Wednesday, May 6, 2020
EA Games Case Study - Global Industry Analysis Report by Directors
Questions : You have been appointed as the Marketing Director for EA Games. As part of your role you are required to address the following issues: Q1) Critically review the Global Industry Analysis Report produced by the Marketing Executive and highlight the key strengths and weaknesses of the report. Highlight ways in which the report could have been improved. Q2) Identify the positioning objective(s) of this new product and design a positioning strategy based on achieving this objective(s). Q3) Using any product management portfolio tool (e.g. Product Life-Cycle Model, Boston Consulting Group Matrix (BCG), Growth-Share Matrix, McKinsey/GE Market Attractiveness-Competitive Position Matrix, A.D Little Business Profile Matrix), outline, appropriate marketing strategies for your new product at each stage of its life-cycle. Q4) On what basis (competitive advantage) would the new product/service compete in the market place in the long-run? Answers : Introduction. Marketing planning is complex process starting from explicit analysis of the market and includes planning entire product life cycle. Global Industry Analysis Report made by Senior Marketing Executive for EA Games included versatile industry and market analysis, new gaming product presentation, identification of marketing mix elements, identifying appropriate segmentation and targeting strategy. As a complex process, mentioned report have strong and weak sides. In purpose to compete in the market place, new product development process includes further marketing planning elements: positioning strategy; communication plan; marketing strategies for new product at each stage of product life cycle (using product management portfolio tool); new product's competitive advantage approaches. Based on Global Industry Analysis Report, this report examines further new product development elements, and also determines strengths and weaknesses of Global Industry Analysis Report. 1. Global Industry Analysis Report review. The strengths and weaknesses of the report are described in the diagram below. The report is based on complex environmental analysis. The company analysis was substantially based on the companys sales and revenue values, although these indicators gives not the solid understanding of EAs prosperous work. For instance, the fact that company sales are mainly concentrated in the USA does not confirm that the best way for company to succeed is concentrating on the USA market. According to Passport, EA has the biggest company share in Turkey, Germany and Poland (16,4%, 15.6% and 14,6% respectively). More commonly, EA has extremely high company share, hence competitive advantage in Western and Eastern Europe (Figure 1.) Moreover, according to market growth forecast statistics, North Americas gaming industry is expected to grow much slower, in comparison with Europe, Latin America, Middle East and Africa markets (Figure 2). The presented 5 Ms model for EAs internal environment has some disadvantages, for example it does not include competitive advantage, capabilities, RD, identifying combination of the resources and generated capabilities, evaluating the organizational performance. Rational and justification for introducing the new product is supported by macro and micro factors and the impact they have on the company. Segmentation and targeting strategy is created not by accident, but considering supply and demand on such type of games in the market place, and other factors. The ways to improve the report: Use Porters 5 Forces, the analysis of the organizational resources, value chain analysis, or functional analysis while analysing internal environment. (Claudiu et al., 2011) (Table 1.) Pay attention on regional comparison of EA's market share. Findings from all three environments must be precise. Linking the marketing mix to the findings in industry analysis is required. Table 1. The profile of the organizations strategic capabilities. 2. Positioning strategy 2.1 Features and distinction of positioning and communication strategy for mobile applications. Some time ago, conveying a press release, posting a couple of magazine banners worked fine to advance applications. However many of those old shareware methods don't have any significant bearing here. In unique mobile application market, frequently app producers doubtlessly see a fleeting deals knock on dispatch day that immediately dove in the week that took after. Without a long haul promoting strategy set up, companies hazard definitely shortening the life compass and profitability of the application (Wooldridge et al, 2011). Integrate a few components specifically into application can empower sales, deliver extra income streams, help clients spread the statement by means of built-in social marketing, and enhance customer support. (Smith Zook, 2011) 2.2 Positioning strategy for the new EA's mobile game. Standing out among the 500,000 or more applications accessible in the global mobile applications business is getting to be progressively difficult (Apppli, 2013). As the environment is the highly saturated app industry, differentiation from potential competitors is key (Apppli, 2013). Using appropriate communication tools for reaching mentioned objectives is expected to be taken during the whole Product Life Cycle. Each component of marketing mix is going to be applied to appropriate positioning features, created marketing mix actually delivers the intended value to target customers (Kotler Artrong, 2014) (Figure 3). Figure 3. Customer-Driven Marketing Strategy. In purpose to appeal to the targeted segment, EA made the game incredibly simple. The game allows users to play either several seconds or a few hours. The figures inside the game, which are contents of woman's handbag are aimed on attracting targeting audience, which are women of Generation X Y, professionals. According to Prescott (2013) and Angelides Agius (2014), casual and puzzle games are becoming increasingly more played by female gamers. That fact confirms this genre was chosen not incidentally. Compatibility with limited number of platforms (smartphones, tablets, Facebook), and luxury products placement (perfume, cosmetics brands, etc.) emphasizes brand's exclusivity dimension, but the same time it is easily accessible. Such combination has the right for existence, because according to Hennigs et al (2012), luxury brand scan use the web to spread the brand's dream and draw in new customers yet at the same time keep an exclusivity feature by offering specific online content and services to the brand's conventional users. The price is set by"freemium"model - freedownloadsthatsellitemswithintheapp, that is considered as monetisation tool. As of November 2013, "fremium" model represented an incredible 92% of the income created in Apple's App Store and 98% of the Google Play application store (Pham, 2014). 