GM11
Management Functions & Organizational Behaviour
Assignment II
Assignment Code: 2012 GM11 B2 Last Date of Submission: 15th Nov 2012
Maximum Marks: 100
Attempt all Questions. All questions carry equal marks.
Section A
1. What are the control systems used in organizations? What features of these systems contribute towards its effectiveness? What contingency factors do you think influence these control systems?
(20)
2. (a) Type and trait theories of personality.
(b) Which behavioural theory explains it’s attitude towards employees? How does it differ from other related theories? (10+10=20)
3. “Co-ordination is imperative for the success of any organization”. Explain the underlying concept, suggest ways to achieve effective co-ordination in a decentralized organization. (20)
4. Write short notes:
(a) Locus of Control
(b) Conflict Management
(c) Group Vs. Team
(d) Distribution of Authority (4x5=20)
Section B
Case Study: Palmer Machinery Company
Palmer Machinery Company has encountered hard times, not only because of an economic recession but also because of competition from products imported from Japan. In the past, labor relations have been rather poor. The unions usually asked for big pay increases for the workers and got them. But things have changed during the last few months, and labor and management have realized that they are in for some bad times ahead.
The company, maintaining it is in a precarious condition, has asked labor for concessions and givebacks. The union has called a membership meeting to discuss the situation. While Ann Stewart, an assembler, thinks that she is overpaid and argues for a wage reduction, the majority of those present disagrees and do not want to make any concessions. In fact, there is a great mistrust of management’s intentions and the workers feel that giving concessions will encourage the company to ask for additional ones. After a long discussion some workers are more agreeable to concessions if management makes similar sacrifices. But management does not make any commitments. During the next few weeks the situation gets worse; faced with a layoff, the union agrees to some cutbacks with the understanding that employees will share in some way in the profits of the company when things get better.
One month later, a national-magazine survey of executives’ salaries at major companies shows that the executives at Palmer received a substantial increase in compensation. One worker remarks; “You just can’t trust top management. I wish our situation was like the one in Japan, where in hard times the dividends are cut first, then the salary of top management is reduced and later middle-level managers get a pay cut; the workers’ pay is affected last.”
Questions:
1. Do you think the workers should have made concessions and agreed to givebacks?
2. If you were the president of the company, how would you have handled the situation?
(10+10=20)
GM12
Business Communication
Assignment I
Assignment Code: 2012 GM12 B1 Last Date of Submission: 15th October 2012
Maximum Marks: 100
Attempt all the questions. All questions carry equal marks.
Section A
1. “If all my possessions were taken from me with one exception, I would hope to keep my power of communication …. For by it I would regain all the rest.” Comment on the statement by Daniel Webster with reference to the components of business Communication?
2. “Writing is an Art.” In light of the above statement, write a detailed note on ‘Writing with style.’
3. Persuasive messages are different as compared to routine messages. Compare the two? Write a
persuasive message to your Manager convincing him to relocate you to a new city?
4. On the one hand, it is said that oral communication saves time and on the other it is said that it wastes time. How and why does it happen?
Section B
Case Study
From : Belinda Gibson, Training Coordinator To: Freda Smith, General Manager
Subject: Portable Computers Date: January 29 2008
To make the most of the technologies we discussed the other day to provide a quality service to our customers, it is essential that our training staff be equipped with portable computers which can be used at client sites.
Over the next couple of weeks, please investigate the portable computers which would be most appropriate for our staff, and present your findings in the form of a formal management report. The selected machine needs to be compatible with the Windows software we are currently using. Other factors which should be considered when comparing the brands and models include:
• Initial cost;
• Weight and size;
• Screen size;
• Clarity of the screen image;
• RAM and hard disk size;
• Speed of the CPU;
• Battery capability; and
• The availability of on-going service agreements and warranties.
With our training staff so often out at client sites, it would be useful if the machines also had modern facilities to enable staff to access their email. Please pass the report to me by the end of the month so I can read it over before discussing your recommendations with the training staff. Let me know if you have any questions.
A Business report was submitted based on the requirement.
Business Report on Comparison of two Computers
1.0 Executive Summary
The purpose of this report was to analyze two portable computers and recommend a suitable machine for the training staff to use at client sites. The analysis has led to a choice of computer. This report has considered two machines suitable for corporate use that can accommodate modern facilities such as e-mail, video conferencing and assist staff with training courses.
