Battle of Gen X and Gen Y Essay -- essays research papers

The Battle of Gen X and Gen Y There ¡Ã‚ ¦s no doubt about it, the newest diversity issue in the workplace is age diversity. Many organizations have finally figured out how to recruit young talent only to watch them drive down a collision course with seasoned employees over issues like work ethic, respect for authority, dress code and every work arrangement imaginable. And they're not sure what to do about it.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  With this paper, I decided to take this concept because of the people that I have to work with on a continual basis. They are usually people from the Generation X trying to communicate with Generation Y. Just the other day I heard from someone I am working with,  ¡Ã‚ §Those god d*&# young kids don ¡Ã‚ ¦t want to work. Then they have to ask  ¡Ã‚ ¥Why do I have to learn this anyways? ¡Ã‚ ¦Ã‚ ¡Ã‚ ¨ I just sit back, smile, and think to myself there has to be an easier way in getting the information highway open to people no matter what the age. Good communication skills are essential to get any message across and there are many times our verbal and written messages are not received and interpreted as intended. That is why I chose to look at the Generations of X and Y. I first had to define what a generation is. A generation, loosely defined, is a group of people who can be demographically identified by biological trends and have shared experiences (Stephens Generation X Site, 2004). I did a little research first on the Generation Y babies (1980-1994). These young adults are in a league all their own. This generation has a hopeful outlook, a determined work ethic, and gets turned off by promiscuity (Mcai-mn.org, 2004). This generation also likes a direct communication approach. No surprise, they get along well with the over sixty generation. They have a global perspective, and this may be due to the pace of technological change in the last twenty years that promotes communication without barriers. When you look at this group closer, they are able to adapt rapidly, innovate constantly, accept others easily and rebound quickly. They have the time, tools, and the talent to create a better world and better results. Now those Generation X ¡Ã‚ ¦s have there own fond little quirks too! They were brought up on television, Atari 2600s and personal computers. They are the generation that was raised in the 1970s and 1980s, and saw this country undergo a selfish... ... 30 years of age. Considering that the average starting salary of a college graduate in 2000 hovered around $38,000, while more and more organizations are figuring out ways to flex schedules, work locations, and job descriptions, Gen Yers may be more realistic than those who scoff at their ambition. I haven ¡Ã‚ ¦t found out yet if it has worked or not. I am sure hoping it is because when researching this topic it brought me to my own realizations on what I expect. I need to place more value on asking people what they expect instead of placing my own biases on what I think they want. Reference Page Business Week Online Official Website. Managing Generation X ¡XPart One on September, 2001. Retrieved on March 5, 2004 from http://www.businessweek.com/smallbiz/content/sep2001/sb20010928_113.htm Jennifer Jochim, Outpost Contributor. Reality shreds myths about Gen X. Retrieved on March 5, 2004 from http://www.jour.unr.edu/outpost/specials/genx.overvw2.html MCIA official website. Retrieved on March 5, 2004 from http://www.mcai-mn.org/resources/articles_generations_0412.html Stephen ¡Ã‚ ¦s Generation X site. Retrieved on March 5, 2004 from http://users.metro2000.net/~stabbott/genxintro.htm.

