Broad Environment Essay Example for Free

Broad Environment Essay Knowing the Unknown about the Broad Environment University of Tampa MGT 431 Practical Strategic Assessment Dr. George Bud Wynn June 09, 2009 Abstract In â€Å"Foundations in Strategic Management†, pages 21 to 27, author Harrison discusses the influence that the external environment has on a particular company’s operations and how its managers can adapt to environmental uncertainties to sustain their competitive advantages. Harrison also points out why it is important for firm to analyze and evaluate its broad environment. He also mentions how managers can analyze and evaluate external forces and devise strategies to complement the rapid-changing environment in order for their company to be competitive throughout and take advantage of its strengths and minimize its threats. He further divides the broad environment into four sub-headings (socio-cultural, economical, technological and political/legal) and states why each is important and the effect each have on a company’s operations. The purpose of the paper focuses more on informing the reader of the importance of evaluating a particular company’s broad environment. The paper also includes a review of and my opinion on what I think firms and their managers should be aware of when it comes to their company’s broad environment. The Importance of the Broad Environment to Managers Before the 1990’s, if a business had a competitive advantage and opened its doors to the general public, it was almost guaranteed success. However, such cases no longer exist. In modern times, companies with competitive advantages such as sufficient resources, skilled workers, superior technologies and the like can still go under due to the ever-changing environment. Nowadays, successful businesses are shifting focus from just having a competitive advantage in one or two areas, to maximizing on the relevant information that its managers have about its operation environment; including the broad and task environment. In order to operate a successful business, it is important for managers to have a comprehensive understanding of its broad environment in which it plans to operate. The broad environment includes socio-cultural, economical, technological, and political/legal forces which have an effect on how the company plans to gain a profitable market share. Such comprehensive understanding allows managers to save valuable time and money; subsequently making their business profitable. Due to the uncertainties of the rapidly changing economy, it is almost required by top performing firms to research the broad environment; even if its plan to merge or joint venture with another firm elsewhere. In addition, such research is also highly recommended for companies that plan to do business globally; if the company wishes to create a buffer from potential losses. Also, companies that analyze the broad environment effectively are able to maximize its advantages and opportunities while limiting weaknesses and threats. In conclusion, successful firms must recognize the importance of the broad environment in order to take advantage of its strengths and opportunities while minimizing its weaknesses and threats. Well-defined researches coupled with a complete understanding of a company’s broad environment are always important because, when done properly, it can enable companies to seize potential market areas and dominate a particular geographical location. Maintaining a complete understanding of the broad environment is vital to a company’s success. Understanding the broad environment is important for many reasons. Socio-cultural forces occur randomly and without warning. Many firms experience difficulties with these forces many times during operations. Examples of socio-cultural forces range from the influence of terrorism on the economy to the legality of abortion. Proper socio-cultural assessment enables firms to minimize its threats from potential restrictive legislation. Firms which are aware of pending restrictive law changes can avoid huge fines and penalties. In addition, managers should spend ample time researching law changes in order to save their company from falling intothese traps. Managers who are aware of demographic and economic changes in society can take advantage of opportunities that their competition fails to recognize. For example, a careful study of a firm’s social environment can gather information on what products/services or lifestyles people from a particular neighborhood purchase or prefer. In conclusion, a thorough understanding of socio-cultural forces can enable managers to gain from their knowledge about its societal operations and make it work to the best interest of their business. This will enable them to take advantage of strengths while also minimizing their threats. Economic forces play a critical part in the understanding of a firm’s broad environment. Factors such as interest rates, economic growth and inflation are important variables which managers must be aware of in order to process their broad environment effectively. Without such knowledge, it would be almost impossible to run an effective and efficient business and establish a competitive advantage. Furthermore, information gained from economic forces enables managers to allocate resources while allowing time to seek other investment opportunities. For example, multinational firms can benefit from favorable exchange rates. In order words, an understanding of fluctuations in exchange rates can lead such firms to purchase raw materials in countries where their own currency is superior to that of the foreign country. On the other hand, without knowledge of inflation, companies can suffer huge losses when investing in these countries. As a result, managers must be aware of such economical changes beforehand in order to make educated decisions that can assist their company’s growth and production. Another broad environment which managers should be aware of is technology. Nowadays, technology is changing the ways individuals and firms do business. New innovations such as the internet, handheld computers, and direct satellite systems are making it much easier for firms to purchase, deliver, and sell its products/services. Firms must be aware of and adapt to new technological changes in order to stay ahead of its competition in the fight for market shares and profits. If not, these companies are bound to fail or file for bankruptcy. Most firms are pumping millions of dollars into research and development in order to find new ways of improving its product’s life cycle which will in turn, generate more revenue and satisfy customer. One of the world leaders in electronic supply, the Sony Corporation of America, has developed new ideas to save its customer time and money. As a result, Sony is one of the main leaders in its industry and continues to see profits soar in 2008. According to one official, one of its newest inventions, â€Å"Eye on Education†, â€Å"[e]ducation educators receive competitive pricing, exclusive service and support capabilities, financing options, and trade-in opportunities for Sony professional display products. † Technology awareness and continuous improvement in its research and department hasled the company to success over the years. In modern times, in order for any one company to be effective, managers must be aware of the technological forces that can assist their companies to save money, andtime; subsequently improving the business purpose and values. Finally, close attention must be geared towards political/legal forces which can change the company’s focus or purpose in one way or another. Government regulations can alter the ways in which companies wish to perform its business in terms of locally or globally. Therefore, managers must pay attention to different types of changes that their companies might undertake if there is a desire to join multiple or particular industries. Government normally provides advantages to some businesses in the form of tax incentives which promote ethical behavior and remind firms of its responsibilities. Managers who are vigilant can take advantage of these incentives. Overall, a comprehensive understanding of a company’s broad environment such as socio-cultural, economical, technological, and political/legal forces are an essential assessment that needs to be considered before a merger, joint venture, acquisition, or even to successfully run a business. On the other hand, trained personnel must carry out such researches in order to avoid huge losses and business failure. Also, integrated understanding coupled with awareness can provide managers with information on what types of products/services to offer, sell, customers, delivery, and the like to enable their business to accomplish its goals. Assessments are highly recommended for starting up and strugglingcompanies and businesses which wish to operate globally. If somehow a particular set of managers can make a reasonable assessment of its company’s broad environment, they are almost guaranteed to run an effective and efficient company.

