Abstract The paper describes how GlobalCommunications is in a hyper-competitive, primarily undifferentiated, globalized industry and to stay competitive, they must act aggressively. The paper illustrates how balancing the needs of their shareholders and their employees, while continuing to improve competitiveness and profitability, is difficult. However, the paper shows that by implementing strategies that involve outsourcing, employee morale support and new technology pursuits, GlobalCommunications can improve their market positioning and profitability.
From the Paper "Global Communications is concerned about operating profits and the strain placed on the company as a result of increasing levels of competition. In response to the challenges facing Global Communication, senior management has developed an aggressive plan. The first part of this plan involves offering new services targeted toward small businesses and consumer accounts. The second part of Global Communications' new business plan is more controversial. It involves specific cost cutting measures intended to improve company profitability. Part of this cost cutting plan involves moving some of the company's technical call centers to India and Ireland where labor costs are significantly lower. Situation Background: Global Communication is in serious trouble. The company's stock was trading at $28 per share three years ago and is now trading at around $11 suggesting that investor confidence in the telecommunications industry is waning."
Abstract This paper is a case study on GlobalCommunications. It examines the company's plans for profitability, and whether they are appropriate and ethical. The paper discusses the plan's provision for new services and for cost cutting measures to improve company profitability.
Tags:globalcommunications, case study, profit, telecommunications, marketing, innovation, cost cutting, offshore, outsourcing business ethics
Abstract The paper discusses GlobalCommunications' problematic relations with the union and its employees. The paper explains that should the situation not be solved in an amicable manner, the company is exposed to extreme risks, such as losing the confidence and the support of the employees and a negative media coverage attracting the anger of public opinion. The paper demonstrates how the company wishes to become a global player on the market of telecommunications and this involves the success of the present negotiations with the union. The paper shows how GlobalCommunications must manage the ongoing changes through highly efficient communication, transforming the union into a partner and maintaining their proficient relations with the stockholders.
Outline:
Situation Analysis
Problem Statement
End-State Vision
Alternative Solutions
Analysis of Alternative Solutions
Risk Assessment and Mitigation Techniques
Optimal Solution
Implementation Plan
Evaluation of Results
Conclusion
From the Paper "The problem that Global Communications is faced with has several causes that have occurred during time and from various directions. The factors that have led to the appearance of the present problematic situation include general tendencies in the industry, as well as specific management philosophy elements. The main causes that have favored the existing problem include the general business globalization tendency, the intense development of the competition, the use of a distributive approach in relation with the union and the lack of a communication plan: "The logic, such as it is, that people will do as they are told and they don't need to be involved." (Bibb 2005)"
Abstract This paper analyzes the situation in which, to reverse its losses, GlobalCommunications is creating an ethical dilemma by outsourcing its technical call centers without informing the main people whom this decision will impact, especially the union. The paper explains that GlobalCommunications, therefore, now faces a huge individual human resources gap between its consumer and employee relationships and its profit management. After presenting the gap analysis in table format, the paper concludes that handling ethical dilemmas is not just about solving the problem at whatever cost, but is also about obtaining a solution that minimizes future repetitions.
Table of Contents:
Situation Analysis
Issue and Opportunity Identification
Stakeholder Perspectives/Ethical Dilemmas
End-State Vision
Gap Analysis
Table: Issue and Opportunity Identification
Table: Stakeholder Perspectives
Table: End State Goals
Conclusion
From the Paper "The senior leadership team has come up with aggressive strategies to reverse their losses. They plan to "realize growth" with an immersion of new products and services, to add competition to rival companies, and they also plan to act on a "cost-cutting measure" that is sure to improve their profitability. Both of these strategies require them to branch out to an international level, to be reached by all consumers. By globalizing and outsourcing their services, offering technical call centers in regions such as India, and Ireland, they have the opportunity to reduce their unit costs for handling calls by 40%."
Tags:communication cost-cutting downsizing, customer revenue, union
Abstract The paper explores three contemporary problems: global climate change, the peak oil problem and political struggles over energy. The paper discusses how these issues convey an increasing need for the globalcommunity's collaborative solutions. The paper points out that not only these problems but most political and environmental issues are now of a global nature.
