The challenge of differentiation and integration Assignment

The challenge of differentiation and integration - Assignment Example It is a formidable challenge in most organizations. This paper looks at the challenge of differentiation with specific reference to Google. Founded in 1998 by Larry Page and Sergey Brin in 1998, Google has grown to become a big company with over 12,000 employees. Google operates an intricate network of activities in various locations globally. It has established offices in various locations including in states such as California, Illinois, New York, Texas, Oklahoma, Arizona, Washington, DC, Oregon, Michigan and South Carolina. Google has also established various international offices in locations such as the Middle East, Africa, Europe and Asia. As such, differentiation and integration becomes an imperative challenge to Google. Differentiation refers to the process by which an organization separates itself into various key components (Lawrence, and Lorsch 3). It is a common phenomenon among large organizations. Consequently, as an organization grows larger and expands its activities further, the more differentiated it becomes. Be that as it may, as an organization becomes more differentiated, the various components become more independent as they are conferred with a great deal of autonomy. Therefore, the business culture of such an organization may significantly differ as you move from one component to another. Differentiation is usually done based on varied premises. For example, an organization may decide to differentiate basing on the tasks or on the product offering. In this regards, an organization may opt to divide into departments that produce a given product and establish finance and marketing department for each of the differentiated product. Google has been differentiated into different departments including Information Technology, Engineering, Support, People Operations, Knowledge, Advertising, Technical Infrastructure, Mobile and Digital

Benefits versus Negative Effects of World War II Research Paper

Benefits versus Negative Effects of World War II - Research Paper Example That is why there has been a heated debate regarding the beneficial aspect of the war. While one group of people believes that Hitler always had plans to exterminate the Jews, the other group of functionalists argues that the war and the holocaust were reached at in a random way. Nonetheless, it can be agreed that the war was not an accident. Negative effects of the War All parts of the world experienced the effect of World War II. It is due to the fact that most of the world’s most powerful military groups such as Germany, Britain, Italy, the United States and Japan were involved. It included attacks of different countries that included Japan whose negative experiences after the bombings at the Pearl Harbor are still felt today with the birth of children with physical disabilities (Plog par. 2). There were five times more the number of casualties as compared to the First World War with many people amounting to fifty-five million were killed. Adolf Hitler, who was a dictator, was a key player and a participant in the activities before World War II. He mainly made the decision that related to the extermination policy as a state sanction (Fic par. 10). It mainly involved inhuman acts that lowered an individual’s level of decency as portrayed by Himmler who thought that the elimination of Jews and the other groups, which were considered undesirable, was a burden and an unpalatable task (Heilbrunn, p. 2). The associated atrocities committed during the invasion of Poland elicited a high level of criticism. The actions of Hitler and two of his two main aides and lieutenants can be considered to have been founded on wrong reasons. As Heilbrunn indicates, Himmler was involved in fights mainly in an effort to spread anti Semitic ideas, racism, extreme nationalism, and hostility to democracy. These radical ideologies were meant to be incorporated with a more comprehensive world view. It was a good move as it provided grounds for educating the peasants in Lo wer Bavaria about the connection between Jews, capitalists and Freemasons. Moreover, Longerich and Gerwarth assert that the Nazis were involved in sinister delusions about the power of the Jews. It is because of this that Thomas Mann describes their activities as the transformation of the entire continent into a â€Å"thick-walled torture chamber† in his novel â€Å"Doctor Faustus† (Heilbrunn p. 3). However, Hitler claimed that the war was started on the effort to solve most of the problems in Germany. These included the versatile treaty which if defied German would become a great country again. As Heilbrunn indicates, Hitler was involved in the war in order to bring â€Å"peaceful coexistence† between Czechs. Himmler, on the other hand, contends that members of the SS killed â€Å"decently† (Heilbrunn p. 3). He indicates that, unlike individual views that the Jews were killed out of sexual, selfish and sadistic reasons, the Nazis conducted the executions purely on grounds of valid political motives. It is as a result of this that he made a decision to deport millions of them (McIntosh, p. 1). Effect on Women During the war, the lives of numerous women were disrupted as they had to adapt to difficult conditions such as several nights of blackout. They additionally had to go through terror and fearful moments from the planes that constantly flew above them and Lorries that made