Nike Business Essay

Analyse their strategic choices with their options- why they made the choices that they did and recommendations. Has their strategic focus changed? Look for critical success factors, matches and mismatches. Identify any key areas that have affected Nike. Look at tools of analysis e. g. swot analysis, pestle, value chain, porter’s 5 forces, shareholder matrix, resource view, 4 p’s, BCG matrix. etc and others to come to your answer. Introduction Nike operates within the sports footwear and apparel market. Originally designing and producing running shoes, their portfolio has broadened to include a wide range of sports and leisure wear. This is all endorsed by top sporting personalities. This environment is fairly stable although terrorism and Sars has affected consumer confidence and supply networks. Mission Statement In its mission statement Nike expresses that it requires doing business in a responsible way, leading to sustainable financial growth. With the advances in technology, HR practices, the well informed and trained work force, there is very little left to differentiate organisations. Being seen to go further than the minimum required on social issues can attract and retain customers. This green cleansing attracts attention to the organisation; they are viewed as caring and social responsible (Mullins, L. 2005). A report, on the business practices of Nike through its supply chain accused the organisation of being involved in poor working conditions, violations of labour rights, low wages and harassment of its workforce. Nike takes these reports seriously. On the basis of the research findings the company has intensified the monitoring of its suppliers (Hummels, H and Timmer, D. 004) Past options To build its business with all of its partners based on trust, teamwork, honesty and mutual respect; this is expected to be returned, expecting business partners to operate on the same principles. Rationale Nike does not want to only do what is required by law, but also do what is expected of a leader Future Options Review and monitor closer the actions of business partner s Rationale To prevent bad publicity, which can damage the organisation Critical Success Factor To demonstrate to consumers the high value within the organisation to CSR. Change of Focus Theorist Hummels, H and Timmer, D. 2004 agreed that these reports were needed, Although Mullin, L. 2005 stated that it could be just green washing Nikes Function Past options the company focus on design and development Rationale This reduces long term debt has the benefit of not tying capital up in plant and equipment Future Options Rationale Critical Success Factor Reduced size of premises therefore reduced costs. Vital to have innovative employees. Products are viewed as innovative Change of Focus Theorist Johnson, G & Scholes J 2004 agreed that this was a cost effective method of production Production Within several of these countries there have been problems with production, distribution and political problems. With the change in relationship between the USA and Vietnam and China, these are new production venues that Nike could explore. Past options Produce goods in the Far east Rationale Keeps costs down Future Options Vietnam and China Rationale New trade agreements, present sites are switching manufacturing to electrical goods Critical Success Factor Maintaining current standards, closer working relationships, retaining customer loyalty by guaranteed standard of product Change of Focus A shift to a more managed production Theorist All organisation need to watch changes in political and economical factors in their outsourcing. Johnson, G & Scholes J 2004, Shareholder Matrix Surrounding all organisations are stakeholders, all with varied levels of authority, power and interest towards the organisation Mendelow (1991) considered a matrix that classifies the level of power and interest a stakeholder has in an organisation. Although once each group of stakeholders is recognised, it cannot be assumed that their level of interest will remain the same (Mendelow (1991) cited in Scholes, K. Johnson, J 1997:198). Jones (1995) argue that the stakeholder framework is practical for considering business and society issues, because it identifies the sources of a corporation’s social obligations and its set of stakeholders (Jones (1995) cited in Rowley, T. 1998:28). Therefore by Nike concentrating on their stakeholders it has placed Corporate Social responsibility high on th eir agenda. The organisation has to demonstrate transparency in all actions and reporting. This can cause conflict with the shareholders. Common in stakeholder theory is compromises on both sides that can obviously haze over differences; this primary characteristic is accepted as contra-distinctiveness from the shareholder value. This was discussed by Friedman, (1993) that the ultimate purpose of a company should be serving the interests of its shareholders (Friedman, (1993) Value Chain Nike’s supply chain provides a clear view of the extent of the global nature of the company. Nike’s headquarters are in America; however, virtually all of its production takes place outside of the United States. Nike’s supply chain upstream begins with the materials used in the production of its products. Many of these materials used in production are available in the locations which the manufacturing takes place, but some specialised