Understanding the Chinese Business Culture

Understanding the Chinese Business Culture

As president of Global Plastics Inc., I have been in strategy meetings with upper management and we have decided that in order to take our company to the next level we will need to expand our market. We have decided to to market and distribute our product’s, which consist of plastic toys and furniture, in China. We have an initial meeting with a Chinese company, CEKG, to see if they will take on your product, and not only distribute it, but help you market it in China as well.

The Chinese culture is very different from our culture and it is important that we understand their culture in order to have successful dealings in this endeavor. Confucianism is the primary philosophy behind the Chinese culture and it is necessary to understand what guides them.

With Confucian principles openly flourishing in China, the Chinese’s traditional philosophy applies a constructivism perspective, dealing with intricacy and ambiguity by way of a clear procedural guideline and roadmap for both scholars and practitioners (Ning, 2011).

“The framework of Western and Eastern work ethic studies is very different, the differences and similarities are resulted from the different origins and core components of both systems. The similarities are that both promote thrift, hard work, and sense of shame. Confucianism highlights humanity, righteousness, proprieties, wisdom, trust, harmony, loyalty, the family life and personality development; whereas the western principle underscores that the individual should take responsibility” (Ning, 2011, Year). In the traditional style of western management, scientific research methods like optimizing, algorithm, and operation research are applied to solve multifaceted problems, while cultural, behavior, and psychological aspects of human behavior are less measured. In contrast, Chinese Confucian philosophy, explores the fundamental power of human beings in order to deal with unexpected things and rising complexity.

Chinese business people behave differently from their European counterparts – the way they speak, the way they think, and the way they treat their clients. To successfully enter the Chinese market, you need to put aside your preconceived notions and embrace what is there. Acknowledge that things are different and try to understand why such differences are important to your business and your success in China and how you can deal with them in an efficient way. (EUSME Center, 2013)

Relationships are essential for effectively conducting business anywhere, this is especially true in China. “The Chinese concept of guanxi encompasses a network of personal connections, such as with family members, friends, classmates and relatives as well as with close business associates. It is based on deep mutual understanding, feeling, trust and respect. Understanding, building, using and maintaining such a network remains one of the biggest challenges for foreign business people in China.” (EUSME Center, 2013)

Negotiating in China is a slow process. The first few meetings usually involve unrelated conversations as participants share information about their personal lives, such as: families, home towns, and leisure activities These meetings are not unimportant, they begin the process of forming connections that are essential to Chinese business. The rule is “friendship first, business later”.

Conflicts and disputes are an a part of doing business in China. When negotiating, people test the boundaries of where their counterpart is willing to go in order to get the best deal. In a culture where people are used to bargaining, tense negotiations are normal. Yet, for an array of reasons, most conflicts do not end up in litigation.

The most important thing is keeping face, it is extremely important in China. Chinese people don’t like to expose their troubles to the outside world. They are guided by the belief of “turning big problems into smaller ones, and small problems into no problems at all” (da shi hua xiao, xiao shi hua liao). (EUSME Center, 2013)

Second, harmony is an preferred state to reach according to conventional Chinese philosophy. Therefore, Chinese business people are predisposed to avoid conflicts, make concessions and glossy things over so that they can stay on good terms.

In conclusion the Chinese culture is very complicated and the utmost care must be made in understanding the differences and similarities between our two cultures. I propose the negotiating team complete a class on Chinese cultural studies to strengthen the opportunity that the expansion into the Chinese market would create for  Global Plastics Inc.

 

References

Ning, H. (2011, June 29). Case study on the influence of Chinese traditional philosophy to the enterprise management [School of economics and management, xi’an institute]. Journal of Management and Strategy, volume 2(issue 3), 73,74,75.

