...Environmental Scan The survival of any organization is produced and habituated by the environment because of perceptions, resources, issues, and chances. Because of the ever changing environment it is essential for any business to observe the applicable changes that occur in the environment and devise policies to adjust to variations. For a company to succeed, a company needs to conquer the trials of the constant shifting environment. Environmental scanning is a process of analyzing, monitoring, and evaluating the information from the internal and external environments to certain people in the corporation (Wheelen & Hunger, 2010). Conducting an environmental scan for the two following companies will offer a background to increase chances and distribute the resources in expectation of the changes in the environment. The competitive advantage, measurement guidelines, and the effectiveness of the measurement guideline will be reported on for Ford and Dell. Ford The Ford Motor Company has been a force in the automotive industry since the early 1900’s. Ford has been a company that has endured trials and tribulations and has even recently been able to prevail in our economic downfall. An analysis of their standards, views, missions and values, we can understand how it is that they have remained a strong force within the automotive industry. Ford takes a unifying approach in their business stance when concerning their mission. Their mission is to work as "ONE Ford" with...
Words: 1168 - Pages: 5
...Environmental Scan Paper MGT 498 Environmental Scan All businesses regardless of their particular industry will be faced with the challenges of dealing with different environments. A couple of companies that will be discussed throughout this paper are Apple, Inc. (Apple) and Dell, Inc. (Dell). Both are successful technological companies. Operating in the technology field they pay a great deal of attention to technological factors and trends in the industry. Their internal and external environments can be scanned and evaluated using the PESTEL tool and Porter’s value chain. Using the PESTEL tool will help them identify opportunities and threats that they might encounter. Using the Porter value chain will help them identify and separate strengths and weaknesses each has. According to Apple they are a worldwide company that produces consumer electronics, computer software, and commercial servers. Apple’s main product lines include the iPad, iPhones, iPod music player, and the Macintosh computer. In April 1976 Apple’s founders Steve Jobs and Steve Wozniak produced the first Apple Computer with their introduction of the Apple I. They incorporated their company in January 1977 in California and have been in business for over 30 years. Apple has had an up and down track record over that time period but also several proven successful products and brands. They also have demonstrated continual innovation despite some down turns and rough times. The death of Steve Jobs in 2011...
Words: 1850 - Pages: 8
...day. The first key environmental factor that created an opportunity for Robert Stephens to start the Geek Squad was realizing that being attempted to stay aware of the numerous environmental changes has brought on chaos and will proceed so as long there is innovation, “particularly those related to computers, technology, software, communication, and entertainment” (Kerin, 85). Many consumers had trouble and found it hard installing, operating, and using electronic products. Some of them complains that it takes time to read the manuals. However, that being the second key environmental factor, Robert Stephens, founder of the technology support company Greek Squad, came up with the solution: “I’m going to save you that time because I stay home on Saturday nights and read them for you” (85). Stephens gave up on everything that he has gained, such as an Art Institute scholarship looking forward to get his degree in Computer Science. While student he took a part time job for a research laboratory and began repairing televisions, computers, and a variety of other items. He realized that most people needed some sort of technologic help and that “they saw value in a service whose employees would show up at a specified time, be friendly, use understandable language, and solve the problem” that they were unfamiliar with. Finally, the last key factor was that there was no competition back there, it was an easy market. Realizing and understanding these key environmental factors, in 1994,...
Words: 1224 - Pages: 5
...------------------------------------------------- Environmental Scanning of APPLE Adalei Padilla* MG485-44* 5/20/2012 ------------------------------------------------- Environmental Scanning of APPLE Adalei Padilla* MG485-44* 5/20/2012 External External Introduction The Apple Company was founded by Steve Jobs and Steve Wozniak in 1976 and incorporated in 1977 introducing the Apple Computer as their first product, ever since they have grown to become one of the largest growing technological organizations worldwide (History of Apple). The financial result for Apple’s 2012 second quarter ended on March 31, 2012 and was reported on April 24th 2012. The company posted quarterly revenue of 39.2 billion and quarterly net profit of 11.6 billion (Apple and the Environment ). Apples’ achievements do not go unnoticed, but we must also credit those individuals who work tirelessly to keep Apple on top. Individuals dedicated to constantly strategizing to ensure the continued success of Apple. Strategies like environmental scanning, that consists of a scan and evaluation of the external environmental to recognize potential threats or opportunities of the organization. The environmental scanning of an organization as large and as successful as Apple must be thoroughly performed and must incorporate the natural physical environment, the societal environment and the task environment. (Thomas L. Wheelen, 2012) Natural Physical Environment: Apple has been trying to diligently...
