Organization Structure

Organization Structure Introduction My colleague Carswell has raised a valid point of view regarding the problems we now face. I have only worked in this company for the past four years as an I/O consultant, and frankly, I have witnessed a lot of changes, not all of them in the positive direction. It is clearly evident that Benson Metal Company is under crises.Advertising We will write a custom case study sample on Organization Structure Benson Metal Company specifically for you for only $16.05 $11/page Learn More It is also clear that the main cause of this crisis has not been investigated and it is due to this that the situation has escalated this much. It is sad that at this point in time, when the industry is harsh and struggling, that we are about to lose one of our most dedicated customers. As I see it, the main problem lies in our organization structure and conflicting lines of authority. Organization Structure As some of you know, a company’s organization structure defines the formal reporting relationships in the company including the level of power welded by the supervisors and the amount of levels within the organization (Daft, 2009). The organization structure also identifies the grouping together of individuals into departments within the organization as well as the design of systems that will guarantee effective coordination and communication between different departments (Baligh, 2006). Clearly, the organization structure of Benson Metal Company has failed to meet its intended purpose. The organization structure specifies three main things that include: required work activities, the reporting relationships and departmental groupings. The company main problem lays in reporting relationships while the other two factors are quite stable. Reporting Relationships The biggest problem in the company is and has always been reporting relationships or more specifically, the chain of command. The chain of command denotes the uninterrupted lines o f authority that links everyone in the company and indicates who reports to whom (Jones, 2010). Most of the individual holding places of power within the company are finding it hard to carry out their tasks. This may be attributed to people being designated jobs that they are unfamiliar with and have no skills in. The assistant to the president position is occupied with an individual who does not have the correct skills or experiences required for running the company or overseeing the welfare of our employees.Advertising Looking for case study on business economics? Let's see if we can help you! Get your first paper with 15% OFF Learn More Our vice president has been unable to effectively lay out the correct lines of authority and has poor management skills. Generally, a body cannot function without a head and that is one of the main problems. Reporting relationships also involves setting up lines of authority important to ensure effective coordination betwe en the departments. Honestly, Ramsey Stockwell has failed in this regard. Time and time again, Mr. Stockwell has been antagonistic in our efforts to improve communication and coordination. He has not designed effective reporting relationships within his own department and even though those who serve beneath him are loyal, his attitudes are affecting the general attitude of his department regarding the company. Mr. Stockwell has proved to be very effective in ensuring that his department is up and running. However, his job does not end there and involves improving morale in his department, developing a schedule for his workers, laying out the correct reporting relationship within his department to avoid conflicts and respecting the general chain of command in the company. Mr. Stockwell has taken over the department and seeks to carry out all the jobs in his company. This would be well and good if he could actually deliver however as it can be seen, he is unable to deliver the require d results and his actions have only led to increased confusion in his department as well as others in the company. The relationship between Mr. Stockwell and the sales department is truly disturbing. Mr. Stockwell should learn that this is not a research facility but a company that needs to sell items in order to gain profits as well as meet its expenses. His antagonism and opposition to provide relevant information to the sales department is making us shortsighted thus losing our competitive advantage. We have failed to deliver products in time to our most trusted customers and frankly that is unacceptable. Information sharing within the department is of outmost importance but Mr. Stockwell has set up a bureaucratic system that most members within his organization seldom know what is required of them or the progress they are making.Advertising We will write a custom case study sample on Organization Structure Benson Metal Company specifically for you for only $16.05 $11/ page Learn More Conclusion Looking at the above problems, we can conclude that several things have to change. First of all, the required work activities should be specified especially considering the strain the production of the aerospace materials has on the company. Secondly, communication both within the departments and across different departments has to be improved. Communication and coordination between the departments can be improved in several ways. The first method is through improving teamwork between the two departments i.e. production and sales. Members of the two departments should freely intermix and be involved in the actual process involved in both departments. Another method is by setting up an organization structure based on divisional grouping. Divisional grouping involves organizing employees according to whatever products the company produces (Fow, 2007). Members of both the sales team and the production team should be grouped together under one department ensuring information flow between the in every stop of material production. I thank you for your time and hope we can resolve these issues in the shortest time possible. References Baligh, H. (2006). Organization Structures: Theory and Design, Analysis and  Prescription. New York: Springer Science + Media Inc. Daft, R. (2009). Organization Theory and Design. Mason, OH: South-Western Cengage Learning Fow, W. (2007). Managing Organizational Behavior. Cape Town: Junta Co.Advertising Looking for case study on business economics? Let's see if we can help you! Get your first paper with 15% OFF Learn More Jones, G. R. (2010). Organizational theory, design, and change (6th ed.). Upper Saddle River, NJ: Pearson-Prentice Hall.

