Monday, December 30, 2019

Personal Thoughts On Leadership And Leadership - 1496 Words

During my time in class, we have had several leaders come and speak about their life’s achievements and their personal thoughts on leadership. After listening to all eight speakers I came to the conclusion that there is not a set definition that makes you a leader; you can be born a leader or it can be something that you grow into; either way each leader is as different as each day we live. Of the eight speakers, the three that made the greatest impression on me was Eric Brown, Karen Moree, and Carolyn Mentesana; during their presentation, I felt like something that they said stuck with me or allowed me to connect with them on a personal level. Mr. Brown spoke with much knowledge and power. During his presentation he provided me with a lot of guidance; he spoke of staying motivated, knowing where you are going, and challenging yourself. Being that he was the first speaker I felt as if what he had to say stuck with my memory the most because it wasn’t something that I ha ven’t heard before. I would characterize Mr. Brown as a visionary leader; I say this because during his presentation my mind was envisioning where I could be if I were to change certain aspects of my life. Throughout Mr. Brown s presentation, listening to him speak, I was creating realistic goals that I could see myself accomplishing. Mr. Brown has the ability to transform his words into actions, he provided examples with each attribute he believes could make a worthy leader.Show MoreRelatedMy Personal Theory Of Leadership1523 Words   |  7 PagesMy Personal Theory of Leadership As a graduate student approaching her final semester in school, thoughts regarding my leadership abilities in the soon-to-be â€Å"real world† have occupied my mind lately. To further explore and develop my ideas about leadership, I decided to develop my personal leadership theory. So, I asked myself the following questions: What makes a successful leader? How do you recognize a leader when you meet one?, and lastly, what is my theory of leadership? With this last questionRead MoreThe Leadership Challenge1314 Words   |  6 Pagesï » ¿ The Leadership Challenge Stacey Caudle Liberty University Abstract â€Å"Everyone has a role in accomplishing the mission and everyone directly impacts the effectiveness of his or her organization† (Horton, p 247). According to Conger and Benjamin (1999), creditability and authenticity lie at the heart of leadership, therefore, determining and defining one’s own guiding beliefs and assumptions lie at the heart of becoming a great leader. Providing directionRead MorePersonal Leadership : An Effective Leadership Style1644 Words   |  7 PagesPERSONAL LEADERSHIP PORTRAIT Developing an effective leadership style requires one to become aware of their strengths and weakness when operating in the role of a servant leader. Identifying personal preference can assist with better aligning expectations and goals that one would like to see demonstrated in those they lead. Taking on the role as a servant leader requires patience, understanding, and most importantly compassion for others. As a servant leader he or she should always considerRead MoreA Comprehensive Leadership Approach On Leadership1421 Words   |  6 PagesComprehensive Leadership Approach Thoughts on Leadership Just the thought of leadership excites me. This is because I became very interested in the topic of leadership, immediately after I joined the United States Army in 2003. As a civilian, without any job experience, I had never been formally exposed to leadership, although, in retrospect, I was surrounded by family and community leaders. There are numerous sources that depict leadership. In this writing, I describe my thoughts on leadership in termsRead MoreNotes On Life Styles Inventory979 Words   |  4 Pagesmanagement style. The style varies from individual to individual depending on their opinions, perceptions, thoughts, and skills. The Life Style Inventory is a tool, which can be used to analyze and evaluate the management and leadership skills of an individual. The LSI has different styles and individuals can rate the styles according to their own skills. It will help in analyzing the management and leadership capabilities of an individual by evaluating the key skills. I have t aken the LSI test to analyzeRead MoreMy Leadership Skills And Professional Growth During My Tenure Within A Structured Organized Environment And / Or Organization911 Words   |  4 Pages1. My leadership is defined as a personal and interpersonal skill sets developed through the life experiences and professional growth during my tenure within a structured organized environment and/or organization. Leadership skills are enhanced and refined throughout your career as you develop and move upwards within the organization by life learning experiences. These experiences along with your inner strengths afford you the ability to think through and overcome the obstacles you encounter as aRead MoreTransformational Leadership : The 21 Irrefutable Laws Of Leadership1290 Words   |  6 PagesIrrefutable Laws of Leadership, John C. Maxwell addresses the principal of transformational leadership, and how there is more than one aspect in becoming a successful leader. In my opinion, leadership is o ne of the