Words: 1976 - Pages: 8
...Change management stories Name: University: Course: Tutor: Date: Introduction The current business atmosphere is characterized by a myriad of changes that often bring new opportunities as well as challenges to established ways of doing things. Technological advancements, changing economic fortunes are some of the factors that frequently call for new approaches in doing things so as to cushion business from the adverse effects of failing to embrace these changes. Increasing levels of competition puts firms to their toes as they continuously more effective techniques with a view to gain a competitive advantage (Anderson & Anderson, 2001). Organizations and scholars are in agreement that change is inevitable. The result is a development of change models which help organizations to embrace and structure change processes so as to reduce resistance (Brisson-Banks, 2010). This essay discusses Kotter’s change model and its application to the stories of change at IBM, Hewlett Packard and Kodak. Kotter’s change model and stories of change As mentioned earlier, change is inevitable in organizations. While a majority of stakeholders often recognize the need for the implementation of change, most organizations are met with general resistance towards change. People often find it hard to abandon old ways of doing things that they are familiar with as they fear the unknown (Anderson & Anderson, 2001). Human beings fear failure as well as the loss of their power...
Words: 1551 - Pages: 7
...Security weaknesses within an organizations system put the organizations assets at risk. After reading and viewing the infrastructure and architecture of AS, there are a few vulnerabilities that are very noticeable that would put their system at risk. The two evident areas are the vulnerabilities with the policy and the hardware. The first vulnerability apparent is the policy on updating the firewall and router rule sets. The security policy of AS, require that all firewalls and router rule sets are to be evaluated every two years. This is a lengthy amount of time to go without evaluating the rule sets. The intervals in the evaluation of the rule sets would put the organization at great risk for potential threats. The second vulnerability that is noticeable is that the backups are stored at the server location. This would put the company at great risk if there were ever some kind of disaster to occur. The security weaknesses mentioned above can be decreased with proper security controls. Vulnerabilities Hardware Vulnerabilities The hardware infrastructure of the AS Headquarters in San Diego, California had been identified during our recent security assessment as being a potential security weakness to the company's overall information systems security infrastructure. The system hardware infrastructure comprises of Five (5) Individual Servers One (1) Switch Two (2) Routers One (1) Firewall The hardware area of concern was the lack of Firewalls being used to protect...
Words: 2393 - Pages: 10
...Running Header: STORIES OF CHANGE Stories of Change Prof. Dr. Vanessa Graham HRM 560 January 26, 2014 Introduction The current business atmosphere is characterized by a myriad of changes that often bring new opportunities as well as challenges to established ways of doing things. Technological advancements, changing economic fortunes are some of the factors that frequently call for new approaches in doing things so as to cushion business from the adverse effects of failing to embrace these changes. Increasing levels of competition puts firms to their toes as they continuously more effective techniques with a view to gain a competitive advantage (Anderson & Anderson, 2001). Organizations and scholars are in agreement that change is inevitable. The result is a development of change models which help organizations to embrace and structure change processes so as to reduce resistance (Brisson-Banks, 2010). This essay discusses Kotter’s change model and its application to the stories of change at IBM, Hewlett Packard and Kodak. Kotter’s change model and stories of change As mentioned earlier, change is inevitable in organizations. While a majority of stakeholders often recognize the need for the implementation of change, most organizations are met with general resistance towards change. People often find it hard to abandon old ways of doing things that they are familiar with as they fear the unknown (Anderson & Anderson, 2001). Human beings fear...
Words: 1590 - Pages: 7
...Competitive review W Downtown Atlanta Twelve Centennial Park Background Information W Downtown Atlanta - 45 Ivan Allen Jr. Boulevard - Residence and Hotel - 237 Guest Rooms - 6 Different Guest Room Options - 8 Meeting Areas - Built in the year 2009 -‐ Rated 4 Star Hotel Twelve Centennial Park - 817 W. Peachtree Street Suite 400 - Residence and Hotel - Combination of a Private club feeling with “unobtrusive” hospitality - 102 guest rooms - 5 conference/Meeting rooms - Built October 31,2005 - Rated 4 Star Hotel Location W Downtown Atlanta - Below 1 mile radius: Atlanta Aquarium, Centennial Park, Phillips Arena, CNN Center - 1-‐5 mile radius: GA Dome, Zoo Atlanta, Fox Theatre, Piedmont, Atlantic Station, World of Coca Cola - 5-‐10 mile Radius: Buckhead Shopping District, Airport Twelve Centennial Park - In the heart of downtown Atlanta below 1 mile radius from CNN Center, Centennial Park, ...
