2. Table of Contents
I. Personal Background..................................................................................................…3
II. Team Establishment..................................................................................................….3
III. Marketing Audit - Shell...........................................................................................….4
IV. Introduction: Bringing the community together...........................................................…5
V. Developing the right stakeholders..............................................................................…6
VI. Maintaining a good market structure.......................................................................….9
VII. Improving on efficiencies......................................................................................…..9
VIII. Using technology to our advantage......................................................................…12
IX. Managing risks.....................................................................................................….16
X. Leadership............................................................................................................…..16
XI. Role of Ethics and Corporate Culture....................................................................….17
XII. Project to benefit the Economy…………………………………………………….18
XIII. Products and Services……………………...……………………………………..19
XIV. Conclusion........................................................................................................…..20
XV. Biography.......................................................................................................……..21
3. Southwest Michigan Entertainment Zone
I. Personal Background
I have established an employment history within the retail industry through my
employment with Burger King on West Columbia, West Columbia Shell Food Mart. As my
employment continued from the period of 1995 to the end of the first quarter 2009, due to lack of
communication from the "supposedly senior management", I managed to achieve an educational
background in business administration with focus in accounting, economics, and management
techniques. In addition, I have worked for Jackson Hewitt Tax Service part-time while working
at West Columbia Shell. During my employment at Jackson Hewitt Tax Service, I have worked
with customers by taking information from customers and entering into the software. I may have
conducted the returns wrong, but as with my other employment tenure, there were
miscommunication between the senior manager and myself. That is, I have given ample
indication for my education attainment and objective, but was not given full credit for my talents.
I am willing to take part responsibility for the miscommunication, but senior management should
take a majority of the responsibility. The reason is that they are suppose to act like mentors for
ensuring all stakeholders remain ethical, acquire the tenure track based on their education
accomplishment, and all stakeholders receive the right compensation.
My education attainment was acquired from Kellogg Community College with attaining
an Associates in Fine Arts, through Western Michigan University with attaining a Bachelor's in
Business Administration. I have completed some additional education attainment beyond my
Bachelor's degree, but have not finished with a graduate degree. I would like to pursue a graduate
degree within the same industry as my undergraduate degree.
During the years between the first quarter of 2009 to the first quarter of 2013, I have
somewhat been reviewing my educational background. I have been trying to gain creditability
for my accomplishment as I have during my employment periods. During my employment, I
have talked with the District manager for Walters-Dimmerick Petroleum, Patrick Klingerman,
presented a report for some ideas, but have not been given any consideration. I have done some
reports via my last employer, West Columbia Shell, presented to senior management, but was not
given any respect to the work.
II. Team Establishment
The management team would consist of a human resource agency, Walters-Dimmerick
Petroleum, current and potential internal stakeholders, a real estate firm, and organizational
board of directors. The human Resource agency would provide reports on the productivity,
qualifications, and employment records for all internal stakeholders. The compensation for
human resource agents would range from $19.35 an hour to $29 an hour depending on their
experience, tenure, and ethical background. Walters-Dimmerick Petroleum would provide a
marketing relationship for processing retail ordering, promotion of business services, and
4. maintaining a good corporate culture by assessing any risks related to corporate governance and
governmental regulations.
The organizational board of directors would be located on site of the existing location on
Highland Avenue. A second possible location is located at the old 84 Lumber retail outlet. Either
opportunity could be a sublet from a major retail, such as Best Buy. The office would be located
in the old section where Felpaush operated the video rental store. In this office space, there will
be internal human resource representatives, business financial managers, security managers,
maintenance managers, and marketing managers. For the location at the old 84 Lumber retail
outlet, the office would be along the side of the main building or in a newly constructed structure
behind the main building. Another possible location would be located a newly constructed site
located off exit 92 of I-94. This site would be operated as a drive-in movie theater/restaurant
style.
III. Marketing Audit - Shell
III.a. Company Information
Shell is a global group of oil, gas, and petrochemical companies with a broad portfolio of
hydrogen, bio-fuels, wind, and solar power interests. Shell aim is to meet the energy needs of
society, in ways that are economically, socially, and environmentally sustainable (Shell, 2006).
The leading edge in technology and service has dedicated Shell to providing consumers and
businesses with the most efficient and effective products and services. Introducing new
technology features to enhance the way consumers purchase and use their products and service is
critical to retaining customer and stakeholder loyalty. Shell product and services range from
lubricants, fuel, and other necessities to financial services such as gift cards, fuel and fleet cards,
and a partnership with Citi-financial for our own credit card.
III.b. Information Resources
An essential part to conducting a marketing audit is to gather enough information to
allow management and stakeholders to understand the success rate of an industry and/or
company. I will be looking at annual reports for Shell and their major competitors, types of
promotions offered among the top retailer/oil companies, commitment to the economy and
employees, and any recommendations necessary to the success of the fuel industry.
Understanding the prospective of customers will involve analyzing their reactions to a
particular retail outlet and developing a more efficient environment and atmosphere for the
customers. The dedication to improving operations is critical to oil industry in that they must be
willing to keep up with a changing economy, values, and culture.
