In this assignment, you will write a critical appraisal of an assigned article in outline and
narrative format using the guidelines provided. Be sure to use the headings, such as Theoretical
Framework, Variables, Measurement, etc. listed in the assignment guidelines.
Use the following study to complete your assignment. Cossette,S and Frasure-Smith (2012) Randomized Controlled Trial of Tailored Nursing Interventions to Improve Cardiac Rehabilitation Enrollment. Nursing Research (61) 111-120
Instructions
1. Theoretical Framework (theory and/or concepts)
a. State whether the theoretical framework is based on scientific theory (relationships highly validated by research), substantive theory (published middle range theory with limited testing), or tentative theory (developed as a framework for this study) or a combination of these as defined by Grove, Burns, and Gray (2013).
b. Discuss the study framework. If the theorist has a model, you can include it in the paper and describe it.
2. Major Study Variables
Identify the study variables by examining the purpose, the objectives, questions or hypotheses, and the results section of the article. Identify the type of each variable (independent, dependent, or research) and conceptually and operationally define only the major study variables. You do not need to define the demographic variables in the study.
a. Independent variables: Identify and define conceptually and operationally
b. Dependent variables: Identify and define conceptually and operationally
OR
c. Research variables: Identify and define conceptually and operationally.
3. Sample and Setting
a. State the inclusion and exclusion sample or eligibility criteria.
b. Indicate the method used to obtain the sample.
c. State the sample size. Indicate if a power analysis was conducted to determine the sample size.
d. Identify the refusal to participate number and percentage.
e. Identify the sample attrition or mortality number and percentage.
f. Describe the informed consent process used and any institutional review board (IRB) approval.
g. Describe the study setting.
4. Measurement Methods
Identify each measurement method used in the study with the following guidelines and put the information in a TABLE using the headings identified in the example table below.
a. Identify the study variable and link it to the measurement method used to measure this variable in the study (see Table below).
b. Identify author of each measurement method.
c. Identify the name of each measurement method.
d. Identify the type of each measurement method (i.e., Likert scale, visual analog scale, physiological measure, questionnaire, observation, or interview).
e. Report the reliability and validity of each scale or questionnaire from previous studies and the current study if used in this study.
f. Report the reliability and validity of an existing database, observation checklist, or interview script if used for measuring study variables.
g. If a physiological measure was used, report the precision and accuracy of the measure for previous studies and the current study.
Table of Study Measurement Methods (Example)
Study
Variable
Author and Name of Measurement Method
Type of Measurement Method
Reliability or Precision
Validity or Accuracy
Nurse job satisfaction
McCloskey/ Mueller Satisfaction Scale (MMSS)
31-item Likert scale. Likert scale ranging from very dissatisfied (1) to very satisfied (5)
Reliability: Cronbach alpha for complete scale of 0.89 from previous research and 0.82 for this study. Reliability values for 8 subscales ranged from 0.52 to
0.84
Construct Validity: Content validity literature and input from hospital nurses, reading level 6th grade. Confirmatory factor analysis indicating the scale covered 8 factors of nurse job satisfaction (control and
responsibility, scheduling, interaction
opportunities, professional opportunities, extrinsic, coworkers, praise and recognition, and balance of family and work). Successive use validity—scale used in many studies.
Study
Variable
Author and Name of Measurement Method
Type of Measurement Method
Reliability or Precision
Validity or Accuracy
Patient fall rate
Hope Hospital
Agency clinical database
Existing database
Data entered by trained experts within the agency. Data scanned daily for errors. Data transferred electronically to prevent errors
Database constructed by national organization and includes quality indicators for patient, provider, and agency outcomes. Valid data with multiple agencies using database over several years.
Blood pressure (BP)
Omron Blood Pressure Equipment
Physiological measure
Precision: Equipment was developed and tested to determine consistent readings in repeat BP measurements. Equipment will be recalibrated according to company guidelines
each day.
Accuracy: Three BP measures will be taken and averaged to determine the reading for the study. Correct size cuff for patient and placement of cuff on bare arm correctly. Patient will be sitting for 5 minutes, feet flat on floor, and arm at heart level for taking BP. BP readings will be downloaded from the BP equipment directly into the computer and study database.
5. Statistical Analyses (found in the Results or Statistical Section of the article).
a. List all the analysis techniques used in the study to:
(1) describe the sample and the study variables,
(2) examine relationships, and/or
(3) determine differences.
b. Were the data analyses linked to the study purpose and/or objectives, questions, and hypotheses?
6. Researcher’s interpretation of findings.
a. Describe how the findings are related back to the study framework.
b. Describe which findings are in keeping with those expected.
c. List any unexpected findings.
d. State whether the findings are consistent with previous research findings.
7. Describe the study limitations identified by the researcher.
8. Discuss if the researchers generalized the findings from this sample to a larger population.
9. List the implications of the findings for nursing practice.
10. Identify any suggestions for further study.
Format
Writing style needs to be clear, concise, organized, and complete without punctuation, sentence structure, spelling, or grammar errors. Citing of sources in the paper and references need to be in APA (2010) format.
Rubric
Use the following rubric to guide your work.
Tasks
Theoretical framework (theory and/or concepts)
(0-7 Points)
Identifies theoretical framework: scientific, substantive, or tentative theory
Identifies study framework
Major study variables
(0-15 Points)
Identifies independent variables and
Identifies dependent variables
Or Identifies research variables
Conceputally defines study variables and Operationally defines study variables
Sample and setting
(0-20 Points)
Identifies inclusion and exclusion sample or eligibility criteria
Identifies method used to obtain sample Identifies sample size and power analysis Identifies “refusal to participate” number and
percentage
Identifies sample attrition number and percentage
Identifies informed consent process and IRB approval
Identifies study setting
Measurement method
(0-20 Points)
Completes a table that includes the following: Identify variables measured in the study Identifies author and name of each measurement method
Identifies type of each measurement method
Identifies reliability and validity of the scale or questionnaire if used in the study
Identifies reliability and validity of an existing database, observation checklist, or interview script if used in the study
Identifies precision and accuracy of the physiological measurements if used in the study
Statistical analyses
(0-8 Points)
Identifies all analysis techniques used in the study including those to describe the sample and variables, examine relationships, and/or
determine differences.
Identifies whether data analysis is linked to the study purpose and/or objectives, questions, and hypotheses
Interpretation of findings
(0-8 Points)
Determines whether findings related back to study framework
Determines whether findings are in keeping with those expected
Identifies any unexpected findings
Determines if findings are consistent with previous research findings
Study limitations
(0-4 Points)
Identifies study limitations
Generalization of the findings
(0-3 Points)
Determines if the researchers generalize the study findings
Implications for nursing practice
(0-3 Points)
Identifies implications for nursing practice
Further study
(0-2 Points)
Identifies recommendations for further study
Format
(0-10 Points)
Writing style needs to be clear, concise, organized, and complete. No punctuation, sentence structure, spelling, or grammar errors. Citing of sources in the paper and references need to be in APA (2010) format.
Total Points Possible: 100
SAMPLE ANSWER
Cardiac illness case study
Introduction
Patients suffering from cardiac illnesses usually require constant medical attention to help better their situation. Unfortunately, options such as cardiac rehabilitations are rarely optimized. The article “Randomized Controlled Trial of tailored Nursing Interventions to Improve Cardiac Rehabilitation Enrollment” features a study conducted on the mentioned concept. This paper features a critical appraisal on the article so as to judge whether the findings from the research can be trusted and applied in a medical setting.
Theoretical Framework
This article by Cossette et al. (2012) has a theoretical framework that is wholly based in scientific theory. According to Grove, Burns, and Gray (2013), such a theoretical framework features relationships that are highly validated by research. In the article, reference to scientific research can be noted all through the theoretical framework. For instance, the authors state that meta-analyses have recorded significant reductions in all-cause mortality, as well as cardiac mortality by 27% and 31% respectively (Cossette et al., 2012). They further refer to previous researches that show only an approximate of 20-25% such patients enroll in rehabilitative care (Cossette et al. (2012).
Major Study Variables
Independent Variable in this article features the efficacy of the Coronary Care Unit transit nursing intervention on rehabilitation enrollment (Petter, DeLone & McLean, 2013). This variable is measured with the help of two groups of patients. The first group is the experimental group whereby the variable will be applied so as to try and trigger a response. The second group, is the control whereby the variable will not be applied. Therefore, the variable is defined by the difference in results from the two groups of patients.
Dependent Variable
This is the change in patient enrollment in the cardiac rehabilitation after the independent variable was applied (Wiersema & Bowen, 2009). It is measured in percentage of patient enrollment in the free access rehabilitative care after they have undergone the nurse intervention.
Controlled Variable
The first controlled variable featured the assumption that enrollment is having attended at least one rehabilitation session within 6 weeks of discharge. This will act as a control since the study is only supposed to measure the effects of nurse intervention on the level of patient enrollment into the cardiac rehabilitation. The second control was that patients had factors that were influencing whether or not they would enroll. These included illness perceptions, family
support, anxiety level, medication adherence, and also cardiac risk factors.
Sample and Setting
The eligibility criterion was based on the factors that were thought to affect a patient’s enrollment into the rehabilitative care. This included factors such as illness perceptions, anxiety level, cardiac risk factors, and family support. The sample was obtained with the aid of two methods: randomization and blinding. These are sampling techniques whereby participants are chosen randomly without considering any of their characteristics (Bench, Day & Metcalfe, 2013). In this article, the eligible patients were first given consent forms to fill, thereafter randomization was conducted by a statistician, and nurses were handed the results which were sealed in opaque envelopes (Cossette et al., 2012).
A sample size of 242 patients, with each group consisting of 121 patients was chosen. A power analysis was conducted to decide on this size as it has also been indicated that the sample size was for a power of .80 and two sided alpha of .05 (Cossette et al., 2012). 301 patients refused to participate, and the percentage of this is 6.27% of the patients evaluated. The mortality number was 583, a percentage of 12% of the patients evaluated.
The informed consent process used featured a signing of the form prior to the exercise. The patients were also expected to fill out a baseline questionnaire that covered their socio-demographic information and self-report scales. The study is conducted in a hospital setting, whereby the nurses who give them their care differentiate the control and the experiment group. The control group will still be taken care of by the regular nurse, while the experimental group will be handled by the nurses conducting the research.
Study
The number of patients enrolled in the free access cardiac rehabilitation program
Variable
Enrollment in the free access rehabilitation program
Author and Name of Measurement Method
Data Entry
Type of Measurement Method
Data Collection. Data was entered in a computerized database that records all appointments in the program.
Reliability or Precision
This method has proven reliable for many other researches
Validity or Accuracy
Database has been in use over a period of time, and it has also proved efficient.
Table 1
Study
Six weeks post discharge feedback
Variable
Efficacy of the nursing intervention
Author and Name of Measurement Method
Type of Measurement Method
Telephone questionnaire
Reliability or Precision
Is reliable as the interviewer can determine accurate information from the voice of respondent
Validity or Accuracy
This is a valid measure that has been used to collect data.
Table 2
Study
illness perceptions
Variable
Enrollment in the free access rehabilitation program
The socio-demographic and clinical variables were summarized in the form of mean T standard deviation for the continuous variables, and as count as well as percentage for categorical variables. There is a relationship between the dependent and independent variables since the research yielded results that proved an increase in the number of enrolled patients, who underwent the nursing intervention. The data analyses were linked to the study purpose since they played a role in influencing whether or not a patient would enroll, and they also played a role in establishing that nurse intervention helps in the process.
Interpretation of Findings
The findings are related to the framework, as the two major variables have been determined. They have turned out as expected since the relationship between the independent and dependent variable all come down to the patient’s perception of illness. Therefore, intervention was expected to yield results. Limitations of this study included the fact that a patient who had accepted to participate failed to do so last minute juts because he was in a hurry to go home. Most of the patients, before discharge, had already developed worries about symptom management. These affected the power analysis as the sample size was switched to a much lower number than expected.
References
Bench, S., Day, T., & Metcalfe, A. (2013). Randomised Controlled Trials: An Introduction For Nurse Researchers. Nurse Researcher, 20(5), 38-44.
Grove, S., Burns, N., & Gray, J. (2012). The Practice of Nursing Research, 7th Edition; Appraisal, Synthesis, and Generation of Evidence. 10-600.
Petter, S., DeLone, W., & McLean, E. R. (2013). Information Systems Success: The Quest for the Independent Variables. Journal Of Management Information Systems, 29(4), 7-62. doi:10.2753/MIS0742-1222290401
Wiersema, M. F., & Bowen, H. P. (2009). The use of limited dependent variable techniques in strategy research: issues and methods. Strategic Management Journal, 30(6), 679-692.
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Assessment : Coursework
Please read the following case study and answer the questions at the end. Each
question has equal value.
Case Study
Lego: Learning From Mistakes
The Lego brand is known around the world as a leader in the toy market. It promotes learning through playing with colourful bricks that can be connected and disconnected to form a wide variety of objects such as robots and cars. The company was founded in 1932 by a Danish carpenter and despite interest from global giants in the toy world such as Mattel, has remained in private ownership.
The company has seen its profits rise and fall over the years. Its first loss was in 1998 as it faced stiff competition from the growth in the computer and electronic games market and difficult trading times followed with a massive loss of US$240 million being posted in 2004.
They had entered into an alliance with Disney to produce Hogwarts Castle Lego sets and sold over one million in line with the success of the first two Harry Potter films making them profitable again. But the dangers of being too reliant on this arrangement were evident when no more Harry Potter films were released after 2002 and sales fell once more.
Further brand extension strategies were tried but failed owing to a poor understanding of what kids wanted from Lego. There was a move away from the core brand into diversified products such as clothes and video games when in reality what the market wanted was for Lego to stick to their unique original product range. An additional threat was the high levels of competition from similar lower cost products.
Resisting takeover moves, the family fought hard to keep the company as a privately owned business appointing an ex McKinsey consultant Jorgen Vig Knudstorp as their new CEO. He quickly implemented a series of measures designed to save the business. Around 50% of the workforce was dismissed, factories were closed in Europe and manufacturing relocated to Eastern Europe and Mexico.
Knudstorp was keen to foster a culture of openness and team building by focusing on open communication between management and staff who had been largely unaware of how the business was run. He also realised that their future depended on returning to their core brand values and winning back loyal customers. By 2006 the company
was gaining sales and had started to be profitable again.
Much of this success was the decision to limit diversification, but the company also needed to listen to customers about what they wanted from the Lego range .Based on their previous success with Disney related products they developed more Harry
Potter and Star Wars toys . The Lego Star Wars video game became a best seller.
