Achieving Competitive Advantage Essay Example for Free

Achieving Competitive Advantage Essay What roles do traditional process management duties of planning, organizing, and controlling play in project management, if any? Answer: The traditional managerial duties of planning, organizing, and controlling all apply to project management. Project managers must be technically well versed, proficient at administrative functions, willing and able to assume leadership roles, and above-all, goal oriented. The project manager is the person most responsible for keeping track of the big picture Diff: 2 Section: 1. 1 What Is a Project? Skill: Conceptual AACSB Tag. Reflective 4) Why is project management challenging? Answer: Projects present challenges for a number of reasons; by their nature they are often dramatic departures from the routine process-oriented work that employees are accustomed to. Projects face budget, time, and resource constraints and these resources must often be marshaled from across the organization. Diff: 2 Section: 1. 1 What Is a Project? Skill: Conceptual AACSB Tag: Reflective 5) Why are projects important? Answer: Todays businesses face a set of pressures that make projects crucial in helping an organization achieve its strategic goals. These pressures include shortened product life cycles, narrow product launch windows, increasingly complex and technical products, the emergence of global markets, and an economic period marked by low inflation. Diff: 1 Section: 1. 2 Why Are Projects Important? Skill: Definition AACSB Tag: Reflective 6) What changes in the business environment have necessitated a greater use of project management skills? Answer: Todays businesses face a set of pressures that make projects crucial in helping an organization achieve its strategic goals. These pressures include shortened product life cycles, narrow product launch windows, increasingly complex and technical products, the emergence of global markets, and an economic period marked by low inflation. Diff: 2 Section: 1. 2 Why Are Projects Important? Skill: Factual AACSB Tag: Reflective 7) Why is project management considered an excellent training ground for future senior executives in many organizations? Answer: One of the unique aspects of projects is their unique blend of technical and behavioral challenges. The technical side of project management requires managers to become skilled in project selection, budgeting and resource management, planning and scheduling, and tracking their projects. The behavioral side of project management requires project managers to bring together individuals from across the organization, mold them into a team, manage conflict, provide leadership, and engage in negotiation and appropriate political behavior. Diff: 2 Section: 1. 2 Why Are Projects Important? Skill: Conceptual AACSB Tag: Reflective 8) Describe the activities that occur at each stage of a project. Answer: Stages in a projects development are referred to as the project life cycle, which consists of conceptualization, planning, execution, and termination. In the conceptualization stage the scope of the work is determined, necessary resources are identified, and important organizational stakeholders signed on. In the planning stage all detailed specifications, schematics, schedules, and other plans are developed. Individual pieces of the project are broken down, individual assignments are made, and the process for completion is delineated. During the execution phase the system is developed or the product is created and fabricated. Termination occurs when the completed project is transferred to the customer, the projects resources are reassigned, and the project is formally closed out. Diff: 1 Section: 1. 3 Project Life Cycles Skill: Definition AACSB Tag: Reflective 9) Where in the project life cycle are the intensity level of resources and client interest at their highest? Why is this the case? Answer: The intensity level of resources peaks during the execution phase of the project life cycle. The actual work is performed during this phase, so the commitment of financial, human, and technical resources peaks at this time. The level of enthusiasm or concern expressed by the projects intended customer peaks in both the conceptualization and termination phases. The client is initially very interested because they provide input on the goal and specifications of the project. Project work moves out of the conceptual phase to a more internal mode and the clients interest wanes until the project nears delivery. At this point the clients interest peaks again as they prepare to receive the completed project and all the associated benefits. Diff: 2 Section: 1. 