III.c. Analysis of data
Interpreting the data will allow management to make the most effective decisions to
ensure a successful implementation. In this audit of Shell Oil Company, I will discuss
environmental factor for Shell’s products and services, which include: economics, competition,
and technology. These concerns will guide management to ensuring the consumers that they are
meeting there needs and forming a positive reputation in the consumer’s eyes. Technology is an
important in today’s society in that we are in a technological advance economy and expect
5. businesses to continue to improve their products and services to allow consumers daily activities
performed and/or conducted in an efficient manner. On the marketing side the important
elements of this audit report would be Shell’s objective and mission statement, their strategies,
any tactics being pursued, the 4 P’s(product, price, place, and promotion), and the organization as
whole. These marketing strategies will allow management to make their products and services
more marketable to the consumer. I will analyze the location of stations within major cities
through Yellow Pages index. The Yellow Pages index will give me an indication where Shell has
decided to place their stations to meet the needs of the consumers, other businesses and retain the
market share. Other opportunity for location would be type of services that are offered within the
stations, like a car wash, restaurants, or other facilities. Many stations offer a wide variety of
facilities within their station to make the daily activities more convenient for consumers and
business professionals.
III.d. Time frame
An adequate maintenance timeframe is necessary for getting information to the consumer
quickly so they can make appropriate decisions. A quick timeframe is necessary for introducing
changes to a system so that consumers and other stakeholders do not get discouraged or find that
the changes are meaningless. Consumers need appropriate information to ensure them that the
improvements will benefit their shopping experience and make their daily activities more
convenient. An appropriate timeframe would be to analyze the current and past ten years to build
the most effective marketing strategy. Analyzing the past will allow management to make the
appropriate reactions to the desired market and to ensure any mistakes are not repeated.
Repeating similar mistakes could result in a reduction in market share and cause serious
problems to operation. The expected completion of this audit will take approximately 3 weeks to
complete, for the collection of data.
III.e. Challenges
A major challenge to developing an effective marketing plan is to relay the changes to the
consumers in a way to ensure we do not insult the intelligence of the American public.
Understanding the diversity of the market is a critical advantage to ensure the right marketing
strategy used to promote products, services, and the company. Another challenge is the ability
biggest challenge is to match or develop your own market advantage over major competitors
like. Shell’s major competitors include BP, Chevron, and Exxon-Mobil. An advantage from
competitor Exxon-Mobile is their ability for quick service through speed pass. Speed pass is a
“contact-less” payment system where the system remembers your personal information on a
secured network. This system allows customers a more secure than using a credit/debit card
(Speedpass, 2006).
IV. Introduction: Bringing the community together
A successful business is dependent on the right shareholders who are willing to work
6. together to accomplish a common goal. The most important common goal is to ensure that every
shareholder has the opportunity to be successful and can achieve independence. In this report, I
would like to develop a socialized activity center with at least four different restaurants with a
convenience/service station. These business centers will help build a relationship within the
community that would provide opportunities for employment (retaining existing employees) and
acquiring new employees, and opportunities for community members to have a place to relax
and enjoy the art of socializing. I intend to develop an inventory for staff members, layout for the
business centers, location, and how the organization would be laid-out.
The development for this organization would be located in the old Felpaush Food center
on Highland Ave. I intend to convert the existing gas station/convenience store to an overflow for
the Walters-Dimmerick Shell station on the corner of West Columbia and Capital Ave SW. Other
business centers I would like to include in this organization are the Taco Bell, Long John Silvers,
Subway, and Popeye's retail. These business centers would work together to provide an
entertainment center for the community to come together and build relationships. A way to build
relationships would be to have the center part of the Real estate building set up for dining, with a
stage, televisions placed around the interior and at tables, place for other activities which
involves contact with other members within the community. As I stated above, relocating the
Capital Ave SW Taco Bell and Long John Silvers, and Popeye's would help to expand the
existing operations market structure. As I believe, with the proper strategy to bring in more
revenue and reduce costs businesses need properly trained staff members, to ensure the
community that this entertainment facility would strive to be within the top five most visited
location in Battle Creek in at least ten years. Our prices would provide incentives for the
community enjoy a relaxing environment to enjoy the company from others.
V. Developing the right stakeholders
V. a. Plan
Establishing the right group of stakeholders is not an easy task and is an expensive
endeavor. One of the most efficient techniques is to develop a measurement scale for existing
internal stakeholders so to reduce the elimination for people and increasing the unemployment.
When an economy increases the unemployment rate in a democracy, businesses and government
officials places potential taxpayers in a depression state and reduces their self-esteem. Business
activities and government control main purpose is not to reduce current, previous, and potential
taxpayers self esteem, but to help develop individual effectiveness.
As a first step for developing this endeavor is to take a look at the records of all internal
staff members so that my team can ensure the organization can proceed in the path of achieving
growth within at least 5% yearly growth and provide a 12% to 20% yearly return. Internal
stakeholder’s productivity should contribute to at least a 3% to 9% growth. Achieving this goal
would start by taking the proper employment assessments to ensure that not only I meet the
qualifications, but also all stakeholders are certified for appropriate positions. I feel this
economy has seen some unethical behaviors not only during the current presidential
administration, but the previous president's administration. Just like the governmental
organization, business organization needs to have some control over their operations so that
proper measures can be determined, stakeholders are given the credit they deserves, unethical
7. behaviors receive proper assessment of risk, and stakeholders receive their full compensation.