Cicero Essay -- History

Cicero Born Marcus Tullius Cicero in Arpinum (Italy) in 106 BC, he became a writer, statesman, orator and philosopher. He loved politics and he wrote only when he could not participate in government. He had a motto which he constantly strived for: to always be the best and over top the rest. Cicero had a high political career in Rome for that time as winning elections were almost always exclusively controlled by a group of wealthy aristocratic families. Cicero’s family was not one of them. Lacking this advantage there were essentially only two career options open to him; a military career, he was no soldier and hated war, or a career in law. He prepared for this by studying jurisprudence, rhetoric and philosophy. Then he began taking part in legal cases could lead to a career in law and did lead to political success. He proved to be excellent orator and lawyer and a shrewd politician. He was elected to each of the principal Roman offices on his first try at the earliest legal age and was now a member of the Roman senate but could only offer advice. Advice that would almost always be followed. But the Roman government was not a democracy but more of an oligarchy with only a few men wielding all economic and political power. During his term as consul in 63BC he was responsible for exposing the conspiracy of Catiline. Catiline was a plan to take over the Roman state by force. Cicero had the five conspirators put to death without trial. He became proud of this as...

Evaluation and Management of Patients with Cardio-Pulmonary

Reliability, Validity and the DissertationThe results of a research project should both be reliable and valid. Reliability refers to the consistency of the results of a test in spite of repeated conduct of such test. In saying that a research measurement or method is reliable, it means that the results yielded are consistent even after several repetitions of the test. If not, then it means that the measurements are not reliable and that the integrity of the research findings may be put into question (Beck & Polit, 2003).Validity, on the other hand, is achieved by a research measurement if it measures the variable that it was supposed to measure. In other words, the measurement should be appropriate for the variable being measured. Face validity is established if a measurement looks as if it is measuring the variable it is supposed to measure. Content validity, on the other hand, refers to the sufficiency of the sample in measuring the variable. In achieving content validity, all the important aspects of the variable should be measured, otherwise, there would be important aspects of the variables of the research that will be overlooked (Beck & Polit, 2003). Whether quantitative or qualitative research methods are used for any study, establishing the reliability and validity of the instruments are very important. Reliability allows other people to replicate the study while validity ensures that the features and aspects of the variables being measured are covered completely.This dissertation, in order to be successful, will aim for attaining reliability and validity. In designing the instruments of the dissertation, it will draw upon the literature already written on the subject and look at the measurements used for similar studies conducted before. There will also be pre-testing of the measurement to ensure reliability. As to the validity of the instruments, all the aspect of the variables and the measures will be explored so as to achieve maximum validity.Interv iew with a Researcher  A friend of this author referred him to a University Professor who has had considerable experience in research. Although the field of Professor Rey Johnson is in the Social Sciences, the insights that can be gathered in research tools and methods are still worth considering.According to the Professor, there are a number of ways that prompts a research project. It may be because of a newspaper or a journal article he read; it may be because of a recent event; or a disagreement over the conclusions of fellow researcher. No matter what the source of the research project maybe, as long as there is curiosity and a willingness to pursue and investigate the matter, a research project will be born. After identifying the topic, the main question of the research is formulated and refined. That way, the research has focus and direction.After identifying the research question, the Professor