IBM Corporation Turnaround Essay

IBM leading the technology industry passed through several challenges in last few decades. IBM had undergone significant changes to ensure effectiveness of its business. Market competition and globalization of industry decreased the effectiveness of IBM requiring change in structure and work setting. IBM focused on its core competencies while successfully adopted new managerial structure placing emphasis on flexible decision making with increased responsibility on first line managers. Case Statement IBM was successfully leading the technology industry since its formation and profitably penetrated in various markets globally. However, the company expanded incautiously resulting in increased overhead cost; although profits were soaring but gradual change in demand by the end of year 1990 create significant financial problems for company depicted in huge losses for the consecutive three years. This case identifies the reasons which root to IBM condition in 1990 and sequential pattern of changes in structure which affected the financial performance of company. This case classifies the role of management in IBM performance and associated impact of overhead on company potential to grow. Basically, this case categorizes the problems which plunged the IBM to move towards failure and associated role of management. Situation Analysis of IBM under John Akers Leadership IBM was controlling approx. 70% profits of global technology industry in 1980s beginning era. However, during the last years of decade company was encountered with serious problems that affected the performance of company. John Akers, CEO of IBM appointed in year 1985, created significant changes in organization structure and work settings; defined new setting of decision making and operational procedures conforming his attitude and behavior. Company returns on assets and on equity started eroding and finally move towards negative return on business. IBM suffered with decreasing market share, loss of profits, negative perception building of customers towards IBM, increasing competition, and failures in product launch (Hitt et al. , 2007). IBM was striving hard to compete with new entrants in market, maintain its profitability level, and kept high market demand for its mainframe computers. Company was following bureaucratic structure, centralized decision making hindering to the growth of company. IBM overhead costs were momentous to industry average cost; overhead costs were three times of industry, company was offering high perks and benefits to employees, majority of employees were detrimental to work requirement, executives were not fully productive and were relying on junior members to perform their duties (creating unnecessary employment). Company had 125 data centers globally; internally organization was not proficient in IT management resulting in bad performance of IBM. Research department of IBM appeared unable to design products in consideration of customer demand which created significant problems in the beginning of 1991 (Hitt et al. , 2007), pushing company towards change in management structure, and requiring large scale operational change in organization to cover up its cost from current demand level. SWOT Analysis of IBM IBM is operating globally leading the industry with its unmatched solution compare to competitor’s offerings remarking the business performance. A brief SWOT analysis of IBM is as under: Strengths IBM offers a range of solutions to numerous businesses which differentiated it from competitors. IBM was dealing in mainframes, mainframe storage, single user personal computers, minicomputers, and client/server solutions. Company was soaring high profits from the industry, therefore spending high amount on R&D to invent and design products in consideration of future demand (Hitt et al. , 2007). IBM has strong brand image which increases the company sustainability and efficiently penetrate in competitive markets. Company had effective teams of personnel; reach to customers was valuable due to high value propositions. Weaknesses IBM was following bureaucratic structure and senior executives were running the operational decisions; limited decision making power reduced the innovation and hindered the growth of company. Company had employed unnecessary people to fulfill job tasks, increasing the cost. However, senior management members were relying on junior/support members for reporting purposes which resulted in refined information flow necessary for organization function irrespective of challenges that can be faced in long run. Executives’ remuneration was very high compare to services in return to organization; overhead costs dramatically increase as different competitors entered in industry (Hickman, 2006). IBM did not focus on offering of browser and network integration application which revolutionized the industry in early 1990s; however investing in OS/2 operating system resulted in financial losses. Opportunities IBM being one of the giant leaders of technology industry secures high profits and market share. This provides company an opportunity to overtake small business entities to offer diverse and complete range of products to customer (one stop solution). Competitors were investing huge amount on new products creation which IBM can use in its product portfolio to reach global consumers to increase brand value. Threats New competitors which include DELL, ACCENTURE, COMPAQ and MICROSOFT focused on offering computer products at cheap prices (Hitt et al. , 2007); IBM rely on Intel for some of its core physical component supply; IBM customer relationship management strategy; inefficiency of R&D to design innovative solution; market globalization and organization structure created direct threats to IBM market share.