Reflecting on the problems that Lego had faced it appeared that management at the time gave designers a completely free hand allowing creativity to rule over good business practice. The components became too complicated for many children and a
vast increase in the number of parts resulted in higher costs of production.
The solution was to listen to their target customer and design products that they wanted, restrict design activity and make all departments work together bringing a balance of ideas and controls.
Lego is not the cheapest product in the market but they have the advantage of being the one that is recognised for quality and creativity. This will allow them to retain a position of competitive advantage.
Questions
1 You are required to assess and critically evaluate the branding strategy that Lego pursued when trying to re-establish itself in the global market after the
problems it experienced.
2 Select a preferred strategic option for Lego and develop an international marketing strategy.
(Adapted from ‘ Lego playing with its strengths’ with kind permission from Cengage Learning)
References: The Economist, 28th October 2006. J. Greene.’ How Lego revived its brand’,
Bloomberg Businessweek,23rd July 2010
Assessment
Assessment Instructions
This coursework will be in REPORT format and is worth 40% of the overall mark. The Harvard referencing style must be used. This is an individual piece of work
• All material such as company information, websites, books, newspaper articles, journals, theory and models MUST be referenced within the report as well as a full reference section at the end of the report.
• Use Appendices where possible to keep to the required word count ( 2500 )
• Please note the marking criteria and weight this accordingly within your assignment.
• Late submissions will be capped at P1 unless extenuating circumstances have been approved.
Marking Criteria
The following framework is a guide to the marks available for the assignment:
Report structure and presentation 15%
Critical evaluation of original branding strategy 35%
Recommended strategy with justified options 35%
References/bibliography 15%
Total 100%
SAMPLE ANSWER
Lego Case Study
#1
Each and every organization or business needs to establish its brand if it wishes to grow and acquire new consumers. There exist different types of branding strategies that firms can employ in attaining growth and acquiring new buyers. Some of these strategies have been noted to more effective than others in different market settings. Thus, firms are required to enter into their respective industries with well-established markets strategies for them to realize or witness success (Rubera, 2013). It is vital to note that the form of marketing strategy employed by a firm depends on the marketing needs of that firm. Prior to its establishment in the market, Lego focused on various branding strategies. However, the major branding strategy that this firm pursued to re-establish itself in the international market was the unique brand strategies. Unique branding strategy focuses on the establishment of a brand with unique characteristics around every service or product available. In some situations, this approach happens to be beneficial to organizations that provide various product lines or products. Furthermore, this strategy enables a product to maintain a positive reputation even when one of the brands performs poorly in the market.
Using the unique branding strategy as in the case of Lego is associated with several benefits. Taking into consideration the fact that this strategy focuses on the unique features of a brand around given product, the failure of one product cannot lead to the failure of the entire products offered by the company. When firms focus on specific products, the failure that arises from such products cannot be associated with other products (Robertson, 2013). This benefit stems from the fact that distinct advantages of every commodity can be attributed directly to specific brands. Focusing on the unique quality of a brand is significant in ensuring that companies invest adequate resources in the establishment of such brands. Focusing on the unique features of a product enables a company to improve in such features, which is vital in ensuring that organizations develop goods that have a competitive advantage over those that are produced by other firms as in the case of Lego. This company’s focus on the unique aspects of its brands helped it develop a product that meets the needs of the buyers. The focus on the unique brand strategy enabled the company to research on the needs of consumers followed by incorporating such needs in the products that it was developing. As a result, Lego managed to develop commodities that had a competitive advantage in terms of creativity and quality. This success was evident in the development of the Lego Star Wars, a video game that managed to become the best seller. It is evident that the use of other strategies such as diversification does not provide organizations with a suitable platform on which the interests of buyers can be taken into consideration. For instance, the company was unable to address the needs of consumers when it shifted to the production of diversified goods such as video games and clothes. On the contrary, the company’s move was wrong as customers were interested in the firm’s unique range of products.
Unique brand approach is significant in ensuring that the company provides value as in the case of Lego and its products. This strategy enables the business to establish and communicate a brand message, which has the potential to influence how buyers perceive the company. Knudstorp employed the unique brand approach in returning the company’s core values, which helped the company in winning back its loyal buyers. A firms core values are vital in the realization of its success in the market. Core values of company help in developing a positive reputation of the business among buyers (Robertson, 2013). Furthermore, maintaining the core values of an organization is significant in ensuring that the firm sends a brand message, which is clear to buyers. In many situations, customers often develop their assumptions about the organization based on how they perceive it. Therefore, the aspect of establishing maintaining positive values of the organization as was done by Knudstorp helps buyer develop a positive about the organization. Research has revealed that for businesses to grow in consistent and repeatable patterns, the companies’ buyers, employees and prospects must be in a position to associate these firms positively with things that offer positive values (Rubera, 2013).
Having a unique brand identity helps businesses grow in sustainable ways. As businesses expand, the presence of defined brands enables such organizations to build on their strengths alongside leveraging their unique values easily in the markets in which they operate. Managing the unique brand strategy is easier than managing other approaches such as the multi-branding strategy. This strategy has an added advantage in that it is not affected significantly by the choice of the business model. On the other side, the use of the unique brand strategy has certain disadvantages. When firm employ this strategy in marketing, each product often requires its marketing approach and budget with the absence of synergy between products (Rubera, 2013). As such, successes of products cannot be linked directly to the firm’s brand. Moreover, focusing on the unique features of the brand requires more resources than those required in other strategies such as the corporate brand approach. Establishing a unique brand requires companies to obtain information from other sources such as customers. Gathering information from buyers can be expensive as it involves methods such as survey that may consume time and resources. In addition, this process is complex as it involves working to comprehend the information gathered via objective analysis followed by an effective and consistent communication of the brand message to via channels of marketing and other touch points of consumers.
The economies of scale generated by the unique brand strategy are not more than those generated by multi-branding strategies. This approach focus on single brands, which makes the company earn more revenues from other products than others. However, using approaches such as the multi-branding strategy enables firms to earn revenues from all commodities that are sold under one brand. The unique brand approach does not address the needs of consumers who often have the tendency to shift to different brands (Rubera, 2013). In many markets, there exist consumers who always shift from one brand to another with the aim of exploring the benefits offered by other brands. Using the unique brand approach does not address the requirement of these buyers as it focuses on single brands. The level of internal competition generated by the unique brand approach is not as high as in other approaches such as the multi-branding strategy. As such, managers in companies that use this strategy are usually not subject to immense or stiff competition among themselves. In addition, this strategy does not provide firms with the opportunity of reaping the benefits of other brands. For instance, the success of one brand cannot be associated with another brand. As such, the company needs to invest adequate resources in developing the features of other brands.
#2
An alternative branding strategy that could have been employed by Lego is the blend brand strategy. The blend brand strategy focuses on the incorporation of elements from various branding strategies such as line extension strategy, corporate brand strategy and unique brand strategy. This brand strategy can benefit the company in several ways. Application of elements of the line strategy in this strategy ensures that companies can add new products to the existing ones (Holland, 2013). As such, this strategy could have helped the company manage the products that it had added on its production chain. On the other side, the incorporation of element so the corporate brand strategy within the blend brand strategies ensures that companies can manage to unify their services and products under single gigantic brand. The blend brand strategy is often significant in situations in which firms have well-established reputations. The reputation of a company often takes into consideration all the services and products that are offered by the company (Grebosz, 2013). Taking into consideration the fact that Lego has already established its brand reputations, this strategy can enable the company witness enormous gains in the global market. Therefore, the blend brand approach happens to be the significant alternative brand strategy approach that Lego can employ in witnessing success in the international market.
Marketing happens to be a great concept among organizations that focus on accomplishing success in the market. The aspect of leveraging marketing approach across various markets seems to be extremely beneficial to many firms (Evers et al, 2012). Such an undertaking helps in saving resources, and ensures that a high level of consistency exists between all activities of an organization and in-market branding. However, the question concerning the effectiveness of global marketing is a matter that always presents problems to many organizations or marketers. This topic has been noted to be a frequent conversation among marketers across the globe. As a result, the concept of internationally-led marketing resources can be exposed to skepticism. Marketing departments in big companies often tend to adopt similar mechanisms when developing their global marketing approaches. In some situations central teams are established to oversee territories. In some occasions, such teams are fragmented into local or regional components that focus on their target markets. Marketers should realize that global marketing is effective as it helps in driving economies of scale and synergies, while preserving cultural considerations and local needs. One of the main factors that has been noted to be effective in the establishment of successful global marketing strategies is the incorporation of the element of balance within such approaches. In relation to this, my international marketing strategy will take into consideration five components or elements.
First, this market strategy will focus on the clarification of the products or services that are driven internationally alongside the clarification of services and products that driven locally. An international marketing strategy does not imply the absence of market-specific initiative and plans that are local. In the real sense, such plans and initiatives should be complementary. International marketing serves to establish parameters and framework within which the operations of local marketing can be executed. In relation to this, my international marketing strategy will focus on global or central levels in areas of brand guideline, branding, budgeting and strategic marketing planning among others. In addition, this marketing approach will focus on areas such as social media strategy, social media guidelines, global PR (Public Relations) and large-scale marketing (Hultman, 2011). Other areas that will be managed locally include tactical campaigns, outreach initiatives, PR initiatives and social media channels, local events and partnerships. Markets should have control over the locally-based channels that help in driving their success. One method that will be employed in accomplishing this task is dividing the global market into tiers. In relation to this, a tiered market will help in the identification of territories, which can help in driving high potential gains. Besides, such an undertaking allows top-tier markets to have access to bigger budgets, thereby granting them autonomy. For instance, a company can employ this approach in researching into the behaviors of local users so that the aspect of product development can be addressed. It is vital to note that the local and global areas of ownership can be different from one organization to the other. As such, defining these areas is significant in ensuring that firms avoid inefficiencies and friction.
Second, this international marketing approach will focus on comprehending the needs of the local market and establish a collaborative approach. Studies have shown that global teams should focus on comprehending local markets and develop close associations with local marketing teams for a global framework to be successful (Schilke et al., 2009). In relation to this, the globally defined plans and initiatives employed in this global marketing approach will incorporate a degree of flexibility to address various cultural differences in the market (Kaufmann & Roesch, 2012). Some of the mechanisms that will be employed in accomplishing this goal will be social media competitions, community meet-up and treasure hunt-based campaigns. Moreover, celebrity campaigns will also be used in markets where certain people are considered celebrities.
This global marketing approach will then focus on thorough planning with the aim of managing campaigns. At this stage, several aspects will be taken into consideration. A campaign manager will be appointed to be in charge of coordination and communication around the campaign. The aspect of cross-misunderstanding will be avoided by ensuring that the campaign team members are aware of the accountabilities of the campaign manager (Morgan et al., 2012). Thorough planning will then follow in which the aspects of responsibilities, deadlines and deliverables will be made clear to all persons involved. Consequently, expectations, deliverables and plans will be communicated to all members involved across various channels
Careful tracking and adjustment will then be made. Campaign managers will be required to be disciplined about the tracking of results. One of the aspects that will be taken into consideration at this stage is definition of key goals and metrics at the beginning of campaign at market and global markets (Stachowski, 2012). Besides, buy-in will be obtained from in-market teams followed by the maintenance of a centralized share template for updating market metrics on a daily basis. Lastly, the metrics will be reviewed on a weekly basis by video calls or phone calls followed by the adoption of the necessary actions (Leonidou, 2013). In addition, this stage will provide a suitable platform on which the best practices across the market can be leveraged. During this stage, discussions will be made vibrant and active enabling all local teams to contribute their views, which will be significant in addressing the issue of under-performance.
The sixth element of this global marketing strategy will involves consolidating and sharing of insights. Once the campaigns will be terminated, all the insights gained from them will be consolidated followed by the organization of debrief (Kumar et al., 2013). Here, the team members will be involved in the discussion of issues that worked and those that did not. Furthermore, the team members will be involved in the sharing and reviewing of results. This step will be vital in ensuring that adequate plans are developed for future campaigns.
The last aspect of this global marketing strategy will involve over-communication. Effective communication has been noted to be effective in all situations apart from campaigns. Being an international marketing role, implies that the marketer will be operating with colleagues around the world (Tan, 2013). Most of these individuals will be sitting several miles away. In such situations, marketers can develop a feeling of disconnection from their colleagues. Consequently, the disconnection between the marketer and other colleagues can lead to the disconnection of the plans, activities and strategies that are employed in campaigns. In relation to this, my global marketing strategy will involve the use of open communication channel in nurturing relationships among campaign team members and developing trust. Regular calls will be employed in updating team members on the events of the campaign, latest global plans and changes (Gabrielsson, 2012). Besides, the team members will be updated on the latest advancements in the international markets. Open communication channels will also be employed in the discussion of novel campaign ideas. Creation of a cohesive team in a campaign is vital in ensuring the success of the marketing process.
Reference List
Evers et al., (2012). “Stakeholders and Marketing Capabilities in International New Ventures: Evidence from Ireland, Sweden and Denmark.” Journal of International Marketing, 20(4), pp. 46-71.
Gabrielsson, P., (2012). “Marketing Strategies for Foreign Expansion of Companies Originating in Small and Open Economies: The Consequences of Strategic Fit and Performance,” Journal of International Marketing, 20(2), pp. 25-48.
Grebosz, M., (2013). “International Expansion of Brands by Realization of Co-Branding Strategy,” Journal of Economics and Management, 14(2), pp. 77-87.
Holland, J., (2013). “Aligning A Company’s People Strategy and Brand Strategy,” Journal of Brand Strategy, 3(2), pp. 245-258.
Hultman, M., (2011). “Export Promotion Strategy and Performance: The Role of International Experience,” Journal of International Marketing, 19(4), pp. 17-39.
Kaufmann, L & Roesch, J., (2012). “Constraints to Building and Deploying Market Capabilities By Emerging Market Firms in Advanced Markets,” Journal of International Marketing, 204), pp. 1-24.
Kumar, V et al., (2013). “Established Profitable Customer Loyalty for Multinational Companies in the Emerging Economies: A Conceptual Framework,” Journal of International Marketing, 21(1), pp. 57-80.
Leonidou, C., (2013). “Antecedents and Consequences of Eco-Friendly Export Marketing Strategy: The Moderating Role of Foreign Public Concern and Competitive Intensity,” Journal of International Marketing, 21(3), pp. 22-46.
Morgan, N et al., (2012). “Export Marketing Strategy Implementation, Export Marketing Capabilities and Export Venture Performance,” Journal of Academy Marketing Science, 40(2), pp. 271-289.
