Thursday, December 26, 2019

Corporate Social and Environmental Responsibility -- a...

Corporate Social and Environmental Responsibility A Short Report on IKEA B.V Written By: Syed Rehan Rizvi February 16, 2010 IKEA’s Social and Environmental Initiatives Introduction IKEA is one of the largest European home furnishing retailers established in 1943. It has more than 300 stores in 37 countries with a business turnover of approx. 22,7 billion Euros in 2009 and an approximate direct workforce of 127,800 employees all over the world. IKEA’s retail concept is based on selling well designed products at low prices so that maximum people can afford them and live a better life. IKEA’s Corporate Social and Environmental Initiatives Globalization has changed the world business environment. The cost competition forces†¦show more content†¦These clauses explains the methodology to be adopted for the implementation and monitoring of IWAY requirements which includes commitment for IWAY compliance, assigning responsibilities or designating a core team within organization responsible for the implementation, communication of IWAY requirements to all the employees i.e. staff and workers of company as well as all sub-suppliers, conducting Internal IWAY audits and above all the requirement for the company to update all laws and regulations applicable to their business/ industry. IWAY Clauses 3 to 7 is related to the inside and outside working environments as well as health and safety systems that companies must implement. All the remaining clauses of the standard are basically for the efforts in developing an effective and transparent social accountability management system within the organization, which directly give benefits to the workers and the society as whole. IWAY requirements related to Environmental Protection and Management †¢ Environmental classification, reporting and inspections ------- This requires all organizations to comply the applicable environmental laws and regulations, reporting its environmental performance and inspections by concern authorities. †¢ Outdoor Air pollution and Noise Pollution ---- This requires permits and monitoring of air emissions from the plantShow MoreRelatedMarketing Strategy at Ikea2750 Words   |  11 PagesSynopsis The case study is to discuss about the different strategy used by IKEA to approach their customers. It is also talking about the localization concept from a global company based on the cultural demand from different countries worldwide. IKEA is also famous for their less expensive furniture, has some other strategies to â€Å"reach† the customers based on their needs. 4 Ps concept plays a very important role on IKEA’s success besides the way of shopping which is differ from all other theirRead MoreIkea Case Study Ebusiness5766 Words   |  24 PagesTABLE OF CONTENTS 1 Theoretical Analysis 3 1.1.Background 3 1.2 Literature review 3 1.2.1 Click and Mortar Strategy- integration of two channels 4 1.2.2 Transaction-based and trust-based strategy 6 1.2.3 Corporate website e-commerce system 7 1.2.4 Summary 9 2 Strategy analysis 11 2.1 Business idea 11 2.1.1 Business Model 12 2.1.2 Vision 14 2.2 Global Strategy 14 2.3 Future challenges 15 3 Web site analysis 16 3.1 Informative communication 16 3.2 StructureRead MoreIkea China Marketing Analysis5728 Words   |  23 PagesInternational Marketing Report of IKEA in Chinese Market [pic] 12BSP040 INTERNATIONAL MARKETING School of Business and Economics 2013. 04. 22 Contents 1. Executive Summary 1 2. Introduction 2 3. Internationalization 3 4. Foreign Market Segmentation and Targeting 5 5. Environmental Analysis 7 5.1 Strengths 7 5.2 Weakness 8 5.3 Opportunities 9 5.4 Threats 10 6. International Marketing Objectives 11 7. Foreign Market Entry Strategy 12 8. Product/Read MoreIkea Marketing Plan8221 Words   |  33 PagesIKEA Marketing Plan – Part I Submitted to: John Daly Submitted by: Lindsay Churchman Matthew Holland Jamie Krebs Eveline Man Chris Manellis Chelsea Slade Due Date: February 17, 2011 MRK428MS Internal Environment IKEA current marketing goal and objective The IKEA vision is to create a better life for many people who purchase their products. Their main objectives are: - IKEA produces cheap and affordable products for the customers - The company wants better life for those who cannot afford expensiveRead MoreStrategic Marketing Management337596 Words   |  1351 Pages169 170 174 182 188 192 202 214 215 221 223 223 230 236 241 246 248 250 251 255 261 4 Market and environmental analysis 4.1 4.2 4.3 4.4 4.5 4.6 4.7 4.8 4.9 4.10 Learning objectives Introduction: the changing business environment (or the new marketing reality) Analysing the environment The nature of the marketing environment The evolution of environmental analysis The political, economic, social and technological environments Coming to terms with the industry and market breakpoints Coming to terms

