...Critical Issues and its Impact on the Business Performance and Strategic Direction Bellevue University Assignment 9.1 May 4, 2015 Business situation analysis and its impact on performance and strategic direction Business situational analysis is defined as internal and external factors that affect the business’s environment in different way (the situational analysis, 2011). There are five situational factors that most businesses focus on: legal, regulatory, social, technological and ethical. Thus, each factor drives the business decision making. Therefore, situational analysis allows the business to determine the business strengths, weaknesses, opportunities and threats (The situation analysis, 2011) and make beneficial decisions. However, legal and ethical factors are areas where issues comes at any level of the business. In this topic, it’s important to describe and analyze the critical issues around legal and ethical factors and how they impact the business performance and strategic direction. A legal factor relates to new laws or directives governing how businesses behave. This can be in relation to other businesses, customers or the environment. Indeed, businesses need to watch out for new laws put on the market. In fact, businesses’ activities are restrained by laws and regulations (A hands-on introduction to business fundamentals in foundation, 2014). Those laws could be local, national or international and all depend on where the business is operating. Moreover...
Words: 650 - Pages: 3
...criteria Assignment Learning outcome 3 - the impact of the economic environment on business How economic environment affects different businesses Content The economic environment consists of External factors in a business' market and the broader economy that can influence a business. You can divide the economic environment into: • The microeconomic environment - which affects business decision making - such as individual actions of firms and consumers(Market size, Demand, Supply, Competitors, Suppliers and Distribution chain, such as retailer stores) • The macroeconomic environment - which affects an entire economy and all of its participants. Many economic factors act as external constraints on your business, which means that you have little, if any, control over them (Interest rates, Taxes, Inflation, Currency exchange rates, Consumer discretionary income, Savings rates, Consumer confidence levels, Unemployment rate, Recession and Depression) • Describe at least two economic environment micro or macro. • Comparison of two contrasting economic environment - challenges business face • Describe how political factors impact on business activities during an economic environment(recession) i.e. recruitment of staff • social factors impact on business activities i.e. ethics( the business social responsibility policy) and suppliers and distribution chain • and legal factors impact on business activities i.e. employment law during recruitment of staff • Compare and...
Words: 630 - Pages: 3
...Law, Ethics, and Corporate Governance – LEG 500 | 201003 | Prerequisite: None | Quarter | Winter 2010 | Meeting Days/Time | Online course | Instructor | Dr. C. Phil Campos, MBA, JD | Instructor Phone | 214-202-8044 | Instructor E-mail | canuto.campos@strayer.edu | Instructor Office Hours/Location | 6pm – 7pm EST | Academic Office Phone NumberStrayer Online Technical SupportEcollege HelpDesk | 1-877-540-1733“As a student, you should choose 1 then 3 for academic issues from the automated menu.”1-877-642-2999“Used for problems entering the class”1-866-448-6703 or 1-303-873-0005“Used for problems once in the class” | INSTRUCTIONAL MATERIAL | Kubasek, N. K., Brennan, B. A., & Browne, N. (2009). The legal environment of business: A critical thinking approach (5th ed.). Upper Saddle River, NJ: Pearson-Prentice Hall.Ferrell, O. C., Fraedrich, J., & Ferrell, L. (2010). Business ethics: Ethical decision making and cases (7th ed.). Boston: Houghton Mifflin Company/South-Western/Cengage Learning.PLEASE READ SYLLABUS PART II in the Course Home tab, it contains important University policies.GETTING TECHNICAL HELPTechnical questions regarding eCollege or classroom issues should be referred to helpdesk@strayeronline.net. Or you may phone the helpdesk at 1(866)448-6703.If the question regards a Strayer system, technical support can be reached at 1(877) 642-2999. Any technical inquiries sent to the instructor will, as a matter of course, be forwarded to the Helpdesk...
Words: 5313 - Pages: 22
...Running Head: DECISIONS IN PARADISE 2 Decisions in paradise part 2 Abstract Rational decision making is an important process that needs to be evaluated in order to expand business operations in Kava. This type of decision-making making process will assist the organization in effectively analyzing the various business alternatives and effective implementation techniques. The decision-making process is influenced by several factors such as economic factors, political factors and social factors. The process of rational decision-making consists of different steps such as defining the objectives, implementation and formulating alternatives. Decision Making Technique for Establishing Presence in Kava In order for the organization to establish an increased and profitable business on Kava, the organization will need to establish a rational model of managerial decision-making. With this decision-making technique, the organization will be able to formulate rational decisions, gather and analyze all the relevant information, facts and data needed to make the final decision whether or not to establish a business in Kava. This technique will also make the management aware of different possible implementation plans, alternative plans of action, solutions and measurable results. The organization is an established and solid company. They have the capability to finance the expansion. The reputation of the corporate image makes it a desirable employer and will be able to...