materials have to be imported to the manufacturing company. Past options Outsourcing of all production Rationale Reduced costs Future Options Outsource with stronger control Rationale Speed up reporting of any problems in production, the supply chain, the greater the distance the slower the reporting of problems Critical Success Factor Reduce problems associated with distance, i. e. uality, consistency and value Change of Focus Although still outsourcing, they would gain more control over production. Theorist Johnson, G & Scholes J 2004, agreed that Nike can be too far from the site of production Past options Target USA Rationale Demand and growth for footwear in the US was rapid. Future Options Future option is to enter EU markets Rationale To expand in to growing markets as US is near saturation. Critical Success Factor organic growth as well as by acquisition, also brand name, goodwill- therefore there is a match is CSF to succeed Change of Focus Maybe have to target marketing in a different way Theorist When markets are reaching saturation, new markets need to be identified to prevent decline in sales. Johnson, G & Scholes J 2004, Distribution And Retailers Nike has a strong network of retailers in 200 coutries world wide through distributors, licensees and sudsiduaries. Within the USA there are 18000 stores that retail nike products. These are well established channels. Nike made itself heavily dependant on one retailer Footlocker, representing 10% of their revenue. When Footlocker reduced their purchasing form Nike, it created a reduction in turnover in the short term. Organisations that are over dependant on one retailer are open to cash flow problems, if the retailer switches suppliers, reduces purchasing or ceases trading (Johnson, G & Scholes J 2004). Past options Although they have numerous retailers, they were heavily dependant on one out let chain Rationale To sell top of the range products Future Options To negotiate partnerships deals that allow for the choice of product for the retailer Rationale To prevent sudden withdrawal of products Critical Success Factor Customer being able to rely on source of product. If withdrawn they may find an alternative product Change of Focus Closer working partnerships Theorist Organisations that are over dependant on one retailer are open to cash flow problems, if the retailer switches suppliers, reduces purchasing or ceases trading. Johnson, G & Scholes J 2004 Nike has a futures, but can also ship overnight when needed. Although the futures method is currently working for Nike, Past options Futures ordering system Rationale a 6 month lead time for product orders, always knowing what is needed in production Future Options Rationale Critical Success Factor This is responsive to the market trends, but can also help retailers plan stock. Change of Focus Theorist Any change or threats within the markets could leave them overstocked (Groucutt, J. et al 2004) Sales In addition, consumer sales outside of the United States exceeded sales in the United States in 2003 with only 43% of the company’s sales coming from the US In Europe there are difficulties in entering the market, the single currency and the trade rules make entry difficult for large organisations. Past options Target the US Rationale Growing market, but is now reaching saturation Future Options Target new markets, including e-commerce Rationale To avoid a reduction in sales Critical Success Factor Entry to the markets, by advertising and targeting the audience. Ensuring accurate and quick picking of the customers order Change of Focus Shift to global marketing, selling world wide from the web targeting Generation Y. Theorist By tailoring marketing to the customer needs Nike has been successful in the past and continues to be today (Johnson, G & Scholes J 2004) Nike Branding Past options global brand Rationale Consumers are willing to pay a premium price for; as they imply credibility, high quality and up-to-date global trend. Future Options When companies are bought trade under their name Rationale Moving into a new market with a brand that is already global you can reduce cost of introductory and follow-up marketing programs. Critical Success Factor Ensures customer loyalty and to widen portfolio Change of Focus Concentrating on core products as Nike, allowing growth in new diverse markets Theorist significant scales of economy are achieved Aaker 2000, this is in terms of brand development, packaging and manufacturing Marketing Sports personalities have endorsed the Nike product, although with numerous different sports and countries targeted this has been costly. The amount each personality has received is considered high. This forces the competitors to market their products in the same way. Trends within the industry have increased the number of female consumers. With advertising Nike has targeted segments of the market, this costly. Nike should review their advertising policies (Groucutt, J. et al 2004). Past options Sports personalities have endorsed the Nike product, although with numerous different sports and countries targeted Rationale To target all types of sport by choosing personalities which are at the top of their sports. Future Options To chose personalities that appeal to a wider audience Rationale To reduce advertising costs Critical Success Factor Change of Focus Theorist Groucutt, J. et al 2004 4ps The athletic shoe industry is