2.3 Communication plan When considering marketing communications it is important to emphasize the long-term and integrated nature of those communications. This requires the attention of correspondence targets which may not be accomplished for a few years, for example, brand devotion or attitude as opposed to a basic concentrate on the short term, for example, sales figures for the next period. (Masterson Wood, 2005). EA promote products worldwide through a various range of advertising and promotional tools such as TV and internet publicizing, print promoting, retail merchandising, website advancement, event sponsorship and direct communications with customers. EA's capacity to offer products is reliant to a limited extent upon the success of these tools The company spends millions of dollars for advertising and promotion. Promotional expenses were $788 and $680 million in 2013 and 2014 respectively (Electronic Arts, 2013). In purpose of creating productive communication process for the new game, EA encodes a message, targeting the audience they wish to reach. Sending messages through media which reach target audience, EA expects to receive feedback from the customers (Figure 4). EA contacts with the audience through personal (word-of-mouth) and impersonal (media) channels. The "word-of-mouth" element is put in action in real life, so as through social networking sites that facilitate interconnectivity of users. Promotion for the created "What's in your handbag?" application includes direct marketing, SMM, cross-promotion, banner advertisement inside existing EA apps, digital marketing. Chosen communication tools follows AIDA concept (Figure 5.) (Smith Zook, 2011) to separate the stages a buyer go through before getting the game. Figure 5. AIDA concept. Digital media, including online display, online retargeting, and mobile (SMS/MMS campaigns) represented the top ranges of expanded funding in 2013. Social media and direct mail enter the Top 5 most effective mediums (Direct Marketing Association, 2013). Direct marketing is one of the quickest developing areas in marketing communications, as many organizations switch a big proportion of the budget far from use of mass media (Masterman Wood, 2006). It is expected to use the tool before the app is placed in the digital stores via direct mail. Involving users on beta-testing the app helps to allocate disadvantages of a product, and get individualized response. To get the targeted audiences attention it is expected to place banner advertisement inside the existing EA mobile applications (The Sims, Bejeweled Blitz, Plants vs. Zombies) and Facebook games (Scrabble, Zuma, Solitaire) and SMM. SMM includes integrating the game to the social networks, such as Facebook, Twitter, YouTube and LinkedIn. Prior to apps launch it is key to network with app review sites and other relevant blogs and web communities. (Wooldridge, 2011). EA already has pages of all the mobile apps in the social networks, accounting more than 10 million likes each. To create buzz of interest and desire in the game EA puts ads in Facebook, this will cost approximately $10,000 a month (Killer Facebook ads, 2011), with design and image attractive for women. It is expected that cross-promotion, representing joint campaign with OPI, will be introduced in products maturity stage. "Time" is important element in marketing planning. In purpose to cover more of targeted audience, it is expected that promotion elements take place in prime-time (7:00 pm to 11:00 pm) (Figure 6). 3. BCS product portfolio matrix and product life cycle. 3.1 Boston Consulting Group Matrix for Electronic Arts' product portfolio. Part of any marketing plan involves finding of how to manage a range of different products. The BCG matrix represents a classification of business units according to market share and market growth (Strategic development and marketing planning, 2007). Mobile apps product portfolio of EA Games is presented by 246 units of 12 genres and à over huge audience of game players (EA Mobile, 2014). Table 2. Mobile apps portfolio of EA Games. Figure 7. BCG Matrix for mobile games portfolio of EA Games. Stars are products that have relatively high market share and growing market. (Assen et al., 2009). According to Newzoo (2013), "The Simpsons: Tapped Out" and "Real Racing" take the leading positions among the mobile apps. However, not all stars win over the long term. Actual market share and market growth sizes are not sufficient criteria to justify investment (Seeger, 1984). "Star Wars", "Battlefield", "Warhammer Online" are profitable apps, but their market growth is descending. "SimCity" and "Plants vs. Zombies" growth rate is uncertain, that defines them to "question marks". The forth element of the matrix is Dogs, which include "Bejeweled", "Scrabble", "Cut the rope". The new app "What's in your handbag" in the introduction stage of its life cycle takes position of question mark, with little market share and increasing market growth (from zero). Generally, there are 4 strategies to apply: 1.Build: making different investments to maintain star status or turn question marks into stars; Hold: do nothing; Reduce investments and maximize profits from stars and cash cows; Divest: "kill" the dogs and use capital received from them into stars or cash cows. The BCG Matrix adapts the Product Life Cycle Theory to set priorities in the product portfolio of a business unit or whole business (Trompenaars, 2014). 3.2. New product's life cycle. Product Lifecycle (PLC) Management helps to manage the product across the lifecycle. (Stark, 2011). New product development includes managing the product's performance during whole the PLC. Figure 8. Product lifecycle linked to BCG matrix elements. There are five main decisions that are planned to take place during the whole PLC (Fifield, 2007): Increasing the demand curve. In the introduction stage, to pay attention and get interest of the audience direct marketing and banner advertisement will take place. Reaching the "tipping point". To get the best from the "growth" stage and become a "star" EA gets rid of the "dogs" to invest more into "What's in your handbag" game. SMM and digital marketing tools play important role in new game development. Creating the "maturity boom". Just because the game is in maturity stage does not mean that subsequent growth is now possible. It is expected to stimulate demand by adding cross-promotion, which was described in Global Industry Analysis Report. Extending the maturity stage. "Stars" will need a lot of investment to maintain their position, to support further growth as well as to maintain its lead over competing products. Product extension or repositioning to maintain the product being "cash cow" longer. 4. Competitive advantages in the marketplace. According to Marketing Mentor (2014), "competitive advantage is gained by using the unique blend of activities, assets, attributes, resources, market conditions, product benefits and relationships that differentiate an organization from its competitors". Being competitive in the market place means that the company has high market share and hence strong position. For definite product strong position in the market place is achievable if customers find that the product creates value for them over a long period. If product creates value for customers, it is gaining market share and high performance in the long run (Jannesson et al., 2014). In complex mobile gaming industry marketing intelligence is crucial for creating possible competitive scenarios in marketplace (Hedin et al., 2011). To give a competitive edge to the new mobile game for women and achieve planned objectives EA uses some competitive advantage approaches. First, the game already has cost leadership, as it lower cost and broad target. In mobile gaming industry marketing, the most important thing is technology. After the game is ready, it is very important that our product should survive in the market for long runs and compete with other products. To provide a competitive game to customers, a company should take care of customers gender, likes, dislikes and demand for the concept so that the customer is going to like it for sure. With the globalization of markets and its competition, all the markets have really become easily viable. Natural opportunities are also coming to all of the market. So a company should take care of these parts before making strategy of launching the game. The clear cut motive is to win the market and after that it has chances to go worldwide too. To start, the game should have a reasonable price and interesting outlook which shows the actual concept of a game. If the game is very unique and there is no game exists in the market like ours, then it becomes very easy to sell the game and to attract customers and a make new market. It also has to take care of the same type of games which are having the same concept as ours. That is why research is a very important part before taking any action. Consistency is a very important part if you want to play long run. To play the long term game, one should be prepared for the hurdles and be always ready for the new challenges. It is necessary to Product should create a continuous demand by giving the new challenges to customers and also informing about the next part of the product