Category: Business 11471

Introduction

A professional at the beginning of the path of developing oneself into a leader is challenged with multiple issues. One seeks to ensure relevant decision-making approaches, proper leadership skills, and management styles to become an effective and authentic leader. Self-awareness and continuous learning are the sources of empowerment for leaders that might help them guide their career development. For that matter, this paper will explore several suggestions for developing ones leadership skills to become an authentic and effective leader.

Discussion

The role of a leader requires commitment and deliberate persuasion of difficult tasks while motivating and empowering followers. Continuous stress often leads to burnout, which ultimately causes inefficacy of teams (Valcour). Thus, to become a more effective leader, one should prevent burnout by enhancing self-care and shifting an overworking mindset to one that empowers handling flexible factors and accepting inflexible ones (Valcour). In such a manner, a leader will manage to remain composed and effective for their team and business even under the circumstances of significant stress and pressure.

Furthermore, when seeking ways to improve ones authenticity and effectiveness, a leader might reconsider their overall direction in their career and life. Indeed, when performing under continuous pressures of the ever-changing and competing world of business where success is measured by money, one might feel powerless in pursuing their own perspective, thus following everyone elses path (Gassner Otting para. 1).

Conclusion

Thus, one of the suggestions to become a more authentic leader is to think about goals relevant to ones vision and experience (Gassner Otting). Such an approach will allow for focusing on the unique capabilities a leader might bring to the business and teams and facilitate an exceptional style that might yield competitive advantages in the future.

Works Cited

Gassner Otting, Laura. Are You Pursuing Your Vision of Career Success  or Someone Elses? Harvard Business Review, 2019. Web.

Valcour, Monique. Beating Burnout. Harvard Business Review, 2016. Web.

Many professionals have quickly transitioned to full-time remote employment due to the 2019 coronavirus pandemic. The effort to provide employees with all of the tools they need to work from home, on the other hand, came out of nowhere. Working remotely, on the other hand, has numerous advantages. If their task is done and produces favorable results, employees might change their working hours somewhat. When it comes to adapting to the requirements of the life, having control over the job schedule might be necessary.

The expense of transportation, as well as the time it takes to get through it, is a strong argument in favor of working online. Furthermore, not commuting is beneficial to your emotional and physical well-being. Saving time allows you to focus on things that are important to you outside of work, such as extended sleep, exercising, or eating a nutritious breakfast. Another major advantage of working remotely is the option to set up a cozy home office. You may personalize your home office and make it just as you want it, whether you have health issues that necessitate specific office equipment.

However, there are major obstacles in the experience of working online, which are relatable to a lot of people. Some employees, including me, prefer face-to-face engagement with coworkers and find personal coaching from their boss to be incredibly beneficial in completing duties and achieving their objectives.

Most significantly, where the office provides a clear physical boundary between work and personal life, employees working remotely may find it difficult to distinguish between the two. Employees may find it difficult to unplug from work, as a result, resulting in lengthy hours, increased stress, and eventual burnout. Employers should urge their staff to take breaks on a regular basis and emphasize the value of vacations.

The attractiveness of giving work-from-home advantages to companies is that it helps retain employees, saving the organization money on the costs of acquiring new employees. Employees save money by avoiding long journeys, either by using less petrol and wearing out their automobiles or by taking public transportation. Allowing workers to work from home allows them to be more self-disciplined and autonomous. It also fosters a sense of confidence. From the employees perspective, their employer shows trust in them by demonstrating that they can combine work and family life while being productive while not being carefully supervised by management. This particular case demonstrates an exceptionally high degree of trust in employers in a military context.

Employers, on the other hand, confront challenges in terms of security and flexibility. Authentication isnt required on most public Wi-Fi networks. As a result, connections arent secured, making it easier for hackers to steal material or passwords. In these instances, the employer exhibits a great level of trust in his own employees and their understanding of the task they are doing as well as the setting they are working in.

Introduction

Whole foods market pioneered the industry of fresh produce and groceries before establishing a respectable market position that allows it consistent expansion. Given the company objectives targeting US$10 billion in gross revenue and an expansion program leading to more than 300 outlets in the US by the end of the second quarter of 2010, the company CEO John Mackey finds uncertainty in realizing these objectives in the volatile American economy and highly competitive fresh produce industry. Whole Food Market deals in the trade of both natural and organic foods. This, the company offers its customers a wide range of products from its present 174 branches in USA and UK.

The Obama Health-care Policy

The health scheme proposes shared benefits for the insurance of employees with employers that the company. The level of the company transparency does not much electronic benefit cards. Other areas of conflict include poor sales, taxes, and regulation. The role of the Environmental Protection agency insists that greenhouse gas emission threaten human health and endanger the environment. The effect of the health policy on the rate of economic growth and development generally showed a general downward trend in the future. In particular, businesses in fluctuating market environments show more unpredictable operational environments (Grant 1991, 607).

The command and control way to market, regulation has a high likelihood of creating unpredictable circumstances in the market. In particular, the sale of organic products should be enhanced against natural foods. Mackey claims that implementing the scheme results in high energy prices besides additional costs to comply with the new regulation. Mr. Mackey asserted that the scheme would lower the stand of living of average Americans.

As the CEO of the company that has always practiced environmentally friendly policies, Mackey observe that imposing levies on energy and regulating GHG threshold have little effect on cooling the earth. Instead, the cost of enforcing the healthcare reforms would deter company profits resulting in economic retrogression hence curtailing the efforts of large scale businesses to face adverse effects of climate change (Feldman 2001, 87)

The competitive position of the company

The companys present competitors include Trader Joes Co. and the famous Wild Oats market. Whole foods still enjoy a growing market from the American population that values natural foods. However, its position in this market is first threatened by rapidly growing populations that favor Obamas health policy. While the policy advocates for the creation of more food from stem cell and tissue growth in artificial systems, Whole food market endeavors to promote the consumption of natural foods through its leading subsidiaries.

