Corporate and business ethics across organizations

 Extensive research regarding issues of ethical concerns provides two main viewpoints: internal and external ethics. This division refers to ethics in in a strictly business environment and those affecting the market. Authors Svensson and Wood further summarize “a need to establish ethical structures, processes, and performance measures…” (Svensson & Wood, 2011, p. 21). While consumer-based ethics is highlighted for a general overview, the research is designed to investigate the issue of internal, or organizational, ethics. The analysis starts with a concentration on ethical structures which requires a company to create a code of ethics and an enforcement policy. All subdivisions of these structures focus on the creator’s design of a feasible and realistic code of conduct. Additionally, this would require the implementation of checks and balances to include protection for whistleblowers. Research further reveals people willing to report unethical behavior would require a haven to divulge negligent practices. Another important aspect is the ethical process. It describes communication and training of ethical practices and is designed around the structural subdivisions previously mentioned. The majority of these subdivisions require dissemination of any pertinent information. The company is required to ensure all integrated parties clearly acknowledge their understanding of the ethical standards they are accountable to.

Ethical performance is the ability to resolve ethical dilemmas that require an understanding of principle guidelines. The effectiveness of the ethical code of conduct is vital for business success. Overall, corporate ethics is a strategic method to adjusting to a continuously evolving market.

References:

Svensson, G., & Wood, G. (2011). A conceptual framework of corporate and business ethics across organizations. The Learning Organization, 18(1), 21-35.  

What Is a Foreign Limited Liability Company

Foreign limited liability companies are considered business entities that are formed in one state, yet operate in another. Domestic LLCSs are those who form and operate within their residing state. Larissa Bodniowycz provides insight to forming a foreign LLC and states the potential to fulfill “obligations to each state where it does business” (Bodniowycz, 2020). 

Common obligations in both states would include a registration process and paying taxes in the foreign state. Additionally, there are costs associated to the formation process for both foreign and domestic states. Deciding whether to form a foreign or domestic LLC is dependent on several factors relevant to the individual’s circumstances. For example, these could include possible tax break benefits or starting a business in one location with the goal to expand on a more global scale in the future. 

However, entrepreneurs need to carefully critique the benefits and drawbacks to both options and decide what will be most advantageous for their company in the long run. There are certain exceptions that could potentially allow an LLC to be “exempt from registering as a foreign LLC or paying state taxes in limited circumstances” (Bodniowycz, 2020).

 If a foreign LLC is more fitting, the business individual needs to ensure they follow all necessary and required procedures during the formation. They will be required to select and retain a “registered agent” in the foreign territory. This individual will be responsible for accepting legal documents and handling other matters on behalf of the business in the foreign state.

References:

Bodniowycz, J.D., L. (2020). What Is a Foreign Limited Liability Company?. Retrieved from https://info.legalzoom.com/article/what-foreign-limited-liability-company 

How to market your professional services

 Entrepreneurial and creative mindsets often gravitate to consulting and contracting professional services to reap the benefit of the many opportunities to transact business according to unique business models. This is not effective unless there is successful marketing in place with proper skills and services that will enhance the marketing efforts. Client-centered marketing involves conducting a SWOT analysis to prioritize essential business functions on the premise that clients expect to purchase an experience rather than a service. 

This model includes referrals, networking, targets of opportunities, and promotional leads to business expansion. Whether as an individual with expertise or an extension of an existing business with limited staff, identifying targeted demographics and reaching that audience are essential marketing components. Reputation, reasonableness of service, business longevity and accessibility are key factors in the marketing process. Networking is unique to each consultant, and depending on the services offered, can range from establishing professional affiliations and public speaking, to a targeted telephone conversation or personalized letter. Advertising a business with brochures, social media, and online positive client feedback establish credibility and contribute to overall business growth.

Cogent and concise writing is required to communicate with clientele, write contracts, and outline proposals. Any writing is a prudent investment of time because the consultant has an ethical obligation to articulate the scope of services, fees and payment expectations, and terms to modify or cancel services.

References:

Chan, P. S. (1992). How to market your professional services: A strategic approach. Management Decision, 30(7), 46.   

Marketing professional services

Professional service industries are faced with marketing themselves in a similar fashion to other businesses. The major difference is that services are more difficult to market due to the lack of specific goods. These individuals must distinguish their identities from other established companies in order to maintain a reputable name and overall image. When a service is considered inadequate, the industry may suffer, but not as drastically as the business itself. Common styles include minimalism, hard-selling, and professionalism; the most beneficial style for marketing professional services would be from a professional approach. It is designed to incorporate the company’s ethical standards into any project. It doesn’t oversimply the marketing process compared to a minimalistic style or develop a sales-oriented monster such as hard-selling techniques. Marketing strategies are an entirely client-based segment and “many professional firms see the key to growth to lie in expanding their services to existing clients” (Kotler & Connor, 1977, p. 73). All customers want to believe they’re receiving the best quality for what they pay for. The next major step would be to identify and cultivate potential clients. This would range from legitimate advertising strategies by the company to phone calls from prospective clients about any available services. Many other marketing strategies can be correlated to previous mentioned in some way.

