Operational Management in Hospitality (A REPORT) Essay

Operational Management in Hospitality (A REPORT) - Essay Example These above mentioned value-added, important activities should always be aligned with the market opportunities in order to have an optimal performance†. (Jacobs, 2001) Operations management also focuses carefully on how to manage the different processes in order to distribute and produce different services and products. Generally, small businesses or enterprises dont usually talk about this term which is known as operations management, but on the other hand, they do carry out different activities that management schools associate with. There are many small businesses that generally follow some basic rules in order to make their business stable so that they can work well. They also know that there are many other companies who work well by following operation management rules and regulations. But no doubt they do use some basic principles in order to compete with all the other companies. All the different activities usually include development, production creation, distribution and production. Other related activities include inventory control, managing all the purchases, storage, quality control, evaluations and logistics. One of a great deal of fo cus is mainly on effectiveness and efficiency of all these above mentioned processes. Therefore, operations management also includes an analysis and substantial measurement of internal process. Restructuring is termed as an important process with the help of which any company can regain its profits and can work better. Restructuring can be classified into various steps. It can be done in any phase or in any process. All the departments of the company require restructuring because it is necessary in order to gain maximum potential. â€Å"With the help of restructuring, operation management can also work well because it is only with the help of it that a company can gain maximum shares†. (Jacobs, 2001) SSP are the leader in providing advice which helps a lot in designing the whole

Successful marketing stories Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1500 words

Successful marketing stories - Essay Example Companies like Apple have attained brand equity through constant innovation and excellent customer service. Apple products like iPod are built on advanced communication technology and additional features like e-mail and messaging capabilities, which have increased the level of customer satisfaction. Apple has been able to segment the market by offering products that meet the different customer needs. Apple has been able to implement technology and innovation in all the marketing mix elements such as the price, promotion, place and product. Successful marketing stories Introduction Marketing is practiced nearly in every business in the world regardless of the size of the business or the nature or industry in which the business operates (Hartline & Ferrell, 2010). The basis of all marketing activities is to create and deliver value to the customer (Hartline & Ferrell, 2010). Customer value can be defined as; the difference between the value the customer gains from owning and using the product and the costs of obtaining the product. The first thing all marketers should remember is that successful marketing starts with identifying the right market for the products and services, and designing the appropriate marketing communication messages which are tailored to the particular market and target customers (Hartline & Ferrell, 2010). The marketer should also choose the right communication media, which can either be audio or print, hence, the channel selected should effectively deliver the message to the target customers (Shimp, 2008). The marketer should also strive to do a follow-up of the effectiveness of the marketing strategies by evaluating either the growth in business revenues or market share. This paper will discuss the marketing principles and strategies which successful organizations have used to gain a leadership position in market share in the industry. Marketing is to most sensitive function of the organization since it deals closely with the customers, h ence, creating customer value and establishing good working relationships with the customers is the heart of modern marketing efforts. The paper will discuss the principles of marketing, and how the business can utilize them to gain a competitive edge over the competitors. Thesis statement The success of the business is dependent on the marketing strategies used by the business. Elements of marketing strategy The marketing strategy of a business is composed of various elements which interrelate. The key element is the market selection and the product planning which is choosing the product line and the product offerings for the target market. A firm can either choose a single market strategy or multi market strategy. In a single marketing strategy, the firm will concentrate its efforts in serving a single unique market segment while avoiding competition with the dominant players (Hartline & Ferrell, 2010). In a multi marketing strategy, the firm will serve several distinct markets, h ence, the firm should carefully select the target markets which are viable. In a total market strategy, the firm will offer differentiated products to different market segments; hence, it should utilize the marketing variables like the price, promotion, product and distribution strategies in competing effectively in the entire market (Hartline & Ferre

