Research Korner: Research Proposal Examples

Research Proposal on Is Pay a Motivation for All Level of People?

Is Pay a Motivation for All Level of People? Introduction In the continuing efforts of the organizations to create a competitive advantage against their competitors and establish a strong relationship in the market, they tend to apply various motivational approaches that can increase the performance. People are considered as the most natural helpers or workers that maybe not perfect but can move according to what is being asked them to do. Based on the theories of motivation, there are many strategies that the leaders can use to satisfy the people’s needs for improvement. In addition, the quality of work is what being paid by the leaders. The continuous effort of the HR managers and organizational leaders in harnessing the professionalism out of the employees is one of then main targets of the business leaders.   Background of the Study and Problem Statement Although, there are many innovative ways that already established to improve the quality of performance that might contribute in the overall performance of the organization. Still, leaders are seeking to the most effective option that can be easily handled. Most of the actions being taken by the leaders are the motivational approach which increases the performance of an employee. However, the knowledge about the motivation is not enough unless it is proven effective by the organization.  The motivational approach suggests that employees should provide the expected effort from them according to what is being paid by the firm. On the other hand, what is the most effective way to increase the performance of an employee is through the use of payment.  Research Aim and Objectives The main aim of the study is to understand the motivational approach through the use of payment and as well as measuring its effectiveness in all the level of employees. There are three important objectives that can help the study achieve its aim. First is to have a deep understanding on the objectives or purpose of motivation. Second is to determine the various approaches being implemented by the leaders just to reach their expectancy on their employees. And last is to consult the perceptions of the employees regarding the payment as a motivational approach.  Literature Review Critically, the nature of motivation centers with the energy, direction, persistence and partial achievement in doing a certain work. There are different intention that portrays of each employee because of their uniqueness in terms of characteristics and bearing. Typically, a person enables to achieve their goals by fueling great enthusiasm towards it. Within the study of motivation, there is a wide concept which has been widely applied in both academics and professional world. The overall result of motivation is highly valued because of the positive implications that it promises within the organization. In a lighter way, motivation can be alike to the carrot and stick technique, wherein the leaders gives punishment and rewards to the people who are not focusing on their appropriate responsibilities. The organizational leaders embrace the truths that the people play their role within the workplace according to the factors that might affect them (Linnenbrink and Pintrich, 2002). Most of the previous studies pertaining to the motivational approach gave emphasized on the monetary rewards that can be the answer on the needs of an employee. The payment scenario is not entirely the total motivation for the employee but still proven effective to develop the potentials found among the individuals. The kind of payment being given by the organization is different among the compensation or standard payment the employees. In this matter, the organization should be prepared on the certain conditions that might be presented in the implementation of the monetary rewards. The challenge is now on the business and their ability to answer the stability of their financial matters because it is another expense that they must cover (Alexy and Leitner, 2007; Ghosh, 2007). Methodology The suggested method in the study is the use of the survey and interview within a typical workplace. Firstly, there should be a consultation in the population of the workforce regarding the existence of motivation and the influence that it created to increase their performance. The survey will be in a form of questionnaire using the Likert Scale to make it easier to the participants. The second phase of the method which is the interview will serve as a supporting documentary that will determine on how effective the motivational approach can be in the eyes of the managers. In addition, the use of payment as a motivational approach is not being set aside and which will be the center of the interview.    References: Alexy, O., & Leitner, M., (2007) “Norms, Rewards, and Their Effect on the Motivation of Open Source Software Developers”, Accessed 17 June 2010, from http://opensource.mit.edu/papers/Alexy_Leitner_-_Norms_Rewards_and_Their_Effect_on_the_Motivation_of_OSS_Developers.pdf Ghosh, R.A., (2007) “Study on the Economic Impact of Open Source Software on Innovation and the Competitiveness of the Information and Communication Technologies (ICT) Sector in the EU”, Accessed 17 June 2010, from http://ec.europa.eu/enterprise/ict/policy/doc/2006-11-20-flossimpact.pdf Linnenbrink, E., & Pintrich, P., (2002) “Motivation as an Enabler for Academic Success”, School Psychology Review, Vol. 31, No. 3

Research Proposal on Is Pay a Motivation for All Level of People?

Is Pay a Motivation for All Level of People? Introduction In the continuing efforts of the organizations to create a competitive advan...

