Implementing Management Changes in BMW Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 3000 words

Implementing Management Changes in BMW - Essay Example Implementing Management Changes in BMW Abstract Change is inevitable in any organization to gain competitive advantage over others in the industry. Planning and implementing organizational changes is no easy task as re-engineering a company is a great challenge for its leaders. This research paper will explore the various stages of changes, leadership requirements and employee co-operation necessities required to make any major change in an organization a success. The German automobile doyen BMW is chosen as the platform of the research. The paper begins with a literature review available regarding organizational change. It continues to explain the challenges faced in BMW while implementing the strategies discussed practically. A research is done by collecting feedback from the employees on how effective they consider change management is. A conclusion which provides recommendation on change management is presented at the end. Introduction The ever increasing competition in the autom obile industry forces all the major brands to re-structure their marketing and management strategies to gain maximum profit. These changes started to occur in the early 1980's in companies like Ford and General Motors. The automobile industry then considered it as a survival strategy rather than a tool to gain competitive advantage (Shimokawa, 1994). Organizational change management started to gain widespread momentum after the recent economic downturn. Several companies like Ford followed the path of massive downsizing while a few companies like BMW which implemented organizational change in an effective way were able to maintain their profits without cutting down their manpower even during the grimmest times. They searched for new markets and introduced premium cars at a low cost, by establishing production houses in countries like China and India to control production costs. BMW is the only premium car maker to produce and market BMW 3-series and 5-series models in China locally. They have invested over 459 million Euros in a Chinese plant producing their MINI series cars which will be marketed in China alone. They have joined hands with Brilliance China Automotive Holdings Ltd to do the same (Welch, 2004). Taking a closer look at their change management strategies will help other companies manage similar situations effectively. Purpose of the Study The study analyzes how BMW can use organizational change and management effectively to stay as a dominant force in the market and keep expanding constantly. It also highlights certain successful change management processes followed in BMW. Limitations of the study The research relies heavily upon various external data available in the internet and other related sources. The employees who took part in survey showed little understanding of the explained concept. The line managers and the upper management view organizational change as something inevitable that will be imposed during grim situations. They look back to switching to older methods of working rather than looking upon the concept of organizational change as a tool of growth. This attitude makes them contribute very little to research regarding organizational change. There is a general hostility prevailing among the employees regarding any change as they feel it hard to come out of their routine and adapt to new practices. Literature Review Automobile industry operates under immense pressure today. The business market has changed enormously after globalization due to very strong competition, amazing

The Arrangement of the Genes Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words

The Arrangement of the Genes - Essay Example The only thing keeping us safe from them is our immune system. Our innate immune system (e.g. skin, mucous membranes, sneezing, blinking, excretion of waste, etc.) is the first responder and is responsible for most of the pathogens we encounter everyday. For the uncommon pathogens, we rely on our adaptive immune system to quickly develop and combat new and rare pathogens that the innate immune system cannot handle. That aside, it also changes itself to be prepared for a repeated attack by the same organism. It is amazing to think about how many harmful organisms are repelled again and again by this system that continuously changes to keep us safe. Some of the key players in our adaptive immune system are our T cell antigen receptors (TCR). They are ‘highly variable antigen-recognition structures’1 whose job is to recognize antigens and activate the appropriate lymphocytes to combat them. Since the TCRs are antigen-MHC compound specific and insoluble at the same time, iso lating them was very difficult until scientists started using clonotypic monoclonal antibodies.2 With this method, they were able to determine that the TCRs were heterodimers of 2 sets of chain genes: the ?:? and the ?:? chains. The two have similar structures, but they detect different antigens. The ?:? is the most common (90-99%) while the ?:? is the minority (1-10%). 3 The former detects antigens presented with Major Histocompatibility Complex (MHC) while the latter doesn’t need MHC to detect certain antigens. The genetic structure of the TCR is similar to that of the immunoglobulins (Ig) in B cells. It is composed of Variable (V) and Constant (C) regions. The variable region contains Variable (V), Joining (J) and Diversity (D) segments depending on whether the chain is a light or heavy immunoglobulin (or an ? or ?, or a ? or ? chain for a TCR). In heavy immunoglobulin chains, VDJ gene segments join together randomly, while in the light chains (Lambda and Kappa), they only have V and J segments to join. Combinatorial association in B cells further increases variability by giving the ability to create ‘any one possible heavy chain and any one possible light chain’ in all individual B cells.4 Because of the large number of possible gene rearrangements, the structure of Ig or TCR genes is virtually unique for each B or T lymphocy te.5 Figure 1 T-cell receptor ?- and ?-chain gene rearrangement and expression6 Since T cells also have antigen receptors like the immunoglobulin, they also have a similar process of gene rearrangement and expression. In Figure 1, we can see an ?- and ?-chain rearranging and coming together to form a TCR. The ?-chain gene rearrangement is similar to the light chain because they do not have a D? to combine. The ?-chain is also similar to the heavy chain because it combines V?, D? and J? gene segments. The less common ?- and ?-chains are structurally similar to the TCR?- and ?-chains, but with a few changes. The ? chain is found inside the TCR? chain, between the V? and the J? gene segments. This arrangement causes a loss of ? chain whenever the TCR?-chain rearranges, since any segments in between V? and J? will be deleted. The ?-chain is similar to the TCR?-chain in that it has V, D, and J segments. The ?:? receptors are largely a mystery to scientists as of the moment.7 One of the f ew things determined to be true is the fact that they can detect non-classical major histocompatibility complex class I molecules T10 and T22.8 Combinatorial association further increases the variability, making it possible to have a unique genetic arrangement for every T cell receptor. Figure 2 The numbers of human T-cell receptor gene segments and the sources of T-cell