Naidoo, V & Wu, T., (2011. “Marketing Strategy Implementation in Higher Education: A Mixed Approach for Model Development and Testing,” Journal of Marketing Management, 27(11/12), pp. 1117-1141.
Robertson, A., (2013). “The Influence of Employer Branding on Productivity-Related Outcomes of An Organization,” Journal of Brand Management, 10(3), pp. 17-32.
Rubera, G., (2013). “Technology Versus Design Innovation’s Effects on Sales and Tobin’s Q: The Moderating Role of Branding Strategy,” Journal of Product Innovation Management, 30(3), pp. 448-464.
Schilke, O et al., (2009). “When Does International Marketing Standardization Matter to Firm Performance?” Journal of International Marketing, 17(4), pp. 24-46.
Stachowski, A., (2012). “The Niche Marketing Strategy in Internationally-Oriented Small and Medium Enterprises: A Literature Review and Lessons for New Zealand,” Small Enterprise Research, 19(2), pp. 96-112.
New UK car sales in September hit their highest monthly total for five and a half years as the latest 63-plate attracted buyers. The Society for Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT) said 403,136 new cars were registered in the UK, a rise of 12.1% on the same month in .
The SMMT said the growth also reflected the fact buyers were returning to the market after a period of holding off. Buyers typically tend to replace new cars after three years, but because of economic conditions in recent years may have left that longer. It is three years since the ending of the vehicle scrappage scheme, which gave people incentives to trade in their old cars. Cars bought under that scheme would now be around three years old.
Another factor boosting sales was the type of financing deals available, which can lump together payments with servicing and even vehicle excise duty. Richard Lowe, an analyst at Barclays, said: “Attractive finance packages are offering consumers more clarity on running costs, which even with a more promising economic outlook is an important factor for those on a budget.”
Ford’s Fiesta remains the UK’s top selling car, with 20,600 sold in September. Vauxhall’s Corsa was in second place with 14,500 vehicles sold. Car sales have now risen for 19 months in a row. The SMMT’s chief executive, Mike Hawes, said: “The UK market is reflecting growing economic confidence. Robust private demand has played a major role in this growth, with customers attracted by exciting, increasingly fuel-efficient new models which offer savings in the cost of ownership.” But he added
that the UK car market was likely to remain strong.
“As we head into the quieter months, I suspect we’ll see sales hold firm, keeping the UK market zooming ahead of our European counterparts,”. The UK car market is the second biggest in Europe after Germany. So far this year, UK buyers have bought 1.79 million new cars, compared with Germany’s 2.22 million. The gap between the two has shrunk 6% since this time last year.
Meanwhile, a package of measures aimed at bringing down motoring costs, including insurance premiums, has been announced by the government. It was reported that there are plans to pilot fuel price comparison signs on major roads and freeze the cost of the MoT test. The statutory maximum price of the MoT test for a car will be pegged at £54.85 until 2015.
The inflated cost of fuel on major roads is among the most common complaints among drivers. In some areas petrol and diesel can cost 10p per litre more at motorway service stations. The government wants to install a series of price comparison signs which will show the cost of fuel at all petrol stations along any given route.
Ministers are also promising to save motorists money by tackling what they call the compensation culture.
Section A Questions
In total there are 50 marks available for this question. The marks for each question are given at the end. It is important to answer as fully as possible. Marks will
also be awarded for clarity and for the use of correctly labelled diagrams where appropriate.
1. Using appropriate diagrams, explain why car sales in Britain have increased in recent times. (8 marks)
2. Describe how the vehicle scrappage scheme influenced the market equilibrium for older cars. Justify and explain your answer using appropriate diagrams where necessary. (10 marks)
3. What factors are likely to influence the price elasticity of Ford’s Fiesta car? (12 marks)
4. Outline the package of measures mentioned in the article designed to bring down costs and stimulate demand. (8 marks)
5. Explain the likely effect upon price competition of installing fuel price comparison signs on major roads. Make reference to the market structure of petrol stations within your answer. (12 marks)
Section B
According to a policymaker at the Bank of England, interest rates are on course to rise next spring and could be raised sooner if there are signs that falling
unemployment is causing inflationary pressure. Martin Weale, an external member of the Monetary Policy Committee (MPC) said the Bank could raise rates before next May’s General Election.
Mark Carney, Governor of the Bank of England, has however stressed that the MPC is in no rush to raise interest rates and that any increases would be gradual. The Bank ended the direct link between the rate of unemployment and interest rates when it targeted other measures such as wage growth and business investment instead.
The Bank is betting on an increase in productivity as involuntary part-time workers take on more hours, keeping inflation close to the Bank’s 2% target. It predicts spare capacity in the economy will be absorbed gradually, paving the way for stronger wage growth.
Some surveys suggest that firms are already running close to capacity. This means increased demand will put pressure on input costs, including wages. Workers will then use higher incomes to buy more goods and services, further pushing up prices and wages.
MrWeale said average earnings could rise more quickly than expected in the coming months. ‘We certainly expect wage growth to pick up during the course of this year.
If it picks up by more than we expect and there isn’t an offsetting improvement in productivity then the case for an earlier rate rise will certainly be there,’ he
said.
Fathom Consulting, an economic consultancy firm run by former Bank of England economists, has warned of the risk of a “wage price spiral” in Britain although this view is not shared by all. Some economists such as Dame DeAnne Julius, have said that Britain’s competitive, flexible and open economy mean this risk is low.
The Bank of England believes that the UK is running between 1% and 1.5% below its potential and any increase in employment would have little effect on inflation.
David Miles, another external MPC member, also reminded borrowers this week that they should start thinking about the impact of a rate rise on their personal finances.
“It is important that there is a clear recognition by borrowers and lenders that interest rates will not remain at this level for many years to come,” he said. “They need to think very carefully about what’s going to happen when the cost of that mortgage moves up.”
Mr Weale, who has been described as a monetary policy “hawk”, joined Spencer Dale and former MPC member Andrew Sentance in voting for a small rate rise in 2011 to tackle high inflation.
Section B Questions
In total there are 50 marks available for this question. The marks for each question are given at the end. It is important to answer as fully as possible. Marks will
also be awarded for clarity and for the use of correctly labelled diagrams where appropriate.
1. According to the article, the Bank of England is expecting the UK rate of interest to increase next year. Explain why this is likely to happen. (8 marks)
2. Using appropriate diagrams, outline the likely impact of an increase in interest rates upon the economy. (10 marks)
3. Explain what is meant by the term ‘wage-price spiral?(8 marks)
4. Why would inflation be low in a ‘competitive, flexible and open economy’? (12 marks)
5. Suppose that you are working as an economist at the Bank of England. Outline the policies you would recommend to the UK government to overcome the economic problems outlined in the article?(12 marks)
(I just need short answers for each question and do diagrams if required) PLEASE
SAMPLE ANSWER
Introduction
The increase of 12.5% in average monthly motor vehicle sales in the last five years UK is largely attributed to the hard economic times that kept the UK consumers from the car market. The good financing deals available and also the optimistic economic prospects in the UK looked promising. The economy of a country improves only when the disposable income of its citizens also improves. The average household in an economy accounts for almost thirty per cent of the total aggregate demand for all goods and services in an economy. The relationship between disposable income and consumer spending is positive. The consumption function gradient in these cases is positive and it’s known as the marginal propensity to consume. As the citizen’s income increases so does their consumer demand which results in more purchases of vehicles in these case. In these case the marginal propensity to consume has increased has resulted in more consumption of vehicles at each level. This is in accordance to Keynesian theory. The other factors like the stoppage of the scrappage scheme and the good finance deals are just but incentives to boost spending in order to increase the circulation of funds in the economy.
The Consumption and Saving Function
Consumer spending/saving Income/saving C= a+ cYd
S = -a +s Yd
a
-a Disposable income (Yd)
In the short run, there will be an outward shift in aggregate demand for older vehicles as the demand for older vehicles will increase due to the scrappage scheme incentive but in the long run the aggregate demand for older vehicles will shift inwards as people begin to feel the effects of the promising economy and the good finance deals and discard the old vehicles while their prices will also drop to P2
Price P AS1
P1
P2 AD1
Y2 Y1 AD2 Real National Income
The price elasticity of ford will be influenced by the removal of the scrappage scheme, the UK citizen’s preference for exported products and the price of the vehicle. Its fuel efficiencies and durability will also affect its elasticities.
The subsidy granted by the UK government under the scrappage scheme is intended to stimulate the demand for new vehicles together with the affordable financial deals that have been provided by the government. The insurance premiums, freezing the costs of Mot tests and the affordable fuel sign projects are the measures taken by the government to bring down motoring costs and stimulate demand.
The eventual results of reduced fuel price signs would be that the Petrol stations that charge higher prices will lose their clients and in the long-run the prices of fuel will come down due to the natural laws of demand and supply. The demand for the affordable fuel will increase and the rest of the fuel stations will also reduce their prices.
Part B
In the long run, due to the increase spending by the UK citizens, the aggregate demand increases and the economy grows towards full employment of all the factors of production. Most firms will increase their prices in order to increase profits margins while the shortages of input factors will increase the firm’s costs of production. Inflationary gap will occur and the UK government will increase the interest rates to control the inflationary gap. (Blanchard, 2011)
P2
P1 AD2
AD1
National Output
The Interest rates would make goods and services more expensive and curb consumer demand from AD2 to AD1 hence the suppliers would also because of reduced price from P2 to P1 and they will supply less goods leading to reduced expenditure. (Sullivan, 2003)
Wage price spiral occurs whenever the price raises leads to even higher wage demands by workers as they try to live and maintain their real and normal standards of living. The higher wages that are above the gains in the productivity of labor results in an increase in per unit cost of labor. In order for firms to maintain their normal profits they also increase their prices. The processes end in a cycle over again and the inflation ends up being out of control.
The inflation would be low in the UK as a result of government interventions to maintain it that way. For example, between the years 1997 and 1998, the Bank of England increased the interest rates from an average of 6% to 7.5% these reduced the smaller inflationary gap’s trend that had started getting out of control.
The policies that I would recommend would be the ones to control inflation as the excess demand for motor vehicles and other services increase due to improved economy, inflation would certainly occur in the long run. I would recommend the use of monetary policies such as the use of interest rates to reduce the level of the actual aggregate demand. Higher interest rates would reduce the aggregate demand in the following ways; a). They will discourage borrowing in house-holds and also by companies. b) Increase the general rate of saving as the opportunity cost to save has also increased and finally the general increment in mortgage interest rates of payments will also reduce the disposable effective real income of the homeowners which will reduce their ability to incur extra expenses or spend. Fiscal policies such as higher taxes and other policies like wage control and supply side policies will assist the government to control the economic problems in the UK.
References
Sullivan, S. S. (2003). Economics: Principles in action. Upper Saddle River, New Jersey
For this research study, the chosen topic scenario is the one about a company’s promotion policy in which a female employee of Latino ancestry named Maria has filed a complaint claiming that she was eliminated in an unfair fashion in consideration for a promotion owing to her distinctive accent. This proposal provides a discussion of the chosen topic scenario and the reason as to why the topic was chosen. A discussion of how the topic is important to the study of cultural diversity is also provided. Moreover, this proposal provides a description of what I expect to find and what I would be interested in learning. Lastly, a detailed description of how I plan to go about this research study is provided.
2.0 Why the selected topic was chosen
Discrimination is essentially a prejudicial treatment on a person owing to the group which this individual is a part of. Although several laws have been enacted in order to prevent discrimination at the place of work, a lot of individuals are still finding themselves discriminated each day (Wood, Braeken & Niven, 2013). The topic scenario was chosen primarily because I am interested in gaining a deeper understanding of workplace discrimination and how this issue can be prevented. I intend to alter the perception of people toward ethnicity, gender and race in order to help individuals avoid judgmental comments and/or actions that can compromise us as a member of the society. Getting rid of discrimination is of major importance owing to not only the negative consequences in job performance, but also the well being of the members of a group.
The chosen topic reflects what is happening today in many places of work. It depicts how discrimination still persists in corporate America notwithstanding the great efforts that have been made in the United States to end discrimination at the workplace, as well as the presence of The Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964. Gedeon (2013) noted that racial discrimination is a fact of life for minority employees and denial of access to opportunities for instance training keep on affecting the non-dominant groups thereby affecting their professional development and also psychological aspects. In the workplace, people encounter not just racial discrimination, but they also encounter discrimination basing on gender, age, religion, nationality, sexual orientation as well as ethnicity. It is of great importance to discuss about the discrimination that exists with non-dominant groups and how discrimination affects not just the employee, but also the employer. According to the International Labor Organization (2014), ethnic minority ladies usually encounter double discrimination within the place of work on account of their gender and their race. A lot of these minority women fail at the application stage just due to their names.
In the United States today, compared to Caucasians, Latinos and Blacks have a less chance of scoring job interviews and job offers. Ladies in the place of work are undervalued and receive less amount of salary compared to male staffs for the same work. Since minority ladies are at a double disadvantage, they are more watchful of discrimination compared to minority men. Consequently, more minority women are likely to view negative treatment as a product of discrimination (Gedeon, 2013).
3.0 Importance of the chosen topic to the study of cultural diversity
The chosen topic is important to the study of cultural diversity in that it will help me to gain an understanding on how embracing cultural diversity within the place of work can actually prevent discrimination. Amadeo (2010) pointed out that cultural diversity is basically when differences in sexual orientation, language, religion, ethnicity, nationality and race are represented in a community. A place of work is considered to be culturally diverse if the workers therein include people from dissimilar groups. Supporting cultural diversity in the place of work is important in the prevention of race-based discrimination. It is of note that addressing cultural diversity in every personnel education and development programs would substantially enhance the skills of the company in the area of cultural awareness. This will benefit the organization’s customers and clients who are from backgrounds that are both culturally and linguistically diverse. Equally important, it would contribute to a non-discriminatory place of work (Choi, Kleiner & Kleiner, 2011).
Embracing cultural diversity in the place of work and fostering an inclusive and fair workplace culture is positive for the company and its staffs. In addition, it is an effectual way of avoiding discrimination and illicit behavior in the place of work. Court cases are costly, and besides the immediate fiscal costs, lawsuits actually reduce the morale, well-being and productivity of workers. In addition, they create brand and reputational damage. Therefore, it is imperative that employees and employers are very much aware of the legal parameters as regards discrimination in the place of work (Stallworth, McPherson & Rute, 2001). Proactive strategies should be utilized in avoiding workplace discrimination.
