Strategic human resource management Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 3250 words

Strategic human resource management - Essay Example Strategic human resource management ensures that human resource management aligns human resource goals with overall business objectives. The force behind strategic human resource management is the growing need for firms to align their human resource strategies with the general business structure of overall goals In the contemporary market characterised with intense competition, most organisations have diverted from conventional perception of human resource as passive resource that can be manipulated to get things done. Organisations now understand the importance of human resource in the competition-plagued market and treat their workforce as crucial source of competitive advantage. Many firms have realized that there is likely to be no organisation in absence of employees. Human resource practices are thus perceived to be geared towards supporting overall objectives of the firm. This paper explores strategic human resource management of Burger King in Vietnam. Company Background Burg er King, often referred to as BK, is a multinational corporation headquartered in Florida, United States. Burger King’s roots can be traced back to Insta-Burger King, a restaurant chain in Florida founded in 1953. When Insta-Burger King was riddled with financial problems in 1954, David Edgerton and James McLamore, Miami-based franchisees, purchased the restaurant and gave it the now popular name, Burger King. The company has changed ownership severally since then with present owners focusing on restructuring to restore the company’s glory. By 2012, the company had approximately 12,700 outlets located in 73 nations. Burger King has basically relied on franchise business approach to grow globally and seek presence in many parts of the world. Burger King’s licensing of franchises differs from one location to another and depends on regions. Some franchises are categorised as master franchises and are mandated to sell the company’s sub-licenses. The companyâ €™s rapport with its franchises has never been smooth, leading to occasional legal challenges (Phi, 2012). Burger King became interested in Vietnam market in 2011 when the company collaborated with IPP/Blue Kite Vietnam. The company proceeded to establish its initial restaurant in Vietnam in 2012. Vietnam is perceived to be one of the most crucial markets for the company in Asia-Pacific (Phi, 2012). Through franchising, Burger King engaged with IPP group/BKV to ensure faster growth of the company in Vietnam (Phi, 2012). BKV in the strategic partnership was seen as a potential contributor in many crucial areas of the company. BKV was anticipated to provide employee training and development, finding strategic locations, and marketing of Burger King Brand among other roles. On the other hand, Burger king would ensure organisational as well as structural advancement while at the same time providing proficiency and assistance on its global operating system (Phi, 2012). Strategic Huma n Resource Management of Burger King in Vietnam The contemporary market is increasingly becoming competitive and consumer behaviour is also becoming very sophisticated. As such, firms which operate internationally are faced with the challenge competing on global scale. International human resource managers are tasked with the daunting role of developing workforce teams that can work in diverse business environments (Armstrong & Baron, 2002). In order to counter the growing global challenges in international business arena, strategic international human resource management is inevitable. Strategic international human resource management (SIHRM) can be referred to as the process whereby an international firm strategise on how to create and implement business policies and traditions for effectively managing its workforce on global scale(Armstrong, 2008). Strategic intern

International Environment & Business and Europe Assignment

International Environment & Business and Europe - Assignment Example A few rounds of expansion have occurred, prompting the development of the Single Market. (ILZKOVITZ et al) The late promotion of ten new Member States significantly expanded the span of the Internal Market, while constituting in the meantime a test to its fitting working. From one perspective, the increase of the focal and eastern European nations has expanded the pool of shoppers and has furnished firms with extra chances to draw on a more extensive reach of near preferences portraying the diverse Member States. (ILZKOVITZ et al)This is a wellspring of further dynamism and proficiency in the Internal Market. (ILZKOVITZ et al)Then again, while the economic progressions prompted by this expansion have been consumed easily and there is no proof of problematic effects on the item and work markets, the expanded disparity among the Eu25 parts has enlarged the dangers of pressures inside the Internal Market (ILZKOVITZ et al) A Commission study inspected the economic measurement of the 2004 development. It reasoned that the developed Internal Market has gotten to be, notwithstanding the expanded economic disparity among its present parts, more coordinated and element. Specifically, the promotion of the focal and eastern European nations has expanded the potential profits of the Internal Market. (ILZKOVITZ et al)It has expanded the pool of purchasers yet it likewise furnishes firms with extra chances to draw on the more extensive reach of relative preferences that portray the diverse Member States.

