Organizing function of management - Essay Example

Running head: ORGANIZING FUNCTIONS OF MANAGEMENT Organizing Functions of Management of client> taken> Organizing functions of management There are four main functions of management such as planning, organizing, leading and controlling (Daft & Marcic, 2011). (Daft & Marcic, 2011) The fourth function of management which is controlling includes monitoring activities and resources efficiently and effectively within an organization (Daft & Marcic, 2011). This paper will be discussing about the how a company manages two out of the above five resources in an organization. The two resources discussed in this paper are Knowledge and Technology, pertaining to the company Apple. Technological Aspect Technological resources include an organization’s ability to innovate and speed with which innovation occurs (The internal environment: A resource based review of strategy). Understanding the customer In order to be successful in the business, companies need to understand and observe customers closely. Only after knowing the customers, we can personalize products and services as per their needs and requirements. Technology is an important organizational resource with which companies can do wonders for their customers if managed this resource wisely (Bidgoli, 2010). Technology provides companies to add as many features as they would like in a single product. For example, if you go back a decade or two, the function of the most advanced cell phone was to make a phone call or send a message. Now, times have changed. Drastic changes have come in the field of technology. The new iPhone by Apple has 10,000 features including wireless Internet, digital camera, global positioning system, and even audio/video player (Bidgoli, 2010). Apple is the most valuable technology company in the world. Apple introduced tablets and other advanced gadgets in the market which no one can compete. It attracts all the technological freaks towards its latest inventions with its innovative features and great looks. The latest tablet designed by Apple is the iPad which is also known as Apple’s brainchild because of its advanced features. It comes with two models, Wi-Fi and Wi-Fi + 3G. The latest feature it has incorporated is the iBooks application which helps users to read books on its wide screen by a single finger tap. It bridges the gap between smartphones and laptops (Apple ipad: Technological innovation at its best, 2011). The reason for Apple being the best at technology is its well management of technical resources. Apple’s early success was mainly due to the close link between its business strategy and its organizational capabilities. Apple’s initial strategy was to provide customers with highly technical computers, which eventually required high level of technical expertise in hardware and software design. The vision of Steve Jobs, founder of Apple, was to empower individuals through technology. However, when the shift of strategy shifted towards low-cost computers, it was impossible for Apple to succeed with its inadequate teamwork between marketing and technical function (Ferris, Rosen, & Barnum, 1995). Until the late 1980s, Apple’s hiring decisions favoured highly technical as opposed to managerial competence. This increased cost of new products and also the time it took to get new products to the market. There was high commitment to technology and low commitment to business objectives. There are different ways to compete in the market, either by producing low cost products or by providing products with superior quality and customer service. When all the rivals shifted towards low cost products, Apple remained dominant in its strategy. It did not change its strategy towards low cost products. It differentiated itself through product technology, not cost, quality or service (Ferris, Rosen, & Barnum, 1995). Knowledge Aspect Knowledge Management In the early and mid 1990s, the concept of blended learning was emerging. Some integrated performance support tools, while others incorporated knowledge management. Apple was also one of the companies who incorporated the system of knowledge management (Rosenberg, 2006). Early on, Apple recognized that in order to compete it needed to stay up to date all the time regarding distributed sales and technical field of its products, competitors, promotion, pricing, and strategy. Every time there was a change in the product line or in the marketplace, it was impossible to convey it to the whole workforce. What Apple did in this regard was trained the field force in selling skills, product knowledge, computer technology and other fields. Apple knew by putting more effort in the workforce, will give fruit at the end of customer level and profitability (Rosenberg, 2006). Moreover, another initiative taken by Apple was to create ARPLE, Apple Reference Performance and Learning Expert. ARPLE was distributed on CD, every two weeks, to make sure the field was always up to date. Apple integrated the use of ARPLE into training programs and developed a knowledge management system to ensure that information was distributed timely and accurately. Over the years, ARPLE moved from CD based system to client server system and ultimately to the Web (Rosenberg, 2006). Workforce diversity Apple manages to be a global company. It strives to look and feel like a local company to its customers, while successfully competing with worldwide corporations. Apple strives to create a cosmopolitan culture in a number of ways. Its top management is composed of different nationalities. Workforce diversity is a crucial component in Apple’s human resource strategy. It is a key factor in recruiting plans, promotion policies, management training and development programs. Apple is also focusing on other initiatives to strengthen its global orientation. This includes global dissemination of knowledge and skills through communication forums which connects groups with similar interests, treatment of global accounts, global account management information systems, integrated databases, and global telecommunication facilities (Myers, 1996). Conclusion To conclude, Apple’s strong corporate culture provides values, which provides cohesion to its global operations. Apple has made a name in the market and positioned itself as the leader by effectively making use of its resources. When it comes to technology, Apple is considered the best, with its latest innovations grabbing the attention of customers. Apple did not compromise on its cost but emphasized only on giving the best to its customers. When it comes to knowledge, it does a great job managing knowledge between its team by implementing knowledge management system, global communication forums, and integrated databases (Myers, 1996). References Apple ipad: Technological innovation at its best. (2011, February 24). Retrieved June 7, 2011, from EzineMark.com: http://technology.ezinemark.com/apple-ipad-technological-innovation-at-its-best-7d2d6ef25b4f.html Bidgoli, H. (2010). The Handbook of Technology Management. New Jersey: John Wiley & Sons, Inc. Daft, R. L., & Marcic, D. (2011). Understanding Management. Cengage Learning. Ferris, G. R., Rosen, S. D., & Barnum, D. T. (1995). Handbook of human resource management. Massachusetts: Blackwell Publishers. Myers, P. S. (1996). Knowledge management and organizational design. Masschusetts: Butterworth-Heinemann. Rosenberg, J. M. (2006). Beyond e-learning. San Francisco: John Wiley & Sons, Inc. The internal environment: A resource based review of strategy. (n.d.). Retrieved June 7, 2011, from www.oup.com: http://www.oup.com/uk/orc/bin/9780199288304/henry_ch05.pdf Read More