4.0 Research Goals and Plans
4.1 What I will be interested in learning
What I am interested in learning during this research include the following. First is the prevalence of discrimination in the workplace. I am interested in learning about gender, race, age, sexual orientation and ethnic discrimination that occurs at the workplace; the prevalence of discrimination in terms of socio-demographic, cultural variables and other criteria; instances of workplace discrimination actions; and statistics that demonstrate high prevalence of discrimination in relation to gender, race, and ethnicity. Secondly, I am interested in learning about the various causes of workplace discrimination. I will seek to understand the different situations which could actually result in discrimination. Moreover, I am interested in learning the consequences of workplace discrimination, particularly how employees who face this kind of discrimination are affected emotionally. Finally yet importantly, I am interested to learn about the solutions to workplace discrimination and how this issue can be prevented by not only staff members, but also employers.
4.2 What I expect to find
I am expecting to find that there are several causes of workplace discrimination in the place of work. Some of them include the following: being ignorant of the law; economic factors; failure to recognize personal conflict; inadequately trained employees; lack of professionalism and ethical behavior; sex specific inequalities; and prejudice. As regards the consequences of workplace discrimination, I expect to find that this type of discrimination actually impacts on the job satisfaction and well-being of workers; has an impact on the organization’s overall productivity and financial bottom line; and has an impact on the employer as well. It is of note that discrimination at the place of work could destroy the morale of workers and it has to be addressed owing to the negative impact that it has on minority groups (Stallworth, McPherson & Rute, 2001). Regarding the solutions to workplace discrimination, what I expect to find is that this issue could be prevented in a business organization by establishing a more supportive workplace environment. It can also be prevented through policy interventions surrounding conflict and equality, as well as employees’ well-being. I also to expect to find that employers can prevent workplace discrimination in their organizations simply by developing and maintaining workplace culture that does not tolerate discriminatory practices in the organization.
5.0 How the research would be conducted
5.1 Research Method: Mixed Research
This will be a mixed research in which quantitative and qualitative research techniques will both be used. It is of note that the main goal of mixed research techniques is basically to tackle a particular research question from any pertinent angle. A mixed research method is a technique for carrying out research where the investigator collects, analyzes and integrates qualitative research such as interviews, and quantitative research such as questionnaires (Spratt, 2009). Mixed research method will be used in this research since it will allow me to obtain a contextualized and in-depth insight regarding workplace discrimination, whilst counterbalancing the shortcomings inherent to the use of each methodology by itself.
5.2 Data Collection
Secondary Data: Secondary data is essentially data gathered by a different person for some purpose, and is being utilized by the researcher for a different purpose (Sindhu, 2012). For this research study, secondary data will be obtained from scholarly peer-reviewed journals, websites, government publications and government records, magazines as well as books on the subject matter, which is workplace discrimination. Primary Data: this is the data gathered through the use of experiments, interviews, questionnaires and observations. It is the data which the researcher gathers by herself/himself for a given purpose (Sindhu, 2012). For this research, primary data would be collected through the use of qualitative interviews and quantitative questionnaires. The interview will be largely unstructured and will contained open-ended questions. Conversely, the questionnaire would be structured and it will comprise closed-ended questions.
5.3 Sampling of Participants
A total of 67 subjects will take part in this research, hence the sample size is 67. Participants would be selected through purposive simple random sampling. This sample selection method is one in which every person in the population has equal chance of being picked to participate in the research. The subjects would be managers and staff members in several companies. Some will be presented with the questionnaires to fill out while others would be interviewed in order to get an in depth insight of the subject matter. In data analysis, qualitative data would be analyzed by organizing the collected data into themes. Quantitative data would be analyzed through the use of tables and graphs for easy interpretation of the findings.
6.0 Conclusion
In conclusion, the chosen topic scenario that would be investigated in this research project is the second scenario in which a female Latino employee claims to have been discriminated upon due to her distinctive accent. This topic scenario was chosen because it will help me to gain a deeper understanding of discrimination in the workplace and the solution to it. Workplace discrimination is major issue that many employees face everyday in their places of work, and is primarily faced by people of color. My goal and opinions are projected to change an individual’s perception towards race, gender, and ethnicity and hopefully this will help us not only at work but also as individuals to avoid judgmental comments or actions that can compromise us as a member of this society. Eradicating discrimination is significant because of the negative consequences in job performance, but more importantly, the well-being of the people who are from a given group. The source of discrimination must be tackled directly to ensure that discrimination does not occur.
7.0 References
Choi, V., Kleiner, K., & Kleiner, B. (2011). New Developments Concerning Age Discrimination In The Workplace.Franklin Business & Law Journal, (1), 63-71.
Sindhu, A. (2012). Research Methodology. Boca Raton, FL: Springer Publishers.
Spratt, C. (2009). Mixed Research Methods. Cleveland, OH: CRC Press.
Stallworth, L. E., McPherson, T., & Rute, L. (2001). Discrimination in the Workplace: How Mediation Can Help. Dispute Resolution Journal, 56(1), 35-87.
Wood, S., Braeken, J., & Niven, K. (2013). Discrimination and Well-Being in Organizations: Testing the Differential Power and Organizational Justice Theories of Workplace Aggression. Journal Of Business Ethics, 115(3), 617.doi:10.1007/s10551-012-1404-5
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This assignment is of 1500 words. The referencing is Harvard Referencing guide.
Assessment #1 – Case Report (Graded)
Students are required to submit a written report on the analysis of a case scenario. Two case scenarios will be available via the Learn online Course Website and students must choose one (1) from the two. The main aim of case scenario report will be to apply selected theories from the course content to simulated problem solving and decision-making, reinforcing the applicability of theory to practical situations.
Further detailed information including assessment description, marking criteria and academic writing requirements are located on the course learn online webpage.
I have attached all the other requirements for this assignment.
SAMPLE ANSWER
Case Scenario 1 Report
Section 1
From the review of the case scenario and the friend’s account, it is evident that the relationship breakdown between Jeremy and his family is the main issue at hand. This has consequently resulted into depression, loneliness, and a feeling of abandonment that are the underlying causes of his persistent stress hence the intense and prolonged headaches. To counter the pain, Jeremy takes long-acting painkillers and for the feeling of loneliness and abandonment Jeremy abuses alcohol. This interferes with his judgment and, therefore, he misuses the pain drugs and forgets to take his insulin drugs which further worsen his physical condition. In addition, alcohol is contraindicated in diabetes treatment due to the drug interaction that renders the drugs ineffective. From his emotional state at arrival in the hospital, Jeremy seems to have been attempting to commit suicide using an overdose of painkillers taken with alcohol a combination that is clearly contraindicated in medicine. Therefore, apart from the medicine Jeremy is currently using he requires psychiatric therapy to deal with his underlying emotional problems.
Section 2
In reference to the case scenario, the questions of interest here include:
What are the effects of family breakdown on adolescents?
How do adolescents adapt to family breakdowns?
How effective are pharmaceutical interventions in treating the symptoms associated with family breakdowns?
What effect does alcohol have on pain and drugs used in Type 1 diabetes?
What is the effectiveness of psychotherapy in the treatment of Jeremy’s condition?
In the case scenario, Jeremy seems to be suffering from a condition that is psychological and affecting his emotional well-being and judgment. These questions will be critical in determining whether the family breakdown is the underlying cause of his stress that in turn requires him to be on constant pain killing medication. In addition, the questions will help determine whether his constant partying, alcohol abuse and the suicide attempt are possible adaptive mechanisms to deal with the emotional distress. Furthermore, they will highlight the effectiveness of pharmaceutical and psychological interventions in handling Jeremy’s case and how alcohol use affects the efficacy of drugs.
Section 3
In the last 30 years, there have been social and demographic changes leading to increased diversity and complexity in the family structure. Today, more couples are cohabiting and becoming parents, and the risk of separation among this group is higher compared to that of divorced parents (Mooney, Oliver, & Smith 2009). However, even among married parents the rates of divorce are significantly increasing. Therefore, children are experiencing parental separations or situations where they have a single parent. This parental separation and family breakdown often has a negative impact on educational achievement, behavior, mental health, self-concept, social competence, and the overall long-term health on the adolescent (Mooney, Oliver, & Smith 2009). Therefore, the question that arises is what the psychological effects of family breakdown on children are.
Per Rodgers and Pyror (1998; 2001) who conducted a review of evidence-based literature on the impact of family breakdown on a child’s outcomes found at those children had an increased risk of developing behavioral problems, poorly performing in school, and required more medical treatment. In addition, they were leaving school and home early, and developing depressive symptoms including higher degrees of smoking, drinking, and other drug use and becoming addicts in adolescence and or adulthood (Mooney, Oliver, & Smith 2009).
Erikson’s Psychosocial Development Theory
According to Erik Erikson, child development occurred under certain predetermined stages and order. Erikson focused on the social development of the child and how this affects their sense of self. He, therefore, developed the Psychosocial Theory of Development that comprises of eight developmental stages (Sigelman & Rider 2014). Each of these stages has two possible developmental outcomes and per the theory, the successful completion of each of the stages results into the development of a healthy personality and proper socialization with others. However, failure to complete a particular stage is associated with a decreased inability to successfully complete the subsequent stages hence development of an unhealthy personality and a poor sense of self. In case a stage is not completed and resolved successfully, this can occur at a later time in the individual’s life. These stages are, “Trust vs. Mistrust, Autonomy vs. Shame and Doubt, Initiative vs. Guilt, Industry vs. Inferiority, Identity vs. Role Conflict, Intimacy vs. Isolation, Generativity vs. Stagnation, and Ego Integrity versus Despair” (Sigelman & Rider 2014).
Application to the Scenario
Due to the family breakdown, Jeremiah was separated from his family at a crucial time when he needed the support of the parents to complete the particular developmental stage that is the identity versus role conflict stage fully, and this resulted into role confusion. In addition, Jeremy was moved to a new country, and since the previous stage was not completed, it became even difficult to complete the next stage (intimacy versus isolation) as these were new people hence he developed feelings of isolation, loneliness and depression hence the headaches.
Health Detrimental Beliefs and Attitudes
From the Scenario, Jeremy seems to have health destroying beliefs and attitudes regarding his condition. Due to the family breakdown and separation, Jeremy has clearly developed a psychological condition (depression) and feelings of loneliness and isolation. However, to deal with the stress associated with these feelings he constantly takes painkillers for the stress related pain and to deal with the negative feelings and depressive mood he constantly parties and abuses alcohol as remedies for his state. This negatively impacts his judgment and even he forgets about his diabetes pills. As a final resort, he believes suicide is best for dealing with his problems.
Pathophysiological Processes of Depression
The clinical and etiological heterogeneity related to depression has made it difficult to elucidate the pathophysiology of depression. The current theories in neurobiology having the most-valid foundations empirically and reviewed of the basis of their strengths and weaknesses and selected theories are based on the investigation of psychosocial stress and the stress hormone (Hasler 2010). Stress is attributed to be a cause of depression and the sensitivity to stress is partially gender-specific. While men and women exhibit almost equal sensitivity to stressful events that can lead to depression, the responses differ depending on the type of stressor. Men experience episodes of divorce following separation, divorce, and difficulties in working while women are sensitive events that happen close to their social network (Hasler 2010).
The Corticotropin-releasing hormone from the hypothalamus is released when psychological stress is detected in the brain regions and this critical in the pathogenesis of depression. This hormone brings about several physiological and behavioral alterations that resemble depression. The sickness behavior is as a result of the released hormone with the significant risk factor being suicide (Hasler 2010).
Step 4
In reference to the case scenario, the main problem that to be addressed is the depression. Depression is a mood disorder that results to the development of persistent feelings of sadness and lack of interest. The condition interferes with the thought process and behavior and results into several physical and emotional problems (feelings of worthlessness) (Moragne 2011). Depression is life-threatening and occurs at any age causing severe distress and disruption of life. Due to the negative beliefs regarding depression, ignorance, and a lack of knowledge some of the coping techniques used include alcohol use, drug use, painkillers, comfort eating, self-mutility shopping, suicidal thoughts and even suicide (Brigitta 2002).
To support the client (Jeremy) as a nurse, assessment of the client’s clinical symptoms of depression would be the most important and first in the patient-centered approach. For Jeremy, I would assess of his feelings, behaviors, and verbal response. Once this is done, in a collaborative manner, I would help him conceptualize his treatment goals through the identification of his strengths and weaknesses. Finally, I would provide depression nursing intervention techniques such as close interaction, encouragement, attentive to the client’s needs, appraising the client’s strengths, and help the client understand the meaning of life and to develop a sense of purpose in order to feel worthy of living. Moreover, I would notify the client of his other medical conditions and the need to adhere to treatment to avoid other negative health consequences that would further worsen his depression.
Therefore, per the Nursing and Midwifery Board of Australia (2006), planning nursing care in consultation with the individual, practicing within the professional and ethical framework, and practicing using a framework that is based on evidence are the ANMC RN Competency Standards required (NMBA 2006).
Conclusion
Depression is life threatening and requires special care from a personal and professional level. I think that the beliefs, attitudes, behaviors, and lifestyle choices that a person having depression has and makes are at the centre on how this disease will progress. For Jeremy, I think if consuming alcohol will worsen his condition. Given the fact that he has another health conditions it is critical that he adheres to the drugs provided and keeps away from the alcohol. A lifestyle change for him would be beneficial as this will help cope with the negative emotions on a long-term basis. From my nursing practice experience, I have realized that many people with depression often engage in health-damaging adaptive mechanisms just like Jeremy, and this often worsens their condition and at times results in death
References
Brigitta, B, 2002, Pathophysiology of Depression and Mechanisms of Treatment, Dialogues Clin Neurosci., 4 (1), 7–20.
Hasler, G, 2010, Pathophysiology of Depression: Do we have any solid evidence of interest to clinicians? World Psychiatry, 9 (3), 155-161.
Mooney, A, Oliver, C & Smith, M, 2009, Impact of Family Breakdown on Children’s Well-Being: Evidence Review, University of London, Institute of Education, London: University of London.
Moragne, W, 2011, Depression, Minneapolis, MN, United States of America, Twenty-First Century Books.
Trusted Supply Chains- Client Report: Sanken Power Systems (UK) Product
Order Instructions:
A3 Report Structure
Client Requirements
To undertake a study to create a Strategic Evaluation of the market structure for Sanken BR200 device in the European Telecommunication Market.
This study shall strengthen the projects potential to:
• Establish a target market in the European telecommunication industry.
• Approach nearest potential customers.
• Identify if the BR200 fits in the telecommunication industry.
• Identify the companies tier position in relation to the telecommunication market.