The company forecasts the rise in demand of organic foods and few suitable locations as some of the limiting factors to its success in the future. The company usually targets relatively affluent urbanites in most cities where high education combines with the net-worth of individuals to afford products from its groceries. Therefore, the impacts of the healthcare scheme on its customers would result in more effects on its customers (Hanson, Dowling, Hitt, Ireland & Hoskisson, 2008, 68).

This may reduce its revenue, lower investor confidence in the company and subject its operation to changes that it never intended before. Since the company depends mainly on other acquisition strategy for its expansion, it would be limited to acquiring companies in prime areas only, besides it would be bound to accommodate transformational change since its future operation would incline towards organic foods though with suppliers still conforming to its policies and codes of ethics.

Due to the public remarks of Mr. Mackey, the company would be bound to work in liaison with EPA more than in the past in order to keep its public image. The reputation of the company would also depend in part on its contribution to charitable groups and other environmental activities in attempts to remain true to its goals as organic food dominate the industry, Whole Food Market is highly diversified; it uses mergers, joint ventures, partnerships and takeover strategies to expand M& S allegro coffee, Produce Field Inspection Office. The health-care scheme may strengthen the position of other company thereby increasing their bidding rates (Harasta & Hoffman 2005, 666).

The business commitment to sustainable agriculture gives its green programme a considerable level of authenticity. This coupled by its propensity to offer high quality products carefully selected to score the consumers confidence in the present dynamic market front. The case for Whole food market presents a company whose core values and operations culture relate closely to the human biophysical processes. The validity of the companys greening policy remains true to its investors comprising of shareholders, debenture holders and a large pool of its partners who believe in the business consistence provision of high quality groceries with commensurate returns.

Health-care reform advocates for manufacture and use of organic food whenever it is necessary. However, the company CEO thinks this may cause people to act harshly to animals. Owing the fact those traders with Whole food must sign agreement that forces them to protect the animal rights; the policy may leave Whole foods, to a particular class of consumers while restricting the number of its traders. The greening policy aims at preserving the environment despite of dormant GMOs in the community ((Hanson, Dowling, Hitt, Ireland & Hoskisson, 2008, 88).

The companys efforts to abreast with changing scenarios in the food market while still maintain its pursuit to preserve the environment presents a contemporary case, typical to large organization in their path to sustainable development. On the other hand the current of market demand driving emergence and evolution other traders compromises the position of the company to operate at high degree of organic foods output. However, all these occurrences may reinforce the position of the company in its environment because most organizations in the capitalist economy dislike the whole idea of regulations giving employee almost equal privileges as they have.

Environmental accounting of possible GHG emissions and solid wastes from whole foods perspective gives yields practical mechanisms replicable in other organizations. In fact, whole food alternative can form a baseline for corporate social responsibility initiatives with the potent to resolving the tax on energy advocated for in the health-care policy by reducing the cost of energy regulation charges (Riele & Heberber 2008, 67)

The approval of environmentalist becomes important in restoring the image of the company to speculative investors and key partners of the organization. Moreover, the companys policies must appear consistence with universal environmental stands through its sustainable management system. Whole food market is one of the leading companies dealing in foodstuff, therefore support and approval of EPA may lead to less discrepancy between the policy and those opposing it. Instead, the company will even in the future.

Reference List

Feldman. Roger. 2001, American health case: government, market process. California: The independent Institutd Oakland.

Grant Robet. 1991. Contemporary strategy analysis: concepts, technique application. Melborne: Blackwell Publshers.

Hanson, D, Dowling, P, Hitt, MA, Ireland, RD & Hoskisson, RE. 2008. Strategic management: Competitiveness and globalization. Melbourne: Cengage Learning.

Harasta, Patricia & Hoffman Alan. 2005 Whole foods market, will there be enough organic food to satisfy the growing demand? New York: McGraw-Hill.

Riele ,Alison & Heberber. 2008. Adrian. Strategic management: Theory and application. New York: Oxford University Press.

Introduction

Innovation brought about a new era of change and numerous opportunities. Apart from improved efficiency, innovation novelty to business operation, and as a subsequence, increased revenue and market share. Equally proportional to other service industries, innovation impacts the performance of restaurants (Li et al., 2021; Yun et al., 2020). Subway particularly capitalizes on innovation to be globally renowned for its superior quality services, ambiance, and at its specialty, the submarine sandwich. Consequently, Subway attracts relatively high demand and as such, a key strategy proposed by the management involves the installation of slicers to increase cost effectiveness and productivity (Maze, 2022).

However, the use of slicers may adversely affect franchise relationships and operations, increase labor costs, and reduce profitability. While the innovative solution might potentially cut costs, the risks outweigh the advantages. The report culminates in a management plan examining the strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats (SWOT) of installing the slicers, which are tested on the six-sigma principle. Subways long-term success and sustainability require a successful evaluation of the proposed installation of slicers on the premises.

Subway Restaurant Franchise

Innovative solutions rest on the premise that businesses must change to remain competitive in the current market. Subway, a fast-food restaurant franchise, adopted an innovative culture to blend the local and global customer needs, allowing modification of its services to expand and grow in various markets. Given the growing competition in the restaurant industry, it is imperative for Subway to develop proactive solutions. Maze (2022) mentioned that among the effective ways Subway plans on enhancing its competition includes cutting the cost of meat. In effect, this demands the installation of slicers on the premises. Primarily, the slicers yield portion-controlled food, in Subways case, meat. Apart from its efficiency, the slicers minimize waste and cross contamination, in turn, cutting the cost of sliced meat (Handayani et al., 2021). However, introducing slicers poses a threat to Subways long-term growth and sustainability.

SWOT Analysis

Subway is globally renowned for its sandwiches and toasters, gained market share. Management plans on adding slicers across Subways restaurants in a series of innovative solutions for menu improvement and cut on costs (Maze, 2022). However, the automatic slicers may negatively affect overall operation and franchise relationship among other factors. Conducting a SWOT analysis will reveal the internal and external factors that might potentially affect the introduction of slicers on Subways premises. Most importantly, the analysis helps the management get visibility on the negative implication of meat slicers, gaining an in-depth understanding of overall franchise performance.

