EHR3007 Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2000 words

EHR3007 - Essay Example The organizational structure will determine the firm’s ability in distributing the activities and how it coordinates the operations (Maguire, 2003, p.11). The organizational structure and design that is adopted by a given organization will greatly determine the performance and the final achievement of the organizational objectives. The kind of relations that is developed among all the stakeholders of the organization is very essential in ensuring that organizational objectives are set that are aimed at satisfying the needs of the stakeholders. There is need for the top management of a given organization to involve these other stakeholders in the development of policies that govern the operations within the organization. The way in which information is being passed from the top management down the hierarchy to the low-level implementers will influence the effective decision making process within the organization. A structure that has several layers may not allow for easy dissem ination of information between the low-level employees to the top managers. The paper examines the organizational structure that was seen at H.P, a business firm that deals in electronic products in the global market. An analysis is provided for various structural challenges that have been faced by the organization. The poor organizational structure that was seen in the organization in the late 1990s and the early 2000s had various negative impacts on the operations of the organization. The organization was seen to have certain strategies that were not developed according to the competitive nature of the current global market and the needs of some stakeholders. The appropriate organizational structures that can be adopted by the organization to avoid future challenges are also examined. Concepts like corporate governance that have been seen to be behind the successes of various organizations are suggested here as the best measures to be taken in managing the situation at this organi zation. 1. Overview of the organization Hewlett-Packard (H.P) is business firm in the United States that deals in electronic products in a global market. The firm was established back in 1939 by Bill Hewlett and Dave Packard both from Stanford University. The company initially produced a sound electronic device known as an audio oscillator. Various developments have been seen in the types of products produced by the firms and it currently supplies products like laptops and desktop computers, printers, servers and digital cameras (Case Study). The organizational structure at HP is a complex hierarchical one with various management levels. At the top of the hierarchy is the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) or the President. This is followed by executive vice presidents serving in different areas of jurisdictions (Hewlett-Packard, 2011). The individuals at this level include the Chief Technical Officers (CTO), Chief Financial Officer (CFO), the Chief Marketing Officer, the Human Resource Manager and others. There is also the level of the senior vice presidents followed by the vice presidents in the hierarchy. There are other managers at different levels like marketing managers, procurement managers, and sales managers down the hierarchy before

Implementation of Performance Management System in an organization Essay

Implementation of Performance Management System in an organization - Essay Example To achieve competitiveness, two things are very important i.e. managing the efficiency plus building employees skills, abilities, capabilities and behavior. To improve performance at the organizational level it is essential to create a culture and situation of continuous learning of employees and of the organization (van der Sluis, 2007). The Human Resource Development (HRD) is an evolving concept and it addresses the challenge of managing performance of employees for the organizations. HRD is an important developmental program to ensure that the organization has an institutionalized way of developing, utilizing and committing human resources in order to meet current and future organizational challenges (van der Sluis, 2007). ... Since the work requirements are changing, the traditional methods of training are inadequate to deal with the rapid change and increased complexity of work (Casey, 2005) thus, placing demands on organizations to facilitate new approaches to training (Garavan et al., 2002). Human resources are currently the foremost source of competitive advantage because all other potential competitive advantages (e.g. technology, capital, and products) can be either bought or copied (Burke and Cooper, 2008 and Pineda, 2010). At present, organizations are facing shortage of talented and adequately equipped employees with required skills and capabilities in order to reach at the eminent level of performance (Burke and Cooper, 2008). Rao (2002) for example is in favor of an â€Å"OCTAPACE† culture (openness, collaboration, trust and trustworthiness, authenticity, pro-action, autonomy, confrontation and experimentation) to create a HRD climate in the organization for improved performance. Organiz ations with better learning, training and development systems, reward and recognition, and information systems and quality orientation in terms of career planning, performance guidance and development, role efficacy, and reward and recognition systems promoted HRD climate (Hassan et al., 2006). From the figure, it can be said that Human Resource Development encompasses two key ingredients i.e. Training and Development (T&D) and Organization Development (OD). Training and Development focuses on individuals and then links with the organization whereas Organization Development basically focuses at the organization level first and then links with individuals. Additionally, there are