Wednesday, December 18, 2019

Tuesdays With Morrie Essay - 1111 Words

Why me? What did I do to deserve this? Cries of despair by self-righteous, egotistical(for that moment) individuals. Questioning why is this horrible thing happepppning to them, the thing they said never could or would . Death, a very intimidating subject. Most of us put it off ,we know its something that happens to everyone and somehow continue tolive like its not going to happen to us. When that moment finally gets here they say you have that flashback of your life and how you lived it. Including things such as important people, mistakes you made, things left undone or words left unsaid guilt, regret etc. The aim of this story Tuesdays With Morrie, by Mitch Albom is to encourage the individual to live a†¦show more content†¦A few of the aphorisms from the novel that stick out,â€Å"Love each other or perish.†, â€Å"You are not a wave you are part of the ocean.†, â€Å"love wins, love always wins.†, â€Å"Dying is only one thing to be sad over, living unhappily is something else.†. This first one â€Å"Love each other or perish† shows the audience how it is that we love one another, and that if we fail to, we too will fail. â€Å"You are not a wave you are part of the ocean†, this aphorism expresses how Morrie felt in the spiritual sense, he realized that the world is so much bigger then just him, instead that we are all one. â€Å"Love wins, love always wins.† Simply reinforces to the audience the importance of loving one another. â€Å"Dying is only one thing to be sad over, living unhappily is something else.† shows the reader Morries opinion on why people do have so many regrets and things they wish they would have done, they live a life their not satisfied with because they think they have too, focusing on materialistic things, money, cars, clothes etc. In the book Morrie elaborates that things arent true happiness their just replacements for true happiness, which comes from things such as love, knowledge etc. Flashbacks serve a huge role in this story, they allow us to get a betterShow MoreRelatedSummary of Tuesdays with Morrie Essay978 Words   |  4 PagesSummary of Tuesdays with Morrie Tuesdays with Morrie, is a look a man dying from a terminal illness and how he chose to deal with his prognosis. The book was written by Morrie Schwartz’s former student, Mitch Albom. Mitch was busy with his career, but one night while watching Nightline in 1995, he rediscovered his old professor, dying with Lou Gehrig’s disease. Lou Gehrig’s disease is also known as ALS (amyotrophic lateral sclerosisis). ALS is a fatal degenerative disease of the nervous systemRead More Tuesdays with Morrie and A child called it Essay1212 Words   |  5 PagesTuesdays with Morrie and A child called it In life, we must all ask the question as to whether or not we have love in our lives. It is of great importance that we analyze the way we live and determine if love is ubiquitous within us. Throughout the stories of Tuesdays with Morrie and A child called it, we are given a thematic concept that true happiness is only attained through the love and caring of others, as well as that of yourself. This connecting theme from both novels is exemplified throughRead MoreFriday s With Morrie By Mitch Albom Essay1701 Words   |  7 PagesTuesday’s with Morrie by Mitch Albom is a wonderful book that focuses on the struggle life and how to lead through them. Morrie, once a lively professor at Brandeis University, now suffers from ALS. This incurable disease begins to suck the ability to do the things he loves, and soon confines him to the quiet rooms of his house. Mitch, a favorite student of his, comes back upon hearing the news and the two continue to discuss the true meanings of life and how to effectively uphold one’s characterRead MoreAnalysis Of The Movie The Production That I Went By Jeffery Hatcher And Mitch Albom 932 Words   |  4 Pagesproduction that I went to see