Strengths

The strengths of installing a meat slicer focus on the key aspects of the innovation that gives Subway a competitive advantage. Some of the key factors in the companys strength include its brand image, product and service uniqueness, financial position, and other intangible assets (Ganatra et al., 2021). The introduction of slicers would potentially reinforce these strengths. For one, meat slicers can be conveniently used at any time. In this view, operators can slice meat when needed without wasting unused meat. Senin et al. (2019) asserted that given that the slicers function automatically, it reduces workload while increasing efficiency. Furthermore, the company plans on placing the slicers out front to allow customers to see the process (Maze, 2022). Additionally, the slicers would improve Subways reputation since customers take note of the freshly sliced meat. The company currently slices meat at its central facility and then ships the product to restaurants. However, the change will allow the company to collaborate with other vendors, reducing franchisees costs.

Weaknesses

Food slicers are typically electrically powered threatening occupational health and safety. For this reason, the slicers can only be operated by people older than 18 years of age. Slicers are equipped with a rotary blade, on and off switch, food holder, feeding tray, and thickness adjustment (Handayani et al., 2021; Senin et al., 2019). Operators use a pushing device to apply pressure to the meat against the feeding tray and slicer blade as they push it into the grinder and the cutting plate. As such, the procedure is cumbersome and might increase labor. Cleaning or maintaining the meat slicer might require employees to remove protective guards that may potentially increase injuries. Moreover, a mechanical issue might adversely affect the operation and mechanics are often few and costly. Petropoulos (2021) contended that automation further minimizes the need for labor, resulting in layoffs. Management must ensure that operators get training under close supervision until they can independently safely. Operator training including equipment specification would increase the companys operational cost, affecting operation.

Opportunities

Meat slicer converts raw meat into ready-to-eat meat forms as per customers demand. The equipment helps remove toxins, enhancing the consistency of the meat and preserves the food (Handayani et al., 2021; Senin et al., 2019). Following these assertions, slicers affect the chemical and physical characteristics of food products, including processing aids and food essence. The use of meat slicers would result in process automation that would streamline processes and increase accuracy, resulting in minimal waste. Introducing slicers further implies reduced lead times leading to improved process control (Senin et al., 2019).

Innovative solutions are based on unique business needs due to increased output. In this view, introducing slicers would allow Subway to compete on a global scale. Likewise, the flexibility of the machines would improve production and quality. The slicers function with minimal variability than the human workforce resulting in greater quality consistency and control during demand fluctuations. Streamlined and consistent production would allow franchisees to reliably estimate costs.

Threats

While the introduction of slicers presents some opportunities for the company, the threats appear greater. For instance, the use of slicers demands a set of skills for operation that meet food safety standards, which Brown et al. (2020) stated involves training costs. The resulting over-specialization would increase the risk of layoffs. Another factor is high installation and maintenance cost; meat slicers are often expensive and the cost of operation and break-down may be relatively high (Handayani et al., 2021; Senin et al., 2019). Furthermore, setting up and operating meat slicers can be challenging especially without previous training. Repairing the equipment during the breakdown would add to the cost of the companys working system. Additionally, introducing slicers poses the threat of monotony since the equipment will relieve some workers of their jobs. Similarly, the use of meat slicers would reduce employees morale and affect their enthusiasm and creativity. Therefore, the introduction of slicers threatens franchise relationships, and smooth operations, and heightens issues in operations.

Six Sigma

In line with growing technological advances and increased globalization, Subway must accelerate the pace of operation to remain competitive. Installation of slicers introduces opportunities and threats and the company should strive for increased operational efficiency. According to Ishak et al. (2019), Six Sigma serves as a process and quality improvement methodology that eliminates defects in any process as traced back to the adoption of slicers. Additionally, Six Sigma reduces variations for improved quality levels and waste elimination in process steps (Widodo & Soediantono, 2022). However, Lean Six Sigma follows a more holistic approach in streamlining and improving process efficiency. Execution of Lean Six Sigma uses DMAIC (define, measure, analyze, improve, and control) as a structured method of addressing problems (Widodo & Soediantono, 2022).

In defining the problem, Subways management should establish the primary reason for installing the slicers and the anticipated benefits. Likewise, the benefits must be weighed against the threats and weaknesses to identify the target goals associated with using meat slicers. The new equipment would change normal operations, the roles and responsibilities of each employee.

Measurement is key throughout the installation of the slicers and as management focuses on cutting costs. In addition, the measure maps out current processes, capacity for change, potential barriers, process performance, and baseline metrics. Therefore, the second phase would entail data collection, including benchmarking and customer feedback (Ahmed, 2019; Widodo & Soediantono, 2022). Getting input from employees on how the new equipment affects their work would help the management gain insight into its adverse effect on operational efficiency and franchise relationship.

In the third phase, analysis, Ishak et al. (2019) highlighted that the collected data is reviewed to verify the implication of installing the meat slicers within the premises. Furthermore, the step will entail defining performance objectives and determining the relationship between reduced costs and the use of slicers. After examining the factors identified in the measure phase, the management can list concerns within the installation of the slicers. Further, this will allow the franchisees to take advantage of customers feedback and employees insight. The transformation of this information into visuals would allow the management to communicate the risks of installing the new equipment within the premises.

Improve phase focuses on eliminating defects and re-evaluation potential solutions. Introducing meat slicers would reduce costs in the short term but would adversely operation and the companys profitability in the long term. Therefore, the management team should identify a more structured process improvement that would lead to innovative solutions. The managements effort at this phase would potentially produce numerous ideas based on quality improvement while reducing costs (Ishak et al., 2019; Widodo & Soediantono, 2022). While the team can employ various improvements to the franchise, they must choose between conflicting options. With solutions to cut costs will maintain the quality of its services and operational efficiency, management can draw an improved map of business processes to guide employees efforts. Successful implantation demands careful planning, thus, management must consider training, communication, and maintenance plans. After implementing the most effective solution, Subway should place necessary controls to guarantee long-term improvement in franchise relationships and operational efficiency.