A summary of the findings is presented in the next two paragraphs.
The Hewlett Packard Omnibook 3000CTX model 5/233 is a well made portable computer with a good size screen and keyboard. For the price of this model you would expect to see more memory, a CD drive and a Windows based power management set up. (Australian PC Authority, April 1998, 'PCs and Notebooks - Reviews', p.82)
Like the Hewlett Packard model the Micro-pro 8500 Series has a good size screen and keyboard but also comes with a numeric pad. This machine is ideal for the business user who wants usability, comfort and performance. (Australian PC Authority, April 1998, 'PCs and Notebooks - Reviews' , p.81)
After taking both machines into consideration, it is recommended that the Micro-pro 8500 Series would be the most suitable computer due to its value for money, durability and standard features.
1.1 Purpose : The purpose of this report was to analyse two portable computers and recommend a suitable machine for our training staff to use at client locations.
1.2 Scope: While investigating these two computers it was important to consider their suitability for corporate use, standard features, optional benefits and warranties.
1.3 Method: The information used in this report was collected by consulting an independent review by the Australian PC Authority magazine and contacting the individual companies for additional information on the technical specifications and warranties on the machines.
1.4 Limitations
• Local computer stores did not stock either machine.
• Additional information difficult to locate.
• Software packages included with the machine not specified.
1.5 Assumptions
It has been assumed that the Microsoft Office software package will be installed on the computers to ensure our training staff have access to PowerPoint. This program will enable them to present effective teaching media. As our staff regularly use computer applications it has been assumed that the implementation of portable computers will cause little delays for the company. As most computer companies offer clients an extended warranty, it is assumed that All Purpose Training Company will have the option to purchase an extended warranty for a period of one year.
1.6 Background
The All Purpose Training Company is a well respected supplier of quality executive training courses for the business community. The All Purpose Training Company has statewide representation with plans to expand interstate within the next 12 months. All Purpose Training Company has a demand to supply new clients with numerous training courses. With such demands it is crucial that training staff can have computer access for training presentations and be able to complete day to day operations while mobile.
2. Findings
2.1 Micro-pro 8500 Series (Australian PC Authority, 1998, p 81).
• Cost: $7895 RRP
• Weight: 4.5 Kg
• Size: (W x D x H) 357 x 275 x 50mm
• Screen size: 15.1"
• Clarity of screen image: Resolution could be higher, set at 1,024 x 768 you can see the pixels, but very easy on your eyes. (Australian PC Authority, April 1998, 'PCs and Notebooks - Reviews, p. 81)
• RAM: 64 Mb, RAM can be raised to a maximum 128Mb for $1140
• Disk Drive: CD-ROM and 3.5" FDD
• Speed of the CPU: Pentium processor
• Battery capabilities: Lithium-ion battery, smart battery option available. Lithium-ion battery lasts 2.5 hours without smart battery upgrade. (Australian PC Authority, April 1998, 'PCs and Notebooks - Reviews, p. 81)
• Service agreements and warranties: Two year parts and labour warranty
2.2 Hewlett Packard 3000CTX 5/233 (Australian PC Authority, 1998, p 81).
• Cost: $8245 RRP
• Weight: 3.1 Kg
• Size: (W x D x H) 304 x 238 x 47mm
• Screen size: 13.3"
• Clarity of screen image: Resolution is set at 1,024 x 768. Reasonably easy to read... with normal working conditions. (Australian PC Authority, April 1998, 'PCs and Notebooks - Reviews, p. 81)
• RAM: 16Mb, upgrade available, $242 for 16Mb.
• Disk drives: 3.5" FDD, CD-ROM available for $570
• Speed of the CPU: Pentium processor
• Battery capabilities: - 2.5 hours from a lithium-ion battery
• Service agreements and warranties: All Hewlett Packard Omnibooks come with a 3 year parts and labour warranty. (Stephen, 7/5/1998, Telephone Interview, Customer Service Officer, Hewlett Packard Information Centre, Hewlett Packard)
3 Discussion 3.1 Comparison of computers
The following table summarises the important points of comparison between the two portable computers - Hewlett Packard Omnibook and Micropro 8500 Series.
