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Simple, Consistent, Long Term Goals: Billy
Simple, Consistent, Long Term Goals: Billy
1. Demonstrate how the movie incorporated the common elements in
successful strategies.
- Simple, consistent, long term goals: Billy
Beane is straightforward (from what I have
noticed), and it is clear that he is fully aware
that he has a simple, consistent, long term
goal, which is winning the games.
- Profound Understanding of the Environment:
He knows his competitors well and even
trade his players to them. He knows that his
competitors have the budget, the statistical
records of each player, and he is also aware of where he and his team stands.
- Objective Appraisal of Resources: Since he is aware of the budget constraints
and lost his star players to big teams, Billy and Pete were able to create a
team that focuses on an individual’s strength rather than looking for players
who possess multiple ‘tools.’
2. What were the problems faced by Billy Beane in the implementation of his
plans?
- One of the problems that Billy Beane experienced during the implementation
of his plans was; (1) Since he wanted his team to win, he initially asked to raise
the budget but failed due to budget constraints. (2) Also, it seems that Billy
and his colleagues don’t share the same goals. They were arguing, quitting,
and the coach didn’t even bother to listen to Billy’s instructions to include
Hatterberg in the line-up for the game. (3) When he met Pete, things changed.
After creating their final line-up, Billy and his team were criticized by his
colleagues and the public for creating a peculiar team.
3. What was the root cause of why his strategy initially failed to succeed?
- I think his strategy failed to succeed because it was a new method for
selecting players for the team. The majority of the people (in the film) think it’s
going to flop because they believe that baseball is about experience than
sciences. Another factor is communication. Like what I have said in the second
question, it seems that Billy’s colleagues think that his strategy is ridiculous,
and they refuse to listen and adapt or try a new method.
4. Why do you think he chose not to work for the Red Sox? How can you relate
this to the lectures in Chapter 1?
- I can relate Billy’s decision to our lectures using the quote, “There is more to
business than making money” in which, in his case, there is more to baseball
than making money. His goal wasn’t to earn money, and it’s clear that he is
passionate about baseball, and his ultimate goal is to win until he reaches the
world series (or even more than that if there is).
5. Was there anything that Billy Beane could have done better in implementing
his plan.
- I think he could have done better if he could establish a relationship and
communicate well with the players. I understand that it was “purely” business,
but if he was able to ‘take care’ of his players similar to the Kraft takes over
Cadbury case, he might motivate and inspire the players to do well and help
him attain his goals. If he was able to communicate well with the team, they
might even share the same goals, which makes them both (especially the
players) strive harder.
6. Do you think he used a good or bad management style? Explain your
answer.
- I admire Billy’s burning passion for baseball and how he has a clear and
long-term goal and would do anything to achieve to the extent where he is
willing to listen and try out a new strategy even if it means he will be
questioned or criticized. However, if he could establish a relationship,
communicate, and share his goals with the team, it would genuinely make a
difference.
7. Ultimately, they failed to achieve their desired goal. What stopped them
from achieving this?
- Despite their streak in winning, I think they settled with their current strategy
too early and stopped brainstorming new ones. After successfully identifying
their strengths and weaknesses, they may want to hone their skills and try to
overcome their weaknesses. For example, in Hattergerg’s case, he mentioned
how his biggest fears were getting hit by a ball. He might want to overcome
that fear seeing how his swing went well during their 20th win.
8. Are there any successes to be seen in this film? What would those be, if any?
- I believe that there were successes to be seen in this film. The fact that Billy
was able to prove that we should always think outside the box and learn to
adapt and be open to new changes. Another achievement was when they
were able to achieve a world record for winning 20 consecutive times.
9. What, in your opinion, is the most significant business lesson you learned
from watching this?
- It was my first time watching the film, and it was truly inspiring. The most
significant business lesson I learned was to focus on my strength and learn
how to maximize it so that I can reach my goal. Lastly, if I should not be afraid
to try and experiment new things. If I think my routine isn’t going anywhere
near to achieve my goal, I should think outside the box, strategize, and adapt.