was called Tuesday’s with Morrie. The play was written by Jeffery Hatcher and Mitch Albom. Elaine Morehead directed the play. This play was about a former college student, Mitch, and his professor, Mor rie. Mitch was played by Ben Daniel and Morrie was played by Ronald Jebaily. Mitch and Morrie had a very close relationship when Mitch was Morrie’s student so much so that Mitch called Morrie â€Å"coach†. When Mitch graduated he promised Morrie he would stay in touch but life gotRead MoreThe Social Gerontology Textbook Was Great Supplemental Tool917 Words   |  4 PagesThe book Tuesdays with Morrie and how it relates to the Social Gerontology textbook was great supplemental tool. Tuesdays with Morrie also was enlightening to read during our group service learning project at the Amistad Nursing and Rehabilitation Center. The two sources and the group service learning project were educational, emotional, and experiencing. Gerontology, the study of the biological, psychological, and social aspects of aging (Hooyman Kiyak, 2011). Aging is a process of life thatRead MoreSummary Of Tuesdays With Morrie1487 Words   |  6 PagesTuesdays with Morrie was awakening, yet, heartbreaking and I couldn’t put the book down. It was a story of friendship that turned to love, a story of family, a story of trust, and a story of death. As I read each page, I felt closer to Morrie Schwartz as if I knew him personally. Morrie, the main character in the book, was a kind, sensitive soul. He believed in humanity, and enjoyed sharing his wisdom with others. As a sociology professor at Brandeis University he taught and mentored many studentRead MoreWhat Would Be A Great Deal Of End Of Life Planning872 Words   |  4 PagesFor All Eternity.† If I were to die in the near future I would want my epitaph to read, â€Å"Always and Forever. To the moon and back.† My mom and I always tell each other we love one another to the moon and back so I think that would be very fitting. Morrie decided that he wanted his tombstone to read â€Å"A Teacher to the Last† (134). 5. Has she/he thought of end of life planning (e.g. advanced directives)? You? â€Å"I have thought a great deal of end of life planning. Especially since everything that hasRead MoreMorrie Character Analysis786 Words   |  4 Pageswhen does Morrie experience any of Kubler-Ross’s five stages of greif? Name at least two examples and explain what stage It is. †¢ Before everyone wakes up, Morrie gets angry and bitter about his ALS. He asks where the fairness is, and cries in disbelief. This is an example of the anger stage of the Kubler-Ross cycle, where an individual will experience frustration and irritation. †¢ Morrie told Mitch that â€Å"When you’re in bed, you’re dying† this was his way of bargaining. As long as Morrie wasn’t inRead MoreTuesdays with Morrie Essay1074 Words   |  5 PagesCameron, discuss how effectively Mitch Albom, author of Tuesdays with Morrie, uses plot and story, character development, point of view, theme, and symbols to convey his mesage. Include your personal thoughts and views, as well as textual references, to support your opinions. In Mitch Albom’s Tuesday’s with Morrie, Albom detailed his personal experiences with his professor Morrie Schwartz. Mitch also expressed how influential Morrie was to his friends, relatives, patients, and coworkers. Within thisRead MoreLessons From Tuesdays With Morrie. To Be Happy In Life,1196 Words   |  5 PagesLessons from Tuesdays With Morrie To be happy in life, live the way you want, with dignity, courage, humor, and composure. In â€Å"Tuesdays With Morrie† Professor Morris â€Å"Morrie† Schwartz taught that lesson every single day of his life up until his death. Even the threat of death does not mean that you stop living with compassion, love, and energy. Morrie’s story and the way he taught Mitch is a perfect example of psychology in real life, taught by two people who are very talented in the subject of sociology