Words: 810 - Pages: 4
...The Social Media Impact on Personnel Law 1 The Social Media Impact on Personnel Law Jimmy Palacios Webster University – Irvine, CA The Social Media Impact on Personnel Law 2 Instructor: Ronald Monard, Esq. Abstract Online social networking is viewed by many as the next new paradigm in personal, professional and organizational networking and marketing. However, as they relate to the employees of today’s workforce and their respective employers, the rules are still be written. This paper will explore a two cases where social media has tested the boundaries of today’s laws and businesses HR practices. As companies continue to draft employment policies around the usage of social media, the enforcement of these polies will continue to shape the landscape of social media’s impact on personnel law. The Social Media Impact on Personnel Law 3 Social Media Social Media is the social interaction among people in which they create, share or exchange information and ideas in virtual communities and networks. Social media is heavily dependent upon mobile and web-based technologies that allow companies and individuals to communicate and collaborate. The net result if a fundamental shift in the way organizations, professional communities and individuals work together. One thing is for certain – today’s business climate is on that is extremely competitive. How to leverage the Internet in ways that are unique to you and your business is one of the key areas to establishing a competitive...
Words: 2339 - Pages: 10
...Law Case Analysis According to the law case EEOC v. FREEMAN, the EEOC filed a law suit against Freeman and alleged the company’s hiring policy which includes criminal background and credit history checks, has a disparate impact on African-American, Hispanic, and male applicants. And the material fact of this case is whether Defendant’s hiring criteria of conducting criminal background and credit history checks is consistent with business necessity. Since the Defendant was charged by the EEOC with unlawful discrimination in this case, the source of law is the Title VII of Civil Rights Act of 1964. “Title VII prohibits discrimination in hiring, firing, trainings, promotion, discipline, or other workplace decisions on the basis of an employee or applicant’s race, color, gender, national origin, or religion” (Bennett- Alexander & Hartman, 2011). As a federal law enforcement agency, the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission has obligations to investigate violations of Title VII and enforce laws against discrimination in workplace. In addition to the EEOC’s unique role, Title VII requires federal district courts to take the Title VII discrimination case for judicial review only after the EEOC has first disposed of the claim (Bennett- Alexander & Hartman, 2011). And according to the case, since the EEOC accepted applicant Katrina Vaughn’s discrimination complaint about Defendant’s violation of Title VII by rejecting hiring her based on her credit history information, the...
Words: 1296 - Pages: 6
...factors, along with changes in technology, all impact and shape the organization and affect marketing decisions. This paper will identify environmental factors that shape the organization and impact marketing decisions. It will discuss the influence of global economic interdependence and the effect on trade practices and agreements. The paper will discuss the importance of demographics and physical infrastructure, analyzes cultural differences, and examines the importance of social responsibility. Finally, the paper will analyze the effect of political systems and its influence on international relations, the influence of the Foreign Corrupt Practices Act of 1977, and the influence of local, national and international legislation on Ikea’s business practices. There are many macro-economic factors that impact and shape marketing decisions at Ikea. These factors include economic, environmental, political, social, technological, legal and cultural (Unknown, 2007). These factors influence the decisions the organization makes, how it operates nationally and globally and how it will adjust to the factors to ensure the business will continue to operate smoothly. Politically, Ikea is impacted by local government and what products the local government believes that is best for the area. Because of the size of the physical store, the corporation must get special permission from local governments to ensure its size will have minimal impact on the local area, traffic and transportation...