Thoughts on the Gallery - Las Vegas Research Paper

Thoughts on the Gallery - Las Vegas - Research Paper Example The reflections of the lights have been made to bring out the red color for richness of color as well as white and gold. This brings out the sun’s natural colors that can be mostly seen during the day when the sun is shining. Therefore, this brings the effect of day time mood when night comes. More and more activities can easily be carried out at night due to the color lighting. The colors that have been mostly used in this fountain represent the excitement colors for the night and coolness colors for the night. Therefore, the colors that have been chosen for this scenery and art work convey and portray what the viewer would expect. It allows for the both the young and the old activities due to the early morning shows and the evening shows. The most exciting concepts from the coloring of the fountains are that, before the show on the fountains of waters begins, light is allowed to illuminate towers that surround the scenery. The colors that are used during this event include t he color purple, for specific types of music or red, blue and white. The colors illuminated have always matched the type of music that is being played. For coolness and calmness, blue and white is used for calm music being played, while the color purple and red used for excitement songs being played. Illumination of the towers brings the attention of the viewer to the beautiful works that the towers provide. Illumination is a key concept for the fountain show as colors is what brings out the effect and feeling that is required for any particular event. The use of shapes in the fountains of Bellagio The fountains of Bellagio have executed the use of shapes in a good way. The shapes vary according to structure intended and the meaning intended for a specific event. The shapes that... It is thus essential to incorporate the colors of nature in any artistic work. This has been evidenced through the artwork of the fountain found in the Bellagio gallery of arts. The colors that are used have equally brought out the intended feel of the fountains. These colors have also been complemented by the shapes that have dominated the fountain scenery. The impressions from the lights have been well blended especially for the night fountain shows and also the day fountain shows. The surroundings of the fountain have very beautiful buildings which come in a variety, hence the best appeal to the environment. More so, the shapes of the surroundings complement each other and the texture that can be painted from this scenery is that of leisure and peaceful events. Therefore, the Bellagio fountains were artistically and well created by the artist. The artist considered all the important factors that are needed when establishing such a gallery of art. This has contributed to more touri sts visiting this leisure ground having a prior knowledge on what exactly they are to expect.

Time-Driven ABC and Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) articles Essay

Time-Driven ABC and Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) articles analysis - Essay Example After realizing that this technique consumes a lot of time, Kaplan and Anderson improved on it and developed a new method known as Time-driven Activity Based Costing (TDABC). This technique uses information from Enterprise Resource Planning System (ERP) to assign costs to products and services directly and in a less costly manner (Kaplan, & Anderson, 2005). This paper will analyze the drawbacks of ABC that made Kaplan to develop TDABC and the relationship between TDABC and ERP. The drawbacks of ABC that led to the development of TDABC include overlooking capacity, expensive, and time consuming (Gilbert, 2007). The technique consumes time because organizations have to conduct interviews to ask workers the amount of time that they take to complete each activity. Companies take time to develop questions to ask workers about all the activities that they carry out in the firm and it consumes even more time to conduct the interview sessions (Kaplan, & Anderson, 2005). This process is also expensive because companies have to acquire resources to conduct the interviews; for example, organizations spend money on developing questionnaires, paying interviewers, and analyzing the data from the interviews. This increases the expenses of a firm leading to low profits. Kaplan also argues that the traditional ABC technique ignored the role of capacity in organizations. The traditional ABC method allocated costs to products by first determining the cost of all activities in a company. This means that this technique ignored the ability of workers and machines to produce goods in a company (Kaplan, & Anderson, 2005). The other limitation of ABC is that it is inaccurate because of errors that employees make when estimating the time that they use to complete activities in an organization (Gilbert, 2007). Time-driven Activity Based Costing solves the problems of traditional ABC by using accurate data from ERP that consumes less time and takes into account the capacity of