From the Paper "In his discussion of the beginnings of globalization, economists O'Rourke and Williamson compare the creation of a global community to the creation of the world, with economists taking a more recent "big bang" view and historians taking a later "big bang" approach (109). Though the exact moment that the global community sprang into existence is unknown, it is relatively easy to trace the development of that community. In 1492, Christopher Columbus made the European world aware of the Americas and paved the way for colonization of and trade with the "new world." On April 6, 1917, the isolationist United States balked as Congress dragged American troops into Europe's "Great War." For decades, globalization may have existed, but the global community did not."
Abstract This paper explains that the telecommunications industry is a highly competitive marketplace with low margins; therefore, GlobalCommunications must find new ways to reduce operating expenses and deliver new value-added services to improve subscriber revenue. The author points out that GlobalCommunications needs to make changes to the company organizational structure to remain competitive in the market. The paper relates that the gap analysis indicates that, whereas GlobalCommunications' much touted philosophy is "our edge is our people"; currently, the employees are viewed as a commodity not as a valued asset or business partner. The paper includes three charts.
Table of Contents:
Situation Analysis
Issue and Opportunity Identification
Stakeholder Perspectives/Ethical Dilemmas
End-State Vision
End State Goals
Gap Analysis
Conclusion
From the Paper "The current situation centers on the lack of effective organizational communications with key stakeholders; the union and the employees. According to McShane and Glinow (p. 324), "Effective communication is vital to all organizations because it coordinates employees, fulfills employee needs, supports knowledge management, and improves decision making." What needs to change is the relationship between management team and the union. Both parties do not see the other as a business partner that can add value to both organizations."
Tags: outsource, union, gap, vision, partners, Gap
This paper is a problem solving case study about GlobalCommunications, which is adopting an outsourcing strategy to send the majority of its call center functions overseas.
Abstract This paper explains that GlobalCommunications' (GC) outsourcing strategy for its call center functions is a strong competitive decision; however, the methodology employed in arriving at the decision and in announcing it to employees, while disregarding the employee union, has left it in an ethical and communicative predicament. The author suggests that GC should have first aligned its corporate culture and human relations functions with the realities of the global marketplace. The paper suggests that GC should have formulated a new mission statement then adjusted its hiring and retention practices to match this new statement. The author states that only then should the company move forward with such a radical strategy. The paper includes original tables that summarize the problem solving process.
Table of Contents:
Abstract
Problem Solving: GlobalCommunications Issue and Opportunity
Stakeholder Perspectives/Ethical Dilemmas
Problem Statement
End Vision
Alternative Solutions
Analysis of Alternative Solutions
Risk Assessment and Mitigation
Optimal Solution
Implementation Plan
Evaluation of Results
Conclusion
Table One: Issues, Opportunities and Concept
Table Two: Stakeholder Perspectives and Ethical Dilemmas
Table 3: Alternative Evaluation Matrix
Table 4: Risk Assessment & Mitigation
Table 5: Optimal Solution Implementation Plan
Table 6: Evaluation of Results
From the Paper "There are three primary stakeholders involved in this situation and each is equally important. GC is a publicly held company and the shareholders expect it to be operated in a globally competitive manner and in a business environment where all major telecommunications competitors have, if not already outsourced call center operations, appear to be considering it, shareholders demand that GC take the lead in this strategy. Executive management is charged with the efficient and fiscally sound operation of the company and as such, they too must consider all competitive options."
Abstract This paper explains that, although it was once a thriving and innovative company, GlobalCommunications has been unsuccessful in meeting the challenges of the current technology and marketing world. The author stresses that GlobalCommunications must increase profitability by implementing operating cost reductions. The paper examines possible solutions as demonstrated by other companies, such as Apple, Microsoft, Levi, General Motors, Verizon Communications, FedEx and UPS. The author points out that the ultimate goal of increasing profitability by outsourcing is a multiple step process, which will take several years to complete.
