A study of the constantly changing global businessenvironment and how effective human resource planning enables organizations to achieve their strategic objectives.
Abstract This paper critically evaluates the effects of technology and strategic human resource planning on the development of business enterprise in the turbulent global environment. It examines the effects of changes in human resource planning on the businessenvironment and compares experiences within the United States and developing countries.
From the Paper "Today more than ever, organizations must capitalize on a changing business environment, improve profitability and overall productivity, formulate and implement a planning process and make better strategic decisions. Perhaps the most striking change in Human Resource Management today is its increased involvement in human resource planning, while developing and implementing the company's strategy (the company's long-term plan for how it will balance its internal strengths and weaknesses with its external opportunities and threats to maintain a competitive advantage ). The concept of human resource planning takes an added significance, therefore, in firms that build their competitive advantage around their people. However, there are several basic trends, which pose a threat to the accuracy and validity of human resource planning predictions, and which prove to be important factors in determining the strategic direction of most firms today. The most obvious of these trends is the globalization of markets. Firms in days gone by, that competed only with local firms, now face competition from foreign firms. As one expert puts it, ?The bottom line is that the growing integration of the world economy into a single, huge market place is increasing the intensity of competition in a wide range of manufacturing and service industries.? Deregulation has reinforced this trend, as nations eliminate the legal barriers that protected industries from unbridled competition. More globalization means more competition and more competition means more pressures to improve the quality of the business sector ? that is; lowering costs to make employers more productive, and to find new ways of achieving cost-effectiveness while creating an avenue for doing things in better and more dynamic ways. Similarly, the Internet and Information Technology have been forcing and enabling firms to become more competitive. Technology is doing more than merely reducing costs and opening up new ways to compete; it also changes the nature of work and creates brand new kinds of jobs. Technology, however, is not the only trend driving the changes in the business environment, as workforce demographics are also changing. Of note, the workforce is becoming more diverse, as women, minority group members and older workers enter the workforce. Today, it is the firm's workforce ? that is, its knowledge, commitment, skills and training, that provides the competitive advantage, for World Class Companies, like Microsoft, Sony, AOL, and General Electrics (GE). For this purpose, increased attention has been given to the Human Resource Planning process: from the input stage, through analysis, forecasting, and implementation to evaluation and redesign of the Human Resource Plan."
Abstract This paper looks at the study of entrepreneurial business strategies in China. This paper focuses on investigating the significance of smaller forces in order to assess the current management and business strategies in China. The paper also looks at the forces of globalization and information technologies and how they have proven to be fundamental in shaping modern entrepreneurial business strategies in China. The author argues that Chinese business strategies have embraced both elements both independent from the other as well as in conjunction with each other and that the move to incorporate these forces has had an impact on business and management strategies in the Chinese workplace environment.
From the Paper "Arguably, the point of discussion that is of the most interest, however, is that the alterations in Chinese business strategy have not been imported from Western business strategies. This is to say that the Chinese businesses did not simply set out to acquire successful management strategies and apply them to their native businesses. Rather, the business strategies that are currently employed by China are extremely different from those of the West and focus more on the strategies of employment and occupation rather than mechanization, as well as comparable labor- related practices. Indeed, business practices in China are currently a matter of profound interest for both the United States and the rest of the world's economically- developed countries, as the business and management strategies found within this country are relatively unique in terms of a traditional business sense. "
Abstract The paper delves into the idiosyncrasies of the businessenvironment in Taiwan. The paper emphasizes the importance of cross-cultural awareness and competence as a critical component of establishing a foothold in the local Taiwanese businessenvironment. In addition, the paper gives an overview of relevant business management trends throughout Taiwan's history and other management issues.
From the Paper "In any business endeavor, one must consider many variables, including those directly related to the business contemplated and indirectly related to the business. As straightforward as one may wish to proceed, especially when it comes to the international arena, the difference between making or breaking a deal may not even have to do with the nature of the business at all. One particular case in point involves the island country of Taiwan. Here (and in most other Asian countries), the awareness of business cultural practices, especially in the first meeting will go a longer way in establishing rapport than a well-executed, aggressive bargaining stance. Corollary to this, the concept of "S.I.R." or smooth interpersonal relationships, showing mutual respect fostering personal bonds over the course of time has more clout than a well-thought out legal contract."