so that consumer who is receiving our services will be aware and it will help for the next new product and in creating goodwill as well (Gruca and Sudharshan, 1995) Conclusion As it is already shown in the document that Global Industry should be based on different environmental things. After identifying the objective of EA Sports, it is necessary to make a plan and design it properly. A product management portfolio has also been made in the assignment. The logic of strategy should be very clear. Simplify our product by compared to products that the market is offering. And this would be the best part if a company creates a new game with a new concept. Then it is necessary to focus on making the online sales and the process is very easy in order to achieve a better online sales. After launching the game, what matters is the growth of the product in terms of sales. The promotions of the product should make an impact on the customer so that he will attract to it and will purchase it. Because the customer just wants to enjoy the services given by the provider to satisfy their wants. And it is our duty to fulfill those. So it is necessary to focus on the wants a nd demands of customers and there is also need to focus on increase in the sales of product (Product, 1989). References Cravens, D. (1975). Marketing strategy positioning.Business Horizons, 18(6), pp.53-61. Kumari, R. (2006). The Firm's Strategy Type and Market Value.Global Business Review, 7(1), pp.43-55 Nachum, L. (2012). Global comparative strategy.Global Strategy Journal, 2(1), pp.92-95. Dao, B. (n.d.). Optimal Portfolio with Structured Product in a Framework of Mean Conditional Value at Risk.SSRN Journal. Gruca, T. and Sudharshan, D. (1995). A Framework for Entry Deterrence Strategy: The Competitive Environment, Choices, and Consequences.Journal of Marketing, 59(3), p.44. JORDAN, J. and ROLOFF, M. (1997). Planning Skills and Negotiator Goal Accomplishment: The Relationship Between Self-Monitoring and Plan Generation, Plan Enactment, and Plan Consequences.Communication Research, 24(1), pp.31-63. Market and competitive intelligence: Targeting the Sci-Tech market place. (1997).World Patent Information, 19(4), p.294. Product. (1989).Information and Software Technology, 31(5), pp.286-287. Rubino, J. (2003). The New Global Industry Analysis.CFA Magazine, 14(4), pp.46-47. Feijoo, C., Gmez-Barroso, J., Aguado, J., Ramos, S. (2012). Mobile gaming: Industry challenges and policy implications. Telecommunications Policy, 36(3), 212-221. doi:10.1016/j.telpol.2011.12.004 Hedin, H., Hirvensalo, I., Vaarnas, M. (2011). The handbook of market intelligence: Understand, compete and grow in global markets Wiley. Newzoo. (2013).EAs Transition to Free-to-Play Pays Off: Real Racing 3 Rapidly Climbs Top Mobile Rankings. Retrieved from https://www.newzoo.com/insights/ea-transition-to-free-to-play-pays-off-real-racing-3-rapidly-climbs-into-top-20-mobile-game-rankings/. EA Mobile. (2014).Mobile Games. Retrieved from https://www.ea.com/mobile. Marketing Mentor. (2014).Competitive advantage. Retrieved from https://www.marketingmentor.com.libaccess.hud.ac.uk/wp/?wpid=1818. Killer facebook ads: Master cutting-edge facebook advertising techniques (2nd edition) (2011). Sybex. Stark, J. (2011). Product lifecycle management. DE: Springer Verlag. Jannesson, E., Nilsson, F., Rapp, B. (2014).Strategy, Control and Competitive Advantage : Case Study Evidence. New York: Springer. Claudiu, C. S., Andrei, P., Gabriela, P. M. (2011). INTERNAL ENVIRONMENT ANALYSIS TECHNIQUES.Annals Of The University Of Oradea, Economic Science Series,20(2), 731-736. Flurry. (2014).The Tablet Four Year Report: An Identity Crisis and an Amazing Opportunity. Retrieved from https://www.flurry.com/blog/flurry-insights/tablet-four-year-report-identity-crisis-and-amazing-opportunity#.VIxcUvnz0no. Assen, M. v., Van den Berg, G., Pietersma, P., Have, S. t. (2009). Key management models: The 60+ models every manager needs to know. Harlow: Financial Times Prentice Hall. Trompenaars, F., Coebergh, P. H. (2014). 100+ management models : How to understand and apply the world's most powerful business tools. Oxford: Infinite Ideas. West, D. C., Ford, J. B., Ph.D., Ibrahim, E. (2006). Strategic marketing: Creating competitive advantage. Oxford: Oxford University Press. Wooldridge, D., Schneider, M., Books24x7, I. (2011). The business of iPhone and iPad app development: Making and marketing apps that succeed, second edition. New York: Apress. Smith, P. R., Zook, Z. (2011). Marketing communications: Integrating offline and online with social media. GB: Kogan Page Ltd. Masterman, G., Wood, E. H. (2006). Innovative marketing communications: Strategies for the events industry. Oxford: Butterworth-Heinemann. Direct Marketing Association. (2014).The Marketing Mix 2013 Measuring marketing trends, spend and effectiveness around the globe. Retrieved from https://www.dma.org.uk/uploads/IFDMA_Report_F7_54072730d98d4.pdf. Fifield, P. (2007). Marketing strategy: The difference between marketing and markets. Amsterdam [u.a.]: Butterworth-Heinemann. Passport. (2014).Brand Shares (by Global Brand Name). Retrieved from https://www.portal.euromonitor.com.libaccess.hud.ac.uk/portal/statistics/tab. (2013).The Essentials of Mobile App Marketing. 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Friday, May 1, 2020
Organizational Terms of Positive Leadership
Question: Discuss about the Organizational Terms of Positive Leadership. Answer: Introduction Organizational success is often expressed in the terms of positive leadership, efficiency and effectiveness. Positive leadership implies motivation, encouragement and cohesive team building; efficiency denotes functioning in the best possible manner with a perfect combination of creativity, logic and timeliness; effectiveness signifies high-quality and bang-on results. Various organizations face tough situations because of inadequate management decisions leading to dictatorship instead of leadership, clashes instead of cooperation, poor allocation of resources instead of strategic utilization of resources, poor performances instead of enhanced performances and unhealthy or pessimistic organizational culture instead of innovative and optimistic culture (Matthews, 2010). A similar situation has been faced by Dharma, owner of a non-profit organization named Helping Hands who has managed to raise an energetic and enthusiastic team of 10 permanent members and 20 volunteers. In the exploratory and struggling journey of five years, she has introduced and implemented the changes successfully. But, since last few months there has been an increased requirement for the services and amenities which the organization usually provides to the deprived families. Due to the economic down turn the families were facing a tough time and were finding it harder to survive. Since Dharma was packed up with the major collaboration and networking activities with the government departments and other organizations; it was not a cake-walk for her to look after the daily operations and functioning. But she was aware of the criticality and wanted to act on it, so she decided to promote one of the loyal and dedicated workers named Jenny to management role along with three new staff members for assistance. Within two months; things got off track and the staff got divided into two conflicting groups. As a result, neither the workers are feeling motivated nor they are willing to work in such a stressful and unhealthy culture now. To sort out the issue of inadequate and slow-paced services, Dharma took a quick decision to promote Jenny as she trusted her. As time was less and work was endless, Dharma delegated the responsibilities to Jenny without thorough discussions and in-depth analysis. Since, the management decisions were taken in haste and the approach lacked few important aspects; the organization is now facing ineffectiveness, inefficiency and conflicts. Dharmas noble thinking, vision, dedication, communication skills and perseverance have made her reach a stable and steady level; now she just cannot afford to lose a full-fledged team of workers and