When maintaining international business communication it is vital to be aware of the multiple stylistic peculiarities inherent in communicative processes of various nations and cultures. The present paper focuses on the communicative style, non-verbal communicative practices, and business communication norms of Japanese, Argentinean, and Egyptian cultures, as well as outlines the basic strategies to increase the overall efficiency of cross-cultural communication in business.
Expecting respectful treatment of its tradition, the Japanese culture is ultimately group-oriented. Lasting personal relationship is the basis for long-term trust and respect. The key notion is keeping ones face cool and composed, and not making ones partner lose his face either.
The style of humility and cooperation dominates communication. The non-verbal side of communication maintains a reserved approach: subtle gestures, infrequent eye-contact, and restricted physical contact are the key characteristics of non-verbal behavior. Certain widespread gestures, such as OK, may be taken wrongly, and traditional pointing at objects is offensive. Handshakes are permitted between business partners.
Based on the national communicative style, Japanese business norms feature strict hierarchical organization of large negotiation teams, with senior management present at each stage of the process. Long-term scheduling and detail-focused approach are fostered, together with reserved and indirect negotiation style. (Katz, 2008c)
The Argentinean culture is group-oriented and focused at lasting and trusting long-term relationships as well. Personal relations rather than company ones are of great importance. Despite the generally warm, friendly, direct, and emotionally open communication, respect of face, dignity, and honor is vital to maintain successful communication.
Non-verbal communication is characterized by maintaining a close proximity and wide use of expressive body language. However, care should be taken with using gestures like OK , which is offensive. Frequent eye-contact and physical contact with representatives of the same gender provide positive effects.
Impeccable appearance is a must. Among the norms of business communication, hiring a local intermediary to introduce ones business and advance and detailed scheduling of the negotiation process are standard. Hierarchy and punctuality are strictly observed. Since the negotiations are long-term oriented, they are held in slow pace and aimed at win-win result. Polychronic working style and emotional negotiation techniques are widespread, yet the latter should be employed with care. (Katz, 2008a)
Egyptian culture combines group-orientation with the need for individual interests and preferences. Long-term perspective relationships are built between people, not companies. Face-saving tactics are greeted, together with concealing negative emotions and sharing positive ones.
Indirect communication features flowery rhetoric which may result in ambiguous meaning. Non-verbal communication features close proximity levels and extensive use of gestures, body language, and body- and eye-contact. Since left hand is considered generally unclean, it is not used for handshakes or eating.
Impeccable appearance produces a positive effect. Business norms allow both individuals and teams as negotiators. Aimed at long-term perspective, negotiations go at slow pace with employment of deceptive negotiation techniques but a general positive and persistent attitude. Bribery is often considered as mere gift, but should be used with caution. (Katz, 2008b)
Successful cross-communication presupposes careful planning and background research in accordance with the local norms of the culture. In general, developing long-term trust, mutual respect and cooperation, keeping everyones face, as well as avoiding haste and aggression are the keys to success. But in any case in-depth acquaintance with each separate culture is vital to efficient cross-communication.
References
Katz, L. (2008a). Negotiating international business Argentina. Web.
Katz, L. (2008b). Negotiating international business Egypt. Web.
Katz, L. (2008c). Negotiating international business Japan. Web.
This paper presents information system development at the Gold Medal Products. Gold Medal Products is a family owned business that has been in operation since 1931(Gold Medal Products Co). Gold Medal is the major popcorn machine producer (Gold Medal Products Co). Their main objective is to develop innovative ideas and equipments that serve market needs. Presently, Gold Medal has over 1000 employees and they are all committed to the sales generating concessions, specialty in food machines and supplies (Gold Medal Products Co).
Gold Medal decided to choose DOS operating system because it was the most viable system at that time. They have been using other operating systems whose reliability has become questionable over time. What is critical of any operating system is its reliability. Reliability is determined on the basis of level of efficiency and effectiveness when it comes to operations.
Effective operating systems are those that deliver on required operations in the right way. Secondly, in the business realm, security is of paramount importance. An effective system should not allow for hackers to access company secrets.
Efficiency of a system is determined by its user friendliness (Post & Anderson 128). A user friendly system is one that is well understood by the operators or users. It should allow flexibility in application in the sense that workers are able to create or adopt it to their purposes without interfering or compromising organizational operations.
The hardware and software has to be replaceable and repairable using resources in the organizations. A system that is heavily expert based i.e. one that can only be understood and operated by experts does not offer efficiency. A small hitch or breakdown and experts have to be brought in. such a system is expensive to maintain and allows for possibility of sabotage when the experts feel aggrieved or choose to become mischievous.
Gold Medal Products has a network of branches, distributors who are all over the globe and thousands of employees (Gold Medal Products Co). Due to its nature or organizational structure, a DOS operating system was an ideal system to use because it is UNIX based thus can easily hook into servers.
A UNIX based system has six run that are independent of each other securely (Shelly & Rosenblatt 77). Therefore, such a system has secure windows. A DOS Unix based system can be used by many people and does not crash easily. The system is user friendly as it takes less time to boot. DOS based system is generally cheap and easily accessible. Finally, the system gives a lot of features that enable multi tasking and support for big memory.
The only disadvantages of such a system are that it requires proper prior training for individuals to be able to use it. Given it allows for customization, different expert users could easily jeopardize operations by developing complicated end use applications. In case they move, new employees may find it hard to adapt to customized applications.
Statement of Problem
Gold Medal has been growing since it was started and now it cannot be able to cope with certain big needs because the current system is failing. The current system is largely obsolete and unreliable. There is need to develop a new flexible, fast system that can accommodate future expansion.
Based on current status, an upgrade is required. There are a number of challenges associated with the old system. Due to its inefficiencies, it has led to customers dissatisfaction, insufficient record keeping as well as delay in reproducing managerial reports such as accounts receivable reports and other reports which are needed for timely decision making by the companys management.
The advantage of upgrading their system is that it will improve service delivery to customers, managerial reports generation or processing and fast but accurate record keeping (Post & Anderson 83). This will in turn go a long way in ensuring and assuring the company a competitive advantage.
Goals of the New System
After identifying the problems of the system in place, the company through its steering committee has started the phases of developing a new system. The overriding goal for developing the new system is to help the organization cope with the changing customer related needs, which the old system can not cope with.
The organization aims at developing a system that will contribute towards the attaining of its strategic objectives. As Post and Anderson (122) advice, it is very important to follow the steps and repeat each step so that initial objectives of the organization are met.
Feasibility study is carried out to examine the problems, goals and expected cost of the new system (Post & Anderson 430). It is also carried out to investigate what type of system can be developed. In line with management objectives at Gold Medal, a feasibility study for the new system is of prime importance. The evaluation will aim at establishing whether the system will meet the organizations needs or not.
