Management majoring in Leadership

The pressure for any company to become an international success takes more than just money. Again, human capital plays a large role in the success or failure of a company. Not only do companies need to compete on a global level, they must watch their local competition who is trying to steal businesses by various methods. Can a small company learn to compete in this ever-changing world? Can a small company use its best assets, human capital, and strategically compare and compete against larger well-known companies in their local area? What does Infosys upper level management need to execute to answer all of these questions? How will they sustain their assets in a global business world that is ever-changing? Can they keep up, if so, how?

The purpose of this paper is to review Apple Inc.’s complete story and to define strategic management as to why it is critical to the success of an organization in meeting its goals and mission. Apple, Inc., is the new name of Apple Computers since 2007. The reasoning behind the name change was because Apple Computers no longer described the ever-changing dynamics that Apple Computer set out to accomplish. In 1975, Steve Jobs and Steve Wozniak started Apple computer in Jobs’ family garage with goal of building a computer circuit board named Apple 1. Shortly thereafter, businessman and venture capitalist, Mike Markkula, Jr. came on board. Apple Computers was known for its premium products and service all in one. This strategic goal was lost over the years as Apple, Inc. will demonstrate. Under Job’s care, Apple Inc. devoted 9% of their sales revenue to research and development compared to 5% at Compaq and 1% at another PC manufacture’s (Yoffie & Slind, 2008). These figures fit the company’s strategic goals of being able to foster the best and premium parts but with each new CEO, their lower level strategy changed but the company’s overall strategy was not changed to reflect the new CEO’s management style and approach.

The purpose of this paper is to encourage managers to assess their employees, recruit and staff new employees that can offer a unique selling position. Mr. Kelly wants to regain the number one position in North America but as of now, the company places third in the search business. Mr. Kelly has the responsibility of improving revenues in North America while establishing strong brand via employees, and positive performance in the North American market. Mr. Kelly had been instrumental in producing this effect when he oversaw Heidrick’s European operations. His recruitment style was instrumental in providing a sense of “camaraderie, collaboration, and teamwork” (Eccles, R. G. & Lane, D., 2009, p. 2) in the European market, and now sought the same results in the North American sector.

This research looks at how strategic human resources management has affected Microsoft as a company. Through the research process our team used several qualified articles, journals, books and the Microsoft website. Our team will discuss SHRM topics including religion and the workplace, learning and development, and retention and engagement. We will also include recommendations to Microsoft executive board based from our research. Microsoft has made strides in the business world to be one of the leaders in technology and our research will show how they have maintained that title and how they will continue to be successful in an ever-changing world.

I chose both a mentoring and coaching culture for this project. I realize we only had to choose one of the other, but my topic includes both cultures. Coaching and mentoring are mutually beneficially to both parties. It allows for opportunities to develop communication skills, widen views on topics, and consider new ways of performing tasks or dealing with a personal problem (Mentoring: A Mutually Beneficial Partnership, 2015). The goal of any mentoring/coaching program is growth. Some benefits to the mentor include the building of leadership skills, improving skills in communication and viewing ideas and suggestions in a different manner. Being a mentor also looks good on a resume and mentors can gain personal satisfaction from leading a mentee in the right direction. Benefits that the mentee receive include feedback and invaluable advice from someone who has been in their shoes. They gain new skills in the workplace that is a bonus if applying for a job. Mentoring can strengthen their support network and advance their career (Mentoring: A Mutually Beneficial Partnership, 2015).

The purpose of this paper is to diagnose a problem within PepsiCo, provide a change initiative and show the impact on people, processes, and products. I will make recommendations to position the transformational change needed in a high performance manner. Finally, I will recommend several approaches that will result in organizational excellence.

There have been many pioneers of management and leadership. One such woman, Mary Parker Follett had ideas about empowerment and control even when times were slower. In today’s fast-paced world of technology and globalization, her approach to leadership fits in well in Journeyed Paths Internet Marketing issues. She addressed ethics, power, and how to lead employees rather than controlling them (Daft, 2011). Allowing employees to have independence and giving them some authority will help open the future that I intend to create in my new position.
Empowering leadership is an essential element in any organization because it allows for team members to grow themselves. The leader must take an active role to afford employees this position including offering advice, providing resources, and supporting the ideas of each team member. Psychological empowerment gives followers a different set of skills including increasing their self-confidence, self-esteem, motivation, and taking an active role in their future (Sosik & Jung, 2010). True empowerment “occurs when followers develop into confident and capable independent-minded leaders in their own right, who may or may not share exactly the same ideals, values, and beliefs as the leader (Sosik & Jung, 2010, p. 216). By embracing this part of empowerment, it will allow me to assess the situation thoroughly as well as listen to each member and their concerns.

I formulated an evaluation model, one that shows clearly hwo to develop an evaluation system when a project is being planned. There was no requirement in this assignment to apply an example to my model. Instead, I created a model action plan using Action Research and SMART goals. All phases "Look, Think, and Act, should include an "evaluation" within each phase. I had a good plan and a focus on creating a team that is motivated and capable, one that is willing to be organized, follow the rules, and create fellowship with each other. One of the challenges of this PowerPoint of action research is how to create fresh imaginative ways to capture and present information. My objective was to create a presentation that engages the audience because the presentation is attractive, and places most of the interpretive process on those receiving the data. I investigated and applied best practices in presenting information. My project included a title slide, table of contents slide, and an introduction slide. It also included a "Look, Think, and Act Stage" slide as well as the SMART goal slides to coorespond to each stage. I included a summary slide and applied information from Stringer's book. I include an elaborate narrative with each slide in the notes section.

