What research would you have done to determine which vehicle models GM should retain or drop?

Must be at least 450-600 words, in current APA format, must use at least 2 scholarly articles as references, and one biblical scripture for each reply.

 

 

11.8 As part of its bankruptcy restructuring, General Motors (GM) launched an ad campaign that revealed glimmers of a streamlined GM: fewer brands (Cadillac, Buick, Chevrolet, GMC, and fewer models within each brand.

 

1. What research would you have done to determine which vehicle models GM should retain or drop?

 

Well at this point the most important goal is to obtain the most profit.  I would have analyzed all the car brands to determine which car is the most profitable for the company.  For instance, it should not just be analyzed just which car sells the most because there are so many other factors to consider.  For instance, which car provides the most gross profit?  The car that GM sells the most might not necessarily be the one GM wants to sell based on the each individual car profit.  For instance, GM might sell a car that each individual profit is much higher, but only sell an average amount of inventory.  For example, you need to decide which car model sold annually and the average amount of inventory GM sells per year.   Then the next step is to research which car provides the lowest profit and may not be necessarily the most popular model.

 

GM also needs to determine which brands may not be the most popular and also which has marketability for the future.  For instance, maybe GM needs to stop making as many trucks because the auto trend is for more green electric cars.  There is a definitely trend because people want to spend less on gasoline so many people are willing to buy electric cars.  So, another important measurement would be to forecast which cars consumers will find popular in the future.

 

The company may need to downsize and just stop on building cars that are not as profitable.  It would be important to analyze the financial statements for the cost analysis on all models of the car.  For instance, a certain type of car may require a more expensive metal to construct the car.  The certain metal cost is expected to rise in the next five years so it is important to decide can they replace it with a cheaper material or would it be cheaper to stop making the car.

 

 

 

2. What would you have measured and with what type of measurement scale?

 

There are quite a few different ways that I would analyze this situation.  I would study the GM’s financials and also run a cost analysis on the cars.  I would then compare all of my inventory sold with a cost analysis of each car.  Then I would determine if it would be most profitable to close a certain car models factory versus the others brands.  For instance, a good way of analyzing the situation this would be to use an ordinal scale.  I would compare factors such as amount of inventory sold and profit margin.  I would run many ratios calculations on my inventory and accounts receivables.  For instance, is GM paying for a lot of inventory to just sit in the warehouse when a more cost efficient supply management could be constructed?  I would also start analyzing all the car models profit margins.  How could GM improve certain popular models?  For instance, it might be more cost efficient to change vendors for the same type of metal at a lower price.  It would be helpful to use ratio scales in this type of analysis as well.

 

A great Biblical integration passage would be use one’s resources and time wisely.  In Colossian 4:5, “Be wise in the way you act toward outsiders; make the most of every opportunity.”  I would encourage GM to follow this type of strategy and to ask the wisdom of other leaders how to best correct or improve the situation they are in.  Also God encourages us to learn and be wise in all our choices.  I would encourage the GM managers to study how other car companies have helped overcome this issue.

 

 

12.7 Businesses frequently use surveys to measure quality.  In an effort to evaluate the perception of customers and identify product quality, surveys are used as a mechanism to gather information.   Data analyses using insignificant, interval and ratio data are generally straightforward and transparent.

 

In the scenario, a Likert scale is used to collect various survey ratings using a ranking quality from high to low or best using five levels of classification in the consideration of strongly agree to strongly disagree.  Likert scales are considered to be one of the most popular methods of measuring attitudes in summated ratings.  The individual responses strongly agree through strongly disagree are assigned numbers, usually ranking from 1-5. In this manner, the responses to the various items are quantified and may be summed across statements to give a total score for the individual on the scale.

 

If Strongly Agree (SA) represents the most positive attitude, how would you value the items below?  Record your answers to the items.

 

The program is not very challenging.                                                 SA       A         N         D         SD

 

The general level of teaching is good.                                                SA       A         N         D         SD

 

I really think I’m learning a lot from this program                         SA       A         N         D         SD

 

Students’ suggestions are given little attention                              SA       A         N         D         SD

 

The program does a good job of preparing one for a career         SA       A         N         D         SD

 

The program is below my expectations                                         SA       A         N         D         SD

 

In what two different ways could such responses be used?  What would be the purpose of each?

