...Finnish Project Management Championships 2010 Technical case Case OleanTek: scheduling, resourcing and costs for a new service business launch project OleanTek is a medium-sized technology-based firm with its core business in equipment and system deliveries for large engineering industry clients. Its three strategic customers have increasingly requested maintenance services after the actual equipment and system deliveries, and these services have so far been carried out by the side of other duties by the technical staff. OleanTek’s leaders have noticed that maintenance could be implemented also in the form of more strategic service business that could complement the company’s offering and generate important benefits to other customers, too. OleanTek has decided to invest in a new service business launch project to plan and test four basic service concepts concurrently: corrective maintenance, preventive maintenance, spare parts service, and modernization. The project starts with delimiting the service offering and ends with planning the broader service launch process; the actual marketing and broader launch of new services are excluded from the project. Paul Lander, the maintenance manager, has been selected as project manager for the project. He is well acquainted with OleanTek and its clientele already. Paul has noticed that it is very difficult to plan the project with detail as most of the tasks include a lot of uncertainty due to their ambiguous content and novelty and the...
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...Shui Fabrics: A Case Study Critical Analysis Executive Summary Managers of multinational organizations and joint ventures have to negotiate, operate, and develop strategic plans that adapt to the cultural differences in each environment. Cultural differences among the United States and China often shape the design and implementation of a strategic plan. To increase the probability of success for joint ventures, an understanding of each country’s sociocultural, economic, and legal-political differences is not only important but necessary. Introduction Shui Fabrics is a joint venture between Rocky River Industries based in Ohio and Shanghai Fabrics in China. Ray Betzell has been the General Manager of the China location for the past five years. The central issue in this case is that the president of Rocky River, Paul Danvers, is not satisfied with the profit that is being generated from Shui Fabrics. He would like to see an increase the company’s annual return of investment form 5 percent to 20 percent. Danvers’ suggestion is to reduce labor costs by laying off Chinese workers; however, he charges Betzell with coming up with options to increase efficiency. Identification of Stakeholder’s Problems, Goals, and Concerns Paul Danvers is the President of Rocky River Industries based in the United States. With respect to the GLOBE Project value dimensions, Danvers’ management style places a high value on assertiveness which directly affects how he communicates. His...
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...deal to Sunnylake to enhance its execution in managing with patients’ information, have got hackers’ assault. The CEO of Sunnylake hospital Paul got the blackmail constantly and is confronting a mind-boggling and irritating circumstance. The issues started with the claim from an unknown email, “your network security sucks, But we can help u. for 100K cash well insure your little hospital don't suffer any disasters” sent to Paul Layman, a five year CEO of the Sunnylake. The second issue was when Paul did nothing after he laughed at the email as “ridiculous” on Friday afternoon thinking his executive of IT Jacob Dale was more quick witted than “an extortionist who had not mastered basic typing skills”. The third issue was medical records could not be accessed on Monday morning by the doctors, nurses, and managers who required...
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...Ethics Reflection Paper Ethics and social responsibility are fundamental constituents in the creation of a strategic plan while bearing in mind stakeholder essentials. As such, ethics and social responsibility should be considered as an indispensable strategic priority within business organizations. Performances, actions, and ethical intentions of others are likely influential factors at any given time when decisions are made and also guided by principles of the business. Fair-minded organizations are the end result of individual personal commitment of the duty accomplished in the business. An ethical and respectable judging business experience in the work environment is linked to high performing cultures (Williams Institute). The decisions leaders make determine the work environment in which they operate. This paper will explain the role of ethics and social responsibility in developing a strategic plan, considering stakeholder needs, and explain how ethical perspective has evolved throughout the program. Ethics in Organizations An organization needs to adhere to ethics in order to effectively implement its mission, vision, and objectives in a way in which offers a solid foundation to management and their subordinates to properly develop and implement its strategies. By doing so, the organization as a whole is essentially subscribing to one commonality that directs all of the actions of the employees of the organization. Additionally, it assists in preventing such employees...
