Organizational Behavior - What type of team was formed here Was it necessary, in your opinion

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Organizational Behavior

Q1. Do you believe people are really getting smarter? Why or why not?

Q2. Which of the factors explaining the Flynn Effect do you buy?

Q3. Are there any societal advantages of disadvantages to the Flynn Effect?

Q4. What performance problems is the captain trying to correct?

Q5. Use the MARS model of individual behavior and performance to diagnose the possible causes of the unacceptable behavior.

Q6. Has the captain considered all possible solutions to the problem? If not, what else might be done?

Q7. Identify the stressors in John Breckenridge’s life. Which ones could he have prevented?

Q8. What were the results of the stress? Would you consider these to be typical to stress situations and lifestyle choices John made, or was John Breckenridge unlucky?

Q9. Assume you are a career coach retained by John Breckenridge to guide him through his next decisions. How would you recommend that John modify his lifestyle and behavior to reduce stress? Should he change jobs? Do you believe he is capable of reducing his stress alone? If not, where should he seek help?

Q10. What type of team was formed here? Was it necessary, in your opinion?

Q11. Use the team effectiveness model in Chapter 9 and related information in this chapter to identify the strengths and weaknesses of this team’s environment, design, and processes.

Q12. Assuming that these four people must continue to work as a team, recommend ways to improve the team’s effectiveness.

Q13. What barriers to effective communication existed in Aluminum Elements Corp? How did the author deal with these? What would you do differently?

Q14. Identify and discuss why John was upset at the end of the case. What should the writer do at this time?

Q15. Identify the different conflict episodes that exist in this case. Who was in conflict with whom?

Q16. What are the sources of conflict for these conflict incidents?

Q17. What conflict management style(s) did Lapierre, the international team, and Gushin use to resolve these conflicts? What style(s) would have worked best in the situation?

Q18. Name two motivating factors at RBS.

Q19. Describe the differences between the theories of Taylor and Maslow.

Q20. How does RBS’ Total Reward package fulfill Maslow’s higher levels of motivation?

Q21. How does Total Reward contribute to RBS’ overall strategy?

Q22. Explain what is meant by a premium brand.

Q23. Describe the difference between an aim and an objective

Q24. Outline the purpose of Kellogg’s work with the ASA.

Q25. Using examples to support your dialogue, evaluate how Kellogg communicates and discuss how this enables it to position its brand.

Q26. What is Kaizen? I low is this different from a one-step leap forward?

Q27. How is Kaizen expected to help Leyland Trucks to increase its market share?

Q28. How does Leland Trucks measure Its continuous improvement? Can you suggest K KPls for another type of business organisation e.g. a retailer or a leisure centre’?

Q29. Why is continuous improvement most likely to be achieved in a company with a culture of trust’?Start your answer by explaining what is meant by a culture of trust.

Q30. What do you understand by the term, ‘thinking outside the box’? Give an example of how this can be applied to engineers working for RWE npower.

Q31. How does encouraging thinking outside the box help RWE npower to make improvements in the way in which it operates?

Q32. Explain how encouraging engineers at RWE npower to think outside the box has led to increased motivation for these employees.

Q33. Recommend wavy in which another organisation of your choice might improve its employees to think in creative ways about work. results through encouraging its employees to think in creative ways about work-related problems.

Q34. How does Siemens seek to provide good career opportunities for employees?

Q35. Describe one of the systems that Siemens has created which provides development opportunities for employees at work

Q36. How important is the appraisal system in helping to create shared understandings the objectives of the organization and personal objectives of individual employees?

Q37. How effective do you think the Siemens approach to people management will be 2 in creating great results

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Business Strategy Environment - In your opinion, what is the distinctive competence of HelpAge India

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Business Strategy Environment

1.         Consider the vision and mission statements of the Reserve Bank of India.           Comment on the quality of both these statements.

2.         Should the RBI go for a systematic and comprehensive strategic plan in place of its earlier pragmatic approach of responding to environmental events as and when they occur? Why?

Identify the opportunities and threats that the retailing industry in India offers to local and foreign companies.

Prepare an ETOP for a company interested in entering the retailing industry in India

In your opinion, what is the distinctive competence of HelpAge India?

Prepare a strategic advantage profile for HelpAge India.

         BHEL is mainly formulating and implementing concentration strategies nationally as well as globally, in the power equipment sector. Do you think it should broaden the scope of its strategies to include integration or diversification? Why?