 

A fundamental reason for analyzing ordinal data as interval data might be the argument Likert-type data has unique data analysis procedures. Numbers associated with the categories serve only as labels.  Numbers assigned to groups express a greater than relationship; however, how much greater is not implied. The numbers only indicate the order. Examples of ordinal scale measures include letter grades, rankings, and achievement (low, medium, high) (Maurer & Pierce, 1998). A Likert scale consists of a series of four or more Likert-type items that are combined into a single composite score or variable during the data analysis process. One method the responses can be used is combined, the items are used to provide a quantitative measure of a category or criteria in the research study.  According to Linacre 2002 typically the researcher is only interested in the composite score that represents the character or personality trait.

 

The difficulty of measuring attitudes, character, and personality traits lies in the procedure for transferring these qualities into a quantitative measure for data analysis purposes.  Attitude reflects a person’s character and will.  Christians are encouraged to be Christ like and to keep him on the forefront and to seek God in all things and reflect a positive attitude “So that you may not be sluggish, but imitators of those who through faith and patience inherit the promises (Hebrews 6:12).”

 

Rating scales have several uses, design features, and requirements.  Likert scales can be used as a means of course evaluation to provide feedback on the content and facilitation of coursework.  Likert-type items as single questions that use some aspect of the original Likert response alternatives, while multiple questions may be used in a research instrument. Likert scale data are analyzed at the interval measurement scale.

 

According to Allen and Seaman 2007 it would take twelve separate responses to discover a person’s attitude toward a textbook and an instructor with the semantic differential. With Likert scaling, two responses would yield the same data. This efficiency can best be appreciated by the overloaded instructor. Students can evaluate numerous facets of instruction, course content, and the instructor in a relatively short period of time.

 

 

 

What decisions related to expatriates could organizations take to maximize the benefits to the company despite ongoing economic recessions?

Write a two- to three-page analysis using the Case Study (Attached “Expatriate Management at AstraZeneca.”

Your analysis should address the following questions:

1. Critically analyze AstraZeneca’s expatriate management practices.

2. According to the 2007 Expatriate Work/Life Balance Survey, 65% of expats report feeling the strain of managing the demands of work and home, leading to more anxieties at home and at the workplace. What steps can an organization take to mitigate this?

3. What decisions related to expatriates could organizations take to maximize the benefits to the company despite ongoing economic recessions? Do you think a company that paid more careful attention to selection could further boost their chances of success?

Your case study analysis should follow APA guidelines for formatting of all resources, both in-text and as references. Your analysis should include a title page and should include a separate reference page.

 

USE ATTACHED CASE STUDY

Intercultural Communication Paper

nstructions

Intercultural Communication Paper

This assignment demonstrates your professional writing skills as well as your intercultural communication competency.

It consists of two parts:

Part 1:

Complete the INCA Survey and develop a 1 to 2 page reflection summarizing your ideas. The survey and scoring key are located at CONTENT> COURSE RESOURCES> ASSIGNMENT RESOURCES> Intercultural Communication Paper.

Directions: Complete all of the INCA Survey questions. When you are done, use the INCA survey student manual to help you analyze your results. Read about the different dimensions of intercultural competency and what they mean. All supporting docs can be found at CONTENT> COURSE RESOURCES> ASSIGNMENT RESOURCES> Intercultural Communication Paper.Note that a total score for the INCA survey is not important for the purpose of this assignment.  (You will not get a total score).

Part 2:

Select 3 (THREE) critical incidents from document Critical Incidents (see ASSIGNMENT RESOURCES)- Student Directions and analyze them. Frame your analyses of each incident using the dimensions from the INCA survey. Your analysis should contain at least three scholarly references that pertain directly to the incident. Your analysis should be complete and supported by the literature not an opinion.

Complete both parts in a SINGLE formal written paper using APA format. Use headings to mark each part: Part 1 and Part 2. Use subheadings to indicate the discussion of each critical incident. Please review the requirements for all written assignments on page 3 of the syllabus.

Optional: include a chart or graph to support your written analysis. Just be sure to explain the information presented in the chart or graph.

About INCA:
INCA is an acronym for Intercultural Competency Assessment. The purpose of the INCA survey is for you to examine your intercultural awareness and assess your cultural sensitivity. This activity is designed to help you become aware of your own attitude towards cultural diversity. The dimensions of cultural competence measured by the INCA survey are:1) Tolerance of ambiguity, 2) Behavioral flexibility, 3) Communicative awareness, 4) Knowledge discovery, 5) Respect for Otherness, and 6) Empathy.

Note: This project and the instrument created was funded by the Council of Europe and the Leonardo da Vinci II Program.