Research Proposal on Predicting Stock Returns Using Regression Modeling

Predicting Stock Returns Using Regression Modeling Introduction There are many empirical studies in the stock return that shows economically and statistically relevant in forecasting the gains on its return. The prediction of the analysts is entirely based on their knowledge and past experiences in the stock exchange. Most of the analysts enjoyed the freedom to collaborate and explore the other opportunities in close prediction of the stock return especially when they are hired by the company. In a deep sense, a business analyst or an economist is not effective in the field of work if he or she did manage to forecast the future of the company.   Background of the Study and Problem Statement The composition of the regression modeling is said to be an advisable predictive tool which is also widely used in the professional business. Regression, according to the mathematical context is composed of variables that can help an individual or an analyst to predict the stock return of a corporation (2008). Based on that particular idea, the other elements of the stock market such are dividend are needed to be assessed in the attempt to develop a sound regression model. However, the question on how can analysts measure its usefulness in the stock exchange and global trading remains the center of the study.   Research Objectives The study has various objectives but only two are emphasized which is first, the attempt of creating a sound predictive regression model. And second, to deliver the created model as an effective predictor in stock return. The standard model is basically inspired by the changes happened in the business environment such as sudden economical trends which is a great burden not only on the analysts but as well as on the business leaders.  Research Questions The study provided certain questions in its journey toward the determination of predictive regression model. 1.      What is the importance of regression model when it is applied in the business setting? 2.      What are the proposed strategies to accommodate the need in predicting the stock return? 3.      What would be the factors that need to be considered in the formulation of an predictive regression model? Literature Review It is often argued that if stock markets are efficient then it should not be possible to predict stock returns. Using a simple regression model this means that none of the variables in the following stock return regression should be statistically significant (2004). The predictive regression model basically examines the evidences and afterward predicts in the excess of stock returns or for predicting the return in equities (1996; 2008). There are two types of regression which is the linear regression and multiple regressions that both utilized as an effective predictive tool in stock exchange. The stock market volatility is another considered factor or predictor of the future returns. Although there are other models that are available to use in predicting the stock return, the regression model is still recognized as an essential tool that measure the generated predicted results than of the other predicting models. It is now well known that if the predictor variables are highly persistent then, the predictive regression is considered biased and their limiting distribution is non-standard when the innovations of the predictor variable are correlated with returns. This is because of the dividend-price and earnings-price ratios while the innovations and the long-short interest rate ( 2008). Methodology The applied method utilized in the study is the comparative case study method that serves as an engine to keep the research to reach the highest positive answer to the main topic. The comparative case study method is an effective tool to review, examine, compare, and promote other better ideas in predicting stock return using the regression model. Significantly, the information gathered are suitable to the questions adhering in the main topic which is another advantage of the entire study. Analysis A robust regression method can be used in the approach that yields quite different conclusions than the currently accepted wisdom on the stock return. These results illustrate the important role that regression model plays in careful financial analysis and modeling, by providing modern methods. The regression models are subject in the analysts’ portfolio in determining the effective position of the company’s share in the stock market. Conclusion The regression model in business settings aims to change the calculation of the velocity of the return in the stock market as well as the equities. Furthermore, the business analysts are anticipated to look for a solution that can be easily derive to the predictions in the stock returns without enduring the crucial phases of computations.

Research Proposal on Predicting Stock Returns Using Regression Modeling

Predicting Stock Returns Using Regression Modeling Introduction There are many empirical studies in the stock return that shows econom...

Evaluate the strengths and weaknesses of the following strategic management tools and techniques. Show how to minimize the weaknesses of each.