Words: 633 - Pages: 3
...Table of Contents Executive Summary 3 Company Overview 3 Vulnerabilities 3 Hardware Vulnerabilities 3 Policy Vulnerabilities 6 Recommended Solution - Hardware 7 Impact on Business Processes 10 Recommended Solution – Policy 10 Impact on Business Processes 11 Budget 11 Summary 11 References 13 Executive Summary The purpose of the report is to assist Aircraft Solutions (AS) in indentifying the most significant Information Technology (IT) security vulnerabilities. AS products and services are at the forefront of the industry and the protection of such is very important as they are an industry leader. The vulnerabilities that will be discussed are the firewall configuration, virtualization of their hardware assets and defining security policy regarding the timeliness of firewall configuration and updates. Company Overview Aircraft Solutions, headquarters located in San Diego, California develop and fabricate products and services for companies in the electronic, commercial, defense and aerospace industries. AS is made up of two (2) different divisions, the Commercial Division and the Defense Division. The Commercial Division is located in Chula Vista, CA and the Defense Division is located in Santa Ana, CA. AS company strategy is to offer low cost design and computer aided modeling packages to companies and assists them through the lifecycle of their product in an effort to save money for the consumer while profiting from their business....
Words: 2440 - Pages: 10
... Course Title Professor’s Name 14 March 2008 Dell Corporation Introduction Dell Corporation is one of the leading computer companies in the world operating on the global scale since 1990s. Dell relies on innovative technologies and new solutions which help the company to reach global consumers and market high quality products in different categories. International expansion helps Dell to obtain strong market position and sustain strong growth. A current strategy of Dell includes the determination of the basic long-term goals concerns the conceptualization of coherent and attainable strategic objectives. Key Components of the Business Environment of Dell High-technology market is marked by increasing capital markets activity over the past 5 years. It is estimated that average annual returns are anticipated to exceed 13 percent over the next 10 years, with investment alternatives performing at single digit growth rates (approximately 7 percent to 9 percent). This approach is based on Dell superior understanding of the problem solved by the product, the benefits it offers and issues it addresses. Dell is a leader in IT industry with S$ 57.095 billion revenue a year. Customers and technology are the primary driving factors in this arena (Dell Corporation Home Page 2008). Customers want products that satisfy their needs or improve their productivity. In 2 order to respond to external environment, Dell looks for ways to deliver these benefits at a lower cost...
Words: 4059 - Pages: 17
...68 3 LEARNING OBJECTIVES After reading this chapter you should be able to: LO1 Scanning the Marketing Environment WEB 2.0 IS ALL ABOUT YOU! The Web is changing at an extraordinary pace and each new change provides more customization and convenience for you. If you use Myspace. com, Del.icio.us, Secondlife, or any one of hundreds of new products on the Web you are already part of the new world of the Web! Not long ago the Web simply provided a modern channel for traditional businesses. Music led the way with file-sharing services such as Napster and eventually online stores such as iTunes. The entire entertainment industry followed by offering books, movies, television, radio, and photography on the Web. The digital revolution allowed all of these businesses to benefit from the technical aspects of the Web. Now the term Web 2.0 is used to describe the changes in the World Wide Web that reflect the growing interest in collaboration, open sharing of information, and customer control. Many products and services such as podcasts, weblogs, videologs, social networking, bookmarking, wikis, folksonomy, and RSS feeds are already available, and many more are in development. As the focus moves from providing a new channel for existing businesses to empowering individual consumers with customized products, suddenly the Web is all about you! You can create your own video and post it on YouTube, sell your photos on iStockphoto, build a social networking site on Ning, and publish...
Words: 12727 - Pages: 51
...environment to an organization. We have selected “Dell” as the organization and we wish to study the planning and implementation of Dell’s Strategies. Report starts from briefing the background of this chosen organization. Moreover, some of the external factors have been discussed by presenting a view of SWOT analysis of ‘Dell’. Further part of the report will illustrate the review of already existing business plan and strategy of that enterprise. Furthermore, listed are the factors affecting this strategic plan, in which vision & mission, objectives and other measures have been taken into account. Despite their strengths Dell has many challenges it needs to overcome right from the increase in the competitors to a dire need in breakthrough innovation which is essential. With the increase in innovation in the market the computer systems are becoming outdated, so Dell should constantly come out with new products. Also, People need the quality products at low price which was Dell’s strength due to its customized solution, but now its competitors are coming up with products in same price range. To identify these business concerns, it has been noted that the company has a sound and dynamic consideration while managing its product portfolio as well as conducting its target markets. This has helped the company to stabilize its financial status through sales generation and cost reduction. 2. Introduction Dell is a US based Computer Technology company which deals...
