeholders (internal and external) who are directly affected by the change to adapt.
Change management is the process of guiding organizational change to fruition, from the earliest stages of conception and preparation, through implementation and, finally, to resolution. Change management plans are designed to help organizations implement changes effectively by addressing the human side of change.
A change management plan is a document that outlines the strategy and procedures for managing organizational changes, ensuring a smooth transition for individuals and minimizing disruptions.
Instructions
There are eight (8) components to the Change Management Plan (see below). Based on Southwest Airlines’ recent reforms, your Change Management Plan should address each component and related description.
The Change Plan shall be designed as a PowerPoint presentation and is limited to a total of ten (10 slides), including title/opening slide and concluding slide.
The Change Management Plan may be completed as a group or individual assignment. The Final Change Management Plan PowerPoint shall be submitted on Canvas as “file upload” on or before due date: April 25th by 5:30 PM.Each student or group will present their Change Management Plan during class on Friday, April 25, 2025, for an allotted time of twelve (12) minutes maximum. The Presentation Grading Rubric is included below.
Components of the Change Management Plan
|
Vision and Objectives |
Clearly define the purpose and objectives (actionable activities) of the change. Include measurable key performance indicators (KPI) to ensure the changes result in the desired outcome. |
|
Benefits |
Outline the advantages received by those affected by the Change. |
|
Stakeholder Analysis |
Identify and address the impact of the change on different stakeholders. |
|
Communication Strategy |
Outline how information about the change will be shared with stakeholders. |
|
Training and Support |
Ensure that individuals have the necessary skills and resources to adapt to the change. |
|
Resistance Management |
Anticipate and develop methods for addressing and mitigating potential resistance to change. |
|
Timeline |
Establish a realistic timeline for the implementation of the change. |
|
Evaluation Metrics |
Define how the success of the change will be measured. |
Presentation Grading Rubric
|
Criteria |
Maximum Points |
|
|
Time Allotment
|
6.25 |
|
|
Change Management Components (8)
|
6.25 |
|
|
Alignment with Textbook and other learning and knowledge tools (notes, PPTs., videos, etc.)
|
6.25 |
|
|
Clarity and Organization
|
6.25 |
|
|
Total Points |
25 |
|
Southwest Airlines is ending its long-standing policy of free checked bags, marking a major shift in strategy as it seeks to boost revenue. Starting May 28, most passengers will have to pay for checked luggage, with exceptions for top-tier frequent flyers and certain credit card holders.
This move follows pressure from the activist investor, Elliott Investment Management, which secured board seats and pushed for financial changes. In addition to baggage fees, Southwest is introducing a basic economy fare, adjusting its loyalty program to a dynamic pricing model (flexible prices based on market demands), and reinstating expiration dates on flight credits.
The airline is also cutting costs through layoffs and route reductions as it works to improve financial performance.