EUSME Center. (2013). Negotiating and dealing with Chinese business partners. Retrieved from http://www.ccilc.pt/sites/default/files/eu_sme_centre_guideline_negotiating_and_dealing_with_business_partners_en.pdf

Wine List Wine List with Pricing

Wine List with Pricing

Sparkling Wines                                                                                  By the glass

Veuce-clicquot demi-sec, champagne,2001                                   $25

Country: France, region: champagne, varietal: sparkling

La Marca Prosecco, 2011                                                                    $13

Country: Italy, region: Veneto, varietal: proseco

Jaume serra cristalino cava brut, 2012                                              $5

Country: Spain, region: cava, varietal: sparkling

White wines

Sterling wine 2011 Sterling vintners collection                                 $5

Country: USA, region: California, Varietal: chardonnay

Kim Crawford sauvignon blanc 2013                                                   $8

Country: New Zealand, region: Marlboro, Varietal: sauvignon

Cakebread Napa valley chardonnay 2011                                          $20

Country; USA, region: California, varietal: chardonnay

Red wines

2009 Marques de Caseres Crianza                                                       $5

Country: Spain, region: Rioja ,varietal: tempranillo

Belle Glos Meiomi pinot noir 20012                                                    $10

Country: USA, region: California, Varietal: pinot noir

Caymus napa valley cabernet sauvignon                                             $25

Dessert wines

Bodegas Dios Baco cream sherry wines, 20012                                 $12

Klein Constantia vin de constansa dessert wine                                  $20

Country: Africa, region: South Africa, varietal: fortified

Roseblum cellars Zinfandel California desiree chocolate, 20013       $5

Country: USA, region: California San Luis, varietal: chardonnay

To: Mr. Williams

From: Dr. John Upward

Date: 12-10-2013

Subject: wine list and pricing

Mr.Williams,

I have provided you with the wine list that you requested, and I also gave you prices for each of the wines by the glass. The way I figured out how much to charge for each glass was the following, I divided the bottle list price by the number of glasses I got per bottle; this determines the price of each glass. Usually you can get 6 glasses of wine out of a 750milliliter bottle, therefore I am pricing according to that factor. I chose to break down the wine list taking into consideration the size of our menu wine list.

Generally restaurants break down wine list in this fashion, small list break down into categories such as reds, whites, sparkling wines, blushes and desserts. Larger wine list May include sub-categories for country and region and/ or grape type, and if it is a really sophisticated list it often breaks down further into regions. Having wine in tour restaurant can take a good meal and heighten the enjoyment even further. This is why it is so very important to pair the right wine with the right food. Alcoholic beverages including wine can easily provide more profit than any item in your menu. The right pricing will maximize the sales and profits of your establishment, however you should price fairly by all industry standards. I hope that the information that I have presented, has been informative and that it is to your satisfaction, if you have any further concerns regarding this list feel free to call me, thank you.

References: www.snooth.com

www.huffingtonpost.com

www.musthavemenus.com

Thought of the Day from Napoleon Hill Foundation

One of my favorite Napoleon Hill Foundation Quotes

Isn’t it peculiar that some people are so clever at inventing alibis and so dull at doing the job that would make alibis useless? If folks did their jobs with half the effort and creativity they waste in a vain attempt to deceive others, they could achieve great success at anything. It is tempting at times to emulate those who seemingly get by without working very hard, but those who cheat the company by not doing what they are paid to do will eventually pay the price. They will pay with the loss of their most valuable possession: their reputation. The value of a reputation for honesty and integrity is the difference between a career filled with promise and a life of failure.  Permanent link to this post: Isn’t it peculiar that some people are so clever at inventing alibis and so dull at doing the job that would make alibis useless?

Events: Management, Planning and Tools

Events Management, Planning and Tools

            Event planning has been around for years, the hospitality industry now has a new career market outside of tourism, hotel and restaurant management.  Event management, which is the leadership role in event planning, helps build structure in the event planning process.  When planning events one must be organized and have the ability to set and meet goals.  Just as in the hotel and restaurant business, it is important to have leadership. 

            One element of the event manager’s job description is completing an event order or contracts for the clients and/or associations, in which they will be offering their services.  In the event order or contracts are specific details such as:  the associations or client’s personal information along with the type of event.  Other thing that may be included in these documents are the expectations of the company providing their services, the ability to align subcontracts for clients needs, also possible food and beverage stipulations.