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...employees. Consumers are even impacted either positively or negatively based on the performance and execution of a HR department within an organization. Establishing Human Resources as a core competence in an organization is the root to a productive, profitable, and sustainable organization. Introduction Organizations are faced with challenges daily internally and externally. Economic collapses in local, national, and international markets can affect how an organization operates and how managers strategically plan for the future. The importance of organizational agility is pivotal when it comes to making adjustments in a constant changing environment. Its also essential to understand what works for the organization, what pieces are required, and how those pieces fit into the bigger scheme of things. Organizations must be conscious of the most consistent ways to be responsive, quick, agile, and able to adapt to changing demands in order to survive in todays business world. Surviving in a competitive environment requires a strategic emphasis on not only the customer but equally so, the internal customer (employee). An organization must be able to blend various structures in order to accommodate the needs of their internal customers and external customers. According to Burns and Stalker, two British management scholars; described the mechanistic organization. This form of organization in short words is structured to maximize internal efficiency. This structure is designed similar...
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...The Paul Olsen case describes the situation for a decision that Paul Olsen needs to make. Paul and Robert Rose devised a plan to open a piano bar in a new urban mall development in Pittsburg, PA. If successful, Paul and Robert would add a restaurant and café at the same location to grow their business. With three and a half months before opening, Paul did not have enough investors to fund the startup costs, so he needs to decide whether to invest all of his student loan money ($12,500) to maintain the timetable for the opening. Similar to the R&R case, the Paul Olsen case is about identifying risks and developing strategies to manage that risk. By controlling risk, Paul is able to minimize his exposure to potential losses if the business does not succeed. Paul’s history of running small businesses since he was a teenager definitely helped him negotiate favorable terms to mitigate some of that risk. For example, he signed the option for the space without having to pay a down payment, and he negotiated a favorable 15 year lease for a flat rate plus a percentage of revenue. Knowing his history, he likely negotiated favorable terms with the subcontractors building the piano bar as well. Paul and Robert also developed strategies to reduce their startup and operating costs. Instead of opening a restaurant, they decided to first open a piano bar. With cash flow from the bar, they could then add a restaurant and café in later years. They also minimized the remodeling...
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...Family Owned Business Estate Planning In this case study, as John’s financial advisor, I have been tasked with reducing, or eliminating the potential estate tax burden of John’s estate. Additionally, I am tasked with maximizing the amount of wealth transferred to John’s heirs. John, age 61, is married to Jane, age 60. He owns Victory Company, a family business professionally valued at $5.6 million. He and Jane have three children and seven grandchildren. One son, Paul, manages Victory Company and will someday own it. John's overall wealth is about $15 million. This includes the $5.6 million value of Victory Company, which nets $1.5 million before tax and after paying John a $300,000 salary plus liberal fringe benefits. After taxes, John earns about $400,000 to $600,000 more per year than he and Jane spend. The balance of John's wealth includes two homes (a main residence and a vacation home) worth a combined $2.7 million; $1.7 million in his 401(k) plan; cash assets and a stock and bond portfolio totaling $1.8 million; $2.9 million in income-producing real estate; and $300,000 in sundry assets. There also is $6.2 million in insurance on John's life that is now owned by an irrevocable life insurance trust (ILIT). This insurance includes a $1.2 million whole life policy and $5 million in 10-year term insurance with six years remaining in the term. Business This first thing I need to get a handle on is John’s company. The $5.6 million value of Victory Company represents over...
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...have a brief answer to the questions asked in each encounter. Legal Encounter 1 What liabilities and rights do NewCorp and Pat have in this situation? NewCorp have the rights to dismiss an employee at will; however, the company can be liable of wrongful discharge. Pat has the right to know the indication of the problem and to a corrective plan to improve his deficiencies before he is dismiss. What legal principles, such as statutory or case law, support those liabilities and rights? Employment at will is a doctrine supported by statutory law, and wrongful discharge is supported by case law. NewCorp hire Pat as a manager, Pat signed an agreement that show his understanding that NewCorp observed employment at will and it can discharge anyone without a motive; however, part of the contract had a provision that outlined the process for dealing with unsatisfactory employees, which consisted of the notice of unsatisfactory performance, and a corrective action plan. NewCorp has an express contract with Pat; the company promise pat that he had the right to have a notice of unsatisfactory performance, and a chance for a corrective plan to improve his deficiencies to...