Abstract This paper examines how as the businessenvironment in which most companies operate has changed, the role of the human resource function has changed, as well. It looks at how human resource professionals used to serve as personnel specialists who worked largely outside the realm of strategic management and how they are now an integral part of the strategic focus of a company. It evaluates how human resource professionals now take a proactive role in helping companies attract and retain the highest quality workers who are able to meet the needs of the organization not only in the immediate future, but over the long term. Human resource managers are in a unique position to bring change to organizations since they are increasingly being included in senior management and since they work closely with other managers as well as lower-level employees.
Outline
Introduction
Globalization
Managing the Expatriate
Reducing Costs
Competition
Increase in Service Sector Activity
Downsizing/Re-Engineering
Changing Demographics
Strategic Planning and Human Resources
Goal-Setting
Planning
Organizing
Profit Sharing
Executive Information Systems
Delegating
Organizational Culture and Ritual
Rituals as Barriers in Organizations
Culture and Standards of Behavior
Conclusion
From the Paper "Increasingly, organizations are including human resource professionals in the strategic planning sessions which take place at the executive level. Where once personnel specialists would react to the strategic plan by trying to find employees who could help the company achieve its goals, human resource professionals are now active participants in determining those plans. Based on their familiarity of the workforce in the local region (or in remote areas, in some cases), human resource professionals can offer guidelines as to how much a particular strategy will cost in terms of human resources, and whether the company has the right people on staff currently or whether new employees will have to be hired and trained. In some cases, retraining of current employees will take place concurrently with hiring new employees."
Abstract This report analyzes the Mexican businessenvironment. The focus of this paper is international trade between Mexico and the rest of the world, with specific emphasis on the Mexican interaction with Hong Kong.
Outline
Political Instruments and International Trade
Foreign Direct Investment in Mexico
Globalization of the Economy
Global and Regional Economic Integration
Global Monetary Funds
Cultural Factors Affecting Operational Conflicts
Intellectual Property and the TRIPS Agreement of the WTO
From the Paper "Mexico has developed significantly by virtue of the population's willingness to grow and learn new skills. In addition, the lower wage and salary conditions that exist in the country also make it very attractive to business in the U.S. that are looking for ways to manage their bottom line in a very competitive market. Mexico's strengths are numerous. Its close proximity to the largest consumer market in the world has helped ensure that the demand for exported goods continues. It was also able to avoid catastrophic economic meltdowns like those experienced by Argentina and Brazil. Though Mexico did not emerge completely unscathed, the country was still able to maintain its edge and recover in a shorter period of time. The main weakness observed is the increased training and education of the workforce that is required to maintain any type of industry. In most cases, only labor intensive industries operate within the country and the multinational companies that operate in the territory share little advance technology with Mexico. The opportunities to grow and develop are tremendous for Mexico."
Abstract This paper examines an entrepreneur whose business practice fits the framework of a "new type of entrepreneur" and explores the practices used to gain success in today's entrepreneurial businessenvironment. The paper discusses the volatile changes that are occurring in the entrepreneurial environment and are influencing the development of a new type of entrepreneur. The paper contends that new business ideas concentrating on the use of new technology are giving enhancement to the implementation of business plans.
From the Paper "Rapid growth has been seen in the industries that are technology based in comparison to that in the overall economic picture. Expanding technology jobs in the State of Washington reports growth from 95,910 in 1974 to a total of 274,989 in 2000, shows an overall increase of an astounding 187%. Technology based employment pays 87% above the state average of $32,740 in the personal employment sector in the amount of $61,330 annually, as reported in the year 2000 for the State of Washington."
Abstract This paper examines how the BMW Group has enjoyed immeasurable success in the Japanese market through ambition, determination, the appointment of several clever key people, comprehensive research undertaken on the nature of the Japanese political, business and cultural environment and a very slick, carefully orchestrated marketing campaign. It attempts to analyze this success by identifying the key decisions and decision-makers in the development of BMW Japan from 1981 to the present day from the poachment of Yoji Hamawaki from Kawasaki America to head up BMW's venture into Japan, to the establishment of their dealer network that defied convention and their carefully targeted marketing campaign.
