Strategic proposal Assignment Available

Strategic proposal

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Assessment Task 2: Strategic proposal
Based on your business analysis review and report, develop a strategic proposal that recommends possible changes that the organisation should consider in the future. It will include a small project plan outlining key elements to move forward. Approximately 1200 words.

SAMPLE ANSWER

Abstract

Just like the existing organizations, BlackBerry Limited also faced arbitrary changes in its reign. At one point, the company experienced a maximum level of performance, but later dropped as other advanced and more innovative technology companies emerged. There is a developing need for the business to improve its products continually and compete in the world of technological advancements. This action is doable through the implementation of projects and taking initiatives. Hence, a mini project plan is proposed by the company to attract the approval of stakeholders in accepting changes in the company’s strategy.

Keywords: BlackBerry Limited, changes, mini project plan, stakeholders

A Strategic Proposal for Blackberry Limited

Outline Purpose

This proposal is primarily intended to voice out helpful strategies to senior management of BlackBerry Limited. This paper will further elucidate the steps and requirements for each strategy, as well as propose a mini project plan. Moreover, this article will inculcate the vision of BlackBerry Limited in the pursuit of this proposal.

Introduction/Background

Organizational change and adaptation are needed for organizations to remain competitive (Balogun & Hope Hailey, 2008) in the business world. However, management and understanding of change are one of the most challenging aspects affecting many firms today (Tiplic, 2008). Some accept change while others resist it. Similarly, BlackBerry prospered once but later fell. The company exerted effort to surprise the public when it released its new model. Projects or initiatives are examples of organizational change (Fountain, n.d.). BlackBerry must revitalize itself by improving its project, designs, marketing, and implementation. Accepting this change is vital as it will enable the Company to thrive in the competitive world. Resistance, on the other hand, is a form of dissent (Giangreco & Peccei, 2005) and slows down or terminates change efforts (Lines, 2004). It is proposed to the senior management to allow change in BlackBerry Limited s this will enable it achieve a competitive edge in the world of technology. Grand Vision

BlackBerry envisions to bring unmatched productivity and security services to all mobile devices with BlackBerry experience (BlackBerry, 2015). Moreover, it aims at giving users an unprecedented ability to work impeccably and securely across any instrument. As what CEO John Chen said, current and former BlackBerry users demand flexibility and compromise from their devices, matching it with their lifestyle (BlackBerry, 2015). Addressing these needs mainly include a transformation of the company’s workforce and partnerships. This proposal thus purports change by considering four major strategies.

Key Steps/Phases/Resources/Timelines

Strategy	Steps	Phases	Resources	Timeline
Training	Initiating training for all employees	Updating knowledge and skills of employees through training programs; application of training knowledge through demos or mini projects	HR, training materials	1 -2 weeks, twice-thrice a year
Recruitment	Recruiting efficient employees	Selecting and hiring employees with organization- and work-fit qualifications	HR, selection materials (psychological tests, etc.)	2-3 months
Outsourcing	Hiring contingent workforce	Hiring temporary, freelance or contract workers whose employment is contingent upon demand for their services	External and internal sources	2-3 months, or twice-thrice a year
Strategic Partnerships	Forming cooperative agreement with other companies	Signing cooperative agreements	External sources, communication letters	Two years (depending on contract)
Opening Innovation	Open-up search for innovative ideas, allowing innovations to transfer easily	Introducing innovation and incorporating changes to new products in the company	Publicity materials; technical staff	monthly

Table 1. Strategic Plan

Managing the Change

BlackBerry will take initiate operations strategically so as not to disrupt the ongoing climate in the company. Recruitment of new employees may result in giving old employees a notion of layoffs. Thus, the company will inform staff beforehand about changes. This step will engender support and commitment needed.

Mini Project Plan for Incorporating Changes in BlackBerry Limited

6.1 Purpose/Objective

This project plan pursues the following:

To enhance employee competitiveness through strategies such as training, recruitment, outsourcing, strategic partnership, and open innovation.
To improve productivity and demand for BlackBerry devices through the company’s innovative advantage.

6.2 Strategy to Manage the Change

For the change to occur, there are necessary concept shifts that are needed. People will have to think differently to pursue the goals of the project or BlackBerry in general.

6.2.1 Engagement. Accepting change in an organization is tough for employees. Managers should know the importance of readiness in embarking change (Mutihac, 2010). Mutihac also mentioned the importance of developing a proper, organized, and organization-wide system of internal communication to enable implementation and practice of change. Communication is an essential measure in engaging staff and stakeholders since it enables visibility of success.

6.2.2 Communication. The most efficient way to reach stakeholders is through personal communication (e.g. through scheduled business meetings). The proposal will be presented and openly discussed. It is also necessary to open up partnership projects to gain the interest and commitment of stakeholders.

6.2.3 Resistance. Potential barriers are deemed unavoidable, and there are still possibilities that the stakeholders will resist the project.

Cognitive Resistance and Behavioral Resistance. Mutihac (2010) believes that others perceive change as difficult because of the need to learn new tasks, programs, routines, and even unlearn what was viewed previously as normal. The company can address this form of resistance by communicating effectively to stakeholders the goals of the project, as well as by assuring them that they will do the project hand in hand.

6.3 Stakeholders

Since there will be changes in the company’s structure and processes, there will also be variations in the contracts. BlackBerry will make arrangements to align changes to existing agreements. Otherwise, stakeholders might terminate the relationship with the company. Stakeholders are necessary since their shares and connections are of great assistance to while still undergoing changes.

6.4 Estimated Resources Required

Different materials and resources will be utilized in the conduct of the project. Training materials are needed such as brochures, additional programs, and technological facilities. Psychological tests are also necessary as well as communication letters and publicity materials. These mentioned needs will be communicated to the senior management through a communication letter and a board meeting.

6.5 Specific Activities that needs to be Carried Out

The management will give incentives to down line management teams who complied to changes in the company. BlackBerry Limited may also reward employees by giving them a vacation leave or whichever is rewarding for them. After all, everyone is part of the project’s success. On the part of the stakeholders, BlackBerry Limited may reward them by proposing additional project plans or enriching alliances with other companies.

6.6 Impact, Risks, and Contingencies

Risks associated with the engagement in the project includes the possibility of employees to backfire because of resistance to change. Moreover, there is also a risk regarding the communication. Stakeholders may have strong convictions and reject the project proposal despite its feasibility and the persuasion of BlackBerry Limited.

Sign off/Approval

This proposal entitled “Mini Project Plan for Incorporating Changes in BlackBerry Limited,” submitted by ___________________________ (name and position) of __________________ (organization/department), on the ___the day of _______ (month), is hereby accepted and granted approval to proceed.

Approved by:

____________________________________

Management Teacher

Summary

Needless to say, despite the arbitrary challenges that BlackBerry Limited faced, it can still claim back its title as the global leader in mobile communications (BlackBerry, 2015). This plan will only be possible if the company will allow itself to accept changes and take initiatives in the world of innovative technology. Although there are risks associated with such acceptance, still, the benefits outweigh its costs. Moreover, a mini project is necessary to test such claim. Thus, the researcher suggests a proposal for incorporating changes in BlackBerry Limited. Upon approval of the plan is the authorization to proceed.

References

Balogun, J. & Hope Hailey, V. (2008). Exploring strategic change. Harlow, England: FT Prentice Hall Financial Times.

BlackBerry. (2015). BlackBerry. (2015). ‘BlackBerry outlines vision to bring unmatched productivity and security software and services to all mobile devices with blackBerry experience.’ Retrieved from http://press.blackberry.com/en/press/2015/blackberry-outlines-vision-to-bring-unmatched-productivity-and-s.html

Fountain, J. E. (n.d.). ‘Challenges to Organizational Change: Facilitating and Inhibiting Information-Based Redesign of Public Organizations.’ National Center for Digital Government Kennedy School of Government / Harvard University

Giangreco, A., & Peccei, R. (2005). ‘The nature and antecedents of middle manager resistance to change: evidence from an Italian context.’ International Journal of Human Resource Management, 16(10), 1812-29.

Lines, R. (2004). ‘Influence of participation in strategic change: resistance, organizational commitment, and change goal achievement.’ Journal of Change Management, 4(3), 193-215.

Mutihac, R. (2010). ‘Managing resistance and the use of internal communication in organizations undergoing change.’ Aarhus School of Business.

Robbins, S., & Coulter, M. (2012). Management. New Jersey: Prentice Hall.

Tiplic, D. (2008). Managing organizational change during institutional upheaval. Oslo: BI,

Norwegian School of Management, Dept. of Leadership and Organizational Management.