Table of Contents:
Introduction
Situation Analysis
Issue and Opportunity Identification
Stakeholder Perspectives/Ethical Dilemmas
Problem Statement
End-State Vision
Alternative Solutions
Analysis of Alternative Solutions
Risk Assessment and Mitigation Techniques
Optimal Solution
Implementation Plan
Evaluation of Results
Conclusion
Table: Issue and Opportunity Identification
Table: Stakeholder Perspectives
Table: Analysis of Alternative Solutions
Table: Risk Assessment and Mitigation Techniques
From the Paper "The creation of new products and services could further assist Global Communications in reaching the end-state vision of increasing profitability. Although this goal is not immediately necessary for success, the investment into the research and development of new products and services could increase profits in the future. Outsourcing and reducing salaries and benefits will result in increased profits, which may be invested in the research and development departments."
Tags: outsourcing, ethical conflicts, public relations, risks
Abstract The paper discusses the problem that GlobalCommunications (GC), a telecommunications company, has had of late. The paper notes that with many more competitors entering the marketplace and profits dwindling, it has become necessary for the leadership at GC to come up with a strategy to take the company global and become an industry leader, but senior management's recent actions have created hostilities among many of the stakeholder groups. This paper describes the events that have taken place thus far, gives a clear understanding of who the stakeholders are, and discusses what opportunities exist for GC. The company will have to implement some new strategies if they are to realize their goals. This paper explores those strategies and build on them, identifies risks, and internal and external pressures, and ultimately lays out an optimal solution for GC to implement. The paper is illustrated with tables.
Outline:
Situation Analysis
Issue and Opportunity
Identification
Stakeholder Perspectives/Ethical Dilemmas
Problem Statement
End-State Vision
Alternative Solutions
Primary Alternative Solutions
Secondary Alternative Solutions
Analysis of Alternative Solutions
Risk Assessment and Mitigation Techniques
Continuing with the Outsourcing Plan
Abandoning the Outsourcing Plan
Optimal Solution
Moral-Building Programs
The Employee-customer-profit Chain Model
Including Stakeholders in the Decision-Making Process
Building Effective Communication Implementation Plan
Evaluation of Results
Conclusion
From the Paper "There are five main groups of stakeholders in the GC scenario. The stockholders are a group of people that are concerned about the past three years of stock depreciation. Stockholders demand that GC take action that will ensure the growth of the company so the stock will appreciate. The management team at GC also wants to take steps to ensure the viability and growth of the company, but they must also be mindful of employee relations and the political dealings with the labor union".
Abstract As we enter the last half of the first decade of the twenty-first century academics are still trying to determine what threat constitutes the greatest danger to the globalcommunity Some individuals believe that terrorism with the massive loss of human life that can attend it and the chilling effect it can have on civil liberties and on the willingness of people to engage in honest debate is the greatest threat the international order will confront. Others believe that overpopulation may constitute the greatest threat over straining our fragile ability to provide for all our citizens especially those reared in poor nations. This paper argues that it is the gap between the rich and the poor that presents the greatest threat to the globalcommunity.
Abstract This paper examines how, because of diminishing returns and decreased profit, GlobalCommunications is in dire need for restoration. It discusses how, because competition is fierce and how the company's technology is lagging, immediate attention is necessary to prevent future loses. To determine GlobalCommunications' next step, a gap analysis is performed to expose possible alternatives and solutions. This analysis reveals the corporation's issues and opportunities, potential ethical dilemmas, and end-state vision and goals.
Outline:
Situation Analysis
Issue and Opportunity Identification
Stakeholder Perspectives/Ethical Dilemmas
End-State Vision
Gap Analysis
Conclusion
From the Paper "Employees value recognition, integrity and inclusiveness. Their interests are valued by stockholders and include health and retirement benefits, company involvement, and a fair work schedule. Some employee rights are fair treatment, compensation for work, and a discrimination free work environment. Because of laws and regulations, employers are required to provide means to comply with employee rights. Employers are interested in hiring skilled employees, career development, and company success. These interests coincide with some of those for both employees and stockholders. Because of their role and responsibilities within the company, employers value organizational commitment, workplace diversity, and hierarchical control (Brierley, 1998). Their rights entail company confidentiality, to receive accurate employee information, and to discipline employees when necessary."
Abstract This essay explores the results of globalization on the food industry in regards to an increasing global population. It reviews issues such as GM foods, biotechnology, and over/under consumption in analyzing how a growing globalcommunity might sustain itself in the future. Also, it discusses the cutting out of small time farmers in light of biotechnology.