Companies need to consider any vital procedures that are required in order to achieve success in marketing their professional services. Companies should rely on the expertise of a marketing team to conduct a formal and proper analysis. They would create a specialized marketing team, or department that would conduct research, present the findings, and advise companies of further action. Overall, company procedures are intended to offset customer-based strategies.

References:

Kotler, P., & Connor,Richard A.,,Jr. (1977). Marketing professional services. Journal of Marketing (Pre-1986), 41(000001), 71.  

Two strategic analysis tools

Every company has weakness, strengths, and their own challenges. However, companies cannot successfully move forward and solve issues if there is no true understanding of the root problem. Additionally, without the proper tools or platform of strategic planning an organization will never be able to identify their problematic areas. While there is no right answer, using such concepts as the VRIO framework or CATWOE analysis will guide companies where adjustments need to be made in order to make improvements and reach goals.     

Valued rarity imitability organization or VRIO analysis is primarily used to assess a firm’s resources and their sustainability applied to competitive advantage (Knott, 2015). Since resources add value to an organization they also need strict evaluation as any value that benefits a company can also benefit stakeholders (Frue, 2017).  Rarity, as it applies to resources, can be of concern for a company as rare resources can add value creating a competitive advantage; however, if limited access to a rare resource exists then this could now become a disadvantage (Frue, 2017). Since its implantation, VIRO Analysis has had its share of criticism, as there is no real support to prove that VIRO helps managers to properly manage resources (Knott, 2015). Studies show that VRIO does help managers to evaluate resources in comparison to their competitors, but poses a disadvantage because it excludes resource disadvantage versus advantage (Knott, 2015). Additionally, it was found that using the VIRO method often-lead managers to referring to other existing analytical models (Knott, 2015). 

The fact that VIRO often leads to other methods is not necessarily a negative factor. It is not uncommon for an organization to utilize more than one method, as there are no “one size fits all” approaches to problem solving. For example, the CATWOE method differs from VRIO as it concentrates more on defining root problems in the solving problems process (Nayab, 2013). CATWOE is a soft system methodology that provides an ethical approach to root definition by including a wide range of stakeholders to who have the ability to implement change (Nayab, 2013).  

Regardless of what adversity an organization may face, the implementation and understanding of strong strategic analysis will help managers and senior leaders to find areas where improvement maybe needed. Concentrating on the areas of Finance and Research & Development VRIO can help to evaluate that resources being utilized are meeting a competitive advantage as both of these categories can be perceived under RBV or resource based view. VRIO framework forces management to give an honest look into resources and ask if they are rare, costly, and allow the company to capture value which all leads to competitive advantage (Knott, 2015). StrongArm highlights the idea of using resources to produce their products to give viable sustainment beyond the shelf life of common sensors. By using VRIO StrongArm can examine their tangible resources to ensure resources are meeting this standard in order to accomplish their objective. This can be accomplished by StrongArm comparing their resources used by competitive markets to determine if the resources are highly used by other companies, if the resources are easily accessible, and its ability to be used by companies in the future (Knott, 2015). Additionally, to determine if the resource adds value VRIO scrutinizes which activities cost production with the perception of decreasing consumer cost and if the resource creates product differentiation (Knott, 2015). Again, all of these concepts help to build a competitive advantage for StrongArm. In regards to marketing and production, CATWOE is an analysis tool that can help StrongArm identify trouble areas. Under CATWOE, customer bases are identified and this is where the company tries to understand their target customers (Nayab, 2013). This effects both marketing and production since products can be now made in order to meet StrongArm’s customer’s needs. Furthermore, it gives direction to the marketing department direction since StrongArm’s customers are now recognized. Marketing can now direct strategies to specific clients and translate how these products will suit them. 

Companies can face challenges in many aspects of business operations. While there may be a multitude of possible solutions the key to success to have a strategy in place. VRIO framework can help a company manage resource issues regardless if they present themselves in tangible or intangible forms. In addition, CATWOE allows a company to concentrate on many concerns ranging from customers to environmental constraints, in order to address problems within a variety of categories. Regardless of what strategic analysis tools a company may choose to use having a strategy will greatly benefit an organization in the journey to achieving their goals.