            Event orders are needed to help the management and team determine the tasks that will be at hand.   At this point management can move into the project management phase.  He/she can begin to identify resources and activities needed; decide on completion sequences; schedule project completion, and assign tasks and budgetary responsibilities.  Once tasks have been assigned and implementation begins, management can proceed by checking in with associates.  Encouraging and motivating the associates is a big part of the management responsibility.  Management should check in and keep open lines of communication with the associates. 

Special Event Orders: How it aids                                                                                          3

Throughout the planning process management should be checking in with the client or association and evaluating efficiency and productivity. 

            Within the event planning process there are tools needed to effectively manage the process.   Technology is very important and necessary in event planning.  Software may be needed for financial planning and budgeting, cell phones are needed for communication to local and non-local vendors.  The internet is important in locating certain resources needed for events and organizational databases for planning efficiency.

            If one was interest in a career in event management, there are several different avenues to reach the leadership position.  Some of the avenues within event management are marketing; sales; catering, and entertainment.  There are several skills required of someone professionally planning events.  Some of the skills include leadership and communication skills; delegating, multi-tasking, and negotiating skills.

            Some positions require degrees higher up the hierarchy ladder, and some positions can be acquired through promotion beginning at entry level positions.  For example, starting at an entry level position as a server, cook, houseman, or some aspect of the food and beverage industry is a great start.  Working in entry level positions for two years or more, can lead to leadership positions within the current position.   Degrees are not required for entry level positions but for one to become a supervisor of their type of service and Associates in Hospitality Management is relevant. 

            From supervisor, with possible sales experience, there could be a management position in sight.  Obtaining a Bachelors Degree in Communications, Marketing, and Sales and/or in the

Special Event Orders: How it aids                                                                                          4

Food and Beverage industry will be preparation for a management position in event planning and management. 

            The dynamics to look for in a team of associates would include, detail oriented and self sufficient.  Although the associates will be managed, the associates must be able to work effectively and efficiently, with the ability to critically think and access opportunities or challenges that she/he makes come upon.  Secondly event planning always needs associates with extensive sales experience, with strong interpersonal communication skills, confidence, and negotiating skills.  In many companies and organizations, budgeting will always be a big factor.  The client will need associates that can negotiate and compromise, in order to close the deal.   Another great set of qualities that would be needed on the team is creative and outgoing associates.  These are two great qualities for a designer, someone that can turn a vision on paper, into life, succeeding the client’s expectations.

            In conclusion, the event orders aid the management and team,  in a way of organization and ensure they know and  meet the expectations of the clients.

           

Travel Concepts Journal

            I have learned so much through my travel classes. This should have been one of the first classes that I took but it ended up being my last. I think that since this was my last travel class that I really brought a lot to the discussions. I really enjoyed this class and when I thought I didn’t think that I would learn all that much from this class I really did. One of the things that I liked about the class is what I learned from personal experiences in the our weekly discussion questions. I also learned a lot in our cruises section and this is the unit that I think I enjoyed the best.

            Cruises is one of my favorite parts of the cruise industry so I found this a very important class for picking what I want to do when I graduate. Cruises is something that I am really interested in and also I think that it could be something that could bring me far in my own professional goals. This is something I know I could be really excited doing. Cruises is something that I have ha a lot of people say that it would be the perfect place for me so in the next few month I would differently be looking for a internship or a job in this industry.

            Another thing that I like is the personal experience that I take away from the professors of my travel classes. Most of them have on hand experience with the travel industry and know a lot about it. I think what other people experience is a asset as a travel student and I know this class is no different then my other classes I have learned so much from this class and it was my favorite class of this term.

            I am really excited about to take what I learned in this term and my others as well and really use what I have learned out in the real world. I am really sad that this term seemed to go the fasted and it was by far my favorite online class that I have taken so far.