The effectiveness of a free market system

The effectiveness of a free market system The market system is markets in which governments have very limited roles, it can also be known as the free market. Many may question this type of market system though, in that how can such a system without any major policies or government intervention, solve the basic economic problems of, what to produce? How to produce and for whom to produce? Adam Smith, a famous Scottish philosopher economist, argued that individuals pursuing their self interest would be lead as by an invisible hand in doing things that are in the interest of society as a whole. In this market, if an individual desires to start up a business, once established, would in turn benefit society by creating new jobs and opportunities. This benefit would move the societys production possibility frontier onwards and outwards, and would further result in a productively and allocatively efficient business. The main feature of a free market system is that it enjoys the pricing system which is determined through forces of demand and supply of a product or service without any influences of monopolistic or oligopolistic markets. This is the only time where government intervenes; in ensuring consumers enjoy the benefits of low prices. Competition within the market therefore, allows consumers to have choices and benefit from low prices and in return leads businesses to expansion or creation of new products or services. Free market businesses also have high profit motives therefore ensuring efficiency and effectiveness within the operational functions of the business. Based on information gathered it shows where1 Mexico benefits from a free market economy in the trillion dollar class with regards to investment climate. The country established this state through the mixture of modern and outmoded industry and agriculture, increasingly dominated by the private sector. Likewise, Tanzania enjoys more than ninety percent of total foreign investments. Some of the countrys investors include the United Kingdom, the United States and Germany to name a few. The sectors that attracted these top country investors are tourism, agriculture, fisheries, mining and manufacturing all under a free market system2. Altogether, it is appears that the market system is the best mechanism in encouraging a positive investment climate, however, everything that has advantages, must have some sort of negativity affiliated. In this market, with high levels of rivalry, it has been known to adversely affect employment and poverty levels in China and India in division between the rich and the poor. Even highly developed economies such as the United States and Canada are known to encounter these issues consequent of a total free market economy3. Additionally, in an attempt to maximize profit levels, business owners in a free market may be tempted to reduce competing levels and operate as a monopoly, in essence to non government intervention. Income differences are also likely to be substantial since there are no taxes imposed in reducing it. In the real world it is not perfect; it would never really have a market where demand is equal to supply a state of equilibrium. Therefore, in conclusion the free market would never really be a best allocating mechanism for scarce resources. Word Count: 524words PART A QUESTION 2 People disbelieves of a free market economy has highlighted the nature of a command economy. In contrast to a free market system, in command economies the government decides what will be produced? How it will be produced and for whom it would be produced? This further encompasses detailed instructions that are issued to households, firms and workers. There is very little private sector business activity within this economy as oppose to a free market economy. It is a very bureaucratic and time costly task of the government in planning and making decisions of these roles, as such; even though there is maximization in the application of resources, there is no completely planned economy where there is efficiency in the allocation of resources. With government in command, they produce products and services that are only required to be produced, consequently limiting consumers choices. Also, there is no room for competition within this economy, therefore any improvements in product designs is highly unlikely. Employees are also poorly motivated knowing that the business is not trying to make profits; therefore they are not benefited in any way from working harder, or even giving their input in showing the enterprise of how to possibly make its business more successful. On the other hand, with a command economy, there is stability within the economy. Also, this economy plans on a long term basis of perhaps via infrastructure investments, whereas the private sector is only after short term profits. The economy is intended to serve needs collectively rather than individually which allows equal distributions of wealth within its nature making no room for any discrimination. Through the high levels of government control in the economy, it does ensure sufficient supply of industrial products be made available at affordable prices for manufacturers all in the effort of the overall welfare of the economy. All production decisions are based on the governments assessments of peoples needs rather than the consumers spending patterns. 