Design and Entrepreneurship Schools of Strategy - Comparative Analysis Research Paper

Design and Entrepreneurship Schools of Strategy - Comparative Analysis - Research Paper Example Strategy formation is establishing a fit between the strengths and weaknesses of an organization and the opportunities available in its external environment.   Christensen, Andrews, Bower, Hamermesh and Porter (1982) are among the major proponents for the design school strategy The model of strategy formation of the design school is one in which leaders seek to attain a fit between an organization’s internal capabilities and the possibilities external to the organization (i.e., the need to bring together the organization’s internal state with its external expectations). The design school model proponents place primary emphasis on the appraisals of the external and internal situations.   Appraising the external situations is accomplished by uncovering the threats and opportunities in the environment.   Appraising the internal situations is accomplished by revealing the strengths and weaknesses of the organization (Wang 2008, p. 643). The external environment includ es technological, economic, social and political aspects of a company’s environment and also includes issues of forecasting and scanning.   The design school proponents also consider the role played by managerial values and organizational social responsibility important in the process of strategizing.   Mintzberg et al (1998) provided a diagram detailing the process in the design school. Rumelt (1997), one of the proponents of this school, proposed a framework to evaluate strategy making.   In his framework, a formulated strategy should be consistent in terms of the goals and policies of the organization and must be adaptive to the changes in the organization’s environment. Rauch et al (2004) examined this framework through collected empirical evidence and found that the framework has a positive effect on strategic outcomes. The proponents of the entrepreneurial school focus on the leader and his vision. The central construct of the entrepreneurship school is a vision: a mental representation of strategy created or at least expressed in the head of the leader.

Swot Analysis Essay Example for Free

Swot Analysis Essay IT also supports Wal-Marts efficient procurement. * A focused strategy is in place for human resource management and development. People are key to Wal-Marts business and it invests time and money in training people, and retaining a developing them. Weaknesses * Wal-Mart is the Worlds largest grocery retailer and control of its empire, despite its IT advantages, could leave it weak in some areas due to the huge span of control. * Since Wal-Mart sell products across many sectors (such as clothing, food, or stationary), it may not have the flexibility of some of its more focused competitors. The company is global, but has has a presence in relatively few countries Worldwide. Opportunities To take over, merge with, or form strategic alliances with other global retailers, focusing on specific markets such as Europe or the Greater China Region. * The stores are currently only trade in a relatively small number of countries. Therefore there are tremendous opportunities for future business in expanding consumer markets, such as China and India. * New locations and store types offer Wal-Mart opportunities to exploit market development. They diversified from large super centres, to local and mall-based sites. Opportunities exist for Wal-Mart to continue with its current strategy of large, super centres. Threats * Being number one means that you are the target of competition, locally and globally. * Being a global retailer means that you are exposed to political problems in the countries that you operate in. * The cost of producing many consumer products tends to have fallen because of lower manufacturing costs. Manufacturing cost have fallen due to outsourcing to low-cost regions of the World. This has lead to price competition, resulting in price deflation in some ranges. Intense price competition is a threat.

