The 1920 Consumer Economy

Introduction

Consumerism in the year 1920 really helped in boosting the consumer values and culture, since this was the time when the manufacturers really depended on the consumers. This was consequently the best period in America, since consumers had the total authority of buying products even though they had no money (Payne, 2015). Mass production of products led to consumerism, since the supply was more than the demand. This move forced the manufacturers to come up with different ways of making consumers to buy the manufactured products (Malkmes, 2011).

            Manufacturers were forced to sell the products on credit, in order to allow the consumers to buy the goods. Most consumers would therefore buy the products, whereby they would pay in installments (Payne, 2015). During this period, the consumers became the shapers of the economy, since the gross domestic price (GDP) depended on them. Manufacturers used advertisements as a means of easily reaching most consumers, hence promoting the sales of their products (Malkmes, 2011).

            The buying culture of the consumers changed, after they were allowed to buy the products on credit. This was a move which doubled consumer debts, between the 1920-1930 periods (Payne, 2015). Consumers were on a buying spree during this period, and they did not worry about the cost of the products, guaranteed they could be able to buy them in instalments. Retail shops became consumer favorites, since they had good credit plans, which allowed the consumers to choose the products of their choice, and the credit plans which they were comfortable with during the time (Malkmes, 2011). In addition, during the same period, the number of sales more than doubled, since most consumers had been intrigued by the buy now pay later culture.

            The products which had been expensive previously, were now affordable, thus allowing the consumers to be able to benefit fully (Payne, 2015). Moreover, the manufacturers really valued their customers, since the fate of the manufactured products depended on the ability of the consumers to purchase the goods. Most retail shops treated their consumers very well, thus making them to remain loyal (Malkmes, 2011). The quality of the products was improved, in order to make sure that the consumers did not shy away from certain products. This was the period when manufacturers were begging the consumers to purchase their products.

            Consumerism changed the buying culture of the consumers, thus making them to adopt to the new forms of life, a move which resulted into modernism (Payne, 2015). For instance, most people replaced house work with machines such as vacuum cleaner, which helped in cleaning the house. Most people became concerned with their own affairs, a move which resulted in the shifting of morals, since most people decided to lead their own types of lives. Consumers picked up a culture of buying anything new in the market, in order to either make their housework easier, or to make them enjoy themselves (Malkmes, 2011). Advertisements increased, in a bid to lure customers into buying the products by the manufacturers (Payne, 2015). The advertisements were only meant to attract the attention of the consumers, but they did not portray the quality of the products.

Conclusion

This was consequently the period when the Americans enjoyed shopping, since the manufacturers really respected them. Consumers were the center of the economy, hence the manufacturers had to do their best in order to entice the consumers into buying the wide variety of products which had flooded the market. The consumer culture changed making them to become spendthrift. The buy on credit approach was very significant as it help in luring the consumers into buying a lot of products. Advertisements were also very effective, as they helped in attracting the customers. Most consumers would therefore buy products which were being advertised, only to realize later that they were not of a good quality (Malkmes, 2011). Advertisements influenced the morals of the people, making them to only do things to their own advantage, and not to the advantage of other. Most Americans consequently became self-centered, and they would therefore do things in order to fulfil their own desires.

Reference

Payne, P. G. (2015). Crash!: How the economic boom & bust of the 1920s worked

Malkmes, J. (2011). American consumer culture and its society: From F. Scott Fitzgerald's 1920s modernism to Bret Easton Ellis'1980s blank fiction. Hamburg: Diplomica-Verl.

Cortina Watch

Cortina watch is one of the leading watch distributor and a retailer in Asia which has over 50 world known brands. Cortina watch has a commitment to bringing this world-class timepieces to people and inclusive of the personalized customer services, Cortina watch has established a very strong brand as well as offering the best to get the customer loyalty[1]. Currently, Cortina watch has opened and it operates retails which are more than 30 in all across Asia specifically in Singapore, Malaysia, Taiwan, Hong Kong, Thailand, and Indonesia.

Cortina watch offers specific services to its customers[2]. Such services include way-finding which is a generally dining and shopping, tourist map, Paragon medical directory which are all available in the stores and the lift lobbies to assist a customer to locate their way in or out. Cortina also offers amenities for loans such as the power banks, wheelchairs, and umbrellas are all available for loans[3]. The orders for these items are readily available at the various retail stores. Free valet is also offered by the company where drivers are provided by the company so when clients arrive, they only have to get out of the car and shop for whatever they want and someone will take care of their vehicles on their behalf until they are done with shopping. The company also offers free internet connection precisely the wireless connections anywhere around the malls[4].

The concierge mostly located at the various locations is always ready to help in finding their directions, the reservations with the restaurants, the booking of the taxis, and any other inquiries from the customers. The company has a mobile app in order to keep the customers and the general public interested on the latest promotions, latest news, and also every event happening in regards to Cortina watch. Cortina is also committed to assisting the customers or the shoppers have a taste of the best retail experience ever[5]. The company does not discriminate against the kids but has products which can be enjoyed by the kids in case someone has brought in a kid on board[6]. Cortina watch has strived to hire, attract, retain and motivate the best-discovered talents for the possibility of acquiring excellence in every aspect of the business. Cortina believes that every single employee is also an ambassador for the company and the brands the company deals with which the company upholds the best standards in terms of quality and services offered.

Table of contents

Executive summary……………………………………...1

Table of content……………………………………….....3

Introduction……………………………………………….3

Research…………………………………………………..6

Situation analysis…………………………………............7

Introduction

            Cortina watch was founded in the year 1972 in Singapore where it has been operating to other parts of the world since it was launched. Cortina watch operates as a subsidiary company to another company called Cortina holdings limited[7].  Cortina watch Singapore seeks to consistently provide a reliable and delightful customer services through the detailed selection of some luxury timepieces in a friendly, personalized and professional ambiance. Cortina believes in people as they are the best and greatest assets to the company[8]. The company has a commitment to nurturing and empowering the management and the staff in general.

Cortina watch develops quality customer service and delivers a high-quality product to its customers all around the world. With the use of the latest technology in the development of watches, Cortina has developed a sense of responsibility in making sure that the designs used in these watches are according to the current times. The company employs more people on a daily basis as the demand for its products in the major cities has created job opportunities for people to join. The company welcomes the new employees with an overview of the company and the advantages of joining the team of distributors and general staff.

Mission statement at Cortina Watch

Cortina watch wants to be a recognized leader in retailing and distributing of the luxury timepieces and accessories internationally and in the Asia Pacific region. Cortina watch also wants to be an internationally consistent provider of the reliable and delightful customer experience through the extensively and selective professional, friendly and personalized ambiance.

Vision statement for Cortina watch

Geographical expansion of this retail business in its vital markets in Singapore, Thailand, Hong Kong, Malaysia, Taiwan, and Indonesia is vital as a strategy for growth in the global level[9]. Cortina watch has increased the products depth through the introduction of fashionable and affordable timepieces into the products mix which is a strategy to target the wider market with the customer base. Cortina watch in mostly looking for new opportunities both locally and internationally with an aim of widening the market penetration and also expand the brand names into a global level[10]. Considering this alternative of expansion of the groups retailing presence, Cortina watch endeavors in expansion and strengthening the distribution business through the acquisitions, merging with other suitable partners and also through the use of new distribution channel planning for the new brands which complements the current range of products.

Research

Cortina’s total retail network retailing capabilities currently stand at 20 outlets, 15 stores, several Rolex boutiques in Thailand and other countries in the year 2012. The company has a two-sided segment which is the retail and the wholesale[11]. On the wholesale part, the company involves the wholesaling of the commodities such as the watch and clocks[12]. On the retail part, the company concentrates on the watches, lighters, clocks, and the pens. Mostly, the product line of the company involves the luxury timepieces, watches, luxurious writing instruments, watch winders and any other accessory[13]. Some specific brands of the company include Corum, Gucci, Cartier, Chronoswiss, Blancpain, and Chopard. Besides having this wide range of brands, the company has also concentrated on other services such as the repairs, home deliveries, and other after sale services and the product's warranty maintenance[14]. The company has also diversified to working in specialized watch boutiques which operate under the name Espace and other kinds of products in the boutique market. Cortina has its main market in Singapore, Indonesia, Malaysia, Russia, Cambodia, Hong Kong, Dubai, and Thailand. The company has its main headquarters in Singapore.

Situation analysis

A comprehensive detailed strategic analysis of the Cortina watch clearly indicates how well a company can perform against the prevailing market forces that have pushed other major companies out of the market[15]. The situation analysis, in this case, will be combined on the basis of the Global data in order to give a comprehensive detailed analysis which is unbiased and in regards to the key strengths, weaknesses, opportunities and the threats in the market. The company profile assists in the formulation of strategies which argue on the basis of customers, partners, and the competitors[16]. Cortina watch is a company that has formed the first 50,000 number of companies in the world which lead in the globally. Cortina watch contains the critical information required in the global data configuration. This information includes the business description which is a detailed description of the company operations, the corporate strategy, company history, key competitors, key employees, Executive biographies, key operation and the major products and services.

Cortina Watch has been on the market for over 30 years which makes it a company with much experience in the market.

Strengths

Cortina Watch takes advantage of the cheap labor costs provided by the employees. Dealing with durable commodities increases the chances of the products gaining more market than any other type of a commodity[17]. Cortina has basically focused on the creation of the market for its products. The products and the brands sell themselves to the customers so individuals who are employed to deliver or distribute the products are employed on a contract basis. Monetary assistance is provided by the major cooperatives and the partners[18]. Cortina watch has a number of partners who contribute a huge amount of money to the group, therefore, allowing the company to have cheap and increased amounts of money at their disposal. The domestic market is readily available in Singapore and this has been attributed to the fact that the company initially started in this country before expanding to other markets.

Weaknesses

The high investments in research and developments have an adverse effect on the production level of the company. Research is an expensive strategy which has no current benefits but the future benefits in huge number[19]. Cortina watch has invested more in the development of new strategies and methodologies to increase the market choice for its customers.

Opportunities

The company has developed new products and services which have helped in the growth of the market[20]. The development in brands into the market has increased the market share of Cortina watch thereby making the brand stick in the minds of the people more. Global markets are new opportunities for the company since the company has opened more products centers in other more than 5 countries. Growth in demand for the products has increased the opportunity for success in this company[21]. The brands such as Gucci, Rolex are a known brand that has stuck in the minds of many people and so this knowledge has increased the capability for the company to grow wider. The rates of growth and profitability have also increased the growth of the company. There has been a tremendous change in terms of the profits the company used to make 5 years ago and now. This increase has been attributed to growth in the market.

Threats

Growth in a company means that there will be more tax deductions which will basically reduce the profit share of the business. Certain countries have restrictions against money getting out of their country unless a heavy tax has been imposed on the company. The tax imposed by the governments can be very expensive and difficult to handle therefore making the company lose out in the market.

References

Applebaum, David. 2012. Limits, limits everywhere: the tools of mathematical analysis. Oxford [etc.]: Oxford University Press.           

Grant, Robert M. 2008. Contemporary strategy analysis. Malden, MA: Blackwell Pub.    

Zimmerhackl, Lothar Bernd, Johannes Hofer, Gérard Cortina, Walter Mark, Reinhard Würzner, and Therese C. Jungraithmayr. "Gus Khursigara, Ph. D. Kay O. Kliche, MD." N Engl J Med 361   (2009): 1676-87.

