Managing for the future Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 5000 words

Managing for the future - Essay Example During the time of the eminent economist, concepts such as ethical decision making, corporate social responsibility (CSR) were at the budding stage, hence, most of the economists including Milton Friedman ignored the role of social responsibility for business. Over the last few decades, the importance of ethics has been increased among corporate world. Modern research scholars such as Jain (2009) and Tett (2009) criticised the immaturity in terms of ethical understanding among business leaders as the root cause behind the global crisis. The concepts like corporate social responsibility (CSR) is pretty much new for companies in emerging market and as a result, many of them are still struggling with implementation of a holistic CSR framework which can ensure social well being and environment sustainability. Visser (2010) and Velasquez (2000) argued that concept of corporate governance is generally misunderstood by business leaders because they believe that corporate governance is all a bout structure which is not correct. In such context, modern research scholars such as Waller and Conaway (2011) pointed out three important future challenges for organizations such as, 1-deploying CSR activities in comprehensive manner in most of its business verticals, 2-taking the strong leadership role by expanding business in cross cultural and country manner and 3- managing crisis in efficient manner in order to ensure smooth flow of operation. Issaksson and Jorgensen (2010) argued that companies need to work closely with their stakeholders in order to balance the environment sustainability activities and profit pooling activities. According to these research scholars, the profit-greedy mentality of organizations cannot help it to achieve sustainable growth because modern organization has to consider the effect of its operation in external environment. Du, Bhattacharya and Sen (2010) defined CSR as a commitment from corporate to ensure well being of social members and help the society to achieve inclusive growth. It is evident from the above mentioned definition that it is responsibility of companies to improve social life of people by using internal resources and good practices. Waddock (2008) even argued that companies can enhance their brand image by engaging in CSR activities which can help the company to fulfil ethical, social and environmental requirements. The researcher has selected Starbucks in order to understand how the above mentioned three factors such as CSR, globalization and crisis and catastrophe management can impact business environment of the company. After analyzing the business environment and its previous challenges for Starbucks, the study will predict future business path for the company. At first, the researcher will try to understand the business matrix of Starbucks. Starbucks-Business Matrix and Capabilities Starbucks Corporation was founded by Jerry Baldwin, Gordon Bowker and Zev Siegl during the year 1971 and the company is headquartered Seattle, Washington, U.S (Starbucks, 2012). Till date, Starbucks has established more than

Swot Analysis And Changes Toward Effective Performances Management Essay

Swot Analysis And Changes Toward Effective Performances Management Essay This paper is a critical knowledge of SWOT analysis of Yau Lee Holdings Limited (YL) and Chun Wo development Holdings Limited (CW), which refers to the Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities and Threats involved in a business venture. The aim of this paper is to assess the importance of business to identify the internal and external factors of influence to achieve organizational goal. Through the two companies strategic planning such as present market position, financial resources, image etc. and characteristics of the organization such as size, structure, managerial expertise, physical etc. to compare, contrast and analysis the importance of each element. Focuses of these aspects are the Strengths and Weaknesses of strategic planning and development in the field of business. Furthermore, this paper will discuss the conditions of change for these two companies in the external environment. It might find the two companies sensitive business strategies and their responsiveness to changes toward opportunities in new markets, technology advances, improved economic factors etc. in order to increasing company income and maintain or grow market share. On the other hand, change of external environment might bring more threats which in include changes in legislation, political or economic unrest, changing social conditions etc. Above all it may involve potential risks such as company liquidation and hurt the firms sales and profits. Finally, this research will help suggest recommend changes needed for the two companies and list suggestions to solve their weaknesses and threat. Furthermore, this research will make it possible to make informed strategic choices and plan the future of the companies. SWOT Analysis for YL and CW As the proverb goes You will win the wars if you know your enemies and yourselves well. This term cant only be applied to people, it also can be applied in business. How do we measure and understand a companys