The experiment that Stanley Milgram conducted in the 1960s provided Essay

The experiment that Stanley Milgram conducted in the 1960s provided empirical evidence in favour of what is now referred to as t - Essay Example The results of the experiment have been proved by many other researchers in later studies, which explored the small-world effect in various types of networks. It has been verified that the small-world effect can be seen in different extent in a number of the real-world networks. The small-world phenomenon has made a great contribution in the theory of networks as it helped to better understand the structure and dynamics of the complex networks. This paper intends to discuss the Milgram's experiment and to explore in what extent the small-world effect can be found in three main classes of networks – random graphs, scale-free networks and small-world networks. Keywords: networks, social networks, small-world, six degree, random graph, scale-free networks. Introduction It is widely acknowledged that networks are all around people; and people themselves as socio-biological systems are, for the most part, products of biochemical reactions and social relationships occurring in netwo rks. Networks are studied since 1736, at first in the domain of mathematical graph theory (Biggs et al., 1986), which has been gradually developed into the solid branch of knowledge that studies nature and properties of different networks, from very simple to large and complex networks that have irregular structure and complex dynamics. Examples of such networks can be found everywhere in nature and in society – food networks of biological species, communication networks and the Internet, social networks between individuals, transportation networks, metabolic and neural networks, and many others. Nowadays the study of networks got significant achievements in understanding of specific features, some of which have been investigated in depth only in the past few decades, with the advent of information and communications technologies and, particularly, the Internet. One of the fundamental features of networks was discovered in 1967, when a famous social psychologist Stanley Milgr am conducted a series of experiments, revealing that in spite of the enormous number of the global population, our world is actually rather small - any individual on the planet can reach any other individual through about six contacts in their social network. The phenomenon was called the small-world effect, while the modern popular scientific literature often mentions it as the â€Å"six degrees of separation† effect (Watts, 1999). The results of the Milgram’s experiments have been proved in a large number of experiments of other researchers. The phenomenon appears to be extremely useful for understanding the structure and dynamics of processes that takes place in different networks, for example the dynamics of spread of information across the network, or the dynamics of diffusions of epidemic diseases in a society. The small-world effect can be viewed in different networks; however, each of these networks has the distinctive characteristics, related to its structure and dynamics, so there are certain differences in the manifestations of the small-world effect in various networks. This essay intends to discuss the Milgram's experiment and to explore in what extent the small-world effect can be found in networks, namely, in three main kinds of networks – in classical random graphs; in scale-free networks, introduced by Barabasi and Albert (1999); and in small-world networks, invented by Watts and Strogatz (1998). The paper is aimed to show

BRAPS Coursework Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1750 words

BRAPS - Coursework Example Racal telecom was valued at one million seven hundred billion pounds. Racal telecom later detached itself from Racal Electronics in nineteen ninety one and formed what is today known as Vodafone group. Vodafone later bought two thirds of Talk land for around thirty million pounds in nineteen ninety-six. Consumers of Talkland, a one eighty one chain store, overpoweringly utilized Vodafone’s network. Correspondingly, Vodafone purchased a service provider entitled Astec Communications. Vodafone later unraveled its speech mark emblem in a circle and the â€Å"O† symbolizes conversation. Vodafone again agreed to amalgamate its assets in the United States with those of Atlantic Corp and designed Verizon Wireless. This amalgamation was finalized in the year two thousand. The corporate’s affiliates also operate under the label Vodafone. Vodafone Group plc.’s is headquartered in Newbury, United Kingdom. Vodafone being ranked as the most profitable telecommunications company in the world runs networks in over thirty nations and partners with forty other countries. Vodafone is managed by Gerard Kleisterlee who is the Chairman and Vittorio Colao who is the chief executive officer. Vittorio Colao joined the company in 2008. The company deals with telecommunications, which entails providing vocal sound and data services or amenities through mobile phones. The main products promoted by Vodafone include; Vodafone Freedom Packs and Vodafone Passport, Vodafone Mobile USB Modem and Amobee Media Systems, Vodafone at Home and above all Vodafone live. The company has also introduced money transfer services such as M-PESA. Vodafone’s Vision and mission is to lead the business in attending to the concerns of public members with regard to mobile telephones, staff, and wellbeing by representing principal practices and inspiring others to emulate, and, to be the communications forerunner in a technologically advancing world practices and inspiring others

BIM (BUILDING Information Modeling ) Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1500 words - 1

