Management And Strategies

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Assignment Content

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Strategic management includes an analysis of a business’s current state. Continuing with your research of Caterpillar, Inc., you will leverage the business SWOT tool to identify and drive organizational strategic decision making and evaluate problem-solving strategies for the company.

 

Review the Strategic Management Project Background document (Below “Overview”)

 

Create a Word doc and title it Strategic Management Research Journal Part 2.

 

Write a 350- to 525-word response to the following prompts in your journal entry:

1. Conduct a SWOT (Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities, and Threats) analysis of Caterpillar, Inc. Each SWOT quadrant must contain 7-10 items, (this is not included in the 525-word count).

2. Analyze Caterpillar’s strengths and include specific examples based on your SWOT analysis findings.

3. Evaluate the weaknesses and threats for any common themes that might be a risk.

4. Compare Caterpillar’s weaknesses against its opportunities.

5. Propose problem-solving strategies to address Caterpillar’s weaknesses or threats that could be mitigated by a business opportunity or business decision.

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Overview

The intention of the Strategic Management Project is to provide you practical experience with the elements of strategic management. The project is spread across the 5-week period of the course. Weeks 14 provide an opportunity to put key terms into practice by appraising the strategic planning elements of Caterpillar Inc. through documentation in the Strategic Management Research Journal. The Week 5 concluding assignment showcases your understanding of strategic management and improvement in the formulation of a presentation to Caterpillar Inc.’s leadership team.

For purposes of the Strategic Management Project, you will operate as if you are a new hire at the Caterpillar Inc. headquarters in the role of Assistant Strategic Development Analyst.

Assistant Strategic Development Analyst Job Description

· Maintain a Strategic Management Research Journal in which you:

· Appraise Caterpillar Inc.’s corporate data, competitors, and associated business information.

· Document background information to include previous and current strategic management of Caterpillar Inc.

· Assess the strengths and weaknesses of strategic management of Caterpillar Inc., based on your analyses, and provide information in a presentation to Caterpillar Inc. leadership.

· Recommend strategic management actions to ensure future success in a presentation to Caterpillar Inc.’s leadership team.

About Caterpillar Inc.

The following is derived from the Caterpillar Inc. website:

Caterpillar Inc. is a leading manufacturer of construction and mining equipment, diesel and natural gas engines, industrial gas turbines, and diesel-electric locomotives. Caterpillar’s enterprise strategy focuses on solutions to help customers build a better world and allows the company to deliver profitable growth for their shareholders. The company’s corporate governance program ensures they serve the interests of stockholders and other stakeholders with the highest standards of responsibility, integrity, and compliance with all laws. Caterpillar’s global presence, product breadth, and financial strength enables the company to be competitive in today’s global marketplaces.

 

Copyright 2019 by University of Phoenix. All rights reserved.

How might different ethical philosophies influence how mangers make decisions when it comes to the offshoring of jobs?

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Answer the following questions 

CH3

1) How might different ethical philosophies influence how mangers make decisions when it comes to the offshoring of jobs?

3) In recent years, rules have tightened such that those who work for the U.S. Government in trade negotiations are now restricted from working with lobbyist for foreign firms. Is this a good idea? why or why not?

CH4

3) What are the four major dimensions of culture studies by Geert Hofstede? Identify and describe each. What is the cultural profile of the United States? Of Asian countries? Of Latin American countries? Of Latin European countries? Based on your comparison of these four profiles, what conclusions can you draw regarding cultural challenges facing individuals in one group when they interact with individuals in one of the other groups? Why do you think half the ad is the fifth dimension of time orientation and the sixth dimension related to indulgence versus restraint?

4) As people engage in more international travel and become more familiar with other countries, will cultural differences decline as a roadblock to international understanding, or will they continue to be a major barrier? Defend your answer.

Respond to the following passages.

Passage 1

Chapter 3

3. In recent years, rules have tightened such that those who work for the U.S. government in trade negotiations are now restricted from working for lobbyists for foreign firms. Is this a good idea? Why or why not?

Yes, this restriction is a good idea. This restriction reduces bias and insider information from being spread from the U.S. government to foreign firms. It keeps the integrity of foreign policies and plans intact.

5. Why are MNCs getting involved in corporate social responsibility and sustainable business practice? Are they displaying a sense of corporate social responsibility, or is it merely a matter of good business, or both? Defend your answer.

They are getting involved in corporate social responsibility and sustainable business practice because civil society and nongovernmental organizations has been putting pressure on MNCs to be more involved. MNCs are displaying a sense of corporate social responsibility and good business practices. In order for MNCs to do good business, they need to make some of the people around them happy. In this case that means that MNCs should find ways to be more socially responsible and sustainable.