highly competitive as well as a demanding market where fierce competition, price conscience consumers, and constant changing market trends and fads have all been attributing factors in how a manufacturer responds. Highly focused brand includes Nike, Adidas, and Reebok, they target a precise market. However, there is evidence that a brand will widen its target market as it reaches a greater level of maturity. In the case of Nike, for example, there was a move into new sports areas away from the running heritage. Nike’s target audience has moved from more masculine towards female and Generation Y. Price is related to Product, through the characteristics of the brand, it’s packaging and overall image. People are buying into an ideal, not just the item. Consumers believe that there is a link between quality of a product and the price. Consumers question what they are getting for their money. Brand Management, customer awareness and loyalty, is directly linked to the price, therefore maintenance of the relationship between brand images; quality and price have to be consistent (Johnson, G & Scholes J 2004). Models Used In Analysis Swot Analysis This analysis will summarise key issues from the business environment and the strategic capacity of Nike. This can be used to judge future strategic options. Strengths Product Range Capacity for innovation Distribution expertise Single Brand Stars endorsement Contract manufacturing Large portfolio of products Weaknesses Single Brand Too many stars endorsement Contract manufacturing Spread portfolio of products Reliant on retailers Reduction of target market Opportunities New Markets E commerce Research and development Increase product line Product diversification Change target market New manufacturing countries Threats Competition Fashion Trends Contract manufacturing and copying of product (intellectual property) Consumer lifestyle changes Competition Bad press associated with Nike Outlets cancelling orders Sars Pestle This will consider environmental influences on the organisation, both in the past and with future strategic plans. Political Striking dock workers Political unrest in the production countries Terrorism in the home country Economic Slow down in the economy Reduction in consumer confidence Barriers of entry to the EU Contract manufacturing Socio-cultural Brand conscious consumers Change in buying habits in younger people Generation Y prefers other types of footwear Increase in the female share of the market Corporate social responsibility Technological Speed of change of product Design Ability Speed of News reporting Environmental Re use a shoe Sustainability philosophy Climate impact Legal Threaten action by underage workforce Poor employment record Corporate social responsibility Contract manufacturing and copying of product (intellectual property) Trade agreements Supply Chain Like every large IT undertaking, the team responsible for the implementation of Nike Supply Chain (NSC) began with a set of specific, stated goals: Enhancing Nike’s ability to respond to changing conditions; Reducing inventory and capital investment risk; Improving service to meet customer/consumer needs; Improving process, information and product quality; and Providing an efficient global supply chain with local implementation Porter’s 5 Forces This model is used to identify the sources of competition, and how to gain advantage over them. Potential Entrants Other sportswear manufacturers expanding their portfolio Cheap copies from the Far East Buyers The buyers of sports footwear have changed in the past decade. There has been and increase in women purchasing the shoes, Generation Y has a different tastes and purchasing methods. Substitutes When required for professional use there is no substitute goods, but as a fashion item there are many other goods that could be purchased. Suppliers Using production facilities in the Far East has give Nike economies of scale. Although there are now problems arising from these factories, they are switching to making there own goods, labour and political unrest causes delays in manufacturing and shipping of the goods, Competitive Rivalry Reebok, offering more choice of shoe, introducing endorsement by sports personalities, sponsoring sporting leagues Adidas have recovered from the problems that plagued them, and have a good product mix, covering a wide range of sports. BCG Matrix Nike is established within its markets, benefiting from economies of scale. This places them in the Cash Cows category on the Matrix. Cash cows market growth has slowed, and the products hold a fairly stable market share. Bibliography Books Aaker, D. (2000) Brand leadership Free Press, New York Doyle, P. (1998) Innovation in marketing Butterworth-Heinemann, Oxford Drawbaugh, K. (2001) Brands in the balance meeting the challenges to commercial identity Pearson Education, London Groucutt, J. et al (2004) Marketing Essential Principals and New realities Kogan & Page, Great Britain Johnson J & Scholes K (1997)(4th Edition)Exploring Corporate Strategy Prentice Hall, Hemmel Hempstead. Johnson, G & Scholes J (2004) (6th Edition) Exploring Corporate Strategy Prentice Hall, Hemmel Hempstead. Mullins, L. (2005) (7th Edition) Management and Organisational Behaviour Prentice Hall, Pearson, Harlow. Journals Hummels,H and Timmer, D. (2004) Investors in Need of Social, Ethical, and Environmental Information Journal of Business Ethics Jun 2004Vol. 52, Iss. 1 Kaler, J. (2003) Differentiating Stakeholder Theories Journal of Business Ethics Aug 2003. Vol. 46 Rowley, T (1998) A normative justification for stakeholder theory Business and Society. Mar 1998 Welch, J. (1997) Business ethics in theory and practice: Diagnostic notes. A prescription for value Journal of Business Ethics, Feb 1997. Vol. 16, Related Nike Resources On Business Teacher: Nike Case Study Nike SWOT Analysis

