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Training Marketing Plan For Training Business Development

Concept The Concept Phase is initiated when either the Training Product Management, Technology team, Training Business Development Manager or Training Business Unit owner submits a request for a new training offering or modification to an existing one. Requests would be prioritised as defined by the Training Product Manager or Program Management Office if part of a large organisation. Following which, the requests would be reviewed by various stakeholders to assess the business opportunity and viability of the request in the context of relevance to the training groups business needs and corporate strategy. If approved, funding typically in the form of manpower would be allocated in order to undertake the Feasibility Phase. Feasibility†¦show more content†¦Which in turn will be used to design the overall specification of the offering covering module content requirements and practical session needs. In addition other core documents, such as the Marketing requirements, Training Infrastructure description, Sales and Training Partner Enablement, Certification or Accreditation requirements and Training Operation updates will need to be specified and completed. Once these have been completed and aligned to a budget and ROI plan. They can be married to a planning schedule and checklist which can be presented to the Stakeholders for approval. Once approved development of the offering can commence. Development This is where the actual training offering and business support functional requirements are completed and developed in preparation for release to the market. As they are developed, other teams can work in parallel such as training instructors testing the modules and practical sessions as they become ready. Certification exam development questions can be undertaken on a module by module basis. However the final compilation and validation of the exam cannot be started until all the content has been completed and finalised, which would be catered for in the planning document. From the business support perspective the Project Manager must ensure all core planning documents and checklist activities are undertaken and supported accordingly. Having the training

Marketing Plan for a Premium (Branded) Product Free Essays

Table of Contents No| Tittle| Pages| 1. 0| Executive Summary| 5| 1. 1~1. We will write a custom essay sample on Marketing Plan for a Premium (Branded) Product or any similar topic only for you Order Now 2| Objectives ~ vision and mission| 5| 2. 0| Company Summary| 6| 2. 1| Background| 6| 2. 2| Company Locations and Facilities| 6| 3. 0| Products and Services| 7| 3. 1| Products Description| 7| 3. 2| Competitive Comparison| 8| 3. 3| Supply and Demand Details| 9| 3. 4| Technology Needs| 10| 4. 0| Market Analysis| 11| 4. 1| Target Market| 11| 4. 1. 1| Target Market Segment Strategy| 11| 4. 1. 2| Market Needs| 11| 4. 1. 3| Market Trends| 11| 4. 1. 4| Market Growth| 12| 4. 2| Industry Analysis| 13| 4. 2. 1| Industry Participants/Key Players| 13| 4. 2. | Main Competitors/Competitive Analysis| 13| 5. 0| Strategy and Implementation Summary| 14| 5. 1| Marketing Strategy| 14| 5. 2| Pricing Strategy| 15| 5. 3| Promotion Strategy| 15| 5. 4| Distribution Patterns| 15| 5. 6| Sales Strategy| 16| 5. 7| Sales Forecast| 16| 5. 8| Sales Programs| 16| 6. 0| Web Plan Summary| 17| 6. 1| Website Marketing Strategy| 17| 6. 2| Development Requirements| 17| 7. 0| References| 18-20| 1. 0 Executive Summary 1. 1 Objectives My objective is to collect and research information to understand Audi Company better in terms of their company background, product and services and their marketing strategy. Examples are like their technology, competitors pricing, sales figures market growth and many more. 1. 2 Vision and Mission Vision: â€Å"Audi – the premium brand† Mission: â€Å"We delight customers worldwide† 2. 0 Company Summary 2. 1 Background Audi is under a parent company named Volkswagen Group which is a German automobile manufacturing company. Audi is a manufacturer of exquisite cars – beautiful, sophisticated machines that embody technological perfection. Audi is the Premium brand growing most rapidly and on course to become the world’s most successful Premium manufacturer. Audi has been recognised by the European Union for outstanding environmental protection, based on its long tradition of minimising and reusing production waste. 2. 2 Company Locations and Facilities The worldwide network of Audi sites comprises the two German plants in Ingolstadt and Neckarsulm, as well as seven production facilities in Gyor (Hungary), Brussels (Belgium), Changchun (China), Aurangabad (India), Bratislave (Slovakia), Martorell (Spain) and Indonesia. 3. 0 Products and Services 3. 1 Products Description Type| Audi Q5 2. 0 TFSI Quattro (225PS)| Vehicle Type| Sport Utility Vehicle (SUV)| Transmission| 6-speed manual| Year| 2011| Price(RM)| 328,000| Engines| 1,984  cc (1. 984  L; 121. 1  cu in) I4 turbo| Acceleration(0-60mph)| 7. 0 sec| Maximum Speed| 130 mph| Tank Capacity| 75| Weight| 1850| Audi Q5 2. 0 TFSI Quattro (225PS) is a sport utility vehicle (SUV). The transmission for the car is 6-speed manual. Not only that, the Audi Q5 engine is 2. 0 litre engines comes with a turbo system which boost its engine capability, the acceleration from 0-60mph is 7. 0 per second and the maximum speed is 130mph which is approximately 233kmh while the tank capacity is 75 litres and the weight is 1850kg. 3. Competitive Comparison Type| Range Rover Evoque| Porsche Cayenne| Vehicle Type| Sport Utility Vehicle (SUV)| Sport Utility Vehicle (SUV)| Transmission| Six-speed Automatic| Eight-speed Tiptronic S with Auto start/stop function| Year| 2012| 2012| Price(RM)| 363,888| 570,000| Engines| 2. 0L Si4 4-cylinder petrol engine| 3. 6L V6| Acceleration(0-100km/h)| 7. 6 sec| 7. 5 sec| Maximum Speed| 217 km/h| 230 km/h| Tank Capacity| 70| 100| Weight| From 1640| 2030| 3. 3 Supply and Demand Details Audi Q series Annual Sales in all countries Production (unit)| Year| Year| Vehicles (Audi)| 2011| 2010| Q5| 183,678| 154,604| Q7| 53,703| 48,937| Q3| 19,613| -| Total Audi Q series| 256,994| 203,541| Based on the table above, Audi Q series annual sales for the model Q5 had increase from 154,604 for the year 2010 to 183,678 for the year 2011. The different of annual sales between year 2010 and 2011 is 29,074 which means the supply and demand for year 2011 had increase. The total annual sales of Audi Company for 2010 are 203,541 whereas for the year 2011 is 256,994. The table above show that the total annual sales of the company had also increase 53,453 which mean the supply and demand of the cars increase from the year 2010 to 2011. . 4 Technology Needs As technology needs for the model of Audi Q5 is the engine. The engine Audi Company use for Q5 is 2. 0 litre engines comes with a turbo system which boost its engine capability and turbocharging for more power and greater efficiency   is a development of the engine that powers the likes of the current Audi TT and Volkswagen Golf GTI. The engine’s pow er and performance will be from 0-60mph is 7 seconds and the top speed will be 130mph or 209km/h. The horsepower can up to 211hp or 4300rpm and the torque will be 258 Ib-ft. or 1500rpm. 4. 0 Market Analysis 4. 1 Target Market The following are the strategy for target market. 4. 1. 1 Target Market Segment Strategy Market segmentation for Audi Q5 will be psychographic segmentation which means Audi Company divide the buyers into different categories based on social class, lifestyles or personality characteristics. For the target market segment will be differentiated marketing strategy which means Audi Company produces several types of car such as SUV (Sport Utility Vehicle), Sedan and Sport each targeting its own segment of consumers. As for the product I choose Q5 target market is towards consumer’s lifestyles from higher level income. The target market will be consumers who finding for more comfortable, powerful and luxury option. 4. 1. 2 Market Needs Audi Company is providing customer comfort and luxury cars. Audi have a very good warranty and aftersales services for the customers. Now for all the new Audi models, the customers can choose whether you want to have three, four or five years warranty. So with the few years warranty you can enjoy your driving and also no need to worry about the unexpected repair bills. 4. 1. 3 Market Trends Market trends for Audi Q5 is the technology its use for the engine. Audi Q5 has automatic start and stop function for greater fuel. Audi Q5 comes with the Driver’s Information System (DIS) can help consumer to save fuel. Not only that, the market trends for Audi Q5 is because comfort and luxury. 4. 1. 4 Market Growth Production (unit) Production (unit) Year Year Figure: Production of vehicles Audi Q5 Figure above shows the Audi Q5 pass four years production from 2008 to 2011. The models of Q5 have a production of 20,320 in year 2008. Then the production increase from 20,320 to 105,074 in year 2009. The different of both years are 84,754. The productions still continue increase from 2009 to 2010 which mean from 105,074 to 154,604. Lastly for year 2011, the production for the year is 183,678. Compare to the pass four years the production of Audi Q5 is continues increase. 4. 2 Industry Analysis 4. 2. 1 Industry Participants/Key Players The industry participant for Audi Q5 is Stefan Sielaff. He is the head of design in Audi Company. He joins the company in year 2006. The key player for Audi Q5 is towards the consumers with high level of income and age above 40. Not only that, Audi Q5 can also be for family uses because it is 7 seaters car. 4. 2. 2 Main Competitors/Competitive Analysis The main competitors for Audi Q5 are Range Rover Evoque and Porsche Cayenne Range Rover Evoque: * The main strength of Range Rover Evoque is that it is the sport utility vehicle (SUV) with the engine turbocharged inline four-cylinder which can boost up to 240 horsepower, six-speed automatic transmission and impressive acceleration which is 7. 6 per second. Porsche Cayenne * The main strength of Porsche Cayenne is that it is also sport utility vehicle (SUV) with the engine 8-speed Tiptronic S which can boost up to 380 horsepower, Eight-speed Tiptronic S with Auto start and stop function and impressive acceleration which is 7. 5 per second. 5. Strategy and Implementation Summary 5. 1 Marketing Strategy Marketing strategy for the Audi Company is to hit the annual sales target or increase sales and profitable get back. Audi Company will choose the best strategy to gain profit in order to create customers value. Audi Company market segmentation will be psychographic segmentation which means for the model Q5, the segmentation will base on the individual lifestyles . Audi Company market target will be age above 40 and consumers with high level of income. The target market segment will be differentiated marketing strategy. This is because the Audi Company is going to target on few market segments and provide few models such as A4, TT and Q5. By setting the market targeting, company hope can get higher sales. The market position for Audi Q5 is to combine both aspect in terms of luxury and performance in order to make the Audi Q5 to become a perfect sport utility vehicle. With high quality and luxury car and have also good performance with high tech engine, better interior and exterior are more attract the consumers compare to others competitors. 5. 2 Pricing Strategy In terms of pricing strategy, marketers have to look into competitors’ strategies and prices to make comparison. The pricing strategy for Audi Company is by cost-based pricing which is convincing consumers of the vehicles value. The company profit will be the most important issue in pricing strategy. Audi Company is using psychological pricing which means it is consider about the pricing but not the world economics. The higher the price of car is, the higher quality of the car is. 5. 3 Promotion Strategy The promotion strategies for Audi Q5 are advertising and public relation. In terms of advertising, Audi Company has to make decisions when setting the advertising budget which is objective, budget decisions, message and media decisions and advertising evaluation. The marketer had chosen the advertising budget by using competitive-parity method in order to prevent promotion war and know what the competitors plans. Public relation is that Audi Company builds a strong relationship with the customers. The public relation company will organise a special event for example car show to promote the cars. By organising the car show public relation people can introduce the benefit of Audi Q5 and the specifications. . 