Decisions in Paradise, Part 1
Shauny
MGT/350
April 01, 2012
Instructor

Decisions in Paradise, Part 1
Nik recently received his college degree and successfully landed a job with Hewlett-Packard (HP), a multinational information technology Corporation. The organization markets to governments, consumers, businesses, and schools worldwide. Hewlett-Packard strategy is to bring the depth, breadth, advantages, competitiveness, and innovation of the company portfolio to consumers in every country (Hewlett-Packard Development Company (2012). Approximately two-thirds of HP’s revenue is retrieved from outside of the United States (Hewlett-Packard Development Company (2012). Nik has been assigned to assess the potential benefits of conducting business in Kava, a small island country that resides in the South Pacific. After Nik landed on the island of Kava, he realized that his perception of the island was not what he had perceived it to be. However, Nik was sent to Kava to complete a mission; not to enjoy a vacation. The geographic location of Kava presented an issue that could pose as a reoccurring threat. Based on the location of the island, there is no way Kava can avoid the threats of floods, tsunamis, typhoons, and cyclones. Although Kava is an island, fires have occurred in the community. Kava’s community also suffers from avian flu and HIV/AIDS. The threats on the island may pose danger to the locals as well as the entire island. Damages caused by tsunami’s and typhoon’s may cause a significant loss to any entity with a business on the Kava island. Hewlett-Packard could suffer the same fate. Hewlett-Packard should anticipate less marketing and productivity because of the previous damage caused by disasters. Hurricanes can wash away a small businesses and cause so much permanent damage that an owner may not be able to repair. Half of Kava’s population is minors under the age of 15 and less than half are a mix of indigenous groups. This may be a negative factor when trying to expand and re-establishing business. A minor cannot start a business. However the large number of minors could have a huge economic effect in the community in terms of what products to market. The amount of diversity would not be an issue for a global corporation, such as HP. The Hewlett-Packard Company seeks for opportunities to expand, grow, strengthen, and build toward globalization. Formulation of potential problems should be the basis for higher management to make decisions, and Nik would be required to deal with potential rules for any problems that arise. Nik has to collect information on issues that could negatively affect HP before making the decision to expand business on the island. Nik must be aware of multiple factors such as, the financial stability of the island, economic composition of Kava, services currently available, and the history of disasters. Nik should prepare for future disasters by backing up data and storing it at a different location from the business itself. As Nik continues his research, he would have to analyze his decision and how it would affect the stakeholders involved. Nik has to identify all stakeholders involved in the business operation while analyzing the stakeholder’s needs, behavior, and expectations. Nik must think rational in this situation because according to Paul & Elder (2006), “rational decisions maximize the quality of life without violating the rights or harming the well-being of others” (chapter 10). This method will be helpful when planning an effective strategy to execute the plan. By understanding the population and the potential customers, HP can determine which population groups should be targeted when marketing. HP can also determine which products to dispose and what new products can be marketed. Based on the economic condition of Kava, HP has to plan for affordable and effective products to promote growth when marketing. Expansion of Hewlett-Packard on the island may pose many challenges. A brief analysis of the situation could discourage any organization from investing. Nik was sent to Kava to determine whether or not there was any potential for business on the island. Nik should not be biased by his first impression of Kava. Nik must apply his critical thinking skills before making a decision. Disaster threats could pose a threat to the people of HP. Although the disasters may cause destruction, this could provide the opportunity for HP to provide additional information technology products to business owners to rebuild and re-establish business on the island. The indigenous cultures may have a slight impact on the HP business, yet there are ways to influence the indigenous culture to accept the advantages of technology. While operating on the island of Kava, HP could benefit from cheaper labor by employing the indigenous groups. The minors will have an impact on Kava’s economic condition, yet minors are more likely to engage in current technology and could result in a demand for more products. Expansion on the island of Kava has high potentials. However this decision would require disaster preparedness and a contingency plan to decrease the possibility of threats to the HP organization. Backing up information and securing data at a separate location would be the first step keeping important data safe and available for recovery. The Decisions in Paradise scenario facilitates an understanding of the critical thinking process and the tools necessary to determine a beneficial outcome. The scenario provided several ideas on formulating and identifying problems based on a proposed situation. The scenario offered familiarity of how stakeholders have a role in final decisions. Kava may not have been perceived as paradise but the island presents opportunities for growth.

References

Hewlett-Packard Development Company. (2012). Retrieved from: http://hpnow.corp.hp.com/vision-strategy/
Paul, R. & Elder, L. (2006). Critical thinking: Tools for taking charge of your learning and your life (2nd ed.). Upper Saddle River: NJ: Prentice Hall.