Table of Contents:
Abstract
Body
Introduction
BusinessEnvironment of Japan
History of BMW in Japan
Competitors
Sales Volume Statistics
Political and Legal Environment of Japan
Barriers of Entry for Foreign-Owned Companies
Safety and Environmental Issues
Cultural Environment of Japan
Customer Demographics
BMW Marketing Strategy
References
Endnotes
From the Paper "The Tokyo headquarters set up a customized dealer development department to facilitate the new network. For Japanese car manufacturers this was the norm: each company housed a department to employ and educate new dealers, conduct seminars, release direct mail to support their marketing efforts. However, foreign car makers did not incorporate this in their business operations. They also did not invest millions of dollars to develop a local parts center to support dealers, like BMW did. BMW's obligation to its dealer network was unique to the Japan market involving foreign companies. BMW treated its dealers very well."
Abstract This paper addresses the topic of business law and why a knowledge of business law is essential in working in the modern businessenvironment. This paper serves as an applied knowledge paper, indicating that the paper shall first address business law in the workplace and then provide a case study focusing on why it is essential to incorporate an understanding of business law into business strategies. This paper also refers to the source "Business Law" (11th Edition) by Mallor (2000). The second half of this paper demonstrates exactly why business law is essential in industry through investigating the issue of property ownership, intellectual property, and patents in the biotechnology industry. A court case involving Amgen Inc. and Transkaryotiuc Therapies, Inc. (TKT) is used to clarify the issue.
Abstract In this article, the writer discusses that modern businesses have to operate under a variety of laws and regulations. The writer explains that the business manager has to ensure that all federal and state mandate laws are followed to avoid litigation and penalties. Further, the writer points out that in addition to the laws on the books the businesses also have to be sensitive to the public opinion and ethics. The writer also notes that some of the ethical issues are covered by law but others may be related to the public image of the company and may be of equal importance to some businesses.
Outline:
Interaction between Ethics and Law
Comparison of Intangible, Real, and Personal Property Laws
Intangible Property Rights
Impact of Tort and Criminal Law on Business Operations
The Employment-at-will Doctrine and Exceptions
Application of Agency Principles in Business Bibliography
From the Paper "Ethics are learnt from the society and are often imposed upon an individual by the norms of that society. What is permissible ethical behavior in a society is determined by the society; the family, the company or even the law which incorporates the ethics of the society into the legislation. The motivation to follows ethics, which are not a part of the law, comes from within. Even if the law contains a matter which we may also consider ethically correct, the motivation to follow the law comes from outside the individual in the shape of compliance with the state law. Most people knew that slavery was unethical but as it was not sanctioned illegal, it continued until it was declared illegal."
"Our morals tell us the ethics, we know now as we knew before, that discrimination on the grounds of race, color, sex and religion in business transaction is ethically incorrect but the force of law was required to curb the selfishness that is present in all of us."
Abstract This paper investigates three of the commonly- used analytical tools and concepts that are used to help effectuate decisions in a businessenvironment. The types of analytical models that are investigated in this paper are probability theory and statistics, utility theory and game theory. Through investigating these tools in this three- tired framework, the reader has a greater comprehension of how analytical tools can be used to accomplish various reforms within a business or the business sector as a whole.
Abstract This paper takes a look at structure within a businessenvironment. The author repeatedly takes quotes from well known analysts and business commentators and then delves into their meaning and usage.
From the Paper "The cultural issues bring us back to the title statement were it asks if an organisation can "afford" to ignore potential harm. It is the culture of the organisation that will determine the measures used to assess weather or not they can indeed afford to ignore these issues. Culture has an impact on all levels, strategic, tactical, and operational."
Abstract This paper examines the issue of corporate responsibility and the consequences of a lack ethics on today's businessenvironment. The author attempts to define ethics and cites various studies which illustrate which ethical values people hold to be most important. The paper further discusses the intersection of ethics and sales. The author concludes by describing the relationship between ownership of values and ethical behavior.