3 Project Life Cycles Skill: Conceptual AACSB Tag: Reflective 10) Rank the determinants of project success from most important to least important and justify your rankings. Answer: Answers with regard to ranking may vary since, for example, circumstances may dictate that time is an overriding concern at the expense of quality and cost. The determinants of project success are: conformance to budget, schedule, performance specifications, and client acceptance. Time – Projects are constrained by a specified timeframe during which they must be completed; they are not supposed to continue indefinitely. Cost – Projects must meet budgeted allowances in order to use resources as efficiently as possible. Performance – Projects are developed in order to adhere to some initially determined technical specifications. Performance measurement means determining whether the finished product operates according to specifications. Client acceptance – Projects are developed with customers in mind; their purpose is to satisfy customers needs. If the completed project meets all internal criteria but does not satisfy the customer, then the project has not been a complete success. Diff: 3 Section: 1. 4 Determinants of Project Success Skill: Conceptual AACSB Tag: Reflective 11) Discuss the internal and external measures of project success. Answer: The determinants of project success are the internal measures of time, cost, and performance and the external measure of client acceptance. Time – Projects are constrained by a specified timeframe during which they must be completed; they are not supposed to continue indefinitely. Cost – Projects must meet budgeted allowances in order to use resources as efficiently as possible. Performance – Projects are developed in order to adhere to some initially determined technical specifications. Performance measurement means determining whether the finished product operates according to specifications. Client acceptance – Projects are developed with customers in mind; their purpose is to satisfy customers needs. If the completed project meets all internal criteria but does not satisfy the customer, then the project has not been a complete success. Diff: 1 Section: 1. 4 Determinants of Project Success Skill: Factual AACSB Tag: Reflective 12) Describe the elements of the Atkinson model of project success. Answer: The Atkinson model incorporates the input of all stakeholders in assessing project success. Stakeholders are all groups that are affected by a project, for example, employees, customers, end users, the community, suppliers, etc. The Atkinson model begins with the traditional iron triangle of time, cost, and performance and adds considerations of the benefits accrued by organizational end external stakeholders. Diff: 2 Section: 1. 4 Determinants of Project Success Skill: Factual AACSB Tag: Reflective 13) One model of project success offered in the chapter looks beyond the current project into the future. Comment on the elements of this model and their impact along the timeline from project completion to well beyond this point in time. Answer: This framework was proposed by Shenhar, Levy, and Dvir and contains in chronological order, the elements of project efficiency, impact on the customer, business success, and preparing for the future. The immediate measure of success is efficiency, that is, have the project budget and schedule been achieved? More important, have the customer needs, technical specifications been met? Next, has the project achieved the commercial success that was hoped for? Finally, has the project opened new markets or new product lines, helped develop new technologies, or developed new skills for the organization? Diff: 2 Section: 1. 4 Determinants of Project Success Skill: Factual AACSB Tag: Reflective 14) What are project management maturity models used for? Answer: Project management maturity models are used to allow organizations to benchmark the best practices of successful project management firms. Project maturity models recognize that different organizations are currently at different levels of sophistication in their best practices for managing projects. Diff: 2 Section: 1. 5 Developing Project Management Maturity Skill: Conceptual AACSB Tag: Reflective 15) Describe the spider-web methodology for displaying project management maturity and present any five components of project management practice that can be displayed using this technique. Answer: A spider-web diagram (or radar chart) derives its name from its visual similarity to a spider-web, consisting of some number of spokes connected by concentric rings. The spokes represent the components of project management practice that the organization chooses to measure. The rings represent levels of achievement for each of the components. Diff: 2 Section: 1. 5 Developing Project Management Maturity Skill: Conceptual AACSB Tag: Reflective 16) Describe the project management characteristics of firms that reside at the lowest levels of the ESI, SEI, Center for Business Practice, and Kerzner maturity models and characteristics of firms that reside at the highest levels of these models. Answer: The lowest level of each model is occupied by companies that have no clear sense of project management. There is no common project management language within these companies and management processes, if any exist, are ad hoc. Firms occupying the highest level of project management maturity are project savvy; having progressed beyond simply applying project management to processes. These firms actively explore ways to continuously improve project management techniques and procedures. Diff: 3 Section: 1. 5 Developing Project Management Maturity Skill: Conceptual AACSB Tag: Reflective 17) What are the three levels of the generic project management maturity model and what are the characteristics of a company at each level? Provide examples of organizations at each of these levels and support your choices. Answer: The lowest maturity level of the generic model is reserved for companies that have an ad hoc approach to project management. There is no common language for project management and little support for project workers and the projects. At the moderate maturity level, the organization has defined practices, some training programs for project management and organizational support dedicated to these efforts. At the high maturity level, the process of project management is institutionalized and there are continuous improvement efforts underway from one project to the next. Example organizations will vary. Diff: 3

