Potential Threats from the External Environment to a Organization - Essay Example

Management Table of Content Introduction Literature Review Organizational Structure Management of a Maritime Organization External environments Abstract Basic definitions of management and organization structure are discussed in this paper. Initially management was considered as an art of directing and controlling people. But now it is considered a science of using expertise of personnel to its maximum potential. A maritime organization is a multi-facet organization deal with various external and internal elements. Management of the organization deals with variety of issues. The major responsibilities and potential threats from external environment to a maritime organization are discussed in this paper Introduction Traditionally Management was considered a process of leading and directing all or part of an organization, often a business, by deploying and manipulating resources. It was also defined as a process of getting things done through people. (Dabbah, R. 1999 p,15). The old traditional ways of managing are not applicable now. The old management practice was established on the assumption of human limitations as a basis for organizing. This assumption is so pervasive that it can be found in almost every aspect of conventional managing. Consequently it over-bureaucratized organizations. (Dabbah, R. (1999 p.15) In the new knowledge-driven economy, people have become organization's most important asset. Well-trained and motivated people play important role in the development and execution of strategies. A Company needs people who can deliver. (Dabbah, R. (1999 p.16) Literature Review Contemporary management theories help to understand the changing nature of today's organizational environments. These theories emphasize following points Managers should make a decision keeping in view all aspects of the current situation and act on those aspects that are key to the situation at hand. While managing organization look at all the resources such as raw materials, money, technologies and people. All these resources may be mobilized and utilized to achieve desired objectives. Management is not limited to business management only. Management is the specific and distinguishing organ of all organizations. The task of the manager is to lead people. And the goal is to make productive and specific strengths and knowledge of each individual. (Harris, P., Lock, A., & Rees, P. (Eds.). (2000)) Organizational Structure Organizational structure provides the basic template for the continuance of an organization's culture; i.e., norms, values, philosophies, and informal activities. Organizational culture provides both the organization and its members insight into "how things are done around here" If the current organizational design is "wrong" for the change, then either the desired change should be modified or the organizational structure should be redefined. Successful organizational change depends on more than simple cosmetic or surface changes; it requires changes at the core of the organization. Management's responsibility within an organization is to continually carry out three management functions: 1) planning; 2) controlling; and 3) organizing. Planning involves defining organizational objectives and developing the methods and resources by which they will be accomplished. Controlling is the process of developing, implementing and using feedback systems that provide continuous information on the success of all system elements that have been put in place in order to achieve the organizational goals. Organizing is the activity of designing and deciding upon the most appropriate organizational structure for achieving the organization's goals. Management of a Maritime Organization A maritime organization for example shipping company should have to operate in, and be responsible to, a number of different external environments. Let us take example of a leading international shipping company and analyze the proposition in given in above statement. A shipping company is responsible to protect the safety and health of people and the environment. It has to conduct its operations reliably and efficiently. The systematic management of safety, health, environment, reliability and efficiency to achieve world-class performance defines its ranking in the world market. The effective management is responsible for Protecting People and the Environment, and it gives top priority on the health and safety of workforce and protection of assets and the environment. (Bissell, B. L., & Zamora, B. 1993 p.35) The above stated objectives are achieved by employing various management theories and models in practice. Some examples of methodologies used for achieving these goals are stated here. These objectives are achieved through disciplined application of Management System. Leadership is the largest single factor for success achieving these goals. Leaders are responsible not only for achieving goals, but achieving them in the right way by behaving in accordance with values of the company. Initially leaders developing vision, objectives and targets based on corporate objectives. Assessment and evaluation is done to identify priority areas in processes and performance against established objectives. Planning is done to manage priorities and for incorporating those plans into business plans. Implementation of plans is done by adopting recognized methodologies. The process of implementation is reviewed periodically. Top priority is given to security of people and assets Operations are designed in safest possible way to avoid injuries or incidents. If required permanent or temporary management changes are undertaken. External environments A shipping company or liner deals with variety of external environments affecting its operations and performance. The management of the company has to be efficient and flexible to cope with all possible threats and eventualities. A maritime company operates in volatile and vulnerable environment. The external factors that may affect operation and performance of a maritime company are: 1. Security threats in the form of terrorist attacks 2. Unfriendly Weather 3. Hostile or unfriendly port operators or authorities 4. Technical Failure or accident All these factors are quite important and interlinked but the security threats are quite likely and may cause considerable damage. This factor is therefore discussed in detail in this short paper. As the management of any shipping company should give it top priority in current international scenario. The information system technology and transportation infrastructure is transforming the marine transportation industry in a variety of ways. These changes are producing new ways to organize companies. The new information systems become more fully integrated, they are expected to have great private and public benefits. These systems, however, may be vulnerable to external attack. The vulnerability of ships information systems to terrorist attacks is a serious concern. The existing information system is a combination of company-to-company information system integrations constructed to permit more efficient operation. The management of the company can adopt various ways and means for reducing such threats. Some of them are suggested below: An external attack could come at any time and hit any point of vulnerability in the system. Many factors create potential vulnerabilities to external attacks on ships transportation information systems, including the interconnection of systems, the increased reliance on the Internet for communications, and the emergence of decentralized systems. The interconnection of systems across large transportation sectors allows carriers, shippers, and manufacturers alike to increase the efficiency of their operations. As the web of interconnected information systems grows, however, it can become more susceptible to attacks, improper use, and unauthorized access. Large organizations in the transportation sector have interconnected their own information systems to create systems spanning the enterprise. In addition, regulatory forces are driving the interconnection of commercial and government systems by requiring carriers, importers, exporters, and manufacturers to submit more information electronically to the government. The Internet is used increasingly as the primary communication method among transportation partners or transportation carriers and their customers. Transportation has benefited from a revolution in logistics based largely on improved communications through the Internet. In supply chain management and the optimization of logistics, the ability to transmit data across the Internet reliably is critical. Conclusion Management of a maritime organization is not a mean task. It requires comprehensive planning and strategic management. For coping with above stated external threats management needs to take various safety measures in accordance with the specific requirements of the company. The first and foremost task is to provide: Security of Personnel and Assets Providing a secure environment in which business operations may be conducted successfully. Designing and constructing facilities to prevent injury, illness and incidents and to operate reliably, efficiently and in an environmentally sound manner. Bibliography Bissell, B. L., & Zamora, B. (1993). Organizational Structure: The Neglected Aspect of the Management of Modern Environmental Health Organizations. Journal of Environmental Health, Clark, E., & Soulsby, A. (1999). 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