Management and Lithuanian Managers - 1611 Words

VILNIUS UNIVERSITY FACULTY OF ECONOMICS DOMANTAS TRACEVIÄÅ'IUS, ELENA Ã… ½ILYTÄâ€", GEDIMINAS RICKEVIÄÅ'IUS, URTÄâ€" RUPÃ…  YTÄâ€" Cross-cultural comparative management Developing Cross-Cultural Effectiveness Lithuania and China Comparison Prof. DanutÄâ€" DiskienÄâ€" Vilnius, 2012 1. Lithuania‘s cultural profile Parameter Time focus Time orientation Space Power Structure Competition Communication Action Value=1 monochronic past private equality individualism co-operative low-context being Value=5 polychronic future public hierarchy collectivism competitive high-context doing Lithuania 3 4 3 3 2 4 2 4 2. Comparison between China and Lithuania Parameter Time focus Time orientation Space Power Structure Competition Communication Action Value=1†¦show more content†¦Chinese people are used to a relatively strong hierarchical structure. Promotions at work are in many cases based on age before ability. The young, in turn, are deferential and respectful to their older co-workers and business associate, the advice and opinions of an older worker are generally valued more than the words of a younger person. In Lithuania there are differences between young entrepreneurs and older businesspeople. Younger businesspeople generally have a less bureaucratic approach. Management style in China tends towards the directive, with the senior manager giving instructions to their direct reports who in turn pass on the instructions down the line. It is not expected that subordinates will question the decisions of superiors - that would be to show disrespect and be the direct cause of loss of face (mianzi) for all concerned. In a business negotiation or meeting setting space orientation will be private - more physical distance between individual participants and no physical contact but office situation space is more - large open spaces are filled with many desks. ï‚ · Management strategies As a manager you should act in a more flexibl e, improvised manner. If one wants to successfully coordinate work with a Chinese, one tends to have more communication to stay in his mind. They tend to be conservative in management and slow to change those things that are tied to the past. Lithuanian managersShow MoreRelatedAnalysis Of Arcadia Group Ltd.1331 Words   |  6 PagesKingdom department stores for example Debenhams, House of Fraser and Selfridges and also have several hundreds of franchises in foreign countries. The company was primarily founded before World War 2, by an 18 years old boy named Montague Burton a Lithuanian immigrant in Chesterfield in 1903. 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The leadership qualities vary from one leader to another, depending on their status, for example, a military officer, politician or manager (Lord, Brown, Harvey, Hall, 2001) WORKING ENVIRONMENT The working environment is the place where workers deal with people; this can affect a worker’s performance if not done properly. In general, the working environment can change one’s way ofRead MoreAnalysis of Internal Audit Function in Poland Empirical Research Findings6214 Words   |  25 PagesB USINESS, MANAGEMENT AND EDUCATION ISSN 2029-7491 print / ISSN 2029-6169 online 2011, 9(2): 236–247 http://dx.doi.org/10.3846/bme.2011.16 ANALYSIS OF INTERNAL AUDIT FUNCTIONING IN POLAND – EMPIRICAL RESEARCH FINDINGS Edita BieliÅ„ska-Dusza Department of Strategic Analysis, Cracow University of Economics, ul. Rakowicka 16, 31-510 Krakà ³w, Poland E-mail: edytadusza@gmail.com Received 18 November 2010; accepted 15 January 2011 Abstract. The purpose of the article was to present the researchRead MorePerformance Appraisal Hrm Absolute Standards4401 Words   |  18 Pages+98-21-88814576 Abstract Performance appraisal is one of the most important processes in human resource management, because it has a great effect on both the financial and program components of any organization. There is a verity of methods for the appraisal of employees performance. Obviously, no method can claim that it has an integrated approach in performance appraisal. Therefore, human resource managers should select an appraisal method which is most efficient in their organizations. In this paperRead MoreAnalysis Of Upton Sinclair s The Grapes Of Wrath 3839 Words   |  16 Pagescycle that the lower class unceasingly endures to no avail. The illusory American Dream is an endeavor that Jurgis Rudkus, of The Jungle, travailed over to no end. The origins of Upton Sinclair’s The Jungle stem in 1906, and follows the plight of a Lithuanian family and the miseries that plague them upon their arrival in the United States. Here was a population, low-class and mostly foreign, hanging always on the verge of starvation, and dependent for its opportunities of life upon the whim of men everyRead MoreTypes of Organizations and Leadership Styles5738 Words   |  23 Pagesenvironment as well as identify what leadership can mean to an organization’s bottom line. Most importantly, the desire to accomplish the organization’s goals is crucial to both the leader and the manager in the organization, yet how they achieve them varies. â€Å"Leaders provide vision and inspiration† while â€Å"managers provide the resources and expect results† (Ofori Toor, 65). Effective leaders are often referred to as being coaches that guide employees along the way. The mere presence of a leader encourages

Analysis Of Alfred Hitchcock s Of The Dark Knight...