BIM (BUILDING Information Modeling ) - Essay Example The lifecycle of a product involves designing, building, operation, and maintenance activities. Since current buildings rely upon drawings, building designs have formerly focused upon communications through numerous distinct and often inconsistent documents. With BIM, building designs are not just about drawings and numerous documents, but about a data repository where structure and continuation information is combined in one expedient model for sharing amongst all stakeholders (McNell et al, 5). As a model-based design process, BIM offers explicit design information, for instant consideration and evaluation of the design objective and program. As a result, BIM model offers augmented process competence and superior quality accuracy compared to conventional 2D CAD drawings. 2.0. Management of BIM Previously, architects designed buildings which were then scrutinized by engineers who offered feedback and technical responses concerning the design (AUGI, 1). Conversely, the contractors ob tained the drawings and build the structure. At this point, every party played their own part. However, BIM and all its inventions, ideas, methods and designs are all owned by the Department of design and Construction. According to AUGI, the other persons using BIM like contractors only have temporary use for given time extents after which all BIM copies are submitted to DDC. In the BIM model, the owner hires an architect and contractor. The architect is the design review agency while the contractor performs QC testing and inspection (Ashcraft and Shelden, 7). The architect works with specialist consultants and engineers (A+E). The contractor works with engineer contractors and subcontractors. The subcontractors work as product suppliers, material suppliers, installers and labor unions among others. The contractor have a construction simulation model and fabrication model, the architects have the design model, and the engineer will have the analysis model depending on their discipli ne (Ashcraft and Shelden, 7). BIM collaborative use requires that all available models are interoperable and that each model is a clear and consistent representation of the same structure. 3.0. BIM practice The building industry comprises of architects, engineers, contractors and owners or (A/E/C/O). The architect is provided with a service request (Ashcraft and Shelden, 7). The architect is responsible for designing buildings and space using BIM and has the intentions to have the building executed to work. However, the role of the architects expanded to business strategy, and technology among others. The professional engineers then utilize recent 3D modeling and visualization (Revit and AutoCAD) for 3D design. After receiving the request, the architect validates and designs the structure. Conversely, the engineer imports conventional 2D drawings that have 3D information for precise establishment of 3D renderings. When coupled with onsite coordination, 3D visualization offers improv ed accuracy for detection and resolution of instances of collision among infrastructure components. The process used here is crash detection (Ashcraft and Shelden, 7) and is cost saving since component collisions are only detected after commencement of construction. The engineer then documents the findings and issues to the designer. The designers utilize BIM to discover substitute concepts, perform value engineering and optimize designs. Given the BIM model, t