Huckleberry Finn :: essays research papers

The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Attempting to make decisions is difficult when one experiences doubt in one’s mind or when one’s upbringing goes against it. In “Huck Finn'; by Mark Twain , the main character Huck has to first confront doubts and then form plans to surmount an impossibly tragic end. These efforts demonstrate that one’s upbringing and morals are sometimes insufficient to cope with the immense problems that arise along a journey, and that the decisions one must make must come from the heart. During this story Huck solves many problems by listening to his heart. Although he believes that he is doing wrong and that people and god will look down upon him, he is actually doing what is morally correct.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  At the beginning of the story Huck runs away from his friends and family to Jacksons Island. On Jacksons Island he is confronted by Jim who is a runaway slave. Jim being an African American is looked down on by society. When Huck is faced with the decision of choosing to rat on Jim or keep his secret Huck has a hard time. He knows subconsciously that Jim has done something wrong. Yet he follows his heart and decides to keep Jims secret. He says'; people would call me a low-down abolitionist and despise me for keeping mum';. Huck here shows that he isn’t only running away form home but He’s running away from everything that home stands for. This happens many times in the story. Huck starts to see Jim as a friend rather then a black man. When Huck plays the prank on Jim after the raft gets separated Huck apologized to Jim. He knew society would have never apologized to a black person. But now Huck listens to his heart not what society has taught him.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Many times in the book Huck actually comes face to face with telling on Jim but in the end doesn’t. The first incident occurred while being faced by two men looking for a runaway slave. He was directly faced with the choice of “doing the right thing'; or turning Jim in. He decides to do the wrong thing and tells the men he’s traveling with a white man. The next time is when he writes the note to Miss Watson telling her about Jim. After thinking he says “seem to strike no places to harden me against him, but only the other kind';.

Wipro Report

CORPORATE SOCIAL RESOPONSIBILITY of [pic] Submitted to Prof. Rajeev Gowda [pic] SUBMITTED By JAYAPRASAD V 1011243 JEFFERSON KADUVINAL ABRAHAM 1011244 JITESH MEHTA 1011245 Contents 1. Introduction3 2. Corporate Social Responsibility Initiatives3 2. 1 Wipro Cares3 2. 2 Wipro Applying Thought in Schools4 2. 3 Mission10X5 2. 4 ECO Eye5 3. Stake holders and CSR initiatives7 4. Controversies8 5. Conclusion8 6. Appendix9 Introduction Wipro headquartered in Bangalore is one of India’s leading firms which was founded by Mr. M. H Premji. Its business can be categorized under three main headings: †¢ IT, BPO, R&D and Consulting Services: Wipro Technologies, Wipro Infotech †¢ Consumer and Institutional Products: Wipro Consumer Care and Lightning †¢ Infrastructure and Ecological Engineering: Wipro Infrastructure Engineering Wipro as an organization recognizes the importance of corporate social responsibility and has taken several initiatives to benefit the stakeholders. Wipro Model of Good Citizenship[1] [pic] Corporate Social Responsibility Initiatives[i] 2. 1 Wipro Cares Unlike mere philanthropy, this initiative channelizes the efforts of the employees and their friends to provide a long term benefit to the society. It focuses on two main areas – assisting in disaster management by providing rehabilitation to the survivors of natural calamities and initiating a learning enhancement program which would improve the skill set and self esteem of the underprivileged children ; thereby ensuring that they grow up to be independent. Under this scheme, Wipro launched five new projects in 2007-08 which was in addition to the eight ongoing projects. Some major ongoing projects are as follows: |Tsunami relief initiatives which include reclamation of agricultural land, donation of boats to fishermen and construction of school | |buildings have been undertaken at Pushpavanam village, Tamil Nadu. | |Learning enhancement programmes which aim to broaden the horizon and increase awareness levels have been successfully implemented in | |several schools – Olcott Memorial School, Chennai, TVK School in Chennai and Government Secondary School, Bangalore. The