many desirable qualities in becoming successful not only in everyday life, but also in nursing. This paper will discuss ways to develop into an effective, successful leader, the necessary steps to increase leadership ability, and how leadership can affect personal growth in nursing practiceRead MoreLeadership And Leadership : The 21 Irrefutable Laws Of Leadership1105 Words   |  5 Pageslaws of leadership No one said leading was easy, and in the book, The 21 Irrefutable Laws of Leadership, John C. Maxwell addresses the principal of transformational leadership, and how there is more than one aspect in becoming a successful leader. Leadership is one of the many desirable qualities in becoming successful not only in everyday life, but also in nursing. This paper will discuss ways to develop into an effective, successful leader, the necessary steps to increase leadership ability,Read MoreLeadership Effectiveness Of A Managers Leadership1652 Words   |  7 Pagesthe Webster dictionary, leadership comprises of condition, quality, dignity, art, and skill. Therefore, leadership is a combination of all these mentioned factors that describe personality. Hence, it can be defined as â€Å"the measure of a leader’s conditions† (Avey et al-, 2012, p. 22). This may include any task or role of a manager in an organizational setting. The quality of a manager’s leadership makes a remarkable difference in the overall outcome of any task. Leadership effectiveness shows â€Å"theRead MoreLeadership And The Graduate Nursing Role1096 Words   |  5 PagesLeadership and the Graduate Nursing Role Role of leadership is essential for APNs. Nurses with graduated education are prepared to be expert with advanced knowledge and clinical skills. It is important to note that leadership skills should also be developed during graduate education through the learning process from nurse leaders, mentors, and role models (Tracy Hanson, 2014). Leadership in nursing is distinctive. Elliott et al. (2013) characterize roles of nursing leadership into clinical leadership

Sunday, December 22, 2019

Jane Austens Pride and Prejudice - 2020 Words

Jane Austens Pride and Prejudice Jane Austen was born on December 16, 1775 to the Reverend George Austen and his wife in Hampshire, England. The sixth child out of the seven, Jane was educated mostly at her home although she and her sister, Cassandra, were sent away to school for several years when they were young. Austen wrote several novels when she was in her teens, but her major works were written later on in her life. Pride and Prejudice, was first published in 1813. Austen began writing the novel in 1796 at the age of twenty-one. The first title was originally called First Impressions. Between 1810 and 1812 Pride and Prejudice was rewritten for publication. Pride and Prejudice†¦show more content†¦She is the first to get married despite her being a young teenager. She also has similar characteristics to her mother. She doesnt really care about her family members after her marriage. The various reactions of Lydia going to Brighton are mainly negative. This is due to Lydias ridiculous thinking. Shes an extremely self-absorbed teenager. She has a great interest in men and particularly officers. She begins flirting with them once they have settled in the town and also admires and enjoys their presence, and exposes this in freely, in view of the fact that she has no shame. Due to her selfishness Lydia commits foolish acts which affect her and her reputation and mostly has an effect on her family. She shows a negative impression of her family by eloping with Mr Wickham mainly because she also has another four sisters who are keen to get married and their chances of doing so have diminished. She does what she likes without thinking of the consequences to come. It is like she is in a world of her own and doesnt realise the bad reputation her family is developing because of her immature behaviour. Lydia is invited be her friend to Brighton by Mrs. Forster. Mrs. Bennet is extremely excited and pleased for Lydias trip to Brighton and wished all the best for her. Mrs Bennet was diffuse in her good wishes for the felicity ofShow MoreRelatedJane Austens Pride and Prejudice1061 Words   |  5 Pagessociety’s standards. Many writers criticizes the influence that society has over its members. The romantic novelist Jane Austen satirizes her society and those who follow it. One of her most famous works, Pride and Prejudice, is a great example of this satire. Throughout the novel she explores the effects of society through her characters. In Jane Austen’s novel Pride and Prejudice, she divulges the central theme of society and social class through the characters Elizabeth Bennet, Mr. Darcy, andRead MorePride and Vanity in Jane Austens Pride and Prejudice814 Words   |  4 PagesPride and Vanity in Jane Austens Pride and Prejudice      Ã‚   Vanity and pride are different things, though the words are often used synonymously. A person may be proud without being vain. Pride relates more to our opinion of ourselves, vanity to what we would have others think of us. In her novel, Pride and Prejudice, Jane Austen makes the point that an excess of pride or vanity is indeed a failing. Pride, observed Mary, . . . is a very common failing, I believe. By all that I have ever readRead MoreEssay on Jane Austens Pride