Managing a business entails understanding how the tax system is determined, understanding the
cost structure for an organization, and maintaining appropriate records for all business resources.
As this business adventure progresses and my education attainment continues, I intend to work
with governmental organizations, macro human resources agencies, suppliers, gaining
perspectives from other community members, and gaining perspectives from internal
stakeholders. I have conducted this objective through my previous employer (West Columbia
Shell). My work experience has helped gain a more efficient customer service ability. A good
business administration skill involves interacting with the public, pertaining to customers
questions, acting as tour guide, and ensuring the facility is kept maintained and stocked of
appropriate resources are available for external stakeholders. As working with various macro
human resource agencies, I have visited Accountemps, Employment Group, Michigan Works,and
Spherion.
V. b. Compensation
Subway - retain or develop new staff
2 - staff members per 8 hour shift @$14.40 $1,152
2 - part-time staff members per 8 hr. shift @ 14.40 $460.80
2 - staff members for 3rd shift operation during weekend/special events $576
5 hours @ 14.40
1- assist. business manager per shift @ $17.27/hr. $1,934.24
1 - assist. human resource manager - employed 8 hrs. per weekday @ $19.29/hr. $771.60
- employed 4 hrs. per weekend day @ $19.29/hr.$154.32
8 - part-time security managers (entry-level) 8 hrs/weekend day $2,489.60
on call @ $19.45 2 hrs./week day $1,556
$9,094.56
Dukin Donuts or Starbucks- retain or develop new staff
2 - staff members per 8 hour shift @$14.40 $1,152
2 - part-time staff members per 8 hr. shift @ 14.40 $460.80
2 - staff members for 3rd shift operation during weekend/special events $576
5 hours @ 14.40
1- assist. business manager per shift @ $17.27/hr. $1,934.24
1 - assist. human resource manager - employed 8 hrs. per weekday @ $19.29/hr. $771.60
- employed 4 hrs. per weekend day @ $19.29/hr.$154.32
8 - part-time security managers (entry-level) 8 hrs/weekend day $2,489.60
on call @ $19.45 2 hrs./week day $1,556
$9,094.56
Popeye's - retain current staff w/ reevaluation
7 - staff members per 8 hour shift @ $14.40/hr. $4,032
8. 7 - part-time staff members per 8 hr. shift $14.40/hr $2,419.20
1 - asst. business manager per 8 hr. shift @ $17.27/hr $1,934.24
1 - assist. human resource manager 8 hrs. per weekday @ $19.29 $771.60
4 hrs. per weekend day @ $19.29 $154.32
8 - part-time security managers (entry-level) 8 hrs/weekend day $2,489.60
on call @ $19.45 2 hrs./week day $1,556
$13,356.96
Service Station - shell – 1 or 2 units - retain current staff w/ reevaluation
6 - staff members per 8 hr. shift @ 14.40/hr. $10,368
6 - part-time staff members per 8 hr. shift @ 14.40/hr. $4,147.20
1 - asst. business manager per 8 hr. shift @ 17.27/hr. $5,802.72
1 - asset. human resource manager 8 hrs. per weekday @ $19.29 $2,314.80
4 hrs. per weekend day @ $19.29 $462.96
8 - part-time security managers (entry-level) 8 hrs/weekend day $2,489.60
on call @ $19.45 2 hrs./week day $1,556
$27,141.28
PC Consultants or Recycled Goods - retain and/develop new staff w/ evaluation
7 - staff members per 8 hour shift @ $14.40/hr. $4,838.40
7 - part-time staff members per 8 hr. shift $14.40/hr $4,838.40
1 - asst. business manager per 8 hr. shift @ $17.27/hr $1,657.92
1 - assist. human resource manager 8 hrs. per weekday @ $19.29 $771.60
4 hrs. per weekend day @ $19.29 $154.32
8 - part-time security managers (entry-level) 8 hrs/weekend day $2,489.60
on call @ $19.45 2 hrs./week day $1,556
Retain existing retail outlet
$13,356.96
Board of Directors
1 - Senior Business manager @ $32.55/hr. for 3 hrs for 3 days $292.95 WDP
4 - 5 Business managers @ $21.35/hr during week - 8 hrs. $3,416
4 - 5 Business managers @ $21.35/hr during weekend - 4 hrs. $683.20
1 - senior macro human resource manager @ $32.55/hr for 8 hrs/3 $781.20 HR agency
2 - Macro human resource managers @ $ 24.67 $1,973.60
2 - External Security managers @ $35.72/hr for 8hrs/3 days $1,714.56
8 - Security managers 8 hrs. for 5 days @ $24.67/hr $3,157.76
$12,019.27
V. c. Productivity measures
Productivity is a measure for determining the proper assessment for all internal
stakeholders’ skills, time spent maintaining the retail unit, promoting ethical standards, and
promoting business unit services. A productivity wage would be based on how the business unit
9. manages resources in an efficient and effective manner, revenue generated by the business unit,
and how well spoilage is kept to a minimum.
