The document outlines a proposed telecommuting policy for Platinum Company, highlighting its benefits such as increased productivity, reduced costs, and flexible working hours, while also addressing potential challenges like data security and employee isolation. The findings suggest telecommuting can enhance business operations but require careful implementation, including employee eligibility, proper technology, and security measures. Recommendations include a trial period to evaluate effectiveness and employee satisfaction before finalizing the policy.

1. Transmittal Memorandum
TO:
Rachel Smith, Human Resource Director
FROM:
Business Development Manager
DATE:
December 18, 2015
SUBJECT
Implementing a telecommuting policy
The Business Development department has noticed that
Platinum Company lacks a telecommuting policy. Some
employees have complained about the lack of such a policy,
given that our organization has locations all over the world.
They say that reporting to a main location is not necessary for
them to do their work.
Telecommuting is the practice of working outside a company’s
primary business location, either at home or another remote
location. This policy has been a practice exercised by many
businesses for more than 20 years, both in United States and
abroad. The Internet, faxes, phones, webcams, and instant
messaging are some of the tools required for this practice. This
ideal business practice may suit for any modern business
including ours. The benefits this policy would bring to the
workplace include
• Cost and time efficient for both companies and employees
• Flexible work-hours for telecommuters
• Increased productivity
• Working offsite

2. • Worldwide recruitment
Along with the benefits, there are a few potential problems that
might affect this business practice. There are certain risks that
businesses must take into consideration before developing a
telecommuting policy in the workplace. These risks include
• Fraud or hacking
• Employee isolation from the social bonds of the office or from
management
• Reduction of face-to-face interaction with other employees
and management
• Connectivity issues
To implement a successful telecommuting policy the business
must put in place greater filters and spam protectors to avoid
being hacked, obtain advanced technology to support
teleworkers, invest in training for potential teleworkers, and
structure monitoring prior to implementing a telecommuting
practice.
My research shows that telecommuting could make Platinum
Company more competitive in the business world. The benefits
of implementing this policy allow companies to work from
multiple locations worldwide and keep their customers in
contact with the teleworkers at any place and time. In addition,
employees can accomplish their jobs from their homes.
Developing a telecommuting policy at Platinum Company would
help the business, employees, and customers. We hope you will
take this policy into consideration. Thank you for your time.
Table of Contents
Transmittal
Memorandum...........……………………………...…………………
…… ii

3. Executive
Summary…..……......………………………………………………
………. iv
1.0 Introduction
1
1.1 Topic Investigation
1
1.2 Objectives
1
2.0 Findings and Discussion
1
2.1 Definition and History of Telecommuting
1
2.2 Benefits of Telecommuting
2
2.3 Potential Pitfalls of Telecommuting
2
2.4 Requirements of Telecommuting
3
2.4.1 Connectivity and Accessibility
3
2.4.2 Data Sharing
3
2.4.3 Communication
3
3.0 Implementing Telecommuting Policy
3
3.1 Eligibility
4
3.2 Management Responsibility
4
3.3 Work Hours

4. 4
3.4 Applications and Security
4
4.0 Conclusions
5
5.0 Recommendations
5
References
6
Executive summary
Purpose and Method
The purpose of this report is to describe the process of
telecommuting, examine the advantages and disadvantages, and
discuss ways of implementing this policy in the workplace.
Methods of analysis include interviewing eight employees from
different departments at Platinum Company and a research at
different educational databases and web search engines.
Findings and Conclusion
Results show that telecommuting can have enormous positive
impacts on business practices if properly implemented. Thanks
to its potential to cut costs, increase productivity, and expand
the supply of potential employees, telecommuting is emerging
as a standard business strategy for a large number of
organizations.
This unique business practice comes along with benefits and a
few challenges. However, with the necessary tools
telecommuting can be reliable and efficient.
The benefits of telecommuting can help employees be more
productive. In addition, employers also get benefitted from
telecommuting since this can be a good technique for employee
retention and to decrease expenses that incur from employees
working at the office.
Although telecommuting has a few disadvantages, these can be
solved. Data security is a major issue that organizations face