And Prejudice1580 Words   |  7 Pagesabove him. On the other hand, an individual with too little pride has an attitude of mediocrity and this hinders self-realization. Disproportionate pride blinds moral judgment, creates intolerance and deters relationships. Pride and Prejudice by Jane Austin is a novel that portrays individual characters who demonstrate a lack of balance in the way they perceive themselves and as a result they create ruin. Pride and Prejudice tells the most cherished love stories that take place in theRead MoreDichotomy In Jane Austens Pride And Prejudice878 Words   |  4 Pagesgreatest dichotomies in Jane Austens Pride and Prejudice is made evident in the title. Namely, the book and the title reflect the division between individual as a spontaneous self and individual as socially constructed part of a greater whole, and the interaction that takes place as a result of the interaction between these selves. â€Å"Pride,† while it can be informed by the presence of others, is a character trait that can exist individual qua individual. For example, compares â€Å"pride† to â€Å"vanity,† a wordRead MoreEssay on Jane Austens Pride and Prejudice993 Words   |  4 PagesJane Austens Pride and Prejudice In this essay I will be exploring the first chapter of the novel Pride and Prejudice in terms of how successful it is as an opening chapter and what it tells us about the rest of the story. One of the most famous first lines in literature is the opening to the book: It is a truth universally acknowledged, that a single man in possession of a large fortune must be in want of a wife. In this sentence, Austen immediately accomplishesRead More Jane Austens Pride and Prejudice Essay2080 Words   |  9 PagesJane Austens Pride and Prejudice It is a truth universally acknowledged that a single man in possession of a good fortune, must be in want of a wife Jane Austen used this quote to open her second book, Pride and Prejudice, which was first published in 1813. This is a story of the attitudes towards love and marriage in the nineteenth century, through the eyes of a number of people in different family situations and levels of society. It explores what was socially acceptable and Read MoreJane Austens Pride and Prejudice Essay1276 Words   |  6 PagesPride and Prejudice Essay: Own Prompt #8-The Obscurities of the Victorian Society In Pride and Prejudice, Jane Austen satirizes the superficially built society in Victorian Era by pointing out the flaws with the recurring themes of marriage versus love and gender roles through dramatic irony and character relations. All relationships and the idea of true love tend to be obscured by this materialistic society that is based on wealth, power, title, and connections. Jane Austen constantly paintsRead More Views on Pride, Prejudice and Marriage in Jane Austens Pride and Prejudice5150 Words   |  21 PagesViews on Pride, Prejudice and Marriage in Jane Austens Pride and Prejudice Pride pride n., v., 1. high (or too high) opinion of ones own dignity, importance, worth, etc. 2. the condition or feeling of being proud. 3. a noble sense of what is due to oneself or ones position or character; self respect; self esteem. prejudice n., v., 1. an opinion In the novel by Jane Austen, displays a severe contrast between Elizabeth and Darcy in the story. Jane Austen does thisRead MoreJane Austen’s Novel Pride and Prejudice Essay874 Words   |  4 Pagesadvantageous marriage for the English novelist, Jane Austen. Her realism, biting irony and social commentary have gained her historical importance among scholars and critics (Southam). Austen’s major novels, including Pride and Prejudice, were composed between the years 1795-1815. During those twenty years England was at the height of its power facing many historical landmarks (Thomson). It is no coincidence that Jane Austen’s novel, Pride and Prejudice, coincides directly with the historical eventsRead More An Analysis of Characters in Jane Austens Pride and Prejudice1662 Words   |  7 PagesAnalysis of Characters in Jane Austens Pride and Prejudice An author will often give his or her work a title that reflects the overall theme or meaning of the piece-this is certainly the case in Jane Austens novel Pride and Prejudice. A title may set the mood or describe a situation which otherwise might require several paragraphs to develop. Pride and Prejudice is a combination of humor, irony, and twists of events. Austen entitles her work Pride and Prejudice to emphasize subtly the fact

Saturday, December 14, 2019

Software Marketing Free Essays