[1] Grant, Robert M. 2008. Contemporary strategy analysis. Malden, MA: Blackwell Pub.    

[2] Zimmerhackl, Lothar Bernd, Johannes Hofer, Gérard Cortina, Walter Mark, Reinhard Würzner, and Therese C. Jungraithmayr. "Gus Khursigara, Ph. D. Kay O. Kliche, MD." N Engl J Med 361 (2009): 1676-87.

[3] Applebaum, David. 2012. Limits, limits everywhere: the tools of mathematical analysis. Oxford [etc.]: Oxford University Press.           

[4] Grant, Robert M. 2008. Contemporary strategy analysis. Malden, MA: Blackwell Pub.    

[5] Zimmerhackl, Lothar Bernd, Johannes Hofer, Gérard Cortina, Walter Mark, Reinhard Würzner, and Therese C. Jungraithmayr. "Gus Khursigara, Ph. D. Kay O. Kliche, MD." N Engl J Med 361 (2009): 1676-87.

[6] Grant, Robert M. 2008. Contemporary strategy analysis. Malden, MA: Blackwell Pub.    

[7] Applebaum, David. 2012. Limits, limits everywhere: the tools of mathematical analysis. Oxford [etc.]: Oxford University Press.           

[8] Grant, Robert M. 2008. Contemporary strategy analysis. Malden, MA: Blackwell Pub.    

[9] Zimmerhackl, Lothar Bernd, Johannes Hofer, Gérard Cortina, Walter Mark, Reinhard Würzner, and Therese C. Jungraithmayr. "Gus Khursigara, Ph. D. Kay O. Kliche, MD." N Engl J Med 361 (2009): 1676-87.

[10] Grant, Robert M. 2008. Contemporary strategy analysis. Malden, MA: Blackwell Pub.    

[11] Zimmerhackl, Lothar Bernd, Johannes Hofer, Gérard Cortina, Walter Mark, Reinhard Würzner, and Therese C. Jungraithmayr. "Gus Khursigara, Ph. D. Kay O. Kliche, MD." N Engl J Med 361 (2009): 1676-87.

[12] Applebaum, David. 2012. Limits, limits everywhere: the tools of mathematical analysis. Oxford [etc.]: Oxford University Press.           

[13] Grant, Robert M. 2008. Contemporary strategy analysis. Malden, MA: Blackwell Pub.    

[14] Grant, Robert M. 2008. Contemporary strategy analysis. Malden, MA: Blackwell Pub.    

[15] Zimmerhackl, Lothar Bernd, Johannes Hofer, Gérard Cortina, Walter Mark, Reinhard Würzner, and Therese C. Jungraithmayr. "Gus Khursigara, Ph. D. Kay O. Kliche, MD." N Engl J Med 361 (2009): 1676-87.

[16] Grant, Robert M. 2008. Contemporary strategy analysis. Malden, MA: Blackwell Pub.    

[17] Zimmerhackl, Lothar Bernd, Johannes Hofer, Gérard Cortina, Walter Mark, Reinhard Würzner, and Therese C. Jungraithmayr. "Gus Khursigara, Ph. D. Kay O. Kliche, MD." N Engl J Med 361 (2009): 1676-87.

[18] Grant, Robert M. 2008. Contemporary strategy analysis. Malden, MA: Blackwell Pub.

[19] Grant, Robert M. 2008. Contemporary strategy analysis. Malden, MA: Blackwell Pub.    

[20] Applebaum, David. 2012. Limits, limits everywhere: the tools of mathematical analysis. Oxford [etc.]: Oxford University Press.           

[21] Zimmerhackl, Lothar Bernd, Johannes Hofer, Gérard Cortina, Walter Mark, Reinhard Würzner, and Therese C. Jungraithmayr. "Gus Khursigara, Ph. D. Kay O. Kliche, MD." N Engl J Med 361 (2009): 1676-87.

Employee Voice in the international context (Focus on: Involvement and Participation)

Introduction

 The issue of employees’ voice has attracted a lot of attention from individuals seeking improved organizational performance and those who desire a better employee representation system. The international environment has become more sympathetic to the ideas of employees rights, trade unions and which have their fundamental support from various legal regulations. A major ingredient in employees’ voice around the globe and especially in European Union employment and social policy has been the unfaltering commitment to the notion of employee participation and involvement.  Employee involvement has also become central to senior management in increasing number of multinational organizations even across the European markets as they try to maintain a competitive advantage in market and financial conditions that are dynamic and demanding. In the European Union, the employee voice has been enshrined majorly in law, where various measures are outlined that regulates other areas like non-stand contracts, working conditions and working time. These measures have faced stiff opposition from employees and especially the ones touching on employees’ participation have been viewed as intrusive and threatening.  More complication on adoption of the measures has emerged from the large diversity of present legal and industrial relations frameworks among the member states and even from some governments. Organizations such as UNICE have emphasized the issue of employee voice by highlighting the need for a voluntary approach in consultation and a formal definition of trade unions.

 The need for employee involvement and participation in the international markets cannot be overlooked and the spread of information and consultation arrangements have attracted a lot of attention from the employers. The international market is becoming more complex due to the existence of different work related policy frameworks and the fact that multinational firms are expanding rapidly to take advantage of opportunities in foreign countries. This has comes with increased call for employer responsibility and adherence to various principles aimed at ensuring employees rights and hence participation through representative organization.  In European Union, the focus has been on redistributive forms of workplace employee participation at the company level or group level especially on consultation and information (Hyman, 2010). The focus has majorly been directed towards to basic levels .These comprises of representation of employee at board level where they can influence organizational strategy and representation below the board level via works council where they can daily functions and operations of management. These notions have lead to adoption of various regulations that influence labor relations at the organizational level and across the whole industry in the international and European markets (Waddington, 2011). The growth of multinationals to the level of influencing the legislation process and political platform has been driven by the fact that these firms operates under various regulations and involve many expatriates in carrying out international management decisions. Therefore, companies have been undertaking audits or reviews of their existing consultation and information practices against the established regulations and also to assess the possibility that workers will seek to activate these statutory procedures.

Trade unions are at the heart of this debate and the unions are seen to have been left out due to lack of sufficient scope that could bring about the right communication and networking in European Workers council.  The past has also seen arguments that there would be isolation of council representatives from the representational national structure which undermined the councils’ effectiveness. Another issue has been that these councils would not be involved from national collective bargaining, and in turn leading to further exclusion of international bargaining issues (Waddington, 2011). Due to difference in cultures , languages and  hence backgrounds of industrial relations,  opportunities have been spotted which can  be used  for creation of new employee representation that is transnational and which can lay  a basis of developing ‘solidaristic’ strategies that  supplements consultation and information (Caligiuri & Bonache, 2016) .  The European Work Councils has a major role of ensuing employee participation by providing consultation.  However, criticism has been drawn from the fact that the quality of service provided by the council is poor so that, at best, many of these councils act just like institutions where information can be disclosed by managers. Lack of an even pattern of articulation between trade unions and the workers councils in relation to training, support and communication is another issue.  The practices of consultation and information fail to meet the standards in the EWC outlined agreements (Waddington, 2011). Such information and consultation should be of high quality so as ensure employee voice is facilitated through involvement and participation.    

 Employee voice goes beyond representation by the councils to express grievances in work context to participation and management of employees in the process of decision making or even communication where employees and managers are given an opportunity to exchange ideas about certain issues via a collective consultation and on an individual platform. This is true where there is diversity where workers can exchange experiences and objects to other people in different countries or even spreading social structures that can be enjoined in pre-existing culture to have an environment that encourages employees’ welfare and improving organizational performance. In an era of globalization, many employees find themselves relocating to foreign countries to work on multinational organizations and they have to be granted a voice to raise grievances, share ideas and be included in the decision making process (Caligiuri & Bonache, 2016). This is also important for the employees working in transnational companies that aim at spreading out operations in various countries while sustaining a local responsiveness that is of high level. Working as an expatriate in these companies represents certain challenges that emerge from salient differences in economic and geopolitical changes, technological advancement, communication and even the demographic and organizational trend in the business environment. The expatriates normally have some key functions that forms the reasons for working in other countries; management development, control and filling certain positions .The controlling role involves the expatriates representing the interest of the parent firm in various subsidiaries by liaising between the interests of both countries, safeguarding the overall interests of the firm and ensuring that decisions made at the subsidiary level do not deviate from the organizational goals (Caligiuri & Bonache, 2016). This function requires a lot of involvement and participation of the employees who take part in it. The function of filling the vacant position involve knowledge transfer to the subsidiary from the headquarter and such knowledge may be general such as corporate culture or even more specific and technical such as negotiation and purchasing skills , transformational or even outputs(Caligiuri & Bonache, 2016).  Transferring this knowledge involves a lot of participations and involvement by members of an organization so that it can be steeped in the skills and experience of these individuals. 

Management development is a task that involves getting immersed in a wide array of challenging and new intercultural situations which will assist in development of a holistic approach and international business acumen. The need for participation is quit high given the fact that the individuals taking over the responsibilities will encounter challenges that they want solved through engagement. These people also want opportunities to have a work life-balance and be able to explore career opportunities for professional growth. The global mobility undertaken by expatriates has many challenges, while its integration with management of global talent will involve addressing the various needs of these workers (Caligiuri & Bonache, 2016). It is important for the European Union member states in the management of demand and supply of international mobile professionals, an in ensuring that those with the appropriate kind of cross-cultural competences and skills are given the right assignments and at the appropriate time.   To accomplish this, the talent management and the mobility functions are close in reference to employees’ participations and involvement. Employee participation and involvement is also beneficial to the human resource managers who will have an opportunity examine whether the actual competencies acquired are appropriate instead of assuming that such competences were gained while abroad (Bonache & Noethen, 2014).  With increased heterogeneity of foreign employees among the European countries, family demographics and individual needs will continue being more distinctive presently and in future.  The various demands from these expatriates ranging from eldercare and even inclusion of benefits to those partners who are not married will have to be encountered.  These individuals may also demands their rights as provided in the regulations of the various countries or European agreements and avoiding confrontation at the workplace or disruptions in the operations of the firm.

The success of employee in delivering value to the employers such as multinationals across the European Union depends on the various legal regulations that provide an opportunity for employees to engage the management. A legal background provides such an avenue where employee’s rights are upheld such the Article 119 of the Treaty of Rome (now Article 141 where considerations such as the principle of equal pay are provided for both genders – male and female (Barber & Monks, 2006). The female employees are given the right to participate in collective bargain or trade unions and be provided with contractual benefits that are similar to that of men working in a common establishment or same terms and conditions. Similar opportunities provided where discrimination is rule out, enabling equal participation and involvement of all employees with fear of prejudice based on one’s gender or background. This ensures that there is a platform for all employees to engage in information sharing and finding for solutions to problems jointly between employees and managers in both formal and informal arrangements. It shows participation and involvement will best take place if every employee to share their views on the prevailing problems and offering suggestion for available solutions. This supports the idea of aligning the interests of employees and employers and focusing the energy towards common goals within the organization .However, this does not work under the premise that conflict is not likely to occur, or that any the trade unions will not be required to solve such problems. While encouraging the participation and involvement, it is important to appreciate that there will always be separate interest of employers and workers and many of these interests are unavoidable and natural. However, employee involvement will ensure that different there is the appropriate management of these interests and hence open conflicts are avoided or are channeled towards production of more positive outcomes. In the same manner it is can be difficult to avoid conflict in an international environment where the many challenges that relates to labor and  different labor  regulations including in the European Union . It would require the effort of employers and employees to ensure that any cultural differences arising from the expatriates or between them and management are addressed.  