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Business analysis review and report

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CLIENT IS FROM AUSTRALIA
About HR assessment

task 1,2 and 3 in (1249) are based on blockbuster..and 1510 is different

example : Assessment Task 1: Business analysis review and report
Conduct an analysis of business strategy, framework and performance, as well as an analysis of industry/market conditions, using appropriate templates/tables and compile a report of approximately 1200 words

SAMPLE ANSWER

Abstract

Initially known as Research in Motion, BlackBerry Limited surprised the technology industry with its innovative and advanced technology. The BlackBerry wireless email solution became very popular to people, especially to business people. The company was an enormous giant in innovating devices that are businessmen-friendly. However, with the birth of iPhones and Androids, BlackBerry Limited slowly exited the industry and silently sit on the sidelines. What used to be on top, now seemed to be slowing down in the world of technological competence. Business competition in today’s corporate world is very high. Big and small business firms should continue to modify and improve their products to compete with the innovative products launched differently by several corporations. Thus, BlackBerry might want to opt to change its strategy. The risk may be high, but the results outweigh the efforts.

Keywords: Blackberry, business competition, technology industry.

Looking into a Technological Giant: A Business Analysis Review and Report of Blackberry

Introduction

Blackberry Limited initially started as Research in Motion (RIM). It is a Canadian telecommunications and wireless equipment company founded by Mike Lazaridis. Lazaridis is an engineering student from University of Waterloo, who founded the company in 1984. He was just twenty-three years old at that time when he created RIM. Another engineering student from the University of Windsor, Douglas Fregin, co-founded the company. RIM has its roots as an electronic and computer science consulting company. In 1988 the company became the first wireless data developer in America. It was also the first ever company, outside Scandinavia, to evolve connectivity products for Mobitex wireless packet-switched data communications network.

RIM became famous for introducing innovative technologies such as the DigiSync™, Film Keykode™ Reader, the first Mobitex protocol converter, and the BlackBerry wireless email solution. The BlackBerry wireless email solution became very popular to people, especially to business people. The device allows workers to send and receive e-mails while away from the office. As what authors describe it, BlackBerry became the indispensable accessory of business executives, heads of states, and Hollywood celebrities (Gillette, Brady, & Winter, 2013). However, BlackBerry’s fame wavered when iPhone and Android came to the picture. The global economic condition affects all kinds of businesses (McQuerrey, 2016).

The upsurge in the economy proffers new business prospects for small operations. On the other hand, a declining economy can have a lasting impact on the firm. In a robust and better economy, businesses prosper, people have a high income, and low unemployment; on the other hand, a sluggish economy poses many challenges to investors. Shareholders may suffer from profit losses which will urge the company to cut their workforce. Furthermore, the high competition in the business world is prevalent. Companies gain an advantage against the world’s biggest competitor because of pressure. It pushes companies to improve their products and be continually competitive. It is in this light that the analysis of Blackberry was created.

Blackberry Company Analysis

The BlackBerry Limited (BlackBerry) is a supplier of mobile communications devices. The company is engaged in providing BlackBerry wireless solution that includes smartphones, software, and services. The core areas of the company are on Enterprise Services, Messaging, Devices business and BlackBerry Technology Solutions (“Company Profile”, 2016). BlackBerry Limited is considered a global leader in mobile communication. The company continues to inspire its customers by producing innovative products which the market will surely patronize. The company operates across continents such as North America, Asia-Pacific, Europe and Latin America. There are 20 executives and directors of Blackberry under the leadership of John Chen, Executive Chairman of the Board and Chief Executive Officer. (“About BlackBerry”, n.d.).

Due to high competition and economic recession, the company incurred a negative growth in sales. Thus, it experienced a loss of its profits. In the year 2013, the company laid off thousands of its employees and sold the company to about US $4.7 billion (“BlackBerry timeline: A look back at the tech company’s history”, 2013). The company which is considered a technology giant, slowly shrink its stakes in the global smartphone market share by 3 percent. In the last few years, the company continues to have a negative growth (Sturgeon, 2013).

Engineers and technicians are brainstorming about new technologies to incorporate into blackberry phones. With its new Blackberry 10 (BB 10) launched in 2013, the company is positive to increase its sales. The new product has an innovative design, and its system has multimedia, applications, and touchscreen features. This product is said to be a crucial determinant to the long-term sustainability of the company (Radio-Canada, 2013). BlackBerry 10 sees the implementation of a whole new user interface, doing away with the conventional BB system that people are used to in favor of something that resembles the likes of Androids and iOS (McCann, 2013).

Industry Analysis

In doing an industry analysis of BlackBerry Limited, it is essential to look into the company’s political environment, economic advantage, social relations, technological advancement, legal policy6, and environmental (PESTLE) contexts. PESTLE enables one to assess the risks that they are facing, and seeing what impacts do current factors have (PESTLE Analysis: Strategy Skills, 2013). Moreover, PESTLE is used to examine the many factors in the macro-environment that may affect the decision of the managers in organizations (PESTEL Analysis of the Macro-environment, 2011).

The nature of Blackberry business is risky because of the rapidly changing technology. Now and then there are new innovative product lines that are readily available in the market. Competition is very high among its industries. Among its competitors who are also familiar with the market include LG Electronics Mobile Communications Company, Apple Inc., Microsoft Corporation, Google, Lenovo Group Ltd., Huawei Technologies Co., HTC Corporation, ZTE Corporation, and Nokia. Other competitors are Xiaomi Inc., IBM, SAP AG, Citrix, VMware, Inc., Mobile Iron, Inc., Good Technology Corporation, Green Hills Software, Intel Corporation, Mentor Graphics Corporation, and Sysgo AG. Some internet media are also in the competition such as Facebook, WeChat, Viber, Kik, Kakao Talk, Telegram, Snapchat, Cumulocity, Exosite, IBM, and MontaVista Software.

With the presence of its equally technologically advanced competitors, standing in the communication technology industry is a challenge to BlackBerry Limited. The company should create one of a kind innovative product which is more advanced compared to others. Its marketing strategies should also be strengthened.

Looking at the situation of BlackBerry Limited in the competitive world of technology, it can be said that the company has a failing technological strategy. Apple and Android have already taken BlackBerry from the limelight. The two companies are now ruling the gadget world. This condition is primary because of the rapid pace of technology; BlackBerry Limited was not able to hop on the train of innovation faster than the other companies. The company never saw it coming that what was once impossible may be a common trend at some time. Below is a table of the growth rate of BlackBerry Limited in comparison to industry and sector.

	Company	Industry	Sector
Sales (MRQ) vs Qtr. 1 Yr. Ago	-29.70	6.37	13.66
Sales (TTM) vs TTM 1 Yr. Ago	-35.23	3.74	12.06
Sales – 5 Yr. Growth Rate	-35.87	15.04	11.18
EPS (MRQ) vs Qtr. 1 Yr. Ago	-956.68	45.89	32.42
EPS (TTM) vs TTM 1 Yr. Ago	23.87	—	—
EPS – 5 Yr. Growth Rate	—	39.16	14.52
Capital Spending – 5 Yr. Growth Rate	-42.31	-2.30	9.91

Table 1. Blackberry growth rate in comparison to industry and sector

It is shown in the table above that the company recorded a negative growth rate in sales by 35.87 percent during the last five years. These results mean that the firm is losing profits. Regarding growth rate in capital spending the company also incurred a negative growth of 42.31 percent. The situation is alarming. If the condition continues, the company will have to lay off more employees in the future.

SWOT, Gap, and Cost-Benefit Analysis:

SWOT analysis is a device that aids business personnel to assess the strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats involved in any business enterprises (Ommani, 2011). Moreover, SWOT can help us gain insights into the past and think of possible solutions to existing or potential problems for an existing business or for an existing venture (USDA as cited in Ommani, 2011). To better understand the situation of BlackBerry Ltd, it is also necessary to look into its strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats, coupled with the gap and cost-benefit analysis.

SWOT Analysis

Strength

· Adequate assets and equipment

· Skilled and enough human resource

· Excellent marketing strategies

Weaknesses

· Financial Capability

· Employee Turnover

Opportunities

· Billions of customers

· Development of new and high-tech communication products that could compete globally

Threats

· High competition

Table 2. SWOT Analysis

As we can see in the diagram, BlackBerry is on the edge when it comes to its resources such as the equipment, assets, and human resource. Moreover, the company has an excellent marketing strategy. Just last year 2010, the company hired a new CEO, who is a Hong Kong -born British-American business person and an electrical engineer. This new CEO is none other than John Chen, known for his many achievements and for turning around failing companies. The said CEO pushes hardware profitability as the next big thing in BlackBerry Ltd and as an answer to the threats that the firm is facing. Furthermore, the company sees opportunity in developing new and high-tech communication products that could compete globally with other international corporations.

High competition is seen as one of the threats to the company, but despite this, BlackBerry Limited sees opportunities in the near future. As what the CEO of the business stated (in an interview) last June 2015, the company’s smartphone unit will turn profitable in the short term (Rathinavel, 2015). BlackBerry Limited has many customers even before the advent of iPhones and Android, thus innovating will only make the company attract even more billions of customers.

