Nokia competencies

Nokia competencies Every firm comprises of competencies, not all possess core competencies, these are crucial for a competitiveness. This report examines the core competencies that contribute most significantly to Nokias competitive advantage. These consist of organisational culture and research and development. Nokias competitive advantage will be analysed based on corporate brand and products and services base, then personal analysis reported. 2.0 Theoretical idea of core competencies Firms possess competencies through efficient use of resources and are required for firms to compete. Core competencies are attributes that an organisation possesses which in turn allows it to achieve competitive advantage (Prahalad Hamel, 1990 cited Henry. A, 2008). There is differential performance between companies in the same industry, due to individual core competencies since the environment is constant. In 2008, Dell had the largest market share in UK PC market (Datamonitor, 2009), with core competencies in its value chain giving competitive advantage (Henry. A, 2008). Core competencies should be appropriable so those who provide the attributes for the competitive advantage should reap benefits (Kay. J, 1993 cited Open University, 2009). The key is not to focus on all competencies just ones that add most value and competitive advantage. Collis and Montgomery (1997) identified some attributes within the organisation are more useful for gaining sustainable competitive advantage (Henry, 2008). The features of useful attributes are that they help provide value to customers, are unique and difficult to imitate (Collis Montgomery, 1997, cited Hooley. G et al, 2008) as seen in figure 1. Other theorists support this identification, Prahalad and Hamel (1990) identified three tests for core competencies: 1. A core competence should provide access to a wide variety of markets. 2. A core competence should make a significant contribution to perceived customer benefits of end products. 3. A core competence should be difficult for competitors to imitate. (Prahalad cited The Free Library, 2002). Hamel and Prahalad (The Free Library, 2002) identified core competencies should not remain static whilst the environment changes. Core competencies enable production of new products and services and increase customer relationship management, they should be envied by competitors but difficult to replicate (Hooley. G et al, 2008). Shangri La Hotels have a stronger customer relationship than their competitors (Datamonitor, 2009) their mission Delighting customers each and every time (Shangri-La Hotels and Resorts, 2009). 2.1 Nokias core competencies Nokia has many competencies but due to recent success appears to focus on the right core competencies to gain competitive advantage. The two significant ones are organisational culture (Blau. J, 2003) and investment in research and development (Nokia, 2009). Organisational culture is a core competence and source of sustainable competitive advantage (Barney, 1986b, cited Hamel. G Heene. A,1994). 2.1.1 Nokias organisational culture Nokia, unlike competitors, is innovative and entrepreneurial by adopting the correct culture (Blau. J, 2003). Within the organisation entrepreneurship is encouraged by managers open to employee suggestions for new products and services, this allows continuous learning, there is also a feedback process for employees engaging in new ideas (Blau. J, 2003). VP Niitamo, Chair of European Living Labs Portfolio, Some of Nokias success, is from continuously bringing in young, talented people, without pushing them down one particular career path (Blau. J, 2003). For this to take place they must have shared vision to ensure full commitment from employees (Kanter, 1983 cited Henry. A, 2008). 2.1.2 Nokias research and development Another core competency is Nokias research and development. Nokia employs 51,750 people, over one third is made up of people in research and development. The company employs approximately 1,000 new people in research and development each year, aiming for those who have new skills (Blau. J, 2003). Nokias extensive research and development enables it to create trusted consumer relationships, the best mobile devices everywhere and context enriched services (Nokia, 2009). 3.0 Theoretical idea of competitive advantage Competitive advantage results from matching core competencies to opportunities (Business Dictionary, 2009). Many 2000 dot.com failures were companies identifying the opportunity but not having competencies to achieve competitive advantage (Hooley. G et al, 2008). Companies can achieve competitive advantage by charging higher prices for increased value products and services or offering the same products and services as competitors at lower prices (Porter. M. E, 1985). Differences between rival products and services have become narrow, so companies need to find new ways of distinguishing themselves in customers minds. Companies can use brands to be distinctive compared with competitors, and create a relationship with customers for competitive advantage (Chailan. C, 2008). In 2008, the airline industry saw JetBlues new experience based differentiation after they created T5 terminal at JFK. T5 added brand value by augmenting the service with additional and complementary features (DDB, 2009). Companies should look for sustainability; competitive advantage that competitors are unable to imitate (Barney, 1991 cited Henry. A, 2008). Tesco uses vendor managed inventory and builds relationships with suppliers such as Nestle and Coca Cola to improve availability, providing competitive advantage for those involved, however unsustainable (William Reed Business Media Ltd, 2009). Figure 2 identifies the relationship between core competencies and competitive advantage. Although core competencies lead to competitive advantages this may be indirect by developing core products or services. 