volunteers. All her efforts and hard work would go in vain; if corrective measures are not adopted. Nerve-wracking environment, demotivated employees and dissented team can lead to organizational failure. Being a consultant; the paramount responsibilities would be to research and analyze the best approach and practices related to management decisions, effective leadership, cooperation and organizational change management. Research and Analysis Organizations achieve success when people, processes and practices work in synchronization or cohesion. Factors like socio-economic conditions, political environment, and technological revolution bring major changes in the organizations and the art to welcome, adapt to and manage the changes lies in the correct management decisions which promote strength, support and unity (Tran Tian, 2013). But unfortunately many organizations like Helping Hand face situations of distress and mistrust because of hasty decisions, inadequate research and ineffective leadership (Shulman, 2010). A research journal by Scott Ballantyne explores the relationship between leadership and decision-making. According to Ballantyne, the prime responsibility of a leader during decision-making is to follow a collaborative approach which encourages the employees to share ideas, philosophies and opinions. Inclusive and collaborative leadership empower the employees to participate in the decision-making processes making them feel motivated and valued. Such decisions usually are very effective and fruitful (Ballantyne, 2011). A leader needs to realize the importance of cohesion, team-building and sharing. It is crucial for a leader to understand that a team of enthused and inspired members can never make wrong decisions (Janczak, 2005). Though the journal explains the importance of a leader whose style and approach promote positivity and creativity but a close analysis of the case highlights the trust and expectations that Dharma had on the capabilities and performance of Jenny. She was always a motivated and committed worker therefore; her attitude had to be positive, energetic and inspiring. But, on the contrary, Jenny could not handle the team effectively. She could not motivate the workers, in fact she was accused of publicly criticizing the staff and dividing the team. Why did it happen? How is it possible for a self-motivated and devoted worker to not practice effective leadership? Why her inspiring and dedicated attitude took a backseat after promotion? Why could not she manage her roles and responsibilities despite of being a great worker? Why her decisions became noxious for the organization? The answer to all the questions and doubts above is lack of proper training. Dharmas decision to promote Jenny to a newly created management role could have been fruitful if proper training and development sessions were organized for her. As they say haste makes waste; a similar situation has soared in the organization. In a research project by Jean B. Leslie, four chief skills for an effective leadership are leading people, strategic planning, inspiring commitment and managing change. Unfortunately, these are the weakest competencies for todays leaders because of inadequate training and development. Even if the leader is sensitive and compassionate, insufficient preparation for future challenges and high-end tasks can lead to doomed work climate and poor performances (Leslie, 2009). Jenny, despite of being a great performer could not handle the leadership pressure. She somehow failed at managing the staff and keeping them enthused as she was not provided with proper guidance and coaching. But; is it not crucial to provide counselling and guidance to the employees as well? Is it not beneficial to mentally prepare the employees to welcome and accept the new managers and leaders? What if the manager or the leader is striving hard to gain the trust and foster a maven team but the employees remain rigid? A research by MIJARC Europe on NGO management training argues that training and development is a two-way process. If the leaders and managers are required to undergo training sessions then the workers and volunteers also require guidance and mentoring on how to adapt to the new changes, how to understand the management strategies formulated by managers and leaders and how to strengthen the relationships (Coosemans, 2013). It usually happens that even if the leader is trying hard to introduce positive changes or if he is making an effort to improvise on the strategies or practices; the workers become resistant and do not try to participate or even act accordingly (Trevithick, 2007). Helping Hand might be facing the same issue. Neither Jenny nor the staff was prepared for this change. Being a consultant, analyzing the importance of effective leadership and promoting the concept of training and development wont be enough. There are still few significant questions which need to be answered. Do training and development programs guarantee superior performances? Can such sessions directly lead to effective leadership and team-building? If training sessions are not organized thoroughly then what alternatives could help? The answer lies in the research article named The role of supervision in social work: A critical analysis by Jeanne Marie Hughes which explores that effective supervision improves the quality of daily operations and activities. It is educative, supportive and managerial in nature. Supervision examines and evaluates the ideas, practices and processes and enlightens the employees about the correct directions (Hughes, 2010). Dharma had promoted Jenny but could not train her since she was occupied with other crucial tasks but sadly she could not even manage to supervise Jennys approaches and attitude as a leader. She should have been there to oversee, monitor, guide and support Jenny and the staff members. National Association of Social Workers, in its research named Best Practice Standards in Supervision explains that effective supervision is essential for addressing a variety of issues and taking corrective measures (Tsui, 2005). Supervisors play a key role in the personal, professional and organizational development. They need to ensure whether the managers or leaders are able to formulate expected standards and strategies or not, whether they have the ability to cultivate and nurture a motivated and cohesive team or not and whether the changes, improvisations and innovations are being successfully implemented or not (Fuller Petch, 2005). Had Dharma been there to supervise and guide the team, the case would have been different. Conclusion As a consultant it is the foremost responsibility to not only analyse what has gone wrong but also to examine why has it gone wrong and how could it be sorted. Establishing an organization is not a childs play; it requires patience and risk taking ability along with years of hard-work, diligence, experimenting and networking. But speedy decisions, ignorance and lack of supervision and training and development programs can hamper the organizational culture and ruin the efficiency and effectiveness as in the case of Dharmas not-for-profit organization. Helping Hand has been experiencing a jarring and jolting phase and being a consultant it was a prerequisite to understand the criticality of the situation by analysing the various studies and research works which are conducted, so that apposite recommendations can be provided to Dharma. The research and analysis has clearly portrayed the value of making decisions strategically and diagnostically. The analysis has shown the importance of effective leadership, collaborative work practices, strong bonding, effective change management process, training and development and supervision. Recommendations Now that the reasons behind the issues are detected; it is important to recommend certain corrective measures that need to be executed in order to bring everything back on track. Firstly, it is vital for Dharma to devote her time in patiently listening and considering the views, opinions, grievances and queries of Jenny, staff members and volunteers. Dharma