References

Frank, M. (2016). Systems Thinking : Foundation, Uses and Challenges. Hauppauge, NewYork: Nova Science Publishers, Inc.

Frue, K. (2017). What is VRIO Analysis? Retrieved from http://pestleanalysis.com/vrio-analysis/

Knott, P. J. (2015). Does VRIO help managers evaluate a firm’s resources?. Management Decision, 53(8), 1806.

Nayab, N. (2013). CATWOE Analysis: How & When it is Used. Retrieved from https://www.brighthubpm.com/methods-strategies/105917-catwoe-analysis-how-amp-when-to-use-it/

Wakeup to The Chinese Virus Covid-19

The Wuhan Virus, and How it will impact Americans

Don't call it Covid-19!

One thing is for sure... you're paying attention to the wrong people and circumstances. CNN is accomplishing its goal of deviating your attention away from the culprit behind this entire situation: The Chinese Communist Party (CCP)! This is a war, and it's time to wake up!

Take a watch at your convenience: https://youtu.be/3bXWGxhd7ic

It's time for you to take the path down the rabbit hole... and never look back!

1. Origin of the Wuhan Virus: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eJ3RzGoQC4s&feature=emb_logo
2. Peak Prosperity- a good site for real information on the Wuhan Virus: http://www.peakprosperity.com
3. Out of the Shadows: https://youtu.be/bYOzvcCNLZc

Now when you're ready, watch this:

4. A Century of the Self: https://youtu.be/eJ3RzGoQC4s
5. Read this: "War is a Racket" by Major General Smedley Butler: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=26O-2SVcrw0

Are you awake yet? Do you understand that Hollywood, the media, and your whole American way of life is a facade? If not, I can send a hundred more resources to help!

Ignore pundits like Brian Stelter on CNN. He's a bad version of George from Seinfeld! The guy is completely incompetent! Besides, China's influence over the US media is profound, and if you're listening to CNN, CBS, Fox, ABC, or any other mainstream media outlet at this point for your information, you're silly! No offense intended, but you need to start listening to investigative reporting instead of opinionated assholes in the Fake News media that is full of PROPAGANDA (read the book- http://whale.to/b/bernays.pdf). As you watch the President's daily press briefings, do you realize the people asking him questions are funded by the CCP, yet you continue to criticize the POTUS? Do you realize that you are buying their propaganda and leading us into 1984!!!!!!!

Instead, turn your attention to the cause of this issue. Instead, realize that the world has been attacked by China! Instead, figure out what you're going to do to maintain your quality of life, because it is now going to change forever. There is no going back to normal. At this point, there is no normal. The only way forward is to come to consensus that shit is hitting the fan and it's time to act.

Love each other. Support each other. Come up with a plan on how you all will proceed. This isn't going away, and again... life has changed forever! Personally (psychologically and lifestyle). Economically. Socially. Politically. Culturally. Technologically (5G is not a good thing).

As food prices rise and hyper inflation hits, are you sitting and just watching CNN or Fox news? You do realize our food supply chain has serious issues that will not be fixed, right? Have you planted your garden yet? Read this: https://www.peakprosperity.com/the-next-crisis-food/

Are you ready? Do you have God's money... Gold and Silver? Do you have a gun, you might need it as things get worse and worse and the GREATEST DEPRESSION sets in? I sure hope not... I sure hope Trump does have a plan to save the economy (even though you hate him, he may be the only thing between you and third world poverty- have you experienced that before?!?!?!), don't you?

Stop paying attention to politics and pay more attention to how you will maintain your lifestyle and health. That is what is important. Stress suppresses the immune system. Allowing Brian Stetler and Pierce Morgan (both assholes) (or anyone on Fox, ABC, CBS, NBC, or any mainstream media outlet) to guide you through this is not only pitiful, it is shameful! Sorry... reality hurts! Reality bites... Get prepared... or life may bite you in the ass!

Sorry for the lecture, but its time to get our shit together and start pointing the blame in the right direction! The CCP and those traitors in this country that have been bought and paid for by the CCP! Are you ready for a One World Government that HW Bush started to implement and all subsequent Presidents (less Trump) continued to make a reality? Or... do you want a sovereign nation that belongs to We The People? It's time to purge the poison from the political, pedowood and mainstream media control system!

Start thinking of how to Make America Great Again... or maybe consider moving to Wuhan. They're open for business again.

If you really want to go deeper into the rabbit hole... I have one word for you: Adrenochrome

Love to you all!

John

Covid-19 Safe Shopping Guidelines

Use these guidelines to shop safely throughout this Corona Virus pandemic. The China Virus is wicked!


1. Distance, distance, distance

By this point, you’ve heard me hammer on this dozens of times… but as a doctor, I really cannot stress just how important it is to keep your distance right now.