condition? In business strategy, SWOT analysis is a common strategic planning method credited by Albert Humphrey. Use the Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities, and Threats involved in a business venture to analyze of the company (Thompson Strickland, 1999). A SWOT analysis is a thorough analysis of a companys internal and external factors that influences decision makers. According to the companys resources and capabilities to assess when they can rely on and seize opportunities of environment changes, while at the same time, external threats might damage the firms sales and profit (Coulter 2008). Although YL and CW have the similar business backgrounds such as construction Industry and founded in the 50s and 60s. But, they had different of market positions. Organizational structure, culture and managerial expertise had a significant influence on their development. While at the same time they encountered different of situations such as companies strategic planning and self-ability. Following will use SWOT to analyze the two companies to explore this topic in great depth. Compare the Strengths of YL and CW Strengths and advantages analysis are mainly endowed within the firms. These elements are within the control of the firm management (Belleville 2010). 2.11 Strengths Analysis for YL Culture of Innovation of Information Technology IT can to increase organizations competitiveness in future (King and Teo, 1996 and Probst and BÃ ¼chel, 1997). Due to Technology fast development, companies need adoption of IT can improve the efficiency of a business process (Farrell, 2003). In addition, the adoption of IT can help in communication. If they use IT properly, can advance in the time of process (Sammut-Bonnii and McGee, 2002). YL management encourages innovation and change. YL has been support by advances in IT. Subsidiaries VHSoft Technologies Company Limited was established 1998. YL also adopted the advanced information technologies in management for higher efficiency and accuracy. Its subsidiary, VHSoft Technologies Company Limited, has joined force with renowned universities in Hong Kong and Mainland China to develop various tools to effectively increase project management efficiency (Yau Lee Construction Company Limited 2010). Technology was emerging from a rational-liner process of invention, design, development and innovation in YL. Wide range of Construction Related Services YLs business strategy was expanded diverse development in business. Their array of holdings range from building construction to related services including Subsidiaries like Ming Hop Company Limited (building service works), Yau Lee Wah Concrete Precast Products Company Limited (Building Construction), InnoVision Architectural Engineers Ltd. (Design), Yau Lee Curtain Wall and Steel Works Ltd. (Building Material) and VHSoft Technologies Company Limited (Information Technology) were established between 1982-2002 etc.. In 2008, REC Engineering Company Limited (REC, formerly known as Ryoden Engineering Company Limited) was acquired by the Yau Lee Group, REC was established in Hong Kong in 1966 as an electrical and mechanical engineering contractor. (Yau Lee Construction Company Limited 2010). Wide range of construction related services can help YL to provided construction services of coordinated process or one package service. 2.12 Strengths Analysis for CW Quality Management System Chun Wo is committed to fulling customers needs, expectations and statutory requirements. It would be issue to improve the system of management and provide the highest quality services to customers. Enterprises principles approach toward quality management requires the selection of optimal tools and indicators suitable for creating their own national system of quality (Vajcnerova Ryglova 2010). In 2005, CW was awarded of Business Performance Index (BPI) Assessment and , 14 Gold Awards, by Hong Kong Quality Assurance Agency, Quality Award 2005, Bronze Award, by Hong Kong Management Association. (Chun Wo Construction and Engineering Company Limited 2009). According to above award Indicate CW was succeed issue quality policy. Communication Another strengths for CW is communication. They are the best than compared to other companies. Communication was include there elements which in downward, horizontal, and upward to exchange message such as through two type channels (formal and informal) communication can enables employees to achieve their goals (Bell and Martin 2008). Front line employees significantly to communicate with manager who can get staffs expectation and personal goal develop. Would be effective motivate the staffs. Enabling the policy allows the company to achieve of the organizational objectives. Training and Development CW believes good management practices help build up a highly motivated and efficient workforce. CWs human resources department has developed a philosophy of collective consultation. CWs HR department can provide training for recruited employees the basic skills required to perform their jobs and provide more courses to improve their knowledge, skill, and abilities. Good image in business ethics and corporate social responsibility In 2004, CW established the Volunteer Team for caring towards the community such as capital support Tung Wah Group of Hospitals, the Community Chest and Sowers Action etc. The public appreciated CWs business ethics. There was an increase in consumer confidence. 