3.1 Nokias competitive advantage Nokia is currently worldwide largest mobile phone maker, therefore they must have significant core competencies to gain competitive advantage (Yahoo Finance, 2009). Nokias competitive advantage is based on scale, brand and services (Nokia, 2008). 3.1.1 Nokias brand value After wavering in 2004, Nokia came back to build an outstanding reputation through a 12% increase in brand value and became fifth top brand (Kiley. D, 2007). Nokia currently has number one brand in many markets worldwide (Temporal. P Davies. R, 2009). Nokias organisational culture contributed to its corporate brand since employees and processes are reflected in the brand (Temporal. P, 2009). Nokias research and development assisted in creating brand value by keeping up to date with evolving consumer demands and is recognised as a company that provides consumers with the desired products and services. NRC, Nokias innovations hub invests at least 5% of the annual research and development budget. Innovations are created for commercial purposes after three to five years development (Samuels. M, 2006). 3.1.2 Nokias products and services Ideas need to align with organisational culture, therefore this must be correct to generate desired products and services (Henry. A, 2008). Organisational culture is reflected in products and services through processes and procedures, this led to sustainable competitive advantage. The knowledge possessed by employees cannot be easily transferred, groups of employees would be required for a fraction of the knowledge (Argote. L Ingram. P, 2000). Nokias research and development continuously improves and generates new products, this is essential as Nokias markets became highly competitive over the last decade with entrants such as Apple iPhone (Ward. A, 2009). In 2002 Nokia received the Frost and Sullivan market engineering award for its secure access system innovation which was an exceptionally evolved product (BNET,2003 Calif. S. J, 2002). 4.0 Critical analysis I conclude that Nokia has effectively developed competencies into core competencies to develop sustainable competitive advantage. I consider Nokia to have core competencies in particular organisational culture and research and development, contributing most to Nokias competitive advantage. The organisational culture is quite unique among competitors, yet as industry leader so they must be doing the right things internally in relation to the external industry. Other companies should steer away from the negative image that innovative organisations are only effective in small organisations and implement some of Nokias techniques to reduce differential performance between them. However, I realise this will only be effective if there are shared values and commitment from the entire organisation as with Nokia. Organisational culture cannot be easily learned so this must create sustainable competitive advantage until competitors have developed their culture more effectively. Nokia invests heavily in research and development which is reflected in its product and service offering which is outstanding, therefore I see it as a worthwhile investment. I have identified that Nokia doesnt just employ people for research and development, it supports them and develops their knowledge base to benefit the company. I identified Nokias main competitive advantage being brand value and product and service offering. I recognise that Nokia successfully achieved competitive advantage of its brand organisational culture and the beliefs and practices adopted by the company. Nokia must continue to do the right things such as ethical behaviour in the work place or the brand will be tarnished and will be difficult to rebuild unless its loyal customer base sticks by regardless which I find doubtful. Nokias other competitive advantage consists developing latest product designs and outperforming rivals through services. I do not consider this sustainable, despite Nokias investments in research and development. Product innovation in the mobile phone industry is the main contributor to growth, through replacement sales (Cassell. J, 2004). This is likely to remain the case as the market is already saturated, therefore I feel Nokia wont maintain this level of competition as rival companies would invest more into research and development to compete. Overall, I find Nokia making best use of its core competencies to gain competitive advantage but dont believe it will continue to be industry leader without enhancing its core competencies to meet evolving demands. 5.0 Conclusion In conclusion it has been analysed that Nokia has several core competencies, the most significant being organisational culture and investment in research and development. These core competencies led to competitive advantage in the form of strong brand image and exceptional product and service offerings. Although this is currently the case for Nokia within the mobile phone industry, they may not be sustainable as will be identified over time.

