Research Topics: MBA Case Studies

TRADER CASE STUDY: BARWEST BANK

BARWEST’S BANK TRADER CASE STUDY Introduction Barwest bank has been involved in many foreign trade and finance products. Within Barwests, all foreign trade work whether collected by the account-holding branch or was not forwarded to the specialist area, known as the Foreign Services Office (FOA) or its foreign local outlets, the Foreign Service Braches (FSB). These outlets handle a variety of business, including foreign policy, traveler’s cheques, and the provision of Letters of Credit and Collections for its customers (2008). Business Plan             There are eight key points that a business plan should have:             The summary of the business plan—, which is the introduction to the client of the proposed business, product or service and a financial overview. Next is management. This must include the detail of the management and it partners, and the business experience. Then the product/s and service/s, the marketing that provides the past, present and future of sales capability, the competitors, and customer profile. After that, the sales. The product/service unique selling points and prices, and the advertising avenues. Next is operational. The business location and equipment that will be utilized must be incorporated here. Then the short term trading, it contains the short-term objectives and contingency plans. Lastly, the financial documents. Profit and loss account, balance sheet, and cash flow forecast are what comprise this most important business key point. Barwest’s Bank Business Line: An Introduction to Acme Training Services & Computer Sales Acme Training Services & Computer Sales has been established for two months, and trade on a regional basis. There are currently two partners:    and      , who have extensive experience of computers and training. The product of computer sales and training services are aimed at the corporate market, with service contracts available. The two partners  plans to run courses for 2 – 3 days, with quarterly 1-day progress and update courses to keep those under training up to date with the latest technology.     and     bring existing business and network contacts. Both parties believe that they could increase their own business areas by 200% within 6 – 12 months if they could delegate some less skillful areas within their current work schedules. Financial Summary As seen from the enclosed financials, the markup is 40% with an expected profit of £90, 00 in the first year. They have £20,000 capital to invest in the company and seek further funds of £40,000 from a lender – secured on Johns property. An overdraft facility of £15,000 is also required to finance larger than expected growth if cash flow is limited due to increased costs.   Business Goals and Benefits The business goals are to introduce an automated international trade finance system based on the ABC package and Trader within 5 months. It is also to reduce staffing in the FSO and FSB’s by 25% after full implementation. It is to provide a sufficient return on investment that breakeven occurs in year three, with profits in year four onwards. The cost and total budget is 1 million pounds but it was unsuccessful because it took 7 months and an extra budget and equipment, and also extra ABC staff. There were 14 branches and the central office totaling at the time, 400 staff, of who about a quarter were involved in LC and DC work. The software supplier anticipated a staff saving in a region of 15%-25% once it is operational. The capacity for new business was expected to be enhanced by the new system and forecasts suggested the ability to capture the rival’s business to take a 40% market share by year three (2008). Barwest’s Sample Business Plan Page1   a) Introduction to Acme Business Services & Co b) Product: Computer Sales c) Product: Training Services d) Why the Business will Succeed e) Financial Summary Page 2- Management a) Proprietor: Employment Record b) Junior Partners: Brief Summary c) How and Why the Business Started   Page 3- Product / Service a) Computers Sales b) Printer Sales c) Training Sales Page 4- Marketing The market Size b) Future Growth c) Market Sector d) Expected Client Profile d) Competitors Page 5- Sales a) Advertising b) Promotion c) Who will sell d) The Unique Selling Points e) Setting the Price Page 6- Operational a) Location b) Equipment and Costs To-date c) Equipment Required d) Staff Page 7- Short/Medium Term Trading a) Objective Short Medium-term b) What if? – Contingency plans Page 8     Financials   References     Credit:ivythesis.typepad.com

TRADER CASE STUDY: BARWEST BANK

BARWEST’S BANK TRADER CASE STUDY Introduction Barwest bank has been involved in many foreign trade and finance products. Within ...