5. with telecommuting. Working from home puts employees and
their companies at risk of fraud and hackers, but having a good
system in place can prevent data security problems.
The report finds that telecommuting can be of great benefit.
Platinum Company should consider implementing this policy
and follow these recommendations
· Examine who is eligible to telecommute
· Implement the necessary telecommuting equipment
· Put in place a telecommute trial period for eligible employees
· Conduct performance evaluation for teleworkers and analyze
the results
· Evaluate telecommuting policy and come up with a final result
After following these procedures Platinum Company should be
able to determine if telecommuting policy is beneficial or not to
the organization and its employees.
Implementing a Telecommuting Policy
1.0 Introduction
1.1 Topic Investigation
According to Global Workplace Analytics, 2.5% of the United
States workforce work from home at least half the time and 80%
to 90% of the US workforce would like to telework at least part
time. They consider that two to three days a week seem to be a
good balance of concentrative work at home and collaborative
work at the office.
After interviewing eight employees from different departments
at Platinum Company, I learned that 90% of their daily tasks
involved the use of technology. This includes email,

6. software/programs, and the Internet. Evidently, this is an
indicator that employees can access and perform their daily
tasks from anywhere in the world where a computer with
Internet access was available.
1.2 Objectives
The report objectives are to provide the reader with key
knowledge on the process of telecommuting, the advantages and
disadvantages, and best practices. It also includes information
on how organizations can utilize this efficient and successful
business trend.
2.0 Findings and Discussion
The findings of the study will be presented in four sections:
· Definition and history of telecommuting
· Benefits of telecommuting
· Potential pitfalls of telecommuting
· Requirements of telecommuting
2.1 Definition and History of Telecommuting
Telecommuting is an emerging business practice that offers
many job opportunities and increasing productivity.
Telecommuting is defined as any work done at a remote work
site using computers and telecommunication technologies.
Types of telework include home-based telework, satellite
commuting, and functional relocation (e.g. management at
distance).
Information technology plays a key role in making
telecommuting possible. A few years ago, teleworkers were only
been able to send and receive emails and communicate with
management using mobile phones. Nowadays, teleworkers are
allowed to share information via Cloud, communicate with
anyone at anytime via video conferencing, and gain access to
company’s critical and confidential information using a virtual

7. private network (VPN). The idea is to allow employees to
perform their work in places other than the company’s offices.
As technology advances, job opportunities have increasingly
diversified.
Most people believe that telecommuting has been introduced
through technology advances during the 21st century. However,
telecommuting goes back to before the 18th century. The use of
telecommuting has been evolving and becoming more popular
over the years.
There are advantages and disadvantages that come along with
telecommuting although, the disadvantages are limited and have
little-to-no affect on the job assignments. Some of the
advantages are reduction of middle level management,
productivity gains, and reduction in space and rental fees. Some
of the examples of disadvantages in telecommuting include
social isolation and possible costs for new work methods and
training.
2.2 Benefits of Telecommuting
The main benefits to consider are increase in productivity,
reduce turnover, and cost effective. There are misconceptions
that employees would be less productive when telecommuting.
According to a Stanford study, call center employees increased
their productivity by 13% when allowed to work from home.
Another study from University of Texas, Austin showed that
telecommuters worked 5-7 hours more than their in-office
colleagues.
Employees who are given the option to telecommute are
reportedly much happier (73%) with their employers and their
ability to telecommute than traditional office workers (64%).
Being happier in their jobs means that employees are much
more likely to stay in their positions, which saves a company a
lot of money in the long run. Employees that do not
telecommute tend to be unhappy with their commutes, they
might be more apt to call in sick or look for another position
that will allow them to work remotely and subsequently quit.
Lost productivity can cost a company thousands of dollars and

8. that number can increase when the employee actually does
resign.
Employees are not the only ones that benefit financially from
working from home. Employees who telecommute avoid added
expenses that come with working in an office such as
commuting costs, office attire and daily lunches, but employers
save thousands of dollars as well. It’s estimated that for each
employee who telecommutes, a company saves about $11,000
annually.
2.3 Potential Pitfalls of Telecommuting
Some of the disadvantages that come long with telecommuting
are data security, and isolation. Data security can be a big issue
for teleworkers. The employer loses the ability to control the
security of sensitive work related information in the
teleworker’s computer once the employee steps outside the
office. It is up to the employee to prevent sensitive data leaks
that can occur due to theft, hacking or viruses. Employees need
to be aware and use login passwords on all of their devices, and
password-protect folders containing important information.
Protocols should be put into place to shore up any gaps in
security, including training on remote access security and
frequent password updates.
Working from home can be ideal for introverted personalities
who are able to focus better when they're alone, but many
people find that they thrive on the company of others for
creativity and motivation. Telecommuters who enjoy the social
aspect of their job may be unhappy with the isolation of
working from home. It’s possible to remedy this feeling with e-
mail, phone calls, instant messaging, and video conferencing,
but it’s no substitute for face-to-face interaction. Some
telecommuters find that working from a coffee shop or library
satisfies their people fix, but others prefer the office
environment to solitude. A co-working space might solve this
problem by allowing you to telecommute and work from an