Monday, December 9, 2019

Personal Leadership Model Good and Effective Leadership

Question: Discuss about thePersonal Leadership Modelfor Good and Effective Leadership. Answer: Introduction Leadership is the most important parameter and the factor behind the success of any organization. Leadership can be defined as the process or art by which the people can be influenced for performing the tasks that are assigned to them in the most efficient, competent, and in a willingly way. When there is a presence of good and effective leadership within the organization, the culture in the organization is developed fruitfully and is not forcibly developed. Leadership is found to have a direct influence on the success of the organization and affects the relationship existing between the organizations (Schneider, 2012). The leaders are found to determine different culture, values, the motivation of the employees, and influences the tolerance level of the employees in the organization. They are capable of shaping the various institutional strategies involving their effectiveness and execution. An effective leader is the one who is capable of influencing the people surrounding him to r eap the possible maximum benefits and outcomes by giving their maximum efforts and by utilizing the different resources of the organization (Spitzer, 2015). Personal Leadership Model Various studies and research have shown that there is no single way of leading and showing leadership qualities. Further, it has been observed that the successful and famous leaders have developed their own styles and models of leadership. For the effective development of the leadership qualities and style, it is very important for the individual to have a reflection of his/her own limitations and strengths for a clear demonstration of his leadership qualities and skills (Wageman, 2001). Moreover, a good leader is the one who is able to exhibit his leadership qualities including his practices and attitudes in the most cultural competent manner and on the grounds of the ethical framework. The capability of the individual to work in a culturally competent and ethical sound framework differentiates him/her as a leader from others (Spitzer, 2015). Hence, the development of the personal leadership model is very important for analyzing and developing the required skills that are necessary for becoming the efficient leader. The personal development model is ECTE driven model, which includes the four core elements, i.e., ethics, cultural competence, team-orientation, and empathy. Ethics can be defined as the set or combination of various moral principles that are capable of governing the behavior of the individual. It is basically the concept of differentiating right from wrong. This element is very important for the leaders as leaders are the ones who influences their followers, and if the leader is incapable of distinguishing right from wrong how he will guide his followers and group members. The second element of the model which is cultural competence can be defined as a set of appropriate attitudes, behaviors, and policies that are formed in a system, organization, or among different professionals of the organization. The cultural competence is a very important component as it enables the entire system and the professionals to work in a most efficient and effective manner in the cross-cultural enviro nments and situations (Raybourn, 2005). Team orientation is very important and fundamental component of the leadership model as it ensures that the leader doesn't only think of himself but also includes the decisions and ideas of his team members. Hence, team orientation is very important for a leader to develop a better relationship among his team members and inculcate the feeling of trust amongst them (Giessner et al., 2013). Empathy is the art of understanding, as well as, sharing the thoughts and feelings of the individuals. It is also one of the important components as it enables the followers and team members to know that the leaders is aware of and cares, as well as, understands their needs and feelings (Cornelis et al., 2013). To be a leader is not just having strong willpower that is sufficient enough influence other people to do in accordance to your desire. But, being a leader is also possessing a high level of ethical and moral standards and convictions that are capable of guiding the leader and his followers on the right path for achieving the goals (Smith, 2009). Hence, the main idea of organizing the leadership model is to determine the important parameters and elements that are essential for an effective leadership. I have analyzed that I lack empathetic attitude and feels uncomfortable working in teams. Moreover, the main issues in the leadership model that may arise are the development of the ethical and empathetic relationships simultaneously. As in some cases, it can happen that the team member is not working in accordance with the ethical framework, dealing with them in an empathetic manner can be an issue for me. Because, I lack the empathetic attitude and if someone does something wrong, it is very difficult for me to show positive attitude towards them. Hence, this leadership model will help me to develop the effective qualities I am lacking and will also help me to become team-oriented. The most important traits of an effective leader are intelligence, self-awareness, determination, self-regulation, emotional intelligence, integrity, sociability, and self-confidence. The ability of the individual to lead in the most effective way is the resultant of various key skills. The skills that are required by the individual for effective leadership includes strategic thinking, effective communication, organizing tasks, action planning, risk management, decision-making skill at the time of crisis, and problem-solving skills (Balamohan, Tech, and Gomathi, 2015). The delegation of the task in the most efficient manner and motivating his/her team members are also the important tasks of the leader. The core values that are emphasized by my leadership