Water Pollution

Water Pollution 1.0 Background of the Study Water is continuously moving around the earth and constantly changing its form. It evaporates from land, become bodies of water and is used by all forms of life on Earth. And water pollution is threatening Earth’s inhabitants. The causes of pollution in water are virtually endless and have many sources. The most polluting of them are the city sewage and industrial waste discharged into the rivers. Presently, only about 10% of the waste water generated is treated; the rest is discharged as it is into our water bodies. Due to this, pollutants enter groundwater, rivers, and other water bodies This polluted water, which ultimately ends up in our households, is highly contaminated and carries disease-causing microbes. Agricultural run-off, or the water from the fields that drains into rivers, is another major water pollutant as it contains fertilizers and pesticides. Many people dump garbage onto streams, lakes, rivers, and seas, thus making water bodies the final resting place of cans, bottles, plastics, and other household products. Today’s cleaning products are synthetic detergents coming from petrochemical industry. Most detergents and washing powders contain phosphates, which are used to soften the water (2005). These and other chemicals contained in washing products affect the health of all forms of life in the water and who uses water. Human infectious diseases are among the most serious effects of water pollution, especially in developing countries, where sanitation may be inadequate or non-existent. Clearly, problems associated with water pollution have the capabilities to disrupt life on the planet to a great extent. 2.0 Statement of the Problem The achievement of lessening water pollution is the main issue here. What the local government as well as the local people is doing in protecting and sustaining geothermal fluids like hot springs and volcanic eject is critical. What are the factors that will lead to the geothermal pollution of hot springs? Conserving and protecting hot springs by means of not bathing in it for soap, even bio-soap, introduces harmful contaminates that do not break down into the water system. Keeping campsites at 200 feet away from all water sources because any pollution that gets in threatens fish, wildlife and human drinking water are some of the ways in maintaining the quality of hot springs. What are water disturbances in the areas that contribute in water pollution  and eventual decline of the purity of hot springs would be another issue to deal with. Tarps left in hot springs produce a foreign fungus which does not break down and is harmful to the surrounding environment and ultimately makes its way into the local water systems. Therefore knowledge and awareness in upholding the quality of hot springs is important for the local communities residing in this area. 3.0 Objectives of the Study The main purpose of this study is to analyze the several activities or events that jeopardizes effective conservation of the quality of hot springs. This research, specifically, purports to determine how these activities affect water ecology and to distinguish the role of the people within the vicinity and the authority having jurisdiction in protecting and preserving the quality of hot springs. This research takes into account the practices that affect pollution in hot springs, recognizing the economic, social and environmental obligation of the people. 4.0 Research Methodology This study will use the descriptive type of research. A descriptive research intends to present facts concerning the nature and status of a situation, as it exists at the time of the study and to describe present conditions, events or systems based on the impressions or reactions of the respondents of the research (1994). It is also concerned with relationships and practices that exist, beliefs and processes that are ongoing, effects that are being felt, or trends that are developing (1970). In this study, primary and secondary research will be both incorporated. The reason for this is to be able to provide adequate discussion for the readers that will help them understand more about the issue and the different variables that involve with it. The primary data for the study will be represented by the survey results that will be acquired from the respondents. On the other hand, the literature reviews to be presented in the second chapter of the study will represent the secondary data of the study. The research will be presented in written form with the addition of data charts which will present the project’s results. Pie charts and network charts will be needed to illustrate some of the analyzed data. This cannot be confirmed, however, until the research data have been analyzed.   Credit:ivythesis.typepad.com

Water Pollution

Water Pollution 1.0 Background of the Study Water is continuously moving around the earth and constantly changing its form. It evaporate...