Alternatives Considered
Gold Medal had considered different types of Operating systems in terms of advantages and disadvantages. Some of the systems available for consideration include Real Time Operating System, Multi-user and Single-user Operating System and Multi-tasking and Single-tasking Operating System(Shelly & Rosenblatt 203).
Real Time operating system is a multi tasking operating system that executes real time applications. They are fast and predictable. Given they allow for multi tasking, different individuals can perform different operations on the system at the same time or a single user can perform different tasks on a machine at a time. The Dos Unix based operating system is better than any other considered alternatives.
The basic advantages of the system lie in the fact that it is fast, stable; window based, takes less time to boot and has a good desktop interface (Shelly & Rosenblatt 245). Such a system is effective for their growing number of customers and inline with the services they offer. They have many branches as well as businesses internationally and thus need a stable system to rely on. The chosen operating system allows for multi tasking hence enables uses to save time.
Implementation and Details Concerning the Solutions
Change management is a critical aspect of new system implementation. When a change is introduced people need to be well trained as to acclimatize with new system. Adoption of new technology often results in establishment of new working relationships among employees and management.
Introduction of new systems can sometimes lead to loss of jobs. Due to the possibility that people can be adversely affected due to implementation of a new system, enough preparation is necessary before implementation. The preparation is important to avoid the likelihood of employees resisting the change (Post & Anderson, 433). New technology brings about a lot of changes and people concerned might be afraid of what the new change brings.
They are used to old system. Change in an organization often occurs when a company hires a new employee who comes with new ideas or the top management introduces a new idea. Change can also be instituted in response to a new competitor entering the market or in the extreme case of a natural disaster occurring. Whatsoever the cause or reason for change, management has to bear in mind its effect on the people and thus possibility of resistance.
It is for the aforementioned reasons that Gold Medal has to make considerations aimed at helping employees adapt and acclimatize to new system. Depending on nature of system and branch peculiarities across nations, implementation can be done in phases or all at once (Post & Anderson, 433). Proper training across the organization will be critical towards acclimatization and kind of standardization of processes.
Costs Benefits
To ensure that the costs are less than the benefits, Gold Medal has to carry out a cost benefits analysis. This includes analyzing the projected performance levels or actual performance of the new system based on pilot in comparison to the old one. The costs of the system will depend on the established development plan and cost of new technology.
A cost benefit analysis is critical to establish whether the development plan for the new system is viable. If the costs are more than projected benefits, it is only proper to abandon the project. According to Shelly and Rosenblatt (602) cost benefit analysis has to be considered for every step in the system development. The step by step analysis of costs and benefits of new system is done in order to compare with other solutions (Shelly & Rosenblatt 603).
Conclusion
It is very important for Gold Medal to upgrade from old operating system to a new operating system in order for them to compete favorably in the market. Much customer management practices, employee management, supplier management and general market monitoring are best automated.
Automation of such like activities enables organizations to deal effectively and efficiently with all stakeholders. A new system that provides for generation of timely reports that improve services delivery is highly welcome. There are new technological changes which are coming up everyday and this will make current information management systems obsolete.
A more modern operating system will increase efficiency because employees will no longer need to call for technical support. It will also improve record keeping thus making it easier to look for a record. Speed and dependability is important in order to compete effectively and a new system will do better than the old operating system. Gold Medal is a big company with 10 domestic branches and does business internationally (Gold Medal Products Co).
For a company of its status, upgrading the system to a more modern operating system will maximize utilization of the company network and ultimately deliver efficient services to both clients and employees of the company, the new system will strive to realize this goal by reducing the cost while increasing the opportunities by having a system which can: maximize productivity, provide strong management control, ensure delivery of high quality services in less time, with less resources in a define manner.
Works Cited
Gold Medal Products Co. About Us. Gold Medal Products Co. 2009. Web.
Post V. Gerald and Anderson, David, Lee. Management Information Systems: Solving Business Problems with Information Technology. 4th Ed. New York: McGraw Hill, 2005.
Shelly, B., Gary and Rosenblatt, J. Harry. System Analysis and Design. 8th Ed. New York: Cengage Learning, 2009.
According to Chrismopher, to understand an international supply chain we have to define a simple supply chain. The components of a supply chain involve the parties that respond to a request made by a customer. Here, a supply chain does not only constitute the manufactures and the suppliers. It also constitutes retailers, transporters, customers, and warehouses (14).
According to Logan in the past two decades, the supply chain networks have developed and extended in scope and application. This has resulted to more interrelated as well as complex networks. The reason underlying such development is associated with globalization of the worlds economies. It is the emergence of competitors across supply chains that compete in the international arena for market place dominance.
This competition has resulted to establishment of international supply chains (59). According to Chrismopher, organizations have to establish an international supply chain because of the global business environment that expands on a daily basis. Here, organizations have to respond to consumer expectations that are beyond the confines of their traditional expertise (20).
Background information
According to World Economic Forum, in the past 20 years global sourcing as well as supply has become a reality. According to Logan, the local for local manufacturing patterns have been done away with. In turn, the closing of the local patterns pave way to establishment of a global village (15).
An example is the migration to China that has become the favorable destination. China has become a force in international trade. During 1990, its trade activities increased three times faster as compared to the global economy. Between the year 2000 and 2002, when the world was suffering a stagnated trade it was enjoying a 30% rise in imports and exports (Mentzer 34).
The market today has fierce global competition that entails an excess of supply over the demand. According to Mentzer, businesses undergo such risks because of quantitative anomalies and qualitative effects. The qualitative irregularity comes about because of principal components and biasness in the selection.
On the other hand, qualitative effects come about because of the pressures associated with productivity enhancement, duplication removal, minimization of costs and elimination of waste. Businesses address the risks by balancing these priorities. Employing real time data, risk mitigation strategies, as well as use of analytical tools are some of the strategies a business can use when balancing these priorities (9).
Risks in the international supply chain
Risks in the supply chain are the products of consequence and incidence. Globalization has resulted to a business environment that is complex and interrelated. In turn, the complexity of the supply and demand networks has intensified (Mentzer 10). In reviewing the risks that come with global supply chains, we will review real events around the world that brought about challenges in the global supply chains that brought about risks in the sector.
Political risks
Political instability in North Africa specifically Egypt and the Middle East resulted to short-term hiccups in the supply of oil and natural gases. In Egypt, there was political instability in early 2011 whereby the president Hosni Mubarak stepped down because of military pressure. Demonstrations and protests filled the country advocating for better living conditions and transparency in governance. The region has 61.1% of the total oil reservoirs and 45% of the natural gas reservoirs in the world.
In addition, it dictates 35.3% and 18.8% of the worlds oil and natural gas production and supply (D&B Special Report 2). According to D&B Special Report, when such regions have political strife the worlds markets worry because of the interruptions in the supply of these commodities that are essential in the market. The oil prices went up with a 30% increase over a period of 12 weeks. On twenty forth of January, the prices of oil rose from $95 per barrel to over $125 in April the same year (8).