2.13 Conclusion of the Strengths in YL and CW According to strengths factors for the two companies, they have differences advantage in management. The culture of YL has expanded its business into different areas in line with the market needs such as innovation of information technology. CWs policy was to continue improving quality of services to customers. These advantages can increase revenue and maintain or market share growth. These factors were enabling the company sustained development. Although the strengths factors of the two companies were different, but the two companies is equal enormous contribution in construction field. Compare the Weaknesses of YL and CW Weaknesses or disadvantages analysis mainly endowed within the firms. These elements are within the control of the firms management (Belleville 2010). 2.21 Weaknesses Analysis for YL Subsidiary company was small organization Due to YLs business strategy plan, regarding the policy of diversify development. Although have diversify way for company development, but this way would be need more investments fund to support. Furthermore this subsidiary company might not have enough experience and fund to compete with existing companies. Complex management Although YL has some diversified subsidiary companies, the supply chain management is not very impressive for YL. It has not introduced a breakthrough product / service yet. 2.22 Weaknesses Analysis for CW Not completely independent CW is reliant on material supply and EM Sub-contractor Corporation. If these companies increase the price on materials and CW must either absorb the cost or pass it along to the client. Either of the two scenarios can make CW vulnerable. Traditional services and technology People considered technology to be the most important in 21st century. CW also used traditional construction method. They they constructed buildings effectively, efficiently and a consumer with confidence. Leaderships change Mr. Pang Yat Ting, appointed as the the Chairman in April 2010. Some employees were anxious that companys new policy and leaderships style would influence staff stability such as turnover rate or increasing workload. The above factor also influenced staff morale and performances. 2.13 Discussion on the Weaknesses in YL and CW According to weaknesses factors for the two companies, their management have some problems. They need to improve or advance their management and increase communication between manager and staff. This paper will suggest some methods from the last section. Compare the Opportunities of YL and CW Opportunities analysis mainly endowed without the firms. These elements are not under the control of the external environment. (Belleville 2010). They had similar opportunities for their advances in the companys development because they are both in the construction industry. Government Policy was Booming infrastructure Refer to the 2011 Policy Address The Hong Kong government strategy of promoting economic growth through infrastructural development which included 10 major infrastructure projects. Example: Hong Kong-Zhuhai-Macao Bridge, Guangzhou-Shenzhen-Hong Kong Express Rail Link, MTR Sha Tin to Central Link, South Island Line (East). These projects are now in progress (2010-11 Policy Address 2010). The government will spend amount of exceeding $50 billion for the next few years. This enables the construction field to have more opportunities for the two companies. Maintain old buildings Hong Kong has more existing buildings in old town. Building safety was very important, the government provide resources to management through legislation, enforcement, public education and support for building owners. Client need to get funds to improve these old buildings. These were also opportunities for the two companies. Huge investment in Asia-Pacific Grasping business opportunities in Macau, Singapore, Abu Dhabi, The United Arab Emirates (UAE) etc., were important because in recent years these countries important integrated resort development such as casinos, residential buildings and infrastructure by foreign investors and local developments. More construction projects of large-scale resorts, hotels and high-class residential buildings can be built promptly. But these regions dont have enough experience and human resource. Due to the above factor, the two companies were the best candidates to develop in other Asia-Pacific countries. Expanding business to Mainland China Mainland China is booming market due to Chinas fast growing economy. China has more opportunities for construction services into other business areas, including property development, professional property services and investment. The above factor or chances also are best opportunities for two companies development but who can ability grasping the each business opportunities, this factor is more important. On the other hand external environment will transform more threats, next section will de discuss this topic. Compare the Threats of YL and CW Threats analysis mainly endowed without the firms. These elements are not under the control of the external environment. (Belleville 2010). They hadve similar threats for influencing the