Words: 4284 - Pages: 18
...CONSOLIDATED DOCTORS A COMPERHENSIVE NETWORK DEVELOPMENT PROJECT SUBMITTED TO THE IT/COMPUTER NETWORK SYSTEMS PROGRAM IN PARTIAL FULFILLMENT OF THE REQUIREMENTS FOR THE ASSOCIATE DEGREE By: The Pin Heads: Bobbi Haynes Beau Driscoll Peter Hsu Advisor - Bill Pool and Tracy Martin ITT TECHNICAL INSTITUTE SPOKANE, WASHINGTON NOVEMBER, 2011 Table of Contents Scope Document and Project Charter 4 Purpose 4 Goals and Objectives 5 Success Criteria 5 Project Context 5 Project Deliverables 6 Scope Specifications 6 Out-of-Scope Specifications 6 Assumptions 7 Constraints 7 Risks 7 Stakeholders 7 Recommended Project Approach 7 Cost Matrix 8 Security/Maintenance Plan 9 Introduction and Background 9 Budget 10 Roles and Responsibilities 10 System Administrator 10 Help Desk IT 11 Office Manager 11 Financial manager 11 Supervisors 12 Receptionist 12 Performance Measures and Reporting 12 Printers 12 Phones 13 Work stations and laptops 13 Serves 13 Routers and Switches 13 Software 14 Card Access System 14 Governance and Management/Security Approach 14 Customer/Business Owner Management and security 14 Standard Operations and Business Practices 14 Security 14 Data Sharing 15 Data Storage 16 Tools used for change control management 16 Problem reporting 16 Risk identification 16 Disaster Recovery 16 Documentation Strategies 16 Training 16 Security 17 Roles and Responsibilities 17 Network...
Words: 11047 - Pages: 45
...External Environment Table of Contents Introduction 2 External Environment: laying the foundations 2 Task Environment 3 General Environment 4 Non-Profit vs. For-Profit: perspectives on competition 5 Environment Characteristics 6 Opportunity or Threat? 8 Conclusion 8 References 10 Introduction “No organization can exist in a vacuum” (“Key forces in the external environment, Chapter 3”, n.d.). To a certain extent all types of organisations; whether private or public services, governmental bodies or charitable groups, are subject to and influenced by specific environmental factors. In this day and age with many existing classes of organisations utilising different approaches to management, there is a feasible assumption that a common change in the organisational environment may likely affect two separate organisations diversely. This response will identify how the environment directly impacts organisations, in relation to leadership roles and organisational performance. For the purpose of comparison, the point of focus will revolve around two major classes of organisations namely; ‘profitable’ verses ‘not-for-profit’ groups. The primary aim of this paper is to construct a foundational view of the external environment from a manager’s perspective. Theoretical key principles discussed will attempt to identify with the following statement - “In comparison to profitable groups; not-for-profit groups possess a different degree of vulnerability...
Words: 2813 - Pages: 12
...Table of Contents Introduction 2 External Environment: laying the foundations 2 Task Environment 3 General Environment 4 Non-Profit vs. For-Profit: perspectives on competition 5 Environment Characteristics 6 Opportunity or Threat? 8 Conclusion 8 References 10 Introduction “No organization can exist in a vacuum” (“Key forces in the external environment, Chapter 3”, n.d.). To a certain extent all types of organisations; whether private or public services, governmental bodies or charitable groups, are subject to and influenced by specific environmental factors. In this day and age with many existing classes of organisations utilising different approaches to management, there is a feasible assumption that a common change in the organisational environment may likely affect two separate organisations diversely. This response will identify how the environment directly impacts organisations, in relation to leadership roles and organisational performance. For the purpose of comparison, the point of focus will revolve around two major classes of organisations namely; ‘profitable’ verses ‘not-for-profit’ groups. The primary aim of this paper is to construct a foundational view of the external environment from a manager’s perspective. Theoretical key principles discussed will attempt to identify with the following statement - “In comparison to profitable groups; not-for-profit groups possess a different...
Words: 2830 - Pages: 12