Q1 Evaluate the strengths and weaknesses of the following strategic management tools and techniques. Show how to minimize the weaknesses of each. (a). Financial Ratio Analysis             Financial Ratio Analysis is a strategic management tools that helps managers to determine the trends in a particular business. This is done by comparing the average performance of other similar business types to that of the company being assessed. Aside from eternal comparison, companies applying financial ratio analysis also have to compare the performance ratio for the current year with that of successive years. One of the strengths of the financial ratio analysis is that it serves as an all-important early warning system that companies can use to determine any problems within the company that may result to losses if left unresolved. This means that the position of the company relative to that of the competition will provide are better picture of its performance than just looking at their financial statements.             However, the tool also has its downsides one of which is that the findings of the analysis will only provide answers to the “what” questions or it only provides quantitative data. This means the analysis goes only to the extent of determining what is wrong and does not provide any possible solutions. In order fort his weakness to be minimized, the user of the analysis have to pair it with another tool that will provide qualitative data. Doing so will provide a better picture of the companies position in the market. (b). Key Industry Success Factor Analysis                 Key industry success factors are elements that provide business with the advantage over the competition. This strategic tool allows management to identify three or more key success factors that are determinant of the financial and competitive success of the company within the industry. This means that this tool provides the how to details. It identifies the factors that need to be present in the company in order for the business to become successful. For example, companies in the manufacturing industry can determine developing stronger network of wholesale distributors as a means of gaining access to retail stores.             However, this kind of analysis also poses some weaknesses. One of which is the fact that possible success factors changes. This means that the applicable success factors of the previous year may not be the decisive factor for the current year. Business trends do change as well as the position of the company within the industry. Therefore, the findings of the key industry success factor analysis from previous years do not necessarily retain their relevance to succeeding years.             In order for the effects of this weakness to be minimized, it is being suggested that companies continuously perform the said analysis to gain additional information about the effects of the changing trends on the performance of the company. It is also recommended that this strategic tool be implemented along with other tool to determine the exact position of the company within the market and the industry. One such toll that can be paired with the key industry success factor analysis is the financial ratio analysis. (c). Macro-environmental Analysis                    The macro-environmental analysis aims to illustrate, analyze and understand thoroughly the impacts of the government, the economy and the changing societal attitudes have on the business.  This analysis is important since the laws of the land in which they are located govern the actions taken by business. They are also part of the society, which means that they affect the societal conditions both directly and indirectly.  The failure of the government to run the nation can prove to cause businesses to fail as well. Therefore, it is one of the macro-environmental analysis’ strength to allow businesses to plan their strategies based on the conditions of their surrounding making them closer to the market.             However, the Lucas critique suggests that the macro-environmental analysis is not a reliable form of analysis that business can use to formulate their business strategies. He further explains that quantitative policy instruments change. These policy instruments include tax, money supply and government spending. With this, the macro-environmental analysis cannot be used to analyze and predict the impact of the economic policies changes. This suggests that the tool is not applicable for projections or risk analyses.             In order to minimize the impacts of the tool’s downside, it is being suggested that the findings of the analysis be immediately put into use. It should not be used to make forecasts but rather to support current business activities. The premise of using this tool must be that the findings are valid until the variables as still in effect. (d). Porters Five Forces Model             Porter’s Five Forces Model implies that business are being influenced by five forces namely supplier power, threat of substitutes, buyer power, barriers to entry and rivalry. This model also implies that business must be able to understand the industry context in which they operate. This must be done in order to better design the strategy that the business will use to be able to compete with rivals within the same industry. It is important for businesses to determine the level of competition present within the industry. This will allow them to address potential risks before they even strike.             However, Porter’s Five Forces Model also has its disadvantages. It is important to note that the model was developed in the early 80s. This means that the global trend is very much different from today’s trends. Back then, the market structures are simple. Today, market structures are more complex and multiple interrelations are present. It is also the case the market is not static but dynamic. Therefore, Porter’s model will not be able to provide much meaningful advices regarding preventive actions.             To minimize the impact of the models weakness, it is being proposed that the model only be used in the preliminary stages of analysis. The findings of which will only be the basis of further analysis. This way the problems are still not as complex and the model will still be able to provide relevant information. It is important to remember that the more complex the situation the less Porter’s Five Forces Model will be. (e). SWOT Analysis             SWOT analysis is one of the widely accepted and used strategic tools. It is success is attributed to the fact that it is straightforward. This makes the tool easy and simple to use. The objective of the SWOT analysis is to determine the presence of factors that will help the business in achieving its goals as well as factors that will hinder its improvement both internally and externally. In doing the SWOT analysis, the company will be able to match the resources and their capabilities with the competitive environment.             On the other hand, there are those who believe that the simple way of analyzing business is already obsolete. There now exists practical objections to the tool like the fact that its simplicity drives people to use it sloppily, therefore producing useless results. It has also been argued that four point of the business is not enough to assess the organization’s position in the market. As stated in the previous pages. The market changed dramatically it is no longer static but dynamics. Relationships and structures are more complex than before.             The recommendations on how to minimize the impacts of the SWOT analysis’ weakness borders on the same line as the recommendations for Porter’s Five forces model. SWOT analysis is better to be used  when getting to know the company of when preparing case studies. Q2 Compare and contrast all the following strategic management concepts and provide examples, which highlight the differences. (a)               strategic fit and strategic stretch Strategic fit pertains to the matching of the company’s mission and resources with the demands of the market. This means that strategic fit aims to formulate a strategy based on the perceive ability and capability of the company. With this kind of strategy formulation, companies set realistic goals based on what they think they will be able to achieve provided the resources that they have at the moment. In contrast, strategic stretch thinks out of the box. Although, it also takes into consideration the resources and capabilities of the company it does not limit the possibilities on the perceived level of success of the company. In contrast, it creates a stretched connection between the resources and the objectives. This means that companies are driven to make ends meet in order to achieve the set goals. Often, innovation is the resulting action of strategic stretch. To better present the difference between fit and stretch strategies let us take the following example. A company implementing strategic fit will set increased profitability within the year as its objective, while a company implementing strategic stretch will set increased profitability and market share within six months on the basis that other companies, with the same size and nature, within the industry managed to do so. This example implies that the implementation of strategic stretch also takes into account the size and nature of the company in relation to the industry it operates. (b)              grand and emergent strategies Grand strategy pertains to the broadest possible formation of how the set objectives will be achieved given the presence of conflict. It organizes and directs all suitable and accessible resources including human, economic, political and even moral.  With the grand strategy, several limited strategies are present. These limited strategies are being applied to attain specific objectives in subsidiary phases of the general struggle.  