Software is composed of many programs that all together fulfill a certain task. Programs are strict instructions that tell the computer what to do. A computer is a complex machine that uses directions like programs and software to operate, without it it†s useless. We will write a custom essay sample on Software Marketing or any similar topic only for you Order Now In other words, software brings life to a computer†s hardware. More precisely, it represents what fuel is to a car. There are two categories of software; operating systems and applications. Both of them are a necessity to one†s computer. The first one is the largest program, and the most important one. This software deals with file management, memory management, provides a user interface, and manages I/O devices like printers, and disk drives. Microsoft is well known for their Windows 95, and Windows NT operating systems, two of the most popular operating system on the market because of its user-friendly features. But operating system like Unix, and Linux are more known for their stability, and good performance. On the other hand, applications are smaller programs that fulfill a less important task. To satisfy the user†s demand, programs are written accordingly. For example, a lot of word processor users have the privilege of having programs like Word to help them. Other might like spread sheets, and use programs like Excel, or Lotus1-2-3. There are also database applications like Access, or programming compilers like Borland C++. All those application are very common for personal computers. This is why companies try to sell along with a computer an operating system, and a package of highly demanded applications at the same time. Operating system, like application is expensive. Recently, companies have been offering free version of software on the Internet for competition, or economic purposes. Therefore two new categories of software emerged; shareware (freeware), and proprietary software. First, shareware are software programs that are available to anyone who wishes to use it. Winzip for example can be downloaded from the Internet for free. Thanks to Microsoft, a multitude of useful software are available the same way, the most popular one is probably Internet explorer. An important notice about shareware is that they†re not complete programs, in other words the version downloaded is not as complete as the original one, but it still fits some user†s demands. That†s what counts. On the other hand, proprietary programs are exactly what a freeware program is not. In other words, it†s complete, expensive, and protected. Whit it comes a license that unauthorizes anyone to duplicate, copy, or install the purchased software. Any violation of this right may lead to further implications. The purchase only allows the buyer to use the software, not to copy it. This leads to the complex laws of ownership. To understand the meaning of ownership, it†s important to known what ownership is, and how it†s acquired. First, ownership means to own a property by right, therefore it†s a legal possession that ensure proprietorship. Second ownership can be acquired in more then one way. By purchasing a house you can become a owner, if you create, find, or inherit a thing you therefore logically become the owner as well. For example, if you find a gold mine you become the legal owner. There is different kind of ownership, and the most common one is certainly physical ownership. In this case the recipient is able to do whatever he wishes with his propriety. As an object, owners can use their properties as they want, as long as they†re not violating the law, or anyone†s rights. A house is a great example of physical ownership. The owner is able to do whatever he wants to it, as long as he doesn†t endanger his neighbors. This is where ownership software becomes more delicate. Can software be treated in a similar way? should it be considered as an object? This question is complex, and this is why policies have been created for software copying. For example, if an individual buys a computer program, he buys the right to use that software as much as he wants. On the other hand, strict laws forbid him to duplicate, or copy the actual software. Indeed as for books, videos, and songs there are copyright laws that govern software copying, and the violation of those laws are serious. Computer software are ideas that are translated in coding, therefore making duplicates is like stealing someone else†s idea; it†s plagiarism, that†s a crime. By those laws, computer programmers are protected as well as writers, and signers. Therefore they get the credit for their work. But this particular aspect of software copying is still uncertain, because authorities fail to enforce the law, and this is how computer software, videos, and songs are illegally copied everyday. Programmers do get credit, but they lose an enormous profit. Another important kind of software ownership is called patent. This kind of ownership is a writing in paper securing an invention. Like this, a programmer is given complete rights over his software. He has the power to give, copy, install, uninstall, or simply give to a certain individual a copy of his program. This is how programmers are protected from other programmers that would like to develop a program closely similar to there†s. All this discussion about ownership seems to be so complex, therefore why isn†t software free for all to use? In a capitalist society like ours, the fundamental purpose of creating a product is to make profit out of it. If not, why would you spend ten dollars to print a T-shirt, and sell it for free. This idea seems ridiculous. On the other hand, individual like Richard Stallman claims that software ownership is harmful to society. How is that? Computers engineering like any other businesses as to meet certain economic standars to maintain themselves. The industry of computers is constantly growing, and therefore more demanding in terms of software. Before the Internet, word processors, and spreadsheets were very popular, but now Font page 98, and Internet Explore are