The appropriate participation can be attained through the inspirational social partnership that is established by the European directives, where the process of information and consultation among all sizes of organizations are legally mandated.  The social partnership model is able to move beyond a narrow idea of employment relationship as comprising only of the organization and work is considered in social context that is broader (Hyman, 2010). This allows employees and employers to have responsibilities and rights and some of the rights have been enshrined different laws of various European Union member states.  The participants in this model have a social and economic function in a business environment and where consultation arrangements are promoted to attain the intended social, economic and cultural goals.   Here, social dialogue is promoted and it plays a vital role in development and maintenance of the statutory form of participation by the employee. The aim is to forge a social partnership concept on which a framework is developed for modernization of organizational functions (Hyman, 2010).  Regardless of any criticism on employee democracy to participate or get involved in the decision making process, the benefits will outweigh.

Conclusion

 There are various justifications for employees possessing some participatory rights including providing a remedy for power imbalances between employers and employees and having democratic principles at the place of work which are common across the European Union members. Others include creating organizations that address various community interests, encourage economic efficiency and the development of work relationships that are based on corporation. Therefore, in markets that are increasingly becoming global and where labor mobility level is high, participation will ensure that employees can overcome cultural differences and are provided with a working environment where their value is appreciated.  This will link the gap between employees or trade unions that represent them and the companies, and the interests all parties will be addressed without a need for litigation to solve arising conflicts. In addition, the organizations are under an obligation to consult with employees while assigning them functions, choosing the company representatives in foreign countries and in major decisions such as mitigating the effects arising from redundancies. In addition, consultations and sharing of information with trade unions will remove any fear that social participation will render such organizations irrelevant. In the expansive European Union, the participation and involvement can act like a productive factor, specifically for those firms that are experiencing expansion, restructuring and even business turbulence in the global market.

References

Waddington, J. (2011). European works councils: the challenge for labour. Industrial Relations Journal, 42(6), 508-529.

Bonache, J., & Noethen, D. (2014). The impact of individual performance on organizational success and its implications for the management of expatriates. The International Journal of Human Resource Management, 25(14), 1960-1977.

Caligiuri, P., & Bonache, J. (2016). Evolving and enduring challenges in global mobility. Journal of World Business, 51(1), 127-141.

Hyman, R. (2010). British industrial relations: The European dimension (pp. 54-80). John Wiley & Sons.

Barber, B., Monks J. (2006).Europe and Your Rights at Work.

Wal-Mart market

Wal-Mart has been experiencing labor problems over the years with many battles with labor organizations, unions and employees, so that a strong non-union culture has been instilled in the company.  It has found itself in legal battles across the globe while defending its labor policies, such as shutting down stores that vote for union and claiming that the action was triggered by finances but not the union.  It has also faced numerous labor violations including illegal threats, firings and lack of payment for overtime and forced overtime (Wal-Mart Stores Inc, 2014).  However, there has been a turnaround, which has seen wage increase trends driven by pressure from outside organizations, media and employees.   There was an increase of wages for 500,000 of its employees and a raise in lowest base wage to $9 per hour. This represents a double increment on the wages, an action that was taken because the company had to (Irwin, 2016).

This meant that firm has moved away from years of cost-cutting that had been taken too far and keeping the labor cost low had led to a labor force with little loyalty or devotion for career. The company’s has established training centers where employees take hourly classes so that they can be n track for management level jobs that are better paying. This has provided a path for a entry-level worker to grow and reach the management level. The firm has also been recruiting new employees over the last few years but the rising costs have halted the trend and there has been laying off workers (Irwin, 2016). This is a reversal of the past years trend, which may be followed by the retail sector.

Reference

Irwin, N (2016). How Did Wal-Mart Get Cleaner Stores and Higher Sales? It Paid Its People More. Retrieved from: https://www.nytimes.com/2016/10/16/upshot/how-did-walmart-get-cleaner-stores-and-higher-sales-it-paid-its-people-more.html?_r=0

Wal-Mart Stores Inc, (2014). Under Siege -Downgrading to Underperform. Retrieved from: http://www.wolferesearch.com/sample/x20140206_SM_WMT_Downgrade_Underperform.pdf\

Development plan

Training

In any development plan, legalities of training must be included to allow a successful development plan. These regulations only apply to certain employees and mostly to the public sector where strict rules and regulations are set to allow quality results. Certain states require the employers to dictate certain laws as set by the state such as the law on sexual harassment which affects both genders but mostly the female gender being misused by their colleagues or the employers. Legal counsels in most cases must be present to allow the compliance of these laws. They include establishing an affirmative defense to every employee as dictated by the human resource department. This is a must in the public sector, but the private sector has not been directed to do the same though it is also being affected by the same. Currently, there are many cases pending in court over the issue of sexual harassments.

Another legal training legality is the establishment of compliance programs which are effective. Such compliance is mostly found in laws as per the constitutions (Dale, 2006). They include the training on business ethics, especially on the government contractors. Work health safety training is a legal requirement in any organization. Every employer is required to conduct and keep a record of every staff training now and then. In case any changes are made in the business, an updated training of the staff is required as per the law. Fire emergency training is also very important to help the employees be safe in case there is a fire outbreak in their place of work. This has to be a comprehensive training which is crucial as fire can occur at any one time thereby risking the lives of many people.

Individuals affected

Such kind of training can affect the organization in a huge way. Training is an expensive requirement since the company has to incur some cost to train the staff. In the private sector, training is not mandatory since the employer regards it as a huge investment in a project that is not worth. With this perception, the employer cannot spend on training even if the laws require them to train (Dale, 2006). In a government or federal class of employment, training is as important as going to work every morning. The federal laws apply in every public office, and the new employees are required to be trained. Departments have been established in public offices for the benefit of training both the new and the old employees since there is a development which may require new skills. Employers see training as an expensive project since every department has its daily work stuff which may require the use of advanced attires or the personal protective equipment (PPE) purchasing the protective gears for every department is expensive, and this are just attires to be worn during an emergency or when it is necessary. For example, the helmets are important for the electric department, but they are used only once in a while.

Development

Training is very important in any development plan. Training helps in segmenting the different kinds of understanding and skills. People with a high possibility of understanding can be tasked with training the other members to move forward with the project (Dale, 2006). It is also important for the employer to identify who among the trainees can hold a bigger office for the control or assist in controlling the other junior employees. Projects which do not take a keen interest in training are faced with the problem of not achieving the best results. However, the training can take place in case the employees are not known, but if the employer knows each well enough, then the training can be forfeited.

Assessment

Considering the terminology development planning, it is crucial to note that developments take place in various ways. It is important to develop a development plan to reduce the risks which might be brought about by neglecting the ideology. Development planning can be based on the infrastructure, the available community facilities, or housing. Development plan helps in providing the main statements in the policies and the objectives of the plan. Policies and objectives can be crucial in the establishment the specific or the appropriate sites where the development can take place. The different types of development plans require different locations for it to be successful in execution.

Aspects by law

In considerations to guidelines stipulated by the EEOC, it is illegal for the employer to discriminate the employees by their color, the race, gender, cultural, origin, disability or religion in both the public and the private sector (Adams et al., 2014). In the United States, laws have been put in place to fight for the rights of the blacks who in many times have been discriminated since their color is not white. Any individual who does not follow such guidelines will be subjected to face criminal charges. Measures have to be taken for every business setting to allow for a good working environment for every employee.

References

Adams, R., Marshall, M., Masci, D., Martino, J. ., Garner, E. ., & Felts, D. C. (2014). Federal      regulatory directory.

Dale, R. (2006). Development planning: Concepts and tools for planners, managers and facilitators. New Delhi: Academic Foundation.

Business strategy

Is vertical growth better than horizontal growth?

Vertical growth involves an organization concentrating on the existing location and working hard by attaining thorough integration of various functions to grow the business in this particular area.  Concentrating on vertical growth is better than horizontal growth for businesses that have not built enough strength in its networks that could shield against any risks that comes with expansion (Wheelen, Hunger, Hoffman & Bamford, 2015). Before a business can decide to expand or branch out to new locations, there is a need to ensure that the existing market and opportunities have been pushed to the highest level of what can be done. There is no point of going to the expense of other locations when there are so many opportunities in the present location. Horizontal growth involves a lot of financial resources for massive investments, time and effort to experience the desired results but it is not worth taking the risk if such input has not been invested in exploiting the current position to the fullest.

Vertical growth ensures that a business focuses on the existing opportunities in distribution, retail and supply channels that can assist in serving current customers. Through this the firm is able to increase sales for its products and services, or even develop products that will appeal to the present customer base whose needs have not been satisfied. Concentrating on the current market position will ensure that the business will achieve financial muscle and efficiency in its operations which can later form a basis for horizontal growth. When the business has grown a strong foundation, it can then proceed to expanding to new locations and where it can enjoy economies of scale

 Is concentration better than diversification?

Concentration as an investment strategy can bring about optimal results especially in the international markets.  This strategy can take advantage of information resource obtained from specializing in a certain line of business when a firm is growing vertically and the economies of scale from a horizontal growth.  While diversification may be viewed as a risk reduction strategy that also helps in minimizing volatility, the strategy places businesses at the mercy of overall market performance. A major benefit of choosing a concentration strategy is that while risk may be more, there is increased potential for reward (Wheelen et. al 2015).  Investments that obtain high level of returns are not normally diversified widely but are normally concentrated in a small number of industries, or the market sectors whose performance is above the overall market.  A concentrated business makes it possible for investors to have their focus on various quality investments. The best strategy is where the investor will concentrate on a modest investment while having their focus a selection of high-quality investments chosen according to preferred investment goals.

 When a business aims at making better returns than the market average, the management may wish to reconsider the diversification strategy in the investment choices.  The downside of diversification is that if a business investment is performing poorly in terms of growth and profit realization among other investments that have a wonderful performance; it may substantially water down the overall growth and performance in returns (Wheelen et. al 2015).  Another challenge in using a diversification strategy is that more cost may be incurred in rebalancing the investment to maintain the diversification level.  A business that is widely diversified presents bigger challenge in adjustment and monitoring since investors has to remain on top of a wide range of different investments.

 Is concentric diversification better than conglomerate diversification?

Concentric diversification has various advantages that make it preferable to conglomerate diversification since a business can use its competitive edge to gain more market share or partner with other business to gain synergy.  A business employing the concentric diversification strategy can achieve synergy by combining efforts with other firms which have complementary financial, operating, management and marketing approaches in order to reach out to the market which it cannot on its own (Wheelen et. al 2015). In addition, a firm can build on the competiveness of the products and expertise in producing such products to reach out in the existing market or other markets.  The high quality product will enable a strategic fit, especially where the businesses are able to create synergy through existing distribution channels to present the product to the market (Wheelen et. al 2015). A firm that wishes to diversify by exploiting the synergy advantages and chain inter-relationships can capture a wider market share and hence an improvement in the profit making.