VI. Maintaining a good market structure
I would expect to provide audited financial statements, which would help to provide a
more balanced business future for all three locations. My intention would be to develop a
NASCAR theme for all locations. This theme would be an extension from for the sport of
NACAR with links to local tracks. Other themes for the venture would be to possible include
Tennis, Golf, and Indy Cart Racing.
Any advertisement must have two important purposes: to inform and to persuade (Palanisamy,
2003).
The operation for this facility would provide a place for the community to relax and
watch
sporting events on television, political addressees, promote a meeting place where people can
come together and discuss issues related their personal environment and the economy. Events
will be planned to promote the successful for all business units.
VII. Improving on efficiencies
VII. a. Business measures - Financial Analysis
Financial performance is an valuable to an organizational development. Financial
performance allows stakeholders understand their position within the organization, gain
independence, develop and improve skills, build relationships, and be part of the process for
providing economic enhancements to society. Revenue would be generated through promoting
products/services from the individual business units, providing socialization activities, providing
services such as membership for use of a wi-fi, and providing a daycare operation for younger
children and tutoring and/or mentoring services.
These services will not be possible without the necessary resources. The resources
necessary for promoting this business adventure are subscribing to a wireless server, tables,
chairs, two 70-inch flat panel televisions, at least 6 32 - inch flat panel televisions, broadcast
service, three laser color/black/white printers, network server for printers
VII. b. Performance measures
The performance for the effectiveness of an Intranet requires a strong commitment
among team members. Establishing a strong commitment among team members involves
creating a steering committee. A steering committee consists of executive management, middle
10. management, technical people, and individual contributors who work together to ensure changes
are implemented properly (French, 2004). Conducting frequently meeting among the steering
committee enable management to understand what is necessary to ensure the change
management plan is producing the outcomes intended during the development phase.
The evaluation of the progress for this change plan would start with an evaluation for
how the change plan was introduced to key stakeholders. A second evaluation would be
completed by individual contributors for the effectiveness on how the training session help the
contributors become familiar with the changes. As stakeholders become more familiar with the
change plan an evaluation would be conducted every quarter which will help management learn
what changes need to be made to ensure the process enhances the performance of key
stakeholders.
An important measure of any change management involves appreciative inquiry.
Appreciative inquiry helps to strengthening the system’s capacity by highlighting the positive
French, 2004). Enhancing the positive through the involvement of every member within the
organization will ensure that the change management plan is successful. The effective for
highlighting the positive of a change management plan is to develop a reward system. The
introduction of a team based gain-sharing plan would encourage cooperation, innovation, and
higher levels of motivation among employees (Sprinkle, 2004). A team based compensation plan
should base compensation rewards for how effectively and efficiently employees are willing to
work together to produce quality products and/or services. The components of a team based
compensation plan are the hourly wage, team standard and benchmark, and the relationship
between pay and performance (Sprinkle, 2004). Hourly compensation is a starting point in which
employees will receive if their performance does not show any improvement during the pay
period. Performance will be a major factor in determining the compensation for the pay period.
Determining the extra compensation will be based on the effectiveness of how willing the
employees are willing to work together to produce services adequate to the customers. That is, is
management and employees working together to ensure customers are receiving the appropriate
experience that allows them to achieve their objective.
As a result internal stakeholders’ require adequate coaching and evaluation to ensure their
performance reflect the satisfaction of external stakeholders. Retaining key employees is critical
for the growth of an organization. Providing adequate training through the normative re-
educative strategy will help eliminate sliders. Sliders are employees who are well liked and show
up for work and go through the motions (Welch, 2005). Energizing sliders by providing
encouragement through their inbox will possibly allow the employee to make the necessary
adjustment to their performance. Sliders are people who should have the highest control risk
because they think the environment evolves around them. This type of environment costs
businesses money because sliders only want to work with a select group of people. Businesses
should not discriminate against anyone, be willing to provide services to everyone, give
everyone the opportunity to be successful, and encourage all internal stakeholders to work
together to accomplish organizational objectives.
VII. c. Example for measuring efficiencies
Establishing good relationships with your customers and suppliers is essential part
for any business adventure. Maintaining accurate inventory level with appropriate
11. distributions of products and services provides good measures for business performance
on both ends.
This simulation is designed to help maintain inventory levels within a consistency
level. The objective for this simulation is based on the game of solitaire with a minimum of
four games. Once the cards are dealt and played to the extent where there are no more
possibilities, you as the dealer (supplier) would tally up the cards first for the ones in
distribution, second for the ones in inventory, and third for the ones which has been sold
(placed in out board).