one of the upcoming software in the business. Now the question is, why sell them for free when they†re creating huge profits? Richard Stallman argument is that it deprives people from using the software. This is like saying that a BMW should be free, because it deprives the lower class people from driving a luxury car. Now does that make sense? In his article, his analogy to roads is completely false. Why? Simply because roads are not free, tax payers give every year a part of their salary to maintain them, therefore should that mean that we should all pay for free software. Of course not, because the needs of roads, is not comparable to needs computer software. Roads are a necessity, while computers are still optional. Stallman claims also that free software ownership damages social cohesion. Therefore, the fact of not copying software could hurt society. Does it mean that I†m being a bad citizen? Should this example be right for cars, houses, pay checks, etc†¦ If so, it†s not going to happen any time soon. Stallman argument are week, and unrealistic. In other word they don†t make sense. For the simple fact that every example used in his article are easily destroyed. Therefore, his arguments are incomplete. Computer science is constantly expanding, it’s therefore providing a great amount of profit to our society. As capitalist, the idea of giving computer software for free should not even be considered, yet ignore, simply because it makes no sense for programmers, as it would for any other profession to give a service for free. This is why copyright laws have been set in order to regulate those that support Stallman†s theory. But still, the authorities fail to enforce those laws, therefore this problem is far from being over. It†s very easy to get free software, especially with the arrival of CD writers. How to cite Software Marketing, Essay examples

Friday, December 6, 2019

International Managing Across Borders

Question: Discuss about the International Managing Across Borders. Answer: Introduction With increasing business opportunities, companies expand their business to international markets from national boundaries, it help them in gaining higher profit, access to larger market and customer base. Internationalization aims to expand business opportunities by lending and capturing foreign market. In the past few years there had been tremendous growth in global FDI through various modes such as investment, exporting, join ventures, mergers, acquisitions that are adopted by firms for market entry. Though internationalization is a desired strategy by every organization but it has its own challenges, operating cross border include several management, strategic and human resource challenges. This paper aims to present analysis on internationalization strategy of BMW, a globally operating automotive company. This paper deals in internationalization strategy of BMW in Singapore. It includes analysis on the company, its overview, operating scenario, competitive strategy, organizational structure, design, and control. Further, focus is on internationalization entry strategy opted by the firm, followed by other strategies used to operate successfully in international market, it include human resource, supply chain, production strategies. This paper presents overall strategic actions adopted by BMW to operate successfully in Singapore market, issues and opportunities presents; further strategic recommendation is also provided to take corrective action for future growth and development. Overview of the company This paper is written in context of international business strategies of Bayerische Motoren Werke AG, commonly known as BMW. It was founded in the year 1916 by three founders, namely Franz Josef Popp, Karl Rapp, Camillo Castiglioni. It was originated in Germany as luxury vehicle, motorcycle and engine manufacturing organization. It is a globally operative automotive company that deals in luxury vehicles, sports car, motor cycles and bicycles. In terms of operations in the year 2015, total output by the company was 2,430,507 vehicles that helped in earning revenue worth 92.175billion and profit worth 6.396billion. It is among to ten automotive companies worldwide. Mission of this company is to generate profitable growth and above average returns. Current operating position BMW initiated its export program in the year 1995 with market entry in Australia through export of 500 BMW 3 series vehicles; followed by Taiwan and South America in 1997. Further, it started exporting to Germany, UK, South America, North America, Australia, Taiwan, Japan and other Asian region from South Africa. Within a year, its overall production increased by 220 percent; followed by a capacity enhancement and production growth. In the year 1997 total export figure by the brand were 500 units which reached to 70000 by 2012 (bmwplant.co, 2015). In terms of sales, 21 percent sales are in USA market, 24 percent in EUROPE market, 21 percent Germany, 14 percent India, 7 percent China and 11 percent in other markets (BMW group, 2016). However, in the year 2016 there is 8 percent decrease in total sales of BMW in USA, as total sales recorded was 25,531 compared to 27,755 vehicles sold in August, 2015 (www.press.bmwgroup.com, 2016). There is also 2.7 percent reduction in sales of mini br and. However, in