While concentric diversification experiences little problems in decision making, conglomerate diversification involves various administrative problems that relate to operating businesses that are unrelated. Differences may arise in decision making among managers various managers of these businesses which may prevent an effective strategy formulation and implementation.  There can also emerge competition between various business units for specific resources so that resources are shifted from one unit to another (Wheelen et. al 2015). This means that the advantages associated with concentric diversification are lacking and this can affect business operations, competitiveness and even performance in the market. Rivalry arising from the business units is unhealthy.

References

Wheelen, T. L., Hunger, J. D., Hoffman, A. N., & Bamford, C. E. (2015). Strategic Management and Business Policy: Globalization, Innovation and Sustainability: Global Edition. Pearson Higher Ed.

BUSINESS PLAN

Introduction

Daigou is not a new term in the Chinese language but a commonly used term used to mean ‘buying for another’. This refers to the process of buying commodities or goods for a customer who is based in China in overseas. This is a commerce channel which has been established in order to facilitate the accessibility of these commodities. This has been geared by the high prices of luxury goods in china as compared to U.S. As a result, it has promoted the selling of luxury products as evident by its increased supply over the years. As Diagou business continues to thrive, the interaction between the Chinese culture and American Culture continues to be strong too. However, the American culture differ from the Chinese in a number of ways.

            Culture

Firstly, the American culture is centered on individuals rather than societies. This is based on the evidence that they concentrate of personalities of individuals rather than the society. On contrary, the Chinese culture is centered on building relationships with one another. This is based on evidence that they seek knowing more about a friend but not to strangers. Secondly, In American culture business the trust in the contract is the most important other than those who surround you (Chen, 2010). Fulfillment of contract is given the priority. On contrary, the Chinese culture its trust on those around rather than the contract. Thirdly, in the business perspective, the Americans are direct in their dealings as the objective of the business is the most important thing. On contrary, the business among the Chinese is indirect in nature but people take things too personal (Akgunes  & Culpepper, 2012). Therefore, it encourages businesses like Daigou as there is no face to face transaction. Moreover, the Americans have their negotiation on personal basis rather than group decision as in the case with Chinese culture. This will critically increase the chances of Daigou business because people make decision based on the ‘group decisions’. Therefore, as people have liked Daigou channel of purchasing, more are expected to come hence presenting an opportunity for thrive of my Business. This goes in line with the concept of the company.

Business Vision, Mission and Belief

Mission

The Company’s purpose is to offer differentiated purchasing services to consumers within China’s market.

Vision

The corporation’s vision is to offer unique purchasing channels by offering practical and affordable rates as compared to the competitors.

Company’s Belief

            Consumer’s needs should always be placed first prior to those of a company to enhance consumer satisfaction which ultimately leads to growth. The company has been motivated by the increasing number of Daigou purchases witnessed each day hence presenting an opportunity to investing in this venture. The company is focused on changing the purchase channel by offering substantive rate to our customers as compared to our competitors. This is aimed at attracting customers to using our channel of purchase. The company puts the needs of the customer before all this hence making it possible to satisfy the needs of the customers. Consequently, it is focused to offering platform for interaction purpose and exchange of cultures between the two nations. This goes in line with the Chinese culture of Socialization which will help in marketing the company. Moreover, the company is committed to offering quality services and goods to the customer’s hence building trust with our customers (Chen, 2010). As the demand for the products increase each single day, the company will have to initiate accommodative mechanism to steer the purchase process.

TREND

Our company is committed to offering purchases mainly focused to the youths. Our target market is therefore the young people. This is supported by the fact that Youth account for the biggest percentage of the population. Consequently, there are the one who focus on having descent attire as compared to adult people. Youths like decency especially the adolescent. The youth are very conscious of their appearance and thus would do anything possible to achieve this goals. This is also supported by the evidence that these individuals like comparing with one another and thus opening an opportunity to give providing these attires. Although youth marketing has been the focus of every purchase store, it offers a series of small segments which runs from young adults, college guys, teenagers and lastly the tweens. This offers a great opportunity for the purchase business to supply shoes, bracelets, hearings, and neck less and also various designs of clothing from trousers to dresses and from jackets to pullovers. The youth market is luxurious in nature and thus calls for the consideration of bringing the market back home. By giving them an opportunity to purchase overseas, it becomes very easy to attract many each and every single day (Kramer et al, 2013).

The youth marketing is the easiest marketing strategy to implement. This is supported by evidence that many youths like watching TV, radio and use the internet every single day. Thus, it becomes easy to advertise and reach these customers. Moreover, the musicians, athletes and celebrities have played a major role in influencing this market. This has made the youth aim at purchasing the same product overseas hence an opportunity for our company to thrive. Consequently, the need for identity will also support our target. Youths focus on being identified with a certain group and thus will do anything possible to be identified. As a result, the purchases will be increased for overseas products hence an opportunity for the company to thrive.

Moreover, the youths are such an outstanding and valuable consumer to any product. This is support by evidence that they do influence the purchases made by family and friends. Thus by targeting them it will be easy to reach other family members too. This will expand the market later on to include customers from all age-groups.  Other than being direct consumers of fancy and classic products, the youths have a greater influence on the type of clothes bought by other members of the family. Thus by targeting them first, will open doors for other opportunities too. The image of being ‘cool’ is present among many youths based on the fact that they like to be noticed in the society (Kramer et al, 2013).

            In order to succeed in youth marketing, our company will focus on advertisement and promotions targeting youths. This will run from use of student media to use of texts. By taking advertisement to schools it will be easy to reach the target market hence attainment of the goals of the company. Consequently the company will support main research activities to identify itself with the youths. Through partnership and interaction in sport activities, the company will build a brand image among the youths hence selling itself. Additionally, there will be use of flyers in order to create awareness among the youths (Kramer et al, 2013).

Through the youth market, it will be easy to penetrate the adult’s market before going to old people’s market. The youth market opens the channel for adult market as they influence the kind of purchases made by their parents. This is based on the fact that parents will always want to fulfill their Children’s wishes. As a result, it will be easy to position oneself in the market. This including clothes, cosmetics and shoes too. By offering these products, their needs will be satisfied hence an important approach to marketing.  Marketing to this group is really a good take to expanding our market thus high sales. Through this it will be easy to extend the purchase of old people’s products. Although they are few in number as compared to children and youths, they matter a lot in the business of the company. This are part of the target market in future and thus the need to look at the products which they offer. Old people need a lot of care and protection and thus need for provision of health care products. As a result the sales are increased hence offering an expanded market. Moreover, they need skincare products as skin problems are prevalence among the elderly (Kramer et al, 2013). This will offer an opportunity for our company to purchase these products for them in a more convenient way.  The elderly also need clothing and shoes but not as youths and Adults. Their provision is also encouraged to satisfy their needs. By taking this trend of venturing into the Diagou business, our company will have the potential of acquiring high market share as compared to competitors.

Trend: Data Set

Target Market= Youngsters

Percentage in the whole population= 30%

Next Target; Young Adults, Adults then Elderly

Analysis

            The collection of the trend information was motivated on the need to understand the most suitable target group for the business. The young individuals between the age of 18 and 40 are the most users of Daigou services because it only engages in luxurious goods. This segment is highly interested in trendy and decent apparel and related products such as shoes on order to maintain their fashion sense. This group is particularly conscious of the appearance and thus they are always willing to pay for high premiums in order to access quality and trendy. This therefore implies unlike older individuals this segment of consumers will offer the business more potential in progressing. This therefore implies that based on the target consumers the location of the business as an online shop is suitable due to the high internet usage among youths.

Finance

Finance is an important aspect of our business. The finance section of our business will be facilitated by the contribution of our own contribution. The source of our money will be from our own pockets whereby every one of us will contribute 25% of the total amount needed in the business. Our starting capital will be about $100, 000 which we will share between ourselves. The four of us will share the management of the enterprise across the finance and management. Notably two of my associates will be dealing with finance issues whereby they will be keeping all the financial records, gathering of information of the expansion of our business in later years. The two of us will be handling the customers. We will be making sure that the customers get what they need in our company. This will reduce the chances of not satisfying the needs  of the customers. Remember the satisfaction of the customer’s need is focus of our company. Through this, it will be possible to understand the market quite well. Moreover, there will be smooth running if activities (Cassar, 2009).

The internal fund management in our company will be done by keeping records and regular auditing in order to make it possible to tract any expense made over a given period of time. The company is focused to having a clear records of all expenses made and the sales realized. Moreover, the Company will lay down a sales strategy of attaining $60, 000 within the first three months in the business hence making to compete effectively. The transaction channel with my consumers will be done via online transcation channels which include Paypal, wechat and zhifubao. This is the most convenient mode of payment for my customers as they are far from U.S and thus no face to  face transaction. This will help in gearing our business to being international as Paypal is almost used everywhere. This is also supported by evidence that the internet has taken control of every aspect of business and thus the need to keep with time.

            Finance: Data Set

Investment amount = $100, 000

Investors= 4

Percentage to contribute= 25% ($20, 000) each person

Analysis

            How will the financial operations of the business be facilitated? Financial stability is an essential aspect of running the business effectively. The business being particularly new in the market requires funds for making inputs purchases as well as running marketing activities. The capital that is required in starting and running the business is 100,000 dollars which will be acquired from the contribution of the partners. Each partner will make a 25 percent contribution. Debt financing in this case was not opted based on the burden that will be subjected to the business. This type of financing can be acquired in ruining the business in the long run. As per the current the operations will thus be acquired through self-financing. Through the created revenues the income will be shared equally based on the contribution ration that is equal among the four partners. This therefore implies that the business will not be operating in any debt for the short run.

Information Collection

Information is a critical aspect of our business based on the fact that it enhances understanding of the market. Moreover, it helps in getting to know the products that are in high demand. This plays a vital role in enhancing the requirements of the market and what the customers want hence possible to gauge the appreciation of a product. This information will be obtained from the people, internet and way of publicity media like Facebook, Twitter, and Wechat.

Firstly, the people will be a great source of data for our company. The people who have been in the market will provide information on the business environment in China hence possible to understand it better. Moreover, they will highlight of the most traded products as well as their quality. This will be a an eye-opener to us on the view of the market hence helping us making the right decision on the products we need to include in our business. Secondly, the internet will be another source of information for us.

This will be done by research in the products mostly traded in the Chinese market hence possible to a clear view of the Chinese market. This is also supported by the evidence that the internet has become the information exchange platform for every individual. In the contemporary world, the internet has become the talk of the day hence presenting an opportunity to market the business. Thirdly, the information will be obtained through Facebook and wechat. In current times, Face book has become the platform for interaction hence presenting an opportunity to market the business or obtain any information needed. This will really move our business forward as we have all the substantial information needed in the survival of our business (ICO, 2012).

A bigger percentage of the world population use Facebook for communication purpose. Meaning that it encompasses people from different part of the world hence making it possible to share ideas. As a result of this kind of communication platform, it becomes easy to have ideas of a given market by just asking. In Facebook, there are leads which can give guidance to query asked by a user. This will give our company the chance to obtain all the information relevant to our study. Moreover, the platform will present the opportunities to interact with Chinese people hence building the market for our products. Just like facebook, wechat will provide the platform for gathering information on the market hence making it possible to have the market information (ICO, 2012).