Types of Strategic Analysis

Discussing Strategic Analysis

Value chain analysis is one such framework. Value chain analysis views a firm as a “chain” or sequential process of value-creating activities. The sum of all of these activities represents the “value” the firm exists to provide its customers. So undertaking an internal analysis that breaks down the firm into these distinct value activities allows for a detailed, interrelated evaluation of a firm’s internal strengths and weaknesses that improves upon what strategists can create using only SWOT analysis. (Pearce, J., Robinson, R. 2016)

Starbucks VCA consist of two chains. The First one ifs the Inbound logistics whick includes the obtaining of raw materials from the suppliers. The focus of Starbucks has been on maintaining excellent relationships with the suppliers. To ensure that it could get a continuous supply of green coffee it has started a number of programs to maintain and manage its supply chain better. Its farmer support centers are a key part of its supply chain management program that provide support to the coffee and tea producing farmers. Also includes roasting the coffee, operation, warehouse and distribution. (Prapta, A, 2017)

The second chain is the Outbound Logistics which entails Starbucks sells its products to the customers via the company stores and its licensed stores mainly. The ready products are shipped to the retail stores from the warehouses and distribution centers where they are displayed and sold. Apart from it Starbucks also uses online channels for selling its products and merchandise.  A limited range of Starbucks products can be found at Walmart and Target stores too. (Prapta, A, 2017)

The resource-based view (RBV) of a firm is another important framework for conducting internal analysis. This approach improves upon SWOT analysis by examining a variety of different yet specific types of resources and capabilities any firm possesses and then evaluating the degree to which they become the basis for sustained competitive advantage based on industry and competitive considerations. In so doing, it provides a disciplined approach to internal analysis.(Pearce, J., Robinson, R. 2016)

Our story began in 1971. Back then we were a roaster and retailer of whole bean and ground coffee, tea and spices with a single store in Seattle’s Pike Place Market. Today, we are privileged to connect with millions of customers every day with exceptional products and more than 24,000 retail stores in 70 countries.  Starbucks went public on June 26, 1992 at a price of $17 per share (or $0.53 per share, adjusted for subsequent stock splits) and closed trading that first day at $21.50 per share .Starbucks was incorporated under the laws of the State of Washington, in Olympia, Washington, on Nov. 4, 1985. Starbucks Corporation's common stock is listed on NASDAQ, under the trading symbol SBUX. (Starbucks)

SWOT is an acronym for the internal Strengths and Weaknesses of a firm, and the environmental Opportunities and Threats facing that firm. SWOT analysis is a technique through which managers create a quick overview of a company’s strategic situation.(Pearce, J., Robinson, R. 2016)

Strength:  "Starbucks is a well-recognized brand throughout much of the world, and likely the most recognizable brand in the coffeehouse business. The Starbucks logo is easily identifiable, and attracts both new and repeat customers. Stores are typically in the most prime locations around the globe, with high traffic and visibility." (Dalavagas, 2016)

Weaknesses:  "Since Starbucks is dependent on consumer discretionary spending, its results are sensitive to changes in macroeconomic conditions. As a result, when the U.S. economy does inevitably begin to slow, softer results on the home front may not be able to be offset by gains in other geographic regions."(Dalavagas, 2016)

Opportunities:  "Starbucks has been branching out from its retail operations in order to boost profitability. Consumer packaged goods, including coffee beans and branded single-serve coffee pods used by home-brewing machines, including K-Cup portion packs used in the popular Green Mountain (GMCR) Keurig machines, offer an exciting opportunity. Starbucks is already the number one premium coffee brand in the K-Cup category, and it hopes to further expand its market share in the coming quarters. Packaged coffee, teas, and ready-to-drink products can leverage the Starbucks brand to add business."(Dalavagas, 2016)

Threats: " The specialty coffee business remains highly competitive with respect to price, quality, service, and convenience. In the U.S., large companies in the quick-service restaurant sector have been increasing efforts to sell high-quality specialty coffee beverages. McDonald’s  has been making a big push into the coffee business in recent quarters, and this could become a big challenge for SBUX. Another major competitor is Dunkin’ Brands Group, which has been in the coffee business for a long time. This company has long had a strong presence in the eastern portion of the U.S, and is expanding in the western part of the country. Starbucks also has competition from smaller, local, mom-and-pop specialty coffee shops around the globe that may offer a more intimate setting. The market for packaged coffee, tea, single-serve packs, and ready-to-drink beverages has been heating up, as well."(Dalavagas, 2016)

References

Pearce, J., Robinson, R. (2016-01-02). Strategic Management, 13th Edition. [Kaplan].