Words: 1226 - Pages: 5
...prices in the economy. For example, a 5 per cent inflation rate over the past 12 months means that the average increase in prices across the economy throughout the previous year was 5 per cent. In the UK, Inflation is measured by the variation in the Consumer price index (CPI). It’s a measure used to estimate the price change in a basket of goods/services consumed. Each month, around 12,000 prices of more than 600 goods/services are taken around the UK and from all different types of business (including online businesses) which sell the products to consumers. An average price for that month is worked out and then converted. The month’s statistics can then be compared to last month’s average price to calculate the percentage rise in prices over the period. Inflation can impact on businesses in the UK, because if inflation is high, businesses won’t be aware of what the prices will be in a couple of months’ time, let alone a couple of years. However, decisions have to be made which will affect the business in the long-term as it is creating uncertainty. Also if prices rise, consumers will be less willing to borrow money because of not knowing what will happen in the future. Value of savings will fall as inflation erodes consumer’s real value so they will have to save more to make up savings for their previous real value. Increased savings means less spending, so businesses will save less. Suppliers will also rise in their prices of goods/services so this would mean that the businesses...
Words: 8803 - Pages: 36
...3.1: Explain how market structures determine the pricing and output decisions of businesses? How market structures determine the pricing and output decisions of Ollo: Firms’ pricing and output decisions depend onbarriers to entry and the behaviour of competitors.The actions of one’s competitors can easily influence the behaviour of afirm.This is proper for an oligopolistic industry whereby firms display mutual interdependence.Ollo is an oligopolistic business with Banglalion & Qubee as their major competitors.If Ollo sets a price higher than that charged by others, the company can expect to lose a lotof sales.Moreover, there are some barriers of entry Ollo must consider before expanding theirbusiness.Barriers to entry are obstacles that deter new firms from entering a market to compete withthe existing firms. They give firms a degree of market power such that decisions can bemade by existing firms without risking their market share.The most common types of barriers to entry are as follows: 1. Availability of key resources. 2. Government restrictions & legal barriers. 3. Exclusive rights & patents. 4. Initial capital cost. We must keep in mind that, the degree of barriers of entry can determine firms ‘pricing decisions. The wireless industry requires a big sum of capital and it uses mobile data network as its main resource.Ollo had to put down a lot of money just to enter this market still they must consider thefact that their competitor Banglalion...
Words: 2531 - Pages: 11
...COMMON ASSESMENT: CASE ANALYSIS Submission 21st February 2001 Present an in-depth comparative analysis of two firms operating in two different countries. In the case analysis compare and contrast the differences in political, ethical, economic and legal differences and their impact on management decision making. Introduction: The aim of this paper is to identify the key political, ethical and economic differences between Apple, based in the USA and Shell, based in Holland, and then compare the differences based on management the individual decision making processes in the subject countries. The ethical conditions will also be discussed, with regard to laws on corporate social responsibility of the companies, as well as the environmental laws of the countries and the impact on the companies. Shell Holland Royal Dutch Shell plc, also known as shell, is a global group of energy and Petrochemicals Company with more than 100,000 employees in almost 90 countries. Shell is a worldwide oil and gas company, which is headquartered in the Netherlands and with its registered office in the United Kingdom. It is the largest energy company and the second-largest company in the world measured by revenues, It is management controlled and is active in every area of the oil and gas industry, that includes exploration and production, refining, distribution and marketing, power generation and trading. It also has major renewable energy activities, hydrogen, solar...
Words: 2331 - Pages: 10
...Ethics in Business Communications Joseph Mallory COM/295 January, 19, 2015 Jamey Pippert Ethics in Business Communications In a business world driven by profitability, sometimes decisions are made despite the ethical consequences. Business owners are under constant pressure from their company’s share- holders and/or investors to do whatever it takes to cut costs and increase profits. It’s the “what- ever it takes” mindset that often backfires on a company in light of their decisions leading to un- ethical behavior. Many companies in the United States are outsourcing workers from other countries to do their work because the lack of laws in these other countries allow work to be done at a much lower cost. In America, the cost of labor is higher than a lot of other countries because of laws pertaining to the forty hour work week, overtime pay, the minimum wage law, and so on. Some business owners take advantage of the lack of these types of laws and by doing so, their company increases their profitability. According to Blodget (2012) “Your iPhone was built, in part, by 13 year-olds working 16 hours a day for 70 cents an hour….And that's why it's disconcerting to remember that the low prices of our iPhones and iPads — and the super-high profit margins of Apple — are only possible because our iPhones and iPads are made with labor practices that would be illegal in the United States” (p.1). Read more: http://www.businessinsider.com/apple-child-labor-2012-1#ixzz3PJSvC6xS ...