Language spoken Essay Example for Free

Language spoken Essay England is filled with a mixture of different dialects and pronunciation. Every area or city has its own dialect pronunciation and specific words only used in that area for example in east London innit. The closer the areas are the more similar they are. In addition people living in a specific area have their own peer groups; these peer groups have their own sociolect. Sociolect basically, means language spoken by a social group, social class or subculture. In this regards it differs to the dialect of that area slightly. Every person in that peer group has their own idiolect. Idiolect means a variety of language unique to an individual. It is manifested when that person chooses the word phrases or idioms which are unique to an individual. The idiolect you speak is influenced by many factors, for example the area you live in, where you are from and who is in your peer group. These could happen simultaneously which will make your idiolect even more unique. I believe that your idiolect is mainly changed by your geographical location. My idiolect has been changed drastically through the years I have been living. Even though I was born in the UK the first language I was taught was Farsi, this was minor setback however I was able to overcome this issue. As I was sent to school, I renovated this issue and I was able to distinguish both languages and I usually never had to code switch. As I grew my knowledge on the English language increased considerably, however my amount of Farsi I knew increased at a really steady pace. This is because in school I was improving my English as it was a requirement at home this didnt happen a lot, my parents only wanted me to know the basics of my language and that was satisfactory for them. In addition my mum and dad wanted me to fit into society better. They done this by the process of primary socialisation, they told me not to swear, not to code switch so that I do not have to be deviant in school and to speak in standard English. At a very young age of 6-7 I was slightly getting confused with the English language. This is because as I spent time with my peer group they taught me their sociolect, at the time I wasnt educated on this topic enough. For example one day my friend told me when we were inside to Look out as there was a ball flying towards our window at a high speed. As I was not educated, I thought he literally meant for me to look outside luckily I did look outside but the ball missed me. This use of a phrasal verb confused me; this is because phrasal verbs also confuse non-native speakers and I wasnt that educated on this new type of dialect. At this time I started to mix both standard English and my sociolect until I reached 8 years old. At this time I was able to make out the type language I should use in school, the one I should use with my friends and the one I should use at home. Even though I was able to differentiate when to speak each language I still had problems. My English at this time was getting better day by day however my Farsi improvements came at a standstill. When I use to speak to my parents, and I could not find the correct term in Farsi, I had to say it in English. This caused me to code switch even more. This automatically made me speak a mixture of English and Farsi when I went home. Did not finish (deliberate), Mrs Hart please tell me what I should add to improve; what I can to make it even better. I was going to talk about my transcript however I am unable as I want to know the mistakes I have made so that I can make it better with the transcript By Wariss Tamim 10. 8.

Five Different Types of Knowledge That I Nurse Can Use to Care for Pati

The nurse, Allison, in the case study used a wide variety of knowledge in order to best care for her patients in a holistic approach. In this section, five different types of knowledge will be discussed and explained how Allison used each type to nurse her patients. Carper, Van der Zalm, Bergum and Wolfer described empirical knowledge as â€Å"the knowledge we consider to be â€Å"fact,† such as what we read in textbooks, or what has been demonstrated through research† (as cited in Bungay, 2005). Allison consistently applied empirical knowledge throughout the beginning of her shift. A few examples of when empirical knowledge was applied in her nursing included listening to report and gathering all the information on the patients in order to determine her priorities of care. Explaining the benefits of a nicotine patch to Mr. Nelson as well as when she determined Mr. Nelsons oxygen supply and demand was adequate due to her assessment of the cardiac monitors, his work of breath and by observing the colour of his skin. Another type of knowledge that Allison used in her patient care was ethical knowledge. Van der Zalm and Bergum determined that â€Å"ethical knowledge represents knowledge that supports us to choose and be responsible for the right action in a situation† (as cited in Bungay, 2005). An examples of when Allison used ethical knowledge in her care was when she made the ethical decision on which patient she should visit first, that being Mrs. Johnson. This is an example of ethical knowledge because since Mrs. Johnson was the newest admit, and had had a cardioversion forty-five minutes prior, she was the most unstable patient of Allison’s. Had Allison made the choice to assess her other patient’s first it would have not been the re... ...to her about how they were feeling regarding their hospitalization. Finally, the effects of the immediate environment play a role in the interactions between a nurse and then patient. Being in the hospital, there are many foreign sounds such as call bell and codes going on all the time. Although Allison may have use to the loud noises on the ward, for the patients, this is new to them. This could have played a factor in Mr. Nelson’s inability to sleep, which altered his mood. Being in a new environment, especially a hospital can be unnerving for patients taking them out of their comfort zones. References Bungay, V. (2005). Module 1 High Acuity Nursing Practice [PDF document]. J.L. Dehaan, 2012, (Ed.). British Columbia Institute of Technology, School of Health Sciences. Retrieved from https://learn.bcit.ca/d2l/le/content/188743/viewContent/1059245/View

