Walmart ecommerce ops Essay Example For Students

Walmart ecommerce ops Essay What is Wal-Mart dong that seems to fit a definition of successful e-commerce operations? What cold they do better? How does shopping on-line compare to your experience looking for a similar type of item at a bricks-and-mortar store? How does this site compare to other experiences youve had with e-commerce When you talk about Wal-Mart the first thing that you have to remember is that they are the largest retailer in the world. Wal-Mart employs more people in the United States than any other company and is second only to the federal government in the number of employees that they have on the payroll. These are important facts to consider in that due to their tremendous size, Wal-Mart has an enormous effect on the economy and the way that business is conducted. In many instances, if a company wants to continue to do business they have to either follow what Wal-Mart is doing or attempt to compete against Wal-Mart in some other fashion. It is not unreasonable to state that Wal-Mart is the reason why many businesses are in business today. We will write a custom essay on Walmart ecommerce ops specifically for you for only $16.38 $13.9/page Order now They were forced out by the sheer size of Wal-Mart. So, with this in mind it is interesting to note that Wal-Mart ranks only third on the e-commerce scale behind Dell computers and Amazon. (Sullivan 2004) What is the reason for this? Its hard to say and point to one specific reason why Wal-Mart doesnt lead this list but maybe looking at the criteria outlined in the background reading will help to answer this question. (Wollan 2003) In the background reading a list of criteria is given that outlines the advantages of e-commerce as it relates to operations management. The companies that are able to capitalize on these are the ones that will be successful. Wal-Mart is able to capitalize and continues to do so as it improves and expands into the e-commerce environment. Some of these advantages are: Better availability of service Cost reduction in information processing Better of timeliness of service Better access to customer markets Initial cost of operations less expensive Operating costs of operations less expensive Better purchasing prices from suppliers Improved product development Improved scheduling Better supplier quality Some of these might not be as clear unless you take the time to understand how Wal-Mart operates. (Wal-Mart, 2005) Wal-Mart treats each of its different divisions as separate companies. The Wal-Mart Corporation consists of Wal-Mart stores, Sams Club, Wal-Mart International, and Walmart.com. Each of these entities is a separate company that is not dependent on the other. As such the success of the initial start up of the companies is not based on how well or poorly the corporation is doing. Further in the background readings, Dr. Wollan outlines eight areas that can be linked as critical success factors for the operations of e-commerce. Supply Chain Management Product and Process Design Management Purchasing Management Forecasting and Scheduling Management Inventory Management Quality Management Human Resource Management Reengineering and Consulting Management In my opinion the most important of these factors is the Supply Chain Management. If the customer is not able to get the product when they want it or the product is always sold out, they will go somewhere else. Wal-Mart has taken the role of leader in how suppliers will do business with companies. In August 2002, Wal-Mart told its suppliers they would have to start sending and receiving electronic data over the Internet. As a result, more than 98% of Wal-Marts Electronic Data Information (EDI) exchanges are done over the Internet using AS2 software. (Zimmerman 2003) This leads me back to my first point in that what Wal-Mart does others will do also. The suppliers began to get their AS2 infrastructures up and running in anticipation of other retailers that would follow suit. Lowes and Home Depot are now also using the AS2 software platform to conduct their business as well. Since Wal-Mart made their announcement, the company responsible for the development of the AS2 software, Isoft Corporation, has seen a 900% increase in their sales and have more than 1,0000 customers. There is not really a lot of room for improvement when talking about Walmart. .u102acc82dd5dbde67bd0ccdf707a23e8 , .u102acc82dd5dbde67bd0ccdf707a23e8 .postImageUrl , .u102acc82dd5dbde67bd0ccdf707a23e8 .centered-text-area { min-height: 80px; position: relative; } .u102acc82dd5dbde67bd0ccdf707a23e8 , .u102acc82dd5dbde67bd0ccdf707a23e8:hover , .u102acc82dd5dbde67bd0ccdf707a23e8:visited , .u102acc82dd5dbde67bd0ccdf707a23e8:active { border:0!important; } .u102acc82dd5dbde67bd0ccdf707a23e8 .clearfix:after { content: ""; display: table; clear: both; } .u102acc82dd5dbde67bd0ccdf707a23e8 { display: block; transition: background-color 250ms; webkit-transition: background-color 250ms; width: 100%; opacity: 1; transition: opacity 250ms; webkit-transition: opacity 250ms; background-color: #95A5A6; } .u102acc82dd5dbde67bd0ccdf707a23e8:active , .u102acc82dd5dbde67bd0ccdf707a23e8:hover { opacity: 1; transition: opacity 250ms; webkit-transition: opacity 250ms; background-color: #2C3E50; } .u102acc82dd5dbde67bd0ccdf707a23e8 .centered-text-area { width: 100%; position: relative ; } .u102acc82dd5dbde67bd0ccdf707a23e8 .ctaText { border-bottom: 0 solid #fff; color: #2980B9; font-size: 16px; font-weight: bold; margin: 0; padding: 0; text-decoration: underline; } .u102acc82dd5dbde67bd0ccdf707a23e8 .postTitle { color: #FFFFFF; font-size: 16px; font-weight: 600; margin: 0; padding: 0; width: 100%; } .u102acc82dd5dbde67bd0ccdf707a23e8 .ctaButton { background-color: #7F8C8D!important; color: #2980B9; border: none; border-radius: 3px; box-shadow: none; font-size: 14px; font-weight: bold; line-height: 26px; moz-border-radius: 3px; text-align: center; text-decoration: none; text-shadow: none; width: 80px; min-height: 80px; background: url(https://artscolumbia.org/wp-content/plugins/intelly-related-posts/assets/images/simple-arrow.png)no-repeat; position: absolute; right: 0; top: 0; } .u102acc82dd5dbde67bd0ccdf707a23e8:hover .ctaButton { background-color: #34495E!important; } .u102acc82dd5dbde67bd0ccdf707a23e8 .centered-text { display: table; height: 80px; padding-left : 18px; top: 0; } .u102acc82dd5dbde67bd0ccdf707a23e8 .u102acc82dd5dbde67bd0ccdf707a23e8-content { display: table-cell; margin: 0; padding: 0; padding-right: 108px; position: relative; vertical-align: middle; width: 100%; } .u102acc82dd5dbde67bd0ccdf707a23e8:after { content: ""; display: block; clear: both; } READ: Fashion Of 16th Century Essaycom. The site is simple and easy to use. Perhaps the only downfall of Wal-Mart .com is that with the number of brick-and-mortar stores available to a customer why would they want to wait .

