Business Strategy Assignment Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words

Business Strategy - Assignment Example A company may adopt either a mechanistic or an organic approach while executing its business or any other role that it plays in the society. A mechanistic approach is characterized by high levels of bureaucracy and complex strategies of executing duties, which are carried out in a more formal way. On the other hand, an organic organization has lower degree of bureaucracy, is relatively centralized and show limited level of formality while executing its strategies (Herman, 1991, pp306). b) Alfred D. Chandler’s reading is a business classic. Explain why structure follows strategy. Does firm structure continually evolve? If yes, how does this take place? Give an example to illustrate. (7 marks) Any organization that ventures in any business must come up with strategies to achieve the best fit in the ever-competitive environment. In this case, the company has to decide on which strategy to adopt among other issues. It is indispensable to appreciate the fact that a company has to s trategize on which structure to adopt. In this case, strategy comes before structure. Most organizations evolve in order to acclimatize themselves to changes in the business environment. Furthermore, growing competition often forces a company to re-strategize and come up with better ideas to help it to operate profitably. This is the basis of evolution. In fact, a company may have to diversify its operations and provide new product that it were not producing initially (Herman, 1991, pp309). Furthermore, a company may come up with new departments to help it in tackling the numerous issues related to success. This is the basis of structural evolution in an organization. For example, Google Inc. has experienced an evolving organizational structure. Initially, it did not have representatives in other regions of its operations. However, it has had to introduce branches in such places in order to take care of its interests. Branches like Google South America, Google SE Asia, and Google Ea st Africa among others exemplify this. c) Bartlett and Ghoshal (1995) argue the benefits of transnational organizations. What is a transnational organization? Provide an example of a transnational organization, justifying your selection. (5 marks) A transnational organization as used by Bartlett and Ghoshal (1995) is a phrase used to illustrate an organization that carries out its activities in a global perspective and does not rely in any way with the differences that may exist in countries that it operates. Such an organization in most instances seeks to achieve the balance of providing globally efficient services, responsive to all its customers irrespective of their nationalities, and carries out worldwide development. Microsoft Inc. exemplifies this. The corporation is American-based, but it is obviously clear that it seeks to provide goods and services serving the global market (Segal-Horn & Faulkner 1999, pp 116). d) What do critical views and current findings tell us about t he link between strategy and structure? (3 marks) The current findings and views postulate a clear perspective that strategy and structure are intertwined facets in which one cannot operate in the absence of then other. It is essential to note that, strategies formulated by any organization are drawn from the status of the existing business environment. This will then be used to come up with the best structure that counters the weakness and takes advantage of the strengths at its disposal. The development of such a competitive advantage positions the company at a situation where it can capitalize its strategic options, which are often determined by the environment. a) Briefly explain the planning perspective and the incrementalism

Applying the six dimensions to the study of Judaism Essay

Applying the six dimensions to the study of Judaism - Essay Example In fact, the giving of the covenant is what they believe makes the Jewish people the â€Å"chosen people,† and it is the one that also dictates their distinctive practices (dietary prohibitions and worship on the Saturday Sabbath for instance), practices that gives them distinction from others. Meanwhile, accounts of the creation of the world by one God, as written in the first book of the Torah (The Genesis—also in the Bible), shows the mythical component of Judaism as a religion. This narrative also shows that God blessed Abraham to be the â€Å"father of a great nation† (basicjudaism.org 2007). While the Christian Bible also believes in this account, this puts the Jews as direct descendants of Abraham the recipient of the blessings of God and eternal salvation, which is not open to other peoples or â€Å"gentiles† (which is contrary to Christian doctrine). The major doctrinal dimension of Judaism is the Torah, where the 613 laws and commandments are given to the Jewish people (basicjudaism.org 2007). It includes the giving of the law of God, the creation of the Jewish holidays and dietary restrictions, and even on the proper codes and manners of worship. Although it is true that the Torah also consists of the first five books of the Bible, Christians place an emphasis on the New Testament, which is not believed by the Jews. This is the reason why the belief in the Torah also contributes to the distinctive identity of Judaism. One of the major ethical dimensions of Judaism is also found in the Torah, specifically on the books of Leviticus and Deuteronomy (basicjudaism.org 2007). It is in these books where the dietary restrictions of the Jews (such as prohibitions on pork and ducks), as well as on how to treat women. In addition, it also shows the role of religious authorities in handling disputes among the people. These distinct