Briefing Report on RKD Transport Case Study Essay Example for Free

Briefing Report on RKD Transport Case Study Essay This is a short briefing report based on research and critical analysis of various management literatures to develop solutions to the case study RKD Transport. As a graduate member of Business Consulting Group (BCG), I have been asked by the CEO to identify and evaluate issues that are perceived to be affecting work performance and cooperation at RKD Transport. The Managing Director (John) has asked BCG to review the situation as described in the case study, and has requested a report assessing the situation with comment on the issues that are raised and Johns proposed plan. This report also presents a range of options and recommendations as supported by research, which resolves the perceived problem about the implementation of John’s proposal a clear indication of the skills which can be taught to staff members. As of the dependable data in relation to what is taking place in the world of study into organizational behavior (OB) and management, the present line of thought and practice in OB programs can be applied to the case study. I. Point of View- graduate member of Business Consulting Group (BCG) Given the case material, the group has decided to take the point of view of the BCG’s graduate member on analysis to facilitate ease of recommending decisions to the management. II. Problem Statement The question posed by the case is thus: â€Å"What should the Managing Director, John do to effectively and efficiently introduce and implement his plan for the company? † III. Background of the Study Organizational behavior is concerned on personal and group dynamics in an institutional background and situation, over and above the character of the association themselves. Reports pertaining to this, try to figure out and form the various factors when persons in the group interrelate with one another. Comparable to all shared sciences, managerial studies seek to organize, forecast, and elucidate all the social happenings that are occurring in the given field, which can be taken as a foremost part in institutional progress and success. According to Arnold (2005), examples of the problems that OBM directs on are security, output, quality, and aptness. SWOT Analysis is the assessment by the decision making person or group of Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities and Threats regarding preferred final position or purpose of a task or business. The goal of every SWOT investigation is to recognize the chief inner aspects, the strengths and weaknesses to the institute and outer features, the opportunities and threats exhibited by the outside setting to accomplishing the intention. The case study should be defined as an investigation technique, using SWOT Analysis involved in a project or in a business venture, as stated by the MCRPC Regional Planning Commission (2005). Strengths are elements of the organization which are of use to reaching the goal of the management. The assets of the RKD Transport workplace are the following: monetary and intellectual terms, site, infrastructure, and fundamental training. However, the weaknesses which are detrimental to attaining the purpose of the management are the following: good organization, work appraisal of employees, developed methods for doling out with main fields of human resources, poor at pulling off consequences through undirected aid of individual vigor, and partial running skill and proficiency. The opportunities of the organization, on the other hand, are the following: desiring to progress on the whole managerial efficacy through directorial growth and social organization line up and more broad supervision prospects entailing improvement of new executives. And lastly, the threats are the following: human resource input are not acknowledged by the upper administration who dodge it by making use of external advisors and transference having the result of eliminating units and removing intermediate organization strata to develop flatter arrangement of institution. IV. Alternative courses of action Organization design is a conventional channeled means for assimilating the personnel, information and tools of an establishment. It is utilized to go with the structure of the corporation as thoroughly as feasible to the points the business pursues to accomplish. Through the design process, a corporation takes steps to expand the likelihood that the shared efforts of affiliates will be exultant. Additionally, the concept of job design is important here which indicates the manner that a series of everyday responsibilities and jobs, are structured. This makes easier to ascertain what, how, how many, and in what order the responsibilities are completed in connection with the organization. Its principles can also direct predicaments in the workplace such as labor under load, monotony, inadequate manipulation over occupation, deferral in filling unoccupied stations, and partial perception of the entire work course (Jones, 2004). Executives must use Organizational Behavior Management since the achievement of the business is credited with the efficiency of their courses of action and the pleasant response of the staff, incorporating the key functions of management such as â€Å"planning, organizing, leading and controlling† (Buchanan, 2004). Here is a variety of options and recommendations which may be implemented to solve the particular problem of the company. 1. Change the type of leadership from paternalistic to democratic for the voice of the employees to be heard. John, the Managing Director of RKD Transport, must change the way of administrating his subordinates. He must develop an employee-oriented method by trying to motivate his employees rather than direct or control his subordinates (Burns, 2003). Furthermore, he would have to depend not only to his own capabilities but must encourage his own subordinates to participate, thus, resulting to developing managerial abilities of the subordinates. The style of leadership of John, indeed, can have significant impact on the performance and satisfaction of his subordinates so his leadership style should have the characteristic manner in which he makes decisions affecting his subordinates and exercises influence to elicit their compliance with, commitment to, and support for his directives. He must encourage his subordinates in decisions that affect them, forming a friendly, trusting, and respectful leadership with group members, and must act promptly with this said concern. 2. Make a prior notice that the manager would downsize employees of the work force. It is indicated in the case problem that labor turnover is low. In order to achieve effective control over direct labor costs, John must apply downsizing and layoff strategies. But he must make use of consensus first in making decisions for the company for the employees to be given a chance to change their attitude towards work. These approaches for layoffs and downsizing will lessen the harm to those workers who will be laid off and to the employees who will stay behind. This also presents a practical prospect for a healthier outlook for the business and the business’ stakeholders. Downscaling in this way falls into the kind of administration means for accomplishing preferred adjustment, a good deal like downsizing examination. The following factors must be considered in considering this: Is the business being upright to its human elements? Has the necessary stipulation which may head to a number of complicated resolutions been conveyed to the business’s staff? Have the employees been able to supply input? Have the administration conscientiously supposed the outcome for those workforce? How will this influence those who may lose their work? How will this concern those who stay with their job? Does the strategy for modification present the business to attain improved outcome in the future? (Hickok, 2007). 3. The managing director would still be strict and objective, and would monitor the employees himself. John would continue to be hard-working, spending time inspecting the personnel and meticulously supervising the business process by plotting strategies, captivating counteractive deeds of this customary viewpoint. But some conflicts may arise because in implementing this kind of procedure. John’s status here as the person in charge is at risk in view of the fact that discords from his subordinates may take place against him (Haslam, 2003). 4. Assign more supervisors which will monitor the employees’ performance. By this course of action, the personnel can be monitored well if they are doing their jobs effectively and efficiently because they have to meet with the deadline. This could provide the management an objective assessment of each worker’s performance. It must be remembered that the input of workers in the business is a crucial part in the success of the company. 5. John must be further trained as managing director position in the company. To be considered an efficient and effective managing director, John must possess personality characteristics such as self confidence, aggressiveness, dominance, and adaptability. Additionally, he must also have the skills like sensitivity in dealing with others, intelligence, and job mastery which he can use in supervising his constituents. So he must be further trained to have these characteristics to become an efficient and effective leader. Successful directors essentially sets up a working atmosphere in which human resources would like to carry out their jobs properly. To realize the far more constructive work milieu, performance study edifies administrators on how to efficiently handle their positions as affirmed by Holman (2003). John may acquire the knowledge and skills though attending seminars, hands on training, and the like. 6. John must conduct research of the leadership style of former managers of the RKD Transport and examine what is the most appropriate approach in running the Management division. He must critically study the past records of the former managers of the company and their leadership styles and see what the best way of treating employees is during those times and apply it with the present situation, with the integration of interior appraisals of the business SWOT. This recommendation requires the enclosure of an evaluation of the current state of affairs, as well as the assessment of their extent. 7. RKD Transport pay rates must be adjusted to what the company can afford and are just right for the employees. Since workers perceive that the management was sympathetic to them, pay rates are considered high. Besides, there are other benefits offered to the employees by the company like sufficient compensation for shifting workers, provision for emergency loan, and many more. The conventional employee performance system relies on direct supervision, the wage and salary compensation system, and annual performance reviews, merit pay increases and promotions as rewards for exceptional performance (Staw, 2004); though an indispensable budgeting aspect must be of great consideration for the company’s success.