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...Conduct informal meeting and prepare for formal meeting Submission details Candidate’s name | Angela Clyne | Phone no. | 07 5485 1631 | Assessor’s name | Alexis Surmon | Phone no. | +61 89265 9615 | Assessment site | Online | Assessment date/s | | Time/s | | The Assessment Task is due on the date specified by your assessor. Any variations to this arrangement must be approved in writing by your assessor. Submit this document with any required evidence attached. See specifications below for details. Performance objective Candidates are to demonstrate the skills and knowledge necessary to prepare for a meeting in accordance with organisational requirements. Assessment description For this assessment candidates are required to undertake an informal meeting and prepare for a formal meeting. These meetings can either take place in their workplace or in a simulated environment. Note: The work completed for this Assessment Task provides the basis for Assessment Tasks 2 and 3. Ensure you keep an electronic and/or hard copy of this completed assessment for future use. Procedure There are two pathways to complete this assessment: Pathway 1 is for students who are in the workplace and in a position where they can act as the chairperson for a formal meeting while at work. This meeting will need to be video-recorded and therefore cannot be about anything which the company deems to be ‘secret’. Pathway 2 is for students who are not in work or who are in work but not in...
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...Chapter 3: Medical Information Systems (Pg.89-91) Case Study Abstract Maggie Pressman, Paul Goldberg, and Steve Youngblood are equal partners in their own consulting business, which specializes in designing and installing computer-based information systems for physicians. Dr. Houser contacted Paul and asked if his consulting firm would be interested in submitting a proposal to upgrade the information system for the entire regional medical practice. The project included integrating the six offices and two pharmacies into one system; the physicians will eventually hire an information systems person to oversee the operation of the system. Dr. Houser wanted Paul’s firm to do it, rather than other large consulting firms, which had prepared a request for proposal with the help of the organization’s purchasing manager. However, the divergence existed among Paul’s group. Paul was enthusiastic about the opportunity, while Maggie moaned that she couldn’t spend any time helping with the proposal, and Steve said this project was too big to do for them. Significant Learning Points 1. Sometimes organizations identify several or many needs but have limited funds and people available to pursue potential projects to address all of those needs. In this case, the three partners must go through a decision-making process to prioritize and selected the project that would result in the greatest overall benefit. 2. Projects are identified in various ways by different organizations...
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...Date : October 11, 2013 To : Brothers Sam and Paul Livoria From : Dev Das Subject : Strategic Review and Recommendations INTRODUCTION This report examines strategic alternatives that would help owners of Livoria Sandwiches Inc. gain competitive advantage in a growing market, achieve its profitability target and maintain its strong reputation of having a high quality and unique product in the industry. This report provides an analysis of the company’s current situation, identify strategic issues and analyze strategic alternatives. These also provide recommendations as to courses of actions the brothers should adopt to reach their goal, and proposed implementation plan. CURRENT SITUATION Stakeholders Preferences: * Go franchising (Paul) * Enhance vegetarian menu (Sam) * Preserve quality and control (Sam) * Realize $1.1M net income by 2015 (both Paul and Sam) *Avoid using line of credit (both Paul and Sam) Constraints: * Cash * One supplier of all store requirements/ingredients * Bank requires $20,000 minimum cash balance at any given time * Number of hours work * Working space Environmental Scan : SWOT Analysis Exhibit 1 Current Financial Assessment - Lowest profit of .29% compared to industry wide due to $500,000 contingent liability booked in 2012. Removing this extraordinary item would result to 24% operating income which is higher than Dawkins industry benchmark - 52.93% highest Contribution margin than industry average ...