Conclusion

Fast-food restaurants fall within a unique service industry and thus, largely embrace innovative solutions to streamline operations. The sandwich giant, Subway, has particularly harnessed the advantage of innovation to stay ahead of its rival companies. The company plans on introducing slicers to improve productivity while cutting costs. However, a comprehensive SWOT analysis revealed that the threats and weaknesses of introducing the new equipment within the premises outweigh the strengths and opportunities. Integrating the Lean and Six Sigma approach can improve Subways quality performance and effectively save on the cost by increasing customer satisfaction and employee engagement. Therefore, management should implement the Lean and Six Sigma method in Subways production process that would improve the production quality by reducing costs.

References

Ahmed, S. (2019). Integrating DMAIC approach of Lean Six Sigma and theory of constraints toward quality improvement in healthcare. Reviews on Environmental Health, 34(4), 427-434. Web.

Brown, L.G., Ebrahim-Zadeh, S.D., Hoover, E.R., DiPrete, L., Matis, B., Viveiros, B., Irving, D.J., Copeland, D., Nicholas, D., Hedeen, N. and Tuttle, J. (2021). Restaurant date-marking practices concerning ready-to-eat food requiring time and temperature control for safety. Foodborne Pathogens and Disease, 18(11), 798-804. Web.

Ganatra, V., Utama, A.G.S., Puran, P., Pandey, R., Qi, L.M., Kee, D.M.H., Ling, I.S.A., Sien, L.H., Tien, T.J., Ramadhan, H.S. and Sin, L.G. (2021). A study of Subway marketing 4P strategy. Asia Pacific Journal of Management and Education (APJME), 4(2), 47-64. Web.

Handayani, B. R., Widyastuti, S., Hidayati, A., Werdiningsih, W., & Rahayu, T. I. (2021). The use of a very small business-scale oven to enhance quality of readyto-eat Beef Jerky. Conference Series: Earth and Environmental Science, 712(1), 1-6. Web.

Ishak, A., Siregar, K., & Naibaho, H. (2019). Quality control with Six Sigma DMAIC and grey failure mode effect analysis (FMEA): A review. In IOP Conference Series: Materials Science and Engineering, 505(1). Web.

Li, B., Zhong, Y., Zhang, T., & Hua, N. (2021). Transcending the COVID-19 crisis: Business resilience and innovation of the restaurant industry in China. Journal of Hospitality and Tourism Management, 49, 44-53. Web.

Maze, J. (2022). Subway is adding a new weapon as it fends off competitors: Slicers. Restaurant Business. Web.

Petropoulos, G. (2021). Automation, COVID-19, and labor markets. Asian Development Bank Institute, 1-19. Web.

Senin, N. A., Ramli, N., & Zalilah, M. N. A. T. (2019). A design of automatic meat slicing machine. Journal of Engineering and Technology, 112-120. Web.

Widodo, A., & Soediantono, D. (2022). Benefits of the Six Sigma Method (DMAIC) and implementation suggestion in the defense industry: A literature review. International Journal of Social and Management Studies, 3(3), 1-12. Web.

Yun, J. J., Park, K., Gaudio, G. D., & Corte, V. D. (2020). Open innovation ecosystems of restaurants: Geographical economics of successful restaurants from three cities. European Planning Studies, 28(12), 2348-2367. Web.

Introduction

At present, it is impossible to imagine the activities of an organization without business correspondence  a written form of communication. It is business correspondence that contributes to the establishment of strong partnerships and allows one to resolve various issues remotely. A well-written business letter testifies to the high culture of business communication in the organization, which undoubtedly characterizes it positively. Official requirements for paperwork are subject to strict canons of standards and regulations. The absence of at least one of the structural elements can significantly complicate the fate of the prepared document. As the practice of written communication shows, in business correspondence (namely, in incoming and outgoing letters), various kinds of errors and speech defects are quite common. If it is no longer possible to change errors in incoming letters, then it is important and necessary to work on preventing errors in outgoing letters.

Errors

When composing the text of a business letter, certain requirements must be observed. First of all, the presentation must be objective; additionally, it should be neutral in style. Irony and rudeness are not allowed in official letters. One should not go to the other extreme  use pretentious words or express excessive politeness (Guffey & Loewy, 2017). The source of structural errors is the incorrect construction of a business letter and the disproportionate position of its parts. The most common structural errors occur due to the lack of developed standard letters.

The letter should not duplicate another already standardized document. There is no need to draw up a letter proving an employees identity on his business trip if there is a form of travel certificate when it is enough to confine oneself to a pass or passport and verbal information (Guffey & Loewy, 2017). Due to the fact that a special place is reserved on the letterhead to indicate the connection between the previous and subsequent letter, the text of the letter should not begin with a repetition of what is already reflected in the indices, date of departure, and the subject of the previous letter.

Meanwhile, most of the errors in business letters are lexical. Insufficient literacy leads to curious nonsense and absurdity (Guffey & Loewy, 2017). Certain terms and professional slang words are familiar to a narrow circle of people in a certain profession, so their decoding in the text is required. It is also necessary to decipher terms that have different meanings in different industries.

Within the lexical scope, there might also be cases of tautology. Semantic repetitions occur when cognate words coexist in a sentence; tautological repetitions make the phrase dissonant. In addition, they make it difficult to perceive it because they attract attention to themselves. Then, there can be errors in the use of synonyms. Mistakes in the use of synonymous words often come from the fact that a poly-semantic word can be synonymous with another in only one of its meanings.

Results

It is important that each aspect of the content has a specific place in the logical structure of a business letter and does not overlap with another aspect. Failure to comply with this condition leads to long introductions and complex systems of motivation. For example, if the letter is constructed inappropriately, the primary message can become blurred in the context of a great extent of unnecessary information (Guffey & Loewy, 2017). A recipient can misinterpret the idea from this letter and take wrong actions.