Report on Procurement Process for Holiday Development

Report on Procurement Process for Holiday Development 1.0 Introduction This report has been prepared to discuss the procurement options available to All Star Property Development for the proposed holiday development in Tring. 2.0 Project Details 2.1 Generally The project comprises the provision of a holiday development comprising inexpensive holiday lets, club house and shop. Work to include modular unit accommodation, with all fixed fittings, furniture and equipment included within the contract including kitchen units and appliances. All loose furnishings and furniture will be down to the client following completion and handover over the project. 2.2 Budget The construction budget is currently approximately  £2million. 2.3 Programme The project programme anticipates completion May 2011 with a construction period of approximately 11 months. The works are therefore expected to commence June 2010. An excelerated programme would be considered for an early opening for Easter 2011. Design The design is at a RIBA stage C. The extent of the design development is subject to discussion and the procurement route decided upon but, is currently envisaged that it will be beyond RIBA work stage D in order to achieve the programme stated above. Procurement Methods Due to the budget, it is felt that the procurement routes suitable for this project are: Traditional Design and Build 3.1 Traditional The design and construction are generally deemed to be separate activities. Full documentation is necessary for tendering purposes, including that from specialist subcontractors where appropriate and adequate time is needed for the preparation of this. The method of reimbursement is commonly expected to be a lump sum basis. The procurement method can however be used in a wide range of situations including a measurement or cost plus contract. In theory, therefore should reasonable cost certainty on construction costs in a lump sum contract, however, cost increases can result due to a client changes, inadequate design and poor contractor performance. Advantages i) Tenders are on a like for like basis; ii) Scheme fully pre-designed and specified; iii) Early commitment to price; iv) Provides contractually agreed prices for valuation of variations, cost control and analysis; v) Standards are easier to control; vi) Direct employer relationship with designers. Disadvantages i) Longer procurement time; ii) Split responsibility between construction and design; iii) Limited risk transfer. 3.2 Design and Build A method where the contractor is responsible for undertaking both the detailed design and construction of the work in return for a lump sum price. There are variations on this option depending on the degree to which initial design is included in the clients requirements. The extent of control over the design is restricted once the contract is let since the contractor assumes responsibility once appointed. Some of the risk associated with this can be mitigated by a lesser extent by the novation of the original design team. The design and construction can generally proceed in parallel resulting in the overall programme time being shortened. Client changes in design specification can be made during construction although are more difficult to accurately agree on costs. Advantages: i) Transfer of risk to contractor (but not usually all risks); ii) Design is in competition (unless two-stage see later); iii) Maximum overlap of design and construction; iv) Construction expertise available for design; v) Early commitment to maximum price; vi) Less construction information required from client. Disadvantages: i) Tendering expensive to contractors; ii) Design not fully developed at tender stage, uncertain of final exact details until construction completed; iii) Best designer is not necessarily best builder and vice-versa (unless client team is novated); iv) Design liability can be limited; v) Standards can be difficult to control; vi) Variations can have greater consequence on cost; vii) Normally only the minimum is provided to satisfy the Employers requirements; viii) Premium for assumption of risk payable. 3.3 Variants on Procurement Process There are refinements or variations on the procurement options described previously: Single stage selective tendering Two stage selective tendering Negotiated tendering 3.3.1 Single stage selective tender This form of tendering occurs when the client wishes to obtain the most competitive price for the project. This method will only be successful where the design is substantially complete for the type of contract being proposed, ie. design and build or traditional as any incomplete elements of the design will lead to post contract variations and additional costs. In using this method, the client seeks tenders usually from three to six pre-selected competent contractors issuing detailed tender information, whether it be performance specifications for a design and built route or full detailed bill of quantities for a traditional route. Tenders are returned and assessed under competition, with a contractor being selected on the basis of who best meets the evaluation criteria. Advantages: i) Most competitive price achieved; ii) The client retains greater control of design and; iii) Increased cost certainty at signing of contract. Disadvantages: i) The contractor is not able to share its construction expertise at the design stage; ii) Increased programme requirements to produce the full design in advance of tender and; iii) Possible cost increases and variations are likely where the design is incomplete or erros have been made in design. 3.3.2 Two stage selective tendering Two stage tendering is best suited where the client requires a competitive price but in particular requires early contractor involvement. The client will issue tenders with limited preliminary information (usually preliminaries, provisional sums, early work packages) and a schedule of rates for the areas where the design is incomplete. Tenders are returned and assessed under competition, with the contractor being selected on the basis of who best meets the evaluation criteria. As the works progress, the schedule of rates is sued to complete the pricing of the design. Advantages: i) Allows early start; ii) Allows the contractor to have input into design and construction techniques; iii) Greater programme certainty as risks and identified early and; iv) Can build trust between client and contractor. Disadvantages: i) Possible increase in construction costs due to lack of competition on tendering; ii) A risk to programme if negotiations fail to meet targets; iii) Less cost certainty if early site start is preferred. 4.0 Evaluation of Procurement Methods The chosen procurement method is determined by the Clients approach to: Cost Programme Design and build quality 4.1 Cost Cost is a decisive factor with the client seeking cost certainty at an early stage. However, a fixed price not the only factor as value for money, scope for variations and accountability are feature in selection. 4.2 Programme As stated in section 2.0, the completion is required for May 2011 with a start on site date of June 2010. Assuming RIBA work stage typical lead-in periods for tender document preparation, tender, contractor selection and mobilisation for the various procurement options are given below: 1. Traditional 6 months 2. Design and Build a) single stage 5 months b) two stage 3 months 4.2 Design and Build quality Whilst the quality of the design and the building works is view as important, achieving value for money will remain fundamental. An evaluation matrix based on interpretation of All Star Developments expectations is attached at appendix 1 Cost Time Quality 5.0 Recommendation Based on the evaluation matrix the following ranking is achieved: 1. Design and Build 2. Traditional As cost certainty is paramount a single stage process is recommended.