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...developed by Elder and Paul (2011) to and article by Nunn and McGuire (2010). The main purpose of The Importance of a Good Business Plan by Less Nunn and Brian McGuire is that the basis for any business is a sound business plan. “It is written to guide the business owner in how to develop and operate the business” (Nunn & McGuire, 2010). It also serves the purpose of attracting potential finance of startup or expansion. I believe that the key question that the author is addressing is how do we effectively plan for the future? In order to do this effectively your plan has to include four key elements: Strategic, operational, financial budgeting and forecasting. I would have to say that the Business Plan Format was the most important part of the article. It describes the various elements of the plan and what those sections should include. The main inferences in this article are the importance of a strong Management and Executive Summary to impress potential investors. The authors go on to state that the “characteristics of a good plan were that it was well written, organized into sections, and included detailed financial projections” (Nunn & McGuire, 2010). Key concept of this article is to develop strategic plans that will guide management with a road map to successfully running the business as well as give reassurance to investors that you will be a good custodian of their funding. The main underlying assumption is that the person writing this plan is indeed qualified to...
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...The website EEOC.gov should be a bookmarked site for any individual who is working as or plans to work as a manager in a business with more than one (i.e., the owner) employee. This website contains the information that the federal government expects companies and businesses to use and follow with respect to hiring, firing, and disciplining its employees. It explains disabilities, how to handle them, and when to use them in making hiring decisions. It also provides information about "protected classes," in which people must be a member before they can claim "discrimination." You should plan to visit the EEOC website during this week to help work through this ethical dilemma faced by Paul and Mary, two managers in the company in "The Lemon Tree." Read through the fictional dilemma, and then choose the subject of discrimination discussed therein, planning to debate the ramifications of that with your classmates and your instructor. Some of this seems obvious, but others aren’t as easy to determine as they seem. Your instructor will bring in new and different “twists and turns” as we go along. Read the dilemma, and then let's discuss. (The dilemma is found on the left tree, entitled "The Lemon Tree Dilemma." ) 1. What is one aspect of Title VII that has been violated by the company? 2. Which actions by the two employees that call their credibility into question are you allowed, as an employer, to consider? Or, what types of actions are you not allowed to use and why? Are there...
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...Date : October 11, 2013 To : Brothers Sam and Paul Livoria From : Dev Das Subject : Strategic Review and Recommendations INTRODUCTION This report examines strategic alternatives that would help owners of Livoria Sandwiches Inc. gain competitive advantage in a growing market, achieve its profitability target and maintain its strong reputation of having a high quality and unique product in the industry. This report provides an analysis of the company’s current situation, identify strategic issues and analyze strategic alternatives. These also provide recommendations as to courses of actions the brothers should adopt to reach their goal, and proposed implementation plan. CURRENT SITUATION Stakeholders Preferences: * Go franchising (Paul) * Enhance vegetarian menu (Sam) * Preserve quality and control (Sam) * Realize $1.1M net income by 2015 (both Paul and Sam) *Avoid using line of credit (both Paul and Sam) Constraints: * Cash * One supplier of all store requirements/ingredients * Bank requires $20,000 minimum cash balance at any given time * Number of hours work * Working space Environmental Scan : SWOT Analysis Exhibit 1 Current Financial Assessment - Lowest profit of .29% compared to industry wide due to $500,000 contingent liability booked in 2012. Removing this extraordinary item would result to 24% operating income which is higher than Dawkins industry benchmark - 52.93% highest Contribution margin than industry average - High...
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...BMGT 391/6980/Semester 1202 Decision-Making Scenario April 16, 2012 1. What are the issues in this case? List them in order of priority. Panning: Business planning helps you define an agreed route-map for your business. It identifies your key objectives for the next three-to-five years and how they will be achieved. A business plan gives directions and timelines in which to achieve your goals, and provides a guideline for your day-to-day operations and decisions. Sally Paul, rush into her decision, maybe getting nervous that she might lose her customers. Instead of analyzing her strategy, she made an irrational decision, which in many cases can lead to a bad decision. Her goals should had identify the areas of improvement, like an increase in sales or a reduction in costs, and any additional expenditure in order to achieve these goals. Training: If Sally had not rushed in her decision to expand and lower prices to attract customer to her store, she could have develop a training plan to adjust to increase in customers and sales. Phil Bearman, the maintenance supervisor, why is he in charge of the expansion of the parking spaces. Does he have training in architecture? Training should have been part of the business plan. Staffing: One of the problems with understanding the true value of employees is the way many managerial decision makers focus on saving money. Sally should have hired additional employees to cover the additional hours the store is now...
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