Source: Logan, Timothy .The global supply chain and the Challenges experienced by small and midsize enterprises. Toronto: Mosby, 2003. Print.
The graph above shows how political conflict has affected the supply of commodities from 1947 to 2011.
Environmental risks
Countries such as Japan have suffered effects of earthquakes, and tsunamis. Such environmental disasters have resulted to destruction and damage of factories. According to Chrismopher, the government of Japan allocated $ 239.3 billion in the reconstruction of the structures destroyed by the 2011 earthquake and tsunami. The manufacturing sectors particularly the electronic, automotive and the agricultural sectors suffered the most (9).
For instance, the North American based Toyota Company cut back on its working hours. This was for purposes of conserving their supplies that they received from Japan. In addition, Japanese companies make about 60% of the worlds silicon wafers. This is a key component in the making of mobile phones. This has resulted to a rise in the price of flash chips because of the threatened technological production. The fear of radioactive waves in the ports of Japan by shipping companies has also disrupted supply chains (Chrismopher 15).
Security risks
Source : D&B Special Report 2011, Mitigating Supply Chain Risks.
The graph above shows the actual and attempted attacks by pirates from 2006 to 2011. The international maritime forces are responsible for providing security in the Gulf of Aden. Most of the attacks perpetrated in 2008 and 2009 took place in the Gulf of Aden. The success of the international maritime forces has compelled the pirates to move offshore to the Gulf of Oman.
Thirty three percent of the oil transported via the sea passes through the Gulf of Oman. According to Chrismopher, about 20 tankers make their way through these waters on a daily basis. These pirate attacks have caused widespread panic among the shipping companies (10). To make matter worse pirates are not restricted in this area. This has caused problems for areas situated off the coast of Africa on the western side.
Process risks
According to Chrismopher, increases in process risks come about when organizations experience process discrepancies. This comes about when there is utilization of information and communication technologies (ICT) for purposes of systems integration (21). This results to the lack of a business vocabulary between the organizations.
In a survey conducted in 2011 relating to supply chain resilience about 41% of supply chain organizations experience process discrepancies (Chrismopher 23). The increased reliance on these systems has occasioned risks in the international supply chain networks. Governments as well as businesses have no choice but to invest in maintaining information and communication networks that preserve and ensure a high degree of integrity in their data systems (Chrismopher 24).
Mitigating the international supply chain risks
Mitigating the international supply chain risk involves the application of real time data and risk mitigation strategies.
Real time data
According to Chrismopher, organizations that have access to real time data are in a better position to mitigate risks. Real time data provides a clear and visible outlook into the current conditions that have an influence on the objective of the organization (23). With real time data, the supply chain makes educated decisions. Real time data has the effect of isolating issues that are potential risks once they occur. In turn, prevention of negative performance repercussions occurs (World Economic Forum 15). The extensive view of the supply chain integrated with real time data brings about new levels of risk mitigation. In turn, the performance levels rise (Chrismopher 21).
Risk mitigation strategies
According to World Economic Forum, a survey analysis revealed that there are priority areas that need improvement regarding management of an international supply chain. The survey pointed out that the strategies involved in mitigating the international supply risks involve integrating the public and private sector. This paves way to data and information sharing. In turn, organizations are able to understand each other and therefore are able to quantify the supply chain risks (15).
The private and public sector make informed decisions regarding where to put their investments as it involves identification of vulnerable areas. Proactive as well as effective legislative measures will develop. In this respect, the risk management strategies include establishment of trusted networks across businesses and governments, shaping legislation, data and information sharing, use of quantification metrics, and planning a scenario.
Establishing trusted networks across business and government
According to World Economic Forum, for purposes of identifying the risks inherent from the end-to-end global supply chain there is need for collaboration. Businesses and governments should collaborate to identify and manage the systemic risks.
In addition, regulators, professional bodies, suppliers, competitors, and even customers should be part of the collaboration. This is for purposes of establishing a well-managed relationship that entails sharing of information, priorities, and expertise (15). These are fundamental in making pre-disruption as well as post-disruption responses.
The relationships should be formed bearing in mind that the global disruptions bring about excess political, economic, and security risks. The Supply Chain Risk Leadership Council creates an example of such a relationship. This body comprises of supply chain firms that work hand in hand to establish and develop strategies and management practices to curb supply chain risks (World Economic Forum 15).
Shaping Legislation
According to World Economic Forum, mitigating the international supply risk entails aligning the legislation in relation to the modern industry practices. Industry groups should advocate for the simplification of international harmonization as well as implementation of the relevant legislation.
Legislation that does not address this has the effect of worsening disruptions in the global supply chains (15). For instance, there was volcanic activity in Iceland in 2010 that put a halt to all air traffic activities. The inflexible legislation in the region caused further delays and inconveniences.
Data and information sharing
According toD&B Special Report, organizations are able to point out the vulnerabilities in the network when using real time data. In addition, such information assists in establishing back up plans when a disruption takes place. According to World Economic Forum, the results of a survey indicated that 63% of the responds mismanaged shared information and data.
However, the survey indicated that there was need to improve the mechanisms of system flow between the government and the businesses. This is for purposes of preventing the global news from making inaccurate as well as out of context reports (16).
Quantification metrics
According to World Economic Forum, there is need to quantify as well as measure the risks exposed to supply chain networks. Organizations that lack the metrics for this purpose have struggled in quantification of the risk exposure. Here, the development of recognized quantification metrics to address risks in supply chain network is inevitable (15).
The metrics will serve businesses and the governments with information that facilitates a better understanding regarding the risks exposed to the supply chain network. In addition, metrics should be consistent across all organizations for purposes of making comparisons. For instance, a supply failure that has a negative impact on the revenue and gross profits are useful measures in understanding the risk exposure (World Economic Forum 14).
Scenario planning
According to World Economic Forum, scenario planning is a strategy that is useful at the operational level. This is because scenario planning has the effect of reducing risk exposure in the supply chain network. An organization that conducts scenario planning on a regular basis avoids external risks and vulnerabilities.
It allows the organization to have a better understanding of its external environment. Here, the organization has a better view on how to anticipate actions by their network partners (16). For instance, the ABB enterprise in 2010 used scenario planning in the identification of concerns regarding Japans earthquakes as well as Egypts political strife.
In both countries, the organization trained its management teams on how to face crisis. They tested their systems as well as communication patterns and teamwork through using simulated scenarios. This training was successful because by the end of 2011 they had put it into action. They accounted for all their personnel and got them to safety after each crisis. It also helped them to determine the extent to which the business was affected and the fastest way to return normal operations (World Economic Forum 16).
Conclusion and Recommendations
In conclusion, the international supply chain forms part of the backbone of many local, national, as well as global economies. Here, there is need to ensure constant improvement of supply chain security as well as resilience. This comes about through improving the stakeholder understanding as well as the underlying actions.