Nike and International Labor Practice Essay

Problem Identification Established in the early 70’s Nike, Inc., based in Beaverton, Oregon, USA faced a severe stream of criticism and experienced growing problems concerning their plants and employee treatment, mainly in Indonesia and Vietnam in 1988. Rising demand for Nike products, which almost doubled within a short period of time, led the company and its 350+ subcontractors to raise the production level. Series of labor problems and abuse such as cheap labor wages, poor working conditions, health and safety issues and underage workers exploitation, were the main issues Nike had to deal with. Furthermore, Nike, Inc. had to deal with managing the diversity of cultures and language barriers had to be overcome, while still be able to produce the high-quality product Nike is famous for. Throughout the 1990’s Phil Knight, CEO of Nike, Inc. and the company itself lost their superb corporate image in the eye of the world and it became an international incident. Causes of Problem After establishing a name in the world, Phil Knight, decided to manufacture Nike’s apparel in South Korea and Taiwan, and by 1982 already 86% of Nike’s sneakers came from these two countries. Realizing that Asian countries like Indonesia, Vietnam and China provide cheaper labor cost, better government support and higher profit, Nike moved their production lines there, with Indonesia becoming an important location. In 1991, the daily minimum wage was barely $1 in Indonesia, compared to a typical daily wage of $24.40 in South Korea and a US hourly wage of about $8 in athletic shoe manufacturing. Even that the Indonesian government raised the minimum wage from 2,100 Rupiah ($1.00/day) to 2,500 Rupiah ($1.25/day), the new wage was still underneath the workers’ living expenses. In 1992, these issues went outside of Indonesia and even hit Washington D.C., when President Clinton introduced the task force Apparel Industry Partnership (AIP) to develop and control labor st andards for foreign factories. Although Nike was the first one to join, they had trouble convincing people that everything went right in their plants in Asia. Ernst & Young was being hired to control and audit the factories, but soon voices became loud, that there was not a really  objective view at the problems, since Nike was paying them. It hit the peak in 1997/ 1998, when TV shows, newspapers and even a movie (The Big One) were talking about the bad conditions within Nike’s factories in Asia and publicly challenged Phil Knight to change the way workers were treated, compensated and how underage workers were employed. Adidas, Reebok and New Balance took advantage of Nike’s down slope and gained in competitive advantage. This led to diminishing sales number, earnings fell 69%, and for the first time in 13 years Nike, Inc. had a loss at the end of the year 1998. Alternatives 1.Government regulation of Nike Advantages: a)Local Government would have a closer look onto what is happening in its own country and with their people b)US Government could also have a closer look onto what Nike is doing abroad and would be able to intervene any illegal activity from the motherland c)Both governments would work closer together and it would open doors for other US companies to invest in the foreign country Disadvantages: a)As indicated in the case, some governments just see the money that is brought into the country, regardless what is happening within the company, or better said to its people. b)Ties between the US government and the foreign country might not be the best, due to political tensions, and makes it therefore tougher to work together. 2.Improve employee’s working and living standards Advantages: a)†A happy employee is a better worker† – improve the employees living standard by raising his wage, giving him more benefits (health insurance, vacation time), lessen his working hours, etc. b)Equal Opportunity – give chances to workers to move up the company ladder, and not only bring outside people in. Furthermore, adjust worker’s compensation, working hours and labor conditions to human standards. c)Extensive training and development for managers – All managers should learn foreign country’s language, living habits and adapt to culture. Training the workers on the job will also help to overcome workforce diversity and make the workplace a better place to be. Disadvantages: a)The changes will take time and will be cost effective. b)Adapt to western working habits, might be a huge change for Asian workforce and might not be adapted well 3.Documentation and Inspection Advantages: a)Factories will be supervised, by either the local government or organizations b)Inspections will lead to better working conditions c)Workers will have someone to talk to and will not be left alone Disadvantages: a)Again, organizations might be paid by Nike and not report the whole truth b)Reports from workers might be left alone and not brought up to people in charge Best Alternative The best alternative for Nike, Inc. is to undertake all three alternatives simultaneously. In order to gain back the market share and competitive advantage, their global view has to strengthen. They started off very well by implementing some of the above-mentioned ideas. These alternatives will just help them to become a stronger player in this fast growing and very competitive business world. Implementation Steps The actions, that Nike, Inc. should take are as followed: First they should work on getting their name back into the right spotlight, by implementing the alternatives. The governments will be more than willing to help them and since Nike is recognized all over the world, even the local governments/ countries are keen on keeping them in their country and employ their citizens. This might even bring countries like the USA and Indonesia closer together and more companies from the US will be ready to go to Indonesia and produce there. Secondly, the workers’ benefits, life standard and work habits are the most important of all of the alternatives. Nike, Inc. should invest most of their research and development in this field, since the wages are still not as they should be. An idea would be to start raising the wages to at least the country’s standard, so that people can live off their earnings a normal life. Nike started successfully the implementation of programs that involved increasing the workers’ living standard in the developing world, but still the compensation of the worker is the main problem that needs to be taken on right away. Secure working places, no lay-offs and safe working environments should be steps that must be taken immediately, only then we can see the difference and make a worker a happy  and productive employee. Last but not least, Nike should be watched, inspected and documented upon. It will not only help the factories in Vietnam or Indonesia, but also the company itself. Once outside organizations tell Nike where they need to improve on and do it after being told, then the company will also get into the positive spotlight, which will resume in higher sales and more profit. Nike will then be again the strongest contender in supporting and sponsoring universities, pro athletes and teams and most important a company that everybody wants to work for, regardless where.