Other than using the public platform, it will be prudent to search information from experienced companies in the form of benchmarking. This will expand our knowledge of the Chinese market before making approach to investing in it. Although there will be some rivalry in the business, it will be prudent to strategically establish oneself in the industry. This will promote stability in the market hence increasing the market share.

Employee

Our company will have to employee staff to conduct the marketing and selling of the products. The four of us in the company will not be able to perform all the activities of the company and thus calls for employment of more members to assisting in conducting various activities of the firm. This will require for employment of about 10 members for a start. The duties will be shared based on the area of specialization. The members will be divided into groups; the marketing team and the distributing teams.

The marketing will be required to advertise the product and sell it to the people. This will be an approach to reaching out our customers.

Responsibilities

• Review the business on daily basis
• Market the business in line with its strategies and objectives
• Create communication rapport with our customers
• Having Execute plan in the marketing department
• Conducting the sales of product

Requirements

• Share relevant information concerning the company to the customers
• Provide a friendly atmosphere for the sharing of the products among the customers
• Show clear relevance of the brand to the market target
• Accurately convey the information right from the management to the customers on the context of the products offered
• Ability to convince the customers to buying the product

On the other hand the Distribution agents should be able to conduct the distribution of the traded products from the company to the clients in a more convenient way hence maintain the customers’ loyalty. As a result, it becomes significantly easy to reach the customers and deliver the problem to them within the stipulated time.

Duties

• Distribute the company’s product easily
• Channel the goals of the Company to the customers
• Deliver the sent parcels within the stipulated time
• Receiving the company’s product being dispatched
• Custodian of Company’s products

Requirement

• Ability to work closely with clients
• Ability to communicate effectively with the customers
• Ability to give store the good properly without getting damaged\

As evident from the requirements specified above, our company will recruit skilled and competence individuals who area be to work diligently. This will not only assist in the productivity of the firm but also in realizing high sales. Moreover, the recruited employees should show exemplary performance in the field hence possible to perform the execute the duties effectively as required. The company will be focused to having focused individuals who are result-oriented other than undetermined individuals. This will assist in the process of realizing substantial results. These results should be a true reflection of the Company. By having focused individuals, the company will serve its purpose in the market.

Competency and ability to convince the customers into buying the product will assist in increasing the sales of the product hence making it possible to realize the objectives of the Company.  Moreover, trustworthiness is very important in our company as it helps in delegating roles to our employees. Without trust we can never delegate duties to our employees. This will certain help in building a company on the socially accepted upright morals. As a result, we will be an example to the rest of the companies of being honest in their work.

Employee: Data Set

Employees =10

Sales and Marketing staffs = 5

Distributor agents= 5

Managers= 2

Finance =2

            Analysis

            The information was acquired in order to establish whether the marketing of the company will be an effective one in attracting consumers. The corporation will employee at least 10 employees who will be engaging bin marketing as well as sales services. This therefore implies that through the activities the company will thus be able to create better relations will consumers which will be a form of advertising and creating awareness. In this context it can therefore be established that the primary theme creating awareness and advertising the company’s services. This therefore implies that the more that the marketing activities and better relations are created amid the employees and the consumers the higher the chances of gaining a significant consumer’s segment.

Competitor

Of course when engaging in an online business like Daigou, there is an expectation that there are competitors. This is based on the fact that the online business has been there prior to the start of our company hence a number of companies have ventured into this business. Just like any other business, stiff competition is expected more so from the dominant companies like Ms Pei which has been conducting for over 5 years. This will be a challenge to our company because it is an entrant in the new online business and thus the need to consider for strategies to survive in this market. This will assist in giving guidance of how the company should conduct itself in the market as well as being able to survive. Firstly, the company will have to establish a strategy marketing strategy in order to attract customers. This include advertisements and promotions during its first months of entry. Although it may be expensive, it is worth the gains that will be obtained in the end. This can be done by having an official website for the company. This will assist in advertising the company. As a result, the company will create awareness of its existence and the products it offers to the customers. This will only be a marketing strategy but a strategy aimed at establishing the market niche of the company at the Chinese Company.

It should create an appealing website which will assist in attracting the visitors in the website to view its products.

The company will be competing with Ms. Pei company which has dominated the Daigou market hence a stiff completion is really expected. Our company has to be prepared with other marketing tools like advertisements in the TVs and Radios to our target market in order to establish our market. Competition is inevitable for a company because of its age in the online business and we need to accept that and strategize on how to competitive effectively in this foreign market. This will offer basis for our company to make critical decisions on how much to invest and how to deal with challenges along the way. Competition is appreciated by our company for growth purposes. It is only competition that we will learn of new ways of getting control of the market. Challenges do strengthen an enterprise and we ought to experience it to remain relevant in the market.

            Competitor: Data Set

            Ms. Pei is the primary competitor being well established and has been in operation for five years. The question that triggered the collection of this data is based on the effects of competition of operation. The presence of established companies such as Ms. Pei challenges the company as a new entrant in the market. This therefore implies that the company is required to establish a set of strategies for surviving in the market. However, competition will act as a form of guidance in which the corporation will survive. In addition more marketing will have to be applied so that consumers can gain a significant degree of understanding on the existence of the corporation as well as what it offers. This therefore means that the company will incur much cost since increased advertising is a necessity but the expenses are worth since the company will ultimately acquire some forms of gains. In creating more awareness the company will be depending on promotions and advertisements since they are highly effective.

Chief competitor; P.E’s Improvements

Risk

Risk is an important consideration in the management of the company based on the fact that nay business is exposed to many risk which are sometimes unavoidable.  By making an investment, you have already made a risk which can either profit you or will make loses. This is an act of an exposure than the Business is exposed during its operations. Therefore, during any kind of operation undertaken by the company, it is prudent for the management to take consideration of risks that the company can be prone to.

Firstly, there is consideration of the strategic risk which the company is in its due course of operation. This involves the risk resulting from the shift of the consumer’s preferences hence leaving the company at a risky state. When this happens the company can also change its stock to fit the needs of the customers. As a result the company will have to acquire new stock for the sake of satisfying the needs of the consumers. Detection of these risks at an early stage will help in mitigating the risk.  Secondly, there may be the problem of operational risks which can result from the breaking down of the systems in operation hence making it impossible to deliver the product to its destination (DRAFT, n.d). This include the package risk incurred while transportation process. This can result from the loss of email other underlying factors hence making it impossible to recover the product. As a result the company will have to incur this expenses on behave of the customers based on the fact that the product has not been channeled to the customers. The company should be prepared for such a kind of risk at all times because transportation comes along with many inconveniences which must be in consideration while setting up your own company.

Thirdly, they should consider the accomplice risks whereby the employee protection has to be in consideration. This require that the consideration of those basic concepts of working environment. The employees have to be protected at all times and thus their rights has to protect at all times. Violation of these rights will actually lead to extra expenses by the company (Wu, 2009). Therefore, their rights should be considered at all times. This involves good working environment and offering a substantive pay as par the labor regulation rules and regulations. This will lead to offering good working environment for our workers.

Due to the rising import duties charge, the company will have to consider the risk and define ways to cover up for these expenses. These import duties are mainly taxed on those importing companies like ours and thus will be unfortunate if we do not consider them during the operations of the company.  Considering of these importing duties it will difficult for the company to continue operating if it does not address them (Wu, 2009).

Consequently, there is the consideration of the market risks which should be considered in making sure that the expenses incurred in bringing the products to the market is not wasted. Market risks are bound to happen based on the fact that venturing into the business is risky because of the stiff competition. This will reduce the chances for thrive of the company hence requiring important consideration. Moreover, markets risks mostly reduces the chances increasing the sales of the company. This will actually lead to the low revenue in the company hence a negative implication to the success of the company.

Risks: Data Set

Analysis

Risk information was acquired since in running a business understanding how the unanticipated and the known risks can be managed is of significance. In that by making the general investment and deciding to run this business this can be categorized as a risk. The business will either be associated in gains or losses. Some of the risks that are presented by the business may entail the changes of the preferences of consumers, currency fluctuations, operating risks such as breakdown, unexpected costs and employee’s protection. This therefore implies that the occurrence of either risk will affect the general gains of the business. This may additionally affect the ability of the business to make deliveries thus resulting to the consumers being dissatisfied with the services which may affect the reputation of the business. This means that in avoiding such risks the company will in often cases evaluate the expenses even those that involves the payment of takes. Price instability is something may also affect the operations of the business.

Example of risk factors and solutions

Source: Internet

Currency

Currency is an important aspect of the company’s operations. Understanding the fluctuation rate of the currency is very important in knowing the rate at which the company will realize its objective of high revenue. Moreover, it will act as basis for the prediction of the fluctuation rate in the country over the next coming years.

Consequently, the currency fluctuation risks have much influence on the large corporations based on the fact that they affect the investments and productivity. Therefore, it is important to consider its contribution in the company’s operations. By not considering the effects of currency fluctuation rate, the company is prone to experiencing two main economical exposures namely the transaction exposure and the translation. The transaction exposure will occur when the fluctuation exchange is so high the the company is not able to achieve its objectives. As a result, it becomes very difficult for the company to achieve its obligation of receiving its payments in the future (Kinuthia, 2014).

As a result, the company cannot be able to attain its short-term goals. This will reduce the chances of fulfilling its objectives and goals. Secondly, there is the problem of translation exposure which affects the fluctuation of the local currency to the foreign currency. In this case, the exchange rate of dollar to Chinese Currency is affected hence making the consumers to feel the effects. As a result, the inflation shoots up hence the prices of items being exported hikes and thus discouraging the consumers from purchasing the products. As a result, there sales of the company is reduced (Kurihara, 2013).

Secondly, there is also the problem of foreign currency risks which in most cases differ based on the economic condition. As our company will buy the goods using the USD and receive payment via wechat, we are bound to feel the foreign currency risk when the economic condition are not favorable (Kinuthia, 2014). When the economic conditions are unfavorable whereby the exchange rate of dollar reduces relative to that of the Chinese currency, the company will incur losses.  However, when the Economic performance of U.S is favorable the exchange of the dollar to Chinese currency will shoot hence making the prices of the products low hence easy to purchase. As a result, the company will be able to realize high sales hence high revenue. As a result, the company will realize high profit. It is evident that foreign exchange rate affect the operation of the company. This is evident by the impact it has on the business sales as discussed above.

Currency: Data Set

1 Chinese Yuan is equivalent to 0.14 US dollars.

            Analysis

            The critical question that resulted in the collection of this data is based on the effects of fluctuations on trade as well as business. Currently the fluctuations amid the United States dollar and the Chinese Yuan has increased. As the United States is currently being faced with the crowding challenging of recovering from the previous recession much attention has been subjected to the deficit of bilateral trade with China. The trade amid the two states is therefore categorized as solely imbalanced since the United States is the primary exporter while the widening currency fluctuation rate amid the two states continues to affect trade revenue. The weakness of Yuan may therefore affect the capability of the business to compete due to the resulting trade deficit. This therefore implies that engaging in business within the market in China may be characterized by great potential but the changes and the fluctuations of currency cannot be avoided. This therefore implies that the revenue generated by the business will be affected seasonally by the fluctuations.