9. office setting.
2.4 Requirements of Telecommuting
Teleworkers use a variety of technologies to stay in a better
contact with the management, colleagues, and customers. The
minimum system required for home computer use for
telecommuting includes “Windows XP, MS Office, 2GB RAM,
Minimum 5Mps Internet connection and a virus protection
software”
(Johnsey, 2013). Other requirements include connectivity and
accessibility, data sharing, and communication.
2.2.1 Connectivity and Accessibility
Most of teleworking activities can be made through Virtual
Private Networks (VPN). A Virtual Private Networks (VPN)
provides network connectivity over a long distance enabling file
sharing and video conferencing. VPN allows employees to
communicate using instant messaging (IM) applications and
access confidential information of the company. Furthermore,
VPN allows encrypted and secured communication at a low
cost.
2.2.2 Data Sharing
Cloud computing is a great tool in sharing data effectively.
Cloud computing means the use of distributed, network-
connected facilities for both storage and data-processing tasks.
Cloud computing provides teleworkers to have self-service
anytime so they can complete tasks from anywhere at any time.
The benefit of Cloud computing is that it requires minimum
space for teleworkers to access, save, or share information in
any device they desire to use for telecommuting.
2.2.3 Communication
Communication is one of the most important elements of
telecommuting. Teleconferencing, remote connection to
networks, Instant Messaging (IM), computer conferencing, and

10. videoconferencing enable teleworkers to keep their connection
with the company and customers worldwide (Kirk &Belovics,
2006).
3.0 Implementing Telecommuting Policy
The purpose of a telecommuting policy is to promote telework
as a means of achieving efficiency, reducing work congestions,
and sustaining a highly qualified workforce by enhancing work
balance. Advantages such as increasing human resource
capacity and savings in direct expenses, a decrease in
environmental damage, solutions for special-needs populations,
and savings in infrastructure and energy can expand businesses
worldwide. Additionally, business can reduce everyday
expenses by having a smaller office space leased that limit
electricity, heating and, cooling needs.
According to a study conducted by PC World, “Results of the
study pointed to multiple reasons why telework is linked to high
job satisfaction, namely that employee working remotely are, on
average, shielded from much of the distracting and stressful
aspects of the workplace, such as office politics, interruptions,
constant meetings and information overload” (Tony, 2011), this
serves as a huge advantage for those who desire completing
their job functions without the everyday distractions that
happen in the workplace.
Teleworkers are able to use their workday down time for
efficiently allowing homework to be completed, instead of
surfing the web or other time wasting techniques.
Telecommuting is perceived to have a positive outcome on job
satisfaction and performance. This outcome is only possible
with proper implementation of the policy that includes:
eligibility, management responsibility, work-hours, and
applications and security.
3.1 Eligibility
A good candidate for telecommuting may be any business
looking to expand. Telecommuting is suitable for skilled people

11. that desire to work overseas without moving their physical
residence. Telework may also be appropriate for any
individualthat does not wish to be restricted to the traditional
workday yet, still desires to produce quality work. In order to
implement appropriate telecommuting policy, management must
ensure that candidates are self-motivated to work from an
offsite location, fully skilled in effective time-management,
independent to fulfill the work assignments, able to complete
tasks with minimum face-to-face interaction with
colleagues/management/customers, and sustainable work
confidentiality.
3.2 Management and Responsibility
When arranging a telecommuting policy, management must
fully understand the technology involving telecommuting. Also,
management should ensure that connectivity and accessibility of
teleworkers are at its optimum. Lastly, management must create
and maintain telework related reports, records, and evaluation.
3.3 Work Hours
Due to the characteristics of telecommuting, work hours may
vary from each individual. Thus, work hours for telecommuters
must state specific guidelines so that teleworkers can complete
job assignments in time while maintaining communication with
colleagues and managers. Some of the guidelines may include
· Teleworkers must record all hours worked
· Management may require teleworkers to attend physical
meetings
· Teleworkers must ensure to finish the work assignment on
time
3.4 Applications and Security