Deliverables
• Examine the tools that are required to enter the telecommunication market and establish a target market to approach the nearest potential customers, by looking at:
• Market Research
• Market Segmentation
• Evaluating the company’s BR200 device and their current position in the market, by looking at:
• Porters Five Forces
• PESTEL analysis
• SWOT analysis
• Determine the supply Chain tiering through mapping the process, by looking at:
• Value Chain Mapping
• Supply Chain Segmentation
• Supporting Theory
• Objective Based:
• Market Research Hague, Paul (2004) –Market Research is used in business models and frameworks to gather information that can be either qualitative or quantitative, to draw a clear picture of the current market structure. Such as surveys provide vital information to assess the market size and competition.
• Market Segmentation Malcolm McDonald (2012) Market Segmentation is dividing the target market into segments in which each customer in the segment share common interests. Therefore, a more narrow focused strategy can be designed and dedicated towards achieving customer’s needs. This method is used to identify the potential customers in the market.
• PESTEL Analysis Jim Downey (2007)–Is assessing the Political, Economic, Social, Technological,Environmental and legal variations in the business environment. This method can be used to provide important information for Sanken to look for new potential opportunities in Europe and take into consideration any possible limitations.
• Porters Five Forces Tony Grundy (2006) – This model can be used by Sanken to set up strategies to explore opportunities that lie within the Telecommunication market, such as mapping the competition and market attractiveness. This model includes threats of new entrants, the threats of substitute products or service, the bargaining power of suppliers, and the intensity of competitive rivalry.
• Value Chain Mapping Mike Morris (2001)–To examine all the value addedactivities that take a product from the beginning process until it finally reaches the customer. It is also used to look deeply into refining the process to make it more efficient.
• Supply Chain Segmentation Douglas Thomas (1996)–Segmentation analysis enables Sanken to focus on specific key sectors to create a tier, as well as build supply chain resources, knowledge and competencies in any division to successfully meet customers’ demands in the market.
• SWOT Analysis Andrews et al (1969) – This tool is used to summarize and analyse the overall strengths, weaknesses, opportunities and threats of the project. To draw a clear picture for the decision makers to consider different aspects of the project as well as organize their thought process.
Table of Content
1.0 Client Aim and Objectives
2.0 Supporting Theory
2.1 Objective 1
2.1.1 Market Research
2.1.2 Market Segmentation
2.2 Objective 2
2.2.1 Porters Five Forces
2.2.2 PESTEL Analysis
2.2.3 SWOT Analysis
2.3 Objective 3
2.3.1 Value Chain Mapping
2.3.2 Supply Chain Segmentation
3.0 Gantt Chart
3.1 Gant Chart Methodology
4.0 Contribution
4.1 Market Analysis
4.2 Shakeholder analysis
4.3 (Add+ )
4.4 ( Add+)
5.0 Reflection
6.0 References
What is the aim of the Client Project?
Client: Sanken Power Systems (UK) Products, Bridgend South Wales
• The purpose of the report is to show the client Why you would use the methods identified.
• What is the (strategic) reason/rationale/motivation for this project? i.e. what is the range of problem(s) or issues involved?
• Consultants(ME) need to submit a report that clearly shows and explains How? they would do the study.
• A Client wants to do something new and needs a study to identify whether it is possible and or desirable e.g. Launch Sanken’s BR200 into a new market.
• For example when talking about the analysis tools i.e. PESTEL analysis discuss only why this tool is relevant to the study and why it needs to be used. Do not explain each and every Stage!
• Create a Gantt Chart and dicuss its methodlogy
Deliverable:
Consultants need to produce a 6,000 word report outlining the main objectives of the study and the methods that would be employed – following the A3 report structure provided.
SAMPLE ANSWER
Trusted Supply Chains
Trusted Supply Chains— Client Report: Sanken Power Systems (UK) Product
The rise in amount of information transmitted and received has promoted the rapid proliferation of ICT services and gadgets such as cloud services and smartphones (Walkenhorst et al., 2009, n.p). In response to these emerging trends, the devices used in control power supply for the DSPs, MCUs, and FPGAs that constitute the core elements of these emerging ICT gadgets must equally be able to support much higher output currents and lower voltages (Hilmersson and Jansson, 2012, n.p). Therefore, the DC/DC converters commonly used in control power supply should have high current and low voltage specifications as well as a fast response to the rapidly changing loads. The non-isolated step down converter module which is the new BR200 series produced by Sanken features a line-up of seven products all with an output current of either 20 A or 10 A perfectly fits this specification.
Client Aim and Objectives
Aim:
To undertake a study to create a Strategic Evaluation of the market structure for Sanken BR200 device in the European Telecommunication Market.
Objectives:
To Examine the tools that are required to enter the telecommunication market and establish a target market to approach the nearest potential customers
To evaluating the company’s BR200 device and their current position in the market
To determine the supply Chain tiering through mapping the process
2.0 Supporting Theory
Sanken is a top global supplier of semiconductor products with their core business being that of semiconductor power devices. Although most of their power devises are widely used in the Automobile industry, the company eyes an opportunity in the Telecommunication industry especially for its BR200 device. The reason for this kind of inclination is motivated by the fact that optical communication is becoming increasingly popular and as such, Sanken needs to engage deeper into the optical systems (Dolnicar and Lazarevski, 2009, p. 360). Moreover, Sanken’s BR200 device is a key component in the telecommunication industry and thus the need for the company to establish the type of component required within the network loop (Hilmersson and Jansson, 2012, n.p). Sanken must establish if their BR200 equipment is appropriate in the telecommunications sector and consequently identify a target market for it within the European market.
Apparently, Sanken postulates that the telecommunications market opportunities largely lie in the major European market players such as Ericsson and Fujitsu. However, the company still beliefs that there is potential for expansion through identification and entry into new markets. The success of venturing into new markets will greatly depend on the capacity of the company to access and acting upon reliable market information (Fabling and Sanderson, 2013, p. 428). Information is particularly needed to narrow down on potential customers, understand their position within the telecommunications market for the purpose of positioning themselves in the supply, and as a basis for approaching their nearest customer to engage with within the supply chain in telecommunication.
Sanken Power Systems (UK) Ltd seeks for the services of a reputable and reliable supply chain company. The PackIT Logistics limited is a leading supply chain based in Cardiff, South Wales and providing efficient services in warehousing, order fulfilment, storage, sock management and distribution, E-Commerce Fulfilment customer service, back office systems, account management, data management services, contract packing, and response management in a range of businesses and industries across UK and internationally.
In the case of Sanken, it is necessary that appropriate information is provided to enable the company master the complexities of the telecommunications market. Market information will focus on investment, customer base, competitiveness, and market entry strategies (Baldwin and Yan, 2012, n.p). Telecommunication market in Europe is characterised by high dynamism in terms of technological innovation cycles, product differentiation, quality improvement, and high capital intensity (Haveman, 2013, p. 602).
The BR200 series consists of a line-up of non-isolated step-down converters that can offer a fast response to any changing loads making it easy to mount. These types of converters offers a stable supply of power output to the MCU, DSP, and FPGA components, whose loads have rapid fluctuates. It also allows high-intensity mounting and in turn facilitating the development of more compact equipment (Wright and Larsen, 2014, p. 171). As such it presents as a competitive alternative to most of the current devises that lacks these essential aspects.
2.1 Objective 1
To examine the tools that are required to enter the telecommunication market and establish a target market to approach the nearest potential customers2.1.1
Market Research
Market research is a key consideration when evaluating a new market or product. Research is essential in providing Sanken with the data and information that will enable the company make viable decisions about venturing into the new market. Indeed, the company requires a combination of both primary and secondary research in order to obtain the required data (Rudež et al., 2013, p. 131). The principle aim of the market research is to identify a competitive landscape for the BR200 device in terms of the understanding competitors marketing approaches, pricing structure, as well as strengths and weaknesses.
As Quinn, (2009, p. 272) notes, one of the areas that require market research before venturing into the new market is on market trends. According to Jae Young et al., (2013, p. 290) an analysis of the industry trends is very necessary as a basis for forecasting postulated levels of sales in the potential market. Market trends offer a comprehensive guide to potential market size growth prospects. This offers a strategic market analysis of factors influencing the market, demand, and companies including distribution and supply chain factors, pricing, new product development and introduction, and economic issues.
Regarding trade regulations Sanken must be aware of all the legislative requirements that they need to comply with for smooth running of the business (Dibb and Simkin, 2009, p. 376). Additionally, other considerations when venturing into the new market are technical standards desired in the new market and product safety as well as any rules or regulation in exercise in these markets or countries. Again, it is very crucial that tariffs and duties for the particular electronic devices be considered. A wide range of laws and guidelines within the country or market of destination must be first met before the BR200 device can enter the new market. To ensure market success, the design and usability of the device must satisfy the end user’s desires and expectations. Telecommunications industry is largely driven and characterized by innovation (Min et al., 2008, p. 16). Consumer needs, expectations, and behaviour are constantly evolving. Market research is therefore, very necessary to determine exactly what is required in the market and how best to deliver it. This entails reviewing of designs and market information about the product being introduced. This must include product viability and usability in the potential market as well as the safety of the electrical device to ensure that they are ready for the market.
2.1.2 Market Segmentation
In order to compete successfully in today’s’ competitive and volatile business markets, companies must attack niche markets exhibiting unique wants and needs. Battisti (2013, p. 41) defines market segmentation as a process of grouping customers into homogeneous groups or categories in order to optimize on the use of resources and to increase efficiency in terms of distribution, pricing, product adoption, branding, and communication. The principle purpose of market segmentation For Sanken is to reflect on some aspects that are being faced by the telecom industry. This is necessary since venturing into new telecom markets requires proper consideration of huge amounts of data from various sources such as banks, online shops, and insurance about potential customers.
`Market segmentation is the foundation upon which the other activities in analysing of the potential market are based (Schlager and Maas, 2013, p. 45). It requires major commitment on the part of the management to facilitate customer-oriented research, planning, and implementation and control. By and large, the use of the market segmentation information is bound to improve the company’s competitive advantage putting it in a better position to serve the needs of their customers.
Market segmentation analysis entails segment identification, market selection, and strategic positioning (Juan, 2014, p. 88). Segment identification involves establishing based on selected segmentation criteria and variables a given number of similar market segments say in terms of justifiable size, accountable, profitability, and customer-focused segments. To specify on market opportunities, it is crucial to make strategic choices concerning corporate objectives, financial and technical resources available, competitive opportunities, and customer needs. Positioning is a key factor in ensuring that the company carves out on a market niche. This involves searching out unique advantages, seeking new market segment not being cultivated by competitors, and then develop new approaches to these old problems. Positioning should be based on both real sources such as quality and superiority and intangible factors like reputation to gain competitive advantage for the company (Kuen-Hung et al., 2013, p. 722).
Market segmentation analysis has the capacity to enhance responsiveness of products so as to meet the needs and conditions of the marketplace (James and Raee, 2013 p. 32). The process facilitates the developing cost-efficient and effective promotional tactics and campaigns. Through market segmentation analysis, it will be possible to gauge the company’s market position in the potential markets and customers in relation to the competition. In this context, the company is able to plan for its business strategies in the entry of the new market. When launching the new venture it is very critical for Sanken to identify and understand the type of companies they are targeting and how well to reach them. Therefore, conducting a market segment analysis is necessary for focusing the new product to the most promising segment.
2.2 Objective 2
To evaluate the company’s BR200 device and their current position in the market 2.2.1 Porters Five Forces
The Porter’s five forces model is a framework used for the analysis of the business strategy development. It describes five forces that highlight the competitive intensity and attractiveness of the market as; bargaining power of customers, threats of new entrants, threats of substitute products, bargaining power of the suppliers, and competitive rivalry within the industry. These factors are referred to as the micro-environment and have direct impacts its ability to make profits and serve its customers (Lamore et al., 2013, p. 701). Any changes in these factors require that the company reassesses its marketplace. The model will be used to analyse the attractiveness of the European telecommunications industry.
The five forces analysis will facilitate the understanding of a factors impacting profitability in the telecommunication industry in terms of developing competitive strategies and to increase capacity in the market. It is specifically ideal for the EU market since there are more than three competitors (Al-Araki, 2013, p. p. 230). As Lorca-Susino (2014, p. 33) argues, it is effective in several other ways including establishing the impact of the government on the industry and considering the lifecycle stage of the industry as well as considering the dynamic characteristics of the specific industry. It is an effective tool for identifying and analysing the competitive position and strength of the company within the particular market.
The theory is based on the perspective that there are five basic drivers that determine the competitive attractiveness and intensity of a market (Kaufmann and Roesch, 2012, p. 9). The model helps to identify areas where power lies within a given business situation in this case the case being that of the position of the Sanken Power Systems within the European market for their BR200 device. This is a significant step since it will help in understanding the strength of the company’s current competitive position as well as the strength of a new business opportunity that it may look to move into. The model in this case will help to understand if the introduction of a new product in a new market is potentially viable and profitable. The theory is also effective in identifying and understanding where power lies and areas of strength as a basis for the strategic move in a new market.
2.2.2 PESTEL Analysis
The PEST analysis of Sanken will be used as a strategic tool to analyse the external environment in which it operates (Global Semiconductor Industry, 2013, n.p). It is an acronym for political, economic, social, and technological factors. These factors play a very crucial role in the value creation opportunities of the company’s strategy. However, these factors are usually outside the company’s control and must be considered as either opportunities or threats.
PESTEL analysis helps to show the big picture of a company’s external environment especially ones related foreign markets (Ghazinoory et al., 2011, p. 24). It helps gain a better understanding of the potential opportunities and threats likely to be faced when venturing into new markets. It aids in building a better vision of the development or expansion of business and ways in which the company can compete profitably. It analyzes for market growth or decline and as such the potential, position, and direction for the business. These factors are particularly important when the company is planning into entering into a new market as is the case with Sanken. This is achieved through creating insight into market status of key flatness of the market, both in terms of the future and present trends.
The first step in making the most out of the PESTEL analysis is to consider the relevance of each of the six factors in the analysis to the business context (Briciu et al., 2012, p. 147). The second step involves identifying and categorizing the information applicable in these factors. Finally, the data should be analyzed in order to draw conclusions (Nunan and Di Domenico, 2013, p. 7). 2.2.3 SWOT Analysis
When launching a new product it is very critical that the company evaluates the four pillars related to marketing; place of sale, promotion, product, and price of sale (Millson, 2013, p. 1). For successful analysis of these factors it is necessary to analyze the external and internal factors of the company which will in turn help in maximize the opportunities and strengths while minimizing on the threats and weaknesses. New products ought to be developed around two concepts of satisfying the demand or need of a specific target market and with a selling benefit (Simoneaux and Stroud, 2011, p. 75). A weakness related to launching a new product may not necessarily mean that something is wrong with the product, it might instead be signalling the advantage that the competition has over the company. Developing a new product implies an opportunity for the company in the market (Quinn and Dibb, 2010, p. 1244). As such early influencers and adopters are companies who like to try the hottest new product and to tell others their experience with it. This will allow the company to set prices appropriately. Once the new product has been introduced in the market, the competitors will likely react. In this case Sanken is likely to face a great threat after launching their BR200 by competitors changing the playing field. In this regard, it is critical that Sanken has a backup plan for the promotion, distribution channels, and pricing of the product in readiness to respond to competitor changes.