Chapter 4

4. As people engage in more international travel and become more familiar with other countries, will cultural differences decline as a roadblock to international understanding, or will they continue to be a major barrier? Defend your answer.

Cultural differences will decline as a roadblock to international understanding as people become more familiar with other countries. The textbook gives the example that a partner at a private banking firm in New York traveled to China for business. When the partner got to the meeting full of Chinese VIP’s, he messed up the order of last names and called the men “Mr. Ed and Mr. Charlie” instead of “Mr. Hao and Mr. Chee.” Next time this partner is in China he will not make the same mistake.

7. In what way is time a cultural factor? In what ways is the need to control the environment a cultural factor? Give an example for each.

Time is a cultural factor because different societies view time differently. There are long term orientated and short term oriented societies. For example, China is a long term oriented country. This means that Chinese people are prone to be “persistent, thrifty with their money, and highly adaptable to unexpected circumstances.” Short term oriented countries, however, “focus more on the past and present rather than the future.” The need to control the environment is also a cultural factor because it shows restraint and other countries indulge or overindulge on a daily basis. For example, a restrictive country such as Egypt has fewer happy people than an indulgent country such as the United States or Australia.

Passage 2

Veronica McCulloch Week Two: Review and Discussion Chapters 3 & 4COLLAPSE

Chapter 3

1. How might different ethical philosophies influence how managers make decisions when it comes to the offshoring of jobs?

The ethical behavior of business is crucial when conducting business worldwide. Various theories and philosophies have been evolving throughout the years; therefore, these ethical philosophies have influenced the decisions of international managers. According to Kantian ethics, managers would make decisions based on principles that validate them against some core tenets such as corporate ethics policy and code of conduct. In Western countries, the utilitarian approach is most favorable for business because its logic is similar to economic calculation; managers evaluate their decisions based on cost-benefit analysis. If the benefits outweigh the costs, then the outcome is worth it. The Aristotelian virtue ethics theory influences managerial decisions by how the decisions affect the community. Lastly, Eastern philosophy can comprise of the various philosophies from Asia, India, and Iran. This theory is based on the idea that people are intrinsic and are integrated members of the universe. International management may incorporate this theory when decisions involving ethics or morality are involved.

3. In recent years, rules have tightened such that those who work for the U.S. government in trade negotiations are now restricted from working for lobbyists for foreign firms. Is this a good idea? Why or Why not?

It is fair to say that it is a good idea that U.S government officials who work in trade negotiations have been restricted from lobbying for foreign firms. As lobbyists are employed and receive payment from the organization they are hired to represent; their job is to influence political decisions in their organization’s favor. The general presumption is that there is a  conflict of interest, and such interactions could have an unhealthy effect on the home economy.

Chapter 4

2. What is meant by the term “values”? Are cultural values the same worldwide. or are there marked differences? Are these values changing over time, or are they fairly constant? How does your answer relate to the role of values in a culture? 

The term values relate to the fundamental beliefs that guide or motivate the actions of a human being. Values define the intention of a human being behind their actions. They are the fundamental beliefs one has between what is right or wrong, good or bad, and important or unimportant. As there are numerous cultures worldwide, so can cultural values vary. For example, in the United States, a firm handshake and introducing oneself is the norm. In contrast, only those of the same gender shake hands in Morocco, and the handshake is gentle. From the outside, a group’s cultural values can be difficult to understand. For members inside the group, cultural values are the core principles and paragons upon which the entire community exists. Personal values emerge from the culture the individual has been brought into since birth. Therefore, it can be challenging to change personal values; however, managerial values have started to change within organizations due to increased exposure through technology and working with other cultures.

6. How did GLOBE build on and extend Hofstede’s analysis? What unique contributiions are assoiciated with project GLOBE?

The Global Leadership and Organizational Behavior Effectiveness (GLOBE) research program extended and integrated earlier analysis of cultural attributes and variables as they relate to managerial leadership and practice using data collected from middle managers in over 900 countries. The principal goal of this project was to develop a theory that defines, interprets, and predicts the impact of cultural dimensions within organizations and leadership. GLOBE expanded on Hofstede’s list of the primary cultural dimensions as nine cultural dimensions: uncertainty avoidance, power distance, collectivism l , collectivism ll, gender egalitarianism, and assertiveness. Research revealed how each culture develops its own culturally-based leadership theory, which may call for adaptation and flexibility in a leader’s approach to conducting business over international borders. For the most part, the GLOBE study supported Hofstede’s initial results and those of Trompenaars.

. Conduct a feasibility analysis by researching and analyzing each of the following topics and indicate how your business occupies that specific space:

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Week 6 Assignment – Feasibility Analysis

Introduction

“A feasibility analysis is a chance to open your eyes, ask yourself some very tough questions, then check to see whether your idea, as originally conceived, needs to be modified, refocused, or changed dramatically. (Or perhaps even scrapped altogether.)” (1).