success of | |these programs aptly demonstrates the benefit of sensitizing and involving employees in contributing to society. | |Wiproites in Kolkatta in association with an NGO provide health care services for families of brick kiln labour camp children. | |In association with Swadhar, an NGO, Wipro has helped set up community centres for marginalized families. A vocational course and a | |school are run by Swadhar from this centre. | |Makkala Jagriti is an after school safe home set up in Bangalore for around 200 children. | 2. Wipro Applying Thought in Schools Wipro firmly believes that an educated India is the key to bring about societal change. This initiative is aimed at improving the quality of education with the long term focus being to develop systems which would allow each child to reach his potential. Projects aimed at educational reform have been undertaken with organizations such as Disha, Gurgaon and Katha, Delhi. Wipro has fostered relationships with many NGO†™s. Wipro is also a member of the CII National Committee of Education Reforms. Wipro Applying Thought In Schools[2] [pic] The experiment based learning projects are of two types: †¢ Holistic School Engagement Programs: Wipro has worked with over 1100 schools. For example, Eklavya in Bhopal, is an initiative at providing education for the economically disadvantaged children by developing material and teacher development programs. †¢ Capability building for organizations: This aims at introducing school reform and providing grants to build resource centres in the organization. For example, support has been given to Udaan-Janvikas, Ahmedabad to build the organization into an educational resource centre. . 3 Mission10X Mission10X, is a not for profit trust established in 2007 with the aim of improving the quality of engineering education in the country and producing employable graduates who are equipped with the necessary skill set. Workshops have been held which have empowered more than 1000 faculty members. These workshops focus on asset building aimed at creating a world class repository of lea rning assets. The mission is to eventually empower 10,000 faculty members by 2010. 2. 4 ECO Eye Wipro has engaged in a transformation drive to fulfil its commitment to ecological sustainability. In addition, it is also trying to educate all stakeholders regarding the fragile ecosystem and the urgent need to take affirmative action. This drive was kicked off in 2008 and it involves all stakeholders – employees, suppliers, partners and communities. As per, Mr Azim Premji, Chairman, Wipro Ltd, â€Å"We firmly believe business cannot be built at the cost of ecology. It is not sustainable. Ecological Sustainability will increasingly be the defining force for society and business globally. Wipro will work on the dimensions of carbon neutrality, water balance, waste management and bio-diversity. Eco Eye is the â€Å"eye† through which we attempt to see everything, and act for ecological sustainability. †[3] | | The themes for eco-action include identification of a portfolio for sustainability investments that will generate new lines of revenue and profits and remodel internal operations to reach neutrality/surplus in the elements of energy, water, waste. In addition, there exists a â€Å"Beyond Wipro† initiative to partner with national and global groups to take sustainability initiatives and to motivate employees to make environment friendly changes in their personal lives. The initiative to invest in a new portfolio for sustainability is in line with Milton Friedman’s views, wherein Wipro has made a business case for social responsibility. In addition, Wipro recognizes that society is becoming more conscious and in due course of time, both customers and employees may demand the need for sustainability and the government may also mandate it. Hence, it is clearly in their interest to take the lead and tap the hitherto unknown business opportunities. Eco Eye allows Wipro to have a â€Å"Going Green† tag, but more importantly it is structured in a way to bring value to the shareholders. This strategic positioning is important as the money spent on the Eco Eye initiatives are viewed as ‘beneficial’ to the shareholders and not a ‘burden’ on them. As per Milton Friedman, if a company spends shareholder money on corporate social responsibility, it is equivalent to a ‘tax’, hence this strategic positioning of generating returns is important for the shareholders. The Eco Eye is a strategic corporate social responsibility initiative (in accordance with Porter and Cramer’s views) that provides mutual benefits to the society and the shareholders. Wipro has also partnered with regional, national and global groups as part of larger sustainability initiatives in energy, water, waste and biodiversity. This has been aimed at bringing about an industry change and alter the rules of engagement in the long run. Some of the key actions undertaken on ecological sustainability include: Reduce carbon footprint by encouraging telephone and video conferences to reduce employee travel emissions, encouraging car pooling. Wipro Eco Energy, a division of Wipro Infrastructure Engineering, offers consulting and implementation services across the spectrum of solar, wind, geothermal