Why is shared information so important in a learning organization in comparison to an efficient performance organization? Discuss how an organization’s approach to sharing information may be related to other elements of organization design such as structure, tasks, strategy, and culture.

I need someone to complete these responses for me. They must be at least 400 words with at least 2 searchable refernces. Thank you!

 

 

1. Chapter 1: Why is shared information so important in a learning organization in comparison to an efficient performance organization? Discuss how an organization’s approach to sharing information may be related to other elements of organization design such as structure, tasks, strategy, and culture.

One can agree that sharing information across a company’s department is a very imperative tool for current and future success. Shared information is essential in a learning organization as compared to an efficient performance organization because sharing information endorses and encourages communications and partnership enabling people to be involved in ascertaining and solving various problems. This allows an organization to unceasingly advance and expand its capability.  The three characteristics of a learning organization as follows:

  1. “It develops both individual and collective knowledge;
  2. It uses learning to improve performance and boost competitive advantage; and
  3. It continuously enhances its capacity, through reflexive praxis, to adapt to its external environment. “(Lyle, E. R. 2012)

Furthermore, within the learning organization, shared information keeps the organization operational at an ideal level, instead of using the information to take hold of the employees; a fundamental part of the manager’s day-to-day operations is to find efficient and effective ways to open up channels of communication so that ideas can flow in every direction.  Shared information maintains open lines of communication with customers, suppliers and at times even competitors to enhance the structure, learning, culture and strategy capabilities. There’s a correlation between information sharing and structure; during 1776 in the time of Adam Smith, organization information was only kept between top executives and the design of the organizations were very vertical. The hierarchy provided the mechanism for total supervision and control, the strategy was constructed by the top management and executed on the organization. Over time, most organizations have gone away of the traditional vertical structures and implemented horizontal structures such as the learning organization. The new structures dispersed the boundaries between top management and the workers.

Then, new and update structures changed the task performances from monotonous tasks to empowered roles. For the task were broken into specialized separate parts as a machine, and now a task is assigned to one worker. This also allowed for the empowered employees to have the strategy change in such a way that employees are now in with identifying needs and finding solutions, thus participating in the strategy making. Furthermore, the new collaboration strategy has changed the culture in which organizations do business from the old rigid culture into a more adaptive culture. Contrarily, in an efficient performance organization, there is no need for sharing information for the flow of production is linear. A great example of an efficient performance organization is a manufacturing company, where parts are made in order and each department is different from the other.

Chapter 1: What are some differences that one might anticipate the expectations of stakeholder for a nonprofit organization versus a for-profit business? Do you believe nonprofit managers have to pay more attention to stakeholders than business managers?

One of the key differences between non-profit organizations and for-profit businesses is that for-profit organizations use more factors for production labor to maximize profit. Such factors include capital, land, and technology intensive. Non-profit organizations totally depend on goodwill donations from public, private sectors, citizens, and government entities. Most for –profit financial activities are contingent upon marketing strategies and profit on the sale of goods and services (Daft, 2013). Other differences that one may anticipate in regards to stakeholders for nonprofit and for-profit organizations as opposed to for-profit organizations is as following; stakeholders in for-profit organizations are more engrossed on the level in which their products appeal to consumers and in what ways does it maximize profits.

Non-profit organizations focus their attention toward volunteering individuals and communities for donations. In addition, for-profit has great prospects on profit margin where they expect the business to have more profits than expenses, whereas non-profit organizations are more focused on how the organization can bring about change in the life of an individual or a community (Daft,2013). Though non-profit and for-profit organization stakeholders have different interest, they both have the responsibility to conduct their job to better the company and the stakeholder’s interest. Business managers represent the stakeholders and are entrusted to bring about profit and revenue toward the business, whereas non-profit managers rely on the stakeholders to raise funds in order to run the day-to-day operations of the organization, thus, I believe that non-profit managers have to pay more attention to stakeholders than business managers.

Chapter 2: How might a company’s goals for employee development be related to its goals for innovation and change? How might a company’s goals for employee development be related to its goals for productivity? Explain the ways that these types of goals may conflict in an organization?  

Overall, employee development may be looked at as a requirement for innovation or productivity. Goals for innovation and change may stimulate different approaches by different employees, leading to conflict. Correspondingly, execution for productivity may be approached so differently by different employees that it would lead to conflict. Such conflict, if in the form of constructive disagreement, can be healthy for determination of the best path.