Supply Chain Management An Integrated Process Essay

Introduction: Supply chain management is an integrated process that constitutes the various stages through which a product passes prior to reaching the ultimate consumer. Every product or service is designed in such a manner that it is able to meet the requirements of its target consumers. Through a well formulated and managed supply chain process, products that are manufactured are able to reach out to its consumers effectively and through the process it is possible to make it available at a convenience to the customers. The processes constituted in the supply chain system are continuously active and are always being monitored and managed by several people across the system. An efficient supply chain management system ensures that there is speedy delivery of the product from the stage of the manufacturing through the various channels for delivering it to the consumers. The usual supply chain comprises of raw materials being supplied by different suppliers to a manufacturer who then sends the finished product through a vast distribution network further comprising of a distributor, wholesaler and a retailer through to the final customers who purchase the product. There is a percentage of income that is earned on the product at each stage of the process when the product passes through to the next stage. The price at which a customer purchases the product includes all the costs and margins that are collected at the different stages of the supply chain. Without anShow MoreRelatedSupply Chain Management For A Competitive Advantage1505 Words   |  7 Pagescompetitive advantage. It is called supply chain management and it includes all integrated activates which introduce to market place and maintain customer satisfaction. This supply chain management drives from multi- disciplinary departments such as procuring, transportation, manufacturing products, c ustomer services, distribution of product into integrated program. Successful management will be in coordination and integrated in all these activate in an unbroken chain process. It supports and interconnectedRead More1.1 Explain the Importance of Effective Supply Chain Management in Achieving Your Organizational Objectives.1528 Words   |  7 Pages1.1 Explain the importance of effective supply chain management in achieving your organizational objectives. Supply Chain Management as defined as Maximising added value and reducing total cost across the entire trading process through focusing on speed and certainty of response to the market†. Competitive Edge through Core Competencies Todays business climate has rapidly changed and has become more competitive as ever in nature. Businesses now not only need to operate at a lower cost toRead MoreThe Implementation Of Ssme Has Two Core Issues805 Words   |  4 Pages The implementation of SSME has two core issues, one is the integrated supply chain, another one is customer needs. Specifically, the operation within the entire supply chain should not be split into several parts, each sector of supply chain should consider customers requirements. Due to the existence of gap between Supply Chain Management and SSME, the concept of Service Science can not be implemented well in practice and the customer requirements still can not be well satisfied. In additionRead MoreAssignment 2: Chain Management at Durham International Manufacturing Company (Dimco)1373 Words   |  6 PagesAssignment 2: Chain Management at Durham International Manufacturing Company (DIMCO) Case Study Determine whether integration efforts should start with suppliers, distribution, or both. Explain the rationale