4 Distribution Patterns The distribution patterns for Audi Company will be wholesaling. Audi Company is the wholesaler and the Audi Company will hire selling agents to help the company to gain the sales. The selling agents will sell the cars direct to last consumers. The wholesaler will set the segmentation and targeting consumers in order to identify th e consumers and build a strong relationship with them. Selling agents have to explain about the cars specification and pricing to the customers in details to make the customers understand about the car concept. 5. Sales Strategy Sales strategy for Audi Company for model of Q5 is Audi Company have a very good aftersales services and warranty. Each of Audi cars has a warranty of at least 3years. Then, consumers no need to worry about the high repairing cost. Let’s say a customer with an Audi car model of Q5 send his or her car to service and he or she is busying with the job he needs a car to go work while the car repairing. In this case, Audi Company will decide to give the particular customer a same model of car to use while the car is doing services. 5. 6 Sales Forecast The annual sales for Audi Q5 in year 2011 are 183,678 units so the marketers aim that the next annual sales in year 2012 for Audi Q5 will be 500,000 units. The reason why the marketers aim for more annual sales is because the Audi Company objective is to get benefits. To gain more annual sales the marketing strategy have to be improve in order to have more supply and demand of Audi Q5. 5. 7 Sales Programs The sales program for Audi Q5 is the marketers will set market segmentation, market targeting, market position and market differentiation to concentrate on a market to increase the annual sales. In terms of pricing, the marketers will consider the target market income level and needs to get an Audi Q5. The marketers also will consider about the consumer judgement on the product. The marketers have to do some promotion in order to introduce the product to the target market. In this case, the product is Audi Q5 so the marketers have to consider the suitable premium product promotion strategy. After all, the marketers have to set a distributer to sell out the product. The distributer is by wholesale which means the Audi Company has to hire a selling agent to distribute the product to the last consumer. 6. 0 Web Plan Summary 6. Website Marketing Strategy Website marketing strategy is something similar to marketing strategy but is only available in online business. First of all, the marketers have to select the target market for Audi Q5. The target market for Audi Q5 is basically on consumers which is with high level of household income and with age 40 above. Audi Q5 is a premium product so for online marketing the consumers have to look into more about details of the company and also the car. Furthermore, the marketers have to look into the competitor’s online advertisement make sure the competitor’s online marketing did not reduces the confident of the consumers. Then, the marketers have to improve the Audi Company advertising skills. In terms of pricing, the marketers have to look into the market target needs. By using psychological pricing which means the consumers thought that the higher price of the car means the higher quality of the car. The consumers buying Audi Q5 is to show status and personal characteristic. The marketers have to create an advertisement either create by own or by hiring the graphic designer. For Audi Company normally the marketers will hire the famous graphic designer to create a fabulous website page. And the graphic designer will helps to create the content of the advertising which is the slogan of the Audi Company by giving consumers message about the car comfort and luxury. In addition, the marketers have to monitor the advertising in terms of maintaining the latest news of the website. 6. 2 Development Requirements The marketers have to make sure the budget of the advertising did not over the cost so that the company did not lose any profit. The costing by hiring a famous graphic designer are very high so the marketers have to make sure that the online marketing are successful and hit the target of sales. List of References Audi. com (n. d. ) Corporate strategy Audi at a glance Investor Relations Audi Worldwide. [online] Available at: http://www. audi. com/com/brand/en/company/investor_relations/audi_at_a_glance/corporate_strategy. html [Accessed: 28 Nov 2012] En. wikipedia. org (1937) Volkswagen Group – Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia. [online] Available at: http://en. wikipedia. org/wiki/Volkswagen_Group [Accessed: 28 Nov 2012]. Fleetdirectory. co. uk (2012) Audi profile and Audi company details. [online] Available at: http://www. fleetdirectory. co. k/audi/ [Accessed: 28 Nov 2012]. Audi. com (n. d. ) Careers Audi Worldwide. [online] Available at: http://www. audi. com/com/brand/en/company/careers. html [Accessed: 28 Nov 2012]. Models. audiusa. com (2012) Detailed Specifications Features and Specifications Audi Q5 Audi of America. [online] Available at: http://models. audiusa. com/q5/detailed-specifications [Accessed: 28 Nov 2012]. En. wikipedia. org (2009) Audi Q5 â €“ Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia. [online] Available at: http://en. wikipedia. org/wiki/Audi_Q5#Transmissions [Accessed: 28 Nov 2012]. Models. audiusa. om (2012)  Engines Features and Specifications Audi Q5 Audi of America. [online] Available at: http://models. audiusa. com/q5/engines [Accessed: 28 Nov 2012]. Landrovermalaysia. com. my (2011) Land Rover – Media. [online] Available at: http://www. landrovermalaysia. com. my/media_rangerover44tdv8. asp [Accessed: 28 Nov 2012]. Topgear. com (2012) Porsche Cayenne GTS unveiled in Malaysia – TopGear Malaysia. [online] Available at: http://www. topgear. com/my/7667-porsche-cayenne-gts-unveiled-in-malaysia/ [Accessed: 28 Nov 2012]. Porsche. com (2012) Technical Specs – Cayenne Diesel – Cayenne Overview – Dr. Ing. h. c. F. Porsche AG. [online] Available at: http://www. porsche. com/pap/models/cayenne/cayenne-diesel/featuresandspecs/ [Accessed: 28 Nov 2012]. Annualreport2011. volkswagenag. com (2011) Volkswagen Group – Annual Report 2011 – Audi. [online] Available at: http://annualreport2011. volkswagenag. com/divisions/audi. html [Accessed: 28 Nov 2012]. Audi. com (n. d. ) Corporate strategy Audi at a glance Investor Relations Audi Worldwide. [online] Available at: http://www. audi. com/com/brand/en/company/investor_relations/audi_at_a_glance/corporate_strategy. html [Accessed: 28 Nov 2012]. Models. audiusa. com (2012) Detailed Specifications Features and Specifications Audi Q5 Audi of America. [online] Available at: http://models. audiusa. com/q5/detailed-specifications [Accessed: 28 Nov 2012]. CNET (2009)  Audi Q5 delivers sports car handling. [online] Available at: http://reviews. cnet. com/8301-13746_7-10309171-48. html [Accessed: 28 Nov 2012]. Topgear. com (2012) Porsche Cayenne GTS unveiled in Malaysia – TopGear Malaysia. [online] Available at: http://www. topgear. com/my/7667-porsche-cayenne-gts-unveiled-in-malaysia/ [Accessed: 28 Nov 2012]. Audi UK (2012) Saving you fuel Q5 Q5 Models Audi UK. [online] Available at: http://www. audi. co. uk/new-cars/q5/q5/saving-you-fuel. html [Accessed: 28 Nov 2012]. Babyrr. com (2012) babyRR. com – The Range Rover Evoque Forum – Negative Consumer Reports Review. [online] Available at: http://babyrr. com/forum/archive/index. php/thread-2845-1. html [Accessed: 28 Nov 2012]. Porsche. com (2012) Drive – Features – Panamera S Hybrid – Dr. Ing. h. c. F. Porsche AG. [online] Available at: http://www. porsche. com/usa/models/panamera/panamera-s-hybrid/detail/drive/ [Accessed: 28 Nov 2012]. speedonline. com (n. d. ) PDK vs. Tiptronic – 6speedonline. com Forums. [online] Available at: http://www. 6speedonline. com/forums/cayenne-958/273697-pdk-vs-tiptronic. html [Accessed: 28 Nov 2012]. About. com Small Business: Canada (2000)  Part Two of the 5 Step Internet Marketing  Plan. 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Benefits and Threats of Globalization to MNCs

Question: Discuss about the Benefits and Threats of Globalization to MNCs Baja Auto Ltd. Answer: Introduction For the purpose of this assignment, Bajaj Auto Ltd has been selected because it is a multinational company from an emerging economy (India). India is one of the largest emerging economies across the globe with an estimated economic growth of 7.9% on an annual basis, making it one of the largest emerging economic powerhouses (Mallet 2016). Bajaj Auto Ltd is among the leading producers and exporters of two wheelers in India. These have been achieved due to the focus that the company has placed on research and development, intensive investment, and the attempt to deliver products that cater for all the segments of the society. Bajaj Auto Ltd is one of the various Indian companies that have been impacted by the emergence of globalization. According to Haller (2016.), globalization is the process of integrating the societies, economy, political, and religious activities across the world. In this regard, Multinational Companies have taken advantage of the opportunities introduced by global ization to expand their production and marketing in order to increase their profit margins. By venturing into new foreign markets, multinational companies have enjoyed expanded markets and other benefits that come a long with globalization. However, this has not been pure bliss because of the numerous disadvantages that are associated with the impacts of globalization. Therefore, it is clear that globalization presents both threats and opportunities for multinational companies. In this regard, this paper is going to examine the threats and opportunities of globalization to decision-makers using Bajaj Auto Ltd as an example. It is going to conclude by discussing some of the important lessons that should be learned by managers from the host and home country interaction. Analysis of the threats and benefits that globalization creates for decision-makers Opportunities of Globalization to MNCs Expanded market share According to Gutierrez, Spencer, and Zhu (2012), one of the major goals of a business organization is to make profits by expanding their sales volumes. However, increasing the sales volume has been a major challenge for many firms. This has been attributed mainly to the saturation of local markets. The issue of the saturation of local markets has been solved by the emergence of globalization, which has enabled MNCs to gain access to global markets through exports or direct investment into foreign countries. As alluded in the introduction, globalization has led to the integration of world economies, and this has made many countries eliminating trade barrier such are trade tariffs and import duties. This has enabled MNCs to enter into foreign markets where they find a readily available market to sell their products and services. Even it originates from India which is an emerging economy, and Bajaj Auto Ltd has enjoyed the benefits of expanded international market both in developed and developing countries across the globe. The two-wheelers produced by this company are used as means of transport to deliver mails, parcels, and food products in developed countries such as the US, UK, and Canada. They are also used for the similar purpose as well as for human transport in developing countries such as Vietnam and all over other countries in the African continent. In addition to this MNCs such as Bajaj are able to supplement their domestic sales with the international sales, further ensuring large profit margins. In this regard, Bajaj Auto Ltd has found a readily available market across the world, thanks to globalization. Reduces marketing costs Globalization has enabled MICs to sell their products at a reduced cost, and thereby, attracting more consumers, and hence, increased sales. According to Patel and Prajapati (2014), business firms that sell global goods and services have the ability to reduce cost through the standardization of given marketing activities. For example, an MNC can produce a commodity for the global market, and then design or package it differently to fit the taste and preferences of the various