Friday, February 21, 2020

Teamwork and Motivation Problem of Friendly Bank Coursework

Teamwork and Motivation Problem of Friendly Bank - Coursework Example Technology has changed the whole concept of traditional banking and the recession dragged most of the private banks on a verge of shut down (Robbins, Judge, Millett and Boyle, 2013). In this paper, the effect of such structural changes on Friendly Bank will be analyzed and the role of team leaders and supervisors will be evaluated to understand their level of efficiency to motivate the team members and drive them towards achieving newly formed organizational objectives, keeping at pace with changing organizational cultures (Tissington, Hasel and Matthiesen, 2009). Â  Friendly bank, online banking division of Parkers Plc, is one of the high street banks of Southampton, reputed for its excellence in customer services. The targeted customer segment of Parker Plc being white, middle class and wealthy, the bank enjoys a competitive advantage by ensuring security and stability for all its customers. According to the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the bank, Hector Brogan, Parker Plc is distinct from all other banks because, with Parker, the customers know where their money is. However, as a result of severe financial depression, especially in the European economy, in 2012 the bank was driven almost on a verge of bankruptcy. Though the bank had survived from a hostile takeover by a major competitor in 2013, more than 60% of the branch network of Parker Plc were closed and replaced by online banking operations to reduce operating cost. It restarted its operations under the head of Friendly Bank, established in the outskirts of Southampton, near the existing regional office of Parker Plc. Redundant employees of Parker Plc were shifted to the online and phone banking customer service operations of Friendly Bank at a less salary package. Emphasis was shifted from customer service to sale of wide range of financial products for generating additional income for the bank and accordingly Sales against Target (SAT) was introduced as a performance indicator.

Wednesday, February 5, 2020

Critical Evaluation of Ipad Assignment Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2000 words

Critical Evaluation of Ipad - Assignment Example This is evident as the design of the Ipad software is very elementary and user-friendly. With the touch screen technology, users can use their fingers to access programs and files that they wish to access, just like a child playing with toys. In terms of niche, Apple Computers, Inc (Apple) wishes to introduce a product which lies between iPhone and Macbook in terms of function. Therefore Ipad is expected to be substantially better than both in terms of the following: web browsing, E-Mail, viewing and watching of images and videos, listening to music, Reading electronic media (Apple Inc). In terms of convenience Ipad is indeed better than Macbook, but less convenient than the Iphone as the latter is much lighter. The aim of situating a product between the Iphone and Macbook is an excellent idea indeed as some corporate needs cannot be met by a simple Iphone, especially when we talk about large data, applications and software. On the other hand, Macbook is now relatively heavy especially with the introduction of netbooks by HP, Acer and Asus. Its appropriately occupies a product niche which does not compete with the existing Apple products, yet more innovative and improved than the competitors netbooks. It is an innovative product as it is the first that introduces sole touch screen technology but this may also be a disadvantage as the market that it tries to reach - the non-computer experts will probably take time to appreciate touch screen technology. The Ipad project has the following objectives: a. Sell 1 million of the new device internationally within 2010 and so making a profit b. Increase the product range by developing and producing a new tablet device by Q1 2010 c. Ensure a basic model is available for distribution to US customers on April 3rd and internationally by 23rd April 2010 d. Ensure premium model is available for distribution to US customers by the 26th April and internationally by 11th June 2010 e. Establish data plans with international mobile communications suppliers by June 2010 f. Gain a return on investment by 2011 g. Launch the new product on 27th January 2010 h. Sell the product for under $850 i. Maintain the Apple quality throughout the project Source: (Apple, Inc). There are a variety of reviews and expectation on the would-be performance of Ipad. "Apple change management has proved successful over the years as the company has adapted to the changing market by constantly redefining the design and purpose of digital technology" (Edward de Bono, 2006). Over-all, its corporate culture has showsn both "optimism and belief" which led to continuous "funding and investment in new products and innovation even against the backdrop of a challenging economic climate" (Edward de Bono, 2006). It is this optimism and belief that brought us the Ipad. Reviews however criticize the launching of Ipad especially on the aspect of functionality and getting things done (Enderle, 2010). This is the very question that comes to mind when I saw the project. Will Ipad achieve the 1 million sales in 2010 In the first place, will the tablet be patronized It gets popular in America, will it also be popular in other countries The objectives of Ipad management team is understandable as we examine the culture of the company.