4A planned economy, in theory does not suffer from any business cycles, that is, and is no booms or recessions: it does not experience crisis of overproduction. According to the CIA Factbook, it estimated that for a time the Soviet Union was the worlds second largest economy and was that of a command, the economy eventually collapsed though, resulting in the various republics gaining its independence, for e.g., Kazakhstan transitioning into a free economy. This country now reaps the benefits of a friendly foreign investment climate. The economy has been healthily operating since the transition. China, before 1978 and India before, 1991 were also important command economies. Presently, command economies are relatively rare however it does still exist in certain countries such as in Cuba and Iran. The student believes that there is really no room for investment climates within a command economy, especially since potential investors evaluates and investigates conditions for private sector investment. This is due to all the disadvantages discussed earlier, for e.g., the basic salary wages would in fact reduce the demand for labor which affects an investors decision in thinking of the long run outcome. Word Count: 517 words PART A QUESTION 3 As a free market allows practices of self interest without any significant restrictions, and a command economy allows minute capacity of individual economic freedom since most decisions are centrally taken by the government, the student would now discuss a mixed economy as a result to these market failures. In a mixed economy as in Trinidad and Tobago, the government and the private sector act together in solving the economic issues presented. The government controls a significant allocation of output through taxations, transfer payments and the provision of services such as the defense force and police force. Government also regulates the extent to which an individual may pursue their own self interest. In this market type, the government provides essential services for all in society, no discrimination; the private sector is encouraged to operate successfully in earning profits from enterprise. Competition within the market will result in innovate products produced at reasonable prices to consumers hence an overall satisfaction to consumers in having the benefit of choice of a product. In mixed economies, government rule out all inefficient business behavior, for e.g., dangerous products or polluted factories such as the International Aluminum Smelting Industry, which results in very detrimental health impacts to society. Some disbenefits though are that taxes may be too high to pay for public goods, which can result in a decrease in motivation to work hard or make profits. The public sector may also not be as productive and efficient as oppose to the private sector. Government also needs to be careful when setting controls over business operations, too much control can add to cost and thereby discouraging enterprise. Trinidad and Tobago is known to have an open investment climate meaning that almost all investment barriers since 1992 to be exact have been abolished. Based on data collected, 5due to the nations strategic location, natural resources, excellent infrastructure and pro-investment business climate, Trinidad and Tobago have in the past acquired the highest foreign direct investment (FDI) per capita in Latin America and the Caribbean. Increased levels of export returns have stirred both the public and private sectors outflow and inflow. Some of the sectors in which potential investors may consider in T T is the Tourism industry, Music and Entertainment, Merchant Marine and, Energy and Downstream Industry to name a few. Trinidad and Tobagos recent investment climate has not been progressing lately though, especially with the recent downfall in the economy, it is quite a challenging investment climate presently., 6There is a need to attract major players in the energy sector that is, especially since the entrants of new competitors such as Brazil, Angola, Australia and off-shore West Africa, who all possess the ability to haul together the investment dollars the technical expertise from major multi-national companies. Competition is indeed though in this sector, as a result the energy chamber has decided to center the forthcoming 2011 T T Energy Conference on investment in the energy sector. The conference will be to discuss the various aspects in which investment can be influenced in the region as well as means in enhancing competitiveness. Another major sector in which investment opportunities could use a boost is that of the Defense and Security sector. Presently, Trinidad and Tobago is undergoing significant increased levels of crime. Though a risk factor, relevant investors can however use this as an opportunity to grow and develop their businesses market shares. Trinidad and Tobagos actual investment policies as at 2009 20137, states where these policies are proposed in providing principles and guidelines for national and foreign investments, some of the marketing strategies include: Identification and development of investment projects. Facilitation of joint ventures. Improving access to financing and communication of investment opportunities. Provision of training to entrepreneurs. Hosting of trade fairs and trade, and trade and investment conferences, (as mentioned earlier) Provision of opportunities linked to firms that are already established, for e.g., the oil industry. These policies are expected to improve the investment climate of the country. In so doing, it provides opportunities for people to better themselves; therefore they should take advantage in the overall view of a bullish climate. Word Count: 705 words. FOOTNOTES 1http://www.islandandresort.com 2http://www.aabf.org/tanzania_inv_guide.htm 3 http://www.wiki.answers.com 4http://www.en.wikipedia.org 5http://www.bdc.co.tt/exportdirectory/profiles.php? 6http://www.ttenergyconference.org 7http://www.investtnt.com