model are human dignity, open mind, fairness, honesty, mutual understanding, hard work, motivation, healthy relationships amongst followers, respect, and empathy. As the leadership model is focused on the four main components, which are very important for the effective leadership qualities and skills, the organization will have the overall benefit of this leadership model. Since, the globalization of the modern era and businesses are increasing, leaders are required to be adept at the management of the employees who belong to various cultural backgrounds, as well as, in communicating and developing healthy relationships with the clients globally. Cultural competency is the primary component for developing relationships with the colleagues, subordinates, team members, and consumers. Moreover, as the model is focused on ethical leadership, it is hence, associated with the concepts like honesty, trust, consideration, fairness, and charisma. This, in turn, will help in building a healthy and trustful relationships and environment with the organization (Berry, 2007). Hence, the culture that will exist within the organization if this model would be more fruitful, healthier, trustworthy, culturally competent, as well as, will also bring respect, credibility, and collaboration within the organization and its employees. The leadership style that is being practiced in this model is focused on achieving internal consistency, dynamism, versatility, proactivity, a sense of trust amongst each member, ethical values and moral beliefs, capability of distinguishing right from wrong, empathetic attitude amongst each other, having cultural knowledge, awareness, sensitivity, and competence. The leadership model is different as it underlines the importance of ethical framework and cultural competency in the leadership and also tries to inculcate the empathetic attitude at the same. The concept of team orientation and empathetic behavior will inculcate the feeling of trust amongst the followers. While the concept of ethics and cultural competency will enable the followers to work in accordance with the ethical framework and at the same time will motivate them to respect the cultural diversity in the organization (Liu, 2015). The personal application of this leadership model will include the assessment of the current level of the knowledge of cultural competence, the gaps, skills, and attitudes that I have at present. After having a complete assessment of my present skills and qualities, I will use this model to analyze the strengths and weaknesses I have against these four components of the leadership model. The analysis of the characteristics that have been listed in the model will help me to understand drawbacks and areas of improvement that restricts me to become an effective leader. Hence, by a complete analysis of the strengths and weaknesses of my personality and skills, the leadership model will provide the path of incorporating the missing attributes into my personality (Ross, 2014). Conclusion Leadership is the combination of the important and required professional, as well as, interpersonal skills within an individual. An effective leader is the one who is successful in influencing his followers or team members on various levels like at their personal, intellectual, or social level. For becoming an effective leader various skills and qualities are required. Leadership is the art that is capable of determining the excellent performance of the organization (Wageman, 2001). Hence, leadership is the fundamental aspect that helps in maximizing the efficiency, as well as, achievement of the organizational goals. Leadership is the crucial element and essential part effective management. An effective leadership behavior is focused on building the atmosphere in which every member develops, as well as, excels his performance (Simonet and Tett, 2012). The combination of ethics, cultural competency, team orientation, and empathy provides the basis for good and effective leadership, w hich is the main underlying reason for choosing this type of leadership model. References Balamohan, P., Tech, M. and Gomathi, S. (2015). Emotional Intelligence Its Importance and Relationship with Individual Peformance, Team-Effectiveness, Leadership and Marketing Effectiveness.MJSS. Berry, G. (2007). Adding ethical consideration to the decision-making process: A leadership challenge.Journal of Leadership Studies, 1(1), pp.45-50. Cornelis, I., Van Hiel, A., De Cremer, D. and Mayer, D. (2013). When leaders choose to be fair: Follower belongingness needs and leader empathy influences leaders' adherence to procedural fairness rules.Journal of Experimental Social Psychology, 49(4), pp.605-613. Giessner, S., van Knippenberg, D., van Ginkel, W. and Sleebos, E. (2013). Team-oriented leadership: The interactive effects of leader group prototypicality, accountability, and team identification.Journal of Applied Psychology, 98(4), pp.658-667. Liu, H. (2015). Reimagining ethical leadership as a relational, contextual and political practice.Leadership. Raybourn, E. (2005). Adaptive thinking and leadership training for cultural awareness and communication competence.Interactive Technology and Smart Education, 2(2), pp.131-134. Ross, S. (2014). A conceptual model for understanding the process of self-leadership development and action-steps to promote personal leadership development.Journal of Mgmt Development, 33(4), pp.299-323. Schneider, M. (2012). Developing Entrepreneurial Leaders.Organization Management Journal, 9(4), pp.280-280. Simonet, D. and Tett, R. (2012). Five Perspectives on the Leadership-Management Relationship: A Competency-Based Evaluation and Integration.Journal of Leadership Organizational Studies, 20(2), pp.199-213. Smith, R. (2009). Challenge models: Leadership development and effective team-based solutions.Leader to Leader, 2006(S1), pp.58-63. Spitzer, R. (2015). An Effective Leadership Paradigm.Nurse Leader, 13(2), p.8. Wageman, R. (2001). How Leaders Foster Self-Managing Team Effectiveness.Organization Science, 12(5), pp.559-577.