usually summarizes the issues surrounding the issue and looks up related topics in the library and in the Internet. He gets books and journal articles from the library. He then identifies the debates going on in the topic and tries to understand gray areas, as well as the unclear matters in the debate. Consulting books and recent journals helps clarify the issue and presents what has been found out in the last few months or year.Statistics are also helpful in seeking trends in the society, according to the Professor. Since his profession is tied up with the social sciences, statistics such as population growth rate, perceptions of people about certain politicians, and other statistics are helpful for him. This way, he can get a feel of what is going on in the society.Using the library, browsing through books and journal articles have become almost second nature to the professor. If there is one thing that he does not want to lose his years of teaching, it is the love for knowledge and the hunger for it. Although it may be difficult to sustain such passion as th e years go by, the Professor is a certified bibliophile and reads book and articles very quickly. He says that such habit comes out of years of practice. As he continues to complete research project after research project, his facility in handling the research tools he utilizes grows. He also pointed out to the Internet as another tool which greatly enhanced his research. However, there is a danger in using the Internet, he said. It has become very easy for students nowadays to take whatever they find in the Internet, paste those information on their word processors and call them research papers. It is important to be critical of information coming from the internets. What is the source? Who wrote it?For beginning researchers, he only had three advices. The first is for them to read a lot. Most of the topics that interest people nowadays have been explored by philosophers and researchers in the past. Books and journals can greatly enhance the knowledge of a researcher. Secondly, res earchers should develop a curious mind. There are a great deal of issues in the world worthy of a researcher’s eyes and tools. Lastly, they should be critical—they should ask about the source, the measurement and whether the findings of the research are consistent with the methodology and design. As a budding researcher, the advice of the Professor is for this author to spend his time in the library, reading and discovering new takes on old ideas and talking with professional researchers on their way of doing research and the problems they encounter in their fields of work and research.Application to the DissertationAs a result of the interview with the Professor, this researcher will then make extensive use of the library through its books and the research findings published in recent journals. This is to take a look at what have been said in the research question before as well as the debates and gray areas. This way, this research project will be situated adequately and will not simply repeat what has already been found out before. This exposure to previous literature will also give important knowledge to the researcher in ensuring the reliability and validity of the research measurements.The researcher will also become more critical of the sources that he will consult. This is because it is very tempting to get information in the Internet and lift information there without proper citation. In some instances, information from the Internet is not reliable and the source may not be verified. Hence, the temptation for plagiarism will be there. Plagiarism in any instance and in any field of study is never acceptable (De Voss & Rosati, 2002).ConclusionResearch is not always easy. In fact, in order to successfully arrive at the truth or solution of the research problem, the researcher should display rigor, competency, excellence in gathering data and analyzing them, and care in citing ideas borrowed from other authors and researchers. Through these efforts, the body of knowledge of the researcher’s field of specialization will grow. Consequently, the understanding of humans of the particular topic he has chosen to investigate will also grow. ReferenceBeck, C. T. & Polit, D. F. (2003). Nursing Research: Principles and Methods. Wolters Kluwer Health.De Voss, D. & Rosati, A. C. â€Å"It Wasn't Me, Was It?† Plagiarism and the Web. Computers and Composition, 19 (2), 191-203.