global market, total sales is showing upward trend by 5.3 percent; total annual sales was 2,367,603 vehicles; sales of mini brand was 360,000 vehicles and 62000 electrified vehicles, majority of sales were in Europe and China(www.press.bmwgroup.com, 2017). Competitive strategy To beat competition organizations tries to build unique positions for themselves which is also known as competitive advantage; it is the factor that helps a company to gain edge over others in the market (Fahy, 2002). Competitive strategy involves actions implemented by organization to strengthen their market position and protect it in market of constant change (Harrison John, 2009). On the basis of porter generic model of competitive advantage, BMW focuses on differentiation strategy, it portray itself on the basis of different quality, excellence on product design and digitalization. It has strong technological expertise; it is been able to integrate its engineering capabilities and marketing opportunities successfully. BMW portray its offering as symbol of prestige, upmarket, excellence image. In the year 2013, BMW launched its fully electronic car BMWi3 followed by plug in hybrid vehicle in 2014 named as i8. BMW faces intense competition from Japanese market, to protect its posi tion it implements four different type of differentiation, it include customization of cars according to customer needs and demand; safety, environment, economy and comfort at ensured in every model sold; strategically located warehouse and centralized supply chain helped in gaining economies of scale; it also launched fleet of specially equipped cars to provide assistance to motorist in breakdown situations (Thompson Martin, 2010). Analysis also highlights four strategic areas that helped BMW in gaining its competitive position include growth, shaping of future, profitability and focus on technology and customers (Kuma, 2016). Organizational design structure and control Organization structure and design help in defining overall work activities within organization, it plays significant role in manufacturing industry. It helps in understanding division of labor, pattern of coordination, flow of communication, workflow, and power distribution. Further, key elements that help in understanding impact of organizational design on its work efficiency include span of control, degree of formalization, centralization and structure. BMW operates as a boundary less organization, it enhance the interdependence on environment (Robbins, Decenzo, Bhattacharya, Agarwal, 2009). There is flatter organizational structure with low hierarchical and power distance relationship. In BMW there is intense use of softwares and computer aided virtual tools to coordinate work in different units. In terms of business structure, it follows network approach in which it operates as a hub organization that own and market the brand, whereas other units in different countries operates as spokes that provide production, engineering, marketing and other services through alliance with several organization to gain economies of scale. It has outsourced its facilities management function to Dalkia (ebooks.narotama.ac.id, 2015). Organization stricture and design strategy of BMW helped it in becoming globally competitive by purchasing from global market from best people, best technology at best price. Organizational control is key element to ensure effective management and execution of operating functions; it deals with assigning and evaluating resources. There is supervisory board that manages centralized decision making with 20 members; it is divided into four committees that include personnel, audit, mediation and nomination. After this, there is board of management which is responsible for six functions that include Legal Affairs, Patents, Corporate and Governmental Affairs, Corporate Audit, Organizational Development, Group Reporting, Corporate HR, Strategy and Targets (McFarlin Sweeney, 2014). Entry strategies There are several internationalization strategies that can be adopted by organization; however choice of strategy varies on the basis of internal and external organization scenario, industry scenario, objective and set goals. BMW adopted different market entry strategies, but common adopted one is joint venture, this strategy helped in signing alliance with one or more companies to operate in the market, it helps in dividing resources, risk and profitability. Joint venture with local partner helps in pulling local resources at low investment, it also help in getting information about local market and customers, better understanding of product demand (Dutta, 2016). BMW has adopted transnational strategy, which is merger of multi-domestic and global strategy; it is aimed towards achieving global efficiency, economies of scale but through local responsiveness. BMW implemented the concept of fashion forward during its designing of 3 Series cars for different market; similar design in the global market helped in building trust and customer loyalty. In Asian market, BMW entered through joint venture by signing deals with local partners, in Malaysia it signed joint venture with Sime darby berhad, in China also similar strategy was followed. Singapore is the Asia corporate head office; here company has a wholly owned sales subsidiary, this unit is