companies development because they are both in the construction idustry. Rising and instable Construction Costs In recent years, the price of materials increased every year, and wage inflation spirals upward. It was difficult for construction companies to make a tender offer for each project and obtain construction financing. If the company made a tender offer lower than the cost, then the profits would be influenced. If set up was a higher proposal cost than other companies would be less competitive and efforts to boost the economy with greater liquidity. This increased the risk for each company such as business investments. Lack of skilled manpower Main reason many civil engineering graduates dont find these jobs lucrative because construction companies dont pay enough and the jobs are also temporary. After a project is finished in one state the company moves to another state leaving the workers behind. In most cases the workers too dont prefer to shift unless they get good salaries and like in the finance companies. The Government regulations Every year the government publishes and updates more health and safety regulations such as safety method of construction in progress, equipment, accident insurance etc., and these regulations increase cost of construction. Construction companies that cant co-operate these with regulations will loss of money. Stronger competition Due to the worlds developing trend is globalization, more construction companies cant limit themselves to local development. Moreover, the construction industry is a bigger market so more enterprises investments. For example, China Harbor Engineering Company Ltd. is a subsidiary of China Communications Construction Company Ltd. Gammon construction Ltd. is a subsidiary of Jardine Matheson Ltd and Balfour Beatty, both are world-renowned international companies who has more capacity and technology to support their competition. Housing building was real estate developers monopoly Hong Kong is a free market and Hong Kongs real estate developers want to control housing demand in order to influence price of housing building. Many real estate developers cant to construct housing building such as accumulates the land. It might influence construction of hosing building. Above threats factor, also influence two companies stable development. Changes toward Effective Performances Companies or organizations survival and prosperity are important to management such as the starting point, destination, path, variation, alignment, communication etc., because effective performance management is incredibly difficult (Srinivas 2009). Next section will explore the changes recommended for two companies. Changes Recommended for YL Increasing Communication YL needs to set up some methods of systematic communication because YL has a many subsidiary companies. The message needs to be clear and communicated consistently. Front line employees are given information by managers and feedback upward. Effective communicate can help companies and each staff of high productivity (Ahmed, White, Wilbert, Shields, 2010). There would be less noise and consideration between top head officials and front line employees and therefore increase mutual trust. Strategic plans of joint venture or corporation Most joint venture corporate strategic plans are to increase the probability of each achieving their mission or decrease loss and risk in a business (Lovallo 2007). When a company does not have enough capital and technology, the partner would gather funds such as investments. Moreover through cooperation, technology sharing and development will be obtained. Doing this enables the company sustained development. Strategic plans of Mainland China and Asia-Pacific Due to China, Macau, Singapore, Abu Dhabi, The United Arab Emirates (UAE) etc., is fast growing economy and development. The two companies need catch up this best of opportunity. Focus on the Mainland China and Asia-Pacific markings. Companies will trend to international development. Property Development YLs technical knowledge is construction which in return lowers costs and reduces time. This factor is the advantage. Recommend Property Development business both in Hong Kong and overseas. 3.2 Changes Recommended for CW Managerial behavior and leadership styles appropriate to work situations Although the new chairman was appointed in 2010, he needs to increase communication with his employees, communicating an inspiring vision and behaving supportively (Locke Latham 2002). Successful leaders focus on managing in a way that builds employee trust, loyalty, and commitment (Mayfield 2002). Doing so enables staff and provides a stable working environment and less consideration. Human resource management such as outsourcing CW needs to increase resource management such as outsourcing, because CW cant supply construction fields, materials and workforce. Its influenced by supplies and subcontractors. Scholars know that HRM is organizational success manly reason (Hernandez, 2008). More choice of supplies and subcontractor would be stabilize construction costs. Develop Information Technology and Knowledge Management CW needs leading innovation in Information Technology and method of construction. Knowledge Management can help them, because Knowledge Management which in approach of