Table 1: Comparison of two portable computers
Hewlett Packard Omnibook Micropro 8500 Series
Initial cost $8245 $7895
Weight 3.1 Kg 4.5 Kg
Size (Dimensions WxDxH) 304 x 238 x 47mm 357 x 275 x 50mm
Screen Size 13.3" 15.1"
RAM 16 Mb 64 Mb
Battery Time 2.5 Hours 2.5 Hours
Warranty Period 3 Years 2 Years
3.2 Initial cost: There is a RRP difference between the two computers of $350. In order to have the computers ready for staff use, upgraded memory size would be required on the Hewlett Packard model.
3.3 Weight and size: The Micro-pro computer weighs an extra 1.4 Kg. This is substantially heavier, but the Micro-pro is a larger machine with each dimension larger than the Hewlett Packard computer. Micro-pro measures 53W x 37D x 3H mm larger.
3.4 Screen size : There is a notable gap between screen sizes. Micro-pro has a 14.1 inch screen compared with Hewlett Packards 13.3 inch screen. When using over long periods a larger screen is preferred to avoid eye strain.
3.5 Clarity of screen image (Australian PC Authority, 1998, p. 81-82).
The resolution on both machines is set a 1,024 x 768. Pixels can be seen on the Micro-pro model, while the Omnibook is reasonably easy to read. (Australian PC Authority, April 1998, PCs and Notebooks - Reviews, p. 81 - 82)
3.6 RAM and hard disk Size (Australian PC Authority, 1998, pp. 81-82).
RAM between the two machines varies greatly. The Australian PC Authority states that the Micro-pro comes with 64 Mb of RAM standard, with an option of buying the maximum 128 Mb for $1140. They also state Hewlett Packards Omnibook comes with 16 Mb RAM, but as most computer applications require 32 Mb, this extra memory will cost you $242. Both machines come with a standard 3.5" FDD. Only the Micro-pro machine comes with a CD-ROM drive, you must buy this as an extra for the Omnibook for a cost of $570. (Australian PC Authority, April 1998, PCs and Notebooks - Reviews, p. 81- 82)
3.7 Speed of the CPU : With 32 Mb of RAM fitted the Omnibook is one of the fastest portable computers the Australian PC Authority magazine has ever seen, They also found that with 64 Mb RAM the Micro-pro was not exceptionally quick but for word processing and other office tasks it was quite acceptable.
3.8 Battery Capability (Australian PC Authority, 1998, p 81).
Both machines come with a standard lithium-ion battery which can support the computers for up to 2.5 hours. The computers come with power management tools that will save battery power. A smart battery option is available on the Micro-pro for $60. (Australian PC Authority, April 1998, PCs and Notebooks - Reviews, p. 81)
3.9 Service agreements and Warranties: Micro-pro supplies their clients with a two year part and labour warranty, while Hewlett Packard supplies a three year parts and labour warranty. It is assumed that when the machines are purchased a service agreement will be negotiated with the option to extend the warranty.
4. Conclusion
After investigating the Hewlett Packard Omnibook 3000CTX 5/233 and the Micro-pro 8500 Series portable computers, it was found that both models are suitable for corporate use and would meet All Purpose Training Company requirements.
It is important to consider the long term benefits to the company when considering which computer was best suited. Apart from initial purchasing expenses, warranty, speed, size and memory were some factors which have been taken into account. Software suitability was also considered.
The computers had to be easily adaptable for new technology such as e-mail, video conferencing and presentation aids, for future company requirements. Both computers are distinct from each other and, although both companies have the corporate user in mind, Micro-pro appears to be offering an exceptional package.
5. Recommendations and implementation
The findings and conclusion in this report support the following recommendations:
1. The Micro-pro 8500 Series portable computer is purchased at a rate of one computer per training staff member.
2. The smart battery option is purchased with each computer; this will assist with heavy workloads and long training programs.
3. Staff must have e-mail access on their computers to enable them to be in contact with the company.
4. All Purpose Training Company should negotiate price, warranty and on going service agreements with Micro-pro direct.
5. To reduce company long term expenses:
a. The company could investigate the viability of staff leasing the computers
b. A staff option of buying the computers for personal use after the warranty period expires.
6. Computers should be available to staff after a maximum of 6 weeks.
Question
1. Critically evaluate and justify the format of the business report? What are the commonly occurring mistakes in a business report?