The governments should upgrade their resilience standards regarding international and interagency compatibility. On the other hand, businesses should integrate supply chain risks as a major part of governance, procurement, and management process (World Economic Forum 15). The governments as well as the businesses should strive to form and nurture networks of trusted customers, and suppliers for purposes of reducing the risks.
The network should undergo constant improvement with regard to visibility. This comes about where the government and the businesses establish a system of two-way information sharing. In addition, organizations should inform everyone involved in the business regarding the existent supply chain threats. Nurturing such a culture would extend responsibility to all stakeholders (World Economic Forum 16).
Works Cited
Chrismopher, Martin. A taxonomy for selecting Global Supply Chain Strategies. International Journal of Logistics Management 17.2 (2006): 277-287. Print.
Closs, Donald. Logistical Management: The Integrated Supply Chain Process. New York: McGraw-Hill, 2006. Print.
D&B Special Report 2011, Mitigating Supply Chain Risks. Web.
Logan, Timothy .The global supply chain and the Challenges experienced by small and midsize enterprises. Toronto: Mosby, 2003. Print.
Companies strive to gain a competitive advantage over their competitors. Environmental conditions are some of the major factors that determine the competitiveness of an organization.
Analysis of the internal strengths and weaknesses of a firm helps in determining the competitiveness of the firm. For an organization to gain a competitive advantage, it should have the ability to add value to various products and counter threats by its competitors. In addition, the resources and capabilities of the organization should be rare and inimitable.
The organizational structure is also a critical success factor of an organization. An efficient organizational structure helps in coordinating various capabilities and resources of the organization. This increases the competitiveness of the organization (Barney, 1995). The sole aim of the existence of any organization is the production of goods and services that fulfill the needs of their customers. Therefore, it is vital for an organization to have an efficient production system.
Lean production is an efficient production system that helps in improving the competitiveness of an organization. Lean production leads to a significant reduction in the cost of production. Lean production strives to minimize the amount of inventory. This reduces the costs of managing inventory. Keeping low levels of inventory frees up capital for other income generating activities. This increases the profitability of an organization. In addition, lean production helps in reducing the duration of the production cycle.
However, an organization may face several challenges during the implementation of a lean production system. Lack of a reliable supply chain limits the efficiency of a lean production system. Disruptions in the supply chain may have adverse effects on an organization due to the low levels of inventory in lean production systems. In addition, the organizational culture may limit efficient implementation of a lean production system.
Toyota credits its success to its lean production system the Toyota production system. In fact, Toyota was the first company that introduced the concept of lean production. The Toyotas production system leads to production of defect free products. In addition, the system strives to reduce the batch sizes of the production cycle.
This minimizes wastage. Toyotas lean production system strives to minimize the level of inventory. The company receives various components just before it uses them in production lines for the manufacture of vehicles. Toyota has an efficient supply chain that enables suppliers to access the companys database and determine the components that the company needs. However, Toyota has spent decades to develop and perfect its production system.
The organizational culture of the company facilitates efficient running of the production system. Toyotas production system enables it to make efficient use of resources and add value to various products. Toyotas lean production system is inimitable. The company has spent several decades to perfect the production system. This has enabled Toyota to identify skills, abilities, and resources that are essential for the smooth running of the production system.
The management and employees of Toyota make numerous small decisions that lead to the ultimate efficiency of the production system. The uniqueness of the production system makes imitation by other companies impossible. Companies can only use certain aspects of the Toyota production system to improve the efficiency of their production systems. Therefore, Toyotas production system is one of the major factors that give the company a competitive edge over other automobile manufacturers.
Reference
Barney, J.B. (1995). Looking inside for competitive advantage. Academy of Management Executive, 9(4), 49-61.
GameStop recommendations on improving customer life cycle
The idiosyncrasy of gaming market customers requires high speciality and rapidly responsive company applications. This is the reason why the company should deeply consider customers requirements and favourites. The products of the gaming market are uniquely perishable due to the quick dynamic markets, production and technology.
The products have little life span on the shelf and a high retail value as long as loyalty of the customer is maintained. The will ensure that the retail shelves of the games never get empty because this is the route cause of customers transfer to other outlets and eventually the business suffer from diminished demands.
To improve the customers lifecycles, the GameStop marketing company will implement some idiosyncratic business practices too. The implication would be that the off-the-shelf applications should not be the only option of satisfying customers demands. Alongside the well-stoked shelf with the latest state of the art technology, the stocks should also entail the second hand titles, which provide the options of customizing to meet special demands without any extra fortunes.
To manage the whole product sales cycle from the basics of purchasing to allocation of storage, the marketing plan should avail the options of technological dynamism that catalyze rapid growth of the company by providing a single operating platform.
By hosting the events based on the new technological evolutions, offers the customers a chance to play any highly anticipated games prior to their local releases.
The biggest challenge on the retail stores today is competition. The stores have to compete with the e-commerce world. The inquiry and supply routine is done electronically and therefore the company has to utilize the web-based retailing system to provide the required positive and lasting impression on the customers.
GameStop recommendations on ideas for prospecting
The GameStop Company has always been the top dealer of the best game models. These are some of the aspect causing the company to prosper even during the hard times. People always prefer a seller who offers quality at a relatively reasonable prize. The parents are always willing to spend on what make their kids happy thus the need to focus on the child as the main customer. The company also benefits from some of the gamers anticipated titles of which it places some reasonable prices thus allowing huge amount of entertainment time.
One of the main ideas of prospecting for the company will be to engage participation in the sponsorship activities with other related but smaller companies. This is a major boost to the retail stores all over the world due to positive publicity.
As a presenting sponsor, the company will have a significant presence at the professional competitions and distribution outlets such as the mobile technology, television and internet. Some of these are leading brands enjoying good youth support due to their adventurous lifestyles, considered as a dominant market niche of the gaming world.
The other idea entails collaboration with sporting clubs and firms. By working together with the professional video gaming leagues, such as the Major League Gaming (MLG) pro circuit, the company will raise the video gaming competitions to professional sports levels.
Such companies also provide players, publishers and media partners with a unique connection to a wide range of players who are prospective customers as well. Partnership prospects allows better transfer of gaming facilities or information regarding the company, to major stores across the globe thus elevating the profit margins to greater heights and assisting in the process of marketing the business for growth.
Recommendation for GameStop in CRM area
GameStop recommendations on improving customer life cycle
The idiosyncrasy of gaming market customers requires high speciality and rapidly responsive company applications. This is the reason why the company should deeply consider customers requirements and favourites. The products of the gaming market are uniquely perishable due to the quick dynamic markets, production and technology.
The products have little life span on the shelf and a high retail value as long as loyalty of the customer is maintained. The will ensure that the retail shelves of the games never get empty because this is the route cause of customers transfer to other outlets and eventually the business suffer from diminished demands.