5 Reasons Why Selling to Libraries is a Top Priority

5 Reasons Why Selling to Libraries is a Top Priority 5 Reasons Why Selling to Libraries Needs to be a Top Priority Amy Collins is a publishing industry expert, author of The Write Way, and founder of New Shelves Books, one of the fastest growing book distribution, sales, and marketing companies in North America. As a former sales director for a large book and magazine publisher, she has sold to Barnes Noble, Target, Costco, and many other major chains.If you are looking for a new source of income from your self-published book, libraries are something you really should consider. Libraries in the US are experiencing a huge surge in foot traffic. Public librarians are seeing a LOT more patrons, and their check out rates are skyrocketing. The good news? Â  Their budgets are going up too. In many cities, the annual budget for libraries is increasing - new locations are opening, and old ones are reopening at historical rates.US libraries spend over 3 billion dollars each year on materials (books, magazines, e-journals), so you should consider using some of your sales and marketing time to present yo ur book to librarians. US Libraries spend over $3b a year on materials. How can #selfpub authors get a piece of the pie? 1. Fiction and Children’s books are the top categories, but non-fiction is catching upAccording to the ALA Materials Survey published in March 2015, the most popular categories in public libraries were Children’s picture books, general fiction, mystery/thrillers, cookbooks and memoir/bio. The complete list is here.2. Librarians want more books that drive traffic into their libraries.When more people come to a library, it demonstrates the need for that library in the community. Â  As a result, budgets will go up; they will hire more staff, and everyone is happy. For independent authors, this is also great news: 92% of librarians surveyed between May 2016 – July 2016 by New Shelves stated that they regularly buy books from self-published authors and small presses. 3. eBooks and audiobooks are the fastest growing type of book purchases.Ebook and audiobooks are a terrific way to get your book into the hands of avid readers. Â  Libraries spend over 25% of their budgets on ebooks and audiobook downloads. These types of books cost you far less to sell because there are no printing costs. Focus on your ebook and audiobook sales to libraries and make even MORE money.To learn more about how to get your ebooks into libraries, read our master guide on ebook distribution!4. Sell to one library, sell to manyOnce one library has your book and the check-out rates start showing up on reports, other librarians will start ordering your book. The growth and spread of your book’s sales and popularity will start happening while you are not even looking! Get your book into a few libraries within a system and watch out for your new sales.5. You can do this with just a few simple materials.There are materials that Librarians can use to decide if your book is something they want to buy. These items are:a one-page sales sheet with your book’s details and description,a one-page sheet about the author that showcases what a great person you are,a marketing plan and an outline showing all the ways you are going to promote the book,a list of things you are willing to do to help the library promote the book and your topic.Create an email that focuses on the librarian's goals instead of on how great your book is. The proper attitude, the right tone, and appropriate submission materials will get you much further than your belief that your book should be a best-seller.Have you ever considered selling your book to a library, or does it seem like too much effort for too little return? Let us know your thoughts and questions in the comments below.