Normandy :: essays research papers

Introduction The Allied invasion of France on June 6, 1944 is variously known as D-Day, the Longest Day, Cross-Channel Attack, and probably some others as well. It was the largest single military operation of World War II. Hence, the Normandy beaches are a must stop if you get anywhere close to France. The 50th anniversary celebration in 1994 generated a lot of hype. The recent movie Saving Private Ryan rekindled that interest. However, the landing always held a special niche going back to the event itself. Much like Gettysburg, the Normandy attack has been studied in great detail -- hour by hour, person by person, shot by shot. We'll assume a flight landing in Paris and getting a rental car (a must) at the airport. Then you would drive over to Caen (about a 150 miles) and spend the night, which would put you at the east end of the beaches the next morning. This book by Bruce Bilven, Jr., is a historical documentation of D-Day, June 6, 1944. The book itself contains a lot of dates, n ames and places, which makes it a tough book to follow. Bruce Bilven Jr., himself took part in the massive D-Day invasion of Omaha Beach, as a second Lieutenant in the 29th Division Artillery. Drawing on his own experiances as a solider in World War II, he wrote two other Landmark Books about the war; From Casablanca to Berlin and From Pearl Harbor to Okinawa. Since the war he has written The American Revolution as well as many other books articles, and reviews. He lives with his wife and co-author, Naomi, and his college-age son in New York City. Summary Strategy D-Day began with the concept of the "Second Front." When Stalin's Russia was invaded in 1941, he immediately demanded that his new allies attack Hitler to take off the pressure. No matter his past complicity. Churchill and Roosevelt replied with the invasion of North Africa in November 1942 and Italy in 1943. Chief of staff George C. Marshall considered these sideshows draining away troops and time. The real war, argued Marshall, was to be a direct advance on Germany through France. Even as the "sideshows" proceeded, three other campaigns were under way -- the war against the German submarines, the US-British strategic bombing offensive against Germany, and the logistical buildup in Britain. The submarine conflict was a precondition for the bombing and the buildup.