responsible for management of importation of knockdown parts by wholly owned assembly plants. Munich Automobiles Pte Ltd is the exclusive BMW dealer in Singapore (Singapore genrman chamber of industry and commerce, 2015). Production BMW global production network helps in supplying products in different markets, its production strategy helped in achieving on time and flexible production process; there are thirty manufacturing facilities in fourteen countries (bmwgroup.com, 2016). BMW has adopted completely knockdown approach of production process (Grnig Morschett, 2011). Under this strategy, few parts of the final product are packed and exported to countries for assembly. These parts are used with parts supplied with local partners in the country where assembly will take place; however assembly take place in adherence with global quality standards set by BMW group. This strategy is being used for production in Egypt, Indonesia, Malaysia, Thailand, Russia and India. Initially company use to implement mass production but strategy shifted slowly towards lean manufacturing(Grnig Morschett, 2011). Initially manual work load planning was conducted; long term strategic planning is followed in BMW, it prepares a 12 year planning process, and then includes a yearly breakdown, it forecast salesman products before starting the production process. Later since 2002, strategic changes were made and lean manufacturing was adopted. General guidelines are set by managers on flexibility reserve to ensure flexibility in production volume; it helps in dealing with long term uncertainties. It also implemented build to order strategy to provide maximum customization liberty to customer and also reduce inventory. Supply chain management Supply chain management is the key element of any business success; it deals with initiation to closing of production process. BMW follows build to order strategy; products are made according to customer requirement(Blanchard, 2007). At first customer request is made and sent to central database, which include complete details on customer preference. Further information on cost and lead time is communicated on real time basis among supplier, manufacturer and distributors(Chandak, Chandak, Sharma, 2014). Key elements of the supply chain are discussed below; BMW has a strong global supplier network that help in creating value and efficiency in the supply chain process, it has 13000 suppliers in seventy countries. Purchasing department is responsible for selection and management of supplied goods (www.bmwgroup.com, 2015). It is managed with coordination between central purchasing headquarter in Munich and various international purchasing offices responsible for analyzing local production needs and product availability with local suppliers. Purchase department is responsible for reducing supply chain risk and utilization of opportunities. Next step in supply chain is sourcing of materials, to overcome the problem of exchange rate fluctuation, BMW implements natural hedging strategy; it generally establishes assembly units where they sell their products. It also opts for local sourcing strategy in which components are purchased locally, it help in reducing cost of production. Local sourcing also help in reducing lead time, quick response and enhance ability to meet demand fluctuations(Coyle, Langley, Novack, Gibson, 2012). It also implements various e-sourcing strategies such as ASTRAS, eRFX through a centralized model, known as M portal. E-sourcing help in aching four key tasks, such as request preparation, inviting bids from suppliers, rating of negotiation and finally purchasing is done. To build strong collaborative supplier network various strategic actions were implemented by the company. It include continuous communication channel, supplier rating system. To ensure quality of components, purchasing of material are based on ISO 9000 that ensure quality standards are met. It also follows global compact practice to achieve sustainability. Key factors considered before selecting supplier include product quality, delivery capability, on time delivery, value creation. Suppliers are nominated 38 months before series production. There are three types of suppliers, concept supplier, series development supplier and market suppliers. Almost 50 percent of components are purchases in just in time process in assembly line; it aims to reduce stock, save time and finances. Above diagram help in understanding supply chain system in BMW group plants. Distribution strategy aims to unload consignment at places with maximum sales; it helps in reducing lead time. There is multiple distribution configuration based on location, demand and warehouse facilities. Different distribution network followed are represented in the diagram below; Final step of supply chain is the reverse logistic, that include all operations related to reuse of finished goods. There is reverse logistic department that deals with reusable, recyclable components. Different methods such as closed loop, post industry loop are used to recycle different materials. Human Resources across borders Human resource is the key assets of any organization; it helps in successful business operations and outcome. It aims to ensure that right people are hired at the right time and placed rightly to ensure maximum returns(Cascio