Some goals may initially cause a decrease in profit and employee development can be costly. Richard Daft mentioned that employee development, goals for innovation and change are all operational goals; and at times, they are related. If a company is in need of an enthusiastic staff that’s passionate about providing excellent customer service, thus, the company bust invests a lot of time and money in its employee development. In regards to productivity, employee development will speed up the process and at times reduce production cost and improve service times and many other vital aspects of customer service.

Moreover, successful companies became successful by having a clear and concise vision, it is very important for one to understand and follow what God States “without a vision the people perish, and if the blind lead the blind they will both fall into the ditch” (KJVB”. If the top management heads have different goals than what their employees have, the organization will have conflicting views.  There needs to be a balance between enlargement and keeping the process at hand.

Chapter 2: Suppose you have been asked to evaluate the effectiveness of the police department in a medium-sized community. Where would you begin? How would you proceed? What effectiveness approach would you prefer?

One can agree that it is very difficult to use the goal approach or system resource approach alone. One way to evaluate the effectiveness of the police department would be to follow a procedure to identify indicator goals, system resources, and internal process indicators. The measures can then be formulated into a combined approach to testing the effectiveness of the medium-sized community.

Chapter 3: What types of organizational activities do you believe are most likely to be outsourced? What types are least likely? How can/should a biblical worldview be applied?

Outsourcing is best described as a way to contract certain tasks or functions, such as manufacturing, human resources, or credit processing, to other companies” (Daft R., 2013). Outsourcing is a way fro companies to save money and cut back on expenses and they can also increase their output by providing services in different areas in which they were not able to provide before. Types of organizational activities that are likely to be outsourced include sanitization and janitorial duties and even food services. Also, marketing, IT, accounting and public relations can also be outsourced depending on the size of the company. Human resources are least likely to be outsourced because other than profit, it is one of the most important part of a company. Their main mission is to support the employees and keep the CEO, COO out of harms way.

A biblical worldview can be applied to reflect the culture and the nature in which one wants to run the company, manage employees, and donate. Romans 10:14 states, “How then shall they call on him in whom they have not believed? and how shall they believe in him of whom they have not heard? and how shall they hear without a preacher (KJV)?” Philippians 2:14-15 states “Do all things without grumbling or questioning, that   you may be blameless and innocent, children of God without blemish in the midst   of a crooked and twisted generation, among whom you shine as lights in the world”.

 

References:

Baker, H. E., & Paulson, S. K. (2007). Experiential exercises in organization theory & design. Mason, OH: Thomson South-Western.

Daft, R. (2013). Organization theory & design (11th ed.). Mason, OH: South-Western Cengage Learning. ISBN: 9781111221294.

Johnston, L. (2009). Employee development that matters. Canadian HR Reporter, 22(15), 35. Retrieved from http://search.proquest.com/docview/220782179?accountid=12085

Lyle, E. R. (2012). LEARNING ORGANISATION AL] LEARNING: International Journal of Business and Social Science, 3(6) Retrieved from http://search.proquest.com/docview/924460837?accountid=12085rticl

The King James Bible

2. Chapter 1: Why is shared information so important in a learning organization in comparison to an efficient performance organization? Discuss how an organization’s approach to sharing information may be related to other elements of organization design such as: structure, tasks, strategy, and culture.

Within learning organizations sharing information is a significant component because without this very important tool progression can be hindered or stalled.  An efficient performance strategy is fashioned by upper managers and imposed on the organization.  Employees have a very essential role and without being able to share information the aspect of teamwork becomes more difficult to obtain.  The end results will be delays in work and service.

Sharing information also causes for a culture that is more positive and open because everyone is involved and has a sense of importance in the overall functionality of the organization from top to bottom.  “If the structure doesn’t fit the information requirements of the organization, people either will have too little information or will spend time processing information that is not vital to their tasks, thus reducing effectiveness” (Daft, 2013, p. 96).”  Efficiency is one of the goals of managers for the proper function of the organization so communicating with the employees who are in constant contact with customers and suppliers will create an environment of productivity and not unproductivity.

  • Chapter 1: What are some differences that one might anticipate among the expectations of stakeholder for a nonprofit organization versus a for-profit business? Do you believe nonprofit managers have to pay more attention to stakeholders than business managers?