2.      Suppose BHEL plans to diversify its business. What areas should it diversify into? Give reasons to justify your choice

1.         What is the motive for internationalization by the Kalyani Group? Discuss.

2.         Which type of international strategy is Kalyani Group adopting?    Explain.

1.         Comment on the steps taken to reduce the extent of vertical integration at the Indian Railways. Suggest a few more measures that could be taken.

2.         Discuss the measures taken for corporate restructuring of the Indian Railways, in your opinion, are these adequate for dealing with the problems faced? Why?

3.         Propose the basic elements of a corporate turnaround for the Indian Railways.

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Business Strategy Environment - Discuss the measures taken for corporate restructuring of the Indian Railways, in your opinion, are these adequate for dealing with the problems faced Why

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Business Strategy Environment

1.         Consider the vision and mission statements of the Reserve Bank of India.           Comment on the quality of both these statements.

2.         Should the RBI go for a systematic and comprehensive strategic plan in place of its earlier pragmatic approach of responding to environmental events as and when they occur? Why?

Identify the opportunities and threats that the retailing industry in India offers to local and foreign companies.

Prepare an ETOP for a company interested in entering the retailing industry in India

In your opinion, what is the distinctive competence of HelpAge India?

Prepare a strategic advantage profile for HelpAge India.

         BHEL is mainly formulating and implementing concentration strategies nationally as well as globally, in the power equipment sector. Do you think it should broaden the scope of its strategies to include integration or diversification? Why?

2.      Suppose BHEL plans to diversify its business. What areas should it diversify into? Give reasons to justify your choice

1.         What is the motive for internationalization by the Kalyani Group? Discuss.

2.         Which type of international strategy is Kalyani Group adopting?    Explain.

1.         Comment on the steps taken to reduce the extent of vertical integration at the Indian Railways. Suggest a few more measures that could be taken.

2.         Discuss the measures taken for corporate restructuring of the Indian Railways, in your opinion, are these adequate for dealing with the problems faced? Why?

3.         Propose the basic elements of a corporate turnaround for the Indian Railways.

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SUPPLY CHAIN MANAGEMENT - What, in your opinion, is the major reason for the failure of Kozmo

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SUPPLY CHAIN MANAGEMENT

1. What is Physical Distribution Management (PDM)? Why is PDM considered to be a critical area of overall supply chain management? Discuss the system or 'total' approach to PDM in detail.

2- Define SCM integration and discuss the four stages of Steven's model of supply chain integration. Also, describe the strategies involved in SCM integration.

3. "Many innovations on technology-based approaches are well-suited to the enhancement of the effectiveness of Supply Chain Management"-Justify the statement by giving few applications of information technology in SCM.

4. What is Customer Profitability Analysis? Why has it gained importance in the recent times? Is it ethical to deny a customer who is not profitable?

5. Why is the location of warehouse important for the SCM? Discuss some methods for determining the location of the warehouse

6. What are the essential differences in the Supply Chain Management of Products vs. Services? Discuss the application of Supply Chain Management principles in Financial Services.

Questions:

(a) What, in your opinion, is the major reason for the failure of Kozmo?

(b) Do you think that Kozmo promised what its supply chain could not bear? What could have prevented its shut-down? 

FOREIGN TRADE - In your opinion, why the Bank of Oman did not clear the payment

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           FOREIGN TRADE

CASE 1                                                                                                             (10 Marks)

THE MAGIC OF LETTER OF CREDIT:

Mother Choice is a Murnbai based export organisation specialising in the export of handsmoked children wear. Its owner is Mrs. Shruti Sharma who possesses post—graduate qualification in business management. The business is ten years old. It has nieched a good market for its items in USA and Japan. Only recently, Mrs. Sharma has upgraded the technology in her factory. The orders are adequate to keep her busy round the year.

Mrs. Sharma is seen in high spirits these days. She has negotiated a good order with Dubai based importer M/s Green Channels. Its MD Sheikh AI—Makhdoom, recently paid a visit to the office and factory of Mother Choice. He instantly liked the handsmokcd dresses for children. He placed a huge order with Mother Choice suggesting some changes such as long sleeves and lining and that the dresses shall not bear stars and crosses.

Sheikh Al-Makhdoom agreed to open a L/C. The order was placed on 28th August 2003 and the goods were to he delivered by 1st November 2003. An export contract was signed for US $ 30,000 covering 3,000 pieces. On 29th September ’03, the Bank of Oman, the issuing bank, sent an irrevocable L/C at sight to United Commercial Bank, the negotiating bank. L/C contained the following terms:

(1) Shipment:

— Port of departure — Mumbai.