market segments that it serves. Bajaj Auto Ltd has been able to reduce its cost of production through the production of differentiated designs of two wheelers to fit the requirements of different target markets. There are different types of two wheelers with different designs to cater to consumers of all economic classes, for example, the Baja CT 100 which goes at a price of $470 that targets the lower class from developing countries. There is also the Bajaj RS 200 which goes at $ 1, 860 and that targets consume rs belonging to the high-income economic level (Fifth Gear Ventures Ltd 2017). In line with these aspects, globalization has enabled Bajaj Auto Ltd to reduce its marketing cost by using the same design of two wheelers, however, by introducing slight distinctive features in them according to the preferences and the needs of their different target consumers across the globe. Access lower-cost workers Through globalization, MNCs have been able to gain access to low-cost workers, and this has significantly helped these companies to reduce the cost associated with production. Bajaj Auto Ltd has grabbed this opportunity by establishing wholly owned subsidiary branches in countries that have low-wage. These include developing countries such as Brazil, Indonesia, Vietnam, and other African countries that have cheap labor. This has helped the company to engage in the mass production of two wheelers, whereby a large percentage of these products are consumed locally in the countries in which they are produced, while other are exported into other countries (those with expensive labor) for sales purpose. This strategy has helped Bajaj Auto Ltd to significantly cut its costs of production of two wheelers. Access production inputs and technical expertise Through globalization, MCs have gained access to technical expertise from foreign countries (Atsmon, Kertesz, Vittal 2011). Due to their capacity, multinational companies have been able to attract the most qualified and talented individuals to work for them, and this has played a vital role in their incessant production of goods and the delivery of high-quality services. Bajaj has been able to hire a talented team of engineers to design, develop and manufacture their product, and this has enabled the company to produce high-quality products that meets the needs of the consumers (Daniels, Radebaugh, Sullivan 2011). Customer satisfaction is core to business success. The present day consumers are sensitive to the quality of the products and services that they consume, and hence, they are willing to pay for quality. Globalization also enables MNC s to gain access to vital production inputs in large volumes. Through access to global markets, MNCs have been able to gain access to production inputs that are not available or are costly locally (Cavusgil, Knight, Riesenberger 2012). Bajaj has gained access to raw materials that are vital for the production of the two-wheelers from developed countries like the US and Germany. Due to globalization, the company has partnered with international manufacturers of two wheelers from these two countries, for example, the Horex of Germany, Ducati of Italy and Suzuki of Japan to get important raw materials and engineers to use in their production processes. This has helped in the production of high-quality products across the globe. Threats of globalization to MNCs Due to the ease with which globalization has enabled MNCs to venture into foreign countries, these companies have established their presence in many countries to enjoy the benefits that are associated with it as already discussed in the section above. However, despite the numerous opportunities that are enjoyed by MNCs as a result of globalization, there are several threats that are also associated with globalization to these companies as discussed below. Stiff competition from other multinational companies One of the major threats of globalization to MNCs is the presence of stiff competition and the availability of substitute goods from other multinational companies (Atsmon, Kertesz, Vittal 2011). Bajaj Auto Ltd is facing significant threats of competition and substitute products from other companies. There are several major Multi-national Companies that produce high-quality two wheeler automobiles that have presented stiff competition for this company. At international levels, Bajaj Auto Ltd faces stiff competition from two wheeler manufacturers such as BMW, Ducati, Honda, Suzuki, and Harley Davidson. These companies have ventured into the same foreign markets where Bajaj has also established itself. Their presence is a serious threat to the market share of Bajaj two wheelers because they offer similar products. Companies such as Ducati and BMW offer high-quality two wheeler products that are of high-quality than that offered by Bajaj. This is a major threat to the performance of Baj aj as a company in the global markets because the customers of the current century prefer to buy high-quality products regardless of their prices (Banutu-Gomez 2014). Availability of substitute products that reduces the market share In addition to the stiff competition based on the quality of the two wheelers that are offered by these companies, Bajaj is also under the threat of the readily available substitute goods that are offered by other multinational companies that manufacture two wheeler auto-mobiles. According to Talaja (2012), the presence of readily available substitute products reduces the market share. In the global market, there are several two-wheelers that are offered at very low prices as compared to those that are offered by Bajaj Auto Ltd. This is a major threat to the existence and the survival of Bajaj Auto Ltd in developing countries with the majority of middle or low class because the majority of the consumers in these markets will prefer cheaper two wheelers. For example, companies such as Suzuki and Honda offer their products at lower prices in the global markets. This has contributed to the reduced market share of Bajaj Auto, and this has a negatively affected Bajaj financially. Cultural and leadership conflicts Due to the impacts of globalization, multinational companies are required to hire employees from different countries in order to achieve workplace diversity, which is vital for high-productivity (Niu Wang 2016). This has brought employees from different cultural backgrounds in the same workplace. This has resulted in various workplace conflicts based on employees and their colleagues, as well as between employees and the management, a phenomenon that has had significant negative impacts on organizational performance. People from different cultural background have different preferred methods of work, for example, there are those employees who embrace teamwork while there are employees who prefer to work individually. Including individualistic employees into a team results into conflicts and poor teamwork, hence, reduced productivity (Richardson West 2010). Similarly, employees who embrace teamwork cannot be productive on their own. The Cultural difference also determines the preferr ed style of leadership within the organization. For example, some employees prefer transformational forms of leadership while some prefer employees prefer democratic or autocratic leadership. The performance of Bajaj Auto Ltd is affected by the difference in culture and preferred leadership styles in the various foreign countries that the company operates in. The major lessons that can be learned by managers of international businesses in the interaction between the host and home country differences to ensure success Taking into consideration cultural difference between home and host country According to Banutu-Gomez (2014), understanding the cultural differences between the home and the host country is a key lesson that international business managers should learn to achieve success. There are several cultural factors that an international manager should understand, for example, the preferred style of leadership in the host country. Leadership inspires employees to achieve what they would never have achieved under normal circumstances. Therefore, it is mandatory that appropriate style of leadership should be implemented in the host country. This will enable the international manager to implement appropriate leadership styles that will ensure employee engagement and high performance (Truss, Shantz, Soane, Alfes, Delbridge 2013). The relevant style of leadership in the host country will also function to appeal to the target consumers; hence, it will attract potential buyers leading to an increased sales volume. In this regard, Bajaj has been keen on learning the various cultural information regarding countries that it ventures into. This has helped Bajaj to identify the different leadership styles of various countries and implementing them accordingly in their subsidiaries to ensure business success. Customers tastes and preferences Consumers are the most important stakeholders in among MNCs. This is because they are the target of the products; hence, the good or service being offered should meet their expectations of consumers in the host country (Van Den Born Peltokorpi 2010). In this regard, international managers of MNCs should identify ways in which to develop their products to fit the taste and preferences of their target consumers. In line with these aspects, Bajaj Auto Ltd has differentiated its products to fit various market segments, for example, they manufacture two-wheelers for different purposes. They have two wheelers that are used for sports and transport purposes. They also manufacture two-wheelers for high and low-income level of consumers. In this way, the company is able to meet the expectation of different class of consumers, hence, successful business. Training and monitoring of employees Drawing from the interplay between the host and home country, international managers should learn the importance of training and monitoring the employees in the host country according to the work ethics and standards of the involved MNC (Peng 2011). Training helps to equip employees with the relevant skills and knowledge that helps them to perform in the workplace, hence, exceptional performance in the market. The training and monitoring of employees in the host countries where Bajaj has ventured have been instrumental in the companys high performance across the globe. This has been successful in its venture in other emerging economies in countries in Asia and Africa, where the technical know-how may be wanting. As a result, this has helped the subsidiary branches to produce high-quality two wheelers that meet the expectation of consumers in the host country. Observation of the rules and regulations of the host country The successful business depends on the observation of the rules and regulations that govern business activities within the host country (Polesello, Amal, Hoeltgebaum 2013). On this basis, international managers should be keen to observe business registration requirements, licensing requirements, and tax requirements to ensure smooth operations within the host country. Bajaj complies with all the legal requirements of operating a business in the host countries that it has ventured in, and this has been a major factor in the success of Bajaj. Conclusion In summary, globalization has led to the proliferation of multinational companies across the globe. Many multinational companies have benefited from the opportunities that come a long with globalization. Companies from emerging economies such Bajaj Auto Ltd have enjoyed expanded markets that have enabled it to increase its sales volume. Globalization has enabled MNCs such as Bajaj to gain access to expertise and technical knowledge that enables it to produce high-quality goods. Globalization also helps MNCs to gain access to inputs and resources of production that are not available in the home country. Despite, there are significant challenges such as stiff competition from other firms that reduces their market share. Globalization has also made available substitutes goods that affect the performance of multinational companies in foreign markets. The interplay between home and host companies bring about significant lessons for international managers to ensure successful businesses. T he interplay helps managers to learn the cultural differences between home and host countries, and this enables the managers to remain sensitive to the cultural values of