12. Although productivity is the most important in telecommuting,
ensuring security of the data teleworkers are accessing offsite
may be critical. Platinum Company must set a specific policy in
terms of application and security teleworkers use, so they can
have structured guidelines on the programs and software they
use in order to be protected from any potential hacks or
breaches. Teleworkers must receive an approval to all devices
they may use to perform work assignments, as well as follow
the specific application or software instructed by the company.
They should alsoensure that all applications they use are up-to-
date and acknowledge that all information containing in
applications are confidential and a property of Platinum
Company.
4.0 Conclusions
The use of telecommuting has been proven to be beneficial to
companies if properly implemented. Businesses are finding
many benefits in the flexibility that this policy promotes.
Telecommuting tends to improve morale, as employees take
advantage of the opportunity to work offsite. The mentioned
advantages make telecommuting an attractive policy that benefit
the employer and the employee.
5.0 Recommendations
Telecommuting policy could be implemented as Platinum
Company determines. This should be with careful consideration,
examining who is eligible for the program, the work hours
needed, the types of applications, and security ensured. We
recommend Platinum Company make telecommuting
arrangements to be on a trial basis for a few months to see the
increase or decrease of productivity, as well as job satisfaction.
Previous to implementing a telecommuting policy, Platinum’s
management should make sure that appropriate equipment is
prepared in order to have a successful telecommuting system for
teleworkers. To implement telecommuting equipment this may

13. include software, data lines, modems, hardware, and
photocopiers.
Through trial months, the telecommuting policy must be
continuously updated in order to establish and improve work
environment for teleworkers. Also, conducting performance
evaluation for teleworkers are recommended through trial
months so that Platinum Company is able to blueprint how
telecommuting affects. Platinum can also conduct a customer
satisfaction survey that evaluates the performance to see the
grade of satisfaction and to retrieve suggestions.
After the trial months, telecommuting policy needs to be
evaluated. This is to see if telecommuting has been cost and
time effective, teleworkers’ job performance have met
company’s expectations, both teleworkers and employees are
satisfied with work arrangement and communication, and how
much productivity has increased after implementing
telecommuting.
References
Analytics, Global. "Latest Telecommuting Statistics | Global
Workplace Analytics". Globalworkplaceanalytics.com. N.p.,
2015.
Braccio, B. (2015). The history of telecommuting and where it
stands now
Retrieved from https://www.flexjobs.com/blog/post/the-history-
of-telecommuting-stands-now/
Carlson, L. (2004, June 1). Overcoming telework's tech
challenges. Employee Benefit
News, pp. 53-54. Retrieved from www.benefitnews.com

14. Fallon, N. (2015, February 5). 4 issues your company’s
telecommuting policy should
address. Business News Daily. Retrieved from
http://www.businessnewsdaily.com/7749-create-telecommuting-
policy.html
Gray, P. (1995). Making Telecommuting Happen: A Guide for
Telemanagers and
Telecommuters. Information Systems Management, (4). 72.
Harpaz, I. (2002). Advantages and disadvantages of
telecommuting for the individual, organization and
society. Work Study: A Journal of Productivity Science, 51(2-
3), 74-80. doi: 10.1108/00438020210418791
Hollen, M. (2014, March 13). Telecommuting from another
country. Retrieved from
http://www.escapeartist.com/blog/work/telecommuting-
overseas/
Holtgrewe, U. (2014). New technologies: The future and the
present of work in
information and communication technology. New Technology,
Work &
Emplogyment, 29(1), 9-24.doi: 10.1111/ntwe.12025
Howe, D. (2010). Telecommuting. Retrieved from
http://dictionary.reference.com/

15. browse/telecommuting
Insight Technology
Solution
s. (n.d.) Employees working from home. Retrieved from
http://www.tuugo.us/SiteViewer/0310004654334?url=http%3A
%2F%2Finsight-
ts.com%2F
Johnsey, J, J. (2013, April 25). Work smarter to climb the
ladder. Retrieved from
https://jacobsononline.com/uploadfiles/presentation.pdf
Kirk, J., &Belovics, R. (2006). Making e-working work.Journal
of Employment
Counseling, 43(1), pp. 39-46. Retrieved from
http://www.employment