Revenge in the Contemporary Society Assignment Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words

Revenge in the Contemporary Society - Assignment Example Shakespeare presents two pieces of artwork of Titus and Titus Andronicus who appears as a sordid tale of bloodthirsty revenge in political turmoil. The pieces of work present a turbulent scenario characterized by massive blood flows and unthinkable brutality. In the process of affecting the revenge, countless murders are reported, rape and terrible actions of fierce mutilation. Generally, the characters in both pieces of work of Titus Andronicus are the Romans and the vital captives that found their way to the Roman Empire after the ten-year war with the Goths. This integrated the Goth’s queen, Tamara, and her family members who were the painful bearers of the cold brutal murders, hence, creating the theme of revenge (Shakespeare 232). Shakespeare presents this theme as a plot in one of his earlier works which do not appear to be popular as the pieces of work are viewed as excessively violent which, in my opinion, appear to be the best setting for the theme. The story is quite powerful and juicy as moving though is not that dynamic as one may wish a player to be. Titus Andronicus is a Roman general, who is in charge of a leadership position in the army that fights the Goths and defeats them in cruel and bloody war. Before the war is finished Titus wants to execute the son of the queen of Goths, Tamara, who pleads for the mercy for her son as it is normally said that the pain of childbirth should be enquired from the mother. Titus though defies the pleas of the mother and goes ahead to kill Tamara’s son anyway (Shakespeare 157). After the bloody killing of Tamara’s sons by Titus, the queen swears to revenge on Titus’ kingdom and initiates a total bloodbath.  

Shell Canada Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words

Shell Canada - Essay Example The company specializes in the production and sale of a number of products including natural gas, crude oil, solvents, diesel fuels, gas, ethane, butane, asphalts, propane, lubricating oils, greases, sulphur, gasoline and natural gas liquids, just to name but a few. Shell also provides a number of services which include refining, marketing, and transporting petroleum products (Shell Canada Limited, 2007). Value chain Shell’s value chain refers to all the activities that take place in the company with the aim of increasing customer satisfaction while managing cost of production effectively. In this regard, Shell has three key value chain components, including fuel supply, customer support, and maintenance. As such, once the petroleum products have been produced, Shell ensures that they are transported to the customers efficiently and timely. In addition, the company has an efficient customer support team whose mandate is to ensure that customer’s demands are met. The maintenance component of Shell’s value chain is concerned with ensuring that the plant and transport facilities are in good condition to enhance the production and supply of products to the customers (Shell Canada Limited, 2007). Competitors Shell Canada operates in a very competitive business environment. In fact, most of its strategies are aimed at ensuring that it competes favorably with other players in the industry. Currently, Shell Canada has three major competitors, which include Imperial Oil Limited, Suncor Energy Inc., and Canadian Natural Resources Limited. This company poses the greatest threat to Shell Canada in the oil industry (Shell Canada Limited, 2007). ... ive strategy The management of Shell Canada understands that, for the company to gain competitive advantage of its main rivals, it must improve the quality of product and service delivery to its customers. In this regard, the company focuses on the production of quality petroleum products that suit the needs of its customers. The company has also focused on the delivery of best customer service by establishing a customer support department that handles all customer queries and problems. In addition, the company intends to have a wide outreach by exploring and producing petroleum products in other countries. This will help increase its customer base, thereby according it a competitive advantage over its rivals. Further, the company is in the process of designing the most modern technology that will enable it conduct deep-sea exploration as a means of moving ahead of its competitors. At the same time, Shell intends to adopt a technology that will enable the company produces petroleum i n an environmental friendly manner. The company believes that reducing environmental pollution will enable it explore several markets without resistance from the governments and the locals (Shell Canada Limited, 2007). Q#2. The world has experienced rapid technological advancements over the past few decades. The new technological have had a huge impact in most business operations. In fact, no single company can compete favorably in the present business environment without the integration of technology. The same applies to Shell Canada, whose competitiveness depends on how well it introduces and uses technology. Currently, Shell can benefit significantly by introducing a number of technologies in its business operations. ERP Firstly, the implementation of ERP technology can be of huge