Film: 2001 :: Papers

Film: 2001 2001 is a masterpiece of cinema that still influences film makers nearly thirty years after it was made -- but what does it actually mean? Therein lies the enigma. Of course, 2001 is open to many interpretations and probably even Kubrick couldn't provide the "correct" one. The film is very different from the book; Kubrick reduced the original script to its bare essentials making the actors part of the narrative , but not telling the narrative through the script. making it a lesser part of the hole experience. Where there is speaking it is almost always symbolic The first words spoken signal the decay of human language to empty phrases: "Here you are, sir. Main level, please." The opening of 2001 is the Dawn of Man sequence which dovetails neatly with end of Dr. Strangelove: "We'll meet again, some sunny day " First image in the film is of a rising Sun Obviously, Kubrick pondered deeply the astonishing reality, that idea that man was smart enough to blow up the earth, but not smart enough to stop that from happening (kubric)(man doesn't want to nail himself, but he does). How could such a phenomenon occur? With such strong symbolic events and imagery in the opening seen it is hard to see them all as individual events, kubric uses these to tell the narrative of the story. The Sun is not just light, but heat (a desert). Making the Sun not necessarily good, the Sun is usually seen as positive in relation to dark, but not in a desert. This makes the sun a negative, with the use of water as a positive. The leopard killing the zebra Is a key element to the opening scene representing the behaviour of man the Zebra is a coexistence of black and white? Good an bad together just like man, making the leopard the destruction of man kind maybe symbolising the bomb. To echo the directors words ,QUOTE "you're free to speculate as you wish about the philosophical and allegorical meaning of the film" but