To improve the customers lifecycles, the GameStop marketing company will implement some idiosyncratic business practices too. The implication would be that the off-the-shelf applications should not be the only option of satisfying customers demands. Alongside the well-stoked shelf with the latest state of the art technology, the stocks should also entail the second hand titles, which provide the options of customizing to meet special demands without any extra fortunes.
To manage the whole product sales cycle from the basics of purchasing to allocation of storage, the marketing plan should avail the options of technological dynamism that catalyze rapid growth of the company by providing a single operating platform. By hosting the events based on the new technological evolutions, offers the customers a chance to play any highly anticipated games prior to their local releases.
The biggest challenge on the retail stores today is competition. The stores have to compete with the e-commerce world. The inquiry and supply routine is done electronically and therefore the company has to utilize the web-based retailing system to provide the required positive and lasting impression on the customers.
GameStop recommendations on ideas for prospecting
The GameStop Company has always been the top dealer of the best game models. These are some of the aspect causing the company to prosper even during the hard times. People always prefer a seller who offers quality at a relatively reasonable prize. The parents are always willing to spend on what make their kids happy thus the need to focus on the child as the main customer. The company also benefits from some of the gamers anticipated titles of which it places some reasonable prices thus allowing huge amount of entertainment time.
One of the main ideas of prospecting for the company will be to engage participation in the sponsorship activities with other related but smaller companies. This is a major boost to the retail stores all over the world due to positive publicity.
As a presenting sponsor, the company will have a significant presence at the professional competitions and distribution outlets such as the mobile technology, television and internet. Some of these are leading brands enjoying good youth support due to their adventurous lifestyles, considered as a dominant market niche of the gaming world.
The other idea entails collaboration with sporting clubs and firms. By working together with the professional video gaming leagues, such as the Major League Gaming (MLG) pro circuit, the company will raise the video gaming competitions to professional sports levels.
Such companies also provide players, publishers and media partners with a unique connection to a wide range of players who are prospective customers as well. Partnership prospects allows better transfer of gaming facilities or information regarding the company, to major stores across the globe thus elevating the profit margins to greater heights and assisting in the process of marketing the business for growth.
Best Buy Co., Inc. is a retail business enterprise that deals in consumer electronics. In addition, the stocks of Best Buy Co. are traded within the New York Stock Exchange. It is interesting to note that Best Buy Company commands approximately 20% of the US domestic market share in consumer electronics. The firm distributes its products through the 24 stores located in the United States of America (Kwok, Dornbach-Bender, and Lange).
In addition, Best Buy Company also operates the United Kingdom, Mexico, and Turkey. In 2011, Best Buy Co. was ranked amongst the 100 best firms in the US. The following SWOT analysis aims at identifying the strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats of Best Buy Company within the consumer electronics market. In addition, the paper provides specific recommendations in relation to the SWOT analysis.
SWOT Analysis of Best Buy Company
SWOT analysis is one of the strategic management tools that enterprises use in order to understand their strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats. Through SWOT analysis it becomes very easy for a firm to understand how to use the strengths and opportunities to overcome the weaknesses and threats for the purposes of achieving their set objectives and targets.
Strengths
Indisputably, Best Buy Company is regarded as the largest firm selling consumer electronics in USA and other countries such as Mexico, Turkey, and the UK. The reason as to why the Best Buy Company is able to command approximately 20% of the consumer electronics market share is the unique market position.
Market positioning is an important strategy in ensuring that consumers are able to obtain the required goods. In addition, Best Buy Company has an extensive network of outlets and subsidiaries, which make the firm able to access many consumers within a shorter period (Kwok, Dornbach-Bender, and Lange). The strong network of stores enables the firm to continue enjoying economies of scale hence further positive performance.
According to Gulati, Best Buy Company operates a profitable business that has the capability and potential of growing. Increased growth rates, profitability, as well as the extensive involvement of the community are some of the strengths that Best Buy Company enjoys.
It is also important to note that another Best Buy Companys strength stems from the alliances it has with not only the subsidiaries but also the consumers and other firms within related industries (Kwok, Dornbach-Bender, and Lange). Such alliances enable healthy relationships for business performance.
Weaknesses
Despite being ranked amongst the best 100 firms in the US based on its strengths, Best Buy Company has some specific weaknesses. The weaknesses include limited suppliers of consumer electronics, increased lawsuits, and insufficient geographic concentration. Best Buy Co. continues to over-rely on few suppliers hence subjecting the firm to serious consequences (Gulati).
In a different perspective, Best Buy Co. does not have any long term contracts besides the fact that there are many lawsuits that have so far been filed by some consumers and other competitors (Kwok, Dornbach-Bender, and Lange). For instance, some consumers charged the firm with an offence of hiding warranty details. Hence, Best Buy Co. continues to experience various forms of weaknesses.
Opportunities
Many opportunities exist within the consumer electronics market. Best Buy Co. has opportunities for making significant mergers and acquisitions. Through mergers and acquisitions, Best Buy Co. can grow and expand exponentially. Amazingly, over the past years Best Buy Co has been able to acquire more companies.
Strategic acquisition is a move that increases not only a firms capacity but also customer base. In addition, strategic opportunities will enable Best Buy Co. to enter into new markets, create new products, and enhance their company names (Gulati). Another opportunity that Best Buy Co. has is opening up opportunities in other countries through globalization.
Threats
Even though the consumer electronics market provides many opportunities, there are threats that Best Buy Co. needs to consider. The biggest threat that Best Buy Co. faces is competition.
With the reduction in barriers to new entrants, there has been increased number of firms within the consumer electronics market causing serious competition. Other than new entrants, Best Buy Co. needs to compete effectively with large firms such as Wal-Mart, which have some attractive offers such as free installations (Kwok, Dornbach-Bender, and Lange).
Furthermore, the increase in prices of electronics caused by the high inflation rate caused by global financial and economic crises has also posed serious threats on the firm. There have also been rising operating costs as well as fluctuations within the US economy (Gulati). These are the main threats that Best Buy Co. continues to face.
The following diagram provides a summary of the strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats that Best Buy Co. continues to face.
Recommendations
Based on the above SWOT analysis, it is evident that there is need to have adequate strategies that would enable Best Buy Co. to continue performing exemplary. For instance, the firm needs to embark on intensive and extensive marketing and other promotional services in order to offer stiff competition to its competitors.
Furthermore, there is need for Best Buy Co. to expand its operations in other countries other than the US, Turkey, UK, and Mexico. Expanding the activities in other countries will provide additional market opportunities. Nonetheless, there is no doubt that Best Buy Co. has continued to perform effectively.
This study aims at identifying the benefits that would be reaped by an organization in implementing a training and education program. The study has identified that the current organizational culture in the organization is faulty and it is in need of a change, despite resistance from the organizations top brass.