Words: 411 - Pages: 2
...Patient Protection and affordale care act was Healthcare reform, yet there were other provision through into the law to get it passed. The law best known as Obama Care, is being challenged in the court system since it went into effect. In March of 2012, the constituality of the law will be agrued in front of the Supreme Court. The impact on the spheres and stakeholder is greater then what the Supreme Court will have to deciside. The Court system will be making the decision on “whether the law’s central mandate is constituional ad the justices will also determine whether the rest of the law can take effect even if that central mandate is help unconstitutional.” (Sherman, 2011) Taking a look at the impacts on the different sphere will allow us to determine the impact on the stakeholders and allows us to take a look at what the justices will be hearing. The constutionality of the law is a major factor with the Health care act. Many people feel that the government does not have the right to require everyone to have health care. They feel that the impact of doing this is not justifiable based on the different spheres. The civil sphere, which is “comprises entities and organization that develop civility and coherence through the long-term building of civilized community and socail capital, the capital of relationships.” (Waddock p. 67) The civil sphere is impact in that social capital of having everyone coveraged by health insurance is very high. It would allow for the...
Words: 1628 - Pages: 7
...manufacturer with its headquarters located in Wolfsburg, Germany, Established in 1975, is nowadays the second market t automaker in the world , this making it a business that needs to have ethical responsibilities. A moral agent is a person with the right of making decision in a corporation and stand accountable for the outcome of the decisions taken, either a right or wrong one. What makes Volkswagen to stand out is that their concern is not only profit and people entitled with the manger try to make decisions that will have a positive impact on business, employees , stakeholders , shareholders and external factors, such as the impact on the world. Business ethics means studying business policies and practices concerning potential issues like discrimination,insider trading , corporate governance,social responsibility and they are often guided by law or they choose to follow these practices t gain public acceptance. Volkswagen is an ethical business as they follow the principles of fairness and honesty, meaning that fraudulent practices, acts of corruption, favoritism and any other things breaking the law . Also they are impartial when it comes about gender,age,sexual orientation, race, health condition, nationality, political views or different religious views. Supporting human rights is another ethical decision made by them as they act in concordance with the requirements of the International Labour Organizaton. The company comply with current legislation about workforce...
Words: 584 - Pages: 3
...Construction (XYZ) transforms from a private to a publicly owned company and expands operations globally, this paper will focus on the employment and labor laws, along with legal considerations that influence company operations. It is important to keep in mind that XYZ uses a mix of manning methodologies throughout the company; a full time staff as the core of the company, while maximizing the use of contracted labor in the execution of projects. Employment Law Employment law is a broad category of law that encompasses all areas regarding employee/employer relationships except for the negotiation process and collective bargaining, which is covered by the narrower focused category of labor law. Employment laws consist of thousands of federal and state statutes, regulations, and judicial decisions that are designed to govern the rights and duties of employers and workers. The US Department of Labor (USDOL) reports that there are 180 federal laws alone managed by 28 different agencies within the department. (United States Department of Labor [USDOL], 2014) Employment laws are focused on providing a safe and fair work place for employees and employers, alike, and have their origins in the constitution. They were founded based on public outcry against oppressive practices during the industrial revolution. The first laws founded in the 1920s were focused on fair wages, compensation for injuries, a standard work week, and on eliminating child labor. In the 1960s and 70s, statutes...
Words: 2498 - Pages: 10
...Role and Function of Law University of Phoenix ETH/321 Role and Function of Law Laws are normally a structure of rules that are imposed through social institutions with the attempt of governing the behaviors of individuals, companies or states. They are developed by the executive (through regulations and decrees), legislatures through legislation or by judges through binding precedents. On the other hand, a court is tribunal that has the mandate of passing legal judgments between various disputing parties, and ensuring the administration of justice in criminal, administrative and civil issues in accordance with the rule of law. Both laws and courts have vital roles all other sectors of given nation including political and economic sectors. This paper compares the roles of laws and the courts in the contemporary business environments, the similarities and differences of federal and Michigan’s state court structure, an analysis of judicial review concept and how laws affect the auto industry. Roles of laws and courts in the contemporary business environments Laws enhance economic growth by allowing free competition among businesses that exists in a given state. These provisions of free competition sensitize businesses adopt necessary competing strategies such as producing high-quality products or services. The law protects businesses from unfair competition through inspecting the quality of most produced products, and regulating their market prices. Laws also define ways...
Words: 963 - Pages: 4