the host countries. The interplay also enables managers to meet the taste and preferences of consumers in host countries. Finally, the also help managers to observe the legal requirements between the host and home countries, which facilitates smooth and successful business operations. Bibliography Atsmon, Y., Kertesz, A. Vittal, I., 2011, Is your emerging-market strategy local enough? McKinsey Company. Banutu-Gomez, M. B. 2014, The role of culture, language, and ethics in global business, European Scientific Journal, special edition, pp. 231-242. Cavusgil, S. T., Knight, G. Riesenberger, J. R. 2012, International business, The New Realities, Pearson Education Inc, Upper Saddle River, NJ. Daniels, J. D., Radebaugh, L. H., Sullivan, D. P. 2011, International Business Environments and Operations (13th Ed.). Prentice Hall, Upper Saddle River, NJ. Fifth Gear Ventures Ltd., 2017. Bajaj Bikes. Cars and bikes, [Online] 2017. Available at: https://www.carandbike.com/bajaj-bikes Gutierrez, B., Spencer. S. M. and Zhu, G. 2012, Thinking globally, leading locally: Chinese, Indian, and Western leadership, Cross Cultural Management, vol. 19, no. 1, pp. 67-86. Haller, A. P. 2016, Globalisation, multinational companies and emerging markets, Ecoforum, vol. 5, no. 1, pp. 9-14. Mallet, V., 2016, Faster growing India confirmed as most dynamic emerging market. Financial Times Online, [Online] 31 May. Available at: https://www.ft.com/content/06b63142- 2748-11e6-8ba3-cdd781d02d89 [Accessed 22 March 2017]. Niu, Y. Wang, C. L. 2016. Revised Unique Selling Proposition: Scale Development, Validation, and Application, Journal of promotion management, vol. 22, vol. 6, pp. 874- 896. Patel M. K., Prajapati, K. D. 2014, PEST analysis of two wheeler automobile company, Asian journal of research in business and economics vol. 4, no. 4, pp. 109-118. Peng, M. W. 2011, Global Business. (2nd Ed.). South-Western College Pub, Ohio, IL. Polesello, D., Amal, M. Hoeltgebaum, M. 2013. Determinants of International Entry Mode Choice: A Case Study of a Brazilian Multinational, BASE Revista de Administraoe Contabilidade da Unisinos, vol. 10, no. 2, pp. 181-194. Richardson, J. West, M.A. 2010, Engaged work teams in Albrecht, S.L. (Ed.), in Handbook of Employee Engagement: Perspectives, Issues, Research and Practice, Edward Elgar Publishers, Cheltenham, pp. 323-340. Talaja, A., 2012, Testing VRIN framework: resource value and rareness as sources of competitive advantage and above average performance, Management, vol. 17, no. 2, pp. 51-64. Truss, C., Shantz A., Soane, E., Alfes, K. Delbridge, R. 2013, Employee engagement, organisational performance and individual well-being: exploring the evidence, developing the theory. The International Journal of Human Resource Management, vol. 24, no. 14, pp. 2657-2669. Van Den Born, F., Peltokorpi, V. 2010, Language Policies and Communication in multinational companies, Journal of Business Communication, vol. 47, no. 2, pp. 97-118.

Negative Effects of Adoption of International Financial Reporting Standards Essay Example

Negative Effects of Adoption of International Financial Reporting Standards Essay The international accounting standards board (IASB) has replaced the international accounting standards committee (IASC) in 2001 and at the same time many standards of IFRS come from the International Accounting Standards which issued by IASC. After the new standards announce, the uptrend of globalisation has pushed more and more countries on their ways of adopting the international accounting standards. The drive for IASB is a British initiative and London is the headquarters for the IASB. Natural expectation would be that at least the British business will support a British initiative. The adoption of international accounting standards required GAAP used by the UK to ensure the consistency with the IASB’s IFRS. However, a concern is that there are substantial differences among different countries in implementation of IFRS and the notion that uniform standards will produce uniform financial reporting will cause some problems in the practical operation of accounting. As stated in the case the IASB is facing serious challenges from its home front. This essay focuses on the discussion of impacts of the adoption of IFRS, such as effects of fair value accounting, which will be analyzed and clarified. eywords: International Accounting Standard Board (IASB); International Financial Reporting Standard (IFRS); Fair Value Accounting; Scientific Approach; Naturalistic Approach; Normative Theory; Positive theory. Introduction In recently years, as the rapid increase of global economic, the competition between the international businesses is getting more and more furious. A large number of countries try to find a way to be more competitive, so the multinational trading businesses are largely developed. We will write a custom essay sample on Negative Effects of Adoption of International Financial Reporting Standards specifically for you for only $16.38 $13.9/page Order now We will write a custom essay sample on Negative Effects of Adoption of International Financial Reporting Standards specifically for you FOR ONLY $16.38 $13.9/page Hire Writer We will write a custom essay sample on Negative Effects of Adoption of International Financial Reporting Standards specifically for you FOR ONLY $16.38 $13.9/page Hire Writer Even though the businesses can get much commercial opportunities from the international trading, the difference of the accounting standards between the multinational businesses is a big problem, such as, the issue of selection of the accounting standards of AstraZeneca, which possess businesses all over the world. What accounting standards should the corporations beyond the UK adopt? Do they use the standards of other countries where business operation is located or employee the British standards. It is difficult to make this decision. If using British standards, the performance of business presented by the financial statement is not easy to estimate, because different standards cause difficulties to be understood by international markets. Such a situation could probably result in money-costing and time consuming. Therefore, some countries have adopted actively the international financial standards to solve this problem. Over 100 countries worldwide use international accounting standards on either a compulsory or on a permitted basis and more countries are expected to follow in the near future (Gannon and Ashwal, 2004). IFRS have been accepted or recommended on a variety of industries of many countries. To comply with EU legislation, all the EU companies have been required to present financial accounts for accounting period from 1 January 2005 in accordance with IFRS. This essay will measure the impact of the adoption of IFRS in the UK. Specifically, it examines why the UK implement IFRSs and then the British businesses are upset with the IFRSs and object about the fair value concept. Why serious misgivings of many Australian businesses about the IFRSs will be analysed as well. The reasons that the UK have adopted IFRSs What are IFRSs? International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRSs) are standards and interpretations adopted by the International Accounting Standards Board (IASB). Many of the standards forming part of IFRS are known by the older name of International Accounting Standards (IAS). IAS was issued between 1973 and 2001 by the board of the International Accounting Standards Committee (IASC). In April 2001 the IASB adopted all IAS and continued their development, calling the new standards IFRS (Wikipedia 2008). Why would the UK adopted IFRSs? The reasons of such standards application are multifold. The first reason why the UK would adopted IFRSs is that the headquarters of IASB which issued the IFRSs is located in London UK and IASB is a British institution. Natural expectation would be that at least the British business will support a British initiative. In order to supporting the British institution, the UK companies firstly adopted IFRSs. The adoption of international accounting standards required GAAP used by the UK to ensure the consistency with the IASB’s IFRS. The second reason is that adoption of IFRSs could potentially lead to a more transparent and lower-cost global capital market. The UK might think that from aspect of accountant practice implementing IFRS could bring the benefit of reducing capital costs. As known the UK is a key capital of finances all over the world and with rapid development of global finance markets and requirement of international accordant accounting standards force accounting to be internationalization. Another reason is that in an era of globalization, the adoption of such IFRSs is increasingly desirable as it can provide greater comparability, consistency and transparency of financial information across countries and offer other benefits for investors, companies and capital markets. Also, Complying with such accounting standards will result in the production of financial reports that could be understood by the information users in the international markets. As Fajardo stated (2007 p57), because of better financial information, the uniform financial reports could contribute to making better decision. What is more, with adoption of IFRSs the UK unlisted companies would be easier to become listed companies in New York Stock Markets, USA. IFRSs are more suitable for Listed Company and the UK companies usually go to New York market to be listed. The USA’s financial accounting standard board (FASB), however are much stricter that under the UK’s Generally Accepted Accounting Practice (GAAP) outstanding achievement of the profit would change to the loss in the USA’s stricter standards. Implementation of IFRSs may enhance the management level of the multinational corporation in the UK as well. Accounting standards of different subsidiary company from different countries are difference which blocks interior Consolidation of Financial Statements of the multinational corporation. Why does the UK businesses upset about IASB? The reason from ethical perspective A lack of preparation results in that they do not know how IFRS would affect a company’s financial information. Most enterprises in the UK underestimate the workload required of adopting IFRSs and they have not prepared well before they implement. The complex operation of IFRS and lack of training on IFRS adoption cause their work to be chaos and confusion. Because of lack of changes to their forecast models and valuation methods they cannot accomplish financial performance required by IFRS punctually. A lack of communication on implications of IFRS let adoption of IFRS be more difficulty as well. Furthermore, some more professional problems need to have high technical knowledge; otherwise it is hard to be addressed. What is more, IASB reject the criticism of issues of adoption of IFRSs occurred, such as the use of fair value accounting, they just admitted that standard-setters have no success in companies objected IFRSs. The reason from technical perspective The UK business community has serious objections to adoption of IFRS in the case where there are some issues pointed out as follows. Issue 1: Implementation of IFRS 3 is used to ensure that company accounts were generally more transparent and specifically provided more useful information. Since the end of 2005 in the UK in force adoption of IFRS 3, however was failed. A combination of failing to apply IFRS 3 properly without explanations of its limitations really means that many annual reports and accounts fail to give more transparency on business combinations; in fact, many of the reports are limited, distorted and confused. Issue 2: The use of fair value accounting requires revaluating asset and liability which is used to measure performance of income under IFRSs. Financial statements may exhibit higher volatility under IFRS than under other accounting policies. The increased use of fair-value accounting of IAS 39 might create â€Å"artificial volatility. † Revaluation of asset and liability is intrinsically more volatile than previously permitted historical cost measures. Many companies were concerned about this mismatch as it creates accounting earnings volatility that the underlying performance of business is underestimated. Issue 3: The complex new standards require greater disclosure of a range of items, such as derivatives and employee stock option, pension fund deficits and off-balance-sheet