Statement of Purpose(S.O.P.).Doc

Statement of Purpose (S. O. P. ) Date:- 30-Aug-2011. I am applying for admission to the IIML – Executive Programme For Young Managers – EPYM – 01 I am interested in factors that affect the competitive performance of a business concern, and the manner in which changes in technology affect an organisation's structure, long-term business strategy, supply chains, distribution network, information needs and standard systems. In order to gain an appreciation of these and related issues, it is essential for me to have a strong grounding in Economics, Supply Chain Management, and issues connected with International Trade, as well as gain a General Management perspective. I believe that the Executive Programme For Young Managers – EPYM – 01 would be invaluable in helping me achieve these objectives. It would enable me to channel my quantitative and conceptual skills in analysing business issues. I would like to apply for the management position where I believe, the innovativeness and having capability of putting extra efforts would definitely help me to prosper personally and professionally. I take this opportunity to brief on my background, I had completed my Diploma In Course in Electronics and radio Engineering from Cusrow Wadia Institute of Technology, Pune. After passing out I have successfully completed various course related to International Business. One of the courses I had completed is a regular part-time one year course from a Symbiosis Institute of Foreign Trade, Pune. Presently I am Working In an Export firm called Indimet Pvt. Ltd, Pune having an overseas office Indimet Inc. in USA in our Organizations I am involved interaction with people at all levels of the value chain, and at organizational levels from the Chairman to a packing clerk. I am fully responsible for Import and Export of the Company from packing the goods upto payment receipt from the customer against our Exports. The time limitation on each level of Export and Import assignment has taught me to plan well, work systematically and keep my reports up-to-date. At the same time, having to defend my analyses and recommendations, during both internal discussions and presentations to clients, has taught me to think rigorously and creatively. Our extensive use of computers for analysis and preparation of presentations and reports has made me familiar with spreadsheet, word processing and presentation packages. Still there are some core areas to study International business and its related issues in depth. I realise that in order to be able to do so, I need a better understanding of the various facets of management; the interlinkages between different functional areas and between different business entities. I want to do an Executive Programme For Young Managers – EPYM – 01 from IIM Lucknow for many reasons. I heard about this course from browsing in to internet for a management programs from the reputed institutes. Through this course I believe that I could improve upon my skills in International; Trade and also in understanding the business in more depth. Learnnig from IIML is a need for a Middle level professional will help to achieve a lot in person as well as for the Organisation. Also the contributions by this institute to academics of business have been unique. The fact that your students would be future leaders to take on the real business experience gives confidence that my dreams would also come true. I believe it would provide increased opportunities and brand to be a global contributor . I hope you will take a favorable decision regarding my admission and I look forward to join such an esteemed institute.

Influence of American Culture on the Rest of the World Essay

Influence of American Culture on the Rest of the World - Essay Example American style of dressing was distinctly known for its informality and casualness. Now we see the whole world dressing up like that. People, all across the world, now prefer to wear American brands. For example, Nike, which is an American brand, now has its market all over the world. People now dress for convenience. They wear traditional clothes and costumes on rituals but on normal days, they go for jeans and western wear which is again American way of dressing. Levi Strauss, a San Francisco based producer of jeans, introduced the idea of jeans as durable clothing, and now there is hardly anyone in this world who does not have a blue jean in their wardrobe. In 1993 Levi Strauss operated 700 plants in 60 countries making 200 different styles of blue jeans alone (New Internationalist, 1998). American designers such as Ralph Lauren, Calvin Klein, Liz Claiborne and many more are now gaining popularity in the world market. Another way how American Culture has influenced the world is through television. American channels are broadcasted all over the world either in English or translated. Every house, all over the world, now has easy access to these channels which promotes American culture. American television shows are watched all over the world and people become fans of the actors. ... These channels and movies have influenced countries all over the world. Soaps, late night television shows and reality shows which were once what America's television was known for is now a part of television channels all over the world. Americas Next Top Model, American Idol, Deal or No Deal, So You think You can Dance and Who Wants to be a Millionaire are some shows which have influenced the world to such an extent that similar shows are being produced in countries all over the world. FoodFast food was a definite feature of American Food. McDonalds, Burger King, TGIF. All of these once used to be what only the Americans used to eat. But this has also changed. All the names mentioned above now have franchises globally. Antarctica is the only continent without McDonald and it has over 30,000 locations all over the world. (Associated Content, 2006). People all over the world now think of fast food as cheap and convenient which is why it is getting so popular.However, lately, the Americans have realized the importance of diet and healthy food. People all over the world are now following them by understanding the importance of organic food and changing their eating habits. Starbucks Coffee which was one a distinct characteristic of the American lifestyle is now recognized and is gaining popularity at a global level. Lastly, because of how time is changing, people from all over the world are learning from Americans and Microwave Food is gaining popularity throughout the world. Language English was basically the language for the British but since the American culture is a mix of a lot of cultures from all over the world, it became the language for Americans as well. Now we see that the world has started to adopt