It should be stressed that a business letter should be impeccable in all respects. Even a minor non-compliance with the rules can make it defective from a legal point of view. This is especially important when conducting international correspondence. At this level, it is not customary to put a seal on commercial documents (Guffey & Loewy, 2017). One signature of an authorized person is enough even on orders, reports, and letters of guarantee. Hence, in cases when there are lexical errors in business correspondence in the international framework, big deals can be delayed or even canceled, given that such an approach is unacceptable at the highest level.

What is more, it is essential to treat the recipient appropriately. Generally accepted rules of politeness are applicable here, but it is important  as mentioned above  to avoid over-politeness (Guffey & Loewy, 2017). The latter may lead to a situation in which the recipient will perceive ones correspondence not as a business tool but rather as a manipulative instrument. This will never result in productive cooperation and causes a great degree of misunderstanding.

Avoidance

Each drafted document requires certain preparation, plan development, and future document structure from its compiler. After the document is drawn up, it is necessary to read it several times, identify possible violations, and check the most complex words in a dictionary or reference book (Guffey & Loewy, 2017). It is also necessary to be able to use paper and electronic dictionaries; in case of difficulty, one can refer to Internet portals. Such approaches will be a significant foundation for dealing with lexical and structural errors. Moreover, the former can be averted by appealing to modern online tools like Grammarly.

As mentioned above, issues related to politeness can be addressed by appealing to general rules in this vein. In correspondence, one needs to use please and could you very often (Guffey & Loewy, 2017). In addition, it is necessary to formulate your requests in such a way that they sound exactly like requests. For example, instead of I need to know, it is better to use the softer I would like to know.

DOs and DONTs

• Do keep the recipients background (knowledge and experience) in mind.
• Do keep the letter simple and straightforward.
• Do concentrate on the structure and organization of correspondence.
• Do use an appropriate business tone.
• Do utilize significant templates within the scope of business correspondence.
• Dont neglect the practice of appealing to grammar-checking tools.
• Dont use jokes and sarcasm in business correspondence.
• Dont be careless in terms of writing the recipients personal data (gender, name, title).
• Dont forget to include a call to action in the case when a response is required.
• Dons appeal to unprofessional practices in business correspondence, which may include blurred intentions or inappropriate tone.

Conclusion

Thus, a persons written business speech culture is part of their common culture. Well-written business documents are real art. It is necessary to master the skills and abilities to write a business letter systematically, both in theory and in practice. It is helpful to read special literature, study someone elses experience, analyzing your own mistakes and shortcomings. The presented list of the most common errors in document design and content will help prevent them.

Reference

Guffey, E. M., & Loewy, D. (2017). Business communication: Process & product (9^th ed.). Cengage Learning.

Strategic Strengths

The first strategic strength of the company consists in the fact that they concentrate their efforts on the unremitting production of new male and female apparel (Thompson 331). By doing this, the company covers the majority of the sectors that are currently dominated by its rivals. The second strength relates to the collaboration with numerous fashion designers. This allows Lululemon Athletica to expand the product mix and introduce new clothing lines to the market (Thompson 331). The third strategic strength of the company is reflected by its successful marketing campaign. Lululemon Athletica efficiently manages its advertising in social networks and entices new customers (Thompson 331).

Strategic Weaknesses

The first and the foremost strategic weakness of Lululemon Athletica is its limited global reach. Even though the company boasts high-quality products, it is strained by its locality-focused business model (Thompson 331). The second strategic weakness of the company consists in the fact that this company is not rather famous and the majority of customers are not aware of it. In other words, brand recognition is also one of the critical weaknesses of Lululemon Athletica (Thompson 331). The third strategic weakness focuses the attention on one of the smallest employee bases among the competitors. Despite its worldwide reach, the company is not able to manage its human resources efficiently (Thompson 331).

Strategic Suggestions

The company should carefully explore the market and adjust its business model to the complex structure of the sports apparel industry (Thompson 335). By doing this, Lululemon Athletica will be able to increase its profits and strengthen its position in the market. Another strategic suggestion is to pay attention to the older customers and the current market trends (Thompson 335). This proposition is supported by the idea that the latter embrace healthy and active lifestyles. The ultimate suggestion is intended to make the best use of emerging economies and provide an even bigger customer base with the companys products (Thompson 335).

Defensive Strategies

There are several critical aspects that should be taken into consideration when developing the defensive strategy for Lululemon Athletica. First of all, it is pivotal to take into account the high-level fragmentation of the sports clothing industry (Thompson 343). The company will have to consider the competitors brands and their approach to the process of manufacturing new goods. The second vital aspect is the flexible nature of the fashion trends and sports clothing market (Thompson 343). In order to efficiently defend the existing position, the company will have to face this challenge and engage into the competition so as to win some space and maneuver through the weaker opponents and other concomitant issues.

Offensive Strategies

If Lululemon Athletica expects to conquer the market, they will have to promote themselves in a much more aggressive manner. This includes various billboards, social network promotional messages, and contests with great prizes (Thompson 344). The ultimate objective of this approach is to create a connection between the customers and the company. Another offensive strategy is to expand the product mix and develop new product lines. Lululemon Athletica has to keep up with the pace of the current trends (Thompson 344). Therefore, manufacturing innovative sports clothing may become one of the ways to allow the company to declare itself to the whole world and pose a threat to their more eminent rivals.

Work Cited

Thompson, Arthur. Lululemon Athletica, Inc. in 2014: Can the Company Get Back on Track? Business Administration, McGraw & Hill, 2015, pp. 329345.

Competitive advantage is the ability to offer products or services that are superior to those of competitors in the same local market. This may include a higher quality product, superior customer service, better value for money, or a faster delivery time. The success of any business depends on its ability to maintain a competitive advantage over its rivals. This is especially true for local companies, as they often need more resources than larger competitors who may want to chip away the companies competitive advantage (Mikalef, et al., 2020). Local business can sustain its competitive advantage by understanding the competitive landscape and leveraging the right technology.