Management Functions & Organizational Behaviour
Assignment II
Assignment Code: 2012 GM11 B2 Last Date of Submission: 15th Nov 2012
Maximum Marks: 100
Attempt all Questions. All questions carry equal marks.
Section A
1. What are the control systems used in organizations? What features of these systems contribute towards its effectiveness? What contingency factors do you think influence these control systems?
(20)
2. (a) Type and trait theories of personality.
(b) Which behavioural theory explains it’s attitude towards employees? How does it differ from other related theories? (10+10=20)
3. “Co-ordination is imperative for the success of any organization”. Explain the underlying concept, suggest ways to achieve effective co-ordination in a decentralized organization. (20)
4. Write short notes:
(a) Locus of Control
(b) Conflict Management
(c) Group Vs. Team
(d) Distribution of Authority (4x5=20)
Section B
Case Study: Palmer Machinery Company
Palmer Machinery Company has encountered hard times, not only because of an economic recession but also because of competition from products imported from Japan. In the past, labor relations have been rather poor. The unions usually asked for big pay increases for the workers and got them. But things have changed during the last few months, and labor and management have realized that they are in for some bad times ahead.
The company, maintaining it is in a precarious condition, has asked labor for concessions and givebacks. The union has called a membership meeting to discuss the situation. While Ann Stewart, an assembler, thinks that she is overpaid and argues for a wage reduction, the majority of those present disagrees and do not want to make any concessions. In fact, there is a great mistrust of management’s intentions and the workers feel that giving concessions will encourage the company to ask for additional ones. After a long discussion some workers are more agreeable to concessions if management makes similar sacrifices. But management does not make any commitments. During the next few weeks the situation gets worse; faced with a layoff, the union agrees to some cutbacks with the understanding that employees will share in some way in the profits of the company when things get better.
One month later, a national-magazine survey of executives’ salaries at major companies shows that the executives at Palmer received a substantial increase in compensation. One worker remarks; “You just can’t trust top management. I wish our situation was like the one in Japan, where in hard times the dividends are cut first, then the salary of top management is reduced and later middle-level managers get a pay cut; the workers’ pay is affected last.”
Questions:
1. Do you think the workers should have made concessions and agreed to givebacks?
2. If you were the president of the company, how would you have handled the situation?
(10+10=20)
GM12
Business Communication
Assignment I
Assignment Code: 2012 GM12 B1 Last Date of Submission: 15th October 2012
Maximum Marks: 100
Attempt all the questions. All questions carry equal marks.
Section A
1. “If all my possessions were taken from me with one exception, I would hope to keep my power of communication …. For by it I would regain all the rest.” Comment on the statement by Daniel Webster with reference to the components of business Communication?
2. “Writing is an Art.” In light of the above statement, write a detailed note on ‘Writing with style.’
3. Persuasive messages are different as compared to routine messages. Compare the two? Write a
persuasive message to your Manager convincing him to relocate you to a new city?
4. On the one hand, it is said that oral communication saves time and on the other it is said that it wastes time. How and why does it happen?
Section B
Case Study
From : Belinda Gibson, Training Coordinator To: Freda Smith, General Manager
Subject: Portable Computers Date: January 29 2008
To make the most of the technologies we discussed the other day to provide a quality service to our customers, it is essential that our training staff be equipped with portable computers which can be used at client sites.
Over the next couple of weeks, please investigate the portable computers which would be most appropriate for our staff, and present your findings in the form of a formal management report. The selected machine needs to be compatible with the Windows software we are currently using. Other factors which should be considered when comparing the brands and models include:
• Initial cost;
• Weight and size;
• Screen size;
• Clarity of the screen image;
• RAM and hard disk size;
• Speed of the CPU;
• Battery capability; and
• The availability of on-going service agreements and warranties.
With our training staff so often out at client sites, it would be useful if the machines also had modern facilities to enable staff to access their email. Please pass the report to me by the end of the month so I can read it over before discussing your recommendations with the training staff. Let me know if you have any questions.
A Business report was submitted based on the requirement.
Business Report on Comparison of two Computers
1.0 Executive Summary
The purpose of this report was to analyze two portable computers and recommend a suitable machine for the training staff to use at client sites. The analysis has led to a choice of computer. This report has considered two machines suitable for corporate use that can accommodate modern facilities such as e-mail, video conferencing and assist staff with training courses.