There are basic limited strategies within the grand strategy – growth, diversification, retrenchment, integration, stability. Growth is applied when the company wants to create high levels of growth while retrenchment is adopted when the company needs to reduce its size or scope, diversification for expanding to new products or markets, integration for supply line stabilization and competition consolidation. Lastly, stability is adopted when the company wants to maintain its current performance, market and products. On the contrary, emergent strategy pertains to a pattern of action that has been developed by the organization in the absence or despite of their missions and goals. This suggests that emergent strategies border along the hand-me-downs of the organization as well as their history and habits of problem solving, decision-making and thinking. Emergent strategy does not necessarily put the organizations mission or goals in the middle of the planning. However, it manages to lead business towards one action instead of another.  This means that emergent strategy is based on the perceiving and acting patterns adopted by a specific organization. (c)               SBU and profit centre strategy A Strategic Business Unit is a division of a company whose missions and objectives are separate. They are also planned independently from the company’s other businesses. It is usually the case that SBU’s are a company’s product line or even an individual brand. This suggests that SBU is work independently from the mother company. They are at liberty to exercise command over the majority of strategic factors influencing their performance as a business. At times strategic business units encompass a whole company. However, there are also cases that they are just a smaller part of the company. Since they work independently and develop their own strategies, they often have their own competitors that are different from the rivals of their mother company. On the other hand, profit centre strategy is justifying how the portfolios of the business add to the bottom line of the company. This suggests that profit centre is unit of the company that has the ability of generating cash flow. However, it does not take the form of a decentralized unit like the Strategic business unit. It means that profit centres are still under the governance of the missions and goals of the mother company. (d)              new game and same game strategy New game strategy is defined as the conscious attempt to change the forces shaping the competition and/or the characterization of the business by specific competitors. This means that some actions or innovations taken by companies that later the phase of competition can be called as a new game strategy. This could include the creation and distribution of new products that have the potential of changing the purchasing trend and outlook of the market. For example, the telecommunications industry used to focus on analogue services and product. However, this changed with the introduction of digital media. By doing so, a new market base was created demanding new products and services. With the success of digital media, other telecommunications companies have no choice but to follow suit. The decision of other companies to follow suit means they used another strategy. It cannot be deemed that they used the new game strategy since they are not the once who caused the alteration of the nature of the competition as well as its phase. Therefore, the companies who followed suit used the same game strategy. This is the case because they used the same element used by another company. They did this with the hopes of experiencing the same success that their predecessors did.    (e)               core business and core competence Core business is defined as a business unit capable of delivering or generating cash flow. However, current performance is not the sole basis for declaring a unit as a core business. One other criteria of core business is that is has the capability of meeting future challenges based on its current performance. Therefore, a core business must have a proven product or service, a pipeline for up and coming products or services, supportive workforce and loyal or steady influx of customers to name a few. Based on the definition of the term abovementioned, it can be concluded that core business is the central profit-generating unit of the company. The survival of the company is dependent on the core business. On the other hand, core competencies pertains to the commitment to work beyond or across organizational boundaries. It can also be identified by applying a simple 1). is it a noteworthy source of  competitive differentiation? 2). Does it rise above one business? 3). Finally, will competitors find it hard to imitate? This suggests that core competency is one thing that a business can do better than the competition. It also ranges for product or service development to the dedication of the company’s employees. Examples of core competencies include Honda’s development of a wide range of quality products from lawnmowers to trucks and Volvo’s adherence to safety is also considered as a core competence. (f)                 key industry success factors and the company’s strengths Key industry success factors are defined as the factors that will help business to develop and advantage over their competitions. These factors are determinant of the financial and competitive success of the company within the industry. This implies that the presence of such factors within the business may translate to the success of the business. On the other hand, the strength’s of the company are the aspects of the business in which the company excels. However, these strengths do not necessarily means that they are advantageous over the competition. This is the case since the strengths of the company may be in the aspect of the business that is not key to the success of the enterprise. Although, company’s strengths are important to be developed, since they also contribute to the performance of the company, key industry success factors is better to be present since they are determinant in the position of the company in the industry. If company’s strength are also the key industry success factor than that company is sure to have an advantage over the competition. (g)              domestic and international strategy With the presence of the global market, businesses are occupied with the task of differentiating and formulating both domestic and international strategies. These two strategies are important in the success of the business since they ensure the presence of stable market for the company. However, these two strategies vary. Since this is the case, it is important to differentiate the two in order to formulate the appropriate strategy for a specific use. Domestic strategy pertains to the business actions that companies need to take in consideration of the local or domestic market. This means that domestic strategies are based on local variables like the demand of a specific market in a given country.  This means that domestic strategy is more attuned to local demands, which is important to meet most especially if the company is trying to establish its presence in that area.  One of the most familiar examples of domestic strategy is the one being advertised by HSBC. They claim that in order to success globally businesses must be established domestically. On the other hand, international strategy caters to the demands of the global market. It takes in to consideration the collective variables of various significant domestic markets in formulating its business strategy. This means that international strategy is more general compared to domestic since it must be able to sweep across cultural boundaries. Q3 About the following 3 companies, (about 3.5 pages each) (1)               A large fast moving consumer goods company operating globally in the down market low priced packaged noodle market The key factors in manufacturing packaged noodles are convenience, functionality, indulgence and safety of the food. Consumer are looking for products that they can easily prepare but will not compromise the quality of the food, of course, the products must also be declared safe from consumption. This means that if the business wants to experience growth, it needs to continue on delivering low cost product well improving the quality of their products. This may sound as an over kill for the company that will result to loss of profits. However, they can actually go about implementing this by utilizing the production capacity of the plant. Doing so can reduce the cost of production allowing them to divert some funds to research and development for example and formulate new products or innovations. In any market that is growing, there is bound to be competition and it should be expected that the competition would be tight. In using Porter’s five forces model, it will become evident that the buyers have the purchasing power to consume the products. However, the number of rivals present may pose a threat in the survival of the company. The company can consider the low prices as an advantage over the competition. This is the case since the consumers are populating a down market. This suggests that the company is able to yield to the demand of a specific market for goods that are within the reach of the consumers.  Nevertheless, this very advantage can also be used against the company, since it can be easy for competitors to lower prices in order to gain market shares within the down market.  When this happens, the company should turn to other key industry success factors to counter the influx of more competitors. This will give them the opportunity to develop there product in such a way that the consumers will have more gain in buying their product instead of going for the competitors’. For example, the company can manufacture no cook noodles. Doing so will meet the one of the key industry success factor that will allow them to gain advantage over their competition. The grand strategy that the company needs to implement is diversification.  