gender Essay -- essays research papers

Introduction Women have come a long way in the area of the workforce in the past one hundred years. If you were to look back one hundred years ago, you would never see a woman working outside of the home. Society had the idea that a woman's place was in the home cooking, cleaning, reproducing and care giving. They had the idea that there was no place for her in the workforce because that was a place for only men. Yes, it is true that some people may still have this view today but a lot of things have changed over the years. Women are no longer only restricted to working in the home doing domestic chores. However, this did not come easily but rather after many years of fighting to get the same rights as men. Slowly women started to enter the workforce fulfilling roles such as secretaries and nurses. It was jobs like these that were viewed as woman's jobs and you would never see a woman doctor, fireman or police officer. Women were still being marginalized into a certain category of jobs. However, women continued their fight and today they fulfill such roles as doctors, fireman and police officers. In this essay, we will focus on the entry of women into the police force. We will not only look at what it took for women to get into the police force but also what types of roles they play in the police force today. In addition, we will look at what roles women hope to play in the police force in the future. By doing this we hope to show you how far women have come in the area of police work in the past one hundred years and how far they will still have to go. History of Women In The Police Force In the past, policing and women were never associated with each other. Policing was a male dominated profession which women were not welcomed to join. However, these biases and unfair beliefs that women were not welcomed in the police force began to change slowly. In the nineteen tens and twenties woman began to be employed by the police forces. Women's social groups began to lobby that women should be able to be employed by police forces. With all of the support groups that women were involved in, pressure began to mount for there to be a representation of women in male dominated police forces. The first women police officer in Canada was sworn in the Vancouver police force in 1912. "1912: Vancouver - Mrs. Lurancy Harris and Miss Miller were sworn in as 4th clas... ...rk. This includes such jobs as police chiefs, police sergeants and deputy police chiefs. However, they will only be able to prove themselves to the public and the police force if they are given the same chances as men to obtain these positions! Reference Page Cohn, Alvin W. 1978. The Future of Policing. Beverly Hills, CA: Sage publications Inc. Hernandez, E. 1982. Females in Law Enforcement. Femininity, Competence, Attraction, and Work Acceptance. Criminal Justice and Behavior, 9, 1:13-34 Kearney, Katherine G. White & Thomas. Men & Women at Work LeBeuf, Marcel-Eugene & McLean, Julia. 1997. Women in Policing in Canada: Beyond the Year 2000-Its Challenges. Ottawa, On: Canadian Police College. Lunneborg, Patricia W. 1989. Women Police Officers. Springfield, Illinois: Charles C Thomas Publishers. Martin, Susan Ehrlich, and Jurik, Nancy C. Doing Justice, Doing Gender. Sage Publications "RCMP Having Trouble Getting and Keeping Female Mounties". Canadian Business & Culture . pg.11. August, 1996. "Survey Suggests Majority of Female Mounties Have Been Sexually Harassed". Canadian Business & Culture. pg.26. September, 1996.

Graduation Speech :: Graduation Speech, Commencement Address

I feel overwhelmed with emotions standing here before you this evening. It was only two years ago I remember sitting in this hot gym, on the hard bleachers, as many of you are tonight watching commencement. I was a newly single mother with three children. I had been homeless, had little education and did not have much self-esteem. Ron Wales, an attorney spoke at that commencement. Four months later he was shot and killed. I will always remember his enthusiasm and energetic presence when he spoke here that evening. It touched me deeply. He sent a strong message to "have a voice, take a stand in life, NOT letting life happen to you, but instead to be present in our lives." I took this message to heart. It gave me courage to NOT let the sadness of my divorce and loss of my home destroy my life. I now stand before you in my cap and gown, waiting to receive my Associate of Arts diploma and on my way to my next goal: earning a Master's degree in Social Work. All of us here this evening come from different backgrounds and will take different paths. Some of us will go on to a four-year college, for others we start new jobs, while some us will look for a new job. Whatever your circumstance, whatever your degree, remember YOU have a voice that no other has in this world. Your voice is important, and it needs to be heard. During my time, many students inspired and encouraged me to keep going in the midst of adversity. These students were international students, immigrants, single parents, families, young running start students and people retraining for new jobs. I wish I could share all their inspirational stories. What I can say now is, your lives speak volumes and I won't forget you. One particular student who stands out in my mind was a young blind man in my chemistry class. He put forth an incredible effort each day to get an education. I watched him learn molecular structures. I watched him labor over the assignments with a tutor. I saw him earn an A in the class. After the quarter ended, he told me he was taking a break from school because of the chronic pain he suffered from his eyes. A few months later, while I was with my daughter shopping in the University District, I saw him walking alone with a cane in the midst of traffic and crowds.