Humorous Wedding Toasts to the Newlyweds :: Wedding Toasts Roasts Speeches

Humorous Wedding Toasts to the Newlyweds Learning to Love To the newlyweds, When you learn to love hell, you will be in heaven! Forsake Not Forsake not an old wife, for the new is not comparable to her. A new wife is as new wine: when she is old, thou shalt drink her with pleasure. A Clean Shirt Here’s that you may always have A clean shirt A clean conscience And a dollar in our pocket. Health and Prosperity Here’s to health and prosperity, To you and all your posterity. And them that doesn’t drink with sincerity, That they may be damned for all eternity! Diplomacy Getting married is like getting a masters degree in diplomacy. In just two short years you will develop the ability to tell your husband to go to hell, So that he will look forward to making the trip. Facing Problems Sooner or later, in every marriage, you will encounter problems: When this time comes, you must take the bull

Analyse and present research information Essay

Computers R’ Us have the following organisational requirements: Security and confidentiality requirements Management and accountability channels Research strategies- use a combination of research via print and online Presenting Information – All information in Arial, font 12 Procedures for updating records – This is the task of the HR manager and the sales manager. The 3 new products to be launched are: 1. Lenovo Yoga – A convertible laptop-tablet 2. Bose SoundLink Mini Bluetooth Speaker – A Bluetooth ultraportable speaker for music on the go   3. Astro Pro 2- An external power bank or battery charger for laptops, smartphones, iPhone etc. PART A The objectives of each research topic are as follows: OBJECTIVES FOR THE THREE NEW PRODUCTS TO BE LAUNCHED: Due to changed industry trends, there is a need for new products to be launched. Failure of the past products In order to increase the profitability for the company. OBJECTIVES FOR CHOOSING A NEW COURIER COMPANY: Faster service More customer satisfaction Increasing complaints for the previous company OBJECTIVES FOR CHOOSING A NEW OFFICE RENTAL PLACE: To avoid unwanted expenses Parking availability To reach out to more customers Increased profitability. PART B RESEARCH REQUIREMENTS For new products launch: The current market scenario needs to be researched in detail. Current availing prices and strategies, and competitors activities need to be assessed. For courier company: Feedback needs to be taken from existing customers of the courier company. Market research to be conducted on the reliability of the company. Rental property: A good real estate to be consulted and detail research to be done on the pros and cons of each location. BUSINESS TECHNOLOGY For new products launch: Attending technology expos, Research on Internet, Technology Magazines, Consulting Tech Gurus. For courier company: Directories, Internet research, Google Places ratings. Rental property: Real estate websites, Real estate offices, Newspaper adverts. , Magazine listings. KEW WORDS AND PHRASES FOR ONLINE SEARCH For new products launch: Computers and accessories in demand, Hot new products, Must have computers, Computers to buy 2014, Accessories to buy 2014, Affordable computers+ accessories. For courier company: Best courier service, Courier in Melbourne, Melbourne courier service. PART C PRODUCTS TO BE LAUNCHED LENOVO YOGA: The Yoga is perhaps one of the most usable devices on the market. It has a great keyboard, track pad, and touchscreen, and can be used in multiple positions. Yoga combines the productivity of an Ultra-book with the touch experience of a tablet, taking full advantage of the Windows 8 functionality. The screen flips a full 360 degrees into four modes that make it easy to create, share, or consume content. Combine those with its long battery life, and the Yoga provides ultimate versatility. The Lenovo Yoga comes at a wholesale price of $550 and is sold at a current market price of  $699, which gives a profitability of $150 per piece sold. It is a definite hit with consumers due to its unique design and diverse usability. Bose SoundLink Mini Bluetooth Speaker: Enjoy your music on the go, everywhere you go. The SoundLink ® Mini Bluetooth speaker delivers full, natural sound from an ultra-compact speaker that fits in the palm of your hand. It connects wirelessly to your smartphone, tablet or other Bluetooth device, so you can listen to your music, videos or games anytime, anywhere. Just grab it and go. Features Advanced audio performance delivers full-range listening experience The most compact mobile speaker from Bose easily goes where you go Wirelessly connects to your Bluetooth device Rechargeable battery plays up to 7 hours USB port allows for software update to ensure ongoing Bluetooth device