— Port of arrival — Dubai.

— Partial shipment — allowed.

— Transshipment — allowed.

— Shipment Expiry — 1^st Nov. ‘03

Shipment documents should be presented to the issuing bank within the validity period of credit i.e. 1st Nov. ‘03.

(2) Special instructions:

- Commercial invoice should mention manufacturer’s name. 

- A copy of government approved inspection certificate. 

- Two copies of negotiable bill of lading along with ten copies of non—negotiable B/L.

-- Shipment to be effected by United Arab Shipping Co. (UASC) line vessel only. 

-- Certificate from the Masters/Agent of vessel stating that the vessel is allowed by Arab Authorities to call on Arab ports and is not scheduled to call at any Israeli ports during its trip to Arab countries.

-- Mother choice is allowed Red Clause facility. 

Mrs. Sharma is informed by the Production Manager that it would not be possible to ship the goods to Dubai by 1st NOV. ‘03 because of unexpectedly large volume orders from their prime buyers from USA and Japan. Mrs. Sharma e-mailed Green Channels showing her inability to ship the goods by 1st Nov. ‘03 and wanted extension of time. After much deliberation she was given extension of two weeks and that the goods must reach Dubai by 15th Nov. ‘03 to take advantage of Idd shopping; to which Mrs. Sharma agreed. Mother Choice despatched the shipment which reached Dubai on 14th Nov. ‘03. On collection of shipment, Green Channels found that six pieces were short and it asked Mother Choice to send six pieces by courier, to which Mother Choice agreed. In the meantime the exporter collected payment from United Commercial Bank on presentation of documents.

Sometime in December ‘03, United Commercial Bank informed the exporter that it had not received payment from Bank of Oman, the issuing, bank and asked Mother Choice to speak to its buyer Green Channels.

Questions:

1) Did Mother Choice enjoy safety of payment with irrevocable L/C? Why is it necessary to follow the terms of L/C? 

2) Why do you think the buyer asked for ten copies of non—negotiable Bill of Lading? What is Red Clause facility? 

3) In your opinion, why the Bank of Oman did not clear the payment? 

Case – 2                                                                                                                    (10 Marks)

STRIKING GOLD WITH EXPORT POLICY LACUNA:

Unprincipled operators ever ready to collect incentives offered to exporters have pushed their ingenuity to new heights. A gang of self- proclaimed exporters, operating from Singapore and Dubai, has been minting money by exploiting the scheme which offers lucrative incentives against exports out of special economic zones (SEZs) in the country. Their style of operation is amazing. The gang members, posing as exporters, import__gold, platinum and palladium from Dubai apparently for manufacturing jewellery. The consignments are supposed to be exported with value addition. However, the “imported goods” are exported on the following day and payments are received immediately while the imports are made on letter of credit, that is on deferred payment terms extended upto a year.

The payments received out of exports by the Indian operator is put in fixed deposits in Indian banks for a period of one year (the period of the LC) earning a high rate of interest as compared to interest offered in foreign countries. The trade is over Rs. 300 crore annually only at Noida SEZ. The earnings of the operators in Dubai and India run into hundreds of crores in Indian currency. Investigative agencies are monitoring a few units in the Noida SEZ engaged in this money laundering game for quite some time. The total trade volume of Noida SEZ is Rs. 4,300 crore out of which Rs 3,000 crore relates to imports of gold, platinum and palladium.

An importer gets credits for imports on deferred terms, as mutually agreed upon by the buyer and the supplier. The importer opens a LC from a bank in India under deferred payment terms, extended upto a year and the supplier company gets its bills drawn under the LC discounted from a foreign office of the LC opening bank in India. So the moment the “imported goods” are exported, the importer in Dubai remits the money to its Indian partner who puts the same in fixed deposit to earn from high rate of interest.

As per original payment terms, the payment is to be received on the expiry of the deferred payment period (in this case one year), the supplier gets cash on the day of presentation of documents to the bank abroad extending the suppliers’ credit by agreeing to pay a commission to the bank. For the leading bank, the LC is issued by the bank in India becomes the security and payment is assured at the end of the normal deferred payment period.

In order to discount bills before one year maturity period, the supplier in Dubai pays about 2% charges on the total amount. In comparison he earns an interest of 6% p.a. in the Indian banks through fixed deposits if he remits the same discounted money through “imports” he made from India.