Retrieved from https://kaplan.vitalsource.com/#/books/0077807634/

Prapta, A; (2017). Porte's Value Chain Analysis of Starbucks. Retreived on September 9,2017 from; https://www.cheshnotes.com/2017/02/porters-value-chain-analysis-of-starbucks/

Starbucks Company Profile Retrieved on September 9, 2017 from:

https://www.starbucks.com/about-us/company-information/starbucks-company-profile

  Dalavagas,I, (2016). SWOT Analysis: Starbucks Corp: Retrieved on Septermber 9, 2017 from;

 www.valueline.com/Stocks/Highlights/SWOT_Analysis__Starbucks_Corp_.aspx

Employee Sexual Misconduct Reporting Obligations

Employee Sexual Misconduct Reporting Obligations

In order to enable the organizations ability to respond effectively and to prevent future instances of sexual misconduct, all company employees, (except confidential resources, which include Counseling Services, Health Services, and the Chaplain), who obtain or receive information regarding a possible violation of the companies Sexual Misconduct Policy must report that information to the Title IX Coordinator.  Student employees who receive such information in the course of their work position or duties also must report the information to the Title IX Coordinator.  Such a report should be made as soon as possible and should include all relevant details needed to assess the situation.  This includes, to the extent known, the names of the accused (if known), the individual alleged to have experienced the sexual misconduct, other individuals involved in the incident, as well as relevant facts, including the date, time, and location.  Employees who receive such reports should not attempt to “investigate” the allegation or require the alleged victim/reporting individual to provide all of the details surrounding the alleged misconduct.  To the extent the alleged victim/reporting individual provides detail, that information should be provided to the Title IX Coordinator.  Upon receiving a report of alleged or possible sexual misconduct, the Title IX Coordinator will evaluate the information received and determine what further actions should be taken consistent with the complaint resolution process and the organizations Sexual Misconduct Policy. 

Sexual Harassment.

University Ethics Review

University Ethics Review

In the Duke’s Fuqua School of Business situation if I had been an Ethics Review Arbitrator for these cases I would have sided with the students as this is a common practice today. Networking in all forums from social media to linking up with people and putting yourself out there has been a way in which people grow and obtain new information. This is due to everyone having a unique way in which we think. By the students collaborating they were able pick up information that they may have not thought of thus expanding their knowledge as well as they outlook on the answers. As the answers were not identical each student formed their opinion and drafted their answers based upon the information that they personally retained and how their perspective had been changed, if it had changed at all. One would expect that the answers would have been similar as they did collaborate. 

   If Duke’s Fuqua School of Business had a problem with this collaboration from the students they should have called a meeting and discussed that they were not in favor of the way in which the students chose to go about completing their take home test. As these students were the “cream of the crop” with six years of experience it is unlikely that they were cheating. The school could have easily drafted up another test and had the students take it in a traditional manner thus there would not be any dispute over the students ethical behavior. Often when people study together they get the same questions correct an incorrect based upon what they focused on when studying; this is essentially the same situation. In the working world being able to work together is a key element to success. 

   However, in the Centenary College situation there was proven plagiarism from a large group of 400 students. Of those students it was most likely the two students that did not opt for the refund were able to speak English and the rest just copied them. This is unethical especially as the school was unable to establish a relationship with the student being the distance between the school in New Jersey while the students were all located between Beijing, Shanghai, and Taiwan. The fact that the students chose the refund over the degree speaks volumes at they were aware they could not meet the requirements. If I were the Arbitrator I would have deemed this to be unethical and sided with the school.