CUSTOMER SERVICE DELIVERY AND CUSTOMER LOYALTY – A CASE STUDY IN BARCLAYS BANK GHANA

CUSTOMER SERVICE DELIVERY   1.0 Background of the Study Customer service delivery and customer loyalty goes hand in hand—when a service is delivered exceptionally it then follows that the customer will be satisfied and will be loyal to the services rendered. Customer service deliverance taps into business, marketing, and psychological research and practices to provide a satisfied customer. Customer service delivery also provides a framework for customer service as a process and an outcome. Customer expectations, loyalty satisfaction, product versus service delivery, measurement, brand equity, regional and cultural differences, and organizational impact are the factors revolving in the carrying out of a good business and hence will gain the loyalty of customers. One of the most important customer service skills one can develop is the ability to understand and effectively respond to R the customer’s needs and concerns. For a long time, sales has been perceived to be mostly about trying to convince the customer that he needs the product. Excellent customer service delivery starts by first taking the time to get to know the customer, his situation, his vision, his frustrations and his goals (2005). Moreover, customer service discipline must promote customer service principles, share information about customer service enhancements and recognize customer service needs in order to help improve operations and deliver excellent service to external and internal customers. 2.0 Statement of the Problem   What does the Barclay’s Bank in Ghana need to execute in order to gain loyal customers? What are the benefits of delivering effective customer service? The kind of attitude and strategy the staff in Barclay’s Bank exhibits is truly critical. It would be the make or break in gaining the customer’s loyalty. The complications that  affect customer-focused approach will also be tackled. What are the disturbances in a company that contribute in unsatisfactory delivery of service to customers? Instilling in one’s minds and hearts the winning attitude in delivering customer service is crucial. Therefore, maintaining the ability to understand and effectively respond to customer’s queries and needs will surely get a company to the top.   3.0 Research Objectives   The main purpose of this study is to analyze the several activities or events that jeopardizes effective execution of quality service delivery. This research, specifically, purports to determine how these activities affect the customer’s standpoint. This paper also aims to distinguish the role of the customers and the service providers in effective interchange of business. This research takes into account the practices of service providers that affect the giving of loyalty and trust among the customers. This study also explores human resource staffing practices and service delivery by including proven selection strategies for hiring top quality service workers, an analysis of the personality correlates of service performance, and the tactics in improving  and managing  service delivery.   4.0 Research Methodology             This study will use the descriptive type of research. A descriptive research intends to present facts concerning the nature and status of a situation, as it exists at the time of the study and to describe present conditions, events or systems based on the impressions or reactions of the respondents of the research (1994). It is also concerned with relationships and practices that exist, beliefs and processes that are ongoing, effects that are being felt, or trends that are developing (1970). In this study, primary and secondary research will be both incorporated. The reason for this is to be able to provide adequate discussion for the readers that will help them understand more about the issue and the different variables that involve with it. The primary data for the study will be represented by the survey results that will be acquired from the respondents. On the other hand, the literature reviews to be presented in the second chapter of the study will represent the secondary data of the study. The research will be presented in written form with the addition of data charts which will present the project’s results. Pie charts and network charts will be needed to illustrate some of the analyzed data. This cannot be confirmed, however, until the research data have been analyzed.     5.0 References       Credit:ivythesis.typepad.com

CUSTOMER SERVICE DELIVERY AND CUSTOMER LOYALTY – A CASE STUDY IN BARCLAYS BANK GHANA

CUSTOMER SERVICE DELIVERY 1.0 Background of the Study Customer service delivery and customer loyalty goes hand in hand—when a servic...

PEST AND SWOT ANALYSIS ON AUSTRALIAN COLLEGE OF KUWAIT ( ACK )