identifying, capturing, evaluating, retrieving, and sharing all of an enterprises information assets. These assets may include databases, documents, policies, procedures, and previously existing expertise and experience of individuals works (Srikantaiah Koenig 2001). Knowledge Management suggests similes are tools of techniques, strategies to retain, analyze, organize, and share business expertise(Groff and Jones 2003). The above conception said that knowledge management is important in develop a business society because due to the explosion of information, we can find a problem and increasing knowledge to create a new method, skill and knowledge. Ultimately, effective performance management must become an integral part of the organizations culture (Hellriegel Slocum 2008). Strategic plans of Mainland China and Asia-Pacific (Same as changes recommended for CW) Due to China, Macau, Singapore, Abu Dhabi, The United Arab Emirates (UAE) etc., is fast growing economy and development. The two companies need catch up this best of opportunity. Focus on the Mainland China and Asia-Pacific markings. Companies will trend to international development. Property Development (Same as changes recommended for CW) YLs technical knowledge is construction therefore lowers costs and reduces time. This factor is the advantage. Recommend Property Development business both in Hong Kong and overseas. Conclusion This paper has compared and conducted a SWOT analysis and changes recommended of Yau Lee Holdings Limited and Chun Wo Development Holdings Limited. Through the using of SWOT analysis, the two companies had diffident factor of Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities and Threats. When they can their own strengths and weakness, there will be improvements and advance in their management. They will know what opportunities and threats are in an environment and will catch up in order to avoid risks. It will enable the company sustained development. Refer Fig. 1 showed the relationship and principles between in Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities and Threats. Fig. 1 Relationship and Principles between in Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities and Threats. Each company has different management method which in expertise or traits approach but dont formed a formula will ensure success. Condition, situation and external environment is a very important aspect. Certainly good management internal environment would extend a company or organizations development and success. But dont forget to mention external environments included. Changes in legislation, political or economic unrest, changing social conditions etc. are equally important in a business society. I hope we will use on SWOT analysis to explore some advantage and disadvantage in other companies in our next essay.

Lucid Dreaming :: essays research papers

Lucid Dreaming Dreams are the playground of the mind. Anything can happen when one is dreaming. The only limitation is that we only rarely realize the freedoms granted to us in our dreams while we have them. Lucid dreaming is the ability to know when one is dreaming, and be able to influence what will be dreamt. A normal dream is much like passively watching a movie take place in your skull. In a lucid dream, the dreamer is the writer, director, and star of the movie. Lucid dreams are exceptionally interesting. Lucid dreaming is defined as dreaming when the dreamer knows that they are dreaming. The term was coined during the 1910Õs by Frederik van Eeden who used the word "lucid" in the sense of mental clarity (Green, 1968). Lucidity usually begins in the midst of a dream, when the dreamer realizes that the experience is not occurring in physical reality, but is a dream. Often this realization is triggered by the dreamer noticing some impossible or unlikely occurrence in the dream, such as meeting a person who is dead, or flying with or without wings. Sometimes people become lucid without noticing any particular clue in the dream; they just suddenly realize that they are in a dream. A minority of lucid dreams (about 10 percent) are the result of returning to REM sleep directly from an awakening with unbroken reflective consciousness (LaBerge, 1985). These types of lucid dreams occur most often during daytime napping. If the napper has been REM deprived from a previous night of little sleep their chances of having a REM period at sleep onset are increased. If the napper is able to continue his or her train of thought up to the point of sleep, a lucid dream may develop due to an immediate REM period. The basic definition of lucid dreaming requires nothing more than the dreamer becoming aware that they are dreaming. However, the quality of lucidity varies greatly. When lucidity is at a high level, the dreamer is aware that everything experienced in the dream is occurring in their mind, that there is no real danger, and that they are asleep in bed and will awaken eventually. With low-level lucidity they may be aware to a certain extent that they are dreaming, perhaps enough to fly, or alter what they are doing, but not enough to realize that the people in the dream are just figments of their imagination. They are also unaware that they can suffer no physical damage while in the dream or that they are actually in bed.