Scouring and systematically combing my 10 year-old self through the plentiful aisles the realm of Blockbuster comprises, I scavenge through copies of movies (which are now all household favorites) ranging from the very inception of the Dark Knight Trilogy, â€Å"Batman Begins,† to more lighthearted (yet equally deserving) films like â€Å"Ferris Bueller’s Day Off.† I probe my way around the vast expanse of the store, grasping my mother’s hand like my life depended on it, as it very well did at that moment, until I reached my long sought-after destination: one of Alfred Hitchcock’s copious masterpieces, â€Å"Psycho.† Despite myself possibly being too young at the time to watch such a film of this nature, it didn’t stop me in the slightest from indulging in the many commanding yet haunting scenes it had to offer. My being older now however (both physically and mentally) enables me to ponder and comprehend the mastery that truly is this movie as well as delve into Norman Bates’s steadfast descent into unwavering madness; a concept shared yet developed in an intriguing, yet diverging manner in both â€Å"The Turn of the Screw,† written by Henry James, and the poem â€Å"I Felt a Funeral in My Brain,† composed by Emily Dickinson. Both pieces entertain this notion of terrifying insanity, with the narrator’s plunging into a black hole of overwhelming instability. After all, we all go a little mad sometimes. In â€Å"The Turn of the Screw,† Henry James ventures to make jurors of us readers, and

Advantages Of Bilingual Education Essay Example For Students

Advantages Of Bilingual Education Essay The word bilingual means the ability to speak or write two languages equally well. Thus, a system of bilingual education aims to make non-native speaking students maintain good linguistic abilities in both their native language and their second language. Bilingual education, mainly targeted either for students in the upper social economic group as in Egypt, or for immigrants as in the United States, allows these students to have good job opportunities. Yet, it lacks the ability to make the students perfect the two languages studied. In the United States, the system of bilingual education aims to ease the immigrants into the new society. Non-native English speaking students are taught in their native language besides learning English as a second language. In other words, the system aims to preserve and build on the students native language skills as they continue to acquire English as a second language. But these students know very little English; they need to acquire more language abilities in English in order to blend in the society, while keeping the native language is the role of the family. Richard Rodriguez, who was born to Mexican immigrant parents, stated that using the native language in school is a misunderstanding for the main aim of school; also, it is considered a way of lessening the importance of the family (282). Bilingual education in Egypt differs from that in the United States. In the United States, the main aim of the system is to help the immigrants to deal with the society. But in Egypt, English as a second language is taught, as it is the language of the world. Families of the upper socio economic classes believe that teaching their children English as a second language is a way to success, as this will provide them with good job opportunities with high salaries. My parents applied for me in an English school, as they believe that learning English is a kind of security for my future. Mark Schaub, who has taught many courses at the American University in Cairo stated that middle and upper classes in Egypt believe that English will lead their children to worldliness or economic success (206). However, graduates of bilingual schools do not sufficiently master the English language. When I graduated from school, I joined the American University in Cairo as an ELI student. The ELI is an English intensive course that aims to improve the English language for students with low English levels. Mark Schaub made a survey in which he found that his university students do not have enough fluency for writing English at university level (204). In addition, the students of bilingual education are unable to master their own language, the Arabic language. Mark Schaub taught a course in journalism; he found his students unable to conduct the interviews in Arabic. The students were translating the interview, which was in colloquial Arabic, into English. Even the notes that they took were in English. Schaub points out that these students are going to work for Egyptian newspapers, in which they should write in Arabic (205). Of course, he does not mean the colloquial the written language used basically in all written communication in the Arab world, which is the Modern Standard Arabic (205). Thus, the graduates of bilingual education are prepared to function in societies and careers in which the main language is English. In other words, they are unable to function in their society(Schaub 205). I believe that in the future I will have the same problem, as I am nearly illiterate in the Modern Standard Arabic. For example, I am unabl e to write letters in Arabic. .u4d5fe58ebe7f15628db5a050b3e136f4 , .u4d5fe58ebe7f15628db5a050b3e136f4 .postImageUrl , .u4d5fe58ebe7f15628db5a050b3e136f4 .centered-text-area { min-height: 80px; position: relative; } .u4d5fe58ebe7f15628db5a050b3e136f4 , .u4d5fe58ebe7f15628db5a050b3e136f4:hover , .u4d5fe58ebe7f15628db5a050b3e136f4:visited , .u4d5fe58ebe7f15628db5a050b3e136f4:active { border:0!important; } .u4d5fe58ebe7f15628db5a050b3e136f4 .clearfix:after { content: ""; display: table; clear: both; } .u4d5fe58ebe7f15628db5a050b3e136f4 { display: block; transition: background-color 250ms; webkit-transition: background-color 250ms; width: 100%; opacity: 1; transition: opacity 250ms; webkit-transition: opacity 250ms; background-color: #95A5A6; } .u4d5fe58ebe7f15628db5a050b3e136f4:active , .u4d5fe58ebe7f15628db5a050b3e136f4:hover { opacity: 1; transition: opacity 250ms; webkit-transition: opacity 250ms; background-color: #2C3E50; } .u4d5fe58ebe7f15628db5a050b3e136f4 .centered-text-area { width: 100%; position: relative ; } .u4d5fe58ebe7f15628db5a050b3e136f4 .ctaText { border-bottom: 0 solid #fff; color: #2980B9; font-size: 16px; font-weight: bold; margin: 0; padding: 0; text-decoration: underline; } .u4d5fe58ebe7f15628db5a050b3e136f4 .postTitle { color: #FFFFFF; font-size: 16px; font-weight: 600; margin: 0; padding: 0; width: 100%; } .u4d5fe58ebe7f15628db5a050b3e136f4 .ctaButton { background-color: #7F8C8D!important; color: #2980B9; border: none; border-radius: 3px; box-shadow: none; font-size: 14px; font-weight: bold; line-height: 26px; moz-border-radius: 3px; text-align: center; text-decoration: none; text-shadow: none; width: 80px; min-height: 80px; background: url(https://artscolumbia.org/wp-content/plugins/intelly-related-posts/assets/images/simple-arrow.png)no-repeat; position: absolute; right: 0; top: 0; } .u4d5fe58ebe7f15628db5a050b3e136f4:hover .ctaButton { background-color: #34495E!important; } .u4d5fe58ebe7f15628db5a050b3e136f4 .centered-text { display: table; height: 80px; padding-left : 18px; top: 0; } .u4d5fe58ebe7f15628db5a050b3e136f4 .u4d5fe58ebe7f15628db5a050b3e136f4-content { display: table-cell; margin: 0; padding: 0; padding-right: 108px; position: relative; vertical-align: middle; width: 100%; } .u4d5fe58ebe7f15628db5a050b3e136f4:after { content: ""; display: block; clear: both; } READ: Anne Frank: The diary of a young girl EssayMark Schaub made a survey in order to rate the writing abilities of the students and to know the reasons, which made them study English. He found that most of the students have higher writing abilities in English than their native language (206). I believe that students who graduate from a bilingual education system have higher writing abilities in English as my worst grade was in the Arabic course. Also, most of the students said that they learnt English as it is the language of the world or it is their parents desire. My parents applied for me in an English school as they thought it could be a kind of insurance for the future. I believe that it is the pressures within the society that pushes the people to choose English rather than their own language. All the people want to have a good job with a high salary; thus, learning English becomes the way to achieve that aim. In the bilingual education system in Egypt, students are taught in a language that they do not understand; thus, they are deprived of having a good education. Reading and writing are only foundation elements; students are graded on their knowledge of science, history, literature, social studies and many other subjects. If they can not apply their language skills to master their academic success, they can not accomplish the aim of learning. Thus, educational programs must be designed to balance language proficiency and academic learning outcomes. That is why first language development facilitates second language acquisition. Thus, it is better for students to receive continuous instruction in their native language, besides acquiring another la nguage as a second one.

Discourse on inequality Essay Example For Students

Discourse on inequality Essay Report On A Discourse On Inequality, By Jean Jacques RousseauIn Rousseaus book A Discourse On Inequality, he looks into the question of where the general inequality amongst men came from. Inequality exists economically, structurally, amongst different generations, genders, races, and in almost all other areas of society. However, Rousseau considers that there are really two categories of inequality. The first is called Natural/Physical, it occurs as an affect of nature. It includes inequalities of age,, health, bodily strength, and the qualities of the mind and soul. The second may be called Moral/Political inequality, this basically occurs through the consent of men. This consists of the privileges one group may have over another, such as the rich over the poor. Rousseau came to the conclusion that the best way to examine the inequality in society is to examine the beginning of mankind itself. He tried to imagine the early state of man assuming there was ever actually a state where man existed only with the nature, in a solitary, and primitive lifestyle. He did not however revert as far back to the idea of the Neanderthal man to examine the ideas man held and where they came from. Instead, he looked at a state where man looked, and seemed to have the same physical abilities as he does today. Rousseau also concedes that a time where the ideas of government, ownership, justice, and injustice did not exist may not have ever existed. If what many religions tell us is true, then, in mans beginning, he was from the start, handed down laws from god which would influence his thinking and decisions. Through this, the only way such a period could come about would have to be through some catastrophic event, which would not only be impossible to explain , but consequently, impossible to prove. Therefore, imagining this state could prove not only embarrassing, but would be a contradiction to the Holy Scriptures. In the natural state, Rousseau suggests that we should strip man of all the supernatural gifts he may have been given over the course of time. He says we should consider him, in a word, just as he must have come from the hands of nature, we behold in him an animal weaker than some, and less agile than others; but, taking him all around, the most advantageously organized of any. He presumes that mans needs would be easily satisfied. His food was easily gained, as was his rest, and he was without need of shelter. Basically, all his needs were easily supplied and obtained. So, where then, can a society come about in which there can be social minorities and majorities? Essentially, this is what Rousseau wanted to know. Man must have begun with only purely animal functions. His sight and his touch must have been his primary condi tion. This condition is common amongst animals. What then differentiated man from the animals was to will, and not to will, to desire, and to fear. Those would be the first, and likely the only operations of his soul. This would remain so until an occasion arrived where these ideas would need to be expanded, and new ideas created. Rousseau poses an interesting question when he asks: why a person who has neither fears nor desires should give himself the trouble of reasoning. He says it is by the activity of our passions that our reason is improved. We desire knowledge only because we wish to enjoy. We would conclude then that vanity is the source of our evolution, but it is not necessarily so according to Rousseau. Man still had nothing but basic desires, he did not know of the pleasure he