This paper will therefore identify a training program that is expected to stimulate growth in the organizations employees. It will seek to develop the capacity of employees through training and establishment of educational programs that will focus on capacity building that is training of the employees so that they can be in a position to contribute to the attainment of the organizational objectives.
Introduction
This study on quality initiative training and education program is expected to be implemented in an organization with the objective of overhauling the organizational culture that is prevailing. It has been noted that the current culture has pitfalls that are in dire need to be fixed.
It has therefore become the priority of the study to evaluate the best way forward for the organization by coming up with a report that is expected to lay the matter in a nutshell to the top management. This will be done by formulating the benefits that will be reaped by the organization from the training and education program, despite the projected resistance from the superior faction of the management that demands for status quo.
It is evident that the training and the education program is expected to utilise the best technological advancements that are available in ascertaining that the training of the organization employees is efficient and effective in helping them improve on how they undertake their organizational duties.
Why change is needed in an organization
In order for this study toachieve its objectives, it is prudent that it addresses the reasons why the organization needs to change its culture.
It is from this angle that the training and education program has set base for its initiation. It is in black and white from history that organization cultures grow old with time and this necessitates the desire to overhaul the culture that is prevailing with a new culture that is versatile as it is deemed best to benefit theorganization.
This comes in when employees in any organization realise that they need to change their organizational culture to one that absolutely supports the objectives of the organization and that the need of change is inevitable, despite the challenges that emanate from this revelation.
This realisation that change is paramount is evident that people would only change if they are adversely affected by the problems that face the organization due to the old culture. New culture necessitates the adoption of a training and education program for the employees.
In order that the training and education program achieves its objectivessmoothly in transforming the organization culture, there are a number of steps that will ensure that the process of transition is as smooth as possible and it is successful. These steps categorically are; first thepeople who are instigating that the current organization culture should be changed must first understand the existing culture fully and how it has been perpetuated in the organization over the years.
The second point entails fully understanding the existing culture, the technocrats of the new culture must decide where they want the organization to go and the strategic directions that are expected to propel it towards the attainment of those objectives. The vision of the new organization culture should envision the future of the organization and thus should aim at accomplishing those objectives.The third step is in a nutshell, a mere forecast of the organization culture is not enough to achieve those objectives.
This step therefore, stresses the importance of moulding of the new organization culture blue print that is expected to systematically guide the transition process thus ascertaining the desired organization culture comes to birth successfully.Lastly, the program should ensure that it changes the behaviour of the employees in alignment with the new organization culture (Cameron & Quinn, 2011).
Benefits of a training and education program
The above synopsis are the steps that willensure a smooth transition in the organization culture as it has set precedence on the importance of having a training and education program that is expected to facilitate this process. The training and education is vital in this change as its benefits include; first, the quality of training program forthe organization employees is very crucial as it increases the profitability of the employees who undergo the training program.
This is evident where the employees are trained and acquire knowledge that makes themfamiliar with their job activities. This eliminates the time and resources that are lost in the organizations learning curve. For instance, training of the employees on the new organizational culture makes sure that they all know how they should behave upon the implementation of the new culture (Rogers, 2006). It is therefore, evident that training eliminates common mistakes that are committed by employees when learning.
Training of the employees improves the quality on their work delivery as the employees know the standard procedures employed in the delivery or production of the services or goods of that particular organization. Trained employees make fewer mistakes thus produce better products. This translates to more money for the organization as consumers purchase quality (Moore, 2003).
Training creates team work and team spirit in the employees. Efficient and effective production in the organization eliminates conflicts amongst the employees thus reducing blame game. This smooth operation creates cohesion in the employees subsequently leading to the formation of teams that work tirelessly towards achieving the objectives of the organization as it is inherent that all humans want to work with competent workmates (Rogers, 2006).
Training of employees increases their productivity. Employees are trained on how best to do their job. These increase their productivity as they do not take time trying to learn on how the job is done.Job productivity is enhanced as the training program eliminates procrastination on employees. This makes it easier for the employees to achieve the long-term objectives of the organizationwithin a short period of time (Moore, 2003).
It is evident that training boasts the morale of the employees. A trained person eludes more confidence than the one who is untrainedas trained personnel are familiar in their job activities. It is known that knowledge and a good understanding of how something operates builds the confidence of any person. A confident employee is more assertive in a position to do more tasks efficiently and quickly as compared to an untrained employee. The increased overall production capacity of the employees means more money for the organization (Crocker, Chiu & Charney, 2004).
Lastly, it is evident that training changes the image of the employees from their fellow employees and the customers as well. This is clear wherebythe employees who are educated and well trained are competent and reliable. It is evident that training transforms them into professionals in the delivery of goods or services to their customers.
This change of image to one that eludes professionalism builds the confidence customers have in the new team of employees (Troy & Conference Board, 2009).The benefits explained above on the training initiative program in an organization are not conclusive of all the benefits that can be reaped by an organization from the initiative, but they are a testimony of how crucial it is for an organization to continuously carry out such programmes.
Summary
It is evident that quality training program is a paramount initiative in any organization as it motivates the organization management to set higher bars in terms of the objectives the management projects to achieve within a given time frame. This results in the organization continuously improving as the training necessitates constant inspection.
The benefits that are reaped from the quality training programme are paramount and this is evident in the study as it has stressed that the training process is beneficial to the realms of the organization. This program therefore, requires a strong and solid management that supports all the initiatives that are proposed from the quality training program in operation in the organization.
The program requires solid employee input, systematic and accurate planning that will demand a lot of dedication from the employees in completing the assignments issued to them. It would therefore be prudent to conclude that a clearly envisioned and planned quality training programme should be supportive and on the other hand be supported by all facets of the organization.
It should be implemented by highly trained and professional employees who will yield the desired results in all the endeavours and in the scope of this study a good organizational cultureshould subsequently exceedthe expectations attached to its implementation.
References
Cameron, K., S. & Quinn, R., E. (2011). Diagnosing and Changing Organizational Culture: Based on the Competing Values Framework. New York: John Wiley and Sons.
Crocker, O., L.,Chiu, J., S., L. & Charney, C. (2004).Quality circles: a guide to participation and productivity. London: Taylor & Francis.
Moore, R., W.(2003). Training that works: lessons from Californias employment training panel program .New York: W.E. Upjohn Institute.
Rogers ,R., E.(2006). Implementation of total quality management: a comprehensive training program. London: Routledge.
Troy, K. & Conference Board. (2009). Employee buy-in to total quality: a corporate progress report Conference Board report. New York: Conference Board.
Nowadays, business plays a very important role in almost each sphere of life, and the citizen of any country becomes an integral participant of business science. The changes, which happen in our world, touch business science and require certain improvements and shifts almost every day. This is why business as a maturing science demands more attention to the skills and practices of people, who have an immediate influence to this sphere.
Business feels considerable pressure because only really sophisticated graduates get a chance to find a good job; in spite of the fact that business gets benefits due to technological progress and people participation in computerization, the requirement for graduates create numerous dangers to business development: inability to get necessary practice, troubles with checking own experience, and high demands of employers.