Definition and Examples of Parrhesia

Definition and Examples of Parrhesia In classical rhetoric, parrhesia is free, frank, and fearless speech. In ancient Greek thought, speaking with parrhesia meant saying everything or speaking ones mind. An intolerance of parrhesia, notes S. Sara Monoson, marked tyranny of both the Hellenic and Persian varieties in the Athenian view. . . . The coupling of freedom and parrhesia in the democratic self-image . . . functioned to assert two things: the critical attitude appropriate to a democratic citizen, and the open life promised by democracy (Platos Democratic Entanglements, 2000). Examples and Observations The author of [Rhetorica] ad Herennium discussed a figure of thought called parrhesia (frankness of speech). This figure occurs when, talking before those to whom we owe reverence or fear, we yet exercise our right to speak out, because we seem justified in reprehending them, or persons dear to them, for some fault (IV xxxvi 48). For example: The university administration has tolerated hate speech on this campus, and so to some extent they are responsible for its widespread use. An opposing figure is litotes(understatement), where a rhetor diminishes some feature of the situation that is obvious to all.(Sharon Crowley and Debra Hawhee, Ancient Rhetorics for Contemporary Students. Pearson, 2004)To best reflect the meanings in its own context, parrhesia should be thought of as true speech: the parrhesiastes is the one who speaks the truth. Parrhesia required that the speaker use the most direct words and expressions possible in order to make it clear that whatever he might be saying wa s his own opinion. As a speech activity, parrhesia was largely limited to male citizens.(Kyle Grayson, Chasing Dragons. University of Toronto Press, 2008) What is basically at stake in parrhesia is what could be called, somewhat impressionistically, the frankness, freedom, and openness, that leads one to say what one has to say, as one wishes to say it, when one wishes to say it, and in the form one thinks is necessary for saying it. The term parrhesia is so bound up with the choice, decision, and attitude of the person speaking that the Latins translated it by, precisely, libertas [speaking freely].(Michel Foucault, The Hermeneutics of the Subject: Lectures at the College de France 19811982. Macmillan, 2005)The Fearless Speech of Malcolm XMalcolm X is the great example of parrhesia in the black prophetic tradition. The term goes back to line 24A of Platos Apology, where Socrates says, the cause of my unpopularity was my parrhesia, my fearless speech, my frank speech, my plain speech, my unintimidated speech. The hip hop generation talks about keeping it real. Malcolm was as real as it gets. James Brown talked about make it funky. Malc olm was always. Bring in the funk, bring in the truth, bring in the reality. . . .When Malcom looked at black life in America, he saw wasted potential; he saw unrealized aims. This kind of prophetic witness can never