might experience outside of the act of satisfying his primary needs: Food, Sleep, and Intercourse. Man learns only what nature shows it, and nature to him becomes more indifferent, he has no deep m etaphysical type inquiries, no foresight or curiosity. Therefore, although in the future, the idea of vanity is likely to be an aid, which would cause an exponential increase in the reasoning, hence growth of the mind and imagination, it could not be the beginning. Oddly enough, the recognition of death would be one of the first steps made by man in departing from the animal state. It may have come about through the association of pain with death. Pain being the only negative idea/feeling the primitive man had, the pain associated with it could inspire thought, and learning/reasoning. The same way man learns to hunt and not to be caught is the same way he could learn he does not want to die, not because of the aftermath but because of the agony in dying. .u344f925bc94f8ddc1d5407dc098bb57e , .u344f925bc94f8ddc1d5407dc098bb57e .postImageUrl , .u344f925bc94f8ddc1d5407dc098bb57e .centered-text-area { min-height: 80px; position: relative; } .u344f925bc94f8ddc1d5407dc098bb57e , .u344f925bc94f8ddc1d5407dc098bb57e:hover , .u344f925bc94f8ddc1d5407dc098bb57e:visited , .u344f925bc94f8ddc1d5407dc098bb57e:active { border:0!important; } .u344f925bc94f8ddc1d5407dc098bb57e .clearfix:after { content: ""; display: table; clear: both; } .u344f925bc94f8ddc1d5407dc098bb57e { display: block; transition: background-color 250ms; webkit-transition: background-color 250ms; width: 100%; opacity: 1; transition: opacity 250ms; webkit-transition: opacity 250ms; background-color: #95A5A6; } .u344f925bc94f8ddc1d5407dc098bb57e:active , .u344f925bc94f8ddc1d5407dc098bb57e:hover { opacity: 1; transition: opacity 250ms; webkit-transition: opacity 250ms; background-color: #2C3E50; } .u344f925bc94f8ddc1d5407dc098bb57e .centered-text-area { width: 100%; position: relative ; } .u344f925bc94f8ddc1d5407dc098bb57e .ctaText { border-bottom: 0 solid #fff; color: #2980B9; font-size: 16px; font-weight: bold; margin: 0; padding: 0; text-decoration: underline; } .u344f925bc94f8ddc1d5407dc098bb57e .postTitle { color: #FFFFFF; font-size: 16px; font-weight: 600; margin: 0; padding: 0; width: 100%; } .u344f925bc94f8ddc1d5407dc098bb57e .ctaButton { background-color: #7F8C8D!important; color: #2980B9; border: none; border-radius: 3px; box-shadow: none; font-size: 14px; font-weight: bold; line-height: 26px; moz-border-radius: 3px; text-align: center; text-decoration: none; text-shadow: none; width: 80px; min-height: 80px; background: url(https://artscolumbia.org/wp-content/plugins/intelly-related-posts/assets/images/simple-arrow.png)no-repeat; position: absolute; right: 0; top: 0; } .u344f925bc94f8ddc1d5407dc098bb57e:hover .ctaButton { background-color: #34495E!important; } .u344f925bc94f8ddc1d5407dc098bb57e .centered-text { display: table; height: 80px; padding-left : 18px; top: 0; } .u344f925bc94f8ddc1d5407dc098bb57e .u344f925bc94f8ddc1d5407dc098bb57e-content { display: table-cell; margin: 0; padding: 0; padding-right: 108px; position: relative; vertical-align: middle; width: 100%; } .u344f925bc94f8ddc1d5407dc098bb57e:after { content: ""; display: block; clear: both; } READ: The Media As A social Problem EssayRousseau then compares the ideas of language leading to society, or society leading to language. Language would be a necessity for passing along ideas and knowledge from one to another, if there was only a simple society composed of family (mother-child) they might have developed their own language, but surely it would not have had the longevity to grow into a standard language, and Rousseau shows that he believes in order for communication as complex as language to come about, there had to be the involvement of a higher source. However assuming that is not so, and although not needed by those persons existing at that time, language would grow from a very basic and not very useful cry of nature, it would be used in an occasion such as to call for help, but would have little use in conveying feelings and ideas. As mans ideas grew so would his language if he wished to convey his thoughts, hence the birth of the first most primitive language. The boiling point comes now when Rousseau tells of what is the exact point where inequality begins. This Is Mine, according to Rousseau, the moment someone got it in their head to say this and was believed by another, is the point where inequality begins. That moment was the reason for all the wars, bloodshed, crimes, and misfortunes, etc. which civil society has faced. He makes a powerful statement when he says all that could have been prevented if someone had said: Beware of listening to this imposter; you are undone if you once forget that the fruits of the earth belong to us all, and the earth itself to nobody. But where did this idea come from? Rousseau says there must have been a long and complex process for learning the steps necessary to come to the idea of ownership. Difficulties must have arisen in mans life causing him to have to learn new way to surmount them, he may have had to make tools which gave him yet another advantage over the animals. When he realized this, he wo uld recognize himself as an individual through the pride he would gain the moment he looked at himself for he would be at the top of the food chain. As the human population grew, he would be in contact with them more often, eventually noticing that their behaviors reflected what his would be if in the same situation. He would find that in some cases it would be to the benefit of his well being to be accompanied by those of his own kind. At first, these groups would be maintained for only as long as it took to serve the desired goal. However, eventually the groups lifespan would increase significantly because in more instances remaining a part of the group was more of a benefit then not. Now that groups were steadily together, they began to expand their knowledge, their tool making abilities had increased, they learned to make huts, and did so because they believed they were easier to defend. Others would not try and take over this hut, not because it belonged to the one who built it , but either because it served no use to them, they were weaker, they could build it themselves, or most likely, they knew that they would have to fight with the family if they did attempt to take it. Instead, this person was likely to become a neighbor, rather then an enemy for the sheer motive of convenience. Essentially, the fact that others stood by as one did something for oneself, mimicked it rather than tearing it down, allowed for the ideas of property, and ownership. Property, as it grew large in its ideology would become too big for those who would eventually try to tear it down, this would lead to laws and groups who would enforce it as being a valid concept. Thus Ownership, Property, and Law are the basis for the outbreak and ever present inequality in our lives.