The Ideological Origins of the American Revolution

Through all these years I always think of the American Revolution as customary rebellion which the parties involved fight for something like a parcel of land or for political divisions, i. e. territorial expansion. They deliberately fight against each other head-to-head just to get what they wanted. Maybe it is the result of watching classical movies that defy true essence of revolution that I came to think this way about the ancient wars. However, reading the book entitled The Ideological Origins of the American Revolution written by Bernard Bailyn, renewed my traditional view of the revolution as a whole.It was astoundingly compact yet the message the author conveyed was crystal clear. Bailyn vividly presented his idea that â€Å"power must be watched and restrained tightly† else, liberty will no longer take hold of the situation and much worse, slavery and other forms of oppression will occur. I learned to view the American Revolution from a different perspective in what he called the â€Å"ideological origins†. In effect, I was able to draw critical analysis based from Bailyn’s work of other cases of rebellion here and abroad.The purpose of the author in writing the book, as I comprehended it, is basically to tell everyone that wars happened because of radical minds that drew political ideology from social and traditional outlooks and screened by past experiences. They are explicitly called as radical libertarians who focused on the effort of freeing the individual from tyranny of the state. Bailyn traced their ideological background and found one important piece of the puzzle that he presented in the first part of the book: the pamphlet story.He told us that those pamphlets â€Å"had peculiar virtues as a medium of communication† among the proponents who drafted of the American Revolution. It was in this method (and many others following it) that radical minds gained power and support from the commoners and so the revolution was given birth. But of course, the main event still laid in the messages that the radicals were sending out. The American Revolution was indeed initiated and maintained by radical libertarians until it reached its final destination.The author showed in the book that the American Revolution was â€Å"a cluster of convictions focused on the effort to free the individual from the oppressive misuse of power† by the state. He did not just a compile these convictions but also the analyzed each of them point-by-point as those were his premises in the logical structure of the book. It was the product of years of constant search of relevant information that pertains to the American Revolution. The book was overwhelming with researched ideas which the author found useful.The book was organized into six parts beginning from the Literature of Revolution down to the Contagion of Liberty. In the Literature of Revolution, he explained the method of communication between the radicals who insti gated to the public the idea of revolution. Part II of the book talked about the Sources and Traditions which he identified the ideological background of the radical libertarians. In Part III, entitled Power and Liberty: A Theory of Politics, Bailyn discussed the issues concerning power and liberty, i.e. how should the state treat the underprivileged, the oppressed, the people who were exploited by tyrants. He showed the premises in Part IV the Logic of Rebellion—the only option that the libertarians can have. Here he talked about conspiracies and how the rebellion happened during the Great American Revolution. In Part V, Bailyn discussed the history on the Transformations resulting from the revolution. The areas he tackled were the issues on Representation and Consent, Constitution and Rights, and the Sovereignty.These transformations were the fruits of the radical libertarians’ efforts. The last but not the least, Bailyn discussed in Part VI entitled The Contagion of Liberty the privileges that the underprivileged were able to uphold after the revolution. The discussion talked about the long-term issues of slavery, religion, respect, that all in all summed into the new concept, the concept of democracy that gave every person the right to exercise his freedom in the country. However, Bailyn did not end the book here.He also included an essay entitled â€Å"Fulfillment: A Commentary on the Constitution† which described the existing constitution as the ‘fulfillment’ of the libertarians’ dreams. Bernard Bailyn is widely and deservedly identified as â€Å"our finest historian of the colonial period†. He was an Emeritus Professor at Adams University and professor of Early American History at Harvard University. He wrote many award-winning books including The Ideological Origins of the American Revolution which garnered him both the Pulitzer and Bancroft prizes.This book first published in the 1960’s was a brea kthrough for the whole mankind. He wrote the book in such a way that radical ideologies were seen as the main reason for the American Revolution to ensue. The book also proved to be applicable not just in the American societal and political transformations but also to majority of revolutions lead by radical leaders of such revolution. After all, there was no trouble understanding his ideas despite the fact that it was written from literally hundreds of sources compressed into a 416-page book.In conclusion, the Bailyn’s The Ideological Origins of the American Revolution was the possibly the best book ever written that pertains to the subject of ideological origins or backgrounds of radical libertarians who aimed to â€Å"free the individual from oppressive misuse of power† by the state. Also, he did not end his discussion to the accounts of the first half of the century but rather commented on the existing laws that he called â€Å"Fulfillment† of the hopes and d reams of the leaders of the American Revolution. Reference: Bailyn, Bernard (1992). The Ideological Origins of the American Revolution. Cambridge, MA: Belknap Press.