Resource

 Pearce, J.A., & Robinson, R.B. (2013).  Strategic management: Planning for Domestic & Global competition (13th ed.). New York, NY: McGraw-Hill

DuPont Outsourcing Strategy

DuPont Outsourcing Strategy

The Fortune 1000 company that will be considered is DuPont. "DuPont is a science company dedicated to solving challenging global problems while creating measurable and meaningful value for its customers, employees, and shareholders. Dupont’s portfolio of products, materials, and services meets the ever-changing market needs of various industries in more than 90 countries. The organization unites around a set of core values—safety and health, environmental stewardship, highest ethical behavior and esteem for people.” (Dupont, 2017, para 1) It is important to reflect how outsourcing initiatives have impacted the operations of companies such as DuPont. One-way organizations make strategic moves is by outsourcing. “Outsourcing is obtaining work previously done by employees inside the companies from sources outside the company.” (Pearce, J. & Robinson, R., 2013, p. 294) The organization can then focus on other strategies that would meet organizational goals. For Dupont in 2005, they outsourced their human resource function to Convergys. They are hopeful to realize a twenty percent productivity improvement, which should increase in time. (DuPont, 2005) More productivity improvement can translate to organization growth.

 References

DuPont. (2005). DuPont Selects Convergys to Provide Transactional Global Human Resource Services. Retrieved from: http://www2.dupont.com/Media_Center/en_US/news_releases/2005/article20051102b.html

DuPont. (2017). Our Company. Retrieved from: http://www.dupont.com/corporate-functions/our-company.html 

Pearce, J., Robinson, R. (2013). Strategic Management, 13th Edition. [Kaplan]. Retrieved from https://kaplan.vitalsource.com/#/books/0077807634/

EXXON MOBILE BUSINESS STRATEGY

 EXXON MOBILE BUSINESS STRATEGY

Outsourcing seems to be the way to go for energy companies to make profit, and offer lower price to its customers (Thompson & Xinglei, 2011). Companies like Exxon Mobil for instance, have been successfully using outside firms to find qualified drivers to drive their fuel trucks(Bowen, 2008). The oil company was in desperate need of a better hiring strategy as it was losing money due to high turnover (Bowen, 2008). According to Bowen (2008) the hiring process was a challenge for Exxon. This led them to hire a Recruitment Process Outsourcer (RPO) in 2007 that knew the trucking industry very well. As Burdette (2015) explains, a third-party mapping company can produce cheaper and higher quality map data. This takes advantage of the benefits of specialization, so the oil companies can focus on their core competencies.

The oil companies put a lot of research into deciding whether to outsource offshore. Outsourcing is also a way to advance countries because they improve infrastructure and technology due to the flow of outside cash into the region. Therefore, lowering costs for production ensures increasing income for the further advancement of the company together with the economy of the country where the business is located.

With operation cost down, the oil companies are able to drop the price of gas. When gas prices are down, people are able to save money and spend it on other things (Matthews, 2012). In the long-run the company is able to grow globally.

Burdette, T. (2015) Top 4 reasons why oil and gas companies are using outsourcing for their mapping needs. P2 Energy Solutions. Retrieved from http://www.p2energysolutions.com/blog/top-4-reasons-why-oil-and-gas-companies-are-using-outsourcing-services-for-their-mapping-needs

Smith, A. (2012). The Pros and Cons of Outsourcing. Las Vegas: University of Nevada. Retrieved from University Libraries: http://digitalscholarship.unlv.edu/cgi/viewcontent.cgi?articl=2479&context=thesesdissertations

Matthew, M.(2012) Companies 'Outsource' Because That's Where The Sales Are https://www.forbes.com/sites/merrillmatthews/2012/07/20/companies-outsource-because-thats-whe

AT&T Corporate Strategy

AT&T Corporate Strategy

In 2014, AT&T was acknowledged by Gartner Magic Quadrant for Communications Outsourcing and Professional Services. AT&T was recognized for being an excellent company to outsource with because of their ability as a mobile service provider to help manage risks and while promoting technical excellence in global work centers. AT&T is a global network provider that can provide a company new technologies that will help integrate their business on a global scale by enhancing the  communication, collaboration, and mobile data systems of a company.