16. counseling.org/journal-of-employment-counseling.html
Parris,. "5 Benefits Of Telecommuting For Employers And
Employees - 1MFWF". 1 Million for Work Flexibility. N.p.,
2014.
Pearce, J. A. ll. (2009). Successful corporate telecommuting
with technology
considerations for late adopters. Organizational Dynamics,
38(1), 16–25.
http://dx.doi.org.ezproxy.umuc.edu/10.1016/j.orgdyn.2008.10.0
02
Telecommuting guidelines. (n.d.). Telecommuting guidelines
for Berkeley Human
Resources department. Retrieved from
http://hrweb.berkeley.edu/
er/policies/other/telecommuting/guidelines
Tony, B. (2011, January 20). Telecommuting Is Good for
Employees and Employers.

17. Retrieved from http://www.entrepreneur.com/article/217919
Tung, L.L., & Turban, E. (1996). Information technology as an
enabler of
telecommuting. International Journal of Information
Management, 16(2),
103-117. doi: 10.1016/0268-4012(95)00072-0
PAGE
iii
Part 1
Case Study #14—Safaricom
CASE STUDY INFO IS BELOW PART 2
Read the case study located in the section titled Case Studies in
your textbook and prepare a 3- to 4-page report in a Microsoft
Word document concerning the following situation:
The Safaricom case provides an excellent opportunity to apply

18. strategic management concepts to a constantly growing and
extremely competitive organization. Safaricom is the largest
mobile service provider in Kenya. It offers not only means of
mobile communication, but also is involved within the
community. In addition, Safaricom sponsors athletic events such
as Safaricom Sevens and a music festival, Niko na Safaricom
Live.
The purpose of this case study is to examine the factors that are
crucial to Safaricom’s continued success and to propose
strategic actions to sustain its competitive advantage. While
Safaricom’s community involvement enhances its brand image,
the mobile service sector of Safaricom is the largest and main
focus. Safaricom was formed in 1997 and has grown to be the
largest mobile service provider in Kenya by implementing
different strategies, including acquisitions.
The analysis should start with a scan of the general, industry,
and competitive environments. How does the external
environment in Kenya differ from anywhere else? The case also
describes Safaricom’s competitive advantage, and the
effectiveness of its strategies against industry rivals should be
examined. Safaricom offers different services such as prepaid
mobile, voice and data services, and its voice packages are
bundled with other services such as rewards programs, music,
and games. Finally, the pressing strategic concerns, the
effectiveness of Safaricom’s leadership should also be

19. considered to devise convincing recommendations.
This case is ideal for demonstrating the importance of the
external environment, competitive rivalry, and strategic
leadership. The following points are to guide a review and
discussion of these important concepts.
Your report and overview should address the following key
strategic issues:
· Describe the general environment that Safaricom faces. What
are the segments in the general environment that relate to
Safaricom’s situation? What are the opportunities and threats
derived from the factors from the general environment? What
are the possible future implications of some of the external
factors?
· Analyze the competitor environment and identify the
competitors. Has Safaricom done enough to outperform its
competitors?
· Evaluate Safaricom’s CEO, Robert Collymore’s strategic
leadership. Has he been able to fulfill his responsibilities and
continue to grow Safaricom as a company?
· Describe Safaricom’s next move in terms of growth and
expansion. Based on your analysis, what additional
recommendations would you make to help Safaricom achieve its
goals?

20. Part 2
Strategic Management and Competitiveness
In this assignment, you will decide on strategic management
plans, a company's strategic competitiveness, and the best
model for above-average returns.
In current market conditions, companies need to gain and then
maintain a competitive edge over their competitors. They do
this by employing a compelling and dynamic strategic
management process to create a strategy that helps them achieve
their goals before one of their competitors does.
Discuss the following questions in relation to strategic
management:
· What factors make up this process?
· How important is it to change, and what criteria determine the
changes in a strategic management plan?
Discuss the following questions in relation to strategic
competitiveness:
· How would you describe the twenty-first century competitive
landscape and the various challenges it brings to businesses?
· Why will a traditional mindset not lead a company to strategic
competitiveness and what values must managers adopt to
overcome these challenges?
Such companies also measure performance in terms of the
degree and the speed of growth.

21. Discuss the following questions in relation to above-average
returns:
· What are the differences between industrial organization (I/O)
and resource-based models of above-average returns?
· Which is a more successful model?
· Which model will you use to help shape your strategic
management plan and why?
Case Study Information
CASE 14: Safaricom: Innovative Telecom