A summary of the findings is presented in the next two paragraphs.
The Hewlett Packard Omnibook 3000CTX model 5/233 is a well made portable computer with a good size screen and keyboard. For the price of this model you would expect to see more memory, a CD drive and a Windows based power management set up. (Australian PC Authority, April 1998, 'PCs and Notebooks - Reviews', p.82)
Like the Hewlett Packard model the Micro-pro 8500 Series has a good size screen and keyboard but also comes with a numeric pad. This machine is ideal for the business user who wants usability, comfort and performance. (Australian PC Authority, April 1998, 'PCs and Notebooks - Reviews' , p.81)
After taking both machines into consideration, it is recommended that the Micro-pro 8500 Series would be the most suitable computer due to its value for money, durability and standard features.
1.1 Purpose : The purpose of this report was to analyse two portable computers and recommend a suitable machine for our training staff to use at client locations.
1.2 Scope: While investigating these two computers it was important to consider their suitability for corporate use, standard features, optional benefits and warranties.
1.3 Method: The information used in this report was collected by consulting an independent review by the Australian PC Authority magazine and contacting the individual companies for additional information on the technical specifications and warranties on the machines.
1.4 Limitations
• Local computer stores did not stock either machine.
• Additional information difficult to locate.
• Software packages included with the machine not specified.
1.5 Assumptions
It has been assumed that the Microsoft Office software package will be installed on the computers to ensure our training staff have access to PowerPoint. This program will enable them to present effective teaching media. As our staff regularly use computer applications it has been assumed that the implementation of portable computers will cause little delays for the company. As most computer companies offer clients an extended warranty, it is assumed that All Purpose Training Company will have the option to purchase an extended warranty for a period of one year.
1.6 Background
The All Purpose Training Company is a well respected supplier of quality executive training courses for the business community. The All Purpose Training Company has statewide representation with plans to expand interstate within the next 12 months. All Purpose Training Company has a demand to supply new clients with numerous training courses. With such demands it is crucial that training staff can have computer access for training presentations and be able to complete day to day operations while mobile.
2. Findings
2.1 Micro-pro 8500 Series (Australian PC Authority, 1998, p 81).
• Cost: $7895 RRP
• Weight: 4.5 Kg
• Size: (W x D x H) 357 x 275 x 50mm
• Screen size: 15.1"
• Clarity of screen image: Resolution could be higher, set at 1,024 x 768 you can see the pixels, but very easy on your eyes. (Australian PC Authority, April 1998, 'PCs and Notebooks - Reviews, p. 81)
• RAM: 64 Mb, RAM can be raised to a maximum 128Mb for $1140
• Disk Drive: CD-ROM and 3.5" FDD
• Speed of the CPU: Pentium processor
• Battery capabilities: Lithium-ion battery, smart battery option available. Lithium-ion battery lasts 2.5 hours without smart battery upgrade. (Australian PC Authority, April 1998, 'PCs and Notebooks - Reviews, p. 81)
• Service agreements and warranties: Two year parts and labour warranty
2.2 Hewlett Packard 3000CTX 5/233 (Australian PC Authority, 1998, p 81).
• Cost: $8245 RRP
• Weight: 3.1 Kg
• Size: (W x D x H) 304 x 238 x 47mm
• Screen size: 13.3"
• Clarity of screen image: Resolution is set at 1,024 x 768. Reasonably easy to read... with normal working conditions. (Australian PC Authority, April 1998, 'PCs and Notebooks - Reviews, p. 81)
• RAM: 16Mb, upgrade available, $242 for 16Mb.
• Disk drives: 3.5" FDD, CD-ROM available for $570
• Speed of the CPU: Pentium processor
• Battery capabilities: - 2.5 hours from a lithium-ion battery
• Service agreements and warranties: All Hewlett Packard Omnibooks come with a 3 year parts and labour warranty. (Stephen, 7/5/1998, Telephone Interview, Customer Service Officer, Hewlett Packard Information Centre, Hewlett Packard)
3 Discussion 3.1 Comparison of computers
The following table summarises the important points of comparison between the two portable computers - Hewlett Packard Omnibook and Micropro 8500 Series.