has to let everyone speak out the issues, troubles and scrapes they are going through. It is quite important to understand the mind-set and outlook of every employee. Evaluation of the actual behaviour, attitude and approach of Jenny needs to be conducted as well. It has been proven that once the employees speak their minds out and pour their hearts out; it gets easier for them to remain calm and unruffled. At this point of time, Dharma needs to carefully make them understand that new changes bring new challenges and quitting the job without trying out for the solutions is sheer escapism. Motivational interactions could be very beneficial as employees would feel heard and valued. Once the evaluation is done and employees are unflustered, training goals could be easily understood and accordingly training and development programs could be framed. Training delivery methods should be interactive, enlightening, collaborative and innovative leading to constructivism, intrinsic motivation and cooperation. Once the training interventions are over; it would be the primary responsibility of Dharma to manage time out of the busy schedule and conduct an effective supervision regularly. References Tsui, M 2005, Social work supervision: Contexts and concepts, Sage Publications, New York. Trevithick, P 2007, Social Work Skills: A Practice Handbook, Open University Press, New York. Shulman, L 2010, Interactional supervision, NASW Press, Washington DC. Ballantyne, S 2011, Leadership and decision-making, Journal of management and marketing research, vol. 4, issue no. 3, pp. 1-6. Janczak, S 2005, The strategic decision-making process in organizations, Journal of problems and perspectives in management, vol. 6, issue no. 3, pp. 3-69. Tran, Q and Tian, Y 2013, Organizational effectiveness: Influencing factors and impact on firms, American journal of industrial and business management, vol. 3, issue no. 1, pp. 229-236. Matthews J, 2010, Organizational effectiveness, Journal of business management, vol. 6, issue no. 4, pp. 3-49. Pisani, A 2005, Talk to me: Supervisees disclosure in supervision, Journal of social work management, vol. 23, issue no. 8, pp. 29-47. Leslie, J 2009, The leadership gap, viewed 26 May 2016, https://www.hreonline.com/pdfs/02012010Extra_CLCStudy.pdf Hughes, J 2010, The role of supervision in social work, Journal of policy and practice, vol. 2, issue no. 1, pp. 60-72. NASW 2013, Best practice standards in social work supervision, viewed 27 May 2016, https://www.hreonline.com/pdfs/02012010Extra_CLCStudy.pdf
Saturday, March 21, 2020
What Is TTY Mode How Does It Work on Cell Phones
What Is TTY Mode How Does It Work on Cell Phones SAT / ACT Prep Online Guides and Tips A TTY (teletypewriter) is a device that helps people who are deaf, speech-impaired, or hard-of-hearing use a phone to communicate. While TTY devices were initially designed for landline phones, they are used today with both landlines and cell phones. In this article, Iââ¬â¢ll be talking about TTY mode meaning on a cell phone and how to use it, as well as offering other, more modern options for people with hearing or speech impairments to communicate. What Is TTY Mode on a Cell Phone? A TTY device is used to communicate by people with speech and hearing impairments. A user with a speech impairment can type a message on the TTY machine and the machine will send the message through a phone line or mobile signal. For users with hearing impairments, the TTY machine will turn voice messages into text messages so the user can read them. While a TTY machine may sound a lot like text messaging, its actual functions are more seamless. TTY machines allow users to continuously communicate as part of one conversation, without receiving constant message notifications and updates like from text messages. During a TTY conversation, the messages appear immediately on the other partyââ¬â¢s TTY screen without interruption. TTY devices can be connected to both landlines and cell phones, allowing for portable communication. Today, many cell phones have a TTY mode. What's the TTY mode meaning? Well, TTY mode allows the phone to function as a TTY device. Depending on the phone, it may have a built-in TTY software, allow you to connect the phone to an external TTY device, or both. Many phones have three different TTY modes: TTY Full, TTY VCO, and TTY HCO. TTY Full mode allows both the sender and receiver to communicate through TTY messages. TTY VCO mode is for hearing-impaired users who can send messages through voice, but need to receive messages on a TTY text display. TTY HCO mode is for users who can receive voice messages, but need to send text messages. How to Use TTY Mode on a Cell Phone You can activate TTY mode on both an Android phone and an iPhone. In this section, Iââ¬â¢ll talk you through how to use TTY mode on both operating systems. How to Use TTY Mode on an iPhone Tap the ââ¬Å"Settingsâ⬠app. Tap ââ¬Å"Generalâ⬠from the ââ¬Å"Settingsâ⬠menu. Tap ââ¬Å"Accessibilityâ⬠from the ââ¬Å"Generalâ⬠menu. Select ââ¬Å"TTYâ⬠. Select if you will use the built-in ââ¬Å"Software TTYâ⬠or if you will attach an external device through ââ¬Å"Hardware TTY.â⬠Exit to the home screen. Select ââ¬Å"Phone.â⬠Select the person you want to call. When the call screen opens, tap the ââ¬Å"TTYâ⬠button. Type the message youââ¬â¢d like to send to begin the call. If youââ¬â¢ve turned TTY mode on an iPhone on, you can make a call with or without the TTY mode. You can also return to the settings menu to turn TTY mode off if you no longer need it. How to Use TTY Mode on an Android Phone Select the ââ¬Å"Applicationsâ⬠tab. Select the ââ¬Å"Settingsâ⬠application. Select ââ¬Å"Callâ⬠from the ââ¬Å"Settingsâ⬠application. Select ââ¬Å"TTY modeâ⬠from the ââ¬Å"Callâ⬠menu. Select the desired TTY mode (TTY Off, TTY Full, TTY HCO, TTY VCO, which are three different types of TTY I discussed in the previous section). Tap back to the main menu to make a call. You can now select whether you want to make the call normally, or using the selected TTY mode. To turn TTY mode off, you simply follow the same steps and select ââ¬Å"TTY offâ⬠from the TTY mode menu. Alternative Options for Communication for People With Speech or Hearing Impairments Today, physical TTY devices are fairly out-dated. Most people use TTY mode on their cell phones, or communicate through one of these alternative means. Text Messaging For people with speech and hearing impairments, text messaging has become one of the easiest and most effective means of communication. Text messaging is easy, built-in to every cell phone, and most tablets, and computers, and doesnââ¬â¢t require any extra set up. Video Calls The rise in video calling technology like Facetime, Google Hangouts, and Skype has made it easier for people with speech and hearing impairments to communicate using sign language. Today, people with these disabilities can use video conferencing technology to talk in real-time with their friends and loved ones using sign language that both parties can see. Video Relay Services Video Relay Service is a form of Telecommunications Relay Service that enables persons with hearing disabilities who use American Sign Language to communicate with voice telephone users through video equipment, rather than through typed text. Video equipment links the VRS user with a TRS operator (Called a communications assistant, or CA) so that the VRS user and the CA can see and communicate with each other in signed conversation. Because the conversation between the VRS user and the CA flows much more quickly than with a text-based TRS call, VRS has become an enormously popular form of TRS. Recap: Using TTY Mode on a Cell Phone What is TTY mode on a cell phone? TTY mode allows people with hearing and speech impairments to communicate by using text-to-voice or voice-to-text technology. Today, most cell phones are equipped with built-in TTY technology meaning that you donââ¬â¢t have to purchase an additional TTY device to communicate. There are also numerous other methods of communication for people with speech and hearing impairments, including text messaging, video calls, and video relay services.