finance. IFRSs required more information of numbers to be disclosed. Those required information mainly come from aspects of financial instruments and taxation. For example, IAS 1, presentation of financial statements (Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu 2008), emphasizes the disclosures of staff costs, as well as IAS 24, related party disclosures (Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu 2008), requires share-based payments of employee benefits for key management personnel to be disclosed. Director’s salary is specified disclosures by the Companies Act. The listed rules require listed companies to make other disclosures, such as the remuneration of directors and the highest paid employees. However, so much disclosure cannot contribute managers more useful information to make better decision. So such complex standards cause problem of understanding of the reported numbers and communication to be undermined. Requirements of a mast of disclosure cause understanding problems result in time-consuming and money-wasting as well. Issue 4: IFRSs have caused a debate in the issues of employee stock option schemes. Some heads of business think the rules would strongly affect them to attract excellent employees with ability. Under FIRS, companies are forced to deduct the cost of ordering options form earnings for the first time. This would result in sudden reductions in reported profit. As a result, employee stock options decrease to out of expected remuneration and the parts of incentive awards made up by options has fallen. Objectors of option expense have suggested that affect to profits could make attract good staff to be impossible. Issue 5: Deficits and surpluses on company pension schemes will come on balance sheet through the full implementation of the UK standard IFRS 17 ‘Retirement Benefits’. Method of valuation of pension fund also might affect to measure performance of income statement. Because of the measurement of defined benefit pension schemes at current value, the income statement may result in higher volatility under IFRS than under other accounting policies. British businesses object about fair value The 1947 Companies Act first introduced the concept of ‘true and fair view’ into British law, which was later adopted by the European Union in 1978 in its Fourth Directive as the ultimate criterion for financial reporting. This term appears to indicate an overriding concern for substance over form in the implementation of professional judgment; financial statements are evaluated not so much for their compliance with particular rules as their ability to create an overall picture of a companys financial affairs (Accounting Onion). A financial reporting standard Under GAAP in the UK is ‘true and fair’ core of standard. Undoubtedly, the use of ‘true and fair’ was significant to the British businesses. However, under IFRS the meaning of fair value is not same as the ‘fair and value’. IAS39 Financial Instruments: Recognition and Measurement defines fair value as ‘the amount for which an asset could be exchanged, or a liability settled, between knowledgeable, willing parties in an arm’s length transaction’ (Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu 2008). Under IASB, fair value usually refers to buying or selling prices. ‘If it is not an active market for a financial instrument, by using a valuation technique a fair value is established by an entity†¦discounted cash flow analysis and option pricing models’, says IAS39. ‘A gain or loss shall be recognized in profit or loss. ’ That is to say, financial assets and financial liabilities would occur in income statement. So what affects would it result in? If all of share capitals are invested by company with fair value, the company has no assets and liabilities. Suppose that unexpected economic recession arises, this will cause the market to be revised downwards. As a results, the market value of the company’s financial instruments rises. When the British businesses proposed to oppose fair value accounting, Tom Jones, vice-chairman of the IASB said ‘It’s not our objective to get away from economic reality. There is nothing more real than the value of an asset today,’ and ‘the standard-setter would not back down on fair value accounting’ (AccountancyAge 2008). The fair value of an asset or a liability is that asset or liability could be bought or sold, incurred or settled in a current transaction between willing parties as quoted by Sorkin (2008), the concept of fair value accounting is correct and useful, but the application is problematic during periods of crisis. It is another one of those unintended consequences of making a rule thats supposed to be good that turns out the other way. If available, a quoted market price in an active market is the best evidence of fair value and should be used as the basis for the measurement. However, in many circumstances, quoted market prices are unavailable. As a result, difficulties occur when making estimates of fair value. Due to characteristic of valuate of fair value accounting and the volatility created by fair value in reported profits as stated above, it is reasonably objected by the UK businesses. Support the British business opposition to IFRSs Now I could cite an empirical evidence to support the UK businesses’ to oppose to IFRSs. According to KPMG (2008), assessment of the effects of adoption of IFRSs was done about the insurance industry by KMPG in 2006 in the UK. They selected random 47 insurers to conduct the survey which represented that those surveyed insurers have done to covert work to IFRSs but little benefit is gained from effort. It is worth to be considered about the issues which are point out by respondents, including ? because of technical complexities, adopting IFRSs have risen the risk of financial reporting and as implementing, it take up too much management time. ? Too much additional information is required to be disclosed and it is waste time and waste money. ? It is not useful to view financial statements as a means of performance of communication and explanation. Only a fifth of respondents thought that the financial reports gave them better information of their business to make decision. ? implementation of IFRSs cannot bring widely accepted benefits and a majority of respondents believed that it was less comparability and transparency. By the mass of dissatisfactory results to IFRSs of this survey, thereby, it is reasonab le to support the British business to opposite IFRSs Australia misgiving about their prospect of the IFRSs Australia enthusiastically supported IFRSs in 2005, too. Although, without doubt, the adoption of IFRSs will definitely bring benefits to Australia, the adoption faces doubts and concerns as well. In Australia criticism of IFRSs mainly came from financial services companies, especially bank industry. According to some observers, adoption of IFRSs could not ensure the stability of financial performance. IAS 39 was opposed by many banks. Reasonably, it was threatening to bank practices and business models that were common in Australia, such as long-term fixed-rate retail loans, specific savings accounts with attached options. As Veron (2007 p45)stated, according to this point of view, the volatility of earnings was created by ‘fair value’ accounting, especially when applied to financial instruments, and it was impossible to include cautionary provisions of a bank’s balance sheet if they had no relationship to a exactly identified risk and in the financial system had the potential of increasing systemic risk. If a clearer distinction, however, was drawn than had been the case in the past between the information demands of investors and those of prudential supervisors, it had much less acute to this risk (Borio Walton, 2006). Furthermore, there was a recent example which is about better information and more and more cross-border comparability on the use of financial derivatives. It therefore was impossible to be sustained in the use of IFRS in the financial statements of banks which would result in insuperable incompatibilities with the objectives of financial supervision. As evidence about the issues of adopting in bank above, Australia is reasonable to misgive about their prospect of the IFRSs. Excluding the example above there are other serious misgivings about IFRSs which are enough to let Australian businesses worry about their prospect. Scientific arguments and naturalistic arguments Now it is time to analyse that the complaints in the case against adopting the IFRSs are scientific or naturalistic in approach. As we known, scientific approach uses highly structured approach to form a theory, and this is the approach that is used by most researchers. It is based on facts and evidences. In this case there are several scientific arguments, such as the effects of fair value about volatility on reported profits, the effects of employee stock options and pension fund deficits. Naturalistic approach focuses on gaining knowledge of accounting in its natural setting and aims at solving individual problems which may be firm specific. It is based on emotions or sentiments. Naturalistic arguments in this case are that why the new standards are more complex and require disclose much other information, and why they are making accounts more opaque and less useful. Normative theory or positive theory So let’s think about what roles positive theory and normative theory play respectively in resolving those issues described in the case. Normative accounting theory From the point of view of Godfrey et al. 2006, p6-8), normative theories adopt an objective (ideal) stance and then specify the means of achieving the stated objective. They provide prescriptions for what should occur to achieve their stated objective. The fact that the normative theories were based on value judgements increased dissatisfaction with the normative approach as it became clear that it was difficult, and probably impossible, to obtain general acceptance of any particular normative accounting theory. The normative approach concentrates on policy recommendations and what should be done to achieve a better outcome. IFRSs ’ fair value accounting is a normative outcome. It prescribes what should be done about fair value by accounting of businesses. The standards-setters use logical deduction to set the contents of fair value accounting and response the debate about fair value. It plays a role of prescriptive and designator about fair value accounting. Positive accounting theory As Watts and Zimmerman (1986, p. 7) stated that positive accounting theory is concerned with explaining accounting practice. It is designed to explain and predict which firms will and which firms will not use a particular accounting method†¦but it says nothing as to which method a firm should use. Some positive researches provide good evidence of the impacts of the IFRSs. For example, during practising fair value accounting, the positive theory is used to describe that the businesses use their former experience about how to record value of assets and liabilities to identify what they are doing. According to the positive accounting approach, they are conscious that fair value does not address their assets and liabilities as better as before. The solutions of practising fair value are related to the actual requirements of the business. Positive accounting theory is an approach to solving the problem of fair value accounting, not just to prescribing what should be done. The positive research provides good evidence to descript or predict which way is better to address their assets and liabilities in account. The positive approach also is mainly concerned with explaining the reasons for current practice about fair value accounting. The positive accounting theory plays a role of explanation and forecast of what is currently accepted practice of fair value accounting in this case and the process of accounting researches being out of value judge. Conclusion Introduction of the IFRSs is to the goal of a single set of global accounting standards to make accounts more comparable and transparent. The UK and Australia enthusiastically adopt. With the implication of the IFRSs, even though benefits exist, the negative effects from the adoption must be recognised, such as fair value of IAS 39 cause volatility of profits, high disclosure requirement, and more complex operation, failure of the adoption of IFRS 3 making accounts more opaque and less useful.