Dollar versus Yen -The Road Ahead Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words

Dollar versus Yen -The Road Ahead - Essay Example Interest-rate futures demonstrate that the traders are certain the Fed will increase its benchmark to 4.75 percent on March 28, and predict about a 65 percent chance of another increase to 5 percent at the May meeting. However the outlook was not the same say in October 2005 when Fed was expected to go in for graduated dosages of increase in interest rate in keeping with the trend began since June 2004. The dollar had then risen 2.3 percent against the yen since the end of June 2005. The dollar ran its third straight quarterly gain, reported in October 2005, against the yen, the longest winning streak since 2001, as the Federal Reserve stuck to its policy of ''measured" increases in interest rates. The markets had then expected the dollar to rally to about 115 yens. The yield advantage of 10-year US Treasury notes with Japan had averaged 2.87 percentage points in 2005 year and reached as much as 3.27 percentage points on March 28 2005. As a result of these Japanese investors were buy ing the dollar to purchase overseas assets, such as Treasuries strengthening interest in dollar.

Business Law Research Paper Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words

Business Law - Research Paper Example Therefore, he is not supposed to use the firm’s name to assure his potential employees that it will protect them without any questions asked. It should be clear to the client that the firm is not in any way involved or taking part in his business. The main obligation of the firm is to represent him and provide him with legal advice whenever necessary but not get involved in his personal business (Pollock, 2009). Civil tort and client’s dealings The client had gone against the law for using the firm’s name to do his business hence the firm is in order to file a lawsuit. The firm, therefore, shall receive compensation for damages or the court will decide on the remedies for damages (Glannon, 2010). Additionally, the firm has every right to terminate its legal responsibility with the client after the concern has been resolved. It was wrong for the client to start using the firm’s name without the consent of the firm, as the public may think that the firm will represent them without any questions asked as stated by the client. Moreover, this is a major misstatement. If anything occurred during this time between the client and his pyramid scheme and the employees proceed to demand an explanation from the firm, it would have taken the firm by surprise. This shows the seriousness of the matter hence the firm can terminate its dealings with the client and go ahead with a lawsuit. Senior Partner’s Position The senior partner has the ability to, personally, file a lawsuit against the client without even involving the firm, as it was his public image and reputation that was compromised. Additionally, he charges for any type of endorsement of service or product because he has been involved in television previously... From this paper, it is clear that the client had gone against the law for using the firm’s name to do his business hence the firm is in order to file a lawsuit. The firm, therefore, shall receive compensation for damages or the court will decide on the remedies for damages (Glannon, 2010). Additionally, the firm has every right to terminate its legal responsibility with the client after the concern has been resolved. It was wrong for the client to start using the firm’s name without the consent of the firm, as the public may think that the firm will represent them without any questions asked as stated by the client. Moreover, this is a major misstatement. If anything occurred during this time between the client and his pyramid scheme and the employees proceed to demand an explanation from the firm, it would have taken the firm by surprise. In conclusion, other cases regarding tort include Donoghue v Stevenson (1932) where the claimant went to a shop and bought a drink o nly to find that the drink had a decomposing snail in it hence making him sick. He filed a lawsuit, and the court held the manufacturer accountable hence paying for damages. Similarly, in Harris v Evans (1998) where by the claimant in this particular case lost a lot of money due to the misinformation that he was provided with by the Health officers. In this case, the firm has the ability to use the client according to the facts presented. Similarly, the senior partner of the firm can also personally sue the client for tort.