Gap analysis

Based on all the data gathered, it is feasible to say that BlackBerry Limited is indeed a company who had reached its peak at some point in time. The SWOT analysis in the above shows the strengths that the company can muster in the competition field. However, despite the good record of BlackBerry Limited, we cannot deny the gaps in the strategies of the enterprise. One thing is the failure of the company to innovate in time with the fast-paced development of its competing companies. With the advent of iPhone and Android, BlackBerry has lost its fame in the technology market. The problem here may not be the marketing strategy of the company but in the workers.

As a solution to this, the company should hire more reliable and credible workers so as to step back again to the world of technological competition. Moreover, it will be of advantage to the company itself and its employees if they will initiate training. Differentiation by skill, knowledge, and motivation of workforce, takes on increasing importance as organizations strive to compete in the worldwide economy (Aguinis & Kraiger, 2009). Hill and Lent (as cited in Aguinis and Kraiger, 2009) mentioned that training-related changes are believed to improve job-related performance and other positive changes such as the acquisition of new skills.

In addition to this, BlackBerry Limited might also want to consider outsourcing employees or engineers that will help improve the declining status of the company. Outsourcing is said to be a common practice in both private and public organizations (Kremic, Tukel, & Rom, 2006). Kremic, Tukel, and Rom also revealed that most organizations nowadays are perhaps already using outsourcing as a function to perform efficiently. The benefit of outsourcing to the company is the additional knowledge that outsourced employees can offer. Moreover, outsourcing enables the company to learn new insights, improve strategy, and look at things from a different perspective.

Another solution to the challenges that BlackBerry Limited is facing is to initiate partnerships with other big companies. With the work connections that their present CEO has, doing this strategy is plausible. Partnering and making ties with businesses, both local and abroad, will enable BlackBerry Limited to expand its scope of activities, consumers, and resources. Such ties can also be a leeway for BlackBerry Limited to improve their innovative efforts and technological advancement.

Cost-Benefit Analysis

	Solutions/Initiatives	Key Steps to Implement	Cost Benefit (est. cost, expected benefit, time to realize)	Impact (which part of business)
1.	Trainings	Initiating training for all employees	US$ 3,000 Improve knowledge, skills, and abilities of employees, improvement of innovative efforts and technological advancement 1 -2 weeks, twice to thrice a year	Human Resource, Employee production
2.	Recruitment	Recruiting credible and trained employees	US$ 3,000 Increased productivity, efficient and innovative workers. 2-3 months	Labor force, operations
3.	Outsourcing	Hiring employees from outside the organization	US$ 10,000 More insights and innovative ideas, more skilled, additional workforce	Strategic planning
4.	Partnership with other Companies	Making ties with businesses, both local and abroad	US$ 100,000 Business, consumer, and resource expansion, improvement of innovative efforts and technological advancement	Strategic planning, operations

Table 3. Cost-Benefit Analysis

The table above shows the cost benefit analysis of the measures above in addressing the present condition of BlackBerry Limited. Note that training, recruitment, outsourcing, and partnership with other companies are real solutions for the current situation that BlackBerry Limited is encountering. The whole plan will take a more than a hundred thousand US dollars to implement. We can also note that despite the significant sum that improving BlackBerry Limited entails, the benefits still outweigh the costs.

Industry feedback

At the height of Blackberry popularity, there are about 80 million users which include high ramming government officials and celebrities. There have been significant changes and improvements that the company is implementing over the past years. Its sustainability in the industry could be attributed to the continued patronage of its loyal customers. BlackBerry could face its downturn, and the company is not yet out of the market.

Conclusion

BlackBerry is a technology innovative company which is undergoing a rough road since the emergence of iPhones and Android. Its current situation is not healthy based on statistics. If it continues to happen, the company will experience great losses that could lead to layoff in its workforce. The situation is not good for the sector and the industry itself because BlackBerry is a giant company. The company might need to re-engineer their processes and operations and conduct a thorough analysis of its current condition so it could withstand the challenges in the technological industry.

References

About BlackBerry. Ca.blackberry.com. Retrieved 4 June 2016, from http://ca.blackberry.com/company.html

Aguinis, H., & Kraiger, K. (2009). Benefits of Training and Development for Individuals and Teams, Organizations and Society. Annual Review of Psychology.

BlackBerry timeline: A look back at the company history. (2013). Global News. Retrieved 4 June 2016, from http://globalnews.ca/news/860689/blackberry-timeline-a-look-back-at-the-tech-companys-history/

BlackBerry 10 aims to catch up the competition. (2013). Cbc.ca. Retrieved 4 June 2016, from http://www.cbc.ca/news/technology/blackberry-10-aims-to-catch-up-with-competition-1.1371481

Company Profile. (2016). Reuters. Retrieved 4 June 2016, from http://www.reuters.com/finance/stocks/companyProfile?symbol=BB.TO

Gillette, F., Brady, D., & Winter, C. (2013). Retrieved from Bloomberg: http://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2013-12-05/the-rise-and-fall-of-blackberry-an-oral-history

History.Bloomberg.com. Retrieved 4 June 2016, from

http://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2013-12-05/the-rise-&-fall-of-blackberry-an-oral-history

Kremic, T., Tukel, O., & Rom, W. (2006). ‘Outsourcing decision support: a survey of the benefits, risks, and decision factors.’ Supply Chain Management: An International Journal, 11(6), 467-482.

McCann, J. (2013). Retrieved from Techradar: http://www.techradar.com/reviews/pc-mac/software/operating-systems/blackberry-10-1090522/review

McQuerrey, L. (2016). The Economy’s Effect on Small Businesses. Retrieved from Small Business: http://smallbusiness.chron.com/economys-effects-small-businesses-10269.html

Ommani, A. (2011). Strengths, weaknesses, opportunities and threats (SWOT analysis for farming) system businesses management: Case of wheat farmers of Shadervan District, Shoushtar Towship Iran. African Journal of Business Management, 5(22), 9448-9454.

PESTEL Analysis of the Macro-environment. (2011). In Foundations of Economics. Oxford University Press. PESTLE Analysis: Strategy Skills. (2013). Retrieved from www.free-management-ebooks.com

Radio-Canada. (2013, January 29). BlackBerry 10 aims to catch up with the competition. Retrieved June 6, 2016, from http://www.cbc.ca/news/technology/blackberry-10-aims-to-catch-up-with-competition-1.1371481

Rathinavel, P. (2015). BlackBerry CEO John Chen Says Hardware Unit will Make Money Again. International Business Times. Retrieved from International Business Times.

Sturgeon, J. (2013). ‘BlackBerry cuts a third of workforce; faces a billion-dollar loss.’ Global

News. Retrieved 4 June 2016, from http://globalnews.ca/news/854194/blackberry-to-cut-4500-jobs-expects-major-q2-loss/

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Toys R Us Case Study Assignment Paper

Toys R Us

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Assignment Objective: #2 Evaluate Toys R US internal and external environment and competitive position. #3 Compare and contrast competitive strategies. #4 Evaluate global strategies and strategies for diversified companies. #5 Assess the organizational components that impact strategy implementation. #6 Evaluate the roles of ethics, social responsibility, and environmental sustainability in strategy implementation.

Assignment Purpose: To learn how to conduct an internal company analyze.

Conduct an internal analysis of Toys R US. Use all of the tools necessary to conduct a thorough evaluation of the internal environment, skills, financial performance, and marketing capabilities in which your firm operates.

SAMPLE ANSWER

Toys R Us

External Environment Toys R US

Political

The varying market dynamics of Toys R US are evaluated using PEST analysis. The political atmosphere of Toys R Us is quite stable and promising. Nonetheless, any variations in government tax policy may affect the firm’s revenues indirectly.

Economic

The economic environment is varying considerably as the US economy has been hit hard by recession. As such, consumer spending is way too low. There’s need to address the need for low priced products that would meet clientele needs.

Social

The social environment of Toys R Us is going through serious changes, especially with regards consumers age groups below 5 years. However, 5-12 children segment keeps on shrinking. Ironically, their clients are not being replaced by comparable number of children. Moreover, there has been a societal shift towards educational related activities over leisure, an aspect that has impacted the business (Syed, 2014).

Technological

The technological backdrop of Toys R Us is quite impressive as the company has engineered some of the exceptional innovations. Moreover, its online systems have offered the company a competitive edge.

Internal environment

Strengths

The company has more than 1,500 stores across the world. Toys R Us markets its products through the internet in partnership with Amazon, which increases its client base significantly. Moreover, the company a remarkable distribution network that uses modern logistic structures.

Weaknesses

The firm lacks sustainable competitiveness apart from the brand. In the United States, Toy R Us major market has lost its position to Wal-Mart. Size does not matter, especially when clients can access toys from other retail stores and in some cases at fair price.

Opportunities

The firm collaborates with Amazon, which is important for the two organizations. Amazon is good at online business, develops websites, warehouse products and deliver to clients. Moreover, Toy R Us global presence increase its revenue, because people in emerging economies like China have disposable income and likely to grow in future.