Leadership and Change Management Research

Leadership and Change Management Research Free Online Research Papers Introduction The ability to change and flexibility are important for the success of any organization. By using change models, businesses can assess the necessity for changes within their organization. Some of the changes that a business makes depend on the strategic plan, personalities of the employees, and the leadership styles that the employee’s personalities require. Our team has been asked to examine the differences in change models, leadership styles, challenges with change, and success factors of multiple organizations. By doing so our team can gain a better understanding of what models are appropriate to the organizations and how critical those models are to the organizations’ success. General Electric and Chrysler – Tawana Keels General Electric At the time, Jack Welch became CEO of General Electric the companies market value was $13 billion dollars, in 2000 when Jack Welch stepped down as CEO, market value was over $500 billion dollars, GE had became the most valuable company in the entire world (General Electric, 2010). When Jack became CEO, he attracted plenty of attention, although he was known for being a transformational leader, he was also known for being direct and abrasive, this much different from his predecessor (Business Week, 2004). Although he did not have a master plan for restructuring GE, he had a vision of what he wanted the company to be. Like CrysTel CEO, Jack Welch knew his company had to be flexible and adapt to constant change. Additionally, he knew the company would need a complete restructuring and a dismantling of the bureaucracy that existed within GE. But the concept of change would not be completely accepting by the staff at GE. Similar to CrysTel, Jack Welch encountered a great deal of resistance to change. According to our class material, resistance to change is an emotional response to actual or imagined threats to an established work routine (Kreitner Kinicki, 2004). Unfortunately, not all people have positive responses to change. Resistance to change is by fear, lack of trust, and unwillingness to discover new ideas. Implementing his vision would not be easy; his response to this issue would be swift and aggressive. He would initially sell off many unprofitable business lines and began trimming GE from â€Å"top down.† Second he would introduce the Work Out concept, a results-focused approach to solving problems (Business Week, 2004). Last, he would implement a quality program, which would process efficient first-class products. Although his response was swift and aggressive, they would put GE in an excellent position. However, during his first tenure, Jack would conduct mass lay-offs, more than 100,000 workers (25%) of the workforce would lose their jobs (Business Week, 2004). The outcome would garner many critics. Although his management strategy tends to more controversial, his contribution to General Electric will never be disputed. Chrysler America has been in worst economic situation since the Great Depression of the 1930s. Most businesses in America have seen a steep decline in consumer spending, which has had a considerable affect on the bottom line. The decline in consumer spending coupled with an increase in competition, consumers demand for innovative and economical solution to everyday life – businesses have been forced to change how they conduct business. This is the common issue for both CrysTel Communications and Chrysler Corporation are facing. CrysTel and Chrysler companies are finding that external forces are requiring them to be flexible and adapt to frequent change. Both must reexamine their organizational structure and implement new programs that will make them competitive to increase revenue and sales. Both have to be flexible and adapt to continuous change. Similar to CrysTel, the last two years the Chrysler Corporation has seen a consistent decrease in sales. To respond, the automaker under went a total restructuring, from hiring a new CEO, developing more fuel-efficient vehicles, to selling off its unprofitable assets, and terminating dealership agreements with 25% of its dealerships. However, this would prove not to be enough, to increase sales. In 2007 total American sales were down 3.1%, but the situation would prove to grow worse, the following year sales were down 30% (New York Times, 2009) Chrysler executives realized that the company would need financial help stay in business. To aid Chrysler in continuing their operations, the federal government loaned the company almost seven billion dollars (Voice of America, 2009) During the spring of last year, the Chrysler Corporation filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection coincidently, the CEO announced he would leave as once the bankruptcy was over (Voice of America, 2009) Additionally, Chrysler would receive more funding from the US Government, more than one billion to be exact. For Chrysler, the following year would be even worse, in 2009 sales dip below one million – the worst sales figures in almost 50 years. During this transition, Chrysler hired a new CEO Sergio Marchionne – for 2010 he says his goal is to sale 1.1 million cars (USA Today, 2010). Palos and South Deering Supply Corporation – Debra Newcombe Palos Palos is a medium-sized, well-established manufacturing company that has six plants nationwide and approximately 4700 employees. Palos (fictitiously named because of the three-year involvement with the program) has agreed to involve its management and employees in a Management by Objectives (MBO) program to determine if the company has sufficient job satisfaction levels. The MBO survey done on Palos is the same MBO implemented with Purex Corporation with favorable results including better communication and understanding of the company’s goals (Donnelly, Ivancevich, Lyon, 1970). The personnel manager handled every aspect of the MBO at Palos, but before initiating the program a questionnaire referred to as the Porter job satisfaction instrument was distributed to the managers. After finishing the questionnaire, the initial findings for the long-term goals were formally documented and given to all levels of management. Long-term goals are important in determining â€Å"what the company would like to become† (Kinicki Kreitner, 2003, p. 92). After the company’s long-term goals were set, each department determined the short-term goals and submitted those plans to the personnel department. Short-term goals are important in an organization because they lay the foundation for the long-term goals. Then the managers set one-year goals and distributed copies to supervisors and subordinates for their review. Goal-setting has always been important in organizations to determine if employees are motivated and have a sense of job satisfaction. However, unlike CrysTel, whose surveys were geared toward all personnel, Palos presented surveys to management only. This type of leadership style is defined as directive leadership, in which employees are not involved with decisions and company goals. CrysTel’s management is defined as a servant-leader type relationship with subordinates because of the company’s involvement with the company’s long-term, short-term goals, and job satisfaction surveys. The differences in leadership styles between CrysTel and Palo’s is that CrysTel empowers all employees to make decisions about goals and needs, Palos does not. At the time of the survey, the challenges with Palos are the negative feedback for the implementation of additional paperwork the new goals set forth. The future challenges for Palos management is to teach them to become leaders versus managers, empower employees, and develop teams to reach short and long-term goals. South Deering Supply Corporation Like Palos, South Deering (whose real company name was also withheld) is a medium-sized, well-established organization with about 4,000 employees. Unlike Palos, South Deering has only one plant in a small Midwestern town. South Deering agreed to perform the MBO on its employees and also chose to use management as a catalyst for this study. South Deering chose top managers to teach the philosophies of the study to the other employees (Donnelly, Ivancevich, Lyon, 1970). South Deering’s approach to the MBO mirrored that of Palos with the long and short-range goals implemented by the managers. The exceptions to the similarity were that the goals at South Deering were submitted to a committee for review and the evaluation of goal attainment was done every three months instead of annually. As with Palos, the management at South Deering were directive as well, but the outcome of the results were different with South Deering as it boasted more positive results in employee needs satisfaction. The study infers the difference between the outcomes at Palos and South Deering is the involvement at South Deering with the top managers in goal-setting rather than the personnel manager used at Palos. Personnel managers are far less apt to express the results of goals in a quantifiable measurement than top managers. Another positive outcome in the study referred to the shorter frequency of review on the goals as a contributing factor to the MBO’s success. Palos and South Deering Supply Corporation Synopsis’s Like CrysTel, Palos and South Deering’s employees had low levels of job satisfaction, which prompted the need for the MBO’s implementation. CrysTel’s employees were more involved in the survey process than Palos and South Deering, which enabled CrysTel to empower its employees and teams to set specific goals and create motivation. Palos and South Deering could learn by benchmarking CrysTel’s methods to increase employee satisfaction and motivate employees through goal-setting and education. The feedback process showed significant improvements for both Palos and South Deering after the MBO was implemented. Although issues still existed, both companies had a solid base for which to put motivational theories to work. Using the Expectancy Theory of Motivation, both Palos and South Deering management would benefit from involving themselves in communicating standards to the employees, provide valid performance ratings, and set rewards accordingly. By implementing these steps, management could promote a positive work environment and insure future motivational goal setting participation. The leadership styles for Palos and South Deering should better suit the new MBO objectives. Because of Palos and South Deering’s former objectives, the directive style worked well for the employees; however, the new objectives promote the need for a more charismatic leadership style, which managers can use to motivate employees to be more involved in goal-oriented activities. In addition to the charismatic leadership style, Palos and South Deering could also benefit from the transactional leadership style for their management to promote a better relationship between the employees and management, something that either company has been able to achieve in the past. CrysTel was able to implement leadership changes within their organization from high structure – low consideration leadership to total employee empowerment within the teams. Ford Motor Company and General Motors – Donna Ray CrysTel has strong top executives, but its departmental leadership skills especially in the Marketing and Sales departments need to improve. With transformational leadership providing timely feedback and motivation in these departments, CrysTel will be able to adjust better its changing market conditions and provide smoother transitions during these times of change. Ford Motor Company In 2000 Ford Motor Company wanted to develop and improve their leadership skills and become more consumers friendly. Fords 2000 Corporate Citizen Report Chairman, William Clay Floyd, said the difference between a good and an excellent company is: A good company provides quality goods and services; an excellent one provides excellent goods and services and attempts to make the world a better place (Friedman, 2001). Ford began to look for ways to transform into a consumer focused company as a means of guaranteeing long-term financial success, and Ford understood this transformation would require leadership. Ford decided to develop the Leadership Development Center that offered a sequence of leadership programs that focus more on Fords core principles. Ford’s leadership programs created training for the development of transformational leaders through action learning, like Quantum Idea Projects (QIP) that promote critical and creative thinking, e-tools like the Internet and e-mail, incorporate work