War and Witchcraft

The War of Religion also known as the Huguenots War lasted for about forty years (1562-1592). This war was mainly between the Huguenots and the Catholics of France. Within France a Feudal Rebellion took place between the church, nobles, courts, guilds, towns and provinces; all of which rebelled against the King. A traditional saying â€Å"Une foi, un loi, un roi (one faith, one law, one King)† (Newman, 2004) indicates how society, state and religion are all bound within the people's minds. Although religion was the main reason behind the wars, it also was definitely not the only reason. Social and Cultural Issues Religion affects society in many areas and in such a profound way. It also shapes the moral standards of those individuals in which influences policy makers decisions (Gale Group, 2007). For some societies, sharing a religion makes for a powerful bond socially. However, when these people with different religions try to live with others of different faiths, this can lead to conflict as well war (Gale Group, 2007). The social consensus in Europe for over a millennium was formed through religion. The essential view to order was one faith or how else would have society been held together (Newman, 2004). Because without the right faith, pleasing God and upholding natural order, disaster was to follow. As well, innovation was also trouble; leaving things the way they were is how they should be and any new ideas could lead to anarchy and ruin (Newman, 2004). So, during this period no one would dare admit that they were an innovator (Newman, 2004). In addition, the Renaissance was thought as rediscovering a much purer period in their history and Reformation was made not to feel new but a return to the true religion of Christianity (Newman, 2004). Women in the West For many centuries women were classified as unequal to that of man and considered property. They could hold their own power in a private sphere because a public sphere was for the men only, which had to do with politics, law and markets (Cooper, 2007). Women's private spheres consisted of mother's, family, wives and their households (Cooper, 2007). However, if a woman became a widow she becomes the sole responsibility to her own lands and was granted extensive legal rights and could be received in the public sphere with the exception of sanctioned authority (Cooper, 2007). The Renaissance, the Reformation, the Age of Discovery and the Age of Information brought about many changes for women. Women became teachers, writers, artist and knights. However, women in small numbers started as early as the Medieval period. But, during the fifteenth century to the eighteenth century, saw an increase in the number of women in the arts. These women often struggled for public support and were not always accepted by the trade. Men placed restrictions on the type of art they could do, including not being able to use a live nude model. The women who choose to write, became influential when their works were allowed to be published; they wrote books on love, romance and war as well politics. As well, women began to see their own power and beauty as something to be shared and appreciated. The women writers of early periods wrote about poetry and the beauty of women as opposed to the period of the War of Religion in which women began writing their political views and their rights as women and as equals to men. For example, Moderata Fonte (1515-1582) also known as Modesta Pozza wrote a book named The Worth of Women (Sunshine For Women, 2001). Political Issues The Wars of Religion in France were between the Roman Catholics and the Protestants, mostly Huguenots who fought for control of their rights as Protestants and political influences. The majority of Catholic France instigated the war against the Protestants however, the most well known was the Bartholomew's Day Massacre on August 24, 1572. On this day Paris Catholics raised arms against visiting and local Calvinist, which resulted in the death of more than 3,000 Calvinist. Because the war expanded for forty years, in between that time there was also a period of peace (Butler, 2007). However, history identifies seven wars during this period with short periods of peace in between them, which has caused confusion in French history (Butler, 2007). In addition, it is well known that religion was the biggest reason for the wars however other factors such as; the noble factions fighting amongst themselves, old feudal provinces lead revolts, which added and exposed the French State's weaknesses (Butler, 2007). As well, foreign intervention by Spain and England added to the turmoil and violence. Finally, France was lead by a very weak monarch in which allowed these forces to tear apart the country (Butler, 2007). Number One Social Problem of the 17th Century The seventeenth century saw many political, social and cultural changes. With the decline of wars, plagues and economic depression; it also brought about the hunt for witches. Witchcraft trials were considered a common place between 1580 and 1650 that lead to almost 100,000 trials. Additionally, this lead to widespread panic of mass hysteria. The majority of witches tortured and executed by burning at the sake were women and in Calvinist areas (Big Site of History, 2010). Historians are not agreed on why an outbreak of witch persecutions would occur in one place rather than another—in Scotland and New England, in Switzerland and France—except to say that where popular magic was commonplace, so was the fear of witches. Trials also usually followed a period of fear about the future and concern over apparent changes in ordered and stable conditions. Nor were the educated spared—indeed, they were often in the lead when a community sought out a witch. (Big Site of History, 2010) Conclusion Although religion was a major factor behind the wars, it was not the only reason because of noble factions fighting amongst themselves, old feudal provinces lead revolts to weaken the French and foreign intervention by Spain and England added to the mix of turmoil and destruction and a weak French monarch allowed all these factors to tear apart the country. Europe for over a millennium had one view; one faith and without it disaster is sure to follow. Women's influence on the west was substantial, in fact they became more aware of their influence in the private and public sphere and lastly, society was plagued not by disease but by witchcraft during the seventeenth century and even though magic was commonplace, witches brought fear and widespread mass hysteria. Although the reasons for the outbreak are unknown, more than 100,000 trials and executions were performed on a vast majority of women and in Calvinist areas.