and biomass energy sources. †¢ Usage of alternative sources of energy like LED lights, ISO 14001 Certification & Greening of all Buildings based on LEED standards †¢ Redu cing water usage by recycling waste water and harvesting rain water. Wipro Water, a division of Wipro Infrastructure Engineering offers solutions in water treatment space. †¢ In the field of waste management, Wipro has increased the usage of recycled materials and packaging in the design of products which has resulted in significant cost savings. †¢ Conducts regular energy audits. In addition Wipro is a member of the Green Grid, a consortium dedicated to improving the energy efficiency of data centres. Integrated Portfolio of ecological solutions[4] [pic] Stake holders and CSR initiatives[ii] Stock holders: Mr. Azim Premji, Chairman of Wipro is committed to corporate social responsibility. He has established a not-for-profit Azim Premji foundation which aims at introducing a holistic system change in the education system. The ‘Eco Eye’ which is the largest social initiative taken by the company aims at generating new business and providing value to all shareholders. Employees: They are provided with ample opportunities to contribute to society through programs such as ‘Wipro Cares’ and ‘Wipro applying thought in school’ which result in increased motivation. They are also involved in the Eco Eye program to reduce the carbon footprint – car pooling, encouraging video conferencing, E-waste policy. Wipro has also launched Women of Wipro (WoW) with a charter to mentor women leaders, contribute to business growth and to remove disparities in the work-force. Medical benefits and superannuation plans are in place. Career development programs are run to improve the skill set of the employees. In the IT industry, the employees have a sedentary life style. Keeping this in mind, Wipro has initiated a â€Å"Fit for Life† program which aims at improving the physical and mental health of the employees. [iii] Customers: Wipro has set up recycling agencies and processes for recycling E-waste. Customers are provided this service through a single helpline and are actively encouraged to use environment friendly products. This has projected the company as socially responsible and added brand value. Wipro has been environmentally responsible and has launched toxin free â€Å"greenware† desktops. Government: Wipro proactively engages with the government and regulatory bodies to evolve a legal and regulatory framework which addresses the needs of societal stakeholders. Wipro provides feedback to government on vital economic issues. For example, the Offset Policy is aimed at facilitating technology transfer and large defence contracts with MNC’s. In addition Wipro offers advice to the government on educational reforms (in line with its philosophy of introducing a paradigm shift in education) and has also partnered with the government in promoting economic growth in Tier-II and III cities. Wipro is also a signatory to CII’s mission on sustainable growth. Community: The initiatives taken under Eco Eye have an indirect impact on the surrounding communities as the focus is on energy efficiency. Wipro InfoTech has also launched â€Å"Super Genius Bharat PC† in an attempt to bridge the digital divide in India and is targeted specifically at the rural community. Disaster management drives through ‘Wipro Cares’ have benefited victims of natural calamities particularly in Tamil Nadu, Gujarat and Orissa. Wipro believes in engaging with the people and is averse to ‘plain cheque book philanthropy’. Wipro in association with civic bodies has worked in areas of ecological importance. For instance, it worked with the Bangalore municipality in 2007 to transplant fully grown trees. Academia: Wipro has education programs aimed at the ‘future generations’ as it has an impact on influencing the future work force. These programs have been launched under â€Å"Wipro Cares†, â€Å"Wipro Applying Thought in Schools† and â€Å"Mission10X†. Initiatives have been taken to train teachers. Non Profit Organizations: Relationships have been nurtured with several NGO’s in promoting community welfare particularly in educating the underprivileged children. Wipro has also received accolades for its environment friendly initiatives and was ranked No. in Green peace’s Guide to Greener Electronics. [iv] Suppliers: Wipro has an ombudsprocess available to all their vendors so that they can raise concerns relating to any breach by the employees. Before finalizing any contract with a vendor, Wipro ensures that the vendor has fair labour practices which include payment of statutory wages to employees, ensuring no gender discrimination and no forced or child labour. Wipro has undertaken responsibility not only for its own actions but has also taken steps to ensure that its suppliers do the same. Controversies[v][vi] In June 2007, Wipro along with two other Indian firms was black-listed for four years by the World Bank from receiving direct contracts under its corporate procurement program. This is the first time that the World Bank had taken such a stern action of black-listing firms. As per the bank, this disciplinary action was necessitated because Wipro had allowed the acquaintances of the bank’s CIO to