Developing Childhood Memory Essay Topics

Developing Childhood Memory Essay TopicsRemembering any memory is very difficult, especially if it is a difficult childhood memory. It's understandable to be confused and even anxious. But when the children begin to remember their childhood memory, they are sure to be thrilled.It's always important to remember that in childhood, a child can develop both the rich and complex memories as well as the simple ones. The simple ones are just made up from the memories of a wonderful time spent together. They might have even come up with a cute story that a lot of adults are fond of listening to. If a child remembers such a memory, she is certainly touched by the fairy tales.Memories can be as short as a few seconds and as long as one could imagine. There are even those memories that took years to realize.One way to remember a childhood memory is to incorporate a memory quiz. This quiz will help you identify areas of growth and nurturing that can be used in developing the topic. For example, it will help you find areas where you have developed friendships.Remembering childhood memory helps your child to see that everything in the world is not a problem but the question is how to make life enjoyable. This will help him to know that she has the power to control her experiences and to choose something that makes her happy.You can always check with your pediatrician or a child psychologist to find out how best to commemorate your childhood memory. They might be able to give you a few ideas on where to begin.Make a list of the best subjects that you can include in your essay. Create a separate table for each topic. Try to avoid making your essay too long, so that it becomes much easier for you to find things and to develop the theme.

Microsoft Company

Introduction The contemporary business world is characterized by a high level of competition. Various individuals and groups have engaged in conducting business. This builds up the level of competition as businesses engage in the production of relatively the same goods and services.Advertising We will write a custom essay sample on Microsoft Company specifically for you for only $16.05 $11/page Learn More This therefore calls for application of strategic measures to keep pace with the competitive market situation. For the sake of this assignment, I will give a critical analysis of Microsoft Company. Much emphasis will be given to aspects such as the company’s overview and the industry of its operation, the company’s major business lines and the company’s competitive strategy and market position. Finally, the company’s use of Information Technology for competitive advantage will be highlighted. Description of the Company and th e Industry in Which It Competes Microsoft is a well known company. It was founded in 1975 by Bill Gates. The company came into being following combined ideas from Bill Gates and Paul Allen, individuals who had interest in computers and programming in particular. The company started as a small organization whose operations were only local. It was later that Bill Gates developed the idea of programming languages and tried some applications that became successful although initially faced with some challenges (Kumar, 2010). It was in 1976 that the Microsoft Company was registered in Mexico City. The company picked so well and this enhanced its growth and development. It was not after long that the company was in a position to extend its operations, selling its products locally as well as internationally. The company grew day by day and developed more advanced and desirable programming languages such as FORTRAIN and COBOL (Kumar, 2010). The growth of the company was accelerated by an inc rease of Personal Computers’ manufacturers in the market. This increased the demand for Microsoft products and hence the need for Microsoft Company to enhance its production strategies to meet the demand. It for instance started an office in Japan in 1978. From this time there was emergence of new developments that put the company at a better position in the market. A major development was that of MS DOS, which paved way to other advanced programs like the windows. It was in the year 1982 that Microsoft Corporation changed its name to Microsoft Inc (Kumar, 2010). Microsoft operates in the software industry. It provides a lot of products and services that are aimed at satisfying the needs of customers in the software industry. In addition to this, the company has diversified its operations in other fields in an effort to enhance its competitive advantage.Advertising Looking for essay on business economics? Let's see if we can help you! Get your first paper with 15% OFF Learn More This includes Microsoft games which have gained considerable application among people. The industry in which Microsoft operates is highly competitive mainly because of the effects of technological developments making it a necessity to be extremely alert to capture and implement everything new in order to satisfy the ever changing demand of the market. The industry is also characterized by new entries as people and groups wish to be as successful as Microsoft Company (Kumar, 2010). To deal with the competition, Microsoft has engaged in production of products that are of high quality. The company also engages in strategies that are geared towards improving the quality of its products every now and then to satisfy the changing demands of the market. This has been made possible through research and development programs. This is an effort that has bore positive fruits for example attraction of a lot of customers and maintaining their loyalty. Description of the Company ’s Major Business Lines Microsoft is involved in provision of a wide range of products and services to its customers. The