Our world has flattened considerably within a short period of time, and the development of technologies provide people with a chance to reduce own efforts and to get more benefits[1].[2] Technological development requires business and its practices to become more scientific, and this very requirement leads to numerous benefits and challenges within the sphere of business simultaneously.
First of all, business as a science undergoes certain improvements with its management, because good management with good manufacturing and production is the ground number one for the development of successful business. With the help of technological progress, people may concentrate on such points like healthcare system, personnel communication, and environmental conditions. This technological breakthrough creates new conditions for people to get their jobs.
Students have to concentrate on both studying the concepts of the chosen business sphere and studying computing activities, which are indispensible in business. As a result, students, who chose business as their major, become educative in two disciplines business and computing. This requirement is one of the major benefits, resulting from scientific business practice.
Secondly, business as a science creates clear conditions, under which peoples employment takes place. The financial side of education always creates numerous challenges as for students as well as for their further employers. Education in many developing countries costs much money,[3] and some people face considerable difficulties to pay for their education.[4]
Rich students can study easily, pay money, and get necessary grades. And those students, who want to gain recognition in the sphere of business, have to pass numerous tests and competitions in order to get necessary resident tuition and continue studying.
This is the first reason of why businesses feel difficulties to find out graduates, who have high level of knowledge and really comprehend the material. If a person finishes his/her studying process, it does not actually mean that this person is an expert in business science. It only means that a person gets some general information about business and is ready to use this knowledge at practice.
Taking into consideration this fact, employers cannot be sure about the rational development of business strategies, because they have to work on improving their tactics, explain everything to the chosen graduates, and discover how superior graduates skills may be. In general, the inability of graduates to demonstrate their skills and knowledge after they leave universities and the necessity to train these graduates create a difficulty and a kind of pressure for numerous businesses.
Finally, the definition of business admits that successful business has to consider three major rules[5]: to present good organization, to meet all kinds of needs, and to earn profits.[6] These three points should also have some connection to business ethics, important moral standard[7], and the concept of fairness.[8]
Comprehension of moral standard and values of business ethics and simultaneous attitude to business as a developing science makes many people become confused and fail to work rationally. The dangers of businesses failures lead to loss of benefits, inability to control own positions, and difficulties to develop necessary communication.
Technological breakthrough may distract businessmen from all these moral duties, and people just simply forget about the concepts of fairness and honesty. Their activities have only one direction to comprehend how this or that technology may improve the current development of events and what further innovation may improve their work and help to achieve higher results within the business sphere.
The benefits, which come from the fact that business practice becomes more scientific, are all about connection of computing to business development. People have to pay more attention to their technological skills and software awareness; people have to spend more money to gain understanding of computing technologies and activities. This is why benefits and difficulties within the sphere of business have the closest connection ever.
Businesses feel considerable pressure while employing graduates, because now they have to deal with not only business professionals but also with computing technologies, who are able to develop business tactics and strategies by means of technologies and software. Business practices becomes more eventful and interesting, and in spite of the fact that numerous dangers and challenges appear, they actually motivate people to develop, to study, to enlarge their knowledge, and to improve skills.
Works Cited
Friedman, Thomas, Its a Flat World, After All! The New York Times, 2005, para.12
Friedman, Thomas, Its a Flat World, After All! The New York Times, 2005, para.12
Talbott, William, Which Rights Should Be Universal? Oxford University Press, New York, 2005, page 179.
Talbott, William, Which Rights Should Be Universal? Oxford University Press, New York, 2005, page 179.
Pride, William, M., Hughes, Robert, J., and Kapoor, Jack, R. Business, Cengage Learning, Mason, OH, 2008, page 9
Pride, William, M., Hughes, Robert, J., and Kapoor, Jack, R. Business, Cengage Learning, Mason, OH, 2008, page 9.
Jennings, Marianne, M. Business: Its Legal, Ethical, and Global Environment, West Legal Studies in Business, Mason, OH, 2006, page 38.
Jennings, Marianne, M. Business: Its Legal, Ethical, and Global Environment, West Legal Studies in Business, Mason, OH, 2006, page 38.
Project definition: Project refers to an endeavor to achieve unique deliverables aimed at addressing at specific purpose or need. Projects aim at solving complex problems and hence constitute a multidisciplinary team charged with the responsibility of undertaking specific tasks (Gido & Clement, 2009).
The project life cycle The process of implementing a project constitutes a number of phases, which include project initiation, conducting detailed planning, project execution, and project closure (Heldman, 2009).
Selection and prioritization of projects coupled with how it supports organizational vision and mission
Project selection and prioritization should be linked with the vision and mission in order to ensure the establishment of a comprehensive understanding and connection between the project and the firms mission. This aspect aids in eliminating mistrust and confusion. On the other hand, prioritization serves in ensuring that the project attains the desired purpose.
Effect of project complexity on the planning process
Project planning is vital for it aids in generating information that is necessary for project execution. Additionally, some activities that are undertaken during the planning process include project identification, evaluation of capabilities, resource and other necessary requirement for project implementation, risk identification, and determination of key project participants.
However, projects may face a certain degree of complexity. Project complexity may adversely affect task completion and this element arises from the fact that some tasks have to be reworked. Consequently, this aspect culminates in poor project interconnectivity, hence failure of the project in attaining the desired results.
Project management
This aspect entails the process of accomplishing tasks that may not fit in an organizations daily operation. Project management is not undertaken in isolation, but it is rather constituted of a number of deliverables, which must be integrated into one operation.
In a bid to ensure that a specific project is successfully executed, the project manager must be a professional who possess specific skills aimed at ensuring effective planning, execution, control, and project closure. Some skills that the manager must possess entail the ability to adjust quickly to changes, effectiveness in problem solving, flexibility and adapting to diverse organizational cultures, effective planning, and the ability to negotiate and ensure effective team motivation.
Project management importance: Project management is of great importance in ensuring that a particular project attains the desired goal. Additionally, project management ensures a high level of cost effectiveness, increased productivity, and improved risk minimization.
Integrated project management system- This system refers to a computer technology that provides project managers with the ability to undertake a number of project management functions in addition to uniform data access.
Project Management Institute: this institution refers to an international organization whose role is to provide sufficient support to the process of project management. It maintains the Project Management Body of Knowledge (PMBOK).
The management of risk- In the process of implementing projects, it is difficult for the project manager to eliminate all the risks involved in the process. However, the manager can manage the risks by undertaking a number of tasks such as risk management planning, risk identification, risk assessment, and monitoring and controlling risks.
Project portfolio process: It entails a collection of projects that hinge on specific business lines or infrastructure. Project portfolio facilitates effective reporting and management of projects. On the other hand, programs entail a number of related projects that seek to attain certain goals.