The essay concludes that a reassessment of globalization needs to be done in order to sustain civilization.
From the Paper "In a rapidly developing community such as ours, where economic growth and higher standards of living are replacing the worries of daily existence with goals of material success, our continuation in the direction of bigger and better things has never been doubted. Technology has been a major player in this trend, touching on our lives in nearly every way possible. When one reflects upon technology, one immediately thinks of cellular phones, the internet, automobiles, and various other non-essential aspects of life. While our technological evolution has been a topic of great debate, over whether such advances have led to a push towards laziness and social isolation, one must remember that technology reaches far beyond the spheres of social culture and into the realm of our basic needs as human beings. The infringement of technology on today's food production has, of late, been a rather moot subject, but is nonetheless one that must be addressed as an issue of major concern. Although globalization has often been seen as an advance for the bettering of the quality of life, this is one instance that might prove to be quite the opposite."
Abstract This paper discusses reform related to education in the globalcommunity. The paper focuses on the attempts of eleven countries, spanning five continents that have attempted educational reform in the past several decades. This paper then further pinpoints the issues that surround the educational reform, the problems that it attempts to address, and the results of the reform in comparison with the other countries investigated. The paper is significant in educational research because it develops a pattern of global reform that should be addressed within countries that are developing educational reform systems.
From the Paper "Although the twenty-first century possesses great aspirations for students that dream of changing the world, educational systems across the continents often do not have the ability to assist with such intentions, and are struggling within society to implement educational reform. Often the complication lies in the ability of the social structure to be made aware of the difficulties that exist in education, or it is society's disenchantment with systems that were long contended as unchangeable that led to a dormancy in action to reform the methods that are devised to provide public education. However, the research indicates that battles are being waged across the globe to instill educational systems that will meet the needs of the children of today within the global community, and prepare a framework for the progress of education in the future."
Abstract This paper explains that GlobalCommunications was once an innovative communications corporation that was competitive within the telecommunications market. However, the further advancement of competitors, including other telecommunication companies and cable companies offering bundled television, telephone and Internet packages, has decreased the profitability of this company. The author concludes that a gap between the status of the company and the end-state vision will require the cooperation and compromise of the company, union and employees to make a variety of changes to meet the desired goals.
Table of Contents:
Introduction
Situation Analysis
Issue and Opportunity Identification
Stakeholder Perspectives/Ethical Dilemmas
End-State Vision
Gap Analysis
Conclusion
Table: Issue and Opportunity Identification
Table: Stakeholder Perspectives
Table: End State Goals
From the Paper "Although outsourcing is a beneficial effort fiscally, the decision was made prior to consulting representatives from the Global Communications union. In view of the fact that employees previously suffered a 20% reduction in education and health benefits, the layoffs and relocation with a salary reduction may be viewed as a manipulation of the current contract. In order to avoid the threat of legal action, Global Communications must negotiate a contract that is satisfactory to both the company and the union employees."
Abstract The paper relates that in an effort to reclaim a competitive advantage in the telecommunications field, GlobalCommunications (GC), has developed a strategic plan using cost-cutting measures to improve profitability. The paper provides a strategic analysis of this plan and reveals that as a result of not incorporating the wishes of all stakeholders, the company is now facing the union's unwillingness to negotiate. The paper concludes that because of the conflict that these missed opportunities caused, GC may now find its plan further postponed because of legal and government interactions. The paper includes tables of the issue and opportunity identification, the stakeholder perspectives and end state goals.
Outline:
Situation Analysis
End-State Vision
Gap Analysis
Conclusion
From the Paper "The senior leadership of GC has now proposed a plan to their Board of Directors to realize growth through a more aggressive approach with a satellite provider to offer video services as well as a satellite version of broadband. The strategic plan however, comes at a cost to the existing workforce. Cost-cutting measures that will be used are believed to increase profitability by outsourcing technical call centers off shore to Ireland and India. This measure is projected to reduce unit costs for handling calls by nearly 40%. The outsourcing will result in many employees losing their jobs or require others to relocate with an average salary cut of 10%. These measures are being met with resistance from the union at GC."