Motivation an Design Issues in the Creation of an Integrated Health Essay

Motivation an Design Issues in the Creation of an Integrated Health Delivery System - Essay Example a check is also kept on which way it will be more productive for the country to have it modified. There are two major system operating these days managed care system and integrated health care system. Health maintenance organization is an example of the first one and physician hospital integrated delivery system is an example of the second one. Now different research studies have shown that both these systems have their importance at different levels and they have been viewed as inevitable, desirable, and even compatible (Author, 1993., shortell, 1996). At some places these two systems have been merged together and have been said to be managing care and integrating the delivery of the care which is still acceptable to most of the management coordinators. Now in order to be more precise we describe integrated health care system in a bit more detail. This is a system in which health is taken as one unit rather than considering it as heart a different unit, brain a different one and sto mach even a different one. While treating heart the rest of the body has to be taken into consideration and then according to the needs, treatment and expected outcome has to be taken into account. â€Å"In the last two decades there has been a significant emergence of multi- hospital networks (MHNs) in the health sectors of all industrialized countries. Such networks seem to represent an organizational choice, which provides interesting opportunities to cope with cost and quality issues stressing the health field†. (Lega, F. 2005). Having integration in health care system is good for consolidating the system, having a good control on the disease process itself and bringing out more financial benefits out of it for a country. Consolidation is defined as any transaction that involves delegating the key decision-making rights of two or more

Australian Constitution Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1500 words

Australian Constitution - Essay Example Justice M.D. Kirby (1997) succinctly highlights the difficulties in this manner: "I have elsewhere tried to point out that the Australian Constitution can be viewed as reflecting a struggle, which is still ongoing, between British and United States elements captured in its text." (The Honourable Justice M D Kirby AC CMG, 1997) "In 1992 in Australian Capital Television Pty Ltd v Commonwealth the High Court struck down the Political Broadcasts and Political Disclosures Act 1991 (Cth) which restricted political advertising on the electronic media during Federal, State, Territory and local elections. In doing so, it recognized that the Australian Constitution contains an implied freedom to discuss political matters. This freedom was primarily derived from sections 7 and 24 of the Constitution, which respectively provide that the members of the Senate and the House of Representatives 'shall be ... directly chosen by the people'. As federal laws passed under section 51 of the Constitution are passed 'subject to this Constitution', such laws are invalid if they infringe the implied freedom" (William, George (b); 1996-97). The reason for the High Court decision was clear. The 'implied freedom' took precedence over Political Broadcasts and Political Disclosures Act 1991. Or, the 'implied freedom' was implicitly clear while the written law was irrelevant. The Australian constitution does not guarantee freedom of speech. However, the court ruled in favor of Australian Capital Television Pty Ltd quoting 'implied freedom'. The learned judge ruled on the merits of the case. Had he ruled on the basis of the written constitution, he would have ruled otherwise (William, George (b); 1996-97). The constitution is a powerful document. It is the overriding and supreme determinant. However, sometimes there are verdicts that appear to have little to do with the constitution. At times, they also appear to run counter to the constitution. Nonetheless, the judges are in better position to provide the ruling. The ruling reinforces what many believe that the Australian constitution is a little more than a legal document. In other words, the Australian constitution must be taken with a pinch of salt. Does this also mean that this constitution is inconsistent and has inadequacies No responsible judge will be expected to make such sweeping remarks. However, there could be a silent consensus on what the constitution ought to be (Justice and the Rule of Law). Disputes arise that demand a constitutional resolution. These disputes are handled by legal specialists and settled in the courts. But from time to time, controversies occur, drawing the country's attention to its constitution. These raise major national questions about whether acts of government or parliament, decisions or actions of officials are constitutional, that is, whether they are authorized by the ultimate source of law and power in Australia (Justice and the

Report Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words - 4

Report - Essay Example The high level of mechanization at the plant is evidence that the plant produces vehicles in large numbers. The sell of this vehicles make them firm play a major role in the global economy. The firm also employs a large labor force which contributes to the global economy. In reference to its cleanliness, the plant is very sparkling clean and everything is put in place so as to enhance the work inside the company. Mistake cannot be tolerated since accidents are bound to happen which may prove to be very fatal. The company does not build similar plants in the United States. The question to this would be why this plant located in Brazil other than the U.S and the answer would be that the plant is generally more automated than those compared to the U.S, they are flexible than any other plant. The main unique factor about the company’s relation and location to suppliers would be that of bankruptcy. Visteon which was part of the unit of the Ford group used to be second in world supply. The company has a diverse range of suppliers who supply a range of services and goods. It has programs on diversity of suppliers so as to achieve its ultimate success. In reference to time and technique, the company was designed so as to avoid time wastage and hence duplicate the work output by the workers. This was very helpful and it made the company grow. Ford has a no definite number of suppliers reason being that the suppliers are diverse and also wide spread. In refrence to Visteaon 2009 revenue, the company in 2004 had a sale of about $18.7 and 70,000 employees. In the year 2009 it was delisted from the stock exchange after it’s the companies shares had dropped significantly. $1.2 billion in profits were made in the year 2010 by the supplier group. Ford was sold some assemblies and components. The first is ford wheel hub assembly. The second is the Atlanta assembly. Finally is the explorer black light assembly.