Outsourcing can be beneficial for companies if it is used in the right way.  It keeps the costs down for the company and in some cases the consumers.  It offers individuals in other countries opportunities and employment.  AT&T is a company that is known for outsourcing and employing many individuals from other countries.  AT&T uses outsourcing for more than 60% of their employment, such as the call centers.  Most of the outsourcing goes to the Dominican Republic, the Philippines, El Salvador, and Mexico (CWA, 2017).

There are a lot of companies who choose to outsource activities and most of the ones that do use outsourcing to help reduce operational costs and place their focus on other important matters at hand for the business. AT&T is a company that decided to outsource their customer contact centers to different areas. Customer demand and flexibility was one of the reasons as to why AT&T decided to outsource. As a global operator, AT&T thinks globally, the closely monitors the global contact center environment looking for areas that may offer advantages to help service AT&T's diverse and geographically cosmopolitan client base (Moss, 2014).

Reference:

Moss, L. (2014). Exclusive: For AT&T, Contact Center Outsourcing is All About Location. Retrieved from http://www.nearshoreamericas.com/att-garcia-contact-center-outsourcing-location/

CWA-union.org (2017).http://goodjobsatt.org/2017/02/09/fact-sheet-att-outsourcing-offshoring/

https://networkingexchangeblog.att.com/enterprise-business/gartner-recognizes-att-leader-outsourcing/

Business unit Level of Strategy

Business unit Level of Strategy

BMW is known as a leading motor industry player whose businesses strategies has seen it develop stronger competitive advantage that other players such as Lincoln are only emulating. The business level strategy of BMW is based on extinct product differentiation based on design and digitalization as well as efficient electro-mobility designs such as i3 in 2013 and later improvements in the preceding years. The differentiation is based on the need to effectively distinguish the product as the main form of competitive advantage, which is driven by high level of profitability in short-term basis (Bakker, 2010). Also, the company has an ambitious plan of increasing the long-term values based on shaping the future, profitability, growth, access to customers and technology. 

On the other hand, Lincoln, a constituent of Ford, has a business strategy which majors on the production of greater products, a wide range of vehicles with best quality, efficiency, and fuel consumption. The company’s business is based on effective balancing of the product portfolio as well as the product’s global presence though elaborates marketing, publicity, and sales promotion (Bakker, 2010). Also, the company is based on the sustainability strategy that seeks to make a better world for all the users of the product. 

Based on these assessment of the business level strategies of both Lincoln and BMW, the critical finding is that BMW  has the best strategy due to strong focus in has for both the long-term and short-term aspects of business. The company has embraced technology, and variety of products, based on stronger effort to differentiate the products. Their quality and environmental friendly awareness campaign and the comfort ability of the products give them both financial and business edge above the rest. 

Reference

Bakker, S. (2010). The car industry and the blow-out of the hydrogen hype. Energy Policy,

 38(11), 6540-6544.

Corporate Social Responsibility and the Future

Corporate social responsibility (CSR) is also known as responsible business, corporate conscience, or corporate citizenship that embodies valuable strategies for the welfare of a society in relation to corporate responsibilities. CSR is the part of a business model that governs the procedure of the self-regulatory policy of a company, and an organization’s business ensures CSR’s compliance with legal, social, and ethical values. Companies have learned from the devastating consequences of corporate social irresponsibility that has made them rational enough to act sensibly not only in the interest of a company but for a society as well.

 The active implementation of CSR has significant effects on the prosperity of a company’s business that ultimately benefits its shareholders. Those organizations which prefer to do social welfare work are able to draw a great number of customers towards their products by establishing a good ethical impression that a society appreciates at large. According to McCoy (1989), ethics should be the central part of a business, and this recognition helps in enhancing the performance of a company. The effective CSR policy ensures the firm position of an organization in the market and has positive effects on the profitability of a business. 

Many people deduce that the future of CSR is quite uncertain as it cannot be implemented effectively in contrast to the interest of shareholders who are not concerned with the non-profitable activities of a company. It is an unreasonable presumption as the policy of CSR is not only constantly penetrating into companies but also assuming a more sound and practical form than ever before due to its importance in today’s world. With the increasing implication of CSR, it can be safely concluded that its prospective growth will not be hampered in any way.