compatibility Soft covers are available separately in blue, green or orange The speaker comes with charging cradle and power cord and accessory covers are available separately The speakers come at a wholesale price of $150 and the current market price is $200. Though the profitability is not much but the speakers are highly in demand and sellable very fast. Astro Pro 2: Astro Pro2 is one of the newest laptop external batteries, which provide 1 full charge to laptops equals to 9 cycles on phones. New, yet been noted to be a dependable external charger. Dependable because it does not only give exact status, but also super powered with a built-in high capacity of 20000mAh. Product Features Slim and comfortable in a small pouch. Fashionable feature that fits any occasion and rugged for daily use. Lightweight. Its only two pounds when shipped. With a built in lithium polymer battery: Ensures longer laptop battery life up to 8 hours or more. This external battery is equipped with two outputs for greater function. Impressive LED lights to display battery status and percentage: Astro Pro2 LED lights are consistent, clear, and accurate all the time. They update not only the ‘in and out’ details, but they also provide the laptop battery life’s percentage. With this, the user won’t find  it hard when to stop and connect this battery to your starving laptop. Aluminium body in a stylish packaging. Great deal with various inclusions: 1 Anker Astro Pro2 20000mAh external battery, four phone connectors, 1 USB cable, 10 laptop connectors, 1 DC power cable, 1 AC 100-240V adapter, 1 pouch and user guide Dimensions: 4.9 x 7.3 x 0.6 inches; 1.2 pounds The wholesale price for Astro Pro 2 is $99 and its current market sale price is $135. Sales are very high for this product. COURIER COMPANY GOLDEN MESSENGERS – An established transport and delivery company, Golden Messenger provides express courier services in Melbourne and across Australia. Golden Messenger offers a Guaranteed Minimum Delivery Time (GMDT): their deliveries, whether as-needs or scheduled, are on time or it’s free. If you need same day delivery, they are the business courier service to call. Messenger can help you with your day-to-day business delivery and run-around needs in the Melbourne CBD and metropolitan area. They provide ad-hoc courier deliveries (Standard, Express and Priority), logistics solutions, banking (including pick-up and banking of cheques) and mail runs. They can utilise a light van, taxi truck, half-tonne or one-tonne van or tray to carry out permanent runs or contract transport. Golden Messenger also offers country and interstate parcel and mail courier services, whether your freight is a full or less-than-full truckload. They will manage all your intrastate and interstate transport needs, including carton delivery. Golden Messenger is a professional team of couriers with a focus on communication, operating 24 hours and 7 days to transport your deliveries on time. RENTAL OFFICE PROPERTIES Option 1 – 1ST FLOOR ROOMS/OFFICES FOR LEASE – NEPEAN HWY FRANKSTON. Located in an ideal location, this office has a reception area, spilt system heating and cooling, shared kitchen and bathroom facilities. Secured entry with intercom access. Total rooms – 2. Rent cost – $12000 p.a. or $1000 p.m. Option 2 – 4/79-83 Miles Grove, SEAFORD 3198 *Industrial 1 Zone *89 Sq. m (approx.) factory type location *Ideal for storage/online business *Kitchenette *Toilet and shower *Available now *$800.00 per calendar month, plus GST, plus outgoings (O/G’s Approx. $1,000 per annum) Option 3 – 22/94 High Street, BERWICK 3806 Modern office space. Dedicated air conditioner, suspended acoustic ceiling, sink/kitchen area, carpeted. Front building entry to Main Street, rear building entry to car park. Rent – $1650 p.m. PART D /22/94 HIGH STREET, BERWICK VIC 3806 For Lease /94 HIGH STREET, BERWICK VIC 3806 For Lease $1,650 p 94 HIGH STREET, BERWICK VIC 3806 For Lease $1,650 p 4/79-83 MILES GROVE, SEAFORD VIC 3198 For Lease $9,600 pa

Who Is the Architect of the Most Famous Memorial in DC

For a class project at Yale University, Maya Lin designed a memorial for Vietnam Veterans. At the last minute, she submitted her design poster to the 1981 national competition in Washington, DC. Much to her surprise, she won the competition. Maya Lin is forever associated with her most famous design, the Vietnam Veterans Memorial, known as The Wall. Trained as an artist and an architect, Lin is best known for her large, minimalist sculptures and monuments. Her first great success that launched her career—the winning design for the Vietnam Veterans Memorial in Washington DC—came when she was only 21. Many people criticized the stark, black monument, but today the Vietnam Veterans Memorial is one of the most famous memorials