Threats

The company faces intense competition from Target, Wal-Mart and KB toys. Toy R Us also faces challenges with differentiation as such it has to compete based on availability, cost and variety. Another threat is traffic as well as quotas set by the government particularly in China to safeguard manufactures. Therefore with such embargoes, the company is likely to be without toys.

Competitive Position

New Entrants

New entrants in this sector can lead to intense competition. However, Toys R Us has put in place a strategy of product identification. With many years in this industry, new entrants are likely to face challenges in meeting the needs of loyal clients aligned towards the giant Toys R Us.

Substitute Products

With substitute products, the company may face the challenge of low profit margin. Therefore, if Toys R Us competitors come up with a substitute product, it has to be trendy to make a sale.

Bargaining Power of Suppliers

This is an important factor about the attractiveness of the sector since have suppliers are powerful, the will demand for high prices, which minimizes overall profitability. As such, this sector has many suppliers have low bargaining power and retail stores can get products from a different supplier (Syed, 2014).

Bargaining Power of Consumers

Owing to the fact that there a few online clients, the have a higher bargaining power. But Toys R Us has a significant leverage as it merges with toysrus.com to increase its buying influence. Moreover, the company buys products in large quantity, it enjoys huge discount.

Rivalry

Intense competition reduces profit margin because it decreases or increases the cots of operation. In general, more firms in this sector will increase competition. With regards to Toys R Us it faces intense competition from KB toys, Target and Wal-Mart.

Evaluate Global Strategies and Strategies for Diversified Companies

Some of Toy R Us global strategies include collaborating with partners to drive not just innovation but also value and differentiation. It leverages its business partners in United States and in other countries to drive appropriate differentiation as well as leadership while creating appealing shops and in-store brand statement. Another strategy is the development of highly engaged and performing talent. In this areas the company concentrates on assessing organizational structure, create structures that foster talent growth accountability and efficiency (Cautela, Pisano & Pironti, 2014). With respect to diversification, the company launched an online site Toyrus.com, offering a wide range of toys and baby products for children all ages such action figures, arts and crafts, bikes scooters, building blocks, video games among others. Additionally, the site provides exclusives, useful services and regular deals. The firm further diversified globally through their baby category under Babies RUs identified with purple and white Babies R Us logo.

Assess the Organizational Components that Impact Strategy Implementation.

There are various components that affect Toy R Us’s strategy implementation. For instance, in-store and online shopping, therefore the firm adopted initiatives including cleaning existing stores, enhancing in-store execution, faster checkout, all these were done to ensure a client-based business. Another aspect is pricing that greatly affected strategy implementation was pricing, therefore the company enhanced promotion and loyalty initiatives; improve cost perception b creating a suitable pricing approach while ensuring simplification of promotions and use of e-commerce by focusing on online buying (Ahmad, Pesch & Gulati, 2015).

Evaluate the roles of ethics, social responsibility, and environmental sustainability in strategy implementation at Toys R US.

Integrity forms the core of Toys R Us strategic implementation. It is demanded from all employees and other stakeholders in the company’s everyday operations. As a firm that has operation in a variety of different markets globally, it has employees and customers from different cultural backdrops, denomination, demographics and lifestyles- and these differences are highly esteemed. The company embraces open communication and learning from one another, an aspect that strengthens its competence to succeed (Cautela, Pisano & Pironti, 2014).

Toys R Us works to accomplish the safety of the clients or families they serve. In doing so, the company upholds the highest moral and legal specifications, and demands the same from business associates. The company works in conjunction with regulators, manufactures and global establishments to the safety standards rather high. The company’s business operations are anchored on social responsibility that has a global reach. Toys R Us utilizes its resources to impact positively not just on global communities but by enhancing the delight to children large and small. Toys R Us runs a Children’s Fund that offers support to children in the event of disaster. Financial aid amounting to more than $5 million has been given towards disaster response such as tornadoes, Hurricane and floods among others.

References

Syed, T. A. (2014). Product recalls and product-harm crises. Competitiveness Review, 24(3), 190-210. doi: http://dx.doi.org/10.1108/CR-02-2013-0011

Ahmad, S., Pesch, M. J., & Gulati, R. (2015). COST OF QUALITY: LESSONS FROM TOY RECALLS. Journal of International Business Research, 14(2), 1-14. Retrieved from http://search.proquest.com/docview/1750421210?accountid=45049

Cautela, C., Pisano, P., & Pironti, M. (2014). The emergence of new networked business models from technology innovation: An analysis of 3-D printing design enterprises. International Entrepreneurship and Management Journal, 10(3), 487-501. doi: http://dx.doi.org/10.1007/s11365-014-0301-z

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Whole Foods Market Essay Assignment

Whole Foods Market

Order Instructions:

Assignment Objective: #5 Assess the organizational components that impact strategy implementation. #6 Evaluate the roles of ethics, social responsibility, and environmental sustainability in strategy implementation.

Assignment Purpose: To understand company competitive advantages.

Assignment Description:

Week 5 Assessment: Case Study #3, Whole Foods

Conduct a company review of Whole Foods. What are their unique marketing and product positioning strategies?
Explain why they give the company a competitive advantage. Compared to other grocery store chains, Whole Foods is very profitable, why is that?
How does their financial strategy differ from the competition?

SAMPLE ANSWER

Whole Foods Market

Whole Foods Market has been highly competitive and profitable in the United States grocery market for a long time. Its unique positioning and marketing strategy has been outstanding in driving its operations, growth, and competitiveness as shown in this study.

Whole Foods is a grocery store in the United States that deals mainly with perishable organic goods. The company has 433 stores in the US and Canada, which offers grocery, food items, nutritional supplements, body care and lifestyle products (Bells, 2015). For a period of ten years before 2015, the company had been the most profitable and fastest growing grocery store in the US. The company employed an out-of-the-box market mix positioning strategy to ward off stiff competition and make profits. Through product positioning, Whole Foods successfully segregated its products according to customers’ buying capacity. The 365 Everyday Value line offers products at a competitive price to a price-conscious buyer (Smithson, 2015).

Similarly, the Whole Foods Market Brand line is made of premium products, while the Engine 2 Plant Strong is the company’s line for vegetarian and dietary preferences (Smithson, 2015). Whole Foods Market has also been expanding its marketing place in order to reach more customers. The company offers its products through the stores or by delivering to customers who request the products online (Smithson, 2015). This has enabled the store to venture into new markets like the UK and Canada. The promotional market mix strategy used by the company entails advertising, sales promotion, and public relations. The company primarily relies on customer testimonials and word-of-mouth recommendations (Bells, 2015). According to Smithson (2015), the company also does regional and sometimes national advertisement like ‘Value Matters’, where customers are taught importance of value and business relations.

Whole Foods offers its products at a premium price while at the same time ensuring high quality upscale grocery experience (Harrison & John, 2013). Despite the high prices charged way above traditional competitors like Wal-Mart, Costco, and Kroger, the high product quality and unique customer experience keeps them abreast of the competition. Furthermore, the pricing aligns it to its strategy of ‘broad differentiation’ (Smithson, 2015). As compared to its competitors who sell a variety of products, the company has narrowed the customer needs to perishable, premium grocery, giving them a marketing and competitive edge. Johnston and Szabo (2011), posits of how customers feel good to be at the stores just for the ambiance, not the pricing.

Additionally, the financial market strategies of Whole Foods differ significantly with that of Wal-Mart and other industry players. Despite Wal-Mart offering the same grocery prices at rock-bottom-prices, Whole Foods does the opposite (Bells, 2015). The company goes at length in addressing the customer needs by providing quality products, exquisite shopping environment, close customer relations and relying on customers rather than media for advertisement (Harrison, John, 2013 & Bells, 2015). Hansted and Posner add that, the company’s employees are usually involved in charitable activities in the company’s time. The company also uses alternative forms of energy to power its stores; hence saving on costs. This has ensured the company remains profitable and competitive for a long time.

Conclusion

The unique marketing mix and positioning strategy of close customer relation, wide pricing option and quality has enabled profitability of Whole Foods Market for a long time. The strategy worked to drive competitiveness and suitability of its stores.

References

Bells, S. (2015). Introducing Whole Foods: American Organic market. (Updated 18 Nov. 2015). Retrieved from: http://marketrealist.com/2015/11/introducing-whole-foods-americas-organic-food-market/. Market Realist. (Accessed 11/10/2016).

Harrison, J. S., & John, C. H. S. (2013). Foundations in strategic management. Cengage Learning.

Johnston, J., & Szabo, M. (2011). Reflexivity and the Whole Foods Market consumer: the lived experience of shopping for change. Agriculture and Human Values, 28(3), 303-319.

Show, W. H. & Barry, V. (2016). Moral Issues in Business. Cengage learning. 13^th Edition. Pp. 250.

Smithson, N. (2015). Whole Foods Market Marketing Mix (4ps). Panmore Institute.