Analyze the Slave Petitions in light of the key changes taking place Essay

Analyze the Slave Petitions in light of the key changes taking place in this new American society - Essay Example They campaigned for equality and recognition of their rights and racial acceptance among other Americans, who still embraced unjust treatment through slavery. This compelled blacks in new American society to lobby for recognition through petitions that they submitted to congress and senate for redress despite the open hostility that they faced from their white counterparts. Slave petitions were vital in the campaign for the rights of blacks, mostly slaves, in new American society. This is what later resulted to the 1963 match to Washington. During the match, Martin Luther delivered his renowned speech advocating for the rights of black slaves in new America. Besides King and his proponents’ efforts, there several other slave petitions were praiseworthy for the changes attained in new American society. They brought recognition for Black Americans, enhanced justice and appreciation. Before the petitions, the nation’s culture and societal set-up was one that could not withstand the face of revolutionary changes. As such, the culture, societal set-up and political landscape of the U.S. changed significantly and subsequently during the course of the journey. The America revolution began during the 18th century during when it attained its independence from the British. The declaration of independence rendered Americans including blacks free and independent (Williams 21). Essentially, slave petitions in the new American society sought to restore black Americans’ sovereign and the recognition of their rights (Main, Mark and John 226). Slave petitions propagated for liberty and self-representative and were an awakening during the revolutionary war. Proponents of slave petitions opted to pursue the representative way. In 1774, blacks submitted the petition of "A Grate Number of Blackes". Through the petition, enslaved Americans advocated for freedom as a fortune of the revolution (Dorsey 152). It is during this time that the slaves also took

Virtual Business Design Assignment Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1500 words

Virtual Business Design - Assignment Example Problem Definition Since the Eurozone debt crisis that affected Portugal since 2010, the pharmaceutical industry in general and Olive Pharmaceuticals have been experiencing reduced profitability. As a result, it has become difficult to stay within the annual operating budgets. As part of the 2011 IMF bailout package, the Portuguese government has instituted heavy reductions in public expenditure which includes the public health care system. Olive Pharmaceuticals has been affected because of the growing public debt of hospitals and the cuts in pharmaceutical expenditure by the government. In 2012, public hospitals owed â‚ ¬1.5 billion to international pharmaceutical companies. In 2013, the public pharmaceutical expenditure was further reduced by â‚ ¬333 million, which makes pharmaceutical expenditure just 1 percent of GDP (Feria, 2012). As a result, sales to state hospital pharmacies have declined by 10% over the past two years (Feria, 2012). At the same time, operational costs have not reduced proportionally because of increase in energy costs and imported raw materials. The business mission of Olive Pharmaceuticals is to provide high quality oncology pharmaceutical products at affordable prices to consumers through efficient operations and continuous research. This is achieved through goals of keeping operating costs low and maintaining supply chain efficiency. The situation has implications for planning and organizing decisions for Olive Pharmaceuticals as it influences the decision about investing in research or selling generic products. Secondly, the supply chain may have to be reorganized for greater operational efficiency. Situation Analysis Impact of the Situation on Planning Planning is defined as the management function related to the determination of organizational goals and objectives and identifying tasks and resources to achieve those goals (Hill and McShane, 2006). The goal of Olive Pharmaceuticals is to grow its market share and profitabili ty by investing in research and efficient operations. Planning is conducted at different levels such as strategic planning, tactical planning and operational planning. The present situation has implications for planning at all levels. Strategic planning is concerned with decisions about which products to produce and which markets to serve (Carpenter, Bauer, & Erdogan, 2009). In the current situation, where the government is reducing expenditure on pharmaceutical products, the sales of oncology products will become expensive due to high costs. Rationing will further reduce profits while keeping costs the same. On the other hand, sales of generic drugs will increase due to lower prices to the consumer. The planning decisions to be made in this situation include the selection of whether to continue investment in researching new products or market generic drugs to reduce costs and increase sales. This would require careful analysis of the organizational mission and goals. Tactical plann ing is concerned with decisions made at the divisional level. These goals and plans are developed with a view to help the achievement of strategic level goals and plans (Daft, 2013). The challenge of reducing operational costs can be achieved through effective planning at the tactical level with the divisional managers assuming responsibility for staying within the operating budgets for their divisions. Finally, operational level planning is also relevant in the current situ

Asia History Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words

Asia History - Essay Example Same holds true for Africans and Americans. In fact, there is little difference between Europeans and Americans. Many people in the two continents conventionally have similar way of living. Most of the tribes in African states have exactly same style of living, traditions and culture. Many even retain the same financial status. Such trends are least likely to be observed in Asia. In Asia, people generally tend to associate with one another on the basis of some similarity. Religion is largely considered as a means of association irrespective of the difference of race, ethnicity or origin. People tend to develop irremovable differences with people even in their own race on the basis of religion. Two Asians, one from India and the other from Pakistan might look exactly the same apparently, but the two are very different from each other in every day life. This is because the way of life of the two people is governed by the religions they belong to. Let’s assume that the Indian is a Hindu and the Pakistani is a Muslim. The vastness of distance between the beliefs the two of them hold can be estimated from the fact that the former worships a cow while the latter slaughters it, and both of them have religious reasons for doing so. Similar examples can be quoted while comparing Pakistanis to Chinese, Chinese to Srilankans and Iranis to Russians. Apart from religion, other fundamental causes of differences among Southeast Asian countries are political systems and differing sizes of population (Pope, n.d., p. 2). This can, hence, be stated that religion plays a fundamental role in deciding the relations between a vast majority of Asians. This is because many in-flowing religions have had influence on the already existing ones in Asia from time to time. Asia’s history is much influenced by religions. Buddhism has long been the religion of Asians. The teachings