Table 1: Comparison of two portable computers
Hewlett Packard Omnibook Micropro 8500 Series
Initial cost $8245 $7895
Weight 3.1 Kg 4.5 Kg
Size (Dimensions WxDxH) 304 x 238 x 47mm 357 x 275 x 50mm
Screen Size 13.3" 15.1"
RAM 16 Mb 64 Mb
Battery Time 2.5 Hours 2.5 Hours
Warranty Period 3 Years 2 Years
3.2 Initial cost: There is a RRP difference between the two computers of $350. In order to have the computers ready for staff use, upgraded memory size would be required on the Hewlett Packard model.
3.3 Weight and size: The Micro-pro computer weighs an extra 1.4 Kg. This is substantially heavier, but the Micro-pro is a larger machine with each dimension larger than the Hewlett Packard computer. Micro-pro measures 53W x 37D x 3H mm larger.
3.4 Screen size : There is a notable gap between screen sizes. Micro-pro has a 14.1 inch screen compared with Hewlett Packards 13.3 inch screen. When using over long periods a larger screen is preferred to avoid eye strain.
3.5 Clarity of screen image (Australian PC Authority, 1998, p. 81-82).
The resolution on both machines is set a 1,024 x 768. Pixels can be seen on the Micro-pro model, while the Omnibook is reasonably easy to read. (Australian PC Authority, April 1998, PCs and Notebooks - Reviews, p. 81 - 82)
3.6 RAM and hard disk Size (Australian PC Authority, 1998, pp. 81-82).
RAM between the two machines varies greatly. The Australian PC Authority states that the Micro-pro comes with 64 Mb of RAM standard, with an option of buying the maximum 128 Mb for $1140. They also state Hewlett Packards Omnibook comes with 16 Mb RAM, but as most computer applications require 32 Mb, this extra memory will cost you $242. Both machines come with a standard 3.5" FDD. Only the Micro-pro machine comes with a CD-ROM drive, you must buy this as an extra for the Omnibook for a cost of $570. (Australian PC Authority, April 1998, PCs and Notebooks - Reviews, p. 81- 82)
3.7 Speed of the CPU : With 32 Mb of RAM fitted the Omnibook is one of the fastest portable computers the Australian PC Authority magazine has ever seen, They also found that with 64 Mb RAM the Micro-pro was not exceptionally quick but for word processing and other office tasks it was quite acceptable.
3.8 Battery Capability (Australian PC Authority, 1998, p 81).
Both machines come with a standard lithium-ion battery which can support the computers for up to 2.5 hours. The computers come with power management tools that will save battery power. A smart battery option is available on the Micro-pro for $60. (Australian PC Authority, April 1998, PCs and Notebooks - Reviews, p. 81)
3.9 Service agreements and Warranties: Micro-pro supplies their clients with a two year part and labour warranty, while Hewlett Packard supplies a three year parts and labour warranty. It is assumed that when the machines are purchased a service agreement will be negotiated with the option to extend the warranty.
4. Conclusion
After investigating the Hewlett Packard Omnibook 3000CTX 5/233 and the Micro-pro 8500 Series portable computers, it was found that both models are suitable for corporate use and would meet All Purpose Training Company requirements.
It is important to consider the long term benefits to the company when considering which computer was best suited. Apart from initial purchasing expenses, warranty, speed, size and memory were some factors which have been taken into account. Software suitability was also considered.
The computers had to be easily adaptable for new technology such as e-mail, video conferencing and presentation aids, for future company requirements. Both computers are distinct from each other and, although both companies have the corporate user in mind, Micro-pro appears to be offering an exceptional package.
5. Recommendations and implementation
The findings and conclusion in this report support the following recommendations:
1. The Micro-pro 8500 Series portable computer is purchased at a rate of one computer per training staff member.
2. The smart battery option is purchased with each computer; this will assist with heavy workloads and long training programs.
3. Staff must have e-mail access on their computers to enable them to be in contact with the company.
4. All Purpose Training Company should negotiate price, warranty and on going service agreements with Micro-pro direct.
5. To reduce company long term expenses:
a. The company could investigate the viability of staff leasing the computers
b. A staff option of buying the computers for personal use after the warranty period expires.
6. Computers should be available to staff after a maximum of 6 weeks.
Question
1. Critically evaluate and justify the format of the business report? What are the commonly occurring mistakes in a business report?
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