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Walt Disney Strategic Analysis Assignment

Order Instructions:

Assignment Objective: #1 Compare and contrast frameworks to analyze global business operations. #2 Evaluate an organization’s internal and external environment and competitive position. #3 Compare and contrast competitive strategies.

Assignment Purpose:

Assignment Description: Identify an organization’s opportunities, theaters, strengths and weaknesses.

Walt Disney Company

As unemployment lingers and economic growth slow, people tend to spend discretionary funds on what they need rather than what they want – including entertainment and vacations. Given that, what are Disney’s opportunities and threats, strengths and weaknesses? What are the implications of your findings on strategy development?

SAMPLE ANSWER

Walt Disney Strategic Analysis

From the time it was founded by Walt Disney in 1923, Disney Corporation has remained to be one of the global leaders in entertainment and media industry. The company specializes in a number of market segments including: resorts and parks, studios, Media Networks, consumer products, and Disney Interactive. Its product portfolio consists of books, magazines, television programs, and music and movie recordings (Disney 2016).

To remain relevant and obtain a sustainable growth, Disney Company focuses on cost leadership and differentiation strategies. As a large organization, the company can derive economies of scale and offer products and services at a lower cost compared to competitors. Additionally, products are customized in such a way that they satisfy the targeted market. When a firm can offer quality and differentiated products at lower prices, its market share increases leading to an increase in profits. Rampant changes in macroeconomic environment adversely affect the company’s earnings structure forcing management to develop new strategies (Mas et al. 2012). For instance, a rise in the rate of unemployment and a decline in economic growth cause consumers to spend their income on basic commodities such as food and forgo entertainment and vacations which are the main products offered by Walt Disney. Through the application of Porter’s five models, it is possible to analyze the strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats that are faced by the firm, and how the factors change its strategies for profit sustainability especially during adverse conditions.

Strengths

Highly acclaimed product portfolio

Disney’s products command a high market share that is unbeatable by most of the competitors. Broadcast Television Network, ABC, cable networks such as Disney has a lot of followers and viewers. Moreover, a combination of the company’s network cables generates more than 500 million subscribers thus giving the company a higher competitive edge compared to Fox, and CBS which are some of the firm’s main competitors.

Strong brand reputation

Having been in the industry for more than 90 years, Disney Walt is highly accredited in U.S., and in the international market. Disney Park Resorts, Disney Channel, and a high volume of movies produced by Disney Studios are some of the brands that have a high reputation thus making the company remain atop the competition. According to reports, Disney Walt is considered to be the main producer of entertainment for family viewing, and in 2012, its brands were position 13 in the list of most valuable brands internationally. The brands were valued at more than $27 billion thus creating a name for the company.

Financial strength

To successfully run a business, financial strength is critical. While most firms in the entertainment industry struggle to produce and sell their products due to limitations in finances, Disney Walt is already making net profits of more than $5 billion making it possible to run its operations successfully. As such, the company has managed to acquire some of the firms in the industry that have led to more income generation. Some of the acquired businesses are Pixar Animation Studios, Marvel Entertainment, and Lucas film (Disney 2016).

Diversification and localization of operations

The company offers a variety of products including resorts and movies. Moreover, one of the firm’s primary strategies is localizing a product to fit the tastes of a certain market. For instance, some movies are custom made to attract the Korean or African viewers. As a result of localization and diversification, the firm is rarely affected by adverse conditions making it sustain its growth over time.

Weaknesses

The company highly depends on revenue generated from U.S market, yet it operates globally. By focusing most of its resources on one market, the firm becomes susceptible to changes in that market. It is highly recommendable for the company to increase operations in other nations to reduce market risks.
Disney’s large size makes it difficult to manage operations thus giving room for embezzlement of funds. The company may not be getting its optimal revenue due inability to standardize its operations in all its outlets.

Opportunities

There is a rapid growth in paid TV subscriptions, especially in Asian markets. With the company already commanding a global presence, it is supposed to gain from the growth of paid TV industry.
An opportunity exists for the company to start production in countries that require low production costs. For instance, China is a major market segment that is yet to be exhaustively tapped by Disney and other firms, yet it requires low production cost which translates to higher profits for the company.

Threats

The entertainment industry is characterized by high competition and drastic market changes. With the increase in technology advancement, businesses that are still applying traditional business models are getting challenged by online firms that allow consumers to stream movies thus reducing market share for Disney.
Piracy has intensified due to increase in internet accessibility making it hard for the company to get viewers in their cinemas or get consumers to buy their DVDs.

Implications of the SWOT analysis to strategy development

Disney and other successful firms analyze all the possible strategies and determine their effects on the firm in the form of benefits and costs. Moreover, a strategy should liaise with firms internal and external environmental needs for it to be successful in implementation. Thus, carrying out SWOT analysis is crucial in understanding a firm so that the alternative that generates profits at low costs is adapted (Wayne 2011).

Disney Walt’s success is attributable to its ability to apply cost leadership and differentiation strategies that have seen its strong brands and diverse product portfolio command a high market share in the competitive entertainment industry. By analyzing the internal and external environment of the firm through the use of SWOT model, managers can understand the needs of the firm and come up with strategies that enable it to attain a competitive edge.

References

Mas, B., Madi, B., & Lai, W. (2012). Hybrid Strategy: A new Strategy for Competitive Advantage. International Journal of Business and Management, 20(7). Retrieved from http://www.ccsenet.org/journal/index.php/ijbm/article/viewFile/15016/13816

Wayne, G. (2011). Strategic Planning and SWOT Analysis. Health Administration Press, 7(5). Retrieved from http://www.ache.org/pdf/secure/gifts/Harrison_Chapter5.pdf

Walt Disney, (2016). About. The Walt Disney Company. Retrieved from

https://thewaltdisneycompany.com/

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Scope and Time Management Research Assignment

Scope and Time Management

This assignment consists of two (2) sections: a Work Breakdown Structure (WBS) and a summary document. You must submit the two (2) sections as separate files for the completion of this assignment. Label each file name according to the section of the assignment it is written for.

Overview:
As the IT Project Manager, you have been assigned a project to deploy ten (10) wireless access points in your company’s warehouse and break room within the next ninety (90) days. You are free to make assumptions that satisfy the scope of the project such as training, wiring, consulting efforts, etc.
Your submission will also be graded on the accuracy of your work package assumptions and duration estimates.

Section 1: Work Breakdown Structure (WBS)
Required Format (MS Project File)
Use Microsoft Project or Open Project (.mpp format) to create a WBS in which you:

Create 15 or more decomposed work packages into 4 levels that are assigned to 5 or more main tasks (75 line items).
Ensure the main WBS tasks headings are the 5 PMBOK® process areas.
Create a Work Breakdown Structure Code for each task.
Determine an overall project duration and duration estimates for each of the tasks. The duration is not to exceed 90 days.
Create accurate work package assumptions and duration estimates.
Section 1 of your assignment must follow these formatting requirements:
Microsoft Project or its open source alternative in.mpp format.

Section 2: Summary Document
Required Format (MS Word File)
Use Microsoft Word to write a one (1) page summary in which you:

Summarize how this activity improves the chances of your future IT project being a success.
Use at least one (1) quality resource in this assignment. Note: Wikipedia and similar Websites do not qualify as quality resources.

Section 2 of your assignment must follow these formatting requirements:

Be typed, double spaced, using Times New Roman font (size 12), with one-inch margins on all sides; citations and references must follow APA or school-specific format. Check with your professor for any additional instructions.
Include a cover page containing the title of the assignment, the student’s name, the professor’s name, the course title, and the date. The cover page and the reference page are not included in the required assignment page length.

The specific course learning outcomes associated with this assignment are:

Identify how project management improves the success of information technology projects.
Explain the relationship of the scope of a project to the work breakdown structure.
Use technology and information resources to research issues in IT project management.
Write clearly and concisely about issues in IT project management using proper writing mechanics and technical style conventions.

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Factors to Consider in Writing a Variance Report

Factors to Consider in Writing a Variance Report Order Instructions: You are the manager of a variable hospital department and you just received your monthly budget results that state your salaries were higher and your supplies were lower than budgeted.

Write a paper (1,000-1,200 words) that explains what factors you should consider when writing your variance report to your vice president. Your vice president expects her managers to write detailed variance reports that include all possibilities.

Include the relationships between variance reporting, interpreting variance report results, and actual results of performance
No plagiarism

1
Unsatisfactory
0.00%

2
Less Than Satisfactory
65.00%

3
Satisfactory
75.00%

4
Good
85.00%

5
Excellent
100.00%

80.0 %Content

65.0 % Essay on Budget Variance, Focusing on Relationships Between Variance Reporting, Interpreting Variance Report Results, and Actual Results of Performance

Does not demonstrate an understanding of the business concepts involved in the issue, including the implications. Does not address the variance relationships specified in the assignment. Does not demonstrate critical thinking and analysis of the situation, and does not develop effective answers to the questions, with rationale.