Boudreau, 2012). Human behavior is greatly influenced by national culture, analysis shows there is huge difference in national culture of Germany (origin country) and Singapore (country of expansion). According to Hofstede analysis, Germany is low on power distance, whereas Singapore is high which shows difference in organizational structure and design; similarly Germany has an individualistic culture which is driven by competition, success and score high on uncertainty avoidance. Whereas Singapore is collective society, low on masculinity and uncertainty avoidance. Such difference might impact internal operation, staff behavior, and communication strongly(Hofstede, 2003). In BMW staff is hired from domestic market to ensure ease of management and localization of products. People are considered as most important factor in the global production network. As working globally require immense teamwork, cooperation and flexibility. Employees are hired under direct payroll of the company. Strong focus is given on employee training to enhance their work potential, tools like job rotation and employee involvement are adopted to remove monotonous work environment(Sparrow, 2009). Specific training is given on diversity management to overcome internal conflict and enhance team work. Employees are empowered to motivate, they are self-organize, allowed to make decision, take action to solve problems. There are both team based organization and individual awards given on performance, it helps in reducing team conflict and enhances coordination(Chan, Shaffer, Snape, 2004). There is presence of self-managing teams who have power to take decision on team rotation, integ rate functions of workers and managers. There is learning and sharing long term culture of we at BMW. Strong leadership that focuses on both individual goals and challenge management to view its action within culture; such proactive leadership helps in ensuring long term growth (Avery, 2004). Key issues/Opportunities Analysis above shows internationalization strategies, tools and tactics adopted by BMW to enter and sustain in foreign market. Various issues and opportunities highlighted through analysis are discussed below; As BMW is the second most purchased luxury car in Singapore, there is huge market opportunity for business expansion and growth; it can also plan launching new models and green car models in this market, as it is expected to give positive business returns. As BMW is also planning to launch autonomous car in the market, Singapore is expected to give new business opportunity to this model also There is needed to keep strategic control on human resource, to ensure there is proper coordination between global and local strategies. Significant cultural difference in two markets might cause employee dissatisfaction, conflict and other productivity issues. BMW is slow in new product development, though it has its own advantages like incorporating breakthrough in production cycle, managing lead time. But in this competitive market, it can cause concern from competition. As the supply chain is dependent on its large supplier global network there is risk of disruptions sue to geopolitical issues, natural disaster etc. Such issues might impact production adversely causing high cost of production and poor supply chain. Recommendations Below is the list of strategic actions that can be implemented by BMW management to improve its international market business scope. On the basis of market opportunities, it is recommended to implement market and product development strategy by BMW. Product development strategy involves launching of new products. New product development like launching of automatic car and electric cars in Singapore market to increase total sales. It is also advised to increase company owned outlet in Singapore market to increase its market presence and total sales. To overcome employee management challenge, it is advised to follow local culture as Asian culture is difference from Germany culture; there is need to go local in employee management as it will foster easy communication and productivity. It is also crucial to provide training on cross culture management, diversity management and team work. Open communication also helps in quick problem solving and idea sharing. It is also advised to launch research and development in Singapore, it is highly developed nation, it will help in conducting better research and gaining technological advantage Automobile companies need to opt for think global but act local approach of strategic management. Strategies are to be taken from global market, to ensure cost effective, quality product delivery in timely manner but services such as installation, customer interaction, sales; ticket handling etc. must be rendered locally to ensure business. Conclusion BMW is high end luxury car manufacturing company that is performing well in national and international markets. However, automobile industry face challenges due to ever changing market conditions and price fluctuations. Companies need to integrate strong balance between changing demand, market fluctuations, environment, informed customer etc. BMW has well managed these challenges through its effective human rescue policy, leadership and management system. 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