for your decision. What are the basic components of a supply chain? Most companies are utilizing a five supply chain components, in order to bring products to the marketplace. The five supply chain components are Suppliers, Manufacturers, Distributors, Retailers, and Consumers/Customers. EffectiveRead MoreSupply Chain Risk Management Analysis1521 Words   |  7 Pages Uta Jà ¼ttner, (2005),Supply chain risk management, The International Journal of Logistics Management, Vol. 16 Iss 1 pp. 120 - 141. Supply chain risk management is an intersection of supply chain management and risk management. For this we need to understand the benefits and as well as the limitations of both the concepts. Supply chain risk is about any threat of interruption in the order of workings of the supply chain. This Risk is generated as result of risk ‘drivers’ that are internal or externalRead MoreLogistics And Supply Chain Management1033 Words   |  5 PagesLogistics and supply chain management is an important aspect of a firm’s strategy for the business to achieve success by creating value throughout the logistics and supply chain. The research paper will outline the concepts that are involved in creating the logistics and supply management framework. The logistics and supply chain management strategies will drive success for the company towards fulfilling and supporting customer needs, procurement and manufacturing operations of the firm. This researchRead MoreLogistics Management And Supply Chain Management1171 Words   |  5 PagesLogistics and Supply Chain Management Topic: Do the terms, ‘logistics management’ and ‘supply chain management’ have the same meaning in operations and why logistics management might be of strategic importance to a manufacturing or service organisation. During last two decades, the importance of logistics has been noticed around the world. In global markets, the effects and further developments of logistics and supply chain management for corporate success has increased significantly that resultRead MoreRubber Company1252 Words   |  6 Pages2) Why did Harrison focus on an integrated supply chain as a significant element of Atlas’ new strategic plan? As Harrison and his team found that Atlas lacked integrated supply chain capabilities due to which disjointed distribution network was there and various third – partly logistic companies were used which lead to many problems and challenges. And logistics was only considered as a storage and distribution function rather than a strategic supply chain process. As Harrison came out with a strategicRead MoreSupply Chain Risk Management Plan1299 Words   |  6 Pages(2005),Supply chain risk management, The International Journal of Logistics Management, Vol. 16 Iss 1 pp. 120 - 141. â€Å"Supply chain risk management is the process of identifying, assessing and controlling threats to an organization s capital and earnings that are caused by the organization s Supply Chain.  Companies with supply chain risk management plans in place typically place a chief risk office(CRO) in charge of overseeing the effectiveness of the organization s supply chain management strategyRead MoreIbm Supply Chain1592 Words   |  7 Pages* Supply Chain Management In IBM: * Early 1990’s: decentralized geographic and functional departments * Mid-late 1990’s: Distribution and logistics functions centralized into a global organization with world-wide responsibility * Early 2000’s: merger of Customer Fulfillment, Procurement, Manufacturing, and Global Logistics/Distribution functions into a new global Integrated Supply Chain function * Result: cost savings of $5.6B in 2002 and $7B in 2003 * A Case study