Demonstrates only minimal understanding of the business concepts involved in the issue. Only minimally addresses the variance relationships specified in the assignment. Demonstrates only minimal abilities for critical thinking and analysis of the case study, and develops weak answers to the questions, with minimal rationale

Demonstrates knowledge of the business concepts involved in the issue, but has some slight misunderstanding of the implications. Satisfactorily addresses the variance relationships specified in the assignment. Provides a basic idea of critical thinking and analysis for the questions, answers, and rationale. Does not include examples or descriptions.

Demonstrates acceptable knowledge of the business concepts involved in the issue. Satisfactorily develops the variance relationships specified in the assignment. Develops an acceptable response and rationale for it. Utilizes some examples.

Demonstrates thorough knowledge of the business concepts involved in the issue, and their implications. Thoroughly develops the variance relationships specified in the assignment. Clearly answers the questions and develops a very strong rationale. Introduces appropriate examples.

15.0 % Integrates Information From Outside Resources Into the Body of Paper

Does not use references, examples, or explanations.

Provides some supporting examples, but minimal explanations and no published references.

Supports main points with examples and explanations.

Supports main points with explanations and examples. Application and description is direct, competent, and appropriate of the criteria.

Supports main points with references, examples, and full explanations of how they apply.

17.0 %Organization and Effectiveness

6.0 % Thesis Development and Purpose

Paper lacks any discernible overall purpose or organizing claim.

Thesis and/or main claim are insufficiently developed and/or vague; purpose is not clear.

Thesis and/or main claim are apparent and appropriate to purpose.

Thesis and/or main claim are clear and forecast the development of the paper. It is descriptive and reflective of the arguments and appropriate to the purpose.

Thesis and/or main claim are comprehensive; contained within the thesis is the essence of the paper. Thesis statement makes the purpose of the paper clear.

6.0 % Paragraph Development and Transitions

Paragraphs and transitions consistently lack unity and coherence. No apparent connections between paragraphs are established. Transitions are inappropriate to purpose and scope. Organization is disjointed.

Some paragraphs and transitions may lack logical progression of ideas, unity, coherence, and/or cohesiveness. Some degree of organization is evident.

Paragraphs are generally competent, but ideas may show some inconsistency in organization and/or in their relationships to each other.

A logical progression of ideas between paragraphs is apparent. Paragraphs exhibit a unity, coherence, and cohesiveness. Topic sentences and concluding remarks are appropriate to purpose.

There is a sophisticated construction of paragraphs and transitions. Ideas progress and relate to each other. Paragraph and transition construction guide the reader. Paragraph structure is seamless.

5.0 % Mechanics of Writing (Includes spelling, punctuation, grammar, language use.)

Surface errors are pervasive enough that they impede communication of meaning. Inappropriate word choice and/or sentence construction are used.

Frequent and repetitive mechanical errors distract the reader. Inconsistencies in language choice (register), sentence structure, and/or word choice are present.

Some mechanical errors or typos are present, but are not overly distracting to the reader. Correct sentence structure and audience-appropriate language are used.

Prose is largely free of mechanical errors, although a few may be present. A variety of sentence structures and effective figures of speech are used.

Writer is clearly in command of standard, written, academic English.

3.0 %Format

3.0 % Paper Format (1- inch margins; 12-point-font; double-spaced; Times New Roman, Arial, or Courier)

GCU template is not used appropriately or documentation format is rarely followed correctly.

GCU template is used, but some elements are missing or mistaken; lack of control with formatting is apparent.

GCU template is used, and formatting is correct, although some minor errors may be present.

GCU template is fully used; There are virtually no errors in formatting style.

All format elements are correct.

100 % Total Weightage

SAMPLE ANSWERR

Variance Analysis

Factors to Consider in Writing a Variance Report Introduction

This paper intends to analyze factors that should be considered in writing a report on variance. Notably, a report on variance aims at explaining to business executives how the company is performing through comparison of figures (Devaraj & Patel, 2016). Therefore, a report on variance should be detailed in order to present all available possibilities. For instance, the variance may result from differences in activities carried out, prices of supplies used or the level of efficiency of supplies (Drummond & Vowler, 2012). As a manager in a department of a variable hospital, many responsibilities are involved.

For instance, it is the duty of the manager to budget and protect profits. Therefore, the manager is expected to cooperate with other managers within the hospital. Among the other managers, is the finance manager, whose role is to guard overspending, and ensure making of increased profits. Therefore, a finance manager is always involved in budgeting (Drummond & Vowler, 2012). Additionally, information about financing, departmental concerns, and budget issues is communicated to all managers within the organization.

Occasionally, a situation may occur where the payroll for salaries is higher compared to supplies, yet the planned budget was the vice versa. In such a scenario, it is the duty of a budget manager, to provide feedback, on finances, incomes, and possible variations of budgeted costs. This paper relies upon a scenario where, salaries were higher, while supplies were lower than initially stated. Therefore, this paper explores the existing scenario variances and illustrates the relationship in reporting of variance, explanation of results from reports of variance and consequences of performance in a hospital.

The scenario above about variance in salaries and the hospital supplies results from the occurrence of an outbreak of Cholera. In a period of just four months, many Cholera patients have been hospitalized. Consequently, the hospital thought it necessary to approve overtime. Overtime is aimed at attending to necessities of the growing patient numbers (Devaraj & Patel, 2016). Notably, working overtime attracts an additional salary for the health workers involved. Moreover, more supplies are required to be used in treatment services. The situation results in variance from the budget.

Relationship that exists between Reporting of Variance, Interpretation of Results from Reporting of Variance and the Consequences of Performance

In reporting of variance, unit factors and price factors are separated. Therefore, reporting of variance analyzes, the prices incurred to purchase supplies, the time taken by health workers at work, the cost of direct labor by health workers per hour, and the variance between fixed costs and variable overhead costs. Theoretically, when the variance is positive, then it shows the hospital has spent less money than it had budgeted. However, if the variance is negative, then it shows the hospital has spent more money than it had budgeted.

For instance, in June the hospital allocated a fixed cost of $20 200 in its budget. It incurred a variable overhead cost of $1000 while prices for supplies were $9,600. In addition, the total cost incurred from the cost of direct labor by health workers per hour was $ 9,000. This shows the hospital had a positive variance of $600. Therefore, the hospital spent less than it had budgeted. In relation to hospital supplies, a significant difference can be realized, from the variation in unit volumes of hospital supplies purchased, or difference in the average prices of the hospital supplies (Devaraj & Patel, 2016).

For instance, in July the hospital spent $580 in the purchase of 20 cartons of syringes, at $29 per carton of syringes. In August, however, the hospital demanded a supply of 29 cartons of syringes. There was an additional supply of 9 cartons of syringes hence the supplier lowered the price per carton to $20. Therefore, the hospital incurred a cost of $580 for 29 cartons of syringes, which initially would have cost the hospital $841 (Drummond & Vowler, 2012).

From the various changes witnessed over the period, the financial reports have some variances. After the hospital was faced with an influx of cholera patients, the need for equipment to attend to the patients went up. Consequently, suppliers of hospital equipment saw the need to reduce the cost they charge for their supplies, in addition to giving discounts for their supplies. The move by suppliers was due to the frequent and huge demand from the hospital for equipment.

This implies that the books of accounts show a variance in the price of direct materials. However, the variance is favorable to the hospital. Therefore, this implies that the hospital incurred less cost for purchasing the direct materials than the normal standard cost (Ness, 2013). The actual result from the change is an effect on hospital inventories and the efficiency of attending to the many Cholera patients, hospitalized in the hospital. Moreover, standard cost for supplies goes down.

Furthermore, the influx of Cholera patients to the hospital, called for urgent attention, in order to treat Cholera patients, educate the public, and reduce the spread of Cholera epidemic. Therefore, in the books of accounts, the hospital experienced a variance in the recording of usage of direct materials. Notably, for the hospital, direct materials also refer to health attendants. During the epidemic, the influx of patients made the hospital understaffed. Therefore, it was necessary to introduce and approve overtime for the available health workers.

As a way of encouraging health workers to work overtime, it was necessary to introduce an additional salary for health workers who worked past their normal working hours (Ness, 2013). Therefore, in the case of health workers, usage of direct materials for the hospital was unfavorable. The hospital ended up spending more money than it does in its normal budget limits to pay health workers for the hours they spent working. The actual result from the change in offering additional payment to workers is adequacy of health workers, to enhance efficiency in the provision of treatment services, to the many Cholera patients.

Factors to Consider in Writing a Variance Report Conclusion

The paper above has analyzed factors to be considered when writing a report on variance. The case on hand is monthly budget results of a department of a variable hospital, being higher for salaries and lower for supplies than normal budget allocations. A number of factors have been addressed by the paper to analyze the cause for the variance. Among the factors analyzed are the time which is taken by health workers at work, the cost of direct labor by health workers per hour, and the prices incurred to purchase supplies.