General Mills Case Analysis - 1454 Words

1. Key Strategic Issues General Mills was one of the Big Three companies that focused on diversification of consumer goods on cereal division, restaurant chains and packaged consumer foods. The cereal industry was profitable and had been one of the most concentrated industries, and the big Three companies had a dominant position in this industry. However, although the high profitability attracted fewer entry company due to the high entry barrier restrained by the joint monopoly of the Big Three, they were facing the threat of private label companies which grew fast in market share of sales and volume. Therefore, what is the General Mills strategy to increase revenue and deal with the threat of private labels? This is a critical issue†¦show more content†¦Therefore, it is necessary for companies to preempt and influence rivals. On the other hand, real option theory also applies. The exogenous factors like customers’ health preference on organic or high-quality cereals could influence the deci sion making of companies. Hence, companies should continue learning and adapting customers’ preferences. Overall, the game theoretic strategy surpasses the real option theory in this industry because the uncertainty in the cereal industry is low and controllable. Furthermore, the industry structural forces of barriers to entry together with rivalry have a strong influence among the competing firms. In the cereal industry, the market structure is oligopoly, there are a few big firms set up significant entry and exit barriers. As consumers become more experienced and price conscious, and the identical production process which makes the products become more standardized, the new sources of differentiation of cereal were required and the pricing competition become intensified. Besides, the cereal industry was attractive and profitable. The top players in cereal industry post strong entry deterrence to the new entry company by offering free toys in the package, discount and specia l promotions for retailers and adopting shelf space plan. However, the private labels still entered the industryShow MoreRelatedGeneral Mills Inc. Understanding Financial Statements Essay1733 Words   |  7 PagesIntroduction The case study General Mills Inc. - Understanding Financial Statements focuses on the most basic idea of finance analysis. This case is a brief look into the language that is used in the finance world and a start to interaction with auditors. In this case, KPMG LLP, the public accounting firm that was auditing their statements, had sent two opinion letters. 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Strategic Change in Government Based on Organization...

Strategic Change in Government Based on Organization Hierarchy The literature supports the position that there should be a relationship between the structure and organization change. This study was undertaken to determine how different organization roles, hierarchy, and sizes affect planned strategic change. A survey instrument was administered to top federal government agency leadership to assess change in their organization. The intention is to draw common relationships between organization change and specific categories or sizes of organizations. Role of Change Business strategy and structure have always been related. Organizational change involves innovation, process improvement, and organizational redesign (Galbraith†¦show more content†¦Nutt and Backoff, (1992, p. 112) explain that some types of public organizations that can control change and other types that cannot easily control change. Professional agencies such as the IRS and FBI have considerable prerogative to act in a prescribed arena and have a protected budget. Political agencies, such as the State Department, have high control over their actions and may have legislation to protect it. Thus, change may be in the hands of parties outside of the agency. In examining change, Lewin identified three phases of the change process - unfreezing, changing, and refreezing. This involves getting people ready for the change, providing new patterns of behavior, integrating the behavior into the individual permanently. Tushman and Romanelli (1985) noted that â€Å"only executive leadership has the position and potential to initiate and implement strategic change†. There are four levels of change in people: knowledge, attitude, behavioral, organizational change (Hersey and Blancherd, 1993). This research focuses on the organizational or group performance changes. 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The Value of Kindness in Bhakti According to Vyasa’s The...

Vyasa’s The Bhagavad Gita, written between 300 B.C.E. and 300 C.E., is regarded as the eternal message of spiritual wisdom from ancient India. Lord Krishna discusses with Arjuna the types of discipline that men should possess, particularly devotion, or bhakti. The purpose of this essay is to show that Krishna’s teaching of bhakti in The Bhagavad Gita entails that one should exhibit kind behavior at all times. Kindness is necessary in the practice of bhakti, and those who devote their utmost faith to Krishna will be granted religious salvation, as shown in the Seventh and Twelfth Teachings. The Bhagavad Gita has also found its place in Hindu culture, and Krishna’s teaching of bhakti influenced Indian society as a whole. In the Seventh Teaching of The Bhagavad Gita, Krishna goes more in-depth on discipline as was discussed in his previous teachings. Krishna explains to Arjuna that devotion, or bhakti, is a discipline that â€Å"involves the performance of discipli ned action (karma)† (Vyasa, 157). Bhakti entails action done for the greater good, which leads to salvation in the end because of one’s compassion. Compassion is kindness to all living beings especially when they are in distress, and those who exhibit compassion are thus qualified to attain association with the Supreme Lord and his devotees. Vyasa’s emphasis on the â€Å"disciplined man of knowledge† is significant in that he is a rare being who is â€Å"set apart by his singular devotion [to Krishna]† (75). This emphasis signifies