Diversification is being adopted when a business wants to expand to new markets or venture to new products or product lines. The company must be able to realize that the success of industry means that more and more entrepreneurs will be encouraged to enter the same business. At the moment, there are no perceived difficulties in entering the packaged noodle manufacturing industry, most especially if the new comer wants to operate globally. Packaged noodles or food in general, are in the demand especially in third world countries. In some countries, instant noodles are staple part of the people diet. These products are relatively easy to prepare and the purchasing cost fits within the budget of even those below the poverty line. Packaged foods are also being distributed in times of emergencies like natural calamities. They are very easy to transport and they have long shelf lives making them a favourite donation item. With this in mind, the company can actually expand its product production and begin producing and distributing other kinds of packaged foods. Their current equipments will allow them to do most of the assembly line processes needed to complete the product. The company will only have to purchase specialized machineries, which means that the expansion cost will not be as big as opening  a separate business unit to handle the expansion. Because of this, the company will need to implement a new game strategy that will allow them to affect the phase of competition within the industry. For example, their new marketing strategy will have to focus on promoting the existing products and introduce the new products. They must ensure that the new products will still be associated with the qualities of the existing products most especially those that contributed to the popularity and profitability of the existing ones. This association can lead to market acceptance since consumers will be able to make the connection between the things that they like about the packaged noodle and the thing that they will be able to get if the purchase packaged foods from the same manufacturer. (2)               An intellectual property company in one of the bio-technology industries Any thought that the discovery of the Deoxyribonucleic Acid (DNA) started that biotechnology industry. The truth is that the basic purposes of the biotechnology industry today remain the same as it was 1000 years ago. The biotechnology industry ranges from food alterations to human and animal health care. This means that this industry is relatively stable since it caters to the basic needs of consumers, which are food and healthcare. However, this is not enough reason to be complacent and think that the industry will be able to offer limitless possibilities to all business. Even though, the industry is very lucrative, it is still up to the businesses to strategize and develop ways to maintain the profitability of their business.  For the biotechnology industry, it has been identified that human resources as well as product strategy are internal key success factors. However, these must be paired with external key success factors in order to deliver preferred results. External key success factors include infrastructure and national policies.  The ability of the company to research and develop technologies that will revolutionize the industry will be doomed to fail if not enough infrastructures are present to carry out the production and distribution of such technology. It is often the case the activities of private biotechnology companies need to access service provided by other technology. This suggests that interrelations are fostered within this industry. Because the welfare of the population is on the line, it is inevitable that the government be involved in the said industry. The policies that they pass regarding technology and research restriction can make or break any biotechnology company. Competition is tight in this industry. The growth in the number of patent application is one proof of this. Biotechnology companies are on a race to register as many discoveries or inventions as they can before anybody else can beat them to it. However, people are inclined to buy products that are trusted or have already proven their worth to the consumers. This means that newcomers will have a relatively hard time of gaining market shares and they would have to invest more in building their reputation. Given the constantly changing trends in the biotechnology industry, companies must ensure that they will be able to catch up with the bandwagon. Technological breakthroughs appear like mushrooms almost everyday and the consumers perception of their biotechnological needs also changes constantly, for these reasons, a biotechnology company’s sustainable advantage is their ability to adapt with the changing times. Highly competitive and reliable human resources are needed for this to be realized. This is the case since the biotechnology industry thrives on innovation. They are profitable as long as they are able to make improvements that the consumers will accept as for their own good. In world plagued by disease and mutating viruses, people turn to the research and development team of biotechnology companies to make the necessary medicines to counter the effects of the drugs or bacteria on the human body.   Therefore, one of the greatest assets of biotechnology companies are their people most especially those involved in the process of discovering or inventing products and services. In addition, further innovation is one of the possible retaliation of competitors. Rival companies will work to outwit the products or services of the company. This means that the company must work continuously to ensure that the will be ready with newer and better options for the public in case the competition comes out with new products.  The need to satisfy the thirst for innovation will be the best characteristics that biotechnology companies can acquire. Their employees must be dedicated to answering questions that will help people live in better world. It is being suggested that the company implement the stability grand strategy. By doing so, they will be able to further the establishment of their reputation within the industry. Stability aims to maintain the current performance of the company as well as retain their current market and product. It may sound contradictory to the nature of the industry, which is based on innovation.  On the contrary, it was stated that the company would maintain the performance and market. This means that the company will continue on producing and distributing existing products. However, they should continue there research and development programs so that when the time comes that the company can expand into new ventures, they will be ready with new products and services to offer their consumer base. The use of stability as a grand strategy suggests that the biotechnology company will be using the same game strategy. This is the case, since the company will not be taking actions that will alter the forces affecting the competition, at least not yet. At the moment, the biotechnology company will continue to harness its employees and acquire more intellectual property that they use later on. (3)               An overseas DVD producer entering the Australian market At the end of 2004, sales of DVD players in Australia reached 1 million. Locally the players can now be bought for $60.  In the United States, it has been estimated that more than 5 billion DVD titles have been sold to date. In addition, it was also mentioned that Australia is 2 years behind the United States on this matter. This suggests that the DVD production in the have more room to grow and DVD producers still have great chances of striking gold if they enter Australian market today. The key success factor of this business is believed to be in the product that they produce. The versatility of the DVD makes it a magnet of consumers. The product allows consumer to carry all the files they need in one disc. Contrary to popular belief, DVDs are not just for movies. It can also hold data files.  The ability of the product to hold a significant amount of data files also makes it ideal for every kind of consumer from students, business people and even movie buffs. Given the demand for the product in both the main stream and the underground market, DVD producers are now mushrooming.  The proliferation of manufacturers has even been accused of being one of the reasons for rampant piracy of both movies and music. The great number of DVD producers can be explained by the relatively low start up cost of the business. In addition, DVD producers do not stop with just producing blank DVDs.They also offer authoring services as well as designing the cover of the DVD. This means that entering the DVD production industry mean that the company have the potential of establishing a number of core business. In turn, these core businesses will be able to generate more profit for the parent company. On the other hand, the number of producers is a reflection of the number of patrons of the products. The proliferation of DVD producer also suggests that many people are demanding DVDs. The high demands for the product can offset the effect of the number of present competition. Like in the case of the biotechnology company, the sustainable advantage of a DVD producing company lays at its capacity to initiate innovation or at least welcome it. DVD is a technology based product, which means that it has the potential of going obsolete as long a new and better storage media has been introduced to the market. The introduction of the next wave of storage media can be the competitor’s retaliation. The only counter strategy that the company can do about it is to produce the same product and adopt a same game strategy or research and developed their own and better storage media that would make the competitions product obsolete. If the company opts for the latter, they need to implement a new game strategy. In a technology based, it is always better to adopt a new game strategy. This way the company will be assured that they will be one of the leaders of the industry since they have the capability of altering the forces of competition. This means that they have the power to set the standards of the industry.