Currency exchange rate as per 2015

Source; Internet

Inflation rate as of 2016

Source: Internet

Action Plan: Goal: The goal of the paper is to establish the viability of Daigou business in China

Key Performance Indicator: Revenue, sales and consumer Segment

Section IV: Goal, Key Performance Indicators, & monitoring strategies

Goal: The goal of the paper is to establish the viability of Daigou business in China

• Key Performance Indicator: Revenue

Monitoring Strategy

            This will be monitored via the rate of revenue that will be generated in sales. The evaluation will be done through deducting the operating costs from the generated revenue. The general cost is calculated through managing all the money acquired through sales. Therefore the business will be ensuring that it maximizes its general sales to raise it revenue as the indicator of positive performance.

• Key Performance Indicator: Sales

Monitoring Strategy

            When the sale is low this implies that the general performance of the company can be categorized as negative and positive while high. Sales will be monitored by recording the number of items that the company sales and within a certain time duration. The company will thus seek to maximize its sales in general.

• Key Performance Indicator: Consumer Segment

Monitoring Strategy

            When the consumer segment that is targeted continuously grows which in this case targets the use this implies that the performance of the business will be high. In this context the business will be seeking to expand its segment which will in turn lead to sales increase and a positive business performance.

• Key Performance Indicator: Competitive Position

Monitoring Strategy

Being in a leading competitive position is more beneficial to the business in the raise of revenue, sales and the ability of attracting more consumers. The company will therefore seek to acquire the leading position through the use of cost leading and differentiation strategies. This will help in attracting a significant consumer level thus being a key indicator of the general performance.

References

Akgunes, A., & Culpepper, R. (2012). Negotiations between Chinese and Americans: Examining the cultural context and salient factors. The Journal of International Management Studies, 7(1), 191-200.

Chen, Y. (2010). Cultural differences in Chinese and American address forms. Asian Culture and History, 2(2), 82.

DRAFT, E. Managing the Business Risk of Fraud: A Practical Guide.

Kramer, K., Schwarte, L., Lafleur, M., & Williams, J. D. (2013). Targeted marketing of junk food to ethnic minority youth: Fighting back with legal advocacy and community engagement. In Advances in communication research to reduce childhood obesity (pp. 389-405). Springer New York.

http://treasury.tn.gov/smob/Documents/BusinessPlanforStartupBusiness.pdf

Cassar, G. (2009). Financial statement and projection preparation in start-up ventures. The Accounting Review, 84(1), 27-51.

ICO. (2012). Collecting information about your customers – small business checklist

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Wu, D. D., & Olson, D. L. (2009). Enterprise risk management: small business scorecard analysis. Production Planning and Control, 20(4), 362-369.

Total Control

Organizations in the contemporary economic sector aim at achieving viable paradigms of encountering competition so as to make a wave in both national and global markets. Most organizations focus on enhancing product quality in order to sustain competitive advantage in different markets. Notably, enhancements of quality delivery in the comprehensive operations of an organization encompass numerous practices lined towards Total Quality (TQ). Total quality (TQ) is therefore classified as an organizational paradigm from which business operations are guided with a definite focus on quality continuity (Bennett & Lewis, 1991). TQ primarily majors on customer satisfaction hence leadership impact ideology plays a very crucial role of influencing successful implementation of TQ paradigm. However, the leadership impact ideology includes significant process that must be incorporated to implement a successful TQ paradigm in an organization.

Executive level and organizational structure

Commitment of the executive level defines the first step of implementing a TQ paradigm in an organization. It is the role of organizational management to embrace leadership strategies capable of influencing the acquirement of desirable standards in response to the paradigm of total quality. Implementation of TQ precedes needs to set off effective initiatives in operations and so, TQ implementation deserves definite leadership style which characterizes capabilities to cause customer satisfaction, appropriate use of resources, employee harmony and improvement consistency. Therefore, organizational structure should be able to accommodate essential strategies of inducing the relevancy of TQ paradigm in operations (Charantimath, 2012). For example, educational strategy is an effective mechanism of informing managers and other staffs about TQ, procedures and quality tools of improving quality.

Culture transformation

Commitment of organizational structure to TQ translates to cultural change. Cultural change involves enhancement of communication systems, eliminating operational panics, evaluation of hindrances and empowering employees. Leadership plays an important role in this process since it is responsible of directing all-inclusive operations, individuals and other factors inside the organization.

Quality Planning

The primary role of this process is to enhance team development for the achievement of total quality in all operations. Quality planning involves classification of consumer requirements in accordance to professional standards, identification of existing problems in production and goal setting by considering availed improvement opportunities.

Organizing Quality

This process involves translation of the entire implementation process into operational plans. Operational requirements critiques procedural events put in place in order to enhance customer requirements. Therefore, leadership should be able to time procedural events as analyzed in the processes of organizational structure, cultural transformation and quality planning in order to provide an effective TQ paradigm in an organization.

A TQ organization indicates a significant correlation between implementation strategies and implementation characteristics that in due course facilitate a competitive advantage in various markets. Structural arrangements include the first characteristic that influences make up a TQ organization. An organization primarily translates to a TQ archetype when current structural arrangements deviate from purposed initiatives in operations (Al-Assaf &  Schmele, 1993). In such instances, organizations exemplify various steps to reestablish structural arrangements in order to facilitate competitive advantage in the market. Reestablishment focused to acquire a competitive advantage involves various steps including process regulation, process specification and process boundaries. Process regulation is an important step of enhancing competitive advance since it emphasizes on rules in order to root ethics in production. Process regulation as well develops awareness on operational order and mission which ensure operations are conducted in accordance to procedural guidelines. Measurement is an essential step of enhancing operations since it avails relevant information about competitors and also resource supplies. It is important for any organization to know its competitors and their capabilities in the markets. For instance, provided information enables an organization to determine the best modifications to make on products in order to outdo other products in the markets. Nevertheless, measurement enables an organization to control resource supplies and so, eliminating operational contradictions which may lead to resource wastage, shortages and extensively product inconsistency (Ricken & Malcotsis, 2016). Additionally, technology is a crucial element of a TQ organization. Technology provides value, information, simplicity and process efficiency.  Technology boosts productivity and so, provision of quality products in the market. 

Leadership tools provide guidelines of encountering leadership work which in turn enhance managerial work. Innovation, time management and scenario planning are the best tools of implementing a TQ paradigm in my organization. Innovation is an important element of leadership that provides relevant information on quality development. Therefore, innovation is useful in managerial work since it avails reliable concepts of developing strategic operational models and frameworks. Nevertheless, innovation provides information concerning market changes in accordance to consumer preferences thus signaling desirable mechanism of encountering market flexibility in all operations (Benlamri et al 2016). Time management is essential in the implementation of TQ in my company. For instance, time management enhances hiring processes and allocation of resources in various departments hence hindering inconveniences in operations. Timing ensures changes in different operations are done at the right time and so, boosting organizational performance (Watada, & Wu, 2014). . Additionally, planning is a viable skill of influencing operational fluency by building viable frameworks of accomplishing organizational goals.

References

Employee vs Independent contractors

Differences to the employer during times of paying and especially the withholding of tax payroll is that the employer can withhold the tax for the employees but in the case of an independent contractor, the employer cannot withhold the tax or the social security.

Employers who might classify employees as independent distributors might land into trouble with the tax authority and could cause the business a fortune. Penalties for every employer might vary depending on the state at which the employees were classified as independent contractors (Davidov et al., pg567). In case the misclassification is not intended, the employer can have the following serious implications by law. Such penalties include being fined $50 per employee, who never filed a complaint form, 1.5% wages and 40% of the Medicare and social security to be charged from the employer if the taxes were not withheld. Interests are accrued on every penalty on a daily basis since the day they were supposed to be deposited (Bagley et al., pg227).  A tax penalty which is equated to 0.5% of every unpaid tax for every month up to 25% of the total accumulated tax.

Reporting differences between the employees and the independent contractors are basically according to the job ratings. An independent contractor can work for as many employers as possible and fill in his or her attendance books (Bagley et al., pg227). For the case of employees, they only have one employer who they report to on a daily basis. An independent contractor works according to his or her schedule while an employee has a set of time recommended by the employer.

A person can be classified as an independent contractor if he or she works on his or her terms and in most cases, an independent distributor offers consulting services to one or more companies. An individual can be an independent contractor mostly because they have a contract duly signed by both parties (Davidov et al., pg567). Procedures include having a signed contract to indicate that the person is not an employee but an independent contractor, employment benefits are never awarded to the individual and serious steps need to be taken when doing so such as having a record to ensure that all employee and independent contractors are updated regularly.

Works cited

Bagley, Constance E, and Craig E. Dauchy. The Entrepreneur's Guide to Law and Strategy. ,       2018. Print.

 Davidov, Guy, and Brian Langille. The Idea of Labour Law. Oxford: Oxford University Press,    2011. Print.

Team Cohesion

Literature Review

This is the extent to which each and every member of the team contributes to the discussions and plans of the team, hence allowing the team to be able to grow (Paul, Drake & Liang, 2016). Cohesive teams have members with both social and emotional bonds which help in linking them together, and also to the team as a whole (Haddera, 2016). The ties in a team are consequently significant as they enable the members to withstand their struggles on behalf of the team, hence bettering the chances of the team in achieving its goals. Collaboration among the team members really helps in improving the cohesion in the team, since the members become connected to each other. In addition, similarities in background levels also help in improving cohesion among team members, hence being able to foster the performance of the team.

Team cohesion is usually improved by having similar goals between the team members. Most team members tend to work very hard in order to support each other, due to the common goals that they have. This helps in allowing the team to grow, since most of the members are willing to offer support to the team, hence being able to achieve the desired goals (Hansen, 2016). Moreover, depending on each member really allows the team members to be able to work effectively, since each and every member of the team always has something to offer for the team. For instance, if the team is experiencing a problem which other members cannot be able to solve, then there will always be a member of the team who will deal such an issue. Not only does this improve cohesion in the team, but it also allows the team members to be able to create a bond either emotional or social amongst themselves (Notgrass, Conner, & Bell, 2013).

Most companies are currently using team cohesion as a means of improving the performance of its employees (Franz et al, 2017). This companies therefore group their employees according to their capabilities, hence forming a team. The employees are then given a task, which the management of the company knows the team can easily achieve. The members then discuss on how they can be able to come up with a solution to the given task (Haddera, 2016). This helps in building relationships among the employees, making it easier for them to be able to work effectively, hence reaching greater heights. It is estimated that, 80% of companies’ success have been attributed to team cohesion. Each and every employee feels respected due to team cohesion, a thing which consequently makes most employees to offer maximum support to the team (Paul, Drake & Liang, 2016). Furthermore, this also helps in allowing the management of the company to spend less time in supervising the employees, since they are very productive in their teams, making them to concentrate and focus on the tasks assigned to them.

Discussion of the Concept

            Team cohesion experience was exhibited in my team, since each and every member participated in team work, a thing which really helped us in achieving more. We have also become very best friends, since we usually support each other in matters which concern each other. Moreover, we have come up with possible ways of dealing with our challenges. Each and every member of the team has a challenge, and each one of us understands the challenges of our partners. This has enabled us to be able to use our strengths in order to be able to void our challenges. On the other hand, we realized that each person has his or her own weaknesses and strengths. My weakness might be another person’s strength and my strength might be another person’s weakness. We therefore use our strengths in order to support each other’s weaknesses, hence being able to avoid experiencing aby challenges.