Factors to Consider in Writing a Variance Report References

Devaraj, S. & Patel, P. (2016). Attributing Responsibility. Journal For Healthcare Quality, 38(1), 52-61. http://dx.doi.org/10.1097/jhq.0000000000000008

Drummond, G. & Vowler, S. (2012). Analysis of variance: variably complex. British Journal Of Pharmacology, 166(3), 801-805. http://dx.doi.org/10.1111/j.1476-5381.2012.01893.x

Ness, D. (2013). Healthcare: Serving the Patient. Healthcare, 1(3-4), 58. http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.hjdsi.2013.07.009

Change Management;Making it work

Order Instructions:

Making it work

The material you have studied this week describes the conditions necessary for the successful implementation of a change management project. The material proposes that those conditions suggest the adoption of a broadly defined framework in preference to a detailed prescription. The key concept that emerges from this material can be usefully summarised in the following statement:

Although all change initiatives seek to move some aspect of attitude or behaviour, from where it is today to where it is necessary to be in the future, there is no single change management process that will be equally functional in every case. The idea of a change management prescription should therefore be replaced with that of a change leadership guideline, for that latter approach allows for the development of operational processes that best meet the demands of the change environment concerned.

This week’s Key Concept Exercise requires you to propose a framework for change that you could use to support a major change initiative at your current employing firm, or an alternative firm with which you are familiar. Your initial response should therefore be presented in the form of a broadly defined change leadership guideline rather than in the form of a staged change management prescription that identifies specific actions to be taken by a designated change manager or other change agent.

To prepare for this Key Concept Exercise:

• Read the Required Learning Resources for Week 6.

• Reflect on the ideas presented in the Week 6 Key Concept Overview and the assigned journal articles in the light of your own practical experiences in the workplace.

To complete this Key Concept Exercise:

By Day 3, in an approximately 550-word response, address the following issues/questions:

Critically analyse the key factors that will require specific attention during the implementation stages of a significant change initiative in your own organisation, or another organisation with which you are familiar. Your response should address the following requirements:

• Identify the critical success factors that will determine the effectiveness of a change process at the organisation you have chosen to review, and evaluate the extent to which the quality of performance in each factor will impact the effectiveness of the change initiative.

• For each of those factors, assess the extent to which the change initiative may experience resistance of some description, and identify the most likely symptoms of that resistance.

• Present an overview summary of the most appropriate strategy to be adopted in response to the potential sources of change resistance.

• Synthesise the responses to those questions into a graphical model of the change process framework that would be suitable for distribution to those organisational staff that are impacted by the proposed change.

SAMPLE ANSWER

Change Management

Introduction

Change management is indispensable for organisations that embrace growth and want to remain competitive when benchmarked against other players in their industry. Corporations that anticipate, appreciate and successfully plan and implement changes are guaranteed of reaping benefits in the specified areas. Some of the changes that are implemented by dynamic corporations include innovative technologies and information systems, effective business models, and expansion into new economies especially into new frontiers (Ceptureanu, 2016: 168). This change management paper will discuss change implementation at Geisinger Corporation. The healthcare based organisation specialises in the provision of insurance in the healthcare industry.

Critical Success Factors in Implementing Change

Alignment of Values and Culture with Change

Geisinger’s leaders ensure that the rhetoric they issue to the employees about required changes are matched to personal and professional involvement. When employees are faced with challenges in the organisation, they are expected to think about the solutions that they can integrate using the resources at hand. A culture change involves the integration of different business models so that both operations and the attitude of employees changes. The change leader has the responsibility of ensuring that the required systems and training needed for employees are conducted before implementing the required change successfully.

Engagement of stakeholders

The employees form the critical link in attaining change successfully. As the internal stakeholder, employees should be included in all the components of the change process, from formulation to implementation. The change leader should integrate communication in implementing the change process (Kash, Spaulding & Gamm, 2014: 74). The change leader should facilitate briefing on the benefits that the organisation and employees would gain from the change process. The change leader should make the employees feel valued and appreciated through communicating the importance of the changes being made in the corporation. The employees could even give their opinions on the best means of implementing the change since they are the ones on the ground. However, the leader is the final decision maker. The employees should also be trained on how to use the new system being implemented through the change process. Once the employees receive the necessary training, they would be confident in carrying out the required tasks ahead of them (Kash, Spaulding & Gamm, 2014: 72).

Resistance to change

The change leaders in the organisation should establish trust when implementing the required change. One of the major reasons why individuals resist change is due to the uncertainty of the resulting changes such as being fired. When employees are uncertain about a change that is being made, their morale and motivation might reduce, resulting in lowered productivity for the organisation (Salik, 2016: 1432). For most organisations, new systems being implemented contribute to a higher effectiveness and productivity which results in higher profitability.

Strategy for managing resistance

Therefore, the employees should be briefed about the benefits to be gained from implementing the changes in the corporation. If Geisinger Corporation wants to avoid change resistance from its employees, it should brief them about the proposed changes so that it is not done abruptly and they are caught unaware (Gamble, 2013: 1). The employees should be involved in the change management process so that they feel as if they are part of the required solution.

Framework model for change

Bringing stakeholders together

Setting platform for strategic change

Program activities clear rationale

Choosing and implementation of best practice fit for the organisation

References

Ceptureanu E, 2016, Implications of Managerial Reengineering on Change Management.

Review of International Comparative Management, 17 (2): 164-172. Full Text, EBSCOhost, viewed 15 September 2016.

Gamble M, 2013, 5 Things the Most Innovative Health Systems Do Differently. Viewed 15 September 2016 from http://www.beckershospitalreview.com/hospital-management-administration/5-things-the-most-innovative-health-systems-do-differently.html

Kash A B, Spaulding A & Gamm, L 2014, Success Factors for Strategic Change Initiatives: A Qualitative Study of Healthcare Administrators’ Perspectives. Journal of Healthcare Management. 59 (1): 65-83.

Salik J, 2016, Strategic Orientation in Change Management and Using it when Designing a Company’s Development. Management. 20 (1): 1429-9321. Full Text, EBSCOhost, viewed 15 September 2016.

Savolein T, 2013, Change Implementation in Intercultural Context: A Case Study of Creating Readiness to Change. Journal of Global Business Issues. 7 (2): 51-58.

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Utopian Literature Research Assignment Available

Utopian Literature

1. Read the Book ( Huxley A., Brave New World (1931)
2. Analyse a sociological theme developed within the work of your choice in for of an essay. Such themes might be, for example : the”state’,
‘family”, “power’, ‘truth”, “control” , “freedom” , ‘free will’, ‘role of language’,
“environmental sustainability”, “justice’ , ‘role of markets’; and so on. Keep in mind, not every utopia develops every theme to an equal extent, so if you have a specific theme that you want to explore in mind, you want to choose your corresponding literature carefully. The list of themes provided above is indicative, not exhaustive.
3. In your analysis: make sure you use adequate theoretical support in the form of relevant academic literature. (i.e., even though you explore the theme
within the utopian text, you DO want to use theoretical works like : books & journal articles. examining the theme in real world fashion.
4. Formal requirement: 1500 words (+/- 10%), including introduction and conclusion, but not the bibliography. Adequate regard for the academic conventions on citing and referencing is expected (using HARVARD SYSTEM).

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Leadership Dysfunction and its Effect on Organizational Culture/Wellbeing

Order Instructions:

“Leadership dysfunction and its effect on organizational culture/wellbeing”
This will be the topic for the writer to develop for this Doc study. It is important that the writer pay attention to some details here. The writer must carefully read and follow the template provided.
The problem Statement
The writer will provide a one-paragraph statement (150 words max) that is the result of a review of research findings, appropriate peer-reviewed/government sources, and current practice and that contains the following information:

1. Hook: (a WOW statement supported with a peer reviewed citation no older than five years from anticipated date CAO will sign.)

2. Anchor (includes a number supported with a peer reviewed/government citation no older than 5 years from your anticipated CAO signature)

3. The general business problem is XXXX

4. The specific business problem is some (identify who has the specific business problem) has limited information on XXX

Review the Problem Statement Video tutorial to aid you in completing the Problem Statement. The video tutorial is located at: http://youtu.be/IYWzCYyrgpo
Pear review articles cannot be past 2012, the must be between 2012 and current.
Purpose Statement

The writer will also provide a one-paragraph Purpose Statement (200 words max) and that contains the following information:

Qualitative Study: (a) methodology, (b) design, (c) specific population, (d) geographical location, and (e) social change statement.

Please review the Purpose Statement Video tutorial to aid you in completing the Purpose Statement. Located the video tutorial at: http://youtu.be/pLP4r0mfT9A.

Nature of the Study

The Nature of the Study component serves two purposes. The first purpose is describing and justifying the methodology (i.e. quantitative, qualitative, or mixed-method). The second purpose is describing and justifying the design (i.e. case study, phenomenological, correlation). Therefore, a well-crafted Nature of the Study can be presented in two paragraphs but not exceed one page.