Evaluate the strengths and weaknesses of the following strategic management tools and techniques. Show how to minimize the weaknesses of each.

Q1 Evaluate the strengths and weaknesses of the following strategic management tools and techniques. Show how to minim...

Research Proposal : How can sick abuse be managed effectively?

Sick Leave Abuse in the Workplace   Sick leave is one thing that every employee needs and is approved and mandated by work related laws and such using of employees’ sick leave options leave abuses occur along the way and the  central question for this research will have to be, ‘How can sick leave abuse be managed effectively?’, this pertains to the workplace. There are several factors affecting sick leave and why employees resulted into such abuses of the privilege known for, management of sick leave is effective if there can be available information from official statistics and descriptive studies on association between demographic background factors and sickness absence, evidence on the causal relationship between these factors and sick leave is lacking. There was moderate scientific evidence that the amount of sickness absence is influenced by the design of the social insurance system, but insufficient evidence on the magnitude of change required to influence the level of sickness absence (Allebeck and Mastekaasa, 2004 p. 49). The possible consequences of sick leave can be measured at different levels in society and to focus on consequences from perspective of sick-listed individual as noted, sick leave may have positive and negative consequences for employee, such as regarding disease, health, working life, social life, lifestyle and emotional aspects. The lack of relevant studies is most striking observation from review of studies on the consequences of being sick listed (Vingård, Alexanderson and Norlund, 2004 p. 207).   There has been concern regarding abuse of sick leave by school employees as suggestions have been offered for reducing the abuse of sick leave both within education and industry. Reviewing of 4 to 6 research studies that evaluate plans for reducing sick leave abuse among various categories of employees. Thus, paid sick leave serves to relieve any possible economic burden on professional employee who is ill, protect school children from the necessity of being exposed to a teacher with an illness which might be communicated to them, and obviate the problem of teachers performing at a low level of proficiency by reason of an incapacitating illness. However, there are occasions on which healthy employees take leave of their duties for other than reasons of sickness but attribute their absences to personal illness. According to review in literature, there have been categories of plans being devised to prevent such misuses of sick leave provisions such as offering of rewards or bonuses for not using sick leave, elimination of psychological and medical reasons for sick leave abuse. Studies pertaining to categories will be described as well as methods that attempt to eliminate reasons for sick leave abuse. The need to specify that discipline as a result from repeated sick leave abuse and misuse, keeping policy flexible, determining if and why employees exploit leave policies is important. Just as an employer analyzes turnover, the organization should also look at sick leave abuse trends. Is leave usage higher in one department or under particular supervisor? Are workplace practices or policies affecting absences? Do children’s illnesses in turn lead to employee's time-off? Finding the root cause of sick leave abuse problems helps in addressing core issues.  Methods for monitoring sick leave abuse vary from one organization to the next, but there are some common guidelines employers can follow (Heathfield, S. Sick Leave Abuse: A Chronic Workplace Ill? Encourage Appropriate Sick Leave Use. About.com). -          Recognize the problem with sick leave abuse and intervene early before it escalates. Managers need to enforce sick leave policies and take appropriate action -          Find out why the employee is abusing leave. Talk to employees who are abusing leave and see if their behavior stems from personal problem -          Learn to say "no, do not allow employees get away with abusing leave policies -          Use procedures, regulations, practices and knowledge to benefit management as well as the employee. Supervisors and managers must work with employees, make certain that all employees are aware of sick leave policies and how to use them Issues -          The one reason why employees take sick leave is because they are ill and unfit to come to work -          Some employees take sick leave when they are not genuinely sick   Options -          Cashing out of paid sick/personal/carer’s leave entitlement -          Adopt “family-friendly” initiatives -          Offer incentives for employees to come to work rather take time-off on sick pay -          Encourage firms and organizations to adopt strategic absence management strategies Sick leave is necessary benefit for all employees. If an employer didn’t offer sick leave, they would accelerate health problems and the spread of illness, thereby lowering productivity and morale. Despite the pressure for perfect attendance to improve customer service and efficiency, employees need equitable sick leave programs for security and overall high performance. Yet, some organizations suffer from sick leave abuse, and sick leave abuse translates into lost dollars. Pattern of abuse with regard to sick leave does refer to employees who have violated the organization’s attendance policy on numerous occasions. In order to confidently discipline employees with attendance problems, legal experts say the best bet is to have clearly written policy that specify organization standards and employee requirements.       References Chapter 5. Risk factors for sick leave – general studies Peter Allebeck; Arne Mastekaasa Scandinavian Journal of Public Health, 1651-1905, Volume 32, Issue 5, Supplement 63, 2004, Pages 49 – 108   Chapter 9. Consequences of being on sick leave Eva Vingård;  Kristina Alexanderson; Anders Norlund Scandinavian Journal of Public Health, 1651-1905, Volume 32, Issue 5, Supplement 63, 2004, Pages 207 – 215

Research Proposal : How can sick abuse be managed effectively?

Sick Leave Abuse in the Workplace Sick leave is one thing that every employee needs and is approved and mandated by work related laws...