            For instance, Loren provides the team with the plans which we are supposed to execute in order to be able to complete our assignments on time. Moreover, she breaks down the tasks in such a way that each and every person can be given his or her own task which we can be able to accomplish on our own. After each and every person accomplishes his or her own tasks, we come together and discuss the tasks which had been assigned to each and every member. Suggestions are then made and we also add some points on each of the assigned tasks. Brian, provides us with ways through which we can be able to study, through giving us a midterm study guide. Through the use of Brian’s study guide, we have been able to cover a lot of topics within a very short period of time. This has given us an opportunity to be able to easily better our grades.

            Kendra is more like a leader, as she always advises us on how we can be able to reach our goals. Moreover, she unites us and provides us with ways through which we can be able to perform better in our studies. She has seen most of us working very hard, as she does not like to see people idling. In addition, she has been able to bond us together, thus we have become more like a family than friends. On the other hand, Rodrigo who is the eldest member of our team, consequently helps us in doing our exercises in groups. He breaks down the topics and helps us in being able to understand the tasks assigned to us. Liana helps us in solving issues related to calculations, since she is very good at mathematics. I am good at coming up with strategies and techniques of solving different tasks, and since I am a foreigner with English being my second language, all the team members usually assist me in being able to communicate in English.

Integration of the Concept

            In order to allow maximum participation among the team members, first and foremost, each and every member should be able to understand the impact of team cohesion. This will definitely help in bringing the members of the team together, hence making them to work very hard in order to see the team performing better (Haddera, 2016). Moreover, each and every member must be of help to the team, thus enabling the group to benefit from each and every person fully. In addition, good relationships between the members should also be maintained as this will really help in allowing the members to be able to easily share their weaknesses and ideas with members hence being able to solve different issues (Paul, Drake & Liang, 2016). Furthermore, different tasks should be discussed within the team, thus giving the team members the tasks that they can be able to easily deal with.

            In our team, we will therefore be able to share our goals, whereby each and every member come up with his or her goals for the team (Hansen, 2016). We shall then choose the common goal amongst the members. We shall then focus on this goal, a thing which will consequently enable us in being able to avoid experiencing any obstacles. Furthermore, having a common goal will really help us in improving team cohesion, since we will be able to work hard in order to achieve the goal which most of us want the group to achieve (Notgrass, Conner, & Bell, 2013). Each member will therefore be depended upon, a thing which will really help in enabling us to be able to foster hard work and maximum participation amongst all the members.

            Moreover, we will also socialize as a group from time to time, in order to know each other, a thing which will help us in being able to understand each other (Haddera, 2016). We will therefore be able to know each other’s weaknesses, and come up with solutions of dealing with such problems. We will use the solutions which we had come up with earlier, in order to be able to deal with our weaknesses (Paul, Drake & Liang, 2016). Furthermore, we will also discuss each one’s strengths and interests a thing which will also enable us to be able to understand the tasks which our colleagues can be able to achieve. This will help in understanding the type of tasks which can be assigned to certain people. Each member will therefore be able to understand where he or she fits in the team, thus being able to deal with the tasks assigned to him or her.

Reference

Haddera, T. A. (2016). Investigating the Relationship between Team Cohesion and Self-Presentation among Different Competitive Team Sports of Ethiopian Universities. Momona Ethiopian Journal Of Science, 8(1), 62-74.

Hansen, D. E. (2016). Cohesion in Online Student Teams Versus Traditional Teams. Journal Of Marketing Education, 38(1), 37-46.

Paul, R., Drake, J. R., & Liang, H. (2016). Global Virtual Team Performance: The Effect of Coordination Effectiveness, Trust, and Team Cohesion. IEEE Transactions On Professional Communication, 59(3), 186-202. doi:10.1109/TPC.2016.2583319

Notgrass, D., Conner, C., & Bell, T. J. (2013). LEADING EXTERNAL AUDITING TEAMS: THE CORRELATION BETWEEN LEADERS' BEHAVIORS AND TEAM DYNAMICS OF COHESION AND CONFLICT. International Journal Of Business & Public Administration, 10(2), 1-14.

Franz, B., Leicht, R., Molenaar, K., & Messner, J. (2017). Impact of Team Integration and Group Cohesion on Project Delivery Performance. Journal Of Construction Engineering & Management, 143(1), 1-12. doi:10.1061/(ASCE)CO.1943-7862.0001219

Introduction

Apollo Tyres was founded in the late 1970s during the period when the Indian tyre industry was extremely competitive. In India, the main manufacturing locations are at Kerala, Vadodra, and Trichur. Apollo Tyre Company is the first tyre manufacturing and distributing company to have managed to successfully launch some exclusive outlets for tyres for trucks. Moreover, it is the only Indian company to have introduced radial tyres to the market for the farm or tyre industry category (Bajpai, 2011).

Moreover, other than producing automotive products, the company also used to specialize in the manufacturing of different kinds of rubber products for instance indoor soccer balls, boots, floor covering products, tennis balls, shoe heels, and so on. This was the time when local and international key players were highly competitive for the market share hence making the license raj to be prevalent up to date (Sharma, 2007). Regardless of that, it should be noted Apollo as a family run business enterprise has been transformed over generations as a result of changing leadership as well as con tenuous business innovations. This is what has made it to be one of the emerging business players in their industry (Bansal, 2008). Furthermore, in order to strengthen itself in the industry, the company has been coming up with extensive innovative marketing techniques.

The vision of the company entails becoming the premium trye manufacturing business enterprise with multinational and diversified presence. Conversely, its core values are concerned with the instincts of the company. This is to say that it is about the way its management authority thinks about diversifying the economic base of the company. Moreover, this involves the manner in which the company as a whole interacts with the whole world and in line with its culture. This then means that its core values as basically a system of value which assists in defining who they are and the method they use in carrying out is economic or tyre manufacturing activities (Bajpai, 2011).

Succession

Having been incorporated in the late 1970s, its tyre manufacturing activities was first carried out in Perambara. The second tyre manufacturing plant was commissioned by the company at Limda in the year 1991. In 1995, the company managed to acquire Premier Tyres. In the yar 1996, exclusive tubes were also launched by the company in Ranjangoan in Maharastara. By 2000, Apollo came up with newer strategies of manufacturing exclusive radial tyres in Limda. Regardless of that, it should be noted that by 1909, the company was relocated to Loosduinen before rebranding its trading name to NV Rubberfabriek Vredestein. The reason for that is because at time time the majority of the industries which were located in Loosduinen were up in flames. Therefore, the main activity which was being undertaken there was the reconstruction as well as the establishment of newer industries hence the need of establishing the tyre industry too  (Bajpai, 2011).

By 1946, NV Nederlandsch was founded by the American company B.F. Goodrich. This company at that time owned about 20 percent of its total shares invested in the company by other potential investors (Sharma, 2007). After duration of one year, Enschede was considered as being the cornerstone of the company. With time, the day-to-day tyre manufacturing activities was accelerated as a result of merging with N.V.Rubberfabrieken Hevea. By the late 1971, although B.F. Goodrich have completely acquired the company, the products of Vredestein had also managed to be distributed to at least 125 different countries globally.

On the other hand, because of the globalization influence, Vredestein brand was mainly focused on industrial, agricultural, car, and other two-wheeled tyres vehicles. Contrary to that, the oil crisis which had compelled the economy that time forced many tyre manufacturing companies to merge. The made the Dutch to take over at least 49 percent of the invested shares in Vredestein. Two percent of these shares were acquired by the foundation for the continuation of Vredestein. The remaining 49 percent was possessed by B.F Goodrich although later the Foundation took it over just for a symbolic sum. In 1990s, three Dutch potential investors completely managed to acquire the company. This was a strategic plan which was already in existence (Bajpai, 2011).

In 2009, Apollo Tyres Ltd acquired Vredestein hence changing its name to Apollo Vredestein BV. Despite that, the large scale production of automotive tyre products still takes place in Endchede. Conversely, Netherlands is also experiencing major expansion in its tyre production activities. It is estimated that about 6 million winters or summer tyres are manufactured in Enchede yearly. High quality agricultural tyres are also produced in addition to that which is manufactured in India. Specialized companies which are located in East Asia are the one which mainly embarks on producing tyres for two-wheeled automobiles as compared to those which are manufactured by Apollo Company (LTL, 2010).

In accordance to that, in order to expand its economic base, in 2003, its management authority decided to enter into alliance with Michelin. The reason for that was to assist both companies to set up a common venture company by the name Michelin Apollo Tyre Pvt Ltd. In the process of integrating their manufacturing techniques, it is explained that it was to be easier to produce branded bus and truck radial tyres not only in India but also from other manufacturing branches which are located in other foreign countries (Bansal, 2008). In 2004, the company managed to manufacture the first high speed rated tubeless tyres in India. This in return increased its production capacity of both the automotive tubes and automotive tyres by 41400 Nos and 1283560Nos respectively in the same year and in the upcoming years.

Furthermore, this company had plans of becoming the global manufacturer and distributor of automotive tyres from 2005. Therefore, in order to realize that dream, fully owned subsidiary companies were incorporated into the company. The first step was to incorporate Apollo Holdings Pvt Ltd of Mauritius and form Apollo Radial Tyres Ltd and Apollo Automotive Tyres Ltd as a fully owned subordinate of the enterprise. Contrary to that, PTL Enterprise Ltd decided to operate on its own unlike being the subsidiary company of Apollo. It also resigned its partnership with Michelin. Despite of that, the financial records of the company kept on indicating that the production capacity of the company continued to increase tremendously (Sharma, 2007).

In respect to the vision and mission of the company, its products are mainly marketed under two global brands i.e. the Vredestein and Apollo. Both of these products are extensively and readily made available in several countries through the use of vast network of branded. Mainly, multiple manufacturing units are located in Hungry, Netherlands, and India. In connection to that, so as to be in the position of understanding as well as catering for the needs of their esteemed customers, the company mainly focuses on the training of its workers (McQueen & hoopla, 2016). Likewise, after becoming the leading player in the Indian tyre industry, the company had the capacity of being operated globally. Yet, the company is under scrutiny so as to determine whether it has the potential of carving a niche in the world front.

After being incepted in the late 1970s, the company has grown to the extent of becoming the leading Indian tyre manufacture. Moreover, the company is perceived as being young, dynamic, and ambitious business organization that takes pride of its unique identity in the industry.  The company has been built on the core principles which entail the establishment of stakeholder’s value via the general reliability in its products as well as the dependability in its relationship (Sharma, 2007).

In connection to the market share, it has been perceived that the company has been presenting strength and market dynamism strategies from its early years of establishment. This mainly involves strife in establishing itself in the tyre manufacturing activities within the closed Indian economy. Over the two decades that have passed, the company used to work on the portfolio of its products, turning to the needs of esteemed clients as well as coming up with an array of innovative marketing initiatives which are all aimed at establishing itself as a leader in its home market.  Some of these strategies used by the company include segmenting clients through their mileage and load requirements, establishing client contact program, tyre loyalty programs, introduction of India first radial, and first high-speed tubeless passenger car tyres (LTL, 2010).

