Grid Training – Meaning, Process, and Evaluation

Grid training is basically based on grid organization development developed by Blake and Mouton. It is a comprehensive and systematic Organizational Development  programme which aims at individuals, groups, and the organization as a whole. Grid training  utilizes a considerable number of instruments, enabling individuals and groups to assess their own strengths and weaknesses; focuses on skills, knowledge, and processes necessary for effectiveness at the individual, group, inter-group, and total organizational levels. Its specific objectives are as follows: To study the organization as an interactive system and apply techniques of analysis in diagnosing its problems. To understand the importance and rationale of systematic change. To evaluate the styles of leadership and techniques of participation to produce desirable results. Process of Grid Training The basic content of grid organization development is managerial grid as discussed. The whole orientation is to develop managerial style through the application of behavioral science knowledge. The grid Continue reading

Drivers of Globalization

The key factors seem to underlie the trend towards the increasing globalization of markets and production are the decline of barriers to trade and investment and the role of technological changes. 1. Decline of Barriers to Trade and Investment Decline in Trade Barriers Many of the barriers to international trade took the form of high tariffs on imports of manufactured goods. However, this depressed world demand and contributed to the great depression of the 1930’s. After World War II, the industrialized countries of the West started a process of removing barriers to the free flow of goods, services, and capital between nations. Under GATT, over 140 nations negotiated even further to decrease tariffs and made significant progress on a number of non-tariff issues (e.g. intellectual property, trade in services). The most recent round of negotiations known as Uruguay round was competed in December 1993. The Uruguay round further reduced trade Continue reading

Case Study: Apple iMac Ad Campaign

In the late 1990s technology analysts speculated that Apple Computer, Inc.’s fate hinged on its new personal computer the iMac. Apple’s share of the worldwide desktop-computer market had plummeted since 1995, the last year the company had been profitable. Ever greater numbers of consumers were buying personal computers (PCs) that ran on Microsoft’s Windows operating system rather than Apple’s version. Although Apple had pioneered user-friendly computers, the company had not introduced a consumer-targeted computer since 1992. Hoping that its stylish new iMac would propel Apple back into this vast segment of the market, Apple released its iMac ad campaign. The iMac ad campaign consists of a series of seven television commercials. These commercials advance Apple Computers newest generation of personal computers: the iMac. The iMac is a personal computer that is an AIO unit (All In One) and is housed in a translucent white and green case. Apple has attempted Continue reading

An Introduction to Computer Forensics

Forensic auditing deals with an extensive range of analytical work that is performed by expert accountants. This line of work typically involves an examination of the financial affairs of a company and is frequently connected with scrutinizing fraudulent activity. Forensic auditing consists of the entire investigation process, including having the investigator serve as an expert witness in a trial. Forensic accountants are even qualified to look into situations that are not fraud-related. These might include the settling of fiscal issues of a business or disputes between insurance claims. The forensic investigation encompasses the necessary steps taken to collect evidence in a suspected fraud case. The forensic audit is comparable to a financial audit, where a planning stage, an evidence gathering phase, a review procedure, and a client report, are implemented. The auditor uses a variety of audit techniques to recognize and assemble evidence. The auditor may want to find proof Continue reading

The Changing Nature of the Employment Relationship

Business environment is changing drastically in today’s corporate world. In early years of current management era manager were suppose to work exclusively with equipment’s, data and systems; performing traditional tasks. But scenario of management responsibilities has been changed significantly and today’s manger faces issues like cross training, personnel management, interdepartmental communication and widening job scope. Globalization is shaping and re-shaping business environment, resulting in increase of competitors, demand of new sourcing strategies and facing new markets with new demands. Irregular flow of information often subject to quantitatively strong fluctuations, controlling the flow of information is necessary otherwise these fluctuations can become detrimental. Information controlling is the analysis, evaluation and importance attached to the data that collected and provided with the data under various criteria. Because day by day managerial job is becoming more and more hectic manager needs to continuously look for new ways to improve speed and quality along Continue reading

Export/Import Transportation Systems

The transportation industry is a complex of institution that includes not only the carriers themselves (the ocean shipping companies, airlines, and truckers), but also the supporting terminal operators, freight forwarders, customhouse brokers, ship brokers, financial houses, insurance firms, and engineering and manufacturing concerns, There is also an array of governmental agencies, that oversee the operations of the industry and control the rates charged and services provided. Changes in any of these institutions or their foreign counterparts have ramifications on the rest of the industry and affect the service provided to the shipper of goods in international trade. Physical distribution managers have an array of alternative methods or modes of transportation for the movement of goods across borders and within countries. Various forms of sea, air, and land transportation may be available for use singly or in combination. The manager’s choice is influenced by the specific product and market characteristics. Large, Continue reading