in the United States. Throughout her career, Lin has continued to create powerful designs using simple shapes, natural materials, and Eastern themes. Maya Lin has maintained a design studio in New York City since 1986. In 2012 she completed what she calls her final memorial—What is missing?. She continues to create her own Lin-chitecture with an emphasis on environmental themes. Photos of her work are posted on her website at Maya Lin Studio. Background: Born: October 5, 1959 in Athens, Ohio Childhood: Maya Lin grew up in Ohio surrounded by art and literature. Her educated, artistic parents came to America from Beijing and Shanghai and taught at Ohio University. Education: 1981: Yale University School of Architecture, B.A.1986: Yale University School of Architecture, M.A. Selected Projects: 1982: Vietnam Veterans Memorial in Washington, D.C.1989: Civil Rights Memorial in Montgomery, Alabama1993: The Weber House, Williamstown, Massachusetts (with William Bialosky)1993: The Womens Table, Yale University, New Haven, Connecticut1995: Wave Field, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan1999: Langston Hughes Library on the Alex Haley Farm, Clinton, Tennessee (C-Span Video)2004: Input, an earth installation at Bicentennial Park, Ohio University2004: The Riggio-Lynch Chapel, Childrens Defense Fund, Clinton, TN2006: The Box House, Telluride, CO2009: Wavefield, Storm King Art Center, Mountainville, New York2009: Silver River, CityCenter, ARIA Resort and Casino, Las Vegas, Nevada2013: A Fold in the Field, Gibbs Farm, New ZealandOngoing: The Confluence Project, Columbia River, American Northwest2015: Novartis Institutes for BioMedical Research, 181 Massachusetts Ave., Cambridge, MA (Design Architect: Maya Lin Studio with   Bialosky Partners Architects)2019 (expected): Neilson Library Redesign, Smith College, Northampton, Massachusetts Whats Lin-chitecture? Is Maya Lin a REAL architect? Our word architect comes from the Greek word architekton meaning chief carpenter—not a good description of the modern architect. Maya Lin has described her winning submission sketches for the 1981 Vietnam Memorial as very painterly. Although a Yale University graduate with two architecture degrees, Lin is widely known more for her artistic memorials and installations than the private residences she has designed as an architect. She does her own thing. Perhaps she practices Lin-chitecture. For example, an 84-foot scale model of the Colorado River has become part of the registration process at a Las Vegas resort (view image). Lin took nearly three years to replicate the river using reclaimed silver. Finished in 2009, Silver River is a 3,700 pound statement to casino guests—reminding them of the local environment and the fragile source of their water and energy while staying at CityCenter Resort and Casino. Could Lin have affirmed environmental impact in any better way? Likewise, her earth pieces are visually magnificent—as large, primitive, and unworldly as an underground Stonehenge. With earth-moving machinery, she sculpts land to create works like the temporary installation Wavefield (view image) at Storm King Art Center in New Yorks Hudson Valley and her earthen wave installation called A Fold in the Field in New Zealand at Alan Gibbs Farm. Lin won early fame for her Vietnam Memorial and notoriety for the battles it took to turn her design sketches into reality. Much of her work since then has been considered more art than architecture, which has continued to stir heated debate. According to some critics, Maya Lin is an artist—not a real architect. So, whats a real architect? Frank Gehry gets to design jewelry for Tiffany Co. and Rem Koolhaas creates fashion runways for Prada. Other architects design boats, furniture, wind turbines, kitchen utensils, wallpaper, and shoes. And isnt Santiago Calatrava really more of an engineer than an architect? So, why cant Maya Lin be called a real architect? When we think about Lins career, beginning with that 1981 winning design, it becomes clear that she has not strayed far from her ideals and interests. The Vietnam Veterans Memorial was rooted in the earth, built with stone, and created a bold and poignant statement through its simple design. Throughout her life, Maya Lin has been committed to the environment, social causes, and affecting the earth to create art. Its that simple. So, let the creative be creative—and keep art within the scope of architecture. Learn More: Maya Lin: A Strong Clear Vision, written and directed by Freida Lee Mock, 1995 (DVD)Boundaries by Maya Lin, Simon Schuster, 2006Maya Lin: Topologies, Rizzoli, 2015Maya Lin: Systematic Landscapes by Richard Andrews and John Beardsley, Yale University Press, 2006 Source: A Walk Through ARIA Resort Casino, Press Release [accessed September 12, 2014]