Harwood and Ward, (2013, p. 252) postulate that the SWOT analysis examines the business’ strengths and weakness, as well as threats and opportunities in the potential market. By focusing on these key factors that are likely to affect the business in the new market, the analysis provides a clear basis for establishing the business performance and prospects. The reviewing of the potential business performance will motivate action (Dobbs, 2014, p. 32). The analysis is an effective step towards identifying how successful the new market or product can do through the analysis of the favourable and unfavourable conditions in the potential market. SWOT analysis is a strong basis for planning when undertaking a major business venture (Min et al., 2008, p. 22). The system combines environmental analysis information and separates it into two components. This level of analysis facilitates the company to determine the factors likely to aid in the achievement of some specific objectives or on the obstacles to be overcome before the company can achieve the desired outcome.
2.3 Objective 3:
To determine the supply Chain tiering through mapping the process
2.3.1. Value Chain Mapping
It requires a great deal of resources in terms of finances and time to launch a new product effectively, quickly, and ahead of the competition. An efficient launching of the BR device requires coordination and integration along the chain for the purpose of product design, planning, and manufacturing, procurement, sales and marketing. A value chain strategy in this case is the crucial collaboration of the various functions of the business, primary and support activities with the aim of meeting a certain business objective (Ereaut, 2002, n.p). Value chains are a leading-edge business strategy that guides every participant to contribute to creating value for consumers (Kahn and Kahn, 2010, n.p).
Value chain mapping describes activities that take place within a business and relates them to an analysis of its competitive strength (Competitive Market Analysis, 2009, n.p). The primary activities are those that concern directly with creating and delivering a product while support activities are those that are not involved in the production directly although they may increase efficiency and effectiveness.
By conducting a value chain analysis the Sanken will be able to introduce the BR200 device through involving the management in creating value, deciding the way communication is to be handled, ensuring volatile supply and demand, and chain efficiencies and risks (Market Selection, 2013, n.p). Value chain mapping is an effective means of developing a differentiated product, whole chain marketing, and ensuring consistency of supply.
2.3.2 Supply Chain Segmentation
Proctor (2010, p. 86) postulates that supply chain segmentation is the designing and operating distinctly the different end-to-end value chains form suppliers to customers and optimized through a combination of unique product attribute, business value considerations, customer value, and manufacturing and supply capabilities. It is the dynamic alignment and integration of customer channel supply and demand response capabilities that are optimized for net profitability for each segment (John 2014, n.p). The prevailing fierce completion in the telecommunication industry coupled with the economic downturn across Europe has necessitated the need for businesses to tackle some of the most conflicting challenges of reducing costs and driving growth through innovation (Presutti and Mawhinney, 2013, n.p). Traditionally, the aspect of sales has always been assigned to the marketing function while that of cost reduction is directed towards supply chain. Business alignment is geared towards developing congruence between the supply chain, marketing, and product strategy.
Supply chain segmentation is an effective approach towards mapping the end-to-end supply chain in order to provide visibility within the different segments of the business. Segmentation helps to identify the scope of integration for active management by the supply chain organization (De Backer and Miroudot, 2014, n.p). It is an easy way of identifying the primary customer for the supply chain organization. Segmentation in this case will serve a strategic purpose by reflecting what is important to the growth and profitability of the new product. This approach also gains the much needed internal support to drive the new venture. Sectoring the supply chain is strategic in that it facilitates support for company plans as well as maximizing growth and returns for the new business. In this way, resources are aligned where they are most needed.
According to (Yeates et al., (2010, n.p) value-based approach segments customers on the basis of economic value. The segmenting highlights characteristics in each of the segments. For instance, the company can look at areas where customers in each of the segments differ from others in terms supply chain service. This information can then be used as a basis for strategizing on the entry approach. A needs-based segmentation matches well with the management of supply chain (Lymbersky, 2008, n.p). In this case segmentation is done on the basis of driver that clients have for a specific supply chain service. Clients are categorized in terms of the common set of needs they share. The purpose is to match each sector needs with the current supply chain service. This would guide in enabling the company deliver services in each sector better than the competitors does and as such earn a competitive advantage. Segmentation is, therefore, a very effective approach to understanding Sanken’s supply chain for the purpose of venturing in to the new market. It will enable the company to focus attention and attention in segments where they can create value and provide strategic support.
Gantt Chart
3.1 Gant Chart Methodology
Gantt charts provide clear illustrations of the status of a project. To complete the venture successfully, Sanken will need to control a large number of activities in order to ensure that they are completed within schedule. This is to avoid knock-on effects on other activities in case some of the tasks in instances where deadlines are missed or tasks are finished out of sequence causing late delivery of products and more costs for the company (Market Entry Strategies, 2013, n.p). Gantt charts will convey this information visually and effectively by outlining all the tasks involved in the venture, and their order which are shown against a timescale. This clearly highlights overview of the venture as well as its associated tasks and when these tasks need to be accomplished.
Glowik (2009, n.p) notes that a Gantt chart helps to work out practical aspects of the venture in terms of the minimum time required for covering a given task and which activity needs to be completed before others can start. This information will then be used to determine the critical path; the sequence of activities that must first be individually completed on time if the whole venture is to deliver on time. Additionally, the Gantt chart will be used to inform the relevant teams informed of the progress. 4.0 Contribution
4.1 Market Analysis
Market analysis is the evaluation of the dynamics and attractiveness of a given market within a particular industry (Cayla and Paloza, 2012, p. 44). In the case of Sanken, a market analysis will form the basis for planning pertaining to the introduction of their new product in the telecommunications industry. Market analysis can be done in various dimensions such as market size, trends, growth rate, profitability, or industry cost structure, distribution channels, and key success factors. The goal of conducting the market analysis is to gain an understanding of the potential opportunities and threats and then relating them to the company’s strengths and weaknesses. Sanken will use the findings of the analysis guide their investment decision and in turn advance their success. The findings can also motivate the changing of certain aspects of its investment strategy.
In terms of the market size, the market volume presents the totality of the realized volume of sales within a given market (Wilkie et al., 2012, p. 957). This is dependent on the quantity of consumers as well as their consequent ordinary demand. Notably, the market potential is also a crucial factor for consideration which will provide the information concerning the potential for growth of the telecommunication industry. Examples of information that are key in determining market size are trade association data, company surveys, government data, and financial data from major players. Market trends entail evaluation of the upward and downward movement in a given market which offers information about new opportunities and threats. One of the ways of forecasting market growth for Sanken is through extrapolating the historical data into the future or through the study of market trends in complementary products. Analysis done through the Porter’s five forces will be important at this point in evaluating the attractiveness or profitability of the telecommunications market.
The most important factor for any company that plans on introducing a product in a new market is the pilot study. This clearly outlines the market situation in the new market or country, a picture of what to expect while venturing in. However, most ventures still fail for some reasons. In most cases, companies will fail due to failure to do objective research, or to follow the guidelines outlined in the same. Failure may also emanate from the use of wrong communication, advertising, and advertising channels. To achieve a successful launching in a new market, therefore, a proper set of processes that are based on research is a key factor to consider.
4.2 Stakeholder Analysis
Stakeholder analysis is the technique of identifying the key people that require to be won over. It involves working out stakeholder’s power, interest, and influence, in order to identify what to focus on (Alternative Market Entry Strategies, 2012, n.p). It is critical that Sanken develops a good understanding of the most important of the stakeholders. This will enable the company to establish how they are likely to respond and plan on how to win their support. By identifying the key people to work in the venture, Sanken will be able to make use of the powerful opinions that most of the stakeholders are likely to bring over to shape the venture at an early stage.
Apart from the possible support that stakeholders are likely to bring on board, their input is equally crucial since it can enhance the quality of the venture. Winning the support of stakeholders is an important consideration in the venture since it helps in anticipating people’s reaction towards the venture which is crucial to building into the company’s plan of action to win people’s support. Effective communication with stakeholders is essential in ensuring that they fully understand the significance of the venture and as such they will be willing to support when necessary.
4.3 Pricing in a New Market
The major objective of entering in to a new market is to increase profits. Pricing has huge impacts on the profitability of a product (Jolly, 2008, n.p). For this reason, the pricing strategy needs to be evaluated methodically before a final price can be reached. The four pricing strategies available for Sanken are the value-based pricing, market based pricing, cash-plus pricing, and the negotiation pricing (Murray et al., 2012, p. 56). In developing a pricing strategy it is very important to have a basic understanding of competitors as well as the level of competition. This enables the company to create value for themselves and for the customers. Choosing the right pricing strategy will, therefore, largely depend on how well Sanken understands the potential market they are venturing into.
Pricing in a new market is highly dependent on the market dynamics and prospects that exist in the host country (Halliburton et al., 2011, p. 95). As such, it is crucial that Sanken makes a deep market analysis through proper consideration of the pricing framework. Sales offices emerge as the most profitable for a Sanken to venture in to a new market. The company will have the opportunity to use the local knowledge and experience of sales teams and in turn reduce on contribution costs of the new product.
Pricing strategies will play a crucial role in determining the number of customers that are going to buy BR200 device. The pricing strategy adopted should be in a position to cover costs, grow market share, and earn reasonable profits for Sanken (Piercy, 2009, n.p). To grow the market share for instance will require that the company offers product selections at a price that will take the market away from the competitors. Cost based pricing entails adding up the total costs incurred to manufacture the product and then adding up the mark-up (Phan and Markman, 2011, n.p). Competitive pricing on the other hand entails matching prices of competitors for similar products. The other option is for the company to set high prices for the new product on the rationale that the attributes of the BR200 device are unmatched in the market.
4.4 Market Entry Strategy
Market entry strategy is an important factor when entering a new market. It is the planned method of delivering the company’s products to a target or potential market and distributing them there. It is very critical for Sanken to understand the preferences of the new customers as well as the management and business culture as a basis for identifying the best talent in driving new business in the new market. Morley (2014, n.p) contends that the different market entry models that are available for the company are upsala model, eclectic paradigm, industrial networks, business strategy, the agency approach, the bargaining power approach, or the transactional cost analysis theory.
Entering into new markets offers great opportunities to companies to increase their sales and enhance their brand awareness. The process of entering a new market requires proper analysis of the existing competitors and potential customers (Donadelli and Persha, 2014).
According to Allen et al., (2012, p. 212) entry plans involves a set of procedures that needs to be considered. First, is the process of selecting the market. In this stage, comparison is done of the different alternatives available in terms of market size, competitors, prices, technology available, as well as the consumer profiling (Collis, 2014 n.p). Secondly, consider the Go-to market strategy. At this stage once the market has been identified a strategy to get into the actual market has to be developed. Models that can be use include the direct model, in-direct model, or the acquisition model (Using Business Analyses, 2014, n.p).
Markets that are much developed calls for the use of the direct model and requires more investment in terms of money and resources. The indirect approach entails partnering with a player who will support the growth and establishment of the business in that market. In this model, it is important to start with one or two partners as you familiarize with challenges and other factors in that market (Greenblatt, 2013, n.p). Acquisition approach is applicable for medium sized firms with stable firms, assets and management teams to enable them develop long-term decisions (Thomas et al., M 2012, n.p). This stage is crucial in facilitating the budget process for the whole process of market entry.
The fourth stage involves identifying the key customers for the BR200 device, prospecting as well as lead generation (Plötner, 2012, n.p). This is achieved by preparing a list of targeted decision makers and a marketing plan. A crucial consideration to make when planning at this point is the available revenue. Market entry mode is a fundamental decision for Sanken as it plans on entering into a new market. Sanken can choose between the exporting, agent, dealer, or sales office mode of entry. Entry timing is also very important for the company which is dependent on the type of the product, competition levels in the particular market, and the prevailing market factors. The market entry strategy for Sanken will map out the approach to follow in selling, delivering, and distributing the BR200 device in the new market.
5.0 Reflection
It is important to note that a company’s entry into new markets provides an opportunity to increase their sales and gain a wide view of the market dynamics as presented by the diversity. Several factors need to be factored in the process to start a business in a new market. First, the organization has to conduct a survey on the market and employ key models such as the PESTEL analysis tool and SWOT. Information gathered through these models gives an insight into the overview of what to expect in terms of competitors, customers, costs, and technology. For instance, in this case the introduction of BR200 device would be informed by vast market, stakeholder, and industry information gathered through market research, market analysis, and stakeholder analysis of the telecommunication industry within Europe.
Once information has been gathered on the opportunities, threats, and potential of the new market it is time to come up with an entry strategy. The plan is to maximize on the potential and opportunities while minimizing the threats. Sanken will then be able to come up with a budget and guidelines into which approach of entry to employ. The company should avoid at all costs misconceptions concerning any factors when implementing the plan. Lack of proper survey and implementation plans could result to failing of the business. In this study, it was evident that the success of the plan to venture in to a new market with the new product for Sanken is dependent on the viability of the analysis of the telecommunication market.
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For this paper , the writer need to access the articles in the resources section at the bottom of this page to get all the information necessary to complete this paper. The writer must pay close attention to all that is require for this paper no miss steps.
IT Systems Case Study
Email, intranets, voice over internet protocol (VoIP), and web-based applications that manage everything from enterprise resource planning to the supply chain have made communication across and between organizations nearly seamless. This has inevitably affected the way organizations are structured. There has been a steady move away from top-down hierarchical structures toward flat, decentralized, virtual organizations with units that maintain an increasing measure of independence from direct central control.
Two articles in your reading this week, one by Hitt and Brynjolfsson and the other by Lucas and Baroudi, offer different, yet complementary, analyses of the impact of technology on organizational structures. The former presents an empirical study supporting the idea that information technology necessarily drives firms to decentralize authority within the organization, while the latter concludes that IT design and organizational design are inextricably linked.
Your task is to read the case study “The Effect of Technological Innovation on Organizational Structure: Two Case Studies of the Effects of the Introduction of a New Technology on Informal Organizational Structures” and, applying the research in your readings this week, write an essay that addresses the following questions:
• What specific challenges faced each of the universities relating to the new technology?