Interpretation of Financial Statements Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1750 words

Interpretation of Financial Statements - Essay Example With the help of this information one can compute financial ratios relating to liquidity, profitability, gearing and efficiency that help in assessing the financial performance of the company. ... 8594 33607 Acid-test ratio 0.97 1.13 Â   1.19 0.82 Â   Â   Â   Â   Â   Â   Cash and short term deposits 107 47.8 Â   13698 4660 Current Liabilities 758.1 713.5 Â   28594 33607 Cash ratio 0.14 0.07 Â   0.48 0.14 Â   Â   Â   Â   Â   Â   GEARING Â   Â   Â   Â   Â   Total equity 133.4 140.5 Â   66230 62166 Long term debt 802 906.4 Â   1316 575 Long-term debt to equity 6.01 6.45 Â   0.02 0.01 Â   Â   Â   Â   Â   Â   EBIT 529.8 478.3 Â   19782 17161 Interest expense 25.3 50.8 Â   374 307 Interest cover 20.94 9.42 Â   52.89 55.90 Â   Â   Â   Â   Â   Â   INVESTMENT Â   Â   Â   Â   Â   Price 2,053.00 1,177.00 Â   652.5 25.8 EPS 188.50 156.00 Â   32.6 29.6 P/E ratio 10.89 7.54 Â   20.02 0.87 Â   Â   Â   Â   Â   Â   DPS 66 55 Â   16.65 17.15 EPS 188.5 156 Â   32.6 29.6 Dividend payout 0.35 0.35 Â   0.51 0.58 Â   Â   Â   Â   Â   Â   EPS 188.5 156 Â   32.6 29.6 DPS 66 55 Â   16.65 17.15 Dividend cover 2.86 2.84 Â   1.96 1.73 Â   Â   Â   Â   Â   Â   DPS 66 55 Â   16.65 17.15 Price 2,053.00 1,177.00 Â   652.5 25.8 Dividend yield 3.21% 4.67% Â   2.55% 66.47% (Next Plc, 2010; Ted Baker, 2010). Financial analysis of Next Plc (NXT) & Ted Baker Plc (TED) Profitability- For the financial year 2010 the gross profit margin of both the companies has increased as compared to the last year. Ted Baker reported a gross profit margin of 58% in 2009 and this increased to 61% in the following year whereas Next Plc reported a margin of 27% in 2009 and it increased to 29% in the immediate year. The gross profit margin of the former is more than double that of latter; this implies that the management of Ted Baker has exercised efficient control over the operating costs. However the operating profit margin of Next Plc is marginally higher than Ted Baker Plc. For 2010 the former reported an operating profit margin of 15% as compared to12% by Ted Baker Plc. This suggests that

Performance Enhancement in Manufacturing Facility Essay

Performance Enhancement in Manufacturing Facility - Essay Example While such programs are essentially characterized by the conventional monetary and non-monetary incentives to a greater extent, there are some novel elements such as de-structuring and delayering of certain positions in the hierarchy. Such efforts have produced some positive results though the extent of them is not known. XYZ Company was founded in 1899 by a group of investors includingGiovanni Agnelli. Apart from cars, it is also manufacturingrailroadvehicles,tanksandaircrafts. On 2009, XYZ Company became the world's sixth largest carmaker as well as Italy's largest carmaker. XYZ company-based cars are constructed all around the world, with the largest number produced outside Italy being built inBrazil, where they are best-sellers. It also has factories inArgentinaandPoland. XYZ Company has a long history of licensing its products to other countries regardless of local political or cultural persuasion (Robbins, 2009). Joint ventureoperations are found inItaly,France,Turkey,India,Serbiaand Russia. XYZ is a company that supplies good job opportunities to the employees. However the XYZ Company's operations are increasingly being affected by a lack of uniformity in work standards among its employees in different manufacturing plants. It's basically higher level of absenteeism, low morale, poor motivation and ultimately the work related stress of employees at some of the European factories have been reported. However those work related problems are