Management Scenarios - Essay Example

? Management Scenarios Given the driving forces of the market, and the focal questions that the organisation is dealing with; there are certain possibilities that the management needs to be aware of. It is important that decisions be taken in advance so that the predicted conditions of the market are prepared for. Managers need to get themselves and their staff trained, and reinforce their technological and man powers so that they are ready to meet the requirements of the future. In the meanwhile, the foundation ideals and principles on which the organisation is based need to be strengthened so that it can withstand the winds of change. Given the conditions that we have been focusing on, certain scenarios are distinct possibilities over the next 20 years. Some of these are: Scenario 1: Using Social Media Using social media as a means of interaction with clients, the organisation communicates all manner of information online. Clients get information pertinent to their needs directly in their mail and at their other online presence sites. Potential customers are targeted with information that would be optimally useful to them in making purchase decisions. Irrelevant information is kept to a minimum, and most communication is unobtrusive and relevant. When using the social media to contact customers, it becomes important to ensure that the right information reaches the right person. Over – exposure to irrelevant information can cause the customer to form a negative attitude towards the organization; and under exposure to relevant information can cause the organization to be discounted when making a purchase decision. If every person receives every piece of information that the organisation publishes, it may become very difficult for the consumer to make a truly informed purchase decision. In order that the existing and potential consumer is exposed to the most pertinent information, it is necessary to gather as much information about the customer’s preferences as possible without violating his or her privacy. It would be a good practice to keep record of the consumers past purchase decisions, and preferences, and then send information accordingly. The least over-whelming means to provide multiple pieces of information would be to provide brief synopses followed with links to a web page containing detailed information in digests. Providing the consumer with search options and unobtrusive advertisements that are relevant to the needs that the consumer is at that moment trying to address. In order to encourage a potential consumer to decide to purchase with the organization, that consumer needs to be given relevant information. Mining information from searches and providing information to such a potential consumer is one way of doing this. Requesting potential consumers to allow access to details stored at social networking and professional sites is another way of deciding what information is to be presented to which client. Wherever possible, the potential and reoccurring consumers are kept free of un-solicitated data, and access to detailed information online is made available to the maximum client base. Sign Posts: The organisation will need to create a database of all the material and post regular updates so that there is always relevant information available in a user friendly manner to the consumers. The organisation needs to tie up with all major social and professional networking organisations in order to reach the largest consumer database. New sites need to be vetted and joined if they can provide a significant volume of sales. Sales representatives need to be trained to direct individuals to the most useful information. Social media experts need to be employed, markets understood, and targeted accordingly. Changes in the social media technology need to be studied and used to advantage. Scenario 2: A Global Presence Markets are growing and merging, so that small organisations also have a global presence. The organisation has at least a skeletal staff in all major locations across the globe to deal with local issues, while the firm provides services to clients across the globe. Customer service is provided 24 / 7 at the base unit, and through all working hours at local units. With markets merging across the globe, it is necessary to have a global presence. One essential component if this is to provide localised services that consumers can use for local as well as international requirements. One way to fulfil this component is to partner with or merge with local players in important markets. This way, both the firms profit by having a presence in multiple arenas. The consumer base of each organization is an asset to the other. Another option is to set up offices locally and at remote locations. This ensures that clients are serviced locally, and any concerns they may have are addressed promptly. Speed and accuracy need to be maintained across the board, and management is required to ensure that all local units are well looked after, such that they are helped to tune in to local demands and requirements; and in spite of this, the climate of the organisation is similar across units. Sign Posts: Explore the possibility of tapping a global market. Make the organisation globally visible. Identify major markets where units can be set up, on acquired. Liaise with local businesses, and either acquire of merge with them. Where not possible, set up units. Thoroughly research the needs and characteristics of the new markets. Devise a chain of interaction across all units. Ensure managers of remote units visit head office and each other often, so as to maintain uniform services and attitudes. Scenario 3: Adapting to new customer lifestyles. As the world becomes more aware of the problems that affect the planet, and as the different cultures interact with each other and borrow from each other; the demands of the client base change to accommodate new principles, new philosophies and new traditions. The organisation responds to these demands by changing its processes without compromising any of the primary goals and values. Climate change is an important issue, and is one that will continue to remain one of the most important issues that the planet will face in the future. Consumers of the near future are individuals who will require proof that the organisation that they work with is responsible and uses sustainable resources. Making an early switch to eco-friendly technology and restructuring work systems so that there is minimum wastage and optimal use of resources gives an edge in gaining and retaining consumers who value the environment. Promotional offers that include knowledge of this propensity of clients to prefer eco-friendly options can be a great way to consolidate the client base. As technology shrinks the world, people across cultures interact, causing cultural exchange as well as awareness about the needs and desires of different cultures. These needs and desires can be exchanged, borrowed from or inculcated in to one’s own culture. This changes the needs and demands of a particular people. Identifying the relevant cultural exchange and understanding its implications before they become very obvious will help an organisation to stay ahead of competition. Staying tuned to these changes in the markets that are serviced will help any organisation in many ways. Sign Posts: Identifying a change in the market as it starts to occur, and tapping it promptly. Identifying the implications of changing markets and identifying which of these is important for one’s own organisation. Identifying the changes in the products and services that will captivate this new market group. Implementing the changes without losing the trademark qualities. Monitoring the markets regularly for such trends as they evolve. Scenario 4: Wildcard – War The possibility of a major war cannot be denied, in consideration of the global political situation. In the event of a war; the concept of the global village will suffer a breakdown, as there will be military and diplomatic channels of communication; but any communication besides this with countries other than allies would be considered treason. Any trade that the organisation will have with countries other than allies, and in areas not related to necessary activities will be shut down by the government. In the event of a war or a war – like situation; the focus needs to shift inwards, and on to goods that are required by the military, as well as the necessary products required by the local people. Given such an event, growth stops being a factor, and survival becomes the centre of focus. The maximum likelihood of survival will be for organisations that work with the government, and for the government at such times. References: Alter, S., (2009). Information Systems: Foundation of E-Business. 4ed. Patperganj: Pearson Education. Daniel Goleman, Annie McKee, Richard E. Boyatzis, Primal Leadership: Realizing the Power of Emotional Intelligence (Harvard Business School Press, 2002) Hirsh, S., and Kumnerow, J. (1998). Introduction to type in organizations. (3rd ed.). Mountain View, CA: CCP, Inc Tucker, R., (2009). 10 driving forces of dynamic change. Articlebase.com. [online]. Retrived from: http://www.articlesbase.com/business-articles/10-driving-forces-of-dynamic-change-1249883.html#ixzz1OlusUJBO Thomsett, R., (2002). Radical project management. USA: Prentice Hall. Read More