Metropolitan Museum Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words

Metropolitan Museum - Essay Example It also has a dark violet footpath and a green foreground, with bananas on the left (Tinterow and Galitz 164) This paper aims at analyzing Ia Orana Maria (hail Mary) by Paul Gauguin and comparing it to Madonna and Child Enthroned with Saints by Raphael Santi. This piece of artwork is an abstract art given the nature of its theme. This can be explained by the fact that it has its subject from reality but with presentation is different from the perspective in reality. The artist has widely made use of Post-Impressionism, which is the implication of colors and definitive forms with the aim of expressing emotions. This is highly evident in the choice of intensity of color on the faces of Jesus and Mary. This piece of art can be categorized as religious. This is because of the involvement of Jesus and His mother, Mary. Jesus and Mary are known to be associated with Christianity thus the reason for categorizing this piece of art as religious. The piece of art depicts an angel revealing the identity of Jesus and Mary to two Haitian women (Sayre 87). This picture might not have a narrative as we are informed that the artist based much of the content of this piece of art on a photograph of a bas-relief in the temple of the Javanese, situated in Borobudur. This piece of art is an oil on canvas painting with a height of 113.7 cm and width of 87.6 cm. it is located at The Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York USA. The art piece can be found on the credit line: Bequest of Sam A. Lewisohn, 1951(Sayre 63). Its identification number is 51.112.2. This piece of art was originally meant for some religious or cultural temple because of the religious nature of the subject. Have it had been in a temple the dimensions would have greatly changed. Both the height and the length would have decreased since it will probably not be used for public display. This would also be because the purpose would not have been commercial. This piece of art has Mary with baby Jesus on her shoulder as the focal point. The piece of art has its focal point to the right of the image (Sayre 183). This is to avoid making the focal point dull to look at. The artist also chose brighter colors, for the focal point just to make sure that it remained visible. The printing is also asymmetric because the artist restricts his decisions to the sense of balance. This is evident in the choice of color, texture, value, shape, and size. The artist has used implied line in the development of this painting. This has mainly been applied to emphasize on curves, for instance, on the faces of the people on the art piece the artist uses implied lines to show the nose and the eyelids. The artist has also used contour lines in drawing the angel. This significantly shows that the angel is in motion. This is because of the unclear nature of the angel’s image. The contour lines also help conveying an imaginary three-dimension nature of the angel’s image. The images in this piece of art are highly i llusive. The artist has applied simple overlapping in the case of baby Jesus and His mother, Mary. This enables the artist to achieve an illusionary two-dimension image. The artist has also used the relative size of the images to create an illusion on space. The two women relatively smaller than Mary in this piece of art depict them being further. This is done intestinally to illusionary create the

The Virgin Atlantic Global Marketing Analysis Essay

The Virgin Atlantic Global Marketing Analysis - Essay Example The essay "The Virgin Atlantic Global Marketing Analysis" talks about the Virgin Atlantic, one of the British Airlines that covers the Atlantic region including UK, North America, Caribbean, Africa, Middle East, Asia and Australia. The bases are located in London Heathrow and London Gatwick while another important base is the Manchester Airport.In the operation of airline companies, there are different factors that are considered. One of the said factors evolves in the trends related to tourism in the international community. Basically, when it comes to tourism, the ways of traveling specifically by air can be considered almost a necessity. Thus, due to the continuous development of the both the economy and the culture towards globalization, the global travel is tightly knitted to the trends in tourism.Therefore, there are different trends in tourism that can be considered to dictate the trends in the aviation technology. One is the economy of a country or a destination. For example, for areas wherein there are increasing demands for employment, there is consequently an increase in both business and luxury travels. Though other factors that can affect the trends in the aviation companies and their operation are the continuous development of the technologies that are involved in both flying and business. Therefore, based on the different global trends that dictate the operation techniques and programs of participants in the tourism industry, there are different market drivers.