Nevertheless, the company has been ventured in other foreign countries. As the company continues to expand, it acquired Dunlop Tyres International Pty in South Africa hence managing to the second tyre in leader southern Africa. Currently, the company contains all the Dunlop brand rights for about 30 African states. In 2009, Vredestein Brand B V was also acquired by Apollo in the Netherlands. This was advantageous to it because it gave the company to opportunity of adding Europe as its third important market.  In 2010, the company also managed to enter the Bangladesh market through partnering with Rahimafrooz Distribution. Rahimafrooz Distribution is the main manufacturer and distributor of various automotive as well as industries batteries. In other to continue expanding its economies of scale, the company also decided to enroll itself into a supplementary memorandum of understanding (MoU) with Tamil Nadu government. The main objective here was to ensure that it has increased its level of investment in the country to about Rs 2100 crore as to be part of its Greenfield project. This was also a back of its speculated demand for its products.

In connection to that, the company is currently involved with the production of a white range of automotive products mainly tyres for both the high and ultra speed busses, trucks, cars, off-the road, industrial as well as other applications for instance retreaded tyres, mining, and retreading materials. These are the mainly produced across the eight manufacturing sites throughout india, South Africa, and Netherlands. Conversely, it should be noted that the ninth facility being constructed in southern India so as to diversify its economic base (LTL, 2010). This then explains that the major brands which are manufactured across all these locations are Apollo Tyre and Dunlop tyre manufacturing company.

For the three domestic markets located in Europe, Sotuh Africa, and India, the company makes use of multi-products, and a network of branded strategies so as to operate in them. For instance, in South Africa, Dunlop zones are the main branded outlets which are used by Apollo Tyre Company. In India, the Apollo Tyre World is the brand name which is used for commercial vehicles while Apollo Radial World is the main brand name which is used for passenger cars. Moreover, the products which are exported from all these manufacturing locations sum up to 70 percent globally. The key destinations for these products are South-East Asia, Africa, Europe, and Middle East.

In addition to that, manufacturing of the right products which ultimately meets the demands of their customers is paramount for Apollo Tyres Company. As a result of that, special and strategic efforts are always made for the purpose of understanding both the needs and segments of their market accordingly. This then means that the products that the company offers are mainly manufactured for the niche applications in a larger percentage. In the process of distributing it globally, the company has the potential of providing sufficient, fuel and cost-saving tyre products to every customer segment (McQueen & hoopla, 2016). Additionally, engaging in extensive innovative activities is remained to be an integral part or strategies used by the company in carry out its day-to-day manufacturing activities. This is perceived as being the best step as far as product development and its marketing is concerned as well as how the enterprise as a whole will be challenging the existing tyre manufacturing companies in their industry (Bajpai, 2011).

Likewise, community involvement is also another integral part of the Apollo Tyre World. This is also in line with the launching of various programs which are directly associated with its business activities (LTL, 2010). In India, for instance, the main focus of the Apollo Tyres entails finding affective means which will enable it to directly benefit its clients or customer groups.

Currently, it was noted that the company also managed to take over the manufacturing rights of Reinfencom GmbH. It should be noted that Reinfencom GmbH is the leading retail business organization in Germany. Equally, it has over 37 branches nationally with several partners all over Germany. Thirdly, because of its global online oriented platform, the company used to be the 2^nd online car distributor in the whole of Europe. This then mean that acquiring it was to enable Apollo Vredestein- the fully owned auxiliary of the Apollo Tyres Ltd- to have the capacity of developing clear and concise returns for all of its already established partners both in Europe and Germany tyre trade.

Moreover, the above acquisition strategies were one of the strategies that the company had to use in expanding its retailing network in the European market. This also meant that this was to permit the company in supporting the general expansion of the subsidiary Apollo Vredestein. The major plans of the company also entail expanding its existing equipment activities. So as to realize that, the company also lays a strong foundation for all of its manufacturing activities through the general reconstruction of new plants in Hungry (Bansal, 2008)

Considering the modern evolution of the automotive tyre industry towards a few independent trading partners, the company keeps on encountering an increasing and growing complexity of the online marketing (LTL, 2010). As a result of that, its management authority believes that the decision made to acquire Reinfencom GmbH was a good step of maintaining its value and supply chain. The main objective here was to increase their sales volume, intensifying their customer support as well making customer orientation to be more and more consistent and dependable.

Strengths

With respect to the above considerations, the general integration of the company enables its management authority to enhance the presence of their company with respect to the needs of the end user. This in return enables them to create a competitive advantage for the company in their industry. The management authority is also confident that their recent partnering will be beneficing to the company i.e. from the increased brand awareness creation (McQueen & hoopla, 2016).  Furthermore, there has been an increasing trend of the company in terms consulting their end user. The reason for that is not only because of the invention of the pressure monitoring system but because of the customers’ choice and preferences which have not become more complex (Bansal, 2008). Thus, this partnering is the one which gives the company the opportunity of meeting the ever increasing demand of the customers. In this case, the objective of the Apollo Tyre company is to continue growing with its partners basically in tandem. This is essential because it enables the company to bring their customers and products together. This is to say that the aim of the company is to ultimately maintain its logistic concept. Decreasing the storage time, optimizing the delivery times, as well as maintaining high margins throughout all the stages are the main means that the company will be using to realize these objectives at hand  (Bajpai, 2011).

The commitment of the Apollo Company, as explained by its management authority, permits the company to realize their goals in European and Germany retail markets faster and conveniently. The strength of the company is customer satisfaction. The company contributes a lot particularly in areas concerning logistics and customer services wholeheartedly. Its future partnership is also perceived as the key for making the company to be more and more successful in the tyre industry (LTL, 2010). Other than these partnering, the company looks forward in intensifying its production capacity which will offer it an outstanding platform for further development. In return, it has been noted that other than developing a stronger brand presence but increase the price stability in their respective markets (Bansal, 2008).

The fact that the company has the potential of accumulating activities for instance sales promotion and advertisements means that it will have the ability of supporting its longstanding partners. This will also improve the efficiency of all of their day-to-day business activities as a result of intensified marketing activities and other market development strategies. With regard to the above considerations, it should be noted that since rubber is the main raw material which is used in the tyre manufacturing industries, the fact is that the earning of this enterprise will have the capacity of increasing through the general decline in the prices of rubber (LTL, 2010). This is to say that there exists an inverse correlation between the share price and the market price of rubber in the tyre industry.

Contrary to the above considerations, the main emerging issues which the company needs to address is the improved lifestyle and the emerging markets, improvement in infrastructure and the emergency of a hub for both the large scale and small scale car production.

Challenges

Regardless of that, the company does not work in isolation without market challenges. This is to say that the tire industry remains to be more and more capital intensive. The reason for that is because rubber as the raw material used in the tyre industry is an expensive commodity to acquire as compared to crude oil (Bajpai, 2011). This means that the supply and demand for rubber will keep on fluctuating yearly hence altering the manufacturing activities of the company. Other than increasing or decreasing the prices of the tyre products of the company, the firm will also experience fluctuations in its profit margins (Bansal, 2008).

The future plans

Regardless of the above challenges, the future of the Apollo industry is perceived as being bright in the tyre industry. The reason for that is because the company has big plans or strategies for its future development as noted from the above considerations. Considering the strategies of the company, the management authority highlights that their plains entails growing three times its economic scale of production which is mainly aimed at making the company to be the top ten tyre manufacturing companies globally (LTL, 2010).

Conclusion and recommendations

With regard to the above considerations, what has been noted from the succession history of the company is that the journey of the company has not been easy from the start to the point at which it has reached. Currently, it has been noted that the company has managed to have the potential of growing its operating capacity to the extent of becoming its forefront across the whole world. This indicates that Apollo Tyre Company has managed to grow to the extent of becoming one of the multi-cultural business enterprises across geographies.

Even the government managed to take over the company, the company has the potential of sustaining itself in the industry. Although during this time the majority of the key stakeholders never had confidence with the company, the future of the company still remained to be bright. This was as a result of a combination of various convincing factors and other strengths that the company used in taking on any form of diversity in their industry. This is what ultimately assisted it to be the leading tyre manufacturer in their industry to this date. Whenever faced with myriad of questions and hesitations, it is a clear indication that the company had means of solving all that in order to keep diversifying its economic base.

References

Bajpai, N. (2011). Business research methods. Pearson Press

LTL,. (2010). Leader to Leader (LTL), Volume 57, Summer 2010. John Wiley & Sons.

Bansal, R. (2008). Stay hungry stay foolish: The inspiring stories of 25 IIM Ahmedabad graduates who chose to tread a path of their own making. Ahmedabad: Westland.

Sharma, R. R. (2007). Change management: Concepts and applications. New Delhi: Tata McGraw-Hill.

McQueen, M., & hoopla digital. (2016). Winning the battle for relevance: Why even the greatest become obsolete-- and how to avoid their fate. United States: Morgan James Publishing.

Internal Coach

I was an Internal Coach, and I was therefore required to teach my fellow employees in the company on how to be able to conduct different activities. Moreover, as a leader, I was also supposed to act as their role model, thus enabling them to work hard. I would also guide them on how to be able to successfully accomplish their tasks, and how to focus on achieving the company’s goals (Adams, 2013). I would also encourage the employees to work hard in order to be able to increase their chances of reaching greater heights. Most employees were therefore able to conduct different activities in the company effectively, since they incorporated the plans that I had given them into their work.

Internal coaching enabled me to understand the roles of a leader, since I was able to experience the feeling of being a leader (Adams, 2013). One of the things which I learned was that in order to be successful as a leader, one needs to act as an example. Most of the employees would emulate what I was doing, thus being successful. Moreover, most people like a leader who walks the talk, most of the employees would therefore do something they perceived to be hard after I did it.

This project really changed my view of leadership, since I believed that in order for one to be a leader, then he or she needed to be harsh (Adams, 2013). This is however not the case, I therefore learnt that a leader is a person who can influence other people to emulate him or her. People can only allow a person to lead them only if the person is able to work through providing examples.

Service to the community is very significant to business management, since it allows the management of the company to be able to create a connection with the society. Moreover, this also encourages customer engagement, since the employees will be able to easily communicate with the customers, while undertaking different tasks within the community. Most communities tend to be loyal to the companies which offer support to them (Agarwal, 2017). Giving back to the family consequently allows the management of the company to be able to increase its market share through showing the society, that the company cares for them, and it also appreciated whatever they are doing. In return, companies get loyal customers, and the employees also enjoy volunteering in community work, a thing which boosts their working morale.

Social responsibility is a task within the society, which an individual or an employee is supposed to undertake in order to benefit the society. On the other hand, a business may try to pursue community service, in order to be able to carry out its social responsibility (Agarwal, 2017). An organization can be able to carry out a social responsibility such as planting trees and cleaning a town. This is a social responsibility which the company is supposed to undertake, in order to benefit the society. The same company may therefore come up with a way of reaching the people through undertaking a social responsibility. For instance, if the same organization invites people to participate in planting and also watering trees, this is therefore a form of reaching the community through undertaking a social responsibility. Hence social responsibilities and an organization trying to reaching a community are similar.

Reference

Adams, T. (2013). The nonprofit leadership transition and development guide: Proven paths for leaders and organizations. San Francisco, Calif: Jossey-Bass.

Agarwal, A. K. (2017). BUSINESS LEADERSHIP AND LAW. Place of publication not identified: SPRINGER.