major line of business is however in the provision of software related products and services. The company is involved in the provision of servers, office, hardware, windows live, software, Microsoft store and mobile devices among others. Apart from being involved in provision of products, Microsoft has also invested a lot in services provision. Some of the services include, Skype, Microsoft advertising and Microsoft Online services among others (Microsoft, 2011). The provision of these products and services has been the main source of profit to the company. This in turn helps in placing the company in a good position in the market as it is an indication of good performance, an aspect that is desired by all organizations as well as customers. Generally, Microsoft have performed relatively well over the past years. This has led other companies to desire to u tilize the company’s production strategies in an effort to excel in their business operations. This has greatly increased the level of competition in the industry thus necessitating that Microsoft engage in even more strategic measures. A major threat is for example the Linux program which has gained a lot of favour from the customers. However, plans are underway to upgrade Microsoft’s products and enhance it services in order to maintain its competitiveness compared to other companies in the industry. This will be made possible through extensive research. Description of the Company’s Competitive Strategy and Market Position Different companies have different competitive strategies and thus they secure different market positions in the market. Microsoft is competitive enough in its industry of operation and it has secured a good position in the market. Various aspects have been attributed to it competitiveness. For instance, its management is a source of its com petitive advantage.Advertising We will write a custom essay sample on Microsoft Company specifically for you for only $16.05 $11/page Learn More There is quality leadership at Microsoft. Bill Gates is the company’s chairman while Steve Ballmer is the CEO. Election is usually fair. The share holders have the duty of electing the board of directors. The board of directors is then supposed to hire the presidents, vice-presidents, top executives, treasurer and the secretary. The workforce in Microsoft is very rich in terms of skills and knowledge, making the company to do well in its business operations both locally as well as internationally (Johnson, 2008). Microsoft has a number of strengths, which have significantly contributed to the company’s success. To begin with, the company has a broad global brand. The company has the largest software developer which has a good reputation all over the world. It has a big customer base which is locat ed all over the world. All the products in the Windows line are successful. This has significantly contributed to the company’s success. The company’s strongly developed brand has put it in a position where it is able to cultivate customer loyalty all over the world. Its customers are enthusiastic and act as advocates who always use the company’s products. Therefore, the company has managed to retain its existing customers as well as attracting more. This has contributed to the tremendous growth of the company. Microsoft’s competitive strategy also involves the location of its premises or offices. Microsoft has offices located in different parts around the world. These offices are strategically situated in strategic positions. This has ensured that the company’s products are trendily available to all the customers across the world. For instance, the company has offices in Korea, Europe, China and Germany. This has promoted the availability of its p roducts throughout the world avoiding unnecessary shortages. Diversification of the company’s operations has also enhanced its competitiveness. For instance, the company has recently ventured in other areas like game design and developing. This provides a wide range of opportunities to the company. The company has managed to provide free emails and news to its customers. In addition, it has managed to develop software that is very useful in organizing business spreadsheets and data. This comes at a time when the demand for such software has risen with increased need for efficiency in the contemporary business world. The company’s market position can be understood by looking at its financial status. As already noted, Microsoft has been in the market for a long time. Since its development, the company has recorded good performance. Earlier this year, the company closed its fiscal year in optimistic results.Advertising Looking for essay on business economics? Let's see if we can help you! Get your first paper with 15% OFF Learn More For the fourth quarter which ended in June 2011, the company’s revenue rose to $ 17.37 billion (Betanews, 2011). This was an eight percent increase over the last one year. Meanwhile, the operating income hit a level of $ 6.17 billion. During this quarter, the company recorded a profit of $ 5.87 billion (Betanews, 2011). The success has not been attributed to a single aspect but rather a combination of factors. The strengths and opportunities are a source of the company’s competitive advantage and good position in the market. For example a strong brand that is well known all over the world. This has enhanced the level of sales and hence increased productivity and profitability. Despite the fact that Microsoft Company has got considerable strengths and opportunities, it is not without some weaknesses and threats. Some of the weaknesses and threats that face Microsoft include; compatibility issues involved in the company’s products. For instance, most of its produc ts are not effectively compatible with many hardware and software produced by other companies. This may discourage customers from buying the company’s products due to the inefficiencies involved. Another weakness of the company is that it has not managed to develop an effective client and service support in the internet. This denies its customers important services in case problems and bugs occur. This threatens the integrity that the company’s products are perceived by its customers. Competitors are a threat to the Microsoft Company. Many companies have engaged in the business of provision of software and other computer related services. This therefore