Information in a simple sense means the data in a processed form. Information is inevitable part of the daily life of human being. Each and every activity of a human being is directly or indirectly linked or related with information in one way or the other. Information is considered as the corner stone of any organization. Different policies and plans are designed based on the very important resource called information.
Though different other resources are used in an organization, information assumes more significance than any other resources. The reason is that information combines or links all other resources and it is essential for smooth functioning of the organization. As regards an organization is concerned, the information may strategic or tactical or operational. Strategic information refers to the information required for long term planning.
Tactical information refers to the information required for implementing short term activities. For example, the information required for the decision of what the maximum stock level should be. Operational information refers to information required for daily operations of the organization. Therefore, it is indisputable that the proper management of information is essential for ensuring smooth functioning of an organization.
Information Management has become a commonly used word in modern management enterprises systems and gained lots of advantage over its usage in selected firms. Information management can be defined as the acquisition, recording, organizing, storage, dissemination, and retrieval of information. Good information management has been described as getting the right information to the right person in the right format at the right time (Schrader, 1983, p. 601).
Information system is a collection of prearranged system or procedures, which is useful when it is properly processed and helps in various decisions making. In other words, information is a touchable or untouchable entity that minimizes uncertainty about a state.
For example, the information about the movements in capital market can minimize the uncertainty of what may be the share price tomorrow and so on. To be stated in different words, information about the possibility of rain can reduce the uncertainty about whether the cricket match is played or not (Nickerson, 2001).
For a business organization information system is a very important aspect for its growth and survival. The information system in an organization helps in the proper analysis of marketing environment and with the help of which taking various crucial decisions. The information about the customer is another important aspect of information management in a business organization. A full-fledged customer data base is essential for taking various marketing decision. The information about the competitors is also important as customer information as it helps in taking various strategic decisions.
Information system can be classified into transaction processing system, management information system and decision support system.
Transaction processing system is designed to support the daily operations of an organization. The management information system is designed for processing of short term or tactical information. The decision support system is designed for the efficient flow and processing of strategic information.
The decision support system helps in formulation of long term policies for the organization. An information system is designed as a combination of people, hardware, software, communications networks, and data resources that stores and retrieves, transforms, and disseminates information in an organization (OBrien, 2005, p. 6).
From the above definition it is clear that, the main components of information system are human being, hardware, software and data resources.
What does a database management system do?
A database is a collection of logically related information. Database management is the job of maintaining databases so that information is available as and when required. The software needed for executing the duty of database management is called database management system (DBMS). Database management systems are created to keep and protect large volume of data. Management of data includes the following (Shim, 2000).
Defining structure of data storage Database management system defines the structure of data storage. In other words it designs a frame work of how the data are stored in a database.
Providing mechanism for data manipulation such as adding, editing, and deleting data. With the help of database management system it is easy to add new data, edit or delete existing data and also it facilitate the data manipulation.
Providing data security against unauthorized access. It is one of the main functions of database management system. Data security is very important in todays world. A properly implemented database management system can prevent unauthorized access.
Other functions of data base management system include updating and accessing of data, data recovery&etc
Database management systems are now available on a wide range of computers, from desktop to mainframes. The size and power of the computer determine the system facilities such as security and storage. The database management systems provide a proficient and suitable environment that is used to store data in, and retrieve data from a database. It also manages information about users who interact with the database management system and the activities that these users can perform on various clusters of data
Database management systems are extensively used in different industries. In banks the transactions of the bank are managed and controlled a database management system. In the Airline industry, ticketing and passenger reservation are made easy with help of database management system.
Another main application of the database management system is in the human resource management. If the records of the employees are keeping with the help of database management system, it would be easy to access the required information as and when required.
The database management system eliminates the data redundancy that may arise due to different reasons like storing data in different file formats if stored in a traditional system of data management. If the data are stored in a database, the accessing of the stored data would be an easy task.
The database management system is a solution for various data security problems. In other words, database management systems offer end-to-end data security solution for organizations. Using database management system some confidential data can be made inaccessible to others.
Different techniques are used for this purpose. The architecture of a database system is given below. Different terminologies like attributes, primary key&etc are used in database management system for the proper implementation of the system. The database management system creates a standardized and higher degree of accuracy and reliability. The data in a database can be accessed using queries. The cost of information processing can be minimized with the help of database management system.
Why is data validation important?
Data validation s the process of ensuring the correct, required and clean data is input into database or web application. The data validation can prevent the attacks from the hackers or the like people from attacking the database system. The chance of threat or attack is very low if proper validation is applied in a database management system or web application (Nickerson, 2001).
The data validation act as a filter while receiving or sending the data or in other words in the process of input and output. The one of the main benefits of data validation is that, it involves saving of time, money and efforts. The efficiency of some of the computerized systems depends up on the accuracy of the input data.
It is the data validation process that ensures the data transmitted or input into the system are valid, correct and useful. The data validation can eliminate errors in data analysis. The reason is that if the data validation is implemented wrong values will not be given as input values and thereby protecting from errors in data analysis and data modeling.
Data validation helps in sorting of data and elimination of data manipulation &etc. Another thing that the problems or errors or mistakes in the data are revealed only after someone actually uses the data. Before that it is difficult to find out these errors. The data validation overcomes this problem (Nickerson, 2001).
It is possible that some web application accept some items of data without looking at the validity of the data. If the web application is properly validated these kinds of mistakes can be eliminated. It is said that not validating the web application is one of the common mistakes committed by the web developers. The data validation can offer great amount of data security by way of preventing crash of systems, hacking, and corruption of database&etc.
It also helps in eliminating overflow of buffer. That is in web applications like payment processing system or like that there is a chance of hacking the confidential information of the company or customers by the hackers by way of committing manipulation in login session. The chance of these kinds of manipulation can be eliminated by proper validation of data.
Also the data validation has a significant role in todays world of emergence of highly technically qualified thieves. Hacker designs programs to hack the important data of people by spending hours of research on the latest information technology concepts and facilities.
If data validation is strictly implemented, it can prevent, to a great extent, the problems like hacking, unauthorized access, misuse of data&etc. Though the technology is goes on developing beyond the limit, it is not successful in completely elimination the aforesaid problems. The data validation can reduce the possibility to happen these kinds of problems.
With the help of data validation it is easy to find out the any difference in procedure from the actual procedure to be followed. A separate set of instructions are created t find out the deviations, if any. In a nut shell it can be said data validation is very important in ensuring the data that are stored and input into systems are valid in different perspectives.
Work Cited
Nickerson, C. Robert., Business and information systems, India, Prentice Hall, 2001
OBrien, A. James., & George M. Marakas., Management information systems, California, McGraw-Hill Irwin, 2005
Schrader, M. Alvin., Toward a theory of library and information science, University Microfilms International, 1983
Shim, K. Jae., Information systems and technology for the non-information systems executive: an integrated resource management guide for the 21st century, Texas, CRC Press, 2000