Once you have the tallies for all variables, the proper placement of tallied numbers
are placed according to rank, first place the dealer (distribution cards) on the bottom
section, above this section you place the returned (unused cards), third you add these two
items and place next to the distribution cards, and fourth you subtract step three from total
number in deck (52) and place in top left corner. Fifth step is to subtract top left corner
number from bottom right (supplier returns) and place in next column. Sixth step is to tally
up total number of card (inventory dealt) and place in next column. Seventh step is to
subtract total card dealt (inventory left) from total remaining inventory (card left after any
returns) and place in next column. Eighth step is to add total cards (inventory) from
previous week and place in next column. Ninth step is to take the mean of previous column
and place in next column. Tenth step is to tally up total points (card in outboard) and place
in next column. And finally subtract previous column from total number of points possible
VIII. Using technology to our advantage
VIII. a. Intranet Development
As technology continues to improve the way we manage business activities, creating
12. Intranets helps businesses better manager resources and setting their selves apart from the
competition. When developing the right site there are five essential elements that will determine
how successful the launch of the site: the user, contributor, information, technology, and
governance (White, 2006). Taking into account these elements will help ensure the site
communicates to the visitor the right information that will allow the user to make the right
decisions. As shown in figure 1, web-sites provide a means, which the user can gain, a better
understanding of a particular business.
Management of a secure site such as an intranet involves ensuring the site is in line with
broad business objectives and also supports and contributes to organizations goals (Chase, 2004).
Staying focused during the development phase entails knowing how you want the website to be
communicated to the prospective user. As many consumers are integrating the Internet into their
lives, the possibility for improving sales is extremely high.
Effective use of Intranets provides a means of communicating important information
among key stakeholders. When stakeholders have relevant information available to them they are
able to make appropriate decisions for the given situation. Developing the right Intranet entails
establishing a strategy for efficient use among users. Intranets without a strategy is an Intranet
not trusted and not used frequently (White, 2006). Effective Intranets should allow users to “pull
information” from the site instead of pushing the information on the users (White, 2006).
Information that is pulled by users enables users to take appropriate actions to improve the
situation.
An Intranet site provides organizations a way to develop a continuous improvement
program. Continuous improvement has become a major issue in today’s business world due to
the interest of producing more efficient products and/or services. The short-run projection of an
Intranet system will provide the assurance for meeting the goals and objectives of the
stakeholders. Providing effective short-run projections involves listening closely to key internal
stakeholders who work closely with external stakeholders. Internal stakeholders who work
directly with customers, clients, and/or vendors which give top management the advantage to
understand stakeholders needs by assuring that their presence within the organization is valued
by management (Welch, 2005).
VIII. b. Benefits of Intranets
Intranets main advantages are the ability of time reduction and the unification of
members within the organizational structure both internally and externally. Listed below are
some additional benefits which Intranets have on operation activities (Reisman, 1996):
Communication
• Internal communication and coordination
• Extended enterprise partnerships
ü Improved channel (franchisee) communications and
coordination
ü Improved supplier communication and coordination
ü Increased effectiveness of virtual enterprise partnerships
• External marketing and service
ü One-to-one marketing, increased share-of-customer
ü Customization of product, collaborative product
development
ü Collaborative, semi-automated services and support
13. • Strategic flexibility: Project ROI plus "Option-based risk
assessment" benefits
• Purpose-driven, adaptive organization
Productivity (process efficiency)
• Faster, easier, more flexible, and open communication
• Just-in-time information pull
• More productive collaboration
• Better learning and knowledge management
Effectiveness (business results)
• Faster time to market
• Better, faster feedback, adaptation, correction
Cost reduction
• Meeting, travels, and telephone time reduction
• Training, corporate, administrative, and operational
communications cost savings
In addition Intranets increases productivity by 25% and reduce training costs by
50% (Begbie, 2002). Improving training is an essential ingredient that allows employees
to have access to any changes that might affect their performance and what they must do
to ensure the company remains competitive within the industry. As a result members of
the organization develop a better understanding of their position within the organization.
Leading the way through better operation flow, accuracy plays a big part when
developing and managing an effective Intranet system. When the organization has
accurate information the decision making power improves by allowing management to
reduce costs and increase their profitability.
VIII.c. Description for layout of an EDI system - Intranet site
Identifer:Company Intranet
Name: www.capital.entertain.sw.net
linked to www.walters-dimmerickpetroleum.com
Purpose:To allow stakeholders to acquire necessary information for managing resources
efficiently.
Triggering events:Access information about store or view current inventory level.
Brief DescriptionProvide necessary information to authorized stakeholders
Actors:Vendors, employees, accountant
Stakeholders:Vendors, store management, employees, accountant
Pre-cautions: Internet access, secured site authorization
Post-cautions: Store management must update inventory level periodically.
Flow of events: Actor System
1. User enters address in browser
1a. Displays site in browser
2. Enter authorized link
2a. Grant access to authorized users
2b. Denies access to unauthorized user
14. 3. Company information link
3a. Displays information about company
4. Vendor report
4a. Displays inventory level by vendors
4b. Authorized users only
5. Location link
5a. Displays link, which provides direction to store
6. User enters new address in address bar
6a. Browsers moves to another site
Exception conditions: Connection problems, data not updated, wrong user ID and password
Figure 1: Website Use Case
VIII. d. Features of EDI system
Electronic data interchange (EDI) is an option that enhances an Intranet for external
stakeholders such as vendors and other financial representatives. An EDI improve the
retailer/vendor relationship by allowing vendors to have access to the current inventory level and
develop a sales analysis of their product line(s). An EDI system allows organizations to move to
a paperless system, which enables management to better manage the operation of their business.