S.W. O.T. and P.E.S.T. Analysis of Australian College of Kuwait   Introduction The Australian College of Kuwait is the pioneer in offering  private vocational education college in Kuwait. The ACK has been established under Kuwait Law 34/2000, governing private universities in Kuwait, to provide internationally recognized and accredited education and training to the Business, Engineering, and Maritime sectors. It was licensed by the Ministry of Education and Higher Education under      141/2003 and commenced operation in October 2004. It is yet a new school, barely 5 years and its already earning accolades in the business world.  “ACK is an institution of higher learning that caters to individuals. It provides its students, through outcome-focused learning, with the necessary life skills to aid them in their life-long success in the workforce. At ACK, students are treated as individuals and not numbers and are instructed in a learning system that revolves around the vision of enabling human potential within a culture of care” said the vice president of student affairs Ms.         . It is clear that students who chose to enroll in ACK get their money’s worth and provide high quality standard of education.   The Strengths and Weaknesses of  ACK ACK delivers the quality of its course delivery at its utmost level and the people who graduate from there are given a broad spectrum of career choices. In ensuring the quality of education is consistently at the highest level, ACK utilizes internal and external quality assurance systems. ACK is supported by leading Australian training institutions, all of whom are wholly owned by the Australian Government – The University of Tasmania (UTas), the Institute of Technical and Further Education, Tasmania, the Western Australian Central Institute of Technical and Further Education WA and the      Technical and Further Education Institute. On the other hand, its weaknesses includes the numerous choices of schools students can compare to them. Also the fact that ACK is fairly new, others may be quite hesitant to enroll and trust a school that do not have a very strong background. Many people give importance to the amount of time or the “seniority” of an institution for them to fully entrust their education. But it’s a case to case basis so ACK must be consistent and further their status to greatness. Opportunities and Threats of ACK             Ironically, being a new school could gain popularity and students may want to enroll to them. ACK must use this opportunity to prove to the students that they are a premium school. With state-of-the-art technologies, high standard faculty and an inviting aura of the school could lead to more admissions. Utilizing all their assets in a broad sense will bring the school to new heights.             In contrast, if the students chose to study abroad or are not impressed by what they’re offering, they would inform other student as well in the discovery and eventually deter admission. The limited number of courses being offered at ACK is also a huge threat because variety is the key to making students feel that they are not limited to only a few selections. Diversity must be incorporated in the number of courses. Political and Economic Aspect of ACK ACK is well-placed to satisfy the requirements of accreditation and external audits, and they use the internal Continuous Improvement system. This system uses trained internal auditors to review all aspects of ACK’s operation through a cyclical roster of audits. Each section prepares a self-review against approved ACK standards and this is then used as part of the audit exercise to establish opportunities to improve the operation. In addition, courses must satisfy the full requirements of the Australian Quality Training Framework (AQTF). This is assured by ACK’s Australian partners conducting audits of operation on a regular basis against the AQTF standards. Australian partners also conduct regular audits and moderate the examinations and assessments to ensure that standards are at least as high as those in Australia. ACK makes Kuwait be one of the topnotch choice to study because of its high quality standard of education. Corporate Social Responsibility and Technical Aspect of ACK             ACK supports research and innovation programs for the benefit of the community and society. Research is encouraged and supported by the Private Universities Council (PUC) by funding research grants and collaborative projects throughout the country. The College offers an exciting environment for its researchers by uniting with key government and industry partners. They also provide creative funding and training. The College offers a state-of-the-art training facility from which they deliver a wide range of education and training programs. They provide advanced method of giving students a comfortable access to quality education. Some of the specialized and sophisticated equipment available to students at ACK includes a ground-based Boeing 737-200 aircraft, aviation test benches and a 57-foot boat, a state-of-the art marine simulator and computer laboratories with the latest software which gives them the opportunity to better their study. REFERENCES     Credit:ivythesis.typepad.com

PEST AND SWOT ANALYSIS ON AUSTRALIAN COLLEGE OF KUWAIT ( ACK )

S.W. O.T. and P.E.S.T. Analysis of Australian College of Kuwait Introduction The Australian College of Kuwait is the pioneer in offe...