Overview

With this assignment, you will be addressing the fundamental question: Does this business have profit potential?

Instructions

Refer to the same business you described in the first assignment, Creating a Small Business, and write a 3 page paper in which you:

1. Conduct a feasibility analysis by researching and analyzing each of the following topics and indicate how your business occupies that specific space:

§ Industry and market feasibility.

§ Product or service feasibility.

§ Financial feasibility.

§ Entrepreneurial readiness.

2. Explain whether the business idea needs to be modified, changed significantly, or abandoned based on your feasibility analysis. (Note: If you abandon the business idea, then you will need to select and analyze a new business that has profit potential.)

3. Include at least two references outside the textbook. For help with research, writing, and citation, access the Strayer Library or review the Bachelor of Business Administration Library Guide.

This course requires the use of Strayer Writing Standards. For assistance and information, please refer to the Strayer Writing Standards link in the left-hand menu of your course. Check with your professor for any additional instructions.

The specific course learning outcome associated with this assignment is:

o Conduct a feasibility analysis to determine whether a business plan is plausible.

Sources

5. Norman M. Scarborough. 2015. Entrepreneurship and Effective Small Business Management. p. 237.

BUS 402: Small Business Management

Name:

Strayer University

Date: 10/30/2021

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The idea of beginning a business necessitates some thought to ensure that you are prepared. According to Entrepreneur research, it’s easy to feel capable far sooner than you seem to be, and it’s equally simple for someone to feel or to have a fear of being dragged down long after you start the business. I think the same way by that phrase; therefore, they’ve given some indicators to help people figure out how to succeed in the business world.

As a new business entrepreneur, you must first research what it will take for the business to succeed in this competitive world. According to the class material, E-commerce can help your firm succeed (Scarborough & Cornwall, 2015). E-commerce is similar to web-based advertising or business. As a result, whether you buy or sell something on the internet, you are engaging in e-commerce, which can be frustrating at times, particularly when developing a strategy for becoming a successful entrepreneur. It’s been stated that during pick seasons sales, e-commerce sales seem to soar to new heights.

The prospective small business idea and the name for the company

Selling things through different online organizations such as Amazon or eBay has always been my dream. From my perspective, it would be an incredible platform for a small business to thrive in and have low maintenance costs running in the future, and that I believe would be profitable for many years to come since we are in a digital world. My main idea is to sell things through other organizations, such as Amazon and use their warehousing service. Because they manage all customer service, it reduces stress. Selling beauty products is a dream that I have always liked to pursue because it has been booming currently. (M&U) Beauty Company is the brand name I’ve chosen for my company.

Company’s main competitors and their strengths and weaknesses.

Some of the businesses that I expect to be the main competitors of my company (M&U) are.

· Bluemercury

· Glossier

· Space NK

· Beautylish

· Harmon Face Values

· Net-a-Porter

· Violet Grey

Most of my main competitors have added advantages over M&U. for instance, beauty shops like Bluemercury, Glossier, Space NK, and Beautylish are big companies with well-established brands. Another main strength of these companies is that they have opened up physical stores across the United States as opposed to my company which only relies on other organizations’ websites. Lastly, besides using both web and physical stores, they have a unique advertisement strategy using cerebrates to gain a good competitive advantage. Therefore M&U will follow in the footsteps of these companies to ensure that soon we get an equal share in the market.

Every organization faces challenges; however, some challenges are unavoidable while others can be rectified. In that case, weaknesses are negative internal factors that inhibit the companies’ ability to maximize their profit or achieve their goals (Scarborough & Cornwall, 2015, p.114). One of the main weaknesses that these beauty companies are facing is the high cost of management. Beauty products are highly perishable if not well packaged. Therefore, these companies need a lot of capital to ensure their products are in good condition. Secondly, poor completion methods are also used by these companies. For instance, they lower their selling price to have a competitive advantage. This should not be the case because lowering the selling price will not maximize the profit, and in some cases, it might not cover the production cost.

The mission statement encompasses the purpose of MI&U, considering the target market.

According to Rath, (2019), a mission statement summarizes why a company exists, its goal, and how it will achieve these goals. Additionally, a mission statement is essential because it acts as a road map for the company. MI&U’s mission is to celebrate men and women who believe in themselves and are willing to step up into a lovely new look. We employ beauty products made of natural ingredients because we believe in the best of the best.

Identify the ownership form for this business, considering tax implications, liability exposure, managerial ability, and cost of formation.