One of the first differences that might be anticipated among the expectations of stakeholder for a nonprofit organization versus a for-profit is in the management.  “The primary difference is that managers in businesses direct their activities toward earning money for the company, whereas managers in nonprofits direct their efforts toward generating some kind of social impact (Daft, 2013, p. 13).  Managers in nonprofit organizations have the challenge of not only attracting diversity with their stakeholders but they also require volunteers and donors in order to operate on a daily basis. Managers in for-profit organizations are focused on making profits for the organization without too much focus on the overall social impact.

I do believe that nonprofit managers need to pay more attention to stakeholders because of their social impact.  For example, if a church is accepting donations from an organization like Planned Parenthood, this can cause for a problem for its volunteers seeing that there is a difference in belief with what the bible teaches and what Planned Parenthood supports.

  • Chapter 2: How might a company’s goals for employee development be related to its goals for innovation and change?  How might a company’s goals for employee development be related to its goals for productivity?

A company’s goals for employee development are directly related to its goals for innovation and change.  The innovation and change for the company cannot take place unless its employees are well training and advanced in multiple areas. This means that investing in the development of their employees will pose to be most beneficial to the entire company as a whole.  When companies seek out new employees they are sure to ask about education, training, and experience because they want to be adding to their company and not taking away.

If the company has the most trained and developed employees the productivity also increases.  “Remember that workforce training helps (1) workers adjust to changes in your industry, (2) employees respond successfully to customer needs while adjusting their performance to meet changing expectations, (3) reduce workforce accidents by ensuring that employees know how to react to high-risk situations, and (4) employees at all levels adapt to changes in technology” (Four Reasons to Have a Well-Trained Workforce , 2015).  This will result in fewer mistakes which will result in cost savings and better productivity.

  • Chapter 2: Suppose you have been asked to evaluate the effectiveness of the police department in a medium-sized community. Where would you begin? How would you proceed? What effectiveness approach would you prefer?

In order to evaluate the effectiveness of a police department in a medium-sized community I would proceed to use the resource based approach which is a model that considers resources as the main key factor to superior firm performance.  For a police department it may be difficult to measure performance since they are very much comprised of teams of specialized units so examining how they are currently using their resources will give a better picture then using one of the other approaches.

  • Chapter 3: What types of organizational activities do you believe are most likely to be outsourced? What types are least likely?

Some of the types of organizational activities that are most likely to be outsourced are manufacturing, technology, and consultants.  In a small business, cutting costs help support the financial health of the business and outsourcing adds to savings.  The top reasons for outsourcing are to (1) reduce and control operating costs, (2) improve company focus, (3) gain access to exceptional capabilities, (4) free internal resources for other purposes, (5) resources are not available internally, (6) maximize restructuring benefits, (7) function difficult to manage or out of control, (8) make capital funds available, and (9) reduce risk.  At the same time, with outsourcing the business may lose control over how services are delivered which then causes more liability.

The types that are less likely to be outsourced are human resources, distribution and finance, and lawyers although the list is much broader than these.  Retaining control over certain parts is necessary because they are too important to outsource.  For example, if a business is facing a difficult situation and need legal representation face to face interactions would be the only way to go.

How can/should a biblical worldview be applied?

Christians are called to be the light in the world.  This means we are to illuminate God’s spirit everywhere we go and God’s spirit evokes change for the betterment of mankind.  Training and development are the same in relation to business.  In a business, the job of management is to increase in all areas and that includes investing in their employees.  This will give the business a huge advantage against competitors and help them to build a reputation as being the best in their field.  In order to maintain such a reputation will require all members of the team to work together with clear expectations and goals through clear communication.

As Christians, we are to teach others how to live a life called by God by being His representatives on earth.  “But you are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, God’s special possession, that you may declare the praises of him who called you out of darkness into his wonderful light (1 Peter 2:9).  Such a task cannot be done without perseverance and dedication.  One must build a relationship with God through prayer, reading of the word, dwelling in His presence, exercising His teachings in daily life so that the world will know you belong to Him.  God has invested much into us by giving up His Son on our behalf and as ambassadors of the Most High we should be pleased to invest in others as He has in us.

References

Four Reasons to Have a Well-Trained Workforce . (2015). Retrieved from Tidewater Community College Center for Workforce Solutions: http://www.tccworkforce.org/blog-categories/223-four-reasons-to-have-a-well-trained-workforce

Daft, R. L. (2013). Organization Theory and Design. Mason: Cengage Learning.

Ingram, D. (2014). Non Profit Organization Vs. Profit Organization. Retrieved from Hearst Newspapers, LLC: http://smallbusiness.chron.com/non-profit-organization-vs-profit-organization-4150.html