Understanding the competitive landscape of an industry is a critical factor for local businesses to gain a competitive advantage. This involves companies deeply understanding their competition, such as their strengths and weaknesses, products and services offered, pricing strategies, and marketing tactics (Mikalef, et al., 2020). This knowledge can then be used to develop a competitive approach to gain an edge over competitors and attract more customers. By leveraging the knowledge of the competitive landscape, local businesses can gain an edge over their competitors and better position themselves in the marketplace.

Rivals can chip away at a competitive advantage in local businesses by taking advantage of the local markets benefits, such as lower costs, access to local resources, and personal relationships. They can focus on targeting the same customer segments as the business, offering unique value propositions and better customer experiences (Mikalef, et al., 2020). Moreover, local businesses can use analytics to understand their rivals products and services better and adjust their offerings to meet customer needs. By taking advantage of these points, competitors can chip away at the competitive advantage of local businesses and become more successful.

In conclusion, competitive advantage is essential for a local business to remain successful and competitive. It requires a combination of strategic planning and effective implementation to stay ahead of the competition. Rivals may try to chip away at the competitive advantage of a local business. The business can take proactive steps to maintain it, which allows a local business to remain ahead of the competition and keep its competitive advantage long-term

Reference

Mikalef, P., Krogstie, J., Pappas, I. O., & Pavlou, P. (2020). Exploring the relationship between big data analytics capability and competitive performance: The mediating roles of dynamic and operational capabilities. Information & Management, 57(2), 103169. Web.

Research-based report

Formal reports are very important for the successful communication of the information. They are usually used instead of formal meetings or other ways of information promotion. Research-based reports are generally created in order to demonstrate business ideas to the necessary audience. Their main aim is to present the information in a concise and clear form in order to understand the main steps of professional activities.

Research-based report can be devoted to the building of the new small cottages created specially for having some rest in summer. It would be a small cottage-town in the country protected from the whole world for families and children to be able to relax and feel safety from the daily routine.

This project would be aimed at architects and constructors of the large building companies and at the investors of the future cottage-town.

The purpose of the research-based report is to provide the population with the special place for relaxation where they would feel safe like home but would be involved in the beautiful and calm atmosphere of the nature. The demand of this idea is very high that is why this project embodied in life would be popular among the citizens, who want to spend more time with their families but have no time and place for it.

Cottage- town project would be profitable for the investors and building companies and at the same time it would meet the requirements of the whole society. Research-based report would proof the necessity of this project embodiment.

The sources of the research would be merely concentrated on the interviews and different surveys related to the topic. The data would contain different recommendations for the successful fulfillment of the project concerned.

Beginning to think about oral presentation

Successful oral presentation demand a great variety of problems solution and following certain rules in order communicate the information in a proper and understandable way.

Dave Paradi, the author of the article Solve your Biggest Marketing Presentation Problem, presented the most important steps of how to avoid problems during your oral presentation. He states that one of the most important steps to be followed is to make standard slides of the company demonstrating particular products or programs, a so-called slide-library.

These slides would contain key visual elements necessary for oral presentation. The second step is closely connected with the training of the staff concerning slide-library creation and usage of it. The staff of the company should be aware of how to persuade the clients; in this case it would help to reach success and safe more time.

And finally, according to the author of the article, this slide-library should be updated every four months. This aspect is really important for the marketing company as its level never remains stable and should be compulsory renewed for future presentations.

Randy Lipson, the author of the article PowerPoint Prowess: Using Presentations as Solution, discloses the idea that one should not rely only on the presentation as most selling is usually made before the presentation. She underlines the fact that customers derive an utmost pleasure from buying something rather than being sold.

The most important method in presentation is to stress the wonderful characteristics of the goods for purchasing, not for selling. One should present the information in the way for consumers to perceive the quality of the goods far higher than the price they pay for them. Oral presentation should help to get trust of the audience for future successful deals and great selling.

One more important aspect was described by Seth Markowitz in the article The Right Technology Solution for Your Presentation. This article stresses the idea that technological progress resulted in the usage of different new tools for the conduction of oral presentation.

PowerPoint is not so widely used at modern presentations in comparison with Google on-line presentations and Sliderocket. The author focuses attention on the work with vendor recording the presentation and underlines the following key issues to understand in such situation:

• The necessity to know whether the presenter require installing special software for recording demo;
• It is important to clear up all the available distribution methods;
• To know whether the viewer can interact on-line with content.

All three articles are very important for the successful conduction of the oral conference. The usage of modern technologies is very helpful for the information presentation.

It is necessary to present the goods in a proper way for the audience to perceive the high quality of the products and understand the necessity to buy them. The company should be perfectly prepared for the oral presentation in order to get trust; it would compulsory lead to future cooperation and a good promotion of the company brand.

The major rules described should be followed for every oral presentation. It is important to remember that possible clients would perceive the high quality of the information presentation and the way you establish rapport to them. The success depends on thorough preparations and following all the details necessary for presentation conduction.

Project cost and funding mix

Kimura et al. (2020) state that the company is a joint venture between the Indonesian Government (Pertamina)  55%, TotalFinaElf Indonesia  10%, VICO Indonesia  20%, and Jilco  15%. According to Bontang LNG Plant (Liquid Natural Gas Project), Indonesia (n.d.), the project was financed with a $ 1.1 billion loan from a syndicate led by Bank of Taiwan, which members are also Mitsubishi Corp., Long Term Credit Bank, Banque Indonesia, Fuji Bank, Chase Manhattan, and Tokai Bank.