Thursday, March 5, 2020
Three Blatant Acts of Racism Against Obama
Three Blatant Acts of Racism Against Obama When Barack Obama became the first African-American elected president on November 4, 2008, the world viewed it as a signal of racial progress. But after Obama took office, he was the target of racist illustrations, conspiracy theories, and Islamophobia. Do you know the tactics used to attack him on the basis of race? This analysis covers three blatant acts of racism against Obama. The Birther Debate Throughout his presidency, Barack Obama was dogged by rumors that he was not an American by birth. Instead, the ââ¬Å"birthersâ⬠- as the people spreading this rumor are known- say that he was born in Kenya. Although Obamaââ¬â¢s mother was a white American, his father was a black Kenyan national. His parents, however, met and married in the United States, which is why the birther conspiracy has been deemed equal parts silly and racist. The birthers have also refused to accept as validà the documentation provided byà Obama that proves he was born in Hawaii. Why is this racist? New York Times columnist Timothy Egan explained that the birther movement ââ¬Å"has little to do with reality and everything to do with the strangeness of Obamaââ¬â¢s background- especially his race. He continued, Many Republicans refuse to accept that Obama could come from such an exotic stew and still be ââ¬ËAmerican.ââ¬â¢ â⬠¦So, even though the certificate of live birth first made public in 2008 is a legal document that any court would have to recognize, they demanded more.â⬠When Donald Trump repeated the claims of birthers in April 2011, the president responded by releasing his long form birth certificate. This move did not completely quiet the rumors about Obamaââ¬â¢s origins. But the more documentation the president released about his birthplace, the less ground the birthers had to suggest that the black president did not belong in office. Trump continued sending Twitter posts questioning the birth certificate authenticity through 2014. Political Caricatures of Obama Before and after his presidential election, Barack Obama has been depicted as subhuman in graphics, email, and posters. While turning politicians into caricatures is nothing new, the ones used to criticize Obama frequently have racial overtones. The president has been portrayed as a shoeshine man, an Islamic terrorist, and a chimp, to name a few. The image of his altered face has been shown on a product called Obama Waffles in the manner of Aunt Jemima and Uncle Ben. The depictions of Obama as ape-like have arguably sparked the most controversy, considering that blacks have been portrayed as monkey-like for centuries to suggest that theyââ¬â¢re inferior to other groups. Still, when Marilyn Davenport, an elected official in the Republican Party of Orange County, Calif., circulated an email portraying Obama and his parents as chimps, she initially defended the image as political satire. Mike Luckovich, Pulitzer Prize-winning editorial cartoonist for the Atlanta Journal-Constitution, had a different take. He pointed out to National Public Radio that the image wasnââ¬â¢t a cartoon but Photoshopped. ââ¬Å"And it was crude and it was racist,â⬠he said. ââ¬Å"And cartoonists are always sensitive. We want to make people think- we even want to tick people off occasionally, but we donââ¬â¢t want our symbolism to overwhelm our message. â⬠¦I would never show Obama or an African American as a monkey. Thatââ¬â¢s just racist. And we know the history of that.â⬠The ââ¬Å"Obama Is Muslimâ⬠Conspiracy Much like the birther debate, the debate over whether Obama is a practicing Muslim appears to be racially tinged. While the president did spend some of his youth in the predominantly Muslim country of Indonesia, thereââ¬â¢s no evidence that he himself has practiced Islam. In fact, Obama has said that neither his mother nor his father wasà particularly religious. At the National Prayer Breakfast in February 2011, the president described his father as a ââ¬Å"nonbelieverâ⬠whom he met one time,à according to theà Los Angelesà Timesà and his mother as having ââ¬Å"a certain skepticism about organized religion.â⬠Despite his parentsââ¬â¢ feelings about religion, Obama has said repeatedly that he practices Christianity. In fact, in his 1995 memoir Dreams From My Father, Obama describes his decision to become a Christian during his time as a political organizer on Chicagoââ¬â¢s South Side. He had little reason at that time to hide being a Muslim and pretend to be a Christian as it was before the 9/11 terrorist attacks and his entry into national politics. So, why do rumors about Obama being a Muslim persist, despite his declarations to the contrary? NPR senior news analyst Cokie Roberts faults racism. Sheà remarkedà on ABCââ¬â¢s ââ¬Å"This Weekâ⬠that a fifth of Americans believe Obamaââ¬â¢s a Muslim because itââ¬â¢s unacceptable to say, ââ¬Å"I donââ¬â¢t like him ââ¬â¢cause heââ¬â¢s black.â⬠On the other hand, ââ¬Å"itââ¬â¢s acceptable to dislike him because heââ¬â¢s a Muslim,â⬠she declared. Like the birther movement, the Muslim conspiracy movement against Obama highlights the fact that the presidentââ¬â¢s different. He has a ââ¬Å"funny name,â⬠a so-called exotic upbringing, and Kenyan heritage. Rather thanà pointà out their distaste for these differences, some members of the public find it convenient to label Obama a Muslim, This serves to marginalize him and is used as an excuse to question his leadership and actions in the war on terror. Racial Attacks or Political Differences? Not every attack against President Obama is racist, of course. Some of his detractors took issue with his policy alone and not with his skin color. When the presidentââ¬â¢s opponents use racial stereotypes to undermine him or accuse him of lying about his origins because heââ¬â¢s different- biracial, bred outside of the continental U.S., and born to a Kenyan father with a ââ¬Å"strange nameâ⬠- an undercurrent of racism is often at play. As former President Jimmy Carter said in 2009: ââ¬Å"When a radical fringe element of demonstrators â⬠¦begin to attack the president of the United States as an animal or as a reincarnation of Adolf Hitlerâ⬠¦people who are guilty of that kind of personal attack against Obama have been influenced to a major degree by a belief that he should not be president because he happens to be African American.ââ¬
Monday, February 17, 2020
Explore the Causes of the Current Financial Crisis That Started in Essay
Explore the Causes of the Current Financial Crisis That Started in 2007 - Essay Example There are various causes for this crisis and this paper shall explore these causes as well as the theoretical views which seem to be relevant in explaining its causes. Body The global financial crisis which started in 2007 is considered one of the most disastrous economic issues the world has ever experienced. In so many ways, it is being likened to the Great Depression seen in 1929, as well as the Russian crisis in 1992 (Banking Law Committee, 2009). Most countries also seem to agree that the main cause of the crisis was the credit boom and the increase in housing prices. As the 2007 was starting to loom over the global market, the US ratio of debt to national income went up by 100% or from 3.75-4.75 to one (Banking Law Committee, 2009). At about the same time, the house prices also increased at a rate of 11% per year. Since 2007, the global market has been hit with various developments which were rooted on the earlier issues on the unfavourable performance of sub-prime mortgages in the US (Banking Law Committee, 2009). The housing boom was followed by a bust which then caused defaults and collapse of mortgages thereby causing financial turmoil. Financial institutions have been met with losses which amounted to billions of dollars and are still continuing to do so (Banking Law Committee, 2009). ... The gravity and the volume of negative financial outcomes at that time, coupled with the impotency of the remedies being carried out also forced the authorities to consider the origins of the crisis and the market tools by which the crisis could be contained and managed. The causes of the financial crisis which started in 2007 shall be considered below. Mortgage lending was considered as one of the main causes of the 2007 financial crisis. Before the crisis, abundant credit, low interest rates, and increased housing prices, the lending conditions were so relaxed that people started to buy houses they could not afford (Murphy, 2008). As prices started to fall and loans were being called in, the shock spread throughout the entire system. The housing bubble also made the crisis worse and the Federal Reserve allowed housing prices to increase at sustainable and impractical rates. As the bubble burst, the crisis was triggered (Labonte, 2007). There was also a lack of transparency and acco untability in mortgage finance. There were numerous bad mortgages throughout the system as well as selling of bad securities. Lenders could sell mortgages to home owners and not feel any accountability for it; this pattern was also seen among brokers, realtors, and individuals in rating agencies as well as other market participants (Jickling, 2010). The crashing housing prices impacted on household wealth, including the spending and defaults on loans by lending institutions. Housing prices from 2000 to 2006 doubled and later subsequently collapsed. The housing bubble was caused by a long period of low interest rates offered by the Federal Reserve and these monetary policies were too permissive for too
Monday, February 3, 2020
Managing Information Technology Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 250 words - 5
Managing Information Technology - Essay Example A request of a system demonstrates a comprehensive summary for business requirements along with the integration with business process in order to develop a business value. The concerned personnel or department who generates the request also called as project sponsor, works in parallel with the Information system department staff in order to perform feasibility study (Brown, DeHayes, Hoffer, Martin, & Perkins, 2009). The outcomes of a feasibility study illustrate essential aspects of the proposed project via project sponsor. It involves economic feasibility, organizational feasibility and organized feasibility. Moreover, the project sponsor collectivizes all the funding and resources and deploys a project manager during the initiation phase. Likewise, the concerned project manager requires developing communication with the business departments along with identifying prospects to enhance business processes.