Outline:
Introduction
Defining Ethics
Finding the Connection of Ethics and Performance
Alleviating Ethical Meltdowns
Summary
From the Paper "There are as many definitions of ethics as there are of academicians, researchers, and scholars studying the topic. To align ethics with a specific religion is erroneous; there are many religions in the world that embrace honesty and truthfulness, yet do not provide the impetus for followers to willingly select these ethical approaches to interacting with others. One scholar, Josephson (2001), suggests that ethics involve first the ability to discern right and wrong, and second, the commitment to do what is good and aligning with what ethical conduct is. Ethics then requires action to be undertaken; to be ethical is to act in a consistently transparent and honest way. Josephson (2001) is specifically referring to the values a person has as shaped by their cultural, economic, religious, spiritual and social interactions accumulated over their lives. Ethical choices, according to Josephson (2001), place an equal weight of the values of an individual and their choice of behaving ethically or not. In a study conducted at the Institute for Global Ethics (1996), 272 individuals were asked to identify the 5 values from a list of 15 that were most important to them. Researchers found that the value of truth was by far the most frequent choice. What also emerged were the top three values of truth, compassion, and responsibility. When individuals were asked to pick the most important value, compassion was far and away the greater one chosen. The research went on to show that this small set of core values that is cross-cultural and universal."
This paper looks at how perception impacts our daily lives; specifically looking at the selecting, organizing and interpreting of sensory inputs in the businessenvironment.
Abstract This paper discusses the process and the organization of perception as extremely important in any decision-making endeavor. Specifically, the paper looks at the differences in perception on individuals' understanding of reality and how this affects the decision-making process within the businessenvironment where there are numerous variables. In other words, perception takes place when the individual selects, organizes and interprets the various sensory inputs or impressions that he or she encounters. Furthermore, this paper looks at what happens when there are perceptual errors in decision-making within the business sphere.
From the Paper "However, perceptions may not always be correct. They may be biased or simply based on flawed or false information and data. This is a central issue that the business leader or manager has to be aware of. Therefore, it follows that a fundamental issue in the relationship between perception and business decisions is that clear and accurate perceptions are essential for correct and effective decisions in any business concern.
"While the above statement is the ideal that should be achieved, in reality the issue of perception poses a number of problems for the business manager and for anyone making decisions in the business world. Managers and leader in business have to be aware of the quality of the information that they base their decisions on and in other factors that can negatively affect the perceptions that lead to decision making. For example, the biases and prejudices that may be a part of the perception process have to be 'filtered out' of the decision - making in order for the decisions to be as accurate and effective as possible."
Abstract This paper attempts to define what an ethicist really is and their contribution to the businessenvironment, through an analysis the ethical perspectives of the available literature.
Outline
What Is An Ethicist?
Character Development/Education
Technical Communication Ethics
Writing, Communication and Ethics
Ethics in Corporate Values Statements
Ethics of Top Employees of the Public Sector
Ethics of Communication of the Construction Sector
Ethical Dilemmas in Managing Human Assets
Ethics of Truth and Deception in Advertising
Changing Social Expectations of Major Corporations
Ethics of Communication in the Apparel Industry
From the Paper "Philosophy has provided us with many ethical theories. Those of Kant, Mill and Aristotle seem to have won the ethical popularity contest, but they constitute only a fraction of the diversity that is evident in the history of the discipline. The Macmillan and Free Press "Encyclopedia of Philosophy," 4th Edition, categorizes and impressive variety of theories, beginning with ethical cognitive and non-cognitive and splintering into naturalism, non-naturalism, and multiple instantiations of each approach. As investigators of The Ethical Environment of Communications in Organizations we can construe most moral perspectives within the framework of one of these approaches, but not all of these approaches are equally compelling. According to many philosophical critics, some of them have implications that are borderline on the unethical, face serious counter-examples, or are incapable of adequately solving dilemmas."
Abstract This paper provides an exploration of a personal credo which will then serve as a foundation for future behaviors within the business world. Within this paper, the term "credo" applies to a fundamental set of beliefs and values that are inalienable despite the circumstances.