Knowing best practices for effective business communication is vital in today's business world. Writing to a diverse audience and having these tips in mind everytime you construct a business document will assist you in surpassing your competition. The busy business world of today requires special skills to effectively communicate to your audience.

As a team, discuss the following questions concerning this case:

• Select a social or environmental cause you care about.

• Identify it and prepare a proposal to IBM to show why your cause would be good for IBM.

• Be specific and persuasive as to why IBM should support it.

Prepare a slide PowerPoint presentation for the IBM Executives that includes the following:
• Introduction of social or environmental cause you are proposing
• Persuasion and analysis:
• Specific proposal
• Why your cause would be good for IBM
• Be specific and persuasive as to why IBM should support it
• Call to action.

Views on the differences between relationship-oriented versus task-oriented behaviors as well as the difference between emotional intelligence versus cognitive intelligence in leadership situations.

Compare and Contrast the two behaviors and intelligence:
1. Relationship-Oriented vs. Task-Oriented Behaviors
2. Emotional Intelligence vs. Cognitive Intelligence

After compare and contrast, analyze how those factors or behaviors contribute to leadership effectiveness. I also make recommendations for selecting the most appropriate leadership style to accomplish business goals and maximize organizational performance.

I worked on a team project which is to "apply skills necessary for effective high performance team leadership and participation." This was an assignment from Management Theories and Principles II. The project consisted of completing a PowerPoint presentation based of the "Dilemma of Teams" and the solutions we offer to the GM 500 students who are just beginning their Master's Program. Our goal is to focus on an orientation presentation for incoming GM 500 students.

A summary of the problems facing Luis Morales as he began implementing Ben Fisher's international expansion strategy.
A summary of the organizational changes he made in response to those problems.
A summary of the true value of the Sterling Partners consulting services that they provided.
An overview of what Morales should recommend.
A call to action regarding what Ben Fisher should decide.

Why is full range leadership development needed at Verizon, How does intellectual stimulation, inspirational motivation, idealized influence, and individualized consideration affect the roles of leaders and followers. The effects of transformational leadership are explored and explained.

I had to write an Applied Research Paper that started in Unit 1 and built on it each week. The final paper includes the introduction that describes the objective of my applied research paper, informs the reader of the logical flow of the paper, and sets the stage in how the paper will advance understanding of the organizational problem. The statement of the problem includes assessing the distinction between symptoms and underlying issues and the nature of the problem and how stakeholders are affected. The intended audience was identified and the value to the audience was discussed. I identified the key lessons the reader will take from the paper. I then described the value of using meta-analysis research approach, its features, and benefits as well as specific elements that a qualitative approach can achieve. I also assess how systematic methodology procedures enhances a research project. I conducted a brief review of the literature and applied critical analysis to assess what the authors state. I then utilized a logic diagram as a visual representation, identified and described significant themes in the literature as well as evaluate the ethical implication in research and decision making. I expanded on the logic diagram to include alternative 3-5 alternative solutions, discussed plausibility and the difference between intended and unintended consequences of a research project. I advanced the best solution that addressed the organizational problem. I concluded with a summation of key points and how I am advancing the investigation of the organizational problem  I included a post-script that described the management and leadership qualities I have acquired in this course and throughout my MSM program that is making me more marketable in the competitive business world. I also describe a career path situation in which I will be able to apply my leadership, management style, and research skills to address diverse organizational problems.

The Value of Developing an Online Career Portfolio - The purpose of this paper is to analyze the value of developing an Electronic Career Portfolio. I was able to apply how an online career portfolio will not only assist me in this fast paced competitive business world when searching for employment, but also how human resource managers can use career portfolios to match a company's strategic goals to align with each new employee hired.

Strengthening Others for Team Excellence - Provide an overview of the concepts and practices in your reading and identify the relationship between the information in Northouse and Kouzes and Posner as they relate to group dynamics and cohesiveness. Explain the importance of sharing the vision and getting the team involved. Provide examples that you have either encountered or researched that exemplify this importance and support these examples with at least three academically credible sources. Explain the differences and similarities of virtual and non-virtual teams. You will need to identify at least three best practices for creating cohesion in both team environments. Articulate the importance of communication, conflict resolution and geographical issues that the roles they play in effectively leading teams.

Relevant Trends Pertaining to Verizon - I conducted an external environmental assessment of Verizon. Identified the top three most relevant trends pertaining to Verizon which are:

1. Customers First

2. Technology at Verizon

3. Taking Care of Employees

For each factor, I identified specific FRLD behaviors that help shape the trends noted. I then had to write a 6-8 page paper of my analysis and recommendations for use of FRLD behaviors to increase the overall organizational effectiveness at Verizon. Verizon uses FRLD to increase the strategy and innovation needed in a world that is fast changing due to globalization.

I Got You Inc. Fundraising Dilemma - This paper was based on a real nonprofit organization that I volunteered with at that time. My main task was to help them with fundraising and to help them brand themselves on the internet while taking advantage of the many online sites that assist nonprofit organizations. with fundraising. It was helpful to write the paper which built a strong  foundation to success with their fundraising dilemma.