This is two-fold: sharing sensitive and secret inventory level with vendors and reduces
the inventory management activity of the retailer by allowing the vendor to perform this activity
more efficiently (Raghunathan, 2001). Maintaining an adequate inventory management system
allows retailers to provide real time inventory access, adequately replenishes low inventory stock
by reducing stock-out, and enables retailers the ability to receive lower price for inventory item
(Raghunathan, 2001). In essence retailers are able to manage their inventory level on a just-in-
time (JIT) basis. Improving inventory levels on a JIT basis enables management to reduce
carrying costs by making available inventory when their customers require them. Refer to Figure
2 for how stakeholders will be able to access relevant information. A major feature to this EDI
system would benefit our carrier for fuel delivery. Allowing our carrier to have access to the fuel
inventory level will ensure that every location have adequate supply of fuel. Currently the
designated carrier must call each individual location for fuel levels and make deliveries based on
projected supply usage. An on-line real time system will give the carrier access to information
necessary to maintain adequate level of supply for each location.
VIII.e. Description for layout of an EDI system - Vendor Reports
Identifer: User summary analysis
Name: Vendor report
Purpose: To allow users to have adequate analysis for their products within a particular retailer.
Triggering events: Vendor requests data for order processing
Brief Description Electronic communication between retailer and vendors for ensuring adequate
inventory level.
Actors: Vendors and accountant
Stakeholders: Vendors, store management, accountant
15. Pre-cautions: Internet accesses, is authorized user
Post-cautions: Store management must update inventory level periodically.
Flow of events: Actor System
1. Mgmt. enters data - Updates current inventory level
2. User visit website User views company website via Internet access
3. User logs into secure site Protects other users information
4. Click on appropriate link to Transfer vendor to their authorized information
5. Click on unauthorized link Error message "not authorized user"
6. View inventory items Displays current inventory level
7. Enters ordered items Adjusts inventory level to desired level
8. Mgmt. approval Mgmt. accepts orders/authorize shipment
9. Print or save update Displays printing/saving status
10. log out Exits vendor from secured site
11. Order delivered - No action
12. Payment method available - No action
13. Mgmt. updates inventory level Updates current inventory level
Exception conditions: Connection problems, data not updated, wrong user ID and password
Figure 2: EDI Use Case
VIII.f. Challenges for the intranet
A major challenge to the creation of Intranet sites is developing an understanding of
needs and expectations (Chase, 2004). Technology changes the way users maneuver from
website to website. The ability to continuously modify an Intranet site accordingly to current
technology allows organizations to maintain the most efficient and effective use by all
stakeholders that will satisfy the needs by enhancing their daily activities in a simplified manner.
Another challenge for the development and maintenance is the issue of malware and security
issues. The proper maintenance of websites is to ensure any information transmitted through
organization sponsored website is not affected by anything that could harm the prospective user’s
computer, files, or the operation of the website. This entails maintaining the accuracy of
information on the website so that the site will continue to be operational.
A third challenge to the development of an effective Intranet is the ability to pull together
the necessary information that would improve the productivity of all stakeholders. The ability to
allow stakeholders to have access to information will ensure they are able to make the
appropriate decisions that would produce optimal results desired by upper management.
VIII.g. Challenges for EDI system
When sharing private information with outside stakeholders, there is the issue of
installing security measures that prohibit these stakeholders from gaining access to unauthorized
information. As with the retailer/vendor relationship, developing a system in which vendors are
allowed to view and edit only information that is relevant to them is essential to maintaining the
privacy of other data that allows the retailer to remain competitive within their industry. Along
with this is the factor of the honor system. The ability to trust representatives of a particular
16. vendor is a major factor in a technological advance economy. Another challenge is the ability to
trust representatives by not abusing their privileges of accessing unauthorized data. This has been
a major concern due to the 2001 fraudulent scandals. These scandals proved that if given the
right opportunity people will try to abuse their privileges to make their selves look better.
Countering fraudulent activities requires continuous updating security measures often by
ensuring private information remain private.
IX. Managing risks
A major concern in the information technology industry is the issue of security,
particularly the issues of security and identity theft. Detecting risks in projects and business
decisions has a major impact on developing the appropriate decisions or managing a successful
project. As the economy moves toward becoming technological advanced, protecting
investments and personal identity is a major concern for business when they intend to improve
operation procedures. Assessment of risks allows the project to progress to an efficiently and
effective to completion. Risk management eliminates or reduces any pitfalls that can occur in the
development, operation, and implementation of the project objective. Focusing on critical issues
are a major part in a successful operation during and after the project life cycle allows the project
manager to provide adequate time and funding to ensure any problems managed as quickly as
possible. Assessing major risks with a higher value and placing a lower value to minor risks
ensures proper attention given to the project so that serious problems do not cause
delays in the period of completion. Prior experience with similar project allows the project
manager and team to schedule the completion and funding accordingly to the project budget.