MBA OTM ASSIGNMENT

Strategy and Operations Management Company: Honda Motors                 Generally, Honda Motors operates under the basic principles of “Respect for the Individual” and “The Three Joys”-commonly expressed as The Joy of Buying, The Joy of Selling and The Joy of Creating. Respect for the Individual” reflects our desire to respect the unique character and ability of each individual person, trusting each other as equal partners in order to do our best in every situation. Honda Motor Ltd., has remained on the leading edge by creating new value by providing products of the highest quality at a reasonable price, for worldwide customer satisfaction. The Company has grown to become the world’s largest motorcycle manufacturer and one of the leading automakers. Honda develops, manufactures and markets a wide variety of products ranging from small general-purpose engines and scooters to specialty sports cars, to earn the Company an outstanding reputation from customers worldwide.                       Accordingly, Honda as one of the popular business firms has devoted certain substantial process-oriented initiatives to its manufacturing and logistics strategy and even though there were a few of its rivals have been able to capture the strategic potential of such broader order to the operation process that can be considerable, especially as the industries involved in Honda’s business milieu are highly dynamic with tight profit margins and demanding customers with a lot of needs with such rapid changing requirements. As Honda’s manufacturing strategy or operations strategy support its ideal business objectives that is part of planning process that coordinates the company’s operational goals with those of competitor organizations (Cited from, ., 2001) and being used as competitive weapon in enhancing better relationship in support to Honda’s strategy and its operations management respectively (Cited from,  and , 1994). Aside, in growing global marketplace when most business firms are competing with same technology operations as well as strategies, time-based company grow as such many times industry norms and are twice as profitable with the main competitors (Cited from,  and , 1990).                       Moreover, there are several forms of competitive advantage to be gained from focus on time such as increased responsiveness to customer needs, innovations, improved return on novel products, working capitals, development and quality costs, increased prices and productivity (Cited from,  and , 1991;  and , 1992). Then, Honda’s strategy can be viewed as the organized development of resources in achieving detailed objectives alongside competition from rival businesses such as Toyota and others. Thus, Honda will only be efficient if the management controls its interaction and wealth with desirable and amiable operations and strategic environment providing better stance at its business. Although, it is a fact that, there is reciprocal relationship between Honda’s operation environment and its used strategies to empower total quality management and such respected flexibility (Cited from,  and , 1978;  and , 1997). Then, Honda’s unique combination of resources and capabilities such as for example, the internal factors are to imply such critical link to its proper management principles. When Honda’s capabilities and resources are valuable as well as rare, also costly to imitate and substitute, the potential to competitive advantage realizes true value of Honda’s TQM and strategic implications (Cited from,  and , 1989; , 1991, 1995; , 1996).                   In addition, Honda Company has made apparent that their operations management is truly part of Honda’s corporate strategy and the value creating existence of valuable supplies need to be supported by other key organizational resource capabilities. Fallacious time based strategy formulation often comes from unrealistic assessment of the company’s resources, capabilities and such operational environment as there can be presence of such vigorous supply chain integration that has been must linked properly with Honda’s operation strategy. In designing supply chains configuration with positive timeliness implications, Honda recognizes the important of good match between its internal decisions and external events. The uniqueness and capabilities of the company’s strategic workforce will then depend on how easily Honda management is to obtain good business markets. Thus, knowing that strategic assumptions in operation will strengthen their workforce in terms of business competences in the areas of manufacturing and managing quality forces as being realistic in Honda strategies towards manufacturing as well as strategy formulation and customer selection (Cited from,  and , 1989; , 1991, 1995; , 1996).                       Henceforth, certain technology is not just means but most importantly good operations enabler and depending not much in technology alone as in the integration and application of technology to achieve amiable time for Honda customers. Developing robust business strategies, driven by the clear business needs at hand, the firm’s objectives and core competencies must take the lead in defining the role of time compression strategies and then the technologies to be used. Then, true of course that everything at stake will not be possibly effective without proper strategic leadership and appropriate operations  managerial framework connecting to the people. Furthermore, there is the need for strategic balance while driving strategy innovation and maintaining Honda’s TQM and operation performance. This is to ensure that ultimate time-based strategies will prevail in competitive environments in which Honda Company operates. However, research (Cited from, ., 2001; , 1998) into the relationship of total quality management (TQM) and strategy has shown that the relationship between TQM, strategy and resultant operations is to be well documented in study and confusing certain managers involved in the operational improvement of the company. Accordingly,  and  (Cited from, 1995) found that continuous improvement did not permeate the strategic process in Honda’s research and development formation.                   There can be possibility of having lack of focus on strategic goals where there were signs of data collection but, not systematically linked to improvement strategies.  (Cited from, 1994) found that TQM was perceived as second and or third order strategy. Although, strategic management has existed for quite some time, there can be chances that the company is still missing the full potential of TQM by failing to link it directly to the corporate strategy and the development of resultant operational plans as opposed to viewing TQM solely from an operational perspective (Cited from,  and , 1998; ., 1992). TQM provides the characteristics to respond to key economic trends and impacts and hence to form strategy (Cited from, ., 2000).  Furthermore, TQM can be integrated with conventional strategic planning and design and that of utilizing innovative strategic architecture as through emergent strategy (Cited from,  and , 1994). In addition,  and  (Cited from, 1994) and . (Cited from, 1999) point to the systems theory approach of TQM, which makes it innately integrative and strategic for Honda’s operation and strategic organization. Thus, the idea of TQM philosophy and its business derivatives, have been placed at center of Honda’s business decision making and influence as one of its strategic corporate issue (Cited from, , 1994).                   Thus, the strategic integration of TQM, its focus and impact has then moved TQM beyond being an important element that needed to be coordinated solely at operational level, across Honda aspects and disciplines of its management process (Cited from, ., 1993; , 1995) and as necessity for Honda’s business survival (Cited from,  and , 1996) as well as the core focus of Honda’s operational and strategic decision making (Cited from,  and , 1997; , 1996). However, global markets are changing all the time as it does depend on the type of product the business produces, so then, Honda business needs to react or lose customers. Though Honda’s business does not want competition from other businesses, inevitably most will face a degree of competition as the strategic and operational drive of Honda business will need ample awareness of such corporate and social responsibilities through careful handling of business nature. These are the way they act towards the different parts of society that they come into contact with as well as converting better management input into output in order to make desirable sales and profits at Honda.                       However, the business does not exist in full vacuum, it exists within an external environment consisting of the actions of other players who are outside the business. Competitors’ actions affect the ability of the business to make profits, because competitors will continually seek to gain an advantage over each other, by differentiating their product and service, and by seeking to provide better value for money. The economic system is the organization of the economy to allocate scarce resources. The economy tends to go through periods of faster and slower growth. Businesses prosper when the economy is booming and living standards are rising. Honda has introduced an operating officer system, aimed at strengthening both the execution of business operations at the regional and local levels and the supervision by the Board of Directors. The term of office of each director is limited to one year and the amount of remuneration payable to them is determined according to a standard that reflects their performance in the Company. The knowing of workforce in terms of their competences in the areas of manufacturing and managing quality force Honda to be realistic in its major strategies towards manufacturing, strategy formulations and buyer selections (Cited from, , 1994).                     Attempting to secure innovative areas, Honda has to overcome regulators’ appraisal on business propositions as well as socio-economical and environmental sentiments. The operation of Honda’s business strategies will be affected by how much materials it is having now and to an extent the best estimates on the next availability as it is resource-based, less diversified and its core business remains stable in the industry. In views of operating in uncertainty environments whereby the supplies are depleting and the core business is less diversified, Honda integrates its manufacturing, procurement and marketing functions to mitigate variation over the timeliness expectations from its various stakeholders as driven by the valuable procurements, the dynamic supply chains integration interfaces with stable demands, supplies and manufacturing processes, competence workforces and sound financial positions (Cited from, , 1995; , 1992).                     Example strategy and supply chain integration                           The company’s goal is to maximize the flexibility with which our directors respond to changes in the operating environment. With respect to business execution, Honda has established a system for operating its organizational units that reflects its fundamental corporate philosophy. For example, separate headquarters have been set up for each region, business and function and general manager from the Board of Directors or an operating officer has been assigned to each headquarters and main division. Through leading-edge research and development, Honda continuously creates original technology that opens up new possibilities in mobility. Honda is always tackling new challenges for the current and future benefit of individuals, society and the environment. Honda is constantly involved in the research and development of technology that will benefit people in the future. These technologies range from new materials and new sources of energy, including mass-produced solar panels, to new power trains that maximize joy while minimizing environmental impact. They also include advances in biotechnology, such as Honda’s work in decoding the rice genome for application in various fields. Honda is studying human anatomy and physiology, as well, in its efforts to produce innovative products that enhance safety in various ways.                     Furthermore, the global environment in which Honda’s management operates still lacks transparency because of global political and economic uncertainty, fluctuations in oil and raw material prices and currency movements. It is under these circumstances that Honda will strengthen its corporate structure quickly and flexibly to meet the requirements of their customers and society and the changes in its business environment. Furthermore, Honda will continue striving to earn even more trust and understanding from society through Companywide activities. Along with efforts to develop even more effective safety and environmental technologies, Honda will enhance the creativity in its advanced technology and products, and will create and swiftly introduce innovative value-added products that meet specific needs in various markets around the world (Cited from, ., 1996;  and , 1998). Honda will also continue efforts in the research of future technologies, including the advancement of advanced humanoid robots and compact business jets and their engines. Honda will establish efficient and flexible production systems and expand production capacity at its global production bases increasing its capability of supplying high-quality products and make efforts to expand product lines through the innovative use of IT and to upgrade sales and service structure.                     