Personal Narrative- Eventful Thanksgiving Essay -- Personal Narrative

Personal Narrative- Eventful Thanksgiving The crisp, cool, and cinnamon air filled the morning of Thanksgiving in 1987. Although I was only two years and eleven months old, I remember the scratchy, fuzzy, purple- footed pajamas that I was wearing that morning. After I woke up, I "helped" my mom make her famous orange- cranberry relish, got dressed in my cream sweater dotted with cherries and my navy pleated skirt, topped off with my favorite cream fuzz- warn tights, and before I knew it we were out the door to my grandmother's house. After an early dinner with my grandparents, mom, and dad, my grandfather and dad left to catch the Dallas Cowboys Thanksgiving Day football game, leaving the rest of us to find entertainment of our own. Upon their departure, my mom began gathering dis...

Knowledge Management Essay

In researching this paper I can’t seem to get away from constantly comparing the difference between what is knowledge and what is information. As a result I continue to look at Knowledge Management synonymously with Information Management. Or rather the terms of knowledge and information of which knowledge is constantly used synonymously with information. As pointed out in many articles this is often the case, and just leads to confusion of what I think Knowledge Management really is about. Furthermore, I am still stuck in the belief that you can manage information but not really the corresponding knowledge that an individual can derive from the information. This is why I found when reading the assigned reading material that T. D. Wilson’s article probably influenced me more that the others. As a result I will try to explain Information Management comparatively with Knowledge Management and answer the posed question and how I think Knowledge Management should be broached with top managers. What is Information Management? According to Wikipedia, â€Å"Information management (IM) is the collection and management of information from one or more sources and the distribution of that information to one or more audiences (Wikipedia Information, 2010). † This can of course be information of many types and can be stored in data form, written form, video form, and many other forms. Typically in the case of IM this information is stored in Information Management systems such as databases, collaboration portals, report tools, and many other types of systems. Information Management is used to store information so that users of the information can gain knowledge from the information as a whole toward an end goal whether that goal is to generate sales for a company or become an expert in widgets. Information is the basis for knowledge. Without it, knowledge doesn’t exist. On the other hand, according to Wikipedia, â€Å"Knowledge Management (KM) comprises a range of strategies and practices used in an organization to identify, create, represent, distribute, and enable adoption of insights and experiences. Such insights and experiences comprise knowledge, either embodied in individuals or embedded in organizational processes or practice (Wikipedia Knowledge, 2010). † The problem I have with this is that you may be able to capture knowledge in written form, for example, but knowledge in this form is only information for another to use to complete a process through instruction and does not imply they understand the information that led to the conclusion. Can it be a sharing of explicit knowledge? Probably; according to Thampi, â€Å"Explicit knowledge (sometimes referred to as formal knowledge) is formal knowledge that can be packaged as information (Thampi, 2008). † Emphasis should be given to â€Å"packaged as information†. He also implies that tacit knowledge (personal knowledge) over time can become explicit once the person matures it into new knowledge and documents it in some form. Knowledge implies understanding of information and knowledge in written form is just that, information. I don’t believe just because the person can read it that knowledge of the underlying information is imparted. According to Li and Song, the relationship between IM and KM consists of â€Å"the two having mutually reinforcing effects† and â€Å"they both attach great importance to information and IT (Li and Song, 2009). † They state under this these relationships that â€Å"Even though KM and IM have different emphases the purpose produced is basically identical† and that â€Å"Knowledge cannot exist without information because it provides raw material and source for knowledge innovation and the pursuit of KM goals (Li and Song, 2009). † Almost sounds like they are synonymous! I think this is the basis for many of T. D. Wilson’s arguments. He states that â€Å"for the fields of information science and information systems, it is clearly necessary for us to distinguish between ‘information’ and ‘knowledge’. Failure to do so results in one or other of these terms standing as a synonym for the other, thereby confusing anyone who wishes to understand what each term