The first paragraph is to describe and justify the methodology. State why you selected a specific method and why other methods were not appropriate.
The second paragraph is to describe and justify the design. State why you selected a specific design and why other designs were not appropriate. Map to the rubric and only include the required content!

Research Question(s)/Hypotheses

List the research question that will lead to the development of the requirements in the study and steps for accomplishing the requirements. A research question informs the research design by providing a foundation for:

• Generation of hypotheses in quantitative studies,
• Questions necessary to build the design structure for qualitative studies (i.e. interview questions),

• Process by which different methods will work together in mixed studies.

Interview Questions (Qualitative)

The interview questions are to be informed by the conceptual framework. Please see the Theoretical/Conceptual Framework video tutorial at: http://youtu.be/P-01xVTIVC8.

Theoretical/Conceptual Framework

In one paragraph, describe the theoretical base or conceptual framework from the scholarly literature that will ground the study (providing citations). Base this description on the problem, purpose, and background of your study. Specifically, identify and describe:

(a) theory: theoretical base or conceptual framework,
(b) author of the theoretical base or conceptual framework (if applicable),
(c) date of the theoretical base or conceptual framework (if applicable),
(d) key tenets, propositions, constructs, variables, hypotheses, etc., and
(e) how the theoretical base or conceptual framework is applicable and fits to the study.

Review the Theoretical/Conceptual Framework video tutorial at: http://youtu.be/P-01xVTIVC8 to aid in completing Theoretical/Conceptual Framework section.

Significance of the Study

Provide one to two paragraphs, informed by the topic in the problem statement, which describe(s):

1. The value to the business/social impact.

2. Contribution to effective practice of business

3. Potential contribution to positive social change and improvement of business practice.

References

Include references formatted in the correct style (APA 6th edition, modeled at the end of the template provided) for all citations within the Doctoral Study Prospectus. ( all references Not older than 2012).

The writer will bear in mind that the study is been carried out in Maryland and he can research and use any location in the State of Maryland in the U.S. A

Also the writer will be using qualitative study for this paper. It is important that the writer read this instruction carefully and carefully follow the template provided. In the template the writer will be able to see a sample prospectus that he will aligned this one to.

SAMPLE ANSWER

Leadership Dysfunction and its Effect on Organizational Culture/Wellbeing

Problem Statement

Failure to lead an organization effectively may signal a lack of trust in the workforce and may jeopardize the employee’s behavior towards work and the ability to perform. This may lead to inefficient working relations which might eventually catapult into the failure of the business (Petty et al., 2012). Creswell(2014) estimates that about 544,000 new businesses formations crop up each year; however, the number of the busineses which fail are more tham=n those that are formed per year. Between 2012 and 2015, small businesses accounted for almost 98% of all the U.S. firms, their contribution to the gross demestic product (GDP) was nearly 37.8%, and they contributed about 54.9% of all the employees to the labor force (Silverman, 2013). The general business problem is that the effect of dysfunctional leadership to organizational culture continues to affect the progress and effectiveness of businesses (Dandira, 2012). The specific business problem is that small business firms lack strategies for ensuring functional leadership to affect progress and effectiveness of businesses

Purpose Statement

The purpose of this qualitative descriptve case study was to determine the entrepreneurial strategies that small retail busines leaders need to utilize to succeed in business beyond five years. Thereserch participants consisted of five companies or organization leaders located in the Baltimore, Maryland, with fewer than 50 workers that were profitable for at least five years. As of 2014, about 92% of the 209,103 small firms in Maryland had fewer than 50 employees, and 86% of the 209,103 establishments were located in Baltimore (Yin, 2012). Moreover, at least 15,497 of the 209,103small businesses were in operation for five years or more (Creswell, 2014). The region’s population contained over 100 study participants which made it be a suitable region for this research.

Methodology

Qualitative methodology refers to the broadest sense to research that produces descriptive data – people’s own written or spoken words and observable behavior (Taylor, DeVault, & Bogdan, 2015).

The main goal of this qualitative exploratory case study is to determine the significance of dysfunctional leadership to organizational culture.

Design

Research designs are kinds of inquiry in qualitative, quantitative, and mixed approaches that offer complete and precise direction for procedures in a research design (Creswell, 2013). This research will use a qualitative designs using a case study.

Targeted Population

The targeted population consists of five companies or organization leaders located in the Maryland.

Geographical Location

The focus of this research will be in Baltimore, Maryland. It will be conducted in companies located in the City.

Qualitative hypothetical example (case study).

Case studies are the design of inquiry found in numerous fields, particularly evaluation, in which the researcher develops an in-depth study and analysis of a case, often a program, activity, event, process or one or more persons. However, a case study is bounded by time and activity, and the researchers need to collect detailed data and information using a variety of data collection techniques over a sustained period of time (Yin, 2012).

Nature of Study

The qualitative studies, the usual designs are ethnography, grounded theory, phenomenology, and case study (Petty, Thomson, & Stew, 2012). Also, Myers (2013) stated that qualitative research method broadly explains the context, either social or cultural, within which people live. Moreover, qualitative research does not engage in statistical procedures; but, attempts to broaden and deepen the understanding of the causes or underlying reasons, opinions, and motivations (Creswell, 2014; Silverman, 2013).

According to Baškarada (2009), a qualitative case study is used for an in-depth investigation of a complex case which is gained by an extensive description of the analysis of the case. It is also considered as a whole and its context. Moreover, the advantageous stance of a case study in this research, allows the researcher to gain a deep holistic view of research problem than other approach used in qualitative research such as phenomenology or ethnography (Yin, 2014). Therefore, using a qualitative case study in this research will integrate, describe, understand and explain the situation that causes employees turnovers of several companies in Baltimore, Maryland, related to leadership dysfunction and its effect on organizational cultural/wellbeing.

Research Question

According to Petty (2012), using the word how or what, as the first word in a research question helped indicate that the design was a descriptive case study. The study had an overarching central research inquiry. The question proposed for this study was: What are the underlying factors of dysfunctional leadership in organizational culture?

Theoretical or Conceptual Framework

This study adopts the following framework to conduct research about the effect of dysfunctional leadership to organizational culture. Alemu (2016) identified four key underlying variables namely: decision-making, modeling, organizational goal achievement, and meeting ethical expectations as vital leadership characteristics that differentiate leaders of functional organizations/companies from those leading dysfunctional organizations/companies.

Decision-making

Modeling

Organizational Goal achievement

Meeting ethical expectations

Figure 1. A graphical model of dysfunctional leadership as it applies to examining organization’s culture/wellbeing.

Significance of the Study

The result of this study will redound to the advantage of the society especially in the business sector as excellent leadership is very valuable in any company or business endeavor. Thus, companies which apply the suggested approach derived from the result of this study will enable the companies to practice good leadership in an excellent manner. Managers and business owners will be guided on what they should be given more emphasized in relations to leadership and dealing with their employees to improve their business operations.

For the researcher, this will help him to uncover critical areas of the leadership of an organization or companies where some researchers were not able to explore. Thus, there could be new insights that can be provided after this research is done.

Dysfunctional dispositions may have produced significant behaviors in leaders that influence an employee’s aptitude and ability to function in an organization and endanger the success of the organization (Leary et al., 2013). Therefore, this study is conducted to assess how business owners able to control the risk of business failures due to dysfunctional leadership within the organization.

References

Baškarada, S. (2009). Information Quality Management Capability Maturity Model.

Wiesbaden: Vieweg+Teubner Verlag / GWV Fachverlage, Wiesbaden.

Creswell, J. (2013). Research Design. Thousand Oaks: SAGE Publications.

Creswell, J. (2014). Research design (4th ed.). Thousand Oaks, CA.: Sage Publications.

Dandira, M. (2012). Dysfunctional leadership: organizational cancer. Business Strategy Series, 13(4), 187-192. http://dx.doi.org/10.1108/17515631211246267

Leary, T., Green, R., Denson, K., Schoenfeld, G., Henley, T., & Langford, H. (2013). The relationship among dysfunctional leadership dispositions, employee engagement, job satisfaction, and burnout. The Psychologist-Manager Journal. http://dx.doi.org/10.1037/h0094961

Myers, M. (2013). Qualitative research in business and management (2nd ed.). Los Angeles, CA: SAGE.

Petty, N., Thomson, O., & Stew, G. (2012). Ready for a paradigm shift? Part 2: Introducing

qualitative research methodologies and methods. Manual Therapy, 17(5), 378-384. http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.math.2012.03.004

Silverman, D. (2013). Doing qualitative research. London, England: SAGE Publications.

Alemu, D. (2016). Dysfunctional Organization: The Leadership Factor. Open Journal of Leadership, 05(01), 1-7.

Taylor, S., DeVault, M., & Bogdan, R. (2015). Introduction to qualitative research methods, 4th ed. Hoboken, N.J.: Wiley.

Yin, R. (2012). Applications of case study research. Los Angeles: Sage.

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