• What type of strategic responses did the universities attempt to implement in response, and which ones led to greater success?
• Do you think social action theory is a useful framework for understanding the relative success or failure of each of these universities?
• Considering that universities are often very traditional in structure and have remained relatively unchanged compared to other types of organizations, what are the implications of this case study for organizations that are less bound by tradition?
• To what degree does this case study confirm or deny the research presented in this week’s journal articles?
Your paper should comprise 3–5 pages in APA format.
Resources for this paper.
Course Text
• Management Information Systems for the Information Age
Chapter 7, “Enterprise Infrastructure, Metrics, and Business Continuity Planning: Building and Sustaining the Dynamic Enterprise”
This chapter discusses the value of service-oriented architecture and hardware and software considerations of an organization, analyzes commonly used metrics for assessing IT systems, and describes business continuity planning.
Articles
• Mukherji, A. (2002). The evolution of information systems: Their impact on organizations and structures. Management Decision, 40(5/6). Retrieved from ABI/INFORM Global database.
This article provides a brief history of the development of information systems and how these systems have changed organizations.
• Hitt, L.M., & Brynjolfsson, E. (1997). Information technology and Internet firm organization: An exploratory analysis. Journal of Management Information Systems, 14. Retrieved from Computers & Applied Sciences Complete database.
This article offers an empirical study supporting the idea that information technology drives firms to decentralize authority within the organization.
• Lucas, H.C., & Baroudi, J. (1994). The role of information technology in organization design. Journal of Management Information Systems, 10(4). Retrieved from Computers & Applied Sciences Complete database.
This article concludes that information technology design and organizational design are inextricably linked.
Kahn, R.L. (2000). The effect of technological innovation on organizational structure: Two case studies of the effects of the introduction of a new technology on informal organizational structures. Journal of Business and Technical Communication, 14(3). Retrieved from ABI/INFORM Global database.
This article compares the outcomes at two university campuses related to the implementation of technological innovation in their administrative offices.
Sor, R. (2004). Information technology and organisational structure: Vindicating theories from the past. Management Decision, 42(1/2). Retrieved from ABI/INFORM Global database.
This article reflects on the impact of information technologies on organizational structures.
SAMPLE ANSWER
Information Technology Systems Case Study
What specific challenges faced each of the universities relating to the new technology as illustrated in the case study?
Organizational structures of many organizations have received tremendous revolution from the case study. The study noticed that universities were faced by many challenges connected to the introduction of the new technology. One of the challenges was that they were dependent to the central control center. Therefore, they lacked independence to make innovations. Another challenge that universities faced was unavailability of business intelligence. Business intelligence aids an organization to obtain resources from digital data for firm business-production mechanism (Kahn, (2000). Universities were also frequented with non-elaborative and disorderly electronic records. This denied them chances to go through various records to update the existing technology. Most of the universities information methodology to efficiently improve communication and correlation of various information sources was poor. According to (Kahn, (2000), information technology, that is mainly appropriated in communication, does not affect human data processing capabilities as human can analyze the information produced by computers. Heavily built bureaucratic structures hindered universities from accessing relevant agencies so as to improve their current technological status (Kahn, (2000).
What type of strategic responses did the universities attempt to implement in response and which ones led to greater success?
The universities came up with three strategic responses in the attempt to implement responses to the challenges faced relating to the new technology. One of the strategies was normativistic communication. This type of communication, as proposed by the universities, has the pro to be regulated and precise, but on the other hand, it was very fixed and this could halt the spontaneous rising of initiatives from the base of the organization. Descriptivist communications was also devised by the universities to overcome the challenges (Müller, (2003). The advantage of this response strategy was that it was being bidirectional, by the fact that data came from more than one source. The universities asserted that this would promote participation from the background and the ability for the top management to detect the mood of the whole firm. The setbacks from this form of response were that that there could arouse dispute at top-level management (Müller, (2003). The management could take into account the responses from the basis but not necessarily meaning that the lower levels are satisfied with the outcome. The areas of disappointment to the juniors could emanate from the feeling that their suggestion have to follow clearly stated procedures that are biased from the top management’s stand, even if they pretend to be neutral (Müller, (2003).
Constructivist communication was another response technique proposed by the universities to overcome the challenges. The response was commendable as it had the advantage of being isolated from imposed procedures. This type of response ensured that communication matters are solely left to the actors involved in the process. The effect of this response was that it affected new and predictable outcomes and creating space for innovations and inventions (Information Resources Management Association., & Khosrow-Pour, (2006). The universities noticed that the response was frequented with certain drawbacks. The response was associated with aspects such as communication being fuzzy and could not be controlled. This made the top management unable to extract the findings of these processes, as they are frequently not available. Constructivist communication gave remarkable results as it calls for isolation of management to other stakeholders. It enabled universities to gather diverse information which promoted discoveries in technological advancements (Information Resources Management Association., & Khosrow-Pour, M. (2001).
Do you think social action theory is a useful framework for understanding the relative success or failure of each of these universities?
Social action theory is quite important in understanding the comparative success or failures of these universities. It agrees and support that human beings have the ability to act differently in different social contexts. The correlation between organizational structure and technology anatomy is reinstated by social action theory approval on technology as well as information technology (Sor, (2004). Social action literature governs universities leaders to apprehend the relationships between technology and information formation and the university’s response to transformations (Sor, (2004). Arguably, this correlation is established in the case study where certain universities uphold decentralized form of record management. The institution embraces the result of the spontaneous change in budgetary system due to computerized financial regulation system.
Sor, (2004) attest that embracing of new technology prompted universities to start new alliances by sending email text messages, announcing of online workshops and seminars and disbursing information to other campuses. Social contract theory also exhibits itself in the case study with the actions of other universities that declined to accommodate the new technology. These universities never formed alliances through internet and continued to apply the traditional practices of technology (Sor, (2004). These activities are emanating from the perceptive that social action theory is accountable for rearrangement of work duties, production of communication networks, transformation in leadership and the decentralization of power process. The case study concludes that social action is effective. The case study also proposes that organizations (universities) facing technological revolution should revitalize communication between workmates, decentralization of power and authority and boundary-bridging regulation techniques (Sor, P. (2004).
Considering universities are often very traditional in structure and have remained relatively unchanged compared to other types of organization, what are the implications of this case study for organizations that are less bound by tradition?
Organizations that are bound to traditional structure prone themselves to so many challenges. One of the challenges is that they will be in vicious cycle of high cost and consequently will decrease in productivity in their operations as it is less likely to form alliances to enable it to appropriately use new technology (Information Resources Management Association., & Khosrow-Pour, (2001). Concentration on old forms of organization structure kills innovation. This is as a result of unavailability of information which acts as raw materials to inventions. Dependency is propagated by the fact that universities will always wait for other institutions to feed them with information (Information Resources Management Association., & Khosrow-Pour, (2001).
To what degree does this case study confirm or deny the research presented in this week’s journal articles?
According to week’s journal articles, despite many organizations upholding the virtue of new technology, traditional elements of communication are still being used. The articles appears to contradict the case study on the impacts of the orientation of new technology on informal organizational structure by arguing that the modern form of technology incorporates both traditional and modern aspects of technology (Information Resources Management Association., & Khosrow-Pour, (2001). The journal articles calls for incorporation of both technologies, but not discard of the traditional type as it acts as the reference point to the new technology. The case study denies the allegations by putting forth arguments that a complete configuration of organization to modern world must do away with the native methods of information structure (Information Resources Management Association., & Khosrow-Pour, 2006).
References
Information Resources Management Association., & Khosrow-Pour, M. (2001). Managing information technology in a global environment. Hershey, PA: Idea Group Publishing.
Information Resources Management Association., & Khosrow-Pour, M. (2006). Emerging trends and challenges in information technology management. Hershey, Penn: Idea Group.
Kahn, R. (2000). The effect of technological innovation on organizational structure: Two case studies of the effects of the introduction of new technology on informal organizational structures. Journal of Business and Technical communication, 14 (13). Retrieved from ABI/INFORM Global database.
Müller, R. (2003). Communication of information technology project sponsors and managers in buyer-seller relationships. S.l.: Dissertation.com.
Salazar, A. J. (2007). Handbook of information technology in organizations and electronic markets. New Jersey: World Scientific.
The Price of Doing Good: Consequences of Ethical Decision Making
Consider the following two scenarios:
Scenario 1:
James works in the accounting department of a large firm. While going over the books for the past several months, James notices that someone has altered the figures to increase earnings by several thousands of dollars. He suspects that the errors, which are in the company’s favor, are too consistent to have been honest mistakes. He knows that he should report his findings through the company’s ethics hotline. However, he worries that doing so will jeopardize his security and reputation with the company.
Scenario 2:
Mary owns a small toy manufacturing company. One of her employees has noticed that one of the pieces on the most popular toy can detach from the toy. This could pose a potential choking hazard to young children who play with the toy. No customers have yet reported problems with the toy. Mary wonders if she should report the potential hazard before anyone gets hurt. However, the recall would cost her company money and result in loss of sales during the busy Christmas season.
As the scenarios illustrate, making ethical decisions often requires a trade-off for an organization or individual. After a scandal results from ethical wrongdoing, the proper course of action seems clear. Even so, organizations continue to struggle with making ethical decisions on a day-to-day basis as they weigh the cost of making such decisions.
To prepare:
•Choose a positive example from the past ten years of a business organization whose leaders acted ethically when they encountered an ethical dilemma. Select, analyze, and describe the ethical decision making and actions in the organization.
By Day 7 of Week 6, submit a 4-page (not including cover page or references) analysis of the ethical situation. Your analysis must include the following:
•An explanation of the ethical framework applied by the organization to make its decision, including support for your analysis from scholarly research
•An examination of both the positive and negative consequences of the decision, including the tradeoffs that the leadership of the organization made in making their decision
•A minimum of five references
SAMPLE ANSWER
Applying Ethical Frameworks at McKinsey & Company
Introduction
McKinsey is a global consulting firm that was founded about 87 years ago and has enjoyed a growing reputation for high ethical standards based on its culture of trust and values that advocate for client confidences, and always having the best interests of the clients at heart. However, the company faced a public scandal involving some of its most senior directors that rocked the organization, including all its 18,500 employees and over 1,400 partners across the globe who wondered what could have gone wrong at the firm (Raghavan, 2014). The first scandal involved Mr. Anil Kumar one of McKinsey’s Directors who pleaded guilty to charges of insider trading in 2010 after which he also confessed to Giving secrets he accessed while doing his job to Raj Rajaratnam of the Galleon Group hedge. The next scandal involved Rajat Gupta a former managing director at McKinsey who also gave secrets to Mr. Rajaratnam, although at the time he was a board member at Goldman Sachs (Raghavan, 2014). These two scandals were extremely public and significantly damaged the good reputation of McKinsey in the eyes of the public and most importantly its clients. Once Mr. Dominic Barton was appointed as the global managing director of McKinsey & Company, he made it a personal mission to transform the organization’s culture so as to prevent any such future scandals. The strategy he undertook is critically analyzed below.
Recognizing the Ethical Issue
The very first step that McKinsey took under the leadership of Mr. Barton was to recognize that an ethical issue did exist. Instead of blaming others or the individual responsible for the ethical breaches, the company shouldered the blame and took action to prevent future breaches (Kotalik, et al. 2014). When Dominic took over the global company, everyone at the firm was in a state of shock as the older members asked themselves how such a thing could happen to the company they knew, worked for, and were dedicated to. On the other hand, the younger members were wondering what mess they had gotten themselves into by deciding to build their careers at McKinsey, yet all signs were indicating that there was a major problem at the firm (Raghavan, 2014). However, with a cool head and a mission to transform the culture if the organization and restore the integrity that the firm was known for, Mr. Barton knew that he would have to take drastic measures to create change. Barton clearly saw that the organizations values were not the problem and that the problem lay in the enforcement of the ethics code that had guided the firm for decades (Raghavan, 2014). Once he had identified the problem, he set out to implement strategies that would eliminate the problem now and in future.
Putting Safeguards in Place
After identifying the key ethical issues that caused the two scandals, Barton realized that there was a weakness in the implementation of the ethics code that had guided the company since its inception, and he decided to put safeguards in place to protect the company (Jackson, Wood, & Zboja, 2013). One of the first safeguards he implemented was a personal investment policy that restricted the firm’s employees and members of their families from trading in the securities of any of its clients. The next safeguard was a rule that required all company consultants to fill an online questionnaire about crucial topics such as investments and ethics, which are vital to the operations of the company. These two initiatives were met with significant resistance from the company’s European partners who had never been restricted from trading in the stocks of any client so long as they did not deal with the client directly (Raghavan, 2014). However, the new policies were received gladly by the company’s American investors who had witnessed the arrest of Mr. Kumar in horror, and they agreed that changes were necessary to avoid any such things happening in future. He also created a department of professional standards that would be responsible for ensuring that all employees adhere to the honor-system and values-based ethics code that was the foundation of the company.
Building a robust self-sustaining ethics infrastructure
In order for an organization to have a robust ethics system, it is not enough that the company has a written code of ethics, but just as important is that the company appoints a committee of independent non-executive directors who are not part of its board. The committee will be responsible for ensuring that the code of ethics is adhered to throughout the organization and that every employee is in compliance with the ethics code (Morales-Sánchez & Cabello-Medina, 2013). Barton understood this, crucial ethics principles applied it as part of his reform strategy by getting the approval of the Shareholders Council, which acts as the company’s board to implement the new policies he had created. He took a further step by redefining the role of the company’s disciplinary panel and making its activities very public, which caused quite a stir within the organization as employees were openly shamed and punished while others were even dismissed (Raghavan, 2014). All these policies are self-sustaining and as long as they remain in place and are consistently implemented, McKinsey can look forward to better days without drastic ethical scandals. However, for the self-sustaining ethics system to survive and thrive it has to be supported by the top management as well as all the staff so that it can become part of their everyday culture to nip any ethics violations in the bud long before they become toxic to the organization.
Talking with Employees at all Levels often
In the 1980s, a researcher named Tom Peters championed the idea of managing employees by walking around, which could not be more relevant in modern organizations today, just as it was in those years. By walking and around and talking to employees managers and supervisors can communicate to employees what is expected of them and how they are doing in terms of achieving the expectations (Craft, 2013). These informal interactions are crucial as they provide an opportunity for managers to interact with employees in an informal setting where the employee is comfortable and can freely air their views and concerns about ethics and other work issues (Craft, 2013). In the case of McKinsey, such an approach might prove quite difficult to implement given that they have a global workforce distributed across the whole world, but the firm has found innovative ways to implement this strategy. One such strategy was the introduction of the Survey of Leadership initiative, which was launched in 2011 that allows subordinates to anonymously submit their appraisals of the behaviors of their leaders, who are the senior partners (Raghavan, 2014). This initiative was criticized by many senior partners who thought that their subordinates would use it to report frivolous issues that would tarnish the names of some partners, such as incidents at the staff cafeteria. However, the system was implemented and majority of the reviews are actually positive with only eight percent being negative.