signifies (Wilson, 2002). † The result is people believing Knowledge Management is one and the same with Information Management. The capture of knowledge in written form, as I described above, does not imply knowledge of the underlying information to the person reading it. Wilson further comments on this thought by stating, â€Å"Whenever we wish to express what we know, we can only do so by uttering messages of one kind or another – oral, written, graphic, gestural or even through ‘body language’. Such messages do not carry ‘knowledge’, they constitute ‘information’, which a knowing mind may assimilate, understand, comprehend and incorporate into its own knowledge structures (Wilson, 2002). In other words, not everyone reading it will gain knowledge, so maybe Knowledge Management isn’t the right term to use. I also like his argument that everything outside the mind in essence can be defined as data if it contains simple facts, or information, if the data is in a context of relevance to the recipient, and that collections of messages such as papers, e-mails messages, letters in an archive, etc. are generally regarded as information resources, â€Å"thus, data and information may be managed, and information resources may be managed, but knowledge (i. . , what we know) can never be managed, except by the individual knower and, even then, only imperfectly (Wilson, 2002). † I believe Wilson’s arguments are pretty convincing and his research paper is exhaustive and nearly exhausted me! All of the comments and arguments above are not really what this assignment is about but are what helped me draw my conclusions to answer the posed question. Is it a good idea to use the term ‘knowledge management’ in conversations with top managers in our days? I don’t know that even with all the chatter about KM that it’s known well enough by all managers to necessarily use the term in conversations. Top managers may not have enough information about the KM concepts to be comfortable talking about it without some â€Å"knowledge† or expertise on the matter. I think you need to approach the conversations in terms of desired outcomes. After all, knowledge is information applied toward a desired outcome. I believe anytime you talk to your boss or her boss etc. you define your terms upfront. For example; â€Å"We are working on a KM solution that specifically captures the process call takers use to enter sales orders so that we can reduce sales process times. † Although this only captures information for call takers to use to achieve the outcome, and does not necessarily imply they gain knowledge from the information used to capture the process, it clarifies KM in terms top managers can understand and in reverse implies you are providing knowledge to the call takers. Provide the specifics and keep these types of conversations focused on outcomes. The KM concept is clouded by misinterpretation, ambiguous meanings, and directionless efforts. If you define KM by the desired outcomes then yes, you can have an intelligent conversation with top managers. If I fall into the trap of letting someone else define KM in their own mind, based on what I know about KM, I will simply contribute to the ongoing directionless efforts already occurring. Other terms I would consider using that add clarity to the conversation include process, documentation, repeatability, uniform results, and intended outcomes. These terms change the conversation by changing the focus. You can still have a KM conversation by framing KM as the documented processes that provide repeatable uniform results and intended outcomes. This is a long way of saying KM should be used as a conversation starting point but not an end point. Throw out the KM catch phrase then say â€Å"now that I have your attention let’s talk about all the stuff that makes KM work†. While there seems to be relevance to the KM argument there also seems to be a lack of clarity and information on the KM process that distinguishes it in less synonymous terms from IM. Something in my opinion needs to change that clearly states the intent of KM that clarifies exactly what it does; capture implied knowledge based on individuals knowledge and experiences. I believe it is more of a process or experience management technique that falls under IM and would be less confusing to people as well as eliminate synonymous meanings. I do not believe knowledge can be managed but information, processes, and experience can. Bogorad stated, â€Å"By definition, the intent of Knowledge Management is to discover, retain, and disseminate locked-in knowledge across the organization (Bogorad, 2010). † In my opinion the terms locked-in experience or locked-in processes work much better than knowledge. Similarly, Thampi states, â€Å"Processing data can be performed by machine, but only the human mind can process knowledge or even information (Thampi, 2008. ). † What I believe he should have said is; â€Å"Processing data and information can be performed by machine, but only the human mind can process information to develop knowledge. †