However, . (2001) contend that these operational improvement efforts are often limited by failure to recognize TQM as strategic methodology; hence there is a lack of strategic drive and intent to focus and sustain the operational improvement efforts. Furthermore, the TQM-based operational improvements can become misaligned with the business strategy, creating an impression that the TQM efforts are misusing vital resources, when in reality TQM has not been applied and understood at both strategic and operational levels (Cited from, ., 1996;  and , 1998). The strategic impact and operational impact of TQM             It was found that TQM can have an organizational impact by creating a focus on the customer at a strategic level, which also influenced and shaped the strategic formulation. The strategic formulation may then be influenced, as shown, by proactive change. In strategic formation, Honda’s TQM can act as better catalyst, rather than as direct driver, to transform the direction of the strategy and its emphasis (Cited from, ., 2001; , 1998). Amicably, other philosophies and techniques were used and adapted to develop new ideas and approaches and to boost enthusiasm for change in the organizations, all of which were under the TQM umbrella, as stated earlier. Thus, TQM programs in the organizations were found to be in a state of recycling or the constant rejuvenation to renew interest and keep momentum going. However, it was only one amongst many which are given consideration and assisted in data gathering during the process of strategic formulation (Cited from, ., 2001; , 1998).             The highest level of TQM application was at the strategic level. In this situation senior management commitment in the organization was given and TQM was fully understood by the management teams in its philosophical role as opposed to solely that of an operational tool. Thus, it has a major impact on strategic thinking, with resultant operations consistently applied throughout the organization (Cited from, ., 1996;  and , 1998). Honda, in adopting TQM is seen by some companies as a necessity, to ensure that they are perceived as being on par with corporate peers in their adoption of leading edge business improvement issues. TQM’s role within the organization, its strategic and operational impact and its definition were not clearly articulated by either the quality managers or the managing directors. There can possibly be lack of understanding regarding TQM and its relationship with corporate strategy and resultant operations results in TQM’s benefits not being realized by senior management (Cited from, ., 1996;  and , 1998). For certain reasons, TQM and its potential can be overlooked by senior management. TQM is used primarily at the operational level and it decreases in importance and application at tactical and corporate levels. TQM is not recognized at senior management level as valuable source of business environment information; therefore TQM has limited role in assisting in such corporate strategic processes as the identification and attainment of emergent corporate strategies.                 The alignment of TQM with corporate strategy and policies from the corporate through the tactical to the operational level has been applied to a limited extent. In most cases where TQM is used in such a manner the responsibility for its implementation and functioning has been delegated by senior managers to the tactical, middle management level (Cited from, , 1994). The ideal process has been created an operational-strategic divide that is bridged by tactical function. The corporate strategy is translated at this tactical level to identify what must be achieved operationally to achieve the corporate strategy. TQM is perceived by all levels of staff and management as mainly an operational issue, with abilities only to impact on physical service and manufacturing processes and procedures. It is considered primary source of problem-solving tools and techniques used at the operational level (Cited from, , 1994). Then, Honda’s TQM enables the developing of strategic thinking due to its good disciplinary nature and market intelligence-gathering traits. For TQM to reach its potential it needs to be practiced and managed by senior management and in particular managing directors, so that its abilities can be realized by them and extended to assist in providing information for the corporate decision-making process.           Certain Key points of TQM application                         The strategic application of TQM                     The TQM environment                           Honda conducts ample integration of its strategy and operations execution in Japan and throughout the world, including North America, Europe and Asia. A continued economic slowdown, recession or sustained loss of consumer confidence in these markets, which may be caused by rising fuel prices or other factors, could trigger decline in demand for automobiles, motorcycles and power products that may adversely affect Honda’s results of operations. Prices for automobiles, motorcycles and power products in certain markets may experience sharp changes over short periods of time. This volatility is caused by many factors, including increasingly fierce competition, short-term fluctuations in demand from underlying economic conditions, changes in import regulations, shortages of certain supplies, high material prices and sales incentives by Honda or other manufacturers or dealers. There can be no assurance that such price volatility will not continue or intensify or that price volatility will not occur in markets that to date have not experienced such volatility.             REFERENCES Credit:ivythesis.typepad.com

MBA OTM ASSIGNMENT

Strategy and Operations Management Company: Honda Motors Generally, Honda Motors operates under the basic prin...

MBA OTM ASSIGNMENT

MBA OTM ASSIGNMENT

Strategy and Operations Management Company: Honda Motors Generally, Honda Motors operates under the basic prin...