necessitates that Microsoft Company establish and implement strategic measures aimed at maintaining its competitiveness to avoid losing its customers to the competitors. All in all, it is evident that the company has tried to overcome the threats and weaknesses through the reinforcement of their strengths and opportunit ies. Use of Information Technology for Competitive Advantage Information technology is a resourceful tool in an organization. It has been used by various organizations to secure a large share in the competitive market. Effective utilization and implementation of information technology enables an organization and the workforce to be reliable in provision of services to the consumers. This is because it enhances efficiency, effectiveness and economy, an aspect that is extremely crucial in the achievement of high levels of productivity and profitability. Microsoft Company has recognized information technology as a strategic asset and thus, it incorporates it in almost all its practices and processes. One area in which information technology has found application in the company is the accounting section. The company has recognized that information technology can help in solving the problems that were associated with the traditional method of accounting. Information technology has also b een used as a strategic communication tool. This involves communication services such as IP telephony, Microsoft Live Communication Server (LCS) and other Microsoft’s telecommunications infrastructure. Some of the information technology related issues in Microsoft include; Business Application Support, clients services, messaging services, enterprise services, global technology services, corporate security among others (Rasmus, 2008). Microsoft is one of the leading companies that have achieved success through utilization of information technology including advertisement and reaching out clients and suppliers. Conclusion From the above discussion, it is evident that Microsoft Company has performed well over the past and has managed to secure a competitive market position. Its success is attributed to a variety of factors for instance a strong management body, an established brand name, strong and experienced workforce and utilization of information technology among others. Al though it has some weaknesses and it faces some threats, it has been able to overcome this and its financial performance has been excellent over the past. Reference List Betanews. (2011). Microsoft. Web. Johnson, N. (2008). Microsoft Adds Record Number of Employees, Rules Out Acquisitions. Web. Kumar. (2010). An overview of Microsoft and History of Windows. Web. Microsoft. (2011). Top Products. Web. Rasmus, W.D. (2008). Building Strategic Advantage through IT. Microsoft Business Insights. This essay on Microsoft Company was written and submitted by user Harley Shields to help you with your own studies. You are free to use it for research and reference purposes in order to write your own paper; however, you must cite it accordingly. You can donate your paper here. Microsoft Company Microsoft Corporation has been a monopoly in computer operating systems and software market for a long period of time. It has been accused of violating anti-trust laws and using noncompetitive practices to dominate the market. The current market share of Microsoft is large, thus, enabling it to remain a monopoly in the operating systems market for decades.Advertising We will write a custom case study sample on Microsoft Company specifically for you for only $16.05 $11/page Learn More Research has revealed that Microsoft has a 93% market share despite a stiff competition from other technological firms. Competitors, such as Macintosh and Linux have competed with Microsoft for a long period. However, Microsoft has managed to control the largest portion of the market. The declining innovativeness and creativity of Microsoft might have adverse effects on its market share. Microsoft behaves like a monopoly because there are a few innovative competitors in the market. It has used several strategies that other technology firms have failed to execute in order to control and maintain the large portion of its market share. First, it has developed strong relationships with other technological companies to maintain its dominance. For example, it has collaborated with several video and audio streaming companies to extend its monopoly in providing multimedia content to its consumers. Secondly, Microsoft has invested in emerging technology companies to eradicate competition that these companies introduce in the market. This has ensured that technological innovations are in line with Microsoft’s plan for dominance. Thirdly, Microsoft has collaborated with several learning institutions, which have helped retain its dominance in the desktop market. Monopolies usually result from perpetuation of uncompetitive practices by companies or firms that prevent other companies from penetrating the market. It is difficult for other companies to acquire a sizeable market share under prevailing conditions because of entry barriers created by Microsoft. From a legal and economic perspective, Microsoft’s market share is large enough for it to behave like a monopoly. Dead weight loss refers to loss of economic efficiency by a firm, company or organization that is caused by monopoly pricing, taxes or external factors. As such, Microsoft is a dead weight loss to its economy because of several reasons. First, monopolies usually incur great expenses because they spend a lot of money in order to maintain their monopoly in a specific market.Advertising Looking for case study on business economics? Let's see if we can help you! Get your first paper with 15% OFF Learn More This increases the average total cost of producing a product or service. For example, Microsoft has spent a lot of money in legal battles to maintain their monopoly. Secondly, monopolies attract high taxes from the government. The more costly a product or service is, the higher the tax a firm or corporation pays for the product or service. If Microsoft was not a monopoly, taxes would be lower because competition from other firms would result in cheaper products that would attract lower taxes. The prices of Microsoft’s products could be compared to a private tax that has the same dead weight loss that most government-imposed taxes bear. With current advancements