and life, and create business contact financially and organizationally (Friedman). This approach is what Ford identifies as total leadership. Over the course of these trainings through the Learning Development Center, members who worked with Quantum Idea Projects have developed effectively 600 projects with major business contacts, and a Ford’s current Supplier and Business Leadership project has seen $300 in profit for each vehicle (Friedman, 2001). The main focus of Ford’s Leadership Development Center is to build leaders with a consumer mindset, to incorporate full leadership, and to strengthen business alliances and be open to new ideas. Key Findings CrysTel could gain ideas from Ford by considering a leadership development program. CrysTel has come across constant changes in the unstable telecommunications market, and it will need quality leadership in its Marketing and Sales departments to supervise and grow with these changes. Leaders change his or her company through their vision, communication, and ability to build commitment (McShane Von Glinow, 2004). Alternative Solutions Although CrysTel presently has good upper management leaders; a leadership development program could be develop to help improve leadership styles and skills in its Marketing and Sales departments and direct the development of training programs centered on CrysTels core principles and a changing culture. General Motors The Service Parts Operations (SPO) of General Motors is in charge of ensuring GM dealers, distributors, and vendors have the correct part at the right time at the correct price (Davis, Lucas, Marcotte, 1998). Although SPO employees gave an account of strong financial performances and output, the divisions general manager, Bill Lovejoy, learned that the SPO division was not meeting its customers needs. Lovejoy believed that the next level of productivity could be accomplish with the evaluation of leadership style and managerial skills, and so Lovejoy hired Design Dimensions International (DDI) to evaluate desired management competencies, perform the training, and offer individual coaching (Davis, Lucas, Marcotte, 1998). The evaluation was executed over a two-day period on a direct group of managers, clerks, and supervisors. After evaluations were performed each employee developed a training plan with his or her DDI coach who focused on management simulations and skills like developing accountability, communication, and customer relations. Training assessments and follow-ups are an ongoing process. The data result from the pilot group was compare to those of a controlled group and the results were remarkable. First, the pilot group saw major improvements with role clearness and personal influence, available resources, and the use of personal skills and acknowledgment. The performance ratings for the pilot employees outweighed those of the control group in areas: schedule achievement, excellence, production, health and safety, and absenteeism. The productivity improvement resulted in nearly $4.4 million savings to the operating budget (Davis, Lucas, Marcotte, 1998). Key Findings CrysTel could benefit from the works of an outside group who could assess their current leadership proficiencies. Proficiencies cover a broad range of personal characteristics like knowledge, skills, abilities, and values (McShane Von Glinow, 2004). Improved leadership will help CrysTel build a culture that can sustain continual change. Alternative Solutions If the budget allows, CrysTel could employ one or two consultants to evaluate leadership proficiencies and develop personalized training programs that center on communication, and adjust to change. Department of Health and JC Penney – Tamira Summers Department of Health Technology, size and strategy increased in ways that decreased positive attitudes and caused resistance for the WIC program within the organization. Although new technology is important, the state continues to work in a DOS system. The strategy is serves clients more efficiently and quickly to reach more of the public that needs the service. Later as statistic reviews are discussed and shared with corporate and county departments, will help solidify the cost, use, and contract of the software. Looking at new technology advances will takes retraining for new comers not familiar with DOS programs or have not used DOS in years. As the state contracts with different vendors for functional software that assists various programs with doing daily job duties, the use of it is exciting. Workers can work faster and provide services more proficiently. On the other hand, as the new programs are used more often, the possibility of an overload can occur which may cause it to shut down more frequently. This would account for the popularity of the program, meaning it started small and became bigger and bigger. What happens is that it allows us to service the public more and the more we service our system appears not to handle the traffic well. This means that more ram, memory and all that good technology talk needs revamping. The WIC provides women, infant and children with dietary counseling to ensure they are eating healthier during pregnancy, postpartum, and the children up to age five. As clients receive counseling, many are excited about the new foods they will receive for the children but also their self. The checks have increased with numerous amounts of food and variety of foods listed, but at the same time, foods they were able to purchase either have been changed or eliminated from the program. One of the most challenging educational explanations for milk is the decrease in percentage. Many believe they should be able to have what they had before and continue to challenge Nutritional Educators saying, â€Å"My child will not drink anything other than whole milk or two percent.† Other challenges also include wanting milk that the hospital gives and the program uses another company name whose formula is compatible. It requires a medical referral to receive other brands because there is a particular reason for needing that brand. Others include simple complaints such as â€Å"the bread is hard to find† or â€Å"I waited for this formula to come in and it never did; now my check has expired.† Simple solution, go to another store and find it. Most clients are excited and share the newly imposed foods and benefits to their friends or family. JC Penney As a major chain in retail, JC Penney desire is to make shopping a pleasure and price merchandise within the general consumer budget. As a previous employee, the company sold cosmetics. These brands were sister brands some big box retailers and sought to service ethnic groups of all sorts. In addition, some lines were very European and rare to see at that time in JC Penney. As the economy changed, the cosmetic and fragrance lines were discontinued. In an effort to introduce other strategic move, the space use for accessories took over. Other departments expanded their space and were able to increase in merchandise; other areas underwent a redesign such as jewelry. Resizing other departments indicated a strategy move to increase in revenue and meet more of the consumer demands. With the missing cosmetic market, JC Penney could not compete with other major department stores such as Dillard’s, Belk’s and Parisian at that time. â€Å"Also a re-introduction of cosmet ics included the installation of Sephora inside JC Penney located in some key stores. Beginning in 2007 the store slogan changed from â€Å"It’s All Inside† to â€Å"Every Day Matters.† Many major cosmetic designers sought companies that had the look of what they wanted to sell as well as the type of clients they wanted to sell to. Looking forward, the strategic move to eliminate the department did not just vanish. After years of going without a cosmetic department, Sephora introduced itself once again as a partner with JC Penney. Desiring to compete and meet the customer request along with many other back office dealings, Sephora brought added life to the company. This strategic move was necessary for competition but also to reenter a competitive cosmetic market with the help of another prominent line that caters to a variety of cultures. Technological bases in this industry focuses on Internet telecommunication, material, and biotechnology. JCPenny’s is a giant in apparel retail; the right material is necessary and must provide a form of comfort to customers. Take for instance, the new sketcher shoes designed to help support the back and strengthen muscles in the legs, hips, and butt area. The technical design of the shoe provides a heel to toe rocking motion that guides the proper walking notion. The same is cosmetics, which the chemical balance is necessary to support the natural body’s hormonal reactors. Most current is the anti-aging serums. JC Penney realizes the market for vanity is serious and is a multibillion-dollar industry. In addition, this line of cosmetics is fun, trendy, and sophisticated meeting ages of sorts. In addition, JC Penney offers online purchasing and phone purchases. Without some of the technological advances in Internet and telecommunications, some clients would not shop at their favorite store. The company continues to grow in popularity and size. The need to build in convenient locations as well as go international is reason to adapt to change. Compare and Contrast Department of Health for Duval County technological advances are state approve. For new software and machines to come into the different sights for our division has identified the need for it. The new program implemented helps increase in speed and accuracy of serving the public, which the division caters to. Better technology in programming removes the use of a DOS system despite functions used to input information. As more and technology programs are designed to meet the functions of government programs, the use of old technology will completely disappear and eventually the state will meet more challenges with precision. JC Penney technology avenues have increased with Internet shoppers and transforming them into buyers. â€Å"In 1998, J.C. Penney launched its third channel for shopping convenience. Its Internet store has grown into one of the largest apparel and home furnishings retail sites on the Internet. Among its general merchandise peers, the on-line store has the highest rate (10.1%) of converting site visitors into buyers.† Between Internet and telecommunications, JC Penney continues to compete not just in the physical store but virtually as well. The both meet the needs of the consumer, but one lags behind in the combination of Windows and DOS programming. The move to reach the consumer is greater for JC Penney because of the technological advances and apparel industry. In order for Department of Health to reach the consumer is more challenging because the use of some technology such as the Internet is not readily available to clients, but word of mouth is an important tool relied upon to attract the clients we need. Department of Health size is based on the size of the county and the number of residents that need the program. Jacksonville, Florida is the largest county here and the number of residents is over 800,000. Our goal is to service at least 95% of the county. Many also come from neighboring counties, but they are not without their county division. Because of the size of the county, more opportunity is here to reach those in need. Surrounding counties have only one office clients can travel to. Thanks to funding and clients, the county has more offices for WIC, but also for medical attention and dental attention. JC Penney started business in 1902 and continues to thrive decades later. Almost going bankrupt, this retail leader has survived more challenges than many other departments who eventually closed its doors. In this current age, JC Penney moves forth in size and has retailer itself to meet fashion trends, refocus areas of greater need and continues to grow as a retail giant. Once introducing cosmetics and doing away with its cosmetic department, the company was able to expand in different areas meeting a different consumer demand for apparel and accessories. As the organization revisited the cosmetic industry, it reintroduced its self with a new hot and trendy cosmetic line named Sephora. This company contracted with JC Penney and increased the cliental and financial reward of this industry. One company size can focus on demographical need; the other industry can focus on a need to clothe the demographical area. It also relies on another industry that attracts clients through media, marketing, and trend. The other attracts customers through a need and not a