Association Football and Soccer

In this soccer essay we will discuss soccer. Soccer (also called football) is the most popular kind of sports in the world. It is more than 2000 years old. Other sources say it is more than 3000 years old. The earliest forms of soccer existed in 1004 B. C. in Japan and in 50 B. C. in China. Japanese kicked a small round ball. Chinese filled heir leather ball with hair. It is known that Romans played a game that was similar to soccer. However, English Kings and Queens did not favor the game. In the UK, it was forbidden for many centuries until the beginning of the 19th century.Soccer essayIn such articles as this one, you must offer all basic information about the subject, explain the rules if it is a game and look back into history of the subject. However, it is not enough to write a good paper. You need to know the rules of writing such papers. Our online service can help you with your writing and provide you with essays of the highest quality. Like every game, soccer has rules. Now , in the soccer essay, we will discuss the rules. The game is played by two teams in a big field covered with grass. Each team consists of eleven players.Their object is to score the ball into the opponent’s goal. The rules are not difficult. The main rule states that it is forbidden to touch the ball with hands or arms (only the goalie can do it, he defends the goal). Also, players of different teams must not push or hit each other. The game is judged by the referee. There are goals at the opposite ends of the soccer field. The field has a goal box and a penalty box. Soccer players’ uniform consists of team jersey, shorts, socks, cleats, and shin guards. Every team has uniforms of different colors.Usually, the colors represent the country they play for. The World Cup is the most famous soccer championship. It is held every four years. Teams from many countries of the world compete with each other, and millions of people around the world watch the game on television at that time. It is a very competitive kind of sports that is why it is interesting to watch it. Soccer is popular with children as well. Boys around the world play soccer at their free time. This game is healthy because it involves much running. Nonetheless, it causes traumas sometimes.Soccer has simple rules; however, it is a difficult game. It is a highly strategic game that requires logical thinking, quick reaction and endurance as it is necessary to run without a rest for a long time. Players have different roles in the team. There are forwards who attack and score goals. There are defenders who help to defend the goal. The goalkeeper can touch the ball inside the goalie’s box. In this soccer essay, we discussed the game of soccer, presented basic information about it and explained its rules. Also, we considered the history of this most popular game in the world.

Between Language Art and Language Play

The two articles delve into the contemporary debate of same sex union. The first one presents the conservative orthodox view of the Catholic faith on same sex union while the second article presents an unorthodox view which is more liberal and accepting. Both article advocate a stand on the same issue and aims to spread the good news of their stand. The two articles tackle the issue of same sex union by giving their own definition of marriage.The orthodox view argues that marriage, as instituted by God, is a faithful, exclusive, lifelong union of a man and a woman joined in an intimate community of life and love and that same sex union is an altogether different thing from marriage since it does not fit the definition. They say that it is not based on the natural complementarity of male and female; it cannot cooperate with God to create new life; and the natural purpose of sexual union cannot be achieved by a same-sex union.The liberal view points otherwise saying that Marriage can b e defined as the unique and special form of committed friendship and this does not say that the persons have to be heterosexually attracted, thus people of the same sex can still be married. This contrasting view is an interesting point for further comparison and contrasting. Both authors use the bible as their authoritative source of arguments. The USCCB in sum claims that what is right is what is written in the bible, Prof.Maguire on his part claims that the bible as a historical account is not an account of what is right, it sometimes contain accounts which recommends what should not be done as depicted by the lesson of particular stories like in the stories about slavery. The liberal view purports that many Catholic theologians agree now with Protestant and Jewish theologians that same sex unions can be moral, healthy, and holy and that many Catholic people are living in same sex unions and adopting children and still practicing their Catholic faith however .While the USCCB cont inues to campaign against the equation of same sex unions to marriage and urges followers to keep their opinions in line with the teachings of their faith and of the bible. While using almost the same source, the bible and the interpretation of the word of God, both authors argue in different directions both of which does not directly rebut each other.