References

McCoy, C. S. (1989). Management of values: The ethical difference in corporate policy and performance. New York: Harper & Row.

Corporate Social Responsibility in Ethics

I think in general society will move in the direction of higher expectations for CSR. However, I also think it will happen unevenly, because society is not homogeneous. Certain states, like California, will put much higher pressure on companies than others. Such parts of the country have moved (and are still moving) toward greater accountability, authenticity, charity, and more company-customer interaction. Other parts of the country might not care so much about CSR as long as the company doesn't outright commit crimes or defraud customers.

The traditional company mindset, which Pearce & Robinson (2013) indicate was single-mindedly focused on stockholders in the past, might stay strongest in more traditional states. Given how polarized the country has become, this difference might only get stronger over time, making local companies more able to get away with questionable practices while national and international companies are held to higher corporate citizenship standards, both by progressive states here and by progressive nations around the world.

References

Pearce, J. A., & Robinson, R. B. (2013). Strategic management: Planning for domestic & global competition. (13th ed.). New York, NY: McGraw-Hill.

Walmart's use of RFID Technology

For Walmart, the use of strategic control systems is imperative to monitor their operations, and change their strategy as needed. The purpose of the strategic control is to watch a strategy as it is being implements, and to make essential alterations to that strategy (Pearce & Robinson, 2016). The use of RFID can help them to not only track the products through the supply chain, but also to determine the different consumers of different products (Bonson & Fenlon, 2007). This technology is better than a typical UPC code, which is a read-only technology and does not collect any data that would be useful for Walmart.

At Walmart, there are multiple ways that they use strategic surveillance, special alert control, and implementation controls.  Strategic surveillance would include monitoring both inside and outside of the company, special alert control is a sudden event that causes the strategy to change, and implementation control is assessing if the strategy should be changed depending the result on smaller actions (Pearce & Robinson, 2016).  For Walmart, some examples of the strategic surveillance would include not only watching their customers through surveillance cameras, but also security measures at the exits of the store. There are employees that physically check receipts to ensure that the items are paid for, and the alarm system at the door that prevent stolen goods. The use of RFID technology could create a smooth shopping experience, where consumers can skip the checkout and have the money automatically come from their bank accounts (Bonson & Fenlon, 2007).

Also, for Walmart, there must be controls in place for inventory coming in on trucks to ensure that the goods are received, and in the appropriate amounts. RFID allows for Walmart to indirectly monitor the incoming inventory. Special alert controls that Walmart may deal with are if there is a recall of a product, or inclement weather that effects the stores operations. This causes them to change their strategy to deal with those sudden issues. With implementation control, managers are given an objective, or different projects, that will help the company reach their overall strategic goal (Pearce & Robinson, 2016). An example of this would be when the managers hold meetings with the different departments to explain what needs to be completed each day/week/month. The results of the small projects will determine if the strategy of Walmart would need to change.

Improvements to suggest to the COO would include improving systems to track inventory, ensuring employees and the entire supply chain are as efficient as possible, and that all projects align with the overall strategy of the business. Aside from the usual use of surveillance cameras in areas of the store with the most thefts, the store could also ensure that employees on the floor are constantly monitoring consumers.  These employees could notify upper management if a consumer is stealing. Another thing would be to constantly check progress of projects to determine if the strategy needs to change. This includes comparing Walmart to their competition to create new ideas of how to remain relevant in a challenging market.  Just recently, Walmart began offering free 2-day shipping and even a discount for ordering online and picking up the items at the store. If Walmart were able to utilize RFID to its full potential, they would be able to easily track and monitor their inventory, collect data from the products, and implement new strategies based on the information provided by the products.

References
Pearce, J., Robinson, R. (2016-01-02). Strategic Management, 13th Edition. [Kaplan]. Retrieved from https://kaplan.vitalsource.com/#/books/0077807634/
Bonsor, K. & Fenlon, W. (2007). How RFID works. Retrieved from  http://electronics.howstuffworks.com/gadgets/high-tech-gadgets/rfid.htm