International Trade Theory Essay

7 theories of international trade: 1. Mercantilism 2. Absolute Advantage 3. Comparative Advantage 4. Heckscher-Ohlin Theory 5. Product Life-Cycle Theory 6. New Trade Theory 7. The Theory of National Competitive Advantage 1. Mercantilism -emerged in England in the mid-16th century. The main tenet of mercantilism was that it was in a country’s best interests more than it imported. Consistent with this belief, the mercantilist doctrine advocated government intervention to achieve a surplus in the balance of trade. To achieve this, imports were limited by tariffs and quotas, while exports were subsidized. The flaw with mercantilism was that it viewed trade as a zero-sum game. Zero-sum Game- is one in which a gain by one country results in a loss by another. 2. Absolute Advantage  -In his 1776 landmark book The Wealth of Nations, Adam Smith attacked the mercantilist assumption that trade is a zero-sum game. He argued that countries differ in their ability to produce goods efficiently. According to Smith, countries should specialize in the production of goods for which they have an absolute advantage and then trade these for goods produced by other countries. He added that a country should never produce goods at home that it can buy at a lower cost from other countries. Smith demonstrates that, by specializing in the production of goods in which each has an absolute advantage, both countries benefit by engaging in trade. 3. Comparative Advantage -In his 1817 book Principles of Political Economy, David Ricardo of Comparative Advantage Theory said that it makes sense for a country to specialize in the production of those goods that it produces most efficiently and to buy the goods that it produces less efficiently from other countries, even if this means buying goods from other countries that it could produce more efficiently itself. The basic message of this theory is that potential world production is greater with unrestricted free trade than it is with restricted trade. It suggests that consumers in all nations can consume more if there are no restrictions on the trade and that trade is a positive-sum game in which all countries that participate realize economic gains. Three of the assumptions in the comparative advantage model: 1. Resources move freely from the production of one good to another within a country. 2. There are constant returns to scale.  3. Trade does not change a country’s stock of resources or the efficiency with which those resources are utilized. The Samuelson Critique- looks at what happens when a rich country -the United States- enters into a free trade agreement with a poor country -China- that rapidly improves its productivity after the introduction of a free trade regime. 4. Heckscher- Ohlin Theory -Swedish economists Eli Heckscher (1919) and Bertil Ohlin (1933) put forward a different explanation of comparative advantage. They argued that comparative advantage arises from the differences in national factor endowments. Factor endowments meant the extent to which a country is endowed with such resources as land, labor, and capital. Nations have varying factor endowments, and these explain differences in factor costs; specifically, the more abundant a factor, the lower its cost. This theory predicts that countries will export those goods that make intensive use of factors that are locally abundant, while importing goods that make intensive use of factors that are locally scarce. This also argues that free is beneficial. But unlike Ricardo’s theory, this theory argues that the pattern of international trade is determined by differences in factor endowments, rather than differences in productivity. The Leontief Paradox- a famous study published in 1953 by Nobel Prize winner Wassily Leontief. The result of the study was at variance with the predictions of the Heckscher- Ohlin Theory. 5. The Product Life-Cycle Theory -this was originally proposed by Raymond Vernon in the mid-1960s. This theory tells us that where a new product was introduced is important. This theory suggests that early in their life cycle, most new products are produced in and exported from the country in which they were developed. As a new product becomes widely accepted internationally, production starts in other countries. As a result, the theory suggests, the product may ultimately be exported back to the country of its original innovation. 6. New Trade Theory -this was developed by economist Paul Krugman in 1980s who pointed out that the ability of firms to attain economies of scale might have important implications for international trade. Economies of scale are unit cost reductions associated with a large scale of output. They are a major source cost reductions in many industries. Two important points of the New Trade Theory: ïÆ'Ëœ First, through its impact on economies of scale, trade can increase the variety of goods available to consumers and decrease the average costs of those goods. ïÆ'Ëœ Second, in those industries when the output required to attain economies of scale represents a significant proportion of total world demand, the global market may only be able to support a small number of enterprises. Another theme of the New Trade Theory is that the pattern of trade we observe in the world economy may be the result of economies of scale and first mover advantages. The theory suggests that a country may predominate in the export of a good simply because it was lucky enough to have one or more firms among the first to produce that good. 7. The Theory of National Competitive Advantage: Porter’s Diamond -this was developed by Michael Porter in 1990. For him, the essential task was to  explain why a nation achieves international success in a particular industry. Four attributes that constitute the Porter’s Diamond: ïÆ'Ëœ Factor Endowments- a nation’s position in factors of production such as skilled labor or the infrastructure necessary to compete in a given industry. ïÆ'Ëœ Demand Conditions- the nature of home demand for the industry’s product or service. ïÆ'Ëœ Relating and supporting industries-the presence or absence of supplier industries and related industries that are internationally competitive. ïÆ'Ëœ Firm strategy, structure, and rivalry- the conditions governing how companies are created, organized, and managed and the nature of domestic rivalry. Porter argues that firms are more likely to succeed in industries where the diamond is most favorable. He also argues that the diamond is a mutually reinforcing system. The effect of one attribute is contingent on the state of others. IMPLICATIONS FOR MANAGERS The theories discussed have at least three main implications for international businesses: ïÆ'Ëœ Location Implications ïÆ'Ëœ First-mover Implications ïÆ'Ëœ Policy Implications