participate in the â€Å"Directed Share Program†. This program offered American Depository Shares of Wipro in the US, at IPO market price. Wipro claimed that this was simply a ‘goodwill gesture’, since the shared offered were too few to cause any conflict of interest. This controversy caused the share prices to fall by 12%. This clearly shows that there exists no such concept of a â€Å"perfect company† and companies are willing to indulge in unethical practices for their business interests. Conclusion Wipro, through its initiatives has created new market opportunities for itself in the domain of environment friendly products. It realizes that in this day and age, consumers have become more environment conscious and hence Wipro has promoted itself with a green tag. They have tried to convey the message that they are a resource efficient company and have built a reputation around it which makes them attractive to investors, consumers, employees and other stakeholders. They are averse to taking up isolated initiatives and have devised a comprehensive and a coherent strategy for the entire organization. Having a socially aware chairman in the form of Mr. Azim Premji has ensured that the corporate social responsibility initiatives are discussed at the highest level and are an integral part of the business strategy. In the Indian context, Wipro has paved the way forward in the realm of corporate citizenship for other companies to emulate. However, the World Bank controversy illustrates that even companies like Wipro need to always set for themselves high ethical benchmarks. They must never deviate from them even while aiming to maximize their long term business interests. Often, many social and environmental issues are effectively handled if a company is willing to partner with its competitors. Wipro being such a major player in the Indian market can usher in an industry change by collaborating with other companies. Wipro’s initiatives are a testimonial to the dawning realization that corporate social responsibility is the future of business. In the words of Jeffery Hollender, â€Å"It’s what companies have to do to survive and prosper in a world where more and more of their behaviour is under the microscope. † Appendix Eco Eye Development framework[5] [pic] ———————– [1] http://www. wiprocorporate. com/sustainability/Wipro_Sustainability_Report_19Mar2k9. pdf [2] http://www. wiprocorporate. com/sustainability/Wipro_Sustainability_Report_19Mar2k9. df [3] http://www. thehindubusinessline. com/2008/06/06/stories/2008060651012100. htm [4] http://www. wiprocorporate. com/sustainability/Wipro_Sustainability_Report_19Mar2k9. pdf [5] http://www. wiprocorporate. com/sustainability/Wipro_Sustainability_Report_19Mar2k9. pdf ———————– [i] http://www. wiprocorporate. com/sustaina bility/Wipro_Sustainability_Report_19Mar2k9. pdf [ii] http://www. wiprocorporate. com/sustainability/Wipro_Sustainability_Report_19Mar2k9. pdf [iii] http://www. wiprocorporate. com/PressRoom/PR_Fit_for_Life_WC. asp [iv]

Cyber Warfare, By J. Davis - 1536 Words

John Mariotti, a well-known information-security author once said, â€Å"We worried for dec-ades about WMDs – Weapons of Mass Destruction. Now, it is time to worry about a new kind of WMDs – Weapons of Mass Disruption† (Relia, 2016, 18). In this quote, Mariotti is stating that it is time for society to shift focus from worrying about, and defending, ourselves from nuclear warfare, to focusing on cyber warfare, a type of attack that is defined by J. Davis as â€Å"an attempt to damage another nation s computers or information networks through, for example, computer viruses or denial-of-service attacks (n.d.).† On a smaller scale, hackers are attempting to damage other users’ computer systems, or information networks, using the same methods. One of†¦show more content†¦The user will install the software they intentionally downloaded, and the spyware will use the intended installation process to install itself, or piggy-back on the installatio n process of the other software. All of this happens without the user know-ing that the actual spyware is being installed. Spyware works without the user’s knowledge to â€Å"spy† on the user’s information and computer use, sometimes even recording information includ-ing a user’s keystrokes, internet interactions, and passwords. Doing this can make a clueless user extremely vulnerable to having their personal information stolen, such as important credit card information, or personal addresses. Slowing down your wireless network connection, causing unwanted pop- ups, and causing your computer to behave slower as a whole are a few examples of the pesky disturbances that spyware causes (Sheta, Zaki, El Salam, Hadad, 2015). Spyware first became a risk to information security in the late 1990’s. One specific case of an early detection of spyware sparked the first anti- spyware programs around 1999 when a man named Steve Gibson found a software on his computer for advertising. Gibson first suspect-ed the advertising software of false pretenses because he did not install it. The software was very difficult to uninstall, and he came to realize that the suspicious software was stealing the personal information that he had on his computer. As a response, Gibson developed the first