Squaring the Welfare Circle

1. In relation to welfare provision, why do you think that Brittan argued that there is “systematic upward bias to expectations” . How are VIAGRA, Higher Education and neonatal care examples of this?             In 1960s, the adverse effects of too much government expansion and spending in social services are felt in the form of declining in economic performance and rising standards of living.  Upward bias was believed to aggravate these adverse effects instead of solving income inequality and poverty.  The government afforded to provide social services despite financial bottleneck primarily because of expected returns of “good deeds” and its effect in the next election for every candidate.  Politicians are viewed as opportunistic being in such a way that they used public money to obtain the sympathy of the voters.  However, as they do this, the scope of welfare provision took over the capability of private sector to compete, stimulate consumption and wages and provide competitive services in which government services often lack.  Neonatal care, which is very crucial as it involves child patient, should receive the most advance technologies for fast recovery and unquestioned due diligence in the part of medical practitioners.  This should not be undermined due to political ideologies and future benefits of some individuals.       2. Describe what you understand by the concept of “Squaring the Welfare Circle”?               It can mean how the government funds welfare provisions.  To be able to fit the circle into the square, the latter should have a larger surface area than the former.  Unless the government will opt to collect higher taxes or obtain external debt, the square should be self-supporting.  The government can adopt income-based model in which the circle is adjusted to the square.  By doing this, it can reduce the need for dependency in other sources except on its own resources.  However, due to the political structure of UK government in 1960s, the circle had come to the point of circling the square.  This of course is an unlikely situation.  In simple terms, the public is consuming more than it can chew.  This can either result to swallowing the whole food or leave the uneaten ones until they expire.  The question here is that is the public satisfied with the available food being supplied by the government?  How about with inferior quality or other negative effects of post-consumption?  In effect, the circle should be within the square not only for the sake macro-factors but more importantly for the sake of the freedom of micro-factors.           3. Provide one or two examples of how the concept applies to your experience of welfare and taxation. For example as a student, a parent, a patient, someone is working in the public sector etc.               Public services are oftentimes cheaper than private ones.  This is the subsidy being applied by the government as a way to offset the tax being paid by the citizens.  For a student enrolled in public schools, not only monetary subsidies are being held, but more significantly, their right to express their views in terms of new or modified school policies like tuition fees.  They are under the extension of the government’s subsidy in its welfare provision.  However, in times of recession, this can lead to students overpopulating public schools for the purpose of exploiting minimal fees or expressing their disgrace to the present government.  Would the circle still be beyond the square dimensions if the outcome is both monetary and non-monetary jeopardy for the government?  In the same manner, a patient may face the same implications of circle beyond the square scenario.  The cheap hospital services provided by NHA program will drive private ones from operations, probably due to price discrimination of the former.  In effect, the patient is left with minimal choices of public hospitals that are oftentimes having sub-optimal level of service.  No body wants their health to be simply judged by savings particularly when most of the population can afford a more service-oriented approach to health.  Thus, another review for government to pump-prime the economy and not become the economy.                      4. Summarize either the left wing or the right wing critique of the welfare state that emerged during 1970s?               The left wing blame the fall of manufacturing industry due to excessive public spending.  This is associated with  earlier prediction that a rise in public expenditure leads to economic problems.  Further, it is dubbed as discouragement for private investments and fall of profits with simultaneously increasing wages and taxes.  There is also minimal control on the mobility of workers to transfer to service sector, thus, weakening the production capability of the country.  On the other hand, the right wing critique combined the shortfall of welfare state in both political and economic lenses.  In effect, it does not only address the increasing bargaining power of labor unions but more importantly the over reliance of the public to the government.       5. Why do you think politicians consider it important to attempt to Square the Welfare Circle and create an affordable welfare state?               Politicians are responsible for the general welfare of the public particularly in the areas of security, education, health, housing and other public infrastructures.  However, private decisions should not be curtailed by the government since people have their own value judgments that are not parallel to those what the government prioritizes.  Thus, squaring the circle is necessary to weight the benefits and costs of public expansion or contraction.  It will not only create affordable welfare estate, but more importantly, those which directly satisfies the need of the people.  If the economy is in boom, it is unlikely to demand public service due to price rather private service due to quality.         6. What do you think are the implications of this debate for youth & community work?               The debate affects youth because they are the future leaders of the country.  It will stimulate their decision-making capabilities due to present experience.  It will also provide them enough inputs on how to address public needs with an specific amount of budget in order to prevent adverse effects of welfare provision against the private sector.  For the community workers, this will aid the scope of their public service participation.  This can be the third sector that serves as the bridge of public and private agencies.  They can be the best tool to limit government intervention due to strong private investments or otherwise.  Being in the middle, they can serve as expansionary risk hedgers.

Squaring the Welfare Circle

1. In relation to welfare provision, why do you think that Brittan argued that there is “systematic upward bias to expectations” . How ar...

A New Approach to Rural Development: Adaptation of Austria’s Village Renewal to China