Choosing to Live the Corporate Values and Opening Communication Channels
It is crucial that every organization realizes that no ethics or compliance manual can completely cover all the ethical dilemmas that employees face on a daily basis, which makes it crucial for organizations to equip their employees with corporate values that shall guide them in times of uncertainty (Thiel, Bagdasarov, Harkrider, Johnson & Mumford, 2012). By ensuring that all employees understand the driving values of the organization that live through every decision made at all levels of the organization, the leaders can have the peace of mind that comes with knowing that even when one is not there to provide specific guidance regarding tricky decisions, employees will still make the right decisions based on those values. Barton has taken the same approach at McKinsey by inspiring the organizations values in all employees through various methods such as the orientation process where employees are tested on their understanding of the firm’s code of ethics using hypothetical situation. Another indicator of how Barton impacts McKinsey’s values on employees is through his talks to newly recruited employees where he shows them how important the company’s values are in their daily operations (Raghavan, 2014). When speaking to new consultants Barton makes it his goal to stress the importance of looking at ethics broadly not just in form of specific examples, but more importantly he shows them how they should always use values in making all their decisions.
Conclusion
In conclusion, McKinsey is an appropriate example of how an organization can recover from ethical scandals and implement strategies to protect the organization from any future ethical debacles, while enhancing the ethics culture within the entire organization. The strategies implemented by McKinsey under the leadership of Dominic Barton were appropriate for the company, especially in the consulting industry where ethics is vital for success. However, it is important that all firms that have not yet implemented effective ethics infrastructure do so immediately given the crucial role that ethics plays in the corporate culture of most organizations. As much as all the strategies analyzed above are crucial to all organization, I believe that the most important of all of them is that ethics should be a part of an organization’s culture and should be reflected in all its values.
References
Craft, J. (2013). A Review of the Empirical Ethical Decision-Making Literature: 2004-2011. Journal Of Business Ethics, 117(2), 221-259.
Jackson, R., Wood, C., & Zboja, J. (2013). The Dissolution of Ethical Decision-Making in Organizations: A Comprehensive Review and Model. Journal Of Business Ethics, 116(2), 233-250.
Kotalik, J., et al. (2014). Framework for Ethical Decision-Making Based on Mission, Vision and Values of the Institution. HEC Forum, 26(2), 125-133.
Morales-Sánchez, R., & Cabello-Medina, C. (2013). The Role of Four Universal Moral Competencies in Ethical Decision-Making. Journal Of Business Ethics, 116(4), 717-734.
Identify a global organization with a multinational presence.
Identify and research a cultural issue that affects this organization’s interactions outside the United States.
Define the issue and provide an overview of how became an issue in the organization.
Prepare an analysis of the ethical and social responsibility issues your organization must deal with as a result of being global.
Write a 1,050- to 1,400-word paper summarizing the results of the analysis. Include the following:
•Identify ethical perspectives in the global organization.
•Compare these perspectives across cultures involved in the organization.
•Describe a viable solution for this issue that could be acceptable by all stakeholders.
Format your paper consistent with APA guidelines.
SAMPLE ANSWER
Cross Cultural Perspectives: Nike Inc.
Today’s speedily developing globalized economies and contest have forced organizations to spread out their business internationally for sustenance in their respective industries, which has introduced numerous cultural barriers within nations. These cultural barriers generate ethical disquiet when the firm expands its operations outside the its mother country. This document will focus on an international firm, specifically Nike Inc., and a cultural concern that affects its interactions outside the U.S, stressing on ethical perspective.
The Nike Inc. is a renowned global business entity. From the start, the firm has turned to other nations as a means of inexpensive labor. Nike first surfaced as Blue Ribbon Sports founded by Philip Knight along with Bill Bowerman. The firm decided to shift to Asian countries, for instance, Japan, in order to save money through a reduced cost of labor and manufacturing (Azam, 1999).
As the corporation continued to enlarge its line of merchandise, it also extended its outsourcing to additional countries such as Pakistan, China, and Vietnam among others. In Pakistan, the firm faced severe allegations of poor operating conditions and the usage of infant labor. The accusations were that there existed young kids edging the soccer balls produced by the firm. Many states that soccer balls have been produced largely for years include Sialkot, Pakistan in companies such as Nike, and it has been approximated that thousands of kids have been employed for soccer balls’ stitching. Dissimilar cultures have diverse analysis on how much duties children could have. The way infancy is perceived not only diverges among countries but additionally from one civilization to another. Childhood practices do not simply diverge across nations but also inside a single culture and throughout dissimilar ethnic groups (Khan 2010). For instance, even in some poor nations, policies developed to safeguard the nations against severe poverty levels are created towards empowering kids through education. Subjecting kids into working situations deprives them of their childhood rights of education and socializing and also introduces them into slavery. Numerous cultures in the world protect the children since they are their future. I find Nike’s preference to child labor very inhumane in the eyes of every individual and global culture.
Nike, as a result going global, must obey and accomplish its cultural and ethical responsibilities in order to remain globally competitive. The company must rise beyond the allegations it has previously underwent. Nike faced a lot of ethical and social responsibility challenges in their expansion to other countries. Firstly as analyzed, the issue of child labor along with the sweat shop crisis has introduced the company into numerous legal challenges. This is an ethical issue that Nike has to obey in order to remain in the international business. Additionally, Nike has been faced with another obstacle of awarding the workers an extremely low wage forcing them to do unpaid overtime in nations like Vietnam and Indonesia through a subcontractor. Nike will have to conform with locally and internationally set wage limits for its workers, which is the price of going global and which must be accomplished. An added difficulty faced by Nike is deprived operating conditions, filthy working conditions, along with compulsory labor in many of the factories that produce their products. Nike has been accused of damaging the environment that is attained through air and water pollution, noises and adjunct in the typical weather as a result of pollution. Nike must ensure that it maintains the environmental standards of the areas they operate in, if not making them better. Production measures must be put in place to avert air pollution including other forms of damaging the environment (Burns, Spar, & Harvard Business School, 2000).
Ethical Perspectives
Duty perspective
This perspective is concerned with people’s obligations to others. Duties are usually seen as natural, collective, balanced, and self-evident. In our case duty ethics like moral law a company actions have a responsibility to observe a set of rules. According to this perspective, Nike has a duty to comply with moral guidelines and, consequently, it is frequently considered a type of basic ethics. Nike has shown absolute failure in the duty perspective, it has subjected kids to illegal labor, it has persistently paid unimaginable wages to its workers along with many other failures.
Rights Perspectives
This perspective stresses on the responsibility among self and others, grounded on the task that the collective owes the individual. Thus, the collective’s duty is owed to the person in the appearance of rights (e.g., equality). In our case the rights perspective universalizes ethics, consequently, rights should be considered inalienable. This means that Nike must respect workers’ rights in whichever country they operate. Nike has denied the right to a fair wage, the right to education for kids, and the right to join unions.
Virtue perspective
Virtue ethics symbolizes a middle ground among duty and rights. Individuals have the responsibility to self-actualize and, thus, they should be given the space to complete that self-actualization. This viewpoint suggests that every human is born with intrinsic potential and, consequently, human growth is through the effort for self-actualization. A deed is judged grounded on whether it permits for expression of complete potential, thus, generating benefits for both a person and the community. Nike has evidently failed in this particular perspective since workers are subjected to forceful labor and are not allowed to express themselves in any way. Previously, workers were disallowed to join unions; this was done to cripple their voices (DiFazio & Aronowitz, 2006). When a firm wants to strengthen steady ethical patterns of behavior, effectual communications amongst members of that firm can create the difference linking success and failure. For a firm to act ethically, it should live and respire its policy of conduct, teach its workers and communicate its policy via its visioning statements.
The corporation has to ensure that it obeys the set international and local labor guidelines to recover its tarnished image and in order to support any future expansion to other countries. Additionally, the administration of Nike should view its hiring practices to make sure that the corporation is observing the regulations on recruitment, training, fitness, protection, and welfare. The administration should also supervise that the ecological practices are observed. This is to guarantee that the company follows measures that are responsible regarding waste disposal along with pollution prevention (Businessethics, 2010).
The firm should conduct and devise a training plan for the workers. Training and development endeavors enable employees to assume extended duties and larger responsibilities. The executive must also keep in mind that training and development plans are not complete solutions to all needs of the company. Effectual job designs, selection, placement, along with other activities of the HR unit are also very central.
Burns, J. L., Spar, D. L., & Harvard Business School. (2000). Hitting the wall: Nike and international labor practices. Boston, Mass: Harvard Business School Pub.
Select an organization you work for or one in your chosen field.
Conduct online research on the ethics of your organization and the industry it belongs to.
Write a 750- to 1,050-word paper describing how ethical principles can address organizational issues. Include the organization you selected and discuss the following with regards to that organization and its industry:
•What role do external social pressures have in influencing organizational ethics?
•How might these issues be relevant to organizational and personal decisions?
•What is the relationship between legal and ethical issues?
Format your paper consistent with APA guidelines.
SAMPLE ANSWER
Organizational Ethics
Gucci
The external social pressure has in the recent past become very instrumental in shaping the ethical practices of any business, which is especially seen in the businesses that fall under the smaller communities; industries. With this, the companies are pushed into giving very profound considerations on matters with regards to the environmental responsibility and the involvement of the general community. More so, with the advancement of the information age, there has been a very significant increase in the importance of the social pressure since ideas are exchanged very fast over a very wide area, exposing the companies that may fail to adhere to the expected social standards.
According to Crane and Matten (2007), the current move is towards an ethical era, whereby the ethical awareness of the consumers towards the implications of the products they purchase is constantly on the increase. As such, they tend to align themselves towards the ethical implications that the products have, not only towards themselves, but also to the world around them, encompassing the environmental impacts of the supply chain in entirety before the goods eventually arrive at the market (Partridge, 2011).
Gucci
Gucci is an Italian leather and fashion goods brand which forms part of the famous Gucci Group, owned by Kering, a French company formerly known as PPR. The company was founded in 1921 by Guccio Gucci, in Florence. As put across by the Business Week Magazine, in the year ending, 2008, the company made about €4.2 billion, and the following year rose to the 41st position in the chart of “Top 100 Brands” created by the Interbrand (Bianchino, et al, 1987). As the highest selling Italian brand, as at September, 2009, the company had about 278 stores directly operated worldwide and uses upscale department stores and franchisees to wholesale its products. As at 2013, the company managed to make sales worth $4.7 Billion US dollars. It is in this year that its market value rose tremendously to $12.1 Billion USD and a ranking of 38th position according to the Forbes list of the most valuable brands (Karmali, 2013).
As a company in an industry with a relatively high competition, Gucci has managed to forge to the current position, mainly through the good business practices that helps it retain its customers, while at the same time, attracting new ones. This move runs back to the 1990s, a period when the company underwent the time recognized as the poorest in its history. During this period, Investcorp shareholders, Maurizio distributors as well as the executives at Gucci America reined in one the sales of the accessories all of a sudden. It is from this point that the company realized the need for social corporate responsibility.
Ethical Transformation
The theme of ethics in organizations has significantly evolved over time, which, in the past was used to refer to the operation of a business in a way such that there is no violation or breaking of the law as well as the moral guidelines. However, as posited by McGoldrick and Freestone (2009), the term has undergone too much broadening to encompass the proactive efforts by a business towards practices considered honest as well as good citizenship. This is based on the expectations of the societies in which the companies operate in such a manner that they meet the customer expectations, charitable giving, and involvement in the community and fair working conditions for the employees.
The Relationship between Legal and Ethical Issues
Unlike in the past when companies mainly gave considerations to ethics in such a manner that they remained within the legal parameters, there has been very tremendous changes on the perceptions of ethics, otherwise termed as “Going beyond Law”. In the late 1990s, Gucci started to embrace the social responsibility with the aim of having a distinguishing factor between it and the other rival companies, which fostered a stronger relationship with the society. Currently, all companies have to act in a socially responsible manner in order to avoid the pressure that may develop from the public. As such, the legal issues may never exist within a company that has fully embraced the ethical practices, otherwise considered as social responsibility. A competitive company will go beyond merely the expectations of the law (Ward & Chiari, 2008).
The concept of business ethics has evolved significantly over time. Historically, it referred to operating a business in a way that does not break the law or violate any major moral guidelines. In the early 21st century, business ethics has broadened to include more proactive efforts toward good citizenship and honest business practices. This is based largely on societal expectations that companies meet demands for honest treatment of customers, community involvement and charitable giving, fair working conditions for employees and environmentally friendly business activities.
The encouragement of observation of ethics within an organization is an assurance of improvement in the success of the business since all the stakeholders will be involved in a unified participation towards the achievement of a common goal. According to Karr and Martens (2013), most organizations tend to underperform as a result of social pressure originating from the external sources. As such, these organizations find themselves in a dilemma, whereby, they may have to change their actions, policies and even behaviors in order to meet the expectations of the stakeholders, which in most cases tend to be much diversified. Instead of molding the employees in such a manner that they are able to cope with the current demands of the company while, at the same time, keeping in mind the emerging trends, they are mainly forged with regards to the existent pressure, which is current.
References
Arnold J. Karr and Cynthia Martens (11 November 2013). “Guccio Gucci SpA Wins Trademark Case in China”. WWD. Retrieved on 5th August, 2014.
Bianchino, Gloria, et al., eds. (1987) Italian Fashion. Vol. 1. The Origins of High Fashion and Knitwear. Milan: Electa SpA.
Crane, A., & Matten, D. (2007). Business ethics. Oxford: Oxford University Press.
Karmali, Sarah (February 28, 2013). “Beyoncé Leads New Gucci Empowerment Campaign”. Vogue. Retrieved 5th August, 2014.
McGoldrick, P. J., & Freestone, O. M. (2008). Ethical product premiums: Antecedents and extent of consumers’ willingness to pay. International Review of Retail, Distribution and Consumer Research, 18(2), 185–201.
Partridge, D. J. (2011). “Activist Capitalism and Supply Chain Citizenship: Producing Ethical Regimes and Ready-to-Wear Clothes.” CurrentAnthropology 52(S3): S97–S111.