Sunday, January 26, 2020
Learning And Development As An Organisation Process Management Essay
Learning And Development As An Organisation Process Management Essay If the Challenge of the past has been to get organized, the challenge of the future is to find ways in which we can remain open to continous self-organizations: so that we can adapt and evolve as we go along (Gareth morgan, Imagination, p.17) Learning and development is an organisational process. Learning development is a multi-faceted study. LD activity first acquired a specific organizational meaning in the USA in the 1970s. Termed human resource development its purpose was regarded as primarily about short-term training ,encompassing skills acquistion and behavioural change . It was defined by one of its most influential commentators(Nadler 1970) as: a series of organized activites conducted within a specified time and designed to produce behavioural change. Hall(1984) defined it in more strategic perspective as Strategic human resource development is the identification of needed skills and active management of learning for the long-range future in relation to explicit corporate and business strategies According to CIPDs defnition LD purpose is as follows (CIPD 2001a): The organizational process of developing people involves the integration of learning and developing process,operations and realtionships.its most powerful outcomes for the business are to do with enhanced organizational effectiveness and sustainability .For the individual they are to do with enhanced personal competence,adaptability and employability. It is therefore a critical business process , whether in for profit or not-for-profit organizations. Rosemarys definition of LD purpose is shorter than the CIPDs and has a rather different emphasis: The primary puropse of learning and development as an organizational process is to aid collective progress through the collaborative and expert stimulation and facilitation of learning and knowledge that support business goals, develop individual potential, and respect and build on diversity Learning learning is a selfdirected, work based process leading to increased adaptive capacity in other words an environment where individuals learn to learn and possess the capabilities that enable them to build thier skills and help thier organisation retain competitive advantantage. Development Development implies a longer process of learning , acquiring skills or knowledge by different means such as training, coaching, formal and informal interventions, education or planned experience. It can be strutured by human resource development (HRD)professionals, or created as a personal plan. Learning and development (LD) as a field of management research and practice is concerned with how individuals acquire or create knowledge and skills which enable them to perform and grow in thier current or future occupational role. Historical background Terms for LD as an organisational process ; In the past three terms have been widely used to describe the LD field: training and development , employement development and human resource development.The term training development is still a popular one , however training is only way of achieving development . The term employee development is now touched by political correctness , it gives a view of master- servant relationship. It is no doubt that is falling out of use at time when many organisations are referring to their members as associates or partners rather than employees. The term human resource development retains its popularity amongst academics but it has never been as attractive practitioners. They tend to dislike it because reference to people as resource is felt to be demeaning. Putting people on a mission with money, materials and equipment creates an impression of development as an essentially unfeeling, even manipulative activity. However ,using the term learning and development is not the perfect solution. What is gained in scope is lost somewhat in generalisation. learning has so many meanings . a common view is to see it as a life long activity involving three processes (onions 1973): To develop : to unfold more fully , bring out all that is contained in To educate: to bring up from childhood , so as to form habits , manners and mental and physical aptitudes To train : to instruct and discipline in or for some particular art, profession, occupation or practice: to exercise , practice ,drill. Combining these terms a conditioning process and the gaining of competencies through planned instructional activity . another kind of defnition would draw more attention to learning driven by natural curiousity. So the terms we choose to describe things matters. They influence peoples perceptions and bestows identity. An organisation that uses the term human resource development in preference to employee development, or training or learning and development has reason for that choice. LD activity is first acquired a specific organisational meaning in 1970s. Termed human resource development its purpose was regarded as primarily about short term training , encompassing skills acquistion and behavioural change . it was defined by one of its most influential commentators (Nadler, 1970) as a series of organised activities conducted within a specified time and designed to produce behavioural change. By 1980s some commentators were moving towards a more strategic perspective. According to hall(1984) strategic human resource development is the identification of needed skills and active management of learning for the long range future in relation to explicit corporate and business strategies Now it is easy to find out the stated purpose of LD activity in HSBC? And how well or badly do the employees think LD is linked to other HR practices and to organisational goals. http://books.google.com/books?hl=enlr=id=vMFcnZiT63cCoi=fndpg=PR11dq=nadler+learning+and+developmentots=YZPzM5-Ndnsig=ZY-gDyZiM3LpuLB1IGbCNpp1OcI#v=onepageq=nadler%20learning%20and%20developmentf=false The importance of context Although many employers today increasingly call for thier LD activity to be more convincingly tied to business needs, there are still many organisations where there is not happening and also where LD professionals are to make a strategic contribution. Often this because they do not relate thier activity sufficiently to context. The term has two dimesions , external and internal. The external context consists of the business environment of the organisation and other factors that have a direct relevance for LD practice within the organisation. The internal , organisational context, expressed most obvisouly in workplace culture, is most powerfully shaped by Top managements vision and values , goals and leadership Management (espcecially front line management) style and actions HR strategies and practices. According to survey by CIPD 2004 on Training and development, it showed that greater attention is now being paid to workplace learning, and that on the job training and coaching/mentoring are the most popular processes here. Thier main use , however is to improve individual peformance , tackle underpeformance and improve productivity again, not an indicator that value is placed on longer term development. CIPD (2004a) revealed Minimal evaluation of either coaching or mentoring process against business objectives Very little training provided for the line managers who carry the main burden of coaching roles Uncertainity as to what activities coaching and mentoring involve. Thus research however should be continued to show a gap between strategy delivery across the whole HR area .To tackle this gap in thier field, LD professionals need to work with line managers to build and support learning cultures that will make LD plans come to life in the workplace. Front-line mangers in particular need helping in coping with thier LD responsibilites they are much pressurised by the organisations that regulary restructure in search for competitive advantage. Importance of planning Planning is a process of developing strategies to accomplish the goals. Planning in organizations provides a logical framework approach to the goal. It helps to improve the performance of the company. Planning, learning and development is becoming increasingly important in all organizations to become successful in the present competitive world. There are various planning models like strategic planning, Issue based planning, alignment planning, scenario planning, organic planning etc.., People have to continue learning to develop their skills along with the changing world. Learning theories like behaviorism, cognitive, constructivism, design-based and humanism theories will help in understanding the importance of the LD in the organization. The concept of identifying and analyzing the importance of training and learning is necessary at different levels. The various theories and models have a functional involvement for LD research and practice. However, all the models present only a partial imminent in actual workplace. Learning and development is concerned with how the individuals can gain the knowledge and skills which will assist them to execute the performance well in his future career. Planning is very important and has to be done properly to attain a goal of the organization. Development occurs as a result of the learning,coaching,mentoring,training,planning etc..The motivation of learning and development may differ in individuals depending on their goals.Through Learning people should change from what they were and should be able to produce a proper output. LD Management development planning term refers to the activities involved in enhancing leaders, managers and supervisors abilities to plan, organize, lead and control the organization and its members. Consequently, many view the term management development to include executive development (developing executives), supervisors). leadership development (developing leaders), managerial development (developing managers) and supervisorial development (developing Management development is an effort that enhances the learners ability to manage organizations. Managing includes activities of planning, organizing, leading