Monday, December 2, 2019

success of Wal-MArt Essays - Walmart, Sam Walton, Discount Store

Wal-Mart?s Success by Utilizing Four Components of Business Abstract This paper is the result of internet research on the Wal-Mart retail chain. During the research, I focused on the four components of business which are Business, Profit, Business Environment, and the Economy. I was able to find resources that depicted all of these within the confines of Wal-Mart?s success. After reading this essay, you should find that Wal-Mart is a successful business that continues to have success through the original vision and strategies of its founder, Sam Walton. Sam Walton was a leader with a vision. He started his own company and made it into the leader in discount retailing that it is today. Through his smooth, smart, and sometimes unusual business practices, he and his associates led the company forward for thirty years. Even now years after his death, the company is still growing steadily. Wal-Mart executives continue to rely on many of the traditional goals and philosophies that Sam's legacy left behind, while simultaneously keeping one step ahead of the ever-changing technology and methods of today's fast-paced business environment. The future also looks bright for Wal-Mart, especially if it is able to strike a comfortable balance between increasing its profits and recognizing its social and ethical responsibilities. In 1962 Sam Walton opened the first Wal-Mart store in Rogers, Arkansas. No one could have ever predicted the enormous success this small-town merchant would have. Sam Walton's talent for discount retailing not only made Wal-Mart the world's largest retailer, but also the world's number one retailer in sales. Wal-Mart was named "Retailer of the Decade" by Discount Store News in 1989, and on several occasions has been included in Fortune's list of the "10 most admired corporations." Even with Walton's death (after a two-year battle with bone cancer) in 1992, Wal-Mart's sales continue to grow significantly. The Wal-Mart Philosophy leaves it successful not only because it makes sound strategic management decisions, but also for its implementation of those strategic decisions. Regarded by many as the entrepreneur of the century, Walton had a reputation for caring about his customers, his employees (or "associates" as he referred to them), and the community. In order to maintain its market position in the discount retail business, Wal-Mart executives continue to adhere to the management guidelines Sam developed. Walton was a man of simple tastes and took a keen interest in people. He believed in three guiding principles: 1. Customer value and service; 2. Partnership with its associates; 3. Community involvement (The Story of Wal-Mart, 1995). The key features of Wal-Mart's approach to implementing the strategy put together by Sam Walton emphasizes building solid working relationships with both suppliers and employees, being aware and taking notice of the most intricate details in store layouts and merchandising techniques, capitalizing on every cost saving opportunity, and creating a high performance spirit. This strategic formula is used to provide customers access to quality goods, to make these goods available when and where customers want them, to develop a cost structure that enables competitive pricing, and to build and maintain a reputation for absolute trustworthiness (Stalk, Evan, & Shulman, 1992). Wal-Mart has leveraged its volume buying power with its suppliers. It negotiates the best prices from its vendors and expects commitments of quality merchandise (Thompson & Strickland, 1995). The purchasing agents of Wal-Mart are very focused people. "Their highest priority is making sure everybody at all times in all cases knows who's in charge, and it's Wal-Mart" (Vance & Scott, 1995, p. 32). "Even though Wal-Mart was tough in negotiating for absolute rock-bottom prices, the company worked closely with suppliers to develop mutual respect and to forge long-term partnerships that benefited both parties" (Thompson & Strickland, 1995, p. 866). Just how Successful is Wal-Mart? A forecast of Wal-Mart's income for the period 1995-2000, considering increases of 30.6% in Net Sales, 27.7% in Operating Expenses, and 52.3% in Interest Debt (a level which is below Wal-Mart's historically compounded growth rate of 55.6%) indicates that the company should continue to report gains each year through 2010. According to most analysts and company projections, sales should approximate $425 billion by 2012, representing an increase of 30.6% as compared to 2005. The growth on sales that