The CDC recommends staying 6 feet away from anyone outside your immediate household, but I say it’s worth taking that extra step to wait for others to pass by you on sidewalks or in grocery aisles.

Tip: If you want to protect your face, opt for a scarf or bandana, since face masks are becoming harder for hospitals to find.

2. Don’t forget to wipe down handles on doors and shopping carts

As you may know, viruses can live on hard surfaces for a very long time… so it’s very important you wipe down door and cart handles. I also suggest keeping a stack of tissues handy, so you can grab hold of handrails, gas pumps, grocery bags, and other high-touch surfaces.

Tip: If possible, always reach for items at the back of the shelf. These are usually handled much less, meaning they carry less of a risk.

3. Avoid foods that weaken your immune system, and eat foods that strengthen it

Unfortunately, grocery stores are riddled with bad, unhealthy foods that can really compromise your immune system. That’s why it’s especially important to pay extra attention to labels right now, and check for artificial ingredients, preservatives, and other toxins that could hurt your immunity.

Things to avoid include: Sucralose, aspartame, saccharine, high-fructose corn syrup, artificial colors, sodium nitrate, trans fats, and monosodium glutamate (MSG).

Tip: Green bananas are perfect to stock up on right now. Not only are they rich in gut-boosting magnesium, they’re also a great source of immune-supporting resistant starch — which is excellent for gut health (where most of the immune system is kept). Just make sure you’re eating them green!

4. Stock up on lectin-free foods with long shelf lives

A lot of people are stocking up on beans and other legumes right now. But if you can live without them, I highly urge you to stay away from lectin-heavy foods like beans, pastries, bread, and cereal. (But, beans are perfectly safe when pressure cooked.)

Instead, try to stick to healthier options like frozen vegetables, fish, in-season fruits, and grass-fed and finished pasture-raised meats — all of which can be safely stored in your freezer.

They’re just as tasty as a normal potato chip, but FAR healthier — with plenty of micronutrients that support strong immunity and healthy digestion. And best of all? Since they’re delivered right to your door, you don’t need to leave home AT ALL to stay stocked up. And they're a great dipping chip for a batch of homemade guacamole!

If you want to learn more, check out the end of this email!

5. For now, leave your coins and bills where they are

If you can manage to get by with just your debit or credit card, I HIGHLY recommend it. Remember, one of the riskiest things you can do is touch something contaminated… so if you can, it’s worth playing it safe and going “cashless” for the time being.

Tip: For digital signatures, use your knuckle instead of your index finger. And for physical signatures, always remember to pack and use your own pen.

Oh, and of course the last thing to remember is to always wash your hands with soap before leaving and right when you come home…

But as a health-conscious subscriber, I know you’re already doing that. ;)

So, be sure to follow these basic steps the next time you need to head out and stock up on food for the week.

As for myself, Penny and I are pretty stocked up at home with plenty of frozen goods and healthy snacks… and we hope you are as well.

I know sometimes, it can feel like this is never going to end — but believe me, this too shall pass…

And once it does, we’ll look back on this as a time we all paused for a moment to focus on the one thing that matters most: Your health.

National and Industrial Strategies for Value Creation

Companies who transition to a global market could potentially see lower costs with an increase in revenue.  Focusing on reducing the cost strategy will decrease operating costs while maximizing labor productivity and increasing profits.  However, it can be quite the challenge as the companies will have to face a many different policy challenges.

“The meaning of global competitiveness is the ability to create and capture higher value in the global supply chain network. Companies must create high value through innovation, in order to move up on the global supply chain”.  However, pursuing the global economy not only requires innovation but also market competition as well as the various regulations and laws.  In order to maximize on the value creation, cost-leadership strategy is essential for economic development.

Additionally, international business consists of many different aspects such as politics and the government which can complicate things.  Like most risks, this could pose a major issue as entering into these foreign countries could lead to devastating results.  “Often there is a high degree of uncertainty when performing operations in a foreign country, and this risk is often called the political risk and sovereign risk. The political environment may affect the business of the organization in many ways”.  Therefore, companies need to be aware of all external factors prior to entering global markets.

References

Lee, Chung-Shing & Ho, Jonathan. (2014). National and Industrial Strategies for Value Creation in a Global Context. International Journal of Innovation and Technology Management. 11. 10.1142/S0219877014400100

Albugar, M. (2017). Impact Of Government Policy On International Business. Varazdin: Varazdin Development and Entrepreneurship Agency (VADEA). Retrieved from https://libauth.purdueglobal.edu/login?url=https://search-proquest-com.libauth.purdueglobal.edu/docview/2070393446?accountid=34544