A New Approach to Rural Development: Adaptation of Austria’s Village Renewal to China 1.0 Title             The working title of the research was initially drafted as: A New Approach to Rural Development: Adaptation of Austria’s Village Renewal to China. This paper presents a proposal to research, explore and study the application of Village Renewal of Austria in Rural Development in China. In this proposal, the concepts and ideas about Village Renewal and Rural Development will be discussed briefly as well as the information about the implementation process of the study. 2.0 Background of the Study             Currently, China is undergoing massive changes in its economic performance and condition. China is considered as the fastest growing economy in the world, and considered as the third largest economy in the world after USA and Japan. This rise and growth is considered as phenomenon because the country can be considered as “sleeping” for a long time. One of the important strategies being implemented in the country is to improve the infrastructure and condition in the rural areas. This focuses on improving the living conditions in the rural areas, which consequently help in order to narrow the gap between the rural and urban lives (Holcim Foundation n.d.). With this, Beijing, China is considered as one of the first places in China where in Village Renewal was applied. Village renewal was adapted from Austria. The movement of Village Renewal is considered as a story of success in Lower Austria which started in 1984 with 4 pilot villages. Thus, currently, it is considered as the biggest initiative of the citizens that have existed in the country (Dorf & Stadt n.d.).             The main direction of Village Renewal in Lower Austria is to improve and strengthen the local communities. The participation of many members of the communities in the planning processes and the steps in implementing the plans help to improve the standard of quality of the projects together with the high level of acceptance from the citizens (Raumordnung-Noe n.d.).   3.0 Objectives of the Study             The main aim of the study is to evaluate and assess the application of Austria’s Village Renewal in China rural development in Beijing. In connection, the following are the specific objectives of the study: <ul style="margin-top: 0in; margin-bottom: 0in" type="disc"> 	<li class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; line-height: 200%; margin-bottom: .0001pt"> 	 	to analyze the perceptions of the citizens towards Village Renewal;</li> 	<li class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; line-height: 200%; margin-bottom: .0001pt"> 	 	to describe the advantages and benefits of Village Renewal for the citizens’ 	lives; and</li> 	<li class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; line-height: 200%; margin-bottom: .0001pt"> 	 	to present the advantages and benefits of Village Renewal to the overall 	economic and social condition of the community.</li> </ul> On the other hand, the following are the hypotheses of the study: <ul style="margin-top: 0in; margin-bottom: 0in" type="disc"> 	<li class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; line-height: 200%; margin-bottom: .0001pt"> 	 	Village Renewal helps to improve the overall infrastructure, structure and 	design of village in Beijing;</li> 	<li class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; line-height: 200%; margin-bottom: .0001pt"> 	 	Village Renewal had helped the living conditions of citizens in terms of 	economic and social aspects; and</li> 	<li class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; line-height: 200%; margin-bottom: .0001pt"> 	 	Village Renewal had helped to improve the cooperation and responsiveness of 	the citizens towards changes and development in the society.</li> </ul>                   4.0 Methodology 4.1 Data Collection             Survey questionnaire, interview and observation will be used in this study in order to gather primary data. This will focus on the perceptions, acceptance, benefits and advantages of Village Renewal based on the perspectives of the citizens. 4.2 Sample Frame             The sample frame of this study will be from one of the village in Beijing China. First, the name of individual villages will be listed in piece of paper, and based on this, the village where the study to be implemented will be drawn. Then 60% of the entire population (18 and above years old) will be surveyed and observed. 4.3 Data Analysis The data results of the study will be analyzed by determining their corresponding frequency, percentage and weighted mean. The following statistical formulas will be used:   1.         Percentage – to determine the magnitude of the responses to the questionnaire.             n % = -------- x 100            ;           n – number of responses             N                                  N – total number of respondents   2.         Weighted Mean             f1x1 + f2x2 + f3x3 + f4x4 + f5x5 x = ---------------------------------------------;                                     xt where: f – weight given to each response             x – number of responses             xt – total number of responses 4.4 Timetable 	 		 		 		  		 		 		 		June 		 		 		 		July 		 		 		 		August 		 		 		 		September 	 	 		 		 		 		1 		 		 		 		2 		 		 		 		3 		 		 		 		4 		 		 		 		5 		 		 		 		6 		 		 		 		7 		 		 		 		8 	 	 		 		 		 		Problem 		 		 		Identification 		 		 		 		  		 		 		 		  		 		 		 		  		 		 		 		  		 		 		 		  		 		 		 		  		 		 		 		  		 		 		 		  	 	 		 		 		 		Literature 		 		 		Review 		 		 		 		  		 		 		 		  		 		 		 		  		 		 		 		  		 		 		 		  		 		 		 		  		 		 		 		  		 		 		 		  	 	 		 		 		 		Research 		 		 		Design 		 		 		 		  		 		 		 		  		 		 		 		  		 		 		 		  		 		 		 		  		 		 		 		  		 		 		 		  		 		 		 		  	 	 		 		 		 		Choice of 		 		 		Methodology 		 		 		 		  		 		 		 		  		 		 		 		  		 		 		 		  		 		 		 		  		 		 		 		  		 		 		 		  		 		 		 		  	 	 		 		 		 		Data 		 		 		Sources 		 		 		 		  		 		 		 		  		 		 		 		  		 		 		 		  		 		 		 		  		 		 		 		  		 		 		 		  		 		 		 		  	 	 		 		 		 		Data 		 		 		Collection 		 		 		 		  		 		 		 		  		 		 		 		  		 		 		 		  		 		 		 		  		 		 		 		  		 		 		 		  		 		 		 		  	 	 		 		 		 		Data 		 		 		Analysis 		 		 		 		  		 		 		 		  		 		 		 		  		 		 		 		  		 		 		 		  		 		 		 		  		 		 		 		  		 		 		 		  	 	 		 		 		 		Writing up 		 		 		Draft 		 		 		 		  		 		 		 		  		 		 		 		  		 		 		 		  		 		 		 		  		 		 		 		  		 		 		 		  		 		 		 		  	 	 		 		 		 		Editing 		 		 		 		  		 		 		 		  		 		 		 		  		 		 		 		  		 		 		 		  		 		 		 		  		 		 		 		  		 		 		 		  	 	 		 		 		 		Final 		 		 		Document 		 		 		 		  		 		 		 		  		 		 		 		  		 		 		 		  		 		 		 		  		 		 		 		  		 		 		 		  		 		 		 		  	 	 		 		 		 		Binding of 		 		 		Document 		 		 		 		  		 		 		 		  		 		 		 		  		 		 		 		  		 		 		 		  		 		 		 		  		 		 		 		  		 		 		 		  	           5.0 References Dorf & Stadt, Village Renewal, http://www.dorf-stadterneuerung.at/ (Accessed on 15 June 2010). Holcim Foundation, Measuring Up to the Criteria of Sustainable Construction – “People”, http://www.holcimfoundation.org/ (Accessed on 15 June 2010). Raumordnung-Noe, Village Renewal in Lower Austria, http://www.raumordnung-noe.at/ (Accessed on 15 June 2010).

A New Approach to Rural Development: Adaptation of Austria’s Village Renewal to China

A New Approach to Rural Development: Adaptation of Austria’s Village Renewal to China 1.0 Title The wo...