Effective partnership working Essay Example for Free

Effective partnership working Essay A partnership is an arrangement between two or more groups, organizations or individuals to work together to achieve common aims. Effective partnership working must have some sort of personal stake in the partnership. All partners should work towards the same goal. The partners should have similar system of beliefs and work together over a reasonable period of time. Partners should understand the value of what each of them can contribute to the set aim. Both should respect and trust each other. Partnership working also shares creativity, and responsibility. Working together can highlight different issues, problem and solutions and there is more potential for productivity or effectiveness. All partners must always tell each other what is planned and consult everything together before making any decisions. They must act together as everyone working towards the same outcome. 1.2 Working in partnership with colleagues it’s very important .We all need to work in the same way and be consistent. People I work with on daily basis are the best source of advice and information needed when some issues may arise. By working together I am able to see all recorded information and being able to use them when needed .Communication within the home is a key to effective support .By working together everyone can be supported and all ideas can be taken into consideration on meetings and solving issues become easiest. Working with other professionals like Learning Disability team or Intensive support team also gives me a different point of view on situation and this way I receive support from qualified and understanding people. I can share information and seek advice .This way I get an excellent feedback and much needed support .Some individuals have a complex needs which are very difficult to cope and seeking support from others is very important .Organization receive different training and do specialize in giving help .Therefore maintaining good relationship with them is important to provide the quality support for Service Users. Working in partnership with advocates is needed when Individuals have a lack of capacity and have no one who can act on their behalf . Working together with independent advocates shows that setting follows the guidelines and regulations .Independent person can see the different point of the situations discussed and help to decide what is  the best for the person concerned .As a support staff will share all relevant information with them and act on the best interest of the individual. Working with families, Service users, friend of individuals give me a never ending source of information’s so I’m able to provide the care they want .By working together we gain information and that can help make Individuals live easier in the care setting. This way parents feel valued and respected. Parents and family feel comfortable when visiting the setting talking to and planning with workers .Every opinion must be valued and treated seriously as we all want the best for the Service Users .Talking and working together with individuals gives us a chance to get to know they likes and dislikes and be able to make them happy. 1.3 Partnership is about relationship between people and the aim of it is to achieve what couldn’t be achieved alone. By working together we build a relationship. We improve outcomes and achieve more equal life for the individuals and better future for them. Because everyone works together Service User can feel safe and have choice of where and how they want to live. As staff I need to listen to them and give them choice and information’s must be available in the right format .Individuals feel valued and respected. They know that there is a lot of different people who are happy to help and give advice .It also makes staff feel more valued as they have they say and their opinion is more valued what means that they are more happy to stay in the work place like that.