Senior Care Marketing Plan Essay - 3852 Words

| Bessie V. Rose Senior Care | | Marketing Plan | | Bessie V. Rose Senior Care | | Marketing Plan | Proposed by broderick pierce August 21, 2011 Submitted to Professor Day Proposed by broderick pierce August 21, 2011 Submitted to Professor Day Table of Contents Page 1. Executive Summary 3 2. Strategic Focus and Plan 3 Mission Statement 3 Goals 3 Competitive Advantage 4 3. Situation Analysis 4 SWOT Analysis 4 Customer Analysis 5 Competitive Analysis 5 Company Analysis 5 * Trends in Home Care Industry†¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦.6 4. Market-Product Focus 7 Marketing and Product Objectives 7 Target Markets 8 Points of Difference 8†¦show more content†¦Rose Companionship Care STRENGTHS: * a new and/or innovative service for the southern area of Dallas * cultural connections * community driven * connection with VA Hospital * growing trend around the nation * prime locations near many senior living facilities | WEAKENSSES: * financial support and available funding * reputation of services as such mistreating patients * lack of access to technology in these areas * management or staff availability * lower income areas * undifferentiated service lines | External: Opportunities amp; Threats OPPORTUNITIES: In addition to new or significant trends, other external opportunities exist and how can we best exploit or benefit from each. Examples might include: * a market vacated by a competitor * availability of new communication technology * younger generation with a disdain for placing family members in nursing homes * lack of dominant competition * new market segment * niche market is growing throughout the states | THREATS * there are new competitor(s) in our home market * changes in reimbursement or regulations * changing insurance plans and/or contracts for major area employers * established competitors have superior access to channels of distribution * economic shifts * field is not booming at local universities * shifts in market demandShow MoreRelatedThe Marketing Plan For Senior Care1288 Words   |  6 Pagestowards the future, and what our company plans to achieve going forward with our new d ivision, we will show you our balance scorecard. This scorecard will give you an idea of what the company wants to achieve in regards to our shareholders, customers, operations, and learning and growth perspectives. When looking at the positives and negatives of the SWOT analysis, we can identify potential alternatives. One alternative with the growing need of senior care would be to purchase or build more individualRead MoreElderly Care in HK Essay932 Words   |  4 Pagesï » ¿ Individual Written Assignment A 5-year Marketing Plan for Senior Citizen Home Safety Association Content Introduction Senior Citizen Home Safety Association (SCHSA/the association) was founded in 1996, reacting to the tragedy that more than a hundred singleton elders were found dead under the sudden attack of a cold spell at the same year. It was the first charitable institution offering emergency link service to the elderly in Hong Kong. Making use of innovative technologyRead MoreA Description Of How Advantagecare Visis To Health Service1061 Words   |  5 Pagesof how AdvantageCare Physicians can increase the number of primary care visits by Medicare recipients (seniors) to our healthcare facility. Analyzing the data provided by Dartmouth Atlas, East Long Island, New York has a poor rate of primary care visits by Medicare recipients overall: 72.5 percent. In comparison to other states, as well as other counties within N.Y. state, East Long Island has one of the lowest rates of Primary Care Visits. Long Island is below the National Average of 79%, thus fallingRead MoreLong Term Care Plan For Sen ior Care1469 Words   |  6 Pagesthough senior care includes the increasing of staff including geriatric nurses. This can be done by local long-term care facilities, partnering with community colleges in training nursing staff and staff having the ability to gain the necessary accreditation needed. Long-term care plans can become apart of the services which are provided within the community by social workers who are employed by the state. They can partner with case managers and their individuals to derive long-term care plans, andRead MoreMobile Dental Hygiene Services : Nursing Facilities, Intermediate Care Homes, And Assisted Living Facilities Essay1719 Words   |  7 PagesGolden Scalers! Your answer to mobile dental hygiene services! In an effort to meet the needs of many seniors residing in skilled nursing facilities, intermediate care homes, and assisted living facilities, with an emphasis on memory care facilities, Golden Scalers Mobile Hygiene Services, will be available to assist some of the dental needs of this community. This business will travel to seniors , as well as the developmentally disabled, who can’t get to a traditional dental office and provide teethRead MoreWhy Do Healthcare Practices Need a Marketing Plan?793 Words   |  3 Pagesadvertising and marketing efforts for the coming year is known as a marketing plan. A marketing plan includes a statement of the marketing situation, a discussion of target markets and company positioning and a description of the marketing mix intended for use in reaching marketing goals (entrepreneur.com, 2012). A second definition of a marketing plan is as follows: a plan that describes the activities involved in achieving certain marketing objectives withi n a given timeframe. A market plan starts offRead MoreUnit 3-Business Studies Level 31729 Words   |  7 PagesRSA Academy BTEC Nationals in Business (Level 3) (September 2010 onwards) Unit 3: Introduction to Marketing |Route: |BTEC Level 3 Certificate Diploma | |Unit code: |Y/502/5411 | |QCF Level 3: Read MoreIdentifying and Describing the Management Functions1218 Words   |  5 Pagesperson with the responsibility of telling others what to do and how to do it. This is true, but being a manager is much more than that. University programs across the United States train students that want to become health care managers in areas such as structuring, marketing, positioning and governance; financial management; leadership, interpersonal relations, an written and oral communications skills; managing human resources and health professionals; managing human resources and health professionals;Read MoreBoxes And Bins ( B B )1499 Words   |  6 Pagesstudy, advanced successfully into new role of senior vice president of marketing; joining BB’s executive team. Her dimension of leadership was learned over time, and not inborn (Ibarra Oboradu, 2009). She primarily focused on developing a new strategy for marketing and implemented a promotional plan to drive increased profitability. During this time, Schuler was concerned that members of the company had various perspectives on where BB’s marketing efforts were headed. The organizational goalRead MoreManagerial Analysis : Ulta Beauty Corporation1682 Words   |  7 Pages$245 billion dollars on average a year. Ulta Beauty’s’ long term strategic plan focuses on developing a prestigious shopping environment, and salon services for its market. The corporation is able to achieve this by four different tactics. The first tactical strategy is by providing a one stop shop; secondly it has a Customer Value System, and lastly securing off-mall convenient locations. The first functional plan entails facilities planning. Ulta Beauty has produced a shop that is designed