in technology, Microsoft is gradually losing its monopoly. Despite the fact that it earns high profits from its products, Microsoft has been stagnant over the last decade. It is unable to compete effectively in emerging markets, such as development of software for mobile devices due to lack of innovation. Judge Thomas Penfield’s statement that Microsoft enjoys a monopoly is true and valid. Microsoft has a large market share of operating systems that are compatible with most personal computers. In addition, it has established barriers that hinder entry of other companies and has forced consumers to depend on its operating systems due to lack of alternatives. The judge’s ruling validated the claim that Microsoft is a monopoly and controls a large market share. The judge was correct because Microsoft has used anticompetitive strategies in the past to maintain its monopoly. Microsoft integrated its web browser into its operating system in an effort to eliminate competition from other software companies, such as Netscape. Today, it collaborates with other software companies, thus, leading to anti-competitive agreements that eliminate competition from those companies. The ruling of the judge is consistent with the findings of recent studies on the dominance of Microsoft. Microsoft’s monopoly has elicited debates because it has eliminated competition from other companies by using anticompetitive strategies. In addition, its monopoly has harmed consumers because they have no option but to use Microsoft’s browser and other so ftware integrated in their operating system. In addition, the monopoly has resulted in high prices that have also harmed consumers adversely. The conduct of Microsoft of using anticompetitive strategies was intended to suppress competition from companies that produced products that were a threat to its monopoly.Advertising We will write a custom case study sample on Microsoft Company specifically for you for only $16.05 $11/page Learn More Defenders of Microsoft have always reiterated that current technological advancements have reduced Microsoft’s monopoly. However, they ignore the fact that the judge put such considerations in his ruling. For example, Linux introduced an operating system that failed to quell Microsoft’s dominance in the market. However, with the current trend in the software market, Microsoft’s monopoly may soon be eradicated. Microsoft is no longer innovative as it was in the past decades. The emergence of modern computing necessitates innovation and creativity in order to meet its demands, which Microsoft has failed to do. New entrants into the software market, such as Google are gradually eliminating Microsoft’s dominance. In addition, Microsoft has failed to keep up with the demands of modern age computing, such as the need for software for mobile devices. The development of the Android operating system has presented a blow to Microsoft. Android is open-source software that gives software developers permission in order to adapt it to their needs. Operating systems that are developed by Linux and the Apple are gradually becoming more acceptable for users. Most companies have developed operating systems that perform better than Microsoft’s Internet Explorer does. For example, Google Chrome and Mozilla Firefox are some of the best web browsers. They have included features that have improved security and speed when surfing the internet. Microsoft has not improved its browser fo r a long time, and that is one of the causes of its waning popularity among users. Microsoft’s waning dominance of the software and operating systems market is evident from its current struggles to develop applications that guarantee its monopoly in the market. In addition, the ruling by Judge Jackson was a great blow to Microsoft’s dominance. Even though Microsoft currently controls a great portion of the market, its dominance is waning, and in a few years, it will not be a monopoly any longer. The creativity and innovation that are exhibited by emerging technology companies is enough proof that Microsoft will soon lose its dominance and consumers will have more options. Diversity is an important aspect of the operating systems market. This case study on Microsoft Company was written and submitted by user Damarion U. to help you with your own studies. You are free to use it for research and reference purposes in order to write your own paper; however, you must cite it accordingly. You can donate your paper here.

Office Space essays

Office Space essays Ron Livingston and Jennifer Aniston (this actress also stars in the comedy "Friends") star in the comedy movie "Office Space." Peter Gibbons (Livingston) is a computer software programmer who hates his job and his bosses. One of his Bosses is Bill Lumberg (Gary Cole), who is mean but acts very mellow when he acts mean. Peter's girlfriend (Alexandra Wentworth) talks him into seeing an "occupational hypnotist" in the hope that through hypnosis he could be happier with his job. After being briefly hypnotized, he feels suddenly worry-free. Like his neighbour Lawrence (Diedrich Bader, who also stars in the hit TV show "The Drew Carrey Show") who hears all and knows all about Peters life, since he can hear everything through the wall that separates their apartments. He still doesn't like his job, but at least now he doesn't care about keeping his job. The company Peter's working for is currently being evaluated by "efficiency experts". Each employee is interviewed about his or her position and from those interviews and other information, these "efficiency experts" will decide which positions should be eliminated. Tom Smykowski (Richard Riehle) a co-worker of Peter is very paranoid about being fired and never stops talking about the fact that he is going to get canned. When Peter's turn for an interview arrives, he's very care-free about the whole thing. After his interview, Peter speaks with his friends from work, Samir (Ajay Naidu) who absolutely hates the fact that no one can pronounce his last name and Michael (David Herman) who hates his last name, which is Bolton because it refers to the singer "Michael Bolton" and they warn him that he'll lose his job if he doesn't get his act together soon. Soon, he thinks up a plan and with the help of Samir and Michael, he can make the three of them rich while at the same time getting even with the corporation they all hate so much. ...