The first step of problem solving is to define the problem. Although this may sound trivial, in many cases it is not. Many people and organisations rush in to tackle a problem by finding a solution, without previously knowing that the problem really is. So, to achieve a solution, one first has to fully understand the problem. Once the problems have been clearly defined, the most important factor in solving it is creativity. Creativity is required in order to create a ask the right questions about the problem and find the correct and appropriate answers to them, creativity is necessary in order to provide “out of the box” ideas and suggestions and creativity is what defines the process of finding a new way in doing things. Brainstorming is a very popular way to solve a problem and it is a characteristically creative method. It involves the rapid exchange of ideas, Continue reading
Modern Management Concepts
Synergy Map
The Synergy Map method was developed in 1998 by Martin Eppler. It can be used to find synergies between various activities or goals. The synergy map facilitates the visual discussion of the main goals and sub-goals necessary to move the implementation of a strategy forward during a particular time frame. In this method, goals and activities are defined and prioritized and then introduced into a timing circuit. The objectives will be distributed on the circle according to their temporal component, ie, short, medium and long term and permanent. With the connection of the individual targets are shown with arrows indicating the synergies and conflicts. Each identified goal synergy (i.e., how one goal can help another or how two goals can be used for mutual benefits) and each goal conflict are captured as arrows on the map that connect two goals. The Synergy Map can be used on a personal level Continue reading
Four Typologies of Organizational Culture
In organizational culture there are many kind of categorization and typologies have been explained by different scholars of culture. Theses typologies give and over view about the different cultures which exist in organizations. Handy (1985) was the person who discussed how different cultures have their existence in different organizations and within the same organization many diverse cultures can coexist. There are very few organizations exist who have a single culture exists in them. Every individual have its own culture within him and have his own specific personality and culture along with organizational culture. Organizational culture and structure of any organization are connected with each other. In organizations A few subcultures and cultures will be well-suited and other will not be suited. Handy talked about four kinds of eminent cultures and each of these cultures had a linked culture. These cultures are explained below in detail. 1. The Power Culture The Continue reading
An Introduction to Blue Ocean Strategy
Blue Ocean Strategy Blue ocean strategy was coined by professors W. Chan Kim and Renee Mauborgne in their book “Blue Ocean Strategy: How to Create Uncontested Market Space and the Make Competition Irrelevant” (2005). Based on 15 years of research, the authors used 150 successful strategic moves spanning 120 years of business history and across 30 industries to bring the Blue Ocean Strategy theory to life. This strategy gives a new approach to the formation of new business strategies for all businesses. Blue ocean strategy is a way to make the competition irrelevant by creating a leap in value for both the company and its customers. Blue ocean strategy is to defined, in red oceans, existing industries and businesses, an unknown market space that has never been tapped by any player in the current industry. In Red oceans, competition is severe; existing players try to outperform their rivals by using Continue reading
Competitive Intelligence (CI) – Definition, Need and Benefits
The growing competition in the business industry has made it necessary for any company to stay in competition or have a competitive advantage over its competitors, adequate and relevant information about the competitors need to be received or known at the right time in other to make a good strategic business decision. Competitive intelligence is defined as a systematic process that transforms random bits and pieces of data into strategic knowledge. This information comprises about competitors, customers, technological, environmental, product and market in. other to make a good strategic decision. Competitive intelligence is described as those activities a company undertake in determining and understanding its industry as well as identifying and understanding the competitors, also determine and understand their weaknesses and strength and anticipate their next move(s). This definition of competitive intelligence tends to identify/determine, understand and anticipate industry and competitors. Furthermore competitive intelligence is a process of monitoring the Continue reading
Human Resource Metrics
Human Resources once considered a field focused on soft skills, has undergone an unprecedented change. HR now deals with complex data that can be analyzed to provide valuable information and insight and is swiftly becoming an essential means to add strategic value. The HR world is buzzing with the transformative potential of HR analytics. This field has developed at the intersection of computer science, engineering, decision making, and statistics and assists in organizing, analyzing, and making sense of uncertain situations. It has become evident that integrated and strategic HR practices considerably improve bottom-line performances. Therefore, appropriate Human Resource Metrics must be developed and applied in order to specifically illustrate the value of HR practices and activities, particularly relative to accounting profits and market valuation of the organization. This task has proven to be far more complex than anticipated, given the difficulties of measuring human assets/capital. Because HR largely deals with Continue reading