Lucky Luciano Gangster Characteristics - 1818 Words

Charles â€Å"Lucky† Luciano Picture a person, someone with amazing leadership abilities, someone that has the potential to do virtuous things for the world. Now, I want you to picture this person wasting his/her talents by making unethical life decisions. Choices that caused harm to thousands of people. Now, imagine that the same person, and they actually think that what they do is ethical and that they didn’t waste their talent. Would that be frustrating? Charles â€Å"Lucky† Luciano was born in Sicily, Italy in 1897 and moved to New York City in 1906 with his family. Like many 1st generation American immigrants, there was no silver spoon or easy road to the American dream. Lucky struggled in school and preferred the ideas of the street life.†¦show more content†¦A visionary leader, in my eyes, can see past certain societal limitations to advance the work climate and outlooks for all people he/she leads. By 1929, Lucky was running the east coast’s largest bootlegging empire and emerged as one of two Italian Mob bosses in New York City. In 1931, after the murder of the boss of bosses, or the King of all mobsters, he had to change the ways the mafia did business or he would certainly face the same fate. He used his â€Å"Creator† traits along with â€Å"Intellectual Stimulation† to create a National Organized Crime syndicate, even though full of corruption, its people embraced mutual trust and respect. Thomas N. Barnes Center for Enlisted Education [BCEE] (2016b) defines a â€Å"Creator† as someone, â€Å"who often can generate fresh, original concepts and new ideas in ways that defy generally accepted structures or rules (BCEE, 2016b).† Lucky exhibited this concept with his desire to change the norm and create a national organized-crime network to quell any conflicts, manage disputes and establish guidelines between the different operations (Biograph y, 2016). The â€Å"Full Range Leadership† lesson discusses â€Å"Intellectual Stimulation† as a leader who should encourage people to brainstorm solutions and exercise their innovation and creativity (BCEE, 2016a). Lucky not only used his â€Å"Creator† traits, heShow MoreRelated Luciano Essay1679 Words   |  7 Pages nbsp;nbsp;nbsp;nbsp;nbsp;No other New York gangster in the twentieth century matched the capabilities of the sinister, crafty, powerful, and secretive Charles â€Å"Lucky† Luciano. Who with the help of his closest friends and allies, even enemies, established the National Crime Syndicate in the early 1930s, which still remains today (Nash 251). Lucky Luciano, the â€Å"true† American gangster, rewrote the rules of the Italian Mafia, under control of old-line Sicilian rule, and created an organizationRead MoreOrganized Crime Goroup Analysis2221 Words   |  9 Pagescrime families various business interests over time. The Genovese family of organized crime group started in the United States in the 1920s in the prohibition period that was before the group was officially the Genovese family. Charles ‘Lucky’ Luciano along with Vito Genovese and Frank Costello began a bootlegging operation in Manhattan that provided the people of the city and the state with alcohol, Manhattan outlawed alcohol bootlegging. The operation was the biggest in the state of NewRead MoreMy Perception Of Organized Crime933 Words   |  4 Pagesscenarios. The definitions of organized crime that you find in text books or in information provided by law enforcement agencies have a great deal of similarities and some differences. A definition that I felt exhibited most of the parallel characteristics is â€Å"organized crime is long-term criminal activity conducted in a structured and systematic manner, with the aim of generating illicit income. The activities and techniques vary, often involving violence, theft, fraud and trade in illicit itemsRead MoreJews And Booze By Marni Davis1734 Words   |  7 Pagesmainly based in Detroit. These mobsters and others made headlines more often than did Jewish federal Prohibition agents like Izzy Einstein and Moe Smith (Davis). Jewish gangsters found that the most money at the time could be found in the illegal alcohol business and so for varied personal reasons they joined in. Some became gangsters for the wealth, others for power, and some because it was simply what they enjoyed. But what all of them seemingly shared a passion for was caring for their families (Rockaway)Read MoreJews And Booze By Marni Davis1890 Words   |  8 PagesJewish gangsters in the early twentieth century and came to the conclusion that the reason a large number of them worked in the illegal alcohol business was because of the profit caused by prohibition and the intense thirst society developed for alcohol that came with it. When he studied further he realized that these â€Å"gangsters† running illegal operations often were more caring and human than people believed. Incorporated into this review are studies of the real life activity of these gangsters through