X. Leadership
Leadership provides the project a way to ensure a successful completion and a great
learning experience for the team members and other stakeholders. Teams fail for the lack of
commitment, knowledge, motivation, and leadership. There are several mistakes managers
should avoid. One mistake is to avoid not giving a clear vision for the project or company. A
seceond mistake is failure. A third mistake is not listening to team questions and concerns. A
fourth mistake is lack of leadership. A fifth mistake is poor management of decision making. A
sixth mistake is withholding praise and recognition. And a final mistake is failure to add to the
skills of the team members. (Messmer, 2006). Avoiding these pitfalls will help improve the flow
of information on the progress of the project and contribute to adequate representation of skills
of everyone involved on the project completion. A clear vision is a major part of ensuring the
project fulfills the obligations. The communication of the vision to all team members and other
stakeholders allows the project can proceed in the most advantage manner. According to Jack
Welch, leaders must develop an environment where people willing to try new things and
knowing that “only the limits of their creativity and drive would be the ceiling to how far and
fast they reach their goals” (Welch, 2001). Effective leaders know maintains effective operation
of the project so that the project can proceed to completion without restraints. Restraints lead the
project in directions that deviate from the main objective and goals. Building an environment
where team members understand their role, active contribution, stress-free, and the ability of
members to grow into other opportunities.
When a project or team becomes under stressful circumstances there are resistance
17. between priorities, maintaining control over tasks and members and the ability to stay on
schedule. As a project manager or team leader, his/her main goal is to acquire the ability to
reduce the stressful issues and encourage participates to continue to proceed producing their best
effort to complete project or their obligations. If team members become discouraged and
pursuing, the option of disassembling from the team, then the leader must be able to work out
these issues. This streams from too much stress that has developed in the performance of
accomplishing the tasks of the project and managing other priorities. Effective organizations of
priorities allow the team to ensure they are using their time in an efficient manner. Team
members need the understanding of the leader or project manager that he/she understands the
commitment they encounter on a daily basis. The proper management of priorities for the
project, organization, and members allows for a more successful project. Proper management of
priorities also allows the project manager to schedule meetings, performance obligations and
review maintaining adequate cost levels. The lack of understanding of priorities from other
members, projects, obligations can lead disgruntle participants and cause disassembly from the
team. When this happens the most optimal solution for the project manager is to reevaluate the
project operation. This entails gaining better communication with all active and non-active
participants to ensure successful completion of the project and flow of the organizations
operation. As an added incentive, effective communication and adequate priorities allows the
project manager to stick within budget parameters and schedule completion dates.
XI. Role of Ethics and Corporate Culture
The key to a successful organization is to have the best customer service relationship
(Chan, 2006). An unproductive work environment result from poor employee morale, personnel
conflicts, unsatisfactory compensation and benefits program, unrealistic job expectations,
perceived availability of better paying or more satisfying job opportunities elsewhere, inadequate
training, unsafe or stressful workplace conditions and inadequate management of hazardous
substances (Smith, 1990). Effective communication among all stakeholders is essential to
remaining ethical in the decision making process. Inadequate communication among all
stakeholders could lead to a critical issue among stakeholders for implementing a change plan
such as the concern for downsizing. Stakeholders need the assurance that these changes will be
for the benefit of improving operation and the relationship with all stakeholders. Ethics plays an
important aspect for a change plan in that ethics guides the change plan in the direction intended
by management. Ethics provides a means for motivation key stakeholders to produce quality
results and without motivation stakeholders might indulge in an unproductive work environment.
In an unproductive work environment there is an increasing amount of down time, absenteeism,
and a decline in the quality of final output. This leads to a “loss of control over the shop floor”
(Videla, 2006).
Corporate responsibility primary interest should lean toward the support of key
stakeholders and maintaining resources relevant to an effective and efficient operation.
Management responsibility to sustaining corporate responsibility rests on aligning a change plan
with strategy. According to Mark Frigo, “85% of management teams spend less than one hour a
month discussion strategy”. Every quarter management must be willing to adjust or reinforce
current strategy to maintain the desired market potential. This can be accomplished by stressing
the importance of the strategy in a manner that focuses stakeholder’s attention to building
relationships among each other so that growth enables not only the organization but also every
18. stakeholder’s ability to acquire the necessary skills to enhance their position within the
organization.
XII. Project to benefit the economy
The roads in Michigan are not up to standards for the Michigan environment. I developed
this presentation because I drove these roads for at least fifteen years and have not seen any
improvement in the way the roads have been handled. Michigan’s environment has taken a huge
impact on the roads.
As one of Michigan’s primary source of historical growth, which includes the automobile
industry and the cereal industry. These two industries deserve more efficient and effective use of
technology for the development of the roads.
Building and maintaining efficient and effective roads will be good economic growth for
this state as there will be job security for Michigan’s citizens, especially for the road crew. The
continuing support for effective and efficient roads will allow engineers to develop roads, which
would impact the Michigan environment. As I drive or ride in vehicles on these roads in
Michigan’s community, I see these roads are loosing the comfort for a relaxing journey to our
destinations. We need to develop roads, which will help maintain the value in the vehicles, which
travel on Michigan’s roads. These road surfaces should change according to the climate. For
instance, roads in the winter in Michigan should have a heating element, which would reduce or
eliminate ice and snow from forming on the surface. This would reduce the amount of traffic
accidents from careless drivers who slide off the road due to the slippery conditions. On the other
side, in extreme heat conditions, like in the summer, the road surfaces should have a cooling
element.
