In: Operations Management
Writing a Persuasive Memo PROBLEM You are a claims adjuster for Statewide Insurance. Your job requires you to investigate automobile accident claims, negotiate settlements, and authorize payments. Customers are already distressed, of course, over their accidents and possible physical injury. The last thing they need is a delay in settling their insurance claims and getting their vehicles repaired. Because you travel the entire eastern half of your state to physically examine the damaged vehicles and talk with those involved, you constantly have to search maps and the Internet for directions to out-of-the-way places. It occurs to you that you could be more productive and provide better customer service if you had an onboard automotive navigation system that relies on the federally operated Global Positioning System (GPS). The device in which you’re interested is the Street Pilot III, which boasts a large color display as well as voice prompts (such as “turn right at the next intersection”) and automatic routing capability. It’s portable, so you can use it on any vehicle—which is particularly useful given that you sometimes have to fly to your destination and then rent an automobile. The cost is $699.99, but there is no monthly access charge.
Send a memo to your boss, Lisette Washington, vice president of operations, trying to sell her on the idea. She will be concerned, of course, about whether the other two adjusters will request the same device.
Subject: Approval for the purchase of a portable navigation system
Dear Lisette,
As you are aware, as part of my job I have to frequently travel within the state to physically visit the accident sites to examine the damaged vehicles. In doing so, I have to frequently search maps and ask people for directions. This often results in delays in reaching our customers, who are already under stress due to the accidents and personal injury.
Having the navigation system will enable me to improve my productivity and provide better customer service. The one time cost of the navigation device is $699.99; with no additional charges. As it is a portable device, it can be used by others as well as and when required.
Please let me know a convenient time so that we can discuss this further.
Thanks.
Regards,
ABCD