desire. One helps feed the population and the other feeds off the population. This may be an unfair analysis, but respectively true to its industry. The Department of Health strategy is based on grants through the United States Government. Identifying and analyzing the needs of the public, there is a strategic analysis that shows the state why requests are in need. Statistics such as infant mortality, obesity, doctor visits and so on indicate why new programs or increase funding for existing programs are in need. Forecasting for the future to reach a percentage of customers will set forth other strategies that will continue to offer help to those in need. JC Penney strategy is trend focus. To remain competitive and meet consumer desires, the company relies of buyers and designers to set forth the next wave of colors, materials, cuts, chemical serums and technology use to help set the stage for upcoming changes. Virtual communication has led the company to implement a new shopping habit through Internet use. Technology is the future and seeking ingenious technological outlets to meet and exceed consumer desires are all part of the ability to forecast strategic moves. Conclusion The ability to change and adapt are important in today’s organizations. Change models assist businesses in developing goal-setting skills and understanding employees. Organizations that can identify specific leadership skills among their managers can implement changes such as education and training to improve their performance as well as the performance of the employees with whom they supervise. Empowering employees with the ability to make decisions, be creative, and provide input can be a valuable asset to any organization. Our team was asked to research and assess multiple companies that have endured change and continue to be successful because of their flexibility. References Business Week (2004). Jack Welch: Management Evangelist. Retrieved from businessweek.com/magazine/content/04_43/b3905032_mz072.htm Davis, S. R., Lucas, J. H., Marcotte, D. R., (1998, April). GM links better leaders to better business. Workforce, 77(4): 62-64:66+, Retrieved February 28, 2007, from RDS Business Suite database. Donnelly, J., Ivancevich, J., and Lyon, H. A Study of The Impact of Management By Objectives On Perceived Need Satisfaction. Personnel Psychology; Summer70, Vol. 23 Issue 2, p139-151, 13p. Retrieved January 24, 2010 from http://search.ebscohost.com/login.aspx?direct=truedb=bthAN=6263059site=ehost-live Friedman, S. D., (2001, March). Leadership DNA: The Ford Motor story: Training Development, 55(3), Retrieved February 28, 2007, from RDS Business Suite database. General Electric (2010). GE Past Leaders: John F. Welch Jr., Biography. Retrieved from ge.com/company/history/bios/john_welch.html JC Penney (2009). JC Penney: Then Now. Retrieved January 24, 2010 from www.JC Penney-coupons.com Kinicki, A., Kreitner, R., 2003. Organization Behavior, Sixth Edition. New York: The McGraw-Hill Companies McShane, S. Von Glinow, M., (2004). Organizational behavior: Emerging realities for the workplace revolution (3rd ed.). New York, NY: McGraw-Hill. New York Times. (2009). A short history of Chrysler. Retrieved from nytimes.com/2009/05/01/business/01history.html USA Today. (2010). Chrysler CEO Promises Five New Models for 2010. Retrieved from http://content.usatoday.com/topics/article/Brands/Automotive/Jeep+Grand+Cherokee /0fg78aW4eq5Vd/1 Voice of America. (2009). Obama Reject GM, Chrysler Bailout Plans. Retrieved from http://www1.voanews.com/english/news/a-13-2009-03-30-voa37-68812652.htm Research Papers on Leadership and Change Management ResearchAnalysis of Ebay Expanding into AsiaThe Project Managment Office SystemTwilight of the UAWOpen Architechture a white paperIncorporating Risk and Uncertainty Factor in CapitalMarketing of Lifeboy Soap A Unilever ProductResearch Process Part OneDefinition of Export QuotasBionic Assembly System: A New Concept of SelfPETSTEL analysis of India

Information Searches Research Paper Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words - 1

Information Searches - Research Paper Example Level of involvement is used to reflect how personally important somebody is in consuming product and how much you need to make the decision. The involvement of purchasing a product varies by consumer not the product. Low involvement decisions are decisions that are made by consumers on typical products that do not pose high risk to them if they purchase those products. The consumers in this level make automatic purchase decision based on limited information they have gathered on the product. Middle involvement purchase is the in which consumers don’t rush in making purchase decisions but rather they gather information that enables them think and make appropriate decisions regarding the product. They choose the product of middle classes and not ones that are expensive in nature. High involvement purchases are that which carries a higher risk to consumer if they fail to buy the complex, with higher price tags of goods. Buyers don’t engage in in routine response when purc hasing high involvement products. The purchasing power of consumer in this level of purchase is determined by the price of the product to be purchased. Consumers in this level of purchase only consider purchasing goods of high prices or luxurious goods. Discussion Marketing action planning helps producers to market their product and services effectively. The best way to plan for your market action is by one researching about their customers so that they can understand how best their products and services can hit the market target. The scheduling system one uses doesn’t matter as long as it is consistent and it can work better for your purchasing plan. For one to actual be successful in purchasing strategy he/she should consider the following three marketing actions: The on-going marketing ;action The one-time marketing actions The idea generation actions The on-going marketing action The on-going marketing activities are that which deals with normal day-day business actions. Examples are; Advertising, direct mail activities, writing blog posts, networking on a social network such as twitter. The main purpose of marketing actions and strategies is to result in making the required product available and can satisfy customers need and interest while making profit for those companies. The daily actions taken by the business does not give customers to find enough time to research about the products they want to acquire, but through the channel of advertisement and mailing they can have some recommended knowledge about the product he wants to consume. The one-time marketing action This is an action that is done by business on need basis. They are always carried out once in a while especially when there is a development of a new product or an introduction of a new product in the market. Example of such actions is; developing a workshop, creating a new product or service, setting up an affiliated program. This kind of action gives the customer/consumer a rough i dea but one that can be relied upon when buying the upcoming product. This action is always more appropriate to the medium level involvement purchasers who require some rough ideas about the product to be consumed. Idea generation action Is organising and scheduling some safe time for cropping new ideas that is relevant to your market and the influence of consumable products. This provides you with additional opportunities to increase your income. The action is always considered by big investors such as the real estate

A critical review of The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe by C.S Essay

A critical review of The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe by C.S. Lewis - Essay Example This is a direct reference to the story of Genesis which tells of the first man and woman, Adam and Eve. This referencing puts a tone of connection within the race of humanity. As Marcus Muhling put it in his book called A Theological Journey Into Narnia, â€Å"This is because in Christianity, humanity - by which is meant all people throughout history - is not just a race or a class, but an organism: all human beings are in relationship to one another.† (Muhling, p. 14) This way of classifying the four children designates them as apart from the other races of Narnia. This unifies their existence within the realm and elevates them, to a degree, to positions of exception. school associations† he could â€Å"steal past those watchful dragons† of tedious sermons and obligatory worship. By enlisting the unfettered powers of imagination, Lewis hoped to recapture the original beauty and poignancy In this way, Lewis was able to craft a story that could relate the principles of the Christian story in a way that could be easily digested by a young reader. While the biblical references could be difficult to comprehend, the fantastical one created by Lewis could be read by a child and understood, thus priming the intellectual process that could bring a deeper understanding to faith in Christ. Lucy, the heroine of the story, approaches her newfound world with innocence. She accepts what she sees and feels around her, without regard to the fantastical existence of Narnia. She exhibits faith as she walks through the wardrobe into a world that exists outside of her own world. This type of trust is indicative of the type of trust that is desired in faith for Christ. Faith is a goal should be reached without questioning the reality of the existence of God which is believed without proof through tangible evidence. and Edmund have both gone through the wardrobe to Narnia, but Peter and Susan have not been

Development of an Assessment Plan for the Howard Univ College of Article

Development of an Assessment Plan for the Howard Univ College of Liberal Arts Undergraduate Program - Article Example The mission of the Howard University College of Liberal Arts is to provide its graduates with an education that is rooted in â€Å"Pursuit of knowledge, social justice, artistic expression and intellectual freedom† (Howard University, 2013). It seeks to foster creative and critical thinking in artistic and scholarly arenas. Furthermore, it intends on providing solutions to human and social problems. Nurturing cultural diversity is part of its mission. The College intends on building responsibility towards the global community. The assessment plan will dwell on measurement of critical thinking and oral and written communication skills. Since critical thinking has been mentioned as one of the goals in the Liberal Arts College, then the analysis will openly indicate whether this goal is being achieved. Measurement of written and oral communication skills will assist in artistic expression as well as creativity, which are all cited in the College’s mission. They will contri bute towards achievement of the knowledge, intellectual freedom and social justice goals, as well. ... Technical correctness is not such a valuable trait, and using curriculum-specific tests would reinforce it. Instead of such an approach, students need to be tested on their ability to inquire and question various situations. Critical thinking, oral and written communication skills are the parameters that are most relevant to rational inquiry. 2. Tools and Instruments for assessment i) CLA CLA (Collegiate Learning Assessment) is designed to measure a range of tertiary competencies that include problem solving, written communication competencies, analytic reasoning and critical thinking. The measurement of such broad abilities makes the assessment applicable to almost all types of colleges. Furthermore, the measures cut across different disciplines. One should note that this is not an assessment of intellect or any content abilities. The test is designed in such a way that it gives students holistic tasks to which they must respond. Some of the tasks may focus on written communication while others dwell on work sample performance. Usually, those questions come from real-world scenarios such as education, policy and daily work practice. The concerned students must employ analytic and critical thinking skills in the situation. They must them communicate these decisions in proper written English and then justify their choices (Hatfield, 2009). Usually, the test is administered online and the responses to the essay-type questions will be scored online through particular software. Humans need to participate in marking the performance- type questions. However, they must have undergone thorough training so as to grade the answers on the basis of certain standards. An example of a task is the argument type assignment, which asks