Demand, supply, and risks

The plant supplied LNG to major customers in Japan, Korea, and Taiwan. The halt in Bontang LNG exports was driven by Indonesias growing domestic demand for gas, which is estimated to grow at a 2.8% annual rate through 2020, and government concerns over the use of gas as a feedstock for power generation, fertilizers, and petrochemicals production. According to Nugraha (2021), the Bontang LNG Plant is expected to produce less gas and condensate in 2021 at around 485 million cubic feet per day, down 20% from 605.5 million cubic feet per day in 2020. Condensate volumes are also forecast to decline by 25% to 22,000 barrels per day from 29,400 barrels per day.

Initial problems with the project and final restructuring

The projects implementation was fraught with several technical problems. Kimura et al. (2020) note that the CO2 removal unit (amine unit) was one of the major causes of Plant Related Losses in 1989  1999. Moreover, problems due to cracks of the first stage impeller of the 4K- 2 MCR compressor have been experienced since March 1994. In some cases, the situation has caused significant production loss. In turn, the problem in coolers that used Cu / Ni tubes was tube leaks due to seawater corrosion and tube scaling. This issue was one of the major causes of lost production due to the plant must be shut down for tube leak repair.

According to Bontang LNG Plant (Liquid Natural Gas Project), Indonesia (n.d.), maintaining Bontang production is associated with many other issues:

• Gas supply problems: Three gas suppliers (Total, VICO, and Unocal) faced underproduction or production inconsistencies because of maintenance, accidents, or poor field performance.
• Lack of investment incentives: Sales contracts of Bontang LNG do not provide for non-performance penalties. Accordingly, manufacturers do not incur additional costs for buyers for the non-fulfillment of contractual obligations. As such, questions about who is in charge of the maintenance and repairs at PT Badaks aging plant facility, as well as possible future costs from its operator Pertamina, have slowed down investment in the facility.
• Fertilizer plants: Despite the LNG shortage, the Indian government is diverting gas from Bontang producers so that Pertamina can sell subsidized gas to other entities, including a national fertilizer group and two small Japanese-owned plants.

Bontang LNG Plant (Liquid Natural Gas Project), Indonesia (n.d.) asserts that LNG production started at the Bontang plant in 1977. Bontang, which is one of the largest factories globally, has eight processing lines and a capacity of over 21 million tons per year. However, according to Nugraha (2021), production declined because of a lack of explored natural gas fields. In this regard, only two of the eight lines were in operation. Moreover, at the beginning of 2021, Bontang only operated one line due to the maintenance of the second line. Due to a decrease in gas supply, LNG production has halved.

References

Bontang LNG Plant (Liquid Natural Gas Project), Indonesia. (n.d.). Hydrocarbons Technology.

Kimura, S., Miyakoshi, S., Purwanto, A., Sidemen, I., Malik, C., Suharyati & Lutfiana, D. (2020). Feasible solutions to deliver LNG to Midsized and large islands in Indonesia [PDF document].

Nugraha, A. (2021). Indonesias Bontang LNG to shut one train for maintenance amid declining output. S&P Global. Web.

Executive Summary

In order to conduct the operations of a business in an efficient and effective manner in a foreign country, it is necessary to take into account the benefits the country in question offers as well as the challenges a business is most likely to experience.

This paper analyzes the advantages and disadvantages of Brazil and Singapore as business destinations for AutoZone Inc which is seeking to acquire businesses in either of the two countries in line with its expansion plans. A combined analysis of the two countries is made for both the advantages and disadvantages and a recommendation for the country which offers a better opportunity for AutoZone Inc is also given.

Introduction

Todays technological advancements have lessened the local scale of business operations. In effect, they have resulted in the creation of a global arena over which transactions are carried out promptly and with simplicity through the process of globalization. Therefore if a company is planning to expand operations globally, rigorous market and environmental research needs to be carried out to determine its feasibility.

MSN Money rates AutoZone Inc as the top automotive spares and accessories retailer in the USA (2010, para.1). AutoZone Inc plans to expand operations to Brazil and Singapore.

It has sought to explore acquisition as a mode of entry into these markets, its advantages and disadvantages and the accruing risks. Acquisition as a method of globalizing business transactions entails buying out and restructuring an existing company in the target market (often at an inflated price) (Wang, 2009, p1).

Brazil

According to the US Department of State website (2010, para. 4), Brazil is the most populous nation in Latin America and fifth world wide. It has experienced a period of economic boom having come through periods of massive inflation.

Currently, the GDP per capita is over US $8, 000. It has a favorable open business environment with friendly business policies.

The Business Anti Corruption Portal website ranks Brazil as among the top investment site an investor will prefer ( 2010, para 1). In light of this, AutoZone Incs best investment decision is to invest in Brazil. Benefits accruable to this choice are listed below

Advantages

AutoZone is set to benefit from reduced operating risks with uncomplicated establishment of operating advantages (Wang, 2009, p. 240). An acquisition exempts the investor from the risks associated with start up investments for example, lack of ready market, security and unfavorable policies.

Assuming AutoZone buys out a small automobile spares dealer; its resources will be focused on expanding the already existent market, improving the quality of products and services on offer to existent customers.

Labor wise, it will facilitate the companys exemption from oppressive labor laws, for example, in Brazil the law requires that foreign firms should recruit locals and adhere to minimum wage requirements.

Such rules are limiting since they hinder a companys staffing capabilities for example, where the available labor does not meet the companys needs. Secondly, there is a potential of increasing the companys profitability in the event that it is cheaper to acquire labor in Brazil than it is in the USA (sourcingmag.com, 2010).

The populace In Brazil is characteristic of high avoidance and uncertainty (AutoZone, n.d, p.6). They prefer sticking to their old company as opposed to moving on to new ones. In this case, a newly established company in Brazil is likely to experience staffing problems. Acquisitions involve already existent businesses with most cases retaining the staff which minimizes inherent risks associated with avoidance and uncertainty and retain skill and expertise.

The geographical location of Brazil eases access to the US. Therefore transport is at simplified and costs reduced. Sourcingmag.com (2010) labels Brazil as a complicated market place given its near-shore location. This also opens up a lee way for accessing other markets.