A limited liability company, or LLC, would be the form of ownership for MI&U Beauty Company. LLCs protect the owners’ assets, provide tax advantages, and are incredibly flexible (Gunderson, Denton & Peterson, P.C., n.d.). An LLC’s tax ramifications differ from those of a corporation. Pass-through taxation is used by LLCs, which means the LLC does not pay taxes. Instead, income from the firm will be distributed to the company’s owners, shareholders. They report the gains or losses on their tax returns (Rath, 2019).

 

 

 

Reference

Rath, T., (2019), The Tax Implications of Starting an LLC, Retrieved from https://www.thebalancesmb.com/tax-implications-of-an-llc-2951774 Scarborough, N.M. & Cornwall, J.R., (2015) Entrepreneurship and Effective Small Business Management, 11th ed., Pearson

CASE STUDY: HISTORICAL FINANCIAL ANALYSIS ASSIGNMENT INSTRUCTIONS_APA 7th Edition

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Case Study: Historical Financial Analysis Assignment Instructions

Overview

Case Study is on: domino’s pizza inc. (dmz)

Case Study: Historical Financial Analysis Resources

· Strategy Club (Links to an external site.)

· SEC.gov | HOME (Links to an external site.)

· SEC.gov | Filings & Forms

Complete a case study of ABC Corporation. You will find the case in the case section of the text. (Case Study is on: domino’s pizza inc. (dmz) )

A formal, in-depth case study analysis requires you to utilize the entire strategic management process. Assume you are a consult asked by the ABC Corporation to analyze its external/internal environment and make strategic recommendations. You must include exhibits to support your analysis and recommendations.

Instructions

Your Case Study: Historical Financial Analysis Assignment paper must include:

1. Historical Financial Statements (Income Statement, Balance Sheet and Statement of Cash Flows) from the 3 most current years for the firm. These should be downloaded from the SEC website. The financial statements must include horizontal (shown between the years) and vertical analysis (shown to the right of the last year of historical data).

2. Ratio analysis for the ratios shown on Table 1 in the Guide to Case Analysis (CA) of the textbook:

a. Profitability ratios

b. Liquidity ratios

c. Leverage ratios

d. Activity ratios

e. Price-to-earnings ratio

f. The changes between years are included in the calculations.

3. Competitor ratios to compare with the ratios that were calculated in item 2. These should be included on the same tab as the ratio analysis for the firm.

4. Financial analysis should include comparisons to the firm’s main competitor as well as to the industry. How does the financial position of the firm influence the strategic direction of the company? This section should not be used to define what each ratio is rather it should clearly provide analysis based on the calculations as to the strategic choices and implications of the firm’s financial position. A compare and contrast with the main competitor should be included in this section of narrative.

Options to Download SEC Financial Data into Excel Spreadsheets:

There are two ways to pull financial data in Excel format from the SEC site, depending on how recent the information is.

OPTION 1: For filings that are a year or two old

· Go to www.sec.gov.

o In the Filings & Forms box, click on Search for Company Filings.

o Then click on Company or fund name, ticker symbol, CIK (Central Index Key), file number, state, country, or SIC (Standard Industrial Classification).

o Enter either a company name or ticker symbol into the appropriate box. (Note: it may be easier to use a ticker symbol because this guarantees you have the right company.) Choose Find Companies.

  • On the next screen, select the appropriate filing or filter by       filing type (10-K).
  • Newer filings have two button options: Documents and Interactive       Data. Select Interactive Data       if that is an option.

  • Once in Interactive Data, select financial statements. A       drop-down box will appear in the left-hand column. Select the statement       that you want. Then, click View       Excel Document above the left-hand column.

 

OPTION 2: For older filings

  • Follow the steps in Option 1 to get to the company filing      screen. Since Interactive Data will not be available, click on Documents.
    • There will be several options. Find the link containing the full       filing. This is usually the first link but not always. For a 10-K filing       look for a link titled 10-K.

  • Open Excel. Click on the Data      tab in the ribbon and select From      Web, the second icon from the left.
    • A web browser will open up. Copy the link from the company 10-K       and insert it into the New Web       Query browser that opened up. Click Go to be taken to the filing. (Note: The browser sometimes       runs slow.)
    • Find the financial tables you wish to import. Above the tables       you should see a yellow box with a black arrow pointing to the right.       Click on each box corresponding with each financial table that you wish       to import. The box will turn green with a check mark.
    • Once all desired tables are selected, click the Import button at the bottom right       of the web browser.
    • You will be taken back into the Excel spreadsheet with an Import Data box open. To import       the data, select either a cell in the existing worksheet or New Worksheet and click OK.
    • Data will be uploaded into Excel. Note that this process does a poor job of formatting the tables.       Brackets indicating negativity and currency symbols are often placed in       adjacent cells, necessitating manual entry. For year-over-year analysis       across multiple filings be careful to ensure that financial sheet items       line up with one another.