Questions:

1 ) Analyze the modus operandi of money laundering to take advantage of higher interest rates in India as cited in this case.

2)  Suggest measures to plug the lacuna in export policy. 

3) How would you assess this money laundering legal or illegal? Give arguments to support your stand. 

Case-3                                                                                          ( 10 Marks)

ADAPTABILITY - KEY TO SUCCESS IN BUSINESS:

McDonald Corporation is perhaps the best known business all over the world. This fast food chain, started its business in US and spread to 91 countries including China and Russia. With a network of 20,000 restaurants worldwide, it serves 3 million people everyday. More than half of its income comes from outside America. It has provided ernployment opportunities to more than two million people.

Success at such a grand scale is possible because McDonald, adapted its business to suit local likes and dislikes. Adaptability is seen in services, products and HR practices. It has given due recognition to legal, social, political, economic and cultural environment. In the Middle East countries McDonald’s restaurants provide separate dining rooms for men and women. has immensely successful business in Japan because Japanese are served Teriyaki Burgers.

McDonald made its entry into India after much hue and cry. Some complained that it will adversely affect the Indian culture and others had reservations because McDonald in the western countries mostly uses beef, something that is not acceptable in India. All these suspicion were put to rest because McDonald adapted its menu to suit local tastes. For non-vegetarian patrons only chicken and mutton are used. For frying only vegetable oil is used. Vegetarian customers have wide selection of dishes with Indian tastes. It has also started serving tea to attract clients because Indians are mostly tea drinkers. Its French Fries are extremely popular both among children and adults. In order to attract children it has installed games and joy-rides.

In India, its HR policies are too obvious. Employment is given to young boys and girls. College students can look forward to part-time employment at McDonald. Its restaurants maintain very high standard of hygiene. Flexi working hours is suitable to female employees. Once staff is selected, training becomes compulsory to make employees familiar with their jobs and McDonald’s philosophy of customer service and quality. To start employees are recruited on contract basis. When they prove their caliber through good work, they are continued on the job.

The success of McDonald is an eye-opener to Indian business. There is vast scope to export our delicacies abroad and also to think of opening chain of Indian restaurants to suit tastes of people overseas. The magic word is adaptability.

Questions:

1) Do you agree adaptability is the magic word to succeed in business overseas? Illustrate your answer? 

2)                To what would you subscribe phenomenal success of McDonald in India?

3)                Identify cultural factors that might be important in a training programmc for food handlers at McDonalds in India? 

4)                Argue in favor or against the HR policy of McDonald of hiring employees on contract basis? 

Case -4                                                                                                         (10 Marks)

PROGRESS AT A COST:

Since the introduction of free market economy China has shown remarkable progress in the industrial world. Chinese goods have flooded the global market They are cheaply priced with limited life span but they are favoured by consumers because it does not tax their pockets. An outstanding feature of their acceptability is product innovation.

China has become a breeding ground for foreign MNCs. Practically every large MNC has its branch/subsidiary in China. At the initial stage the going was simple but later foreign companies were compelled to pay price to get their job done. Demand for on-money takes several forms. The most common form of payment involves invitation to Chinese officials to visit overseas. There is marked preference for foreign travel rather than cash or gifts. Some trips are reasonable and bonafide. They are directly related to the promotion, demonstration or explanation of products and services or the execution of a contract with a foreign government agency. It is also reported that a certain bank was reluctant to open letter of credit for its client. The concerned bank official was invited on an overseas inspection tour and the bank opened L/C. Depending on the quantum of business, at times MNC, are asked to sponsor overseas education for children of officials. Refusing to make payments may not only hurt sales but it could mean end of road for the business.

Kickbacks are routine to get permission or license. Import and export licenses that are difficult to get legally, traders are tempted to purchase in black market. In the official circles much stress is put on speed-money because it helps to expedite the work. Speed-money is said to be a Way of life.

An alarming report appeared in the press that said inspection certificates complete with signatures and seals can be purchased for roughly US $ 200. Another report suggested that some imports that would legally enter China through a northern port are redirected through the southern port. This is because for the speed-money, customs officials in a southern province are willing to cut down the dutiable value of imports by as much as 50 per cent.

Questions

1)Make a list of different types of on—money and speed—money represented in this case. Will they make or make the progress of the economy? 

2)                Do you think MNCs face the problem of speed—money wherever they operate? How do they tackle the situation? 

3)                Are you in favor of more international stringent laws to dual with speed-money? If so, suggest measures? 

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