Currently, there is a sudden pitch in technological investments in Brazil. Fried (2008) says that AutoZone Inc, being a technology related dealer can take advantage of such opportunities for growth in Brazil. This involves buying out budding companies in that field and restructuring them according to its mission and vision.

Startup costs for acquisitions are low as it readjustment of the previously existent firms to match the buyers specifications. Since this new firm is not alien to the environment and the Brazilians nature of high avoidance and uncertainty, it is easier for business to pick up.

Over the years, Brazil has managed to regain economic and financial stability. AutoZone Inc stands to benefit operating in a stable economic environment. Likely benefits attributable to economic stability include wide space for expansion, stable prices and stable markets.

Brazil has a well developed infrastructure that facilitates business operations with ease. The infrastructure includes near efficient transport, communication. The financial infrastructure facilitates easy credit acquisition to fund business expansions.

Disadvantages

The highly avoidance and uncertainty avoiding Brazilians tend to operate in a communal model. Consider cases of unproductive workers, there is a likelihood of cover ups for non-performing colleagues in the spirit of togetherness. Workers can also collude to defraud the company which may push it out of the market.

Acquisitions often result to creation of large organizations. The Brazilian tax laws do not favor large companies and businesses. This may lead to closures and market exit (AutoZone, n.d, p.2). The federal system structure incorporates many regulatory agencies which are likely to create room for corruption from civil servants (Business Anti Corruption Portal, 2010, para 3).

The political environment is one of the most important considerations for internationalizing business operations. Having the necessary infrastructure and resource endowments alone do not guarantee business success especially if the country is not stabile politically. Brazil is highly unstable politically. This posses a major threat to the operations of Auto Zone Inc. Such political instability has devastating effects on the countrys economy activities.

Brazilian Labor Laws are to a large extent stringent and this may hinder recruitment of skilled labor. Even though the company plans to acquire an already existing business, it will need to hire more employees in the long run and as such these constraints may not work in its favor. High levels of bureaucracy and corruption present are unfavorable to business operations as limit business productivity.

Singapore

Singapore is a one of the best economically stable countries to invest in. It has highly investor friendly rules coupled with an interference-free market. However, it has a contracted automobile industry which is limiting to AutoZone Incs expansion as the needs for repairs are lower.

On the other hand, there is a high potential for growth in the bicycle and motorbike industries (AutoZone country profiles Analysis, n.d p.6 para 3). It opens to foreign investments. All businesses in Singapore are liable to taxation and regulation. (Countries of the World, 2010, para 1)

Advantages

Singapore is a core shipping hub owing to its strategic location. This makes it favorable for international companies willing to operate within its boundaries, This also opens up other opportunities in bordering nations thereby creating room for growth (AutoZone Country profiles, p3 para 2)

It is relatively easy to acquire a business in Singapore. This arises from the fact that there are few rules regulating new businesses. This means its relatively easier for AutoZone to acquire a new enterprise as a starting point.

Disadvantages

In Singapore, the automotive market is highly contracted, that is, the ratio of automobiles is too low. This interprets to a small auto industry. For instance, for every 1,000 people, there are only 109 personal cars (Countries of the World, 2010, para.1). This is counterproductive for AutoZone as this spells low sales in Singapore.

Singaporeans are risk takers by nature. This will work to the ruin of the firm in the event of an acquisition. As a result of workers instability, the firm may need to re-hire. These are undue costs that can be avoided with secure labor.

The threat of money laundering is real in Singapore. This can lead to loss of income for the company and can ultimately drive a company out of business. For example, in the event that it enters into large contracts and illegal money is used to settle the contracts.

Combined Advantage Analysis

AutoZone Inc stands to gain in the event of acquisitions either in Brazil or Singapore. First, automobile spares have no relative substitutes. In this case, the industry partakers are at an advantage as there are unnatural barriers to market entry.

This means the company will have exclusive business opportunities and indirect monopolistic control. As a monopoly, AutoZone has an opportunity to make supernormal profits. This monopolistic market setting also crates room its own expansion, that is, through provision of efficient services, it can curve out a lasting niche in the market. This will make it harder for future market entrants.

Combined Disadvantage Analysis

The presence of many dealers in the market directs that companies will compete on price. Therefore, firms with large economies of scale can drive others out of the market through dumping.

Risks of Acquisition

One of the risks posed by acquisitions is loss of identity (brand identity). In some cases mergers may result in loss of brand name for a company for example, through acquisition of inferior companies.

Acquisitions may lead to loss of income arising from hastily planned acquisitions normally without thorough surveys and research to ascertain its feasibility and viability in target market.

Failures to survey government regulations and requirements regarding business acquisitions may later impact on the business through government interferences.

Conclusion

The effect of globalization is here with us. There is a unique potential harbored in globalization. AutoZone Inc, by adopting and implementing this globalization policy, will be opening up a new business page. With its large population and a vibrant economy, Brazil has a better prospect for growth. The options available are for AutoZone Incs to grow

In spite of being smaller physically and economically, Singapore is more promising economically. This is supported by the technological spurt presently being experienced and the fact that automobiles are a vital part of technology and as such, the industry is poised to expand too.

Reference List

AutoZone. (n.d.). Country Profiles.

Business Anticorruption Portal. (2010). Snapshot of the Brazil Country Profile.

Countries of the World. (2010). Singapore economy 2010.

Decker, Reinhold & Zhao, Xuemin (2004). SMEs choice of foreign market entry

mode: a normative approach. International Journal of business and economics Vol. 3, No. 3, 181-200 Bielefeld, Germany: department of business administration and economics.

Fried, I. (2008). CNET News: Brazil: an emerging market faces challenges.

MSN Money. (2010). AutoZone to release third quarter earnings.

Sourcingmag.com (2010). Brazil as an outsourcing destination.

Wang, Aiwei. (2009). the choice of market entry mode: cross-border M&A or greenfield investment. International journal of business management. Vol. 4, No.5, pp.239-245. Chengdu, China: Southwestern University of finance and economics.