The construction for maintaining effective and efficient roads should be composed of:
gravel, coal, heat/cooling coils, earth, and a solar generator. This is an expensive task to develop
and will require manpower, knowledge, and equipment to conduct in an efficient and effective
manner. Even this is an expensive operation to uphold for the state of Michigan, Michigan
should incur a great return on their investment every year if managed properly. In addition,
Michigan can receive a tax credit within a seven-year period if the maintenance and construction
shows at least a 20% increase in operation effectiveness.
Not only will the construction for this new road create jobs for engineers, but also for
police officers and road crews. Police officers should monitor road conditions to ensure that
these roads are traveled properly. Police officers can monitor/ensure that these roads are properly
maintained and that they meet the standards for the driving conditions. All maintenance will be
performed at night to ensure the crew can gather the proper data to calibrate the system based on
the environmental conditions during the day travels. The auto industry has developed efficient
vehicles, which has made the ride more relaxing, but can show some signs of deterioration’s
based on the current road conditions.
The funding for these roads should be funded through the fuel price and property taxes.
19. Another option would be to fund the new roads via a productivity tax on the Michigan
population workforce. This productivity tax would help improve the indirect labor costs based on
the workforce population. The labor market deserves to be compensated for their talents. The
productivity tax can have a negative impact on the labor market based on their maturity level in
the work environment. This negative maturity level can create a down payment for the
development for a more efficient and effective traveling conditions.
Effectively managing the talents for a well-balanced state, nation, country employs the
recognition for the talents based within the boundaries of this great country. Michigan is a good
place to live based on the scenery, which has many features to explore if given the opportunity.
This state can be an even better place to live if every member of this state would effectively
communicate, and involve each other in the decision making process instead of destroying the
reputation of others. We live in a country where we have freedom to speak our minds in an
ethical manner. If we break this code of professional conduct we should suffer severe penalty.
XIII. Products and Services
A business organization is dependent on the products and services they manufacture. In this
business opportunity I would like to focus on the products offered by the individual business
units, and possible add additional products and/or services. One additional product I would like
to include in the service station business unit is adding insurance policy development. Insurance
policy development would be offered via the retail agents. The retail agents would have
information to develop quotes for customer’s vehicles. Information would be linked to the
Insurance agency Intranet so that policies can be submitted directly to the agency.
Another product or service I would like to offer is the ability for retail agents to post items on e-
bay for customers who wish to sell their personal items. This would help provide incentives to
promote good customer service relationships. Any retail operation requires good customer
service skills and interacting with the public to promote products and services in an efficient and
effective manner. Adding the option to promote and sell items under an organization’s guidance
will help a community of other business function in a professional manner.
Employees would be required to submit a report for their activities during their assigned shift.
Each report would provide a base for their productivity, determine their vacation time, wage
increase, and other incentives. Adequate reports are important to the development of a successful
business as they determine an organizations tax structure. Reports provide government a way to
determine benchmarks for an industry for which businesses operate.
XIV. Conclusion
The development of this report is to help gain a mentor-ship so that I can become a mentor to
other individuals. An effective contingency strategy must be flexible to allow for competitive
shifts and at the same time lead an effective implementation (Chakraborty, 1996). Becoming
mentors is essential in a society managed through a true Democracy. Democracy guides
individuals to doing what is ethical, taking responsibility for your own mistakes, building on
your own strengths, eliminating your own weaknesses, and allowing everyone the opportunity
20. for independence. Independence is defined as the ability to make your own decisions, acquiring
material and non-material things to help you maintain your strengths and eliminate your
weaknesses (Management 250, WMU - 2000, 2001).
Leadership is a guiding aspect among several different stakeholders. A successful business unit is
not probable unless you have everyone within and outside the organization chain working
together to help build the necessary relationships necessary to gain competitive advantage.
Competitive advantage is a measuring stick for how well the organization can guide internal
stakeholders toward a common goal, maintaining the right marketing strategy which will retain
and create an efficient customer base, and providing an environment which enhances
governmental regulations. Governmental regulations are an important aspect for business
management. Governmental regulations provide measures for how well businesses are
maintaining adequate communication, documentation, customer relation activities, and employee
moral.
As the economy moves toward becoming more technological advanced, business management
requires business managers to have high ethical standards. Technology can provide many
advantages to enhancing a business unit, and should require about a third to a quarter of the
business budget. Even though technology provides means for alternative communication, we still
need to have face-to-face communication. Interacting with others allows all members within the
organization to gain a prospective for what the individual consumer is willing to accept, like their
purchasing abilities. In addition, business managers must understand how risks are accessed and
the impact they have on the business as a whole, the community, and internal and external
stakeholders. A business is built on providing good examples through how efficient and effective
their products and services are manufactured.
In addition, to achieving this venture, I would like to manage or assist management of a Junior
High School. The school I would like to help manage and bring back is Southwestern Junior
High School located on Washington Ave, Battle Creek, MI. This opportunity would help me
ensure that the next generation of workforce individuals is prepared to become ethical qualified
labor for the job force. Becoming mentors in the business world should provide a labor market,
which promote ethical decision making, ensuring people take action for any unethical behaviors,
and providing relationships within the community.
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