and coordinating resources. A critical skill for anyone is the ability to manage their own learning The main purpose of learning and development as a process is to help collective improvement through the joint and expert stimulation and facilitation of learning and knowledge that support business goals,develop individual potential and build on diversity. Leaning and development provides a wide range of activities to improve the capacity of the individual. LD can be designed to deliver specific skills in a short time to meet an immediate need or can be designed to attain broader requirements over a longer period. Theories surrounding Learning There are various theories surrounding the learning and development which include Behaviourism theories, Cogtnitivism theories ,Humanism thories, Social and situational theories etc.There are different roles for all the theories in the individual development. Aspect Behaviourist Cognitivist Humanist Social situational PLANNING: Planning consists of some essential and significant aspects to be considered, which include goals, strategies, resources, objectives, tasks etc., Goals: Goals are the important aspects that should be accomplished in total by the organization. Goals are mission of an organization. Strategies and achievements: To achieve the goals in the organization strategies should be planned and followed. Strategies are the processes in the system. Objectives: Objectives are specific targets that must be accomplished to achieve the goal in total. To achieve the goals, objectives are the milestones, which should be implementing the strategies. Tasks: In organizations people are usually assigned with various tasks to implement the plans. If the scope of the plan is small then the responsibilities and activities are essentially the same. Resources: Resources in an organization include people, material, technologies, money etc.., which are required to implement the strategies to accomplish the goals. Costs of these resources are estimated in the form of budget. Planning models There is no one perfect planning model for each organization. All the own environment and model of organization ends with developing their developing their own planning process, planning often by selecting a model and modifying it as they go along in The models like strategic planning, Issue based planning, alignment planning, scenario planning, organic planning etc An organization might choose to integrate different planning models, e.g., work force planning model in an organisation is used in developing and retaining the staff. Using a scenario model to creatively identify strategic issues and goals, and then an issues-based model to carefully strategize to address the issues and reach the goals. Planning determines the future of the organization. The focus of strategic planning is mainly on the entire organization, while the focus of the business plan is usually on a service, product or program. The planning is developed depending on the nature of the leadership, size, capability of planners etc.., in the organization. Development of the planning greatly helps to clarify the organizations plans and make sure that key leaders are all in the same play. The process of planning is more important than the strategic plan document. 1. Basic strategic model Basic strategic model of planning is a very fundamental process is normally followed by organizations that are enormously small, busy, and have not done much planning before. Planning is usually conceded out by top-level administration. This basic strategic planning process includes: a. Identifying the function of the organization (mission statement) This describes the organization its basic purpose. The statement should explain what are the client needs are and what are the services expected by them. The toplevel management should develop and agree on the mission statement. The statements will change over the years. b. Selecting the goals the organization must achieve Goals are about what the organization need to accomplish to meet the purpose. c. Identify specific strategies that must be implemented to reach the goal By closely examining the environments of the organization or by conducting PEST and SWOT analysis specific strategies should be implemented to accomplish the goals d. Implement the action plans for each strategy These are the definite actions that each department must undertake to make sure that the implementation of each strategy is done properly. Objectives should be clear, to the extent that public can assess if the objectives have been met. The top management should ideally develop detailed committees that each has a work plan. e. Monitoring the plan Planners frequently reflect on the level to which the goals are being reached and whether the action plans are being implemented correctly. The most significant indicator of accomplishment of the organization is the positive feedback from the customers. Monitoring requires existing and appropriate data. When the plans are not being implemented according to targeted time, corrective actions must be implemented to reach the target. 1. Issue based Model Organizations that start with the basic planning evolve to using this wider ranging and more efficient type of planning. Issue-Based (or Goal-Based) Planning The organizations may not perform all the following activities every year. 1. External and internal measurement to identify SWOT and PESTEL. 1. Calculated analysis to classify and prioritize major issues and goals. 2. Design most important programs to address issues and goals. 3. Design and update idea, mission and principles. Some organizations may do follow this step first in planning. 4. Establish action plans for implementing the plans. 5. Document the analysis, issues, goals and action plans of the organization. 6. Develop the yearly Operating Plan record. 7. Develop and approve financial plan for year one. 8. Monitor, estimate and update Strategic Plan document 3. Alignment Model The main principle of this model is to make sure that there is a strong alignment between the organizations mission and its resources to efficiently function the organization. This model is useful for organizations that require altering strategies and finding out the problem during the function of a plan. An organization plans to choose this model if its facing a large amount of issues. 4. Workforce planning model Effective workforce plan is an important tool to identify appropriate.Effective workforce plan is an essential tool to identify suitable staffing levels and validate budget allocations so that organizations can accomplish their objectives.Workforce planning is a efficient process for identifying the human capital necessary to meet the organization goals and developing the strategies to meet their requirements. This step involves linking between the workforces planning process with the organization strategic plan. The main purposes of workforce planning are a.To ensure that an organization has the required workers to support their mission and strategic plan. the objectives of its strategic plan Those responsible for workforce planning should identify the organizations mission and b. Analyze workforce, Identify skill gaps and conduct workforce analysis Analysis of workforce data is the main element in the workforce planning process. Workforce analysis usually considers information such as occupations, skills and experience, retirement eligibility, diversity, turnover rates, and trend data. c. Develop and implement action plans Implementation brings your workforce plan to life. You may need a separate action plan to address the implementation of each strategy in the workforce plan. The workforce plan should be implemented in connection with the requirements of the organizations strategic plan. If the strategic plan changes due to unanticipated customer, leadership, or legislative changes, adjustments to workforce plan strategies may be necessary. d. Monitor, Evaluate, and Revise The evaluation and adjustments are very important in workforce planning and are keys to continuous improvement. Although a workforce plan should cover five years, it should be reviewed annually. If an Organization does not regularly review its workforce planning efforts, it runs the risk of failing to respond to unexpected changes. Key enabling features in managing learning and development Everyone has a responsibility in managing learning and development to achieve outcomes efficiently and effectively. Learning and development are critical processes for enhancing productivity and organizational performance. Research shows high-performing organizations in Australia and overseas share certain features in relation to learning and development as follows: à ¢Ã¢â ¬Ã ¢ They align and integrate their learning and development initiatives with corporate and business planning by reviewing existing activities and initiating new learning programs to support corporate plans. à ¢Ã¢â ¬Ã ¢ The corporate culture supports these initiatives and addresses cultural barriers to learning. They focus on the business application of training rather than the type of training, and they consider appropriate learning options de-emphasizing classroom training and allowing staff time to process what they have learned on the job consistent with adult learning principles. à ¢Ã¢â ¬Ã ¢ They evaluate learning and development formally, systematically and rigorously. Most organizations carry out evaluation at the reaction level,but few attempts to assess changes in behaviour of criteria of organizational effectiveness(Ralphs and Stephan,1986;Saari et al..,1988;Training in Britain,1989). (Performance = Ability ÃÆ'- Motivation ÃÆ'-Opportunity). People development will have a lot of impact on the organization performance. Competitive success through people involves fundamentally altering the way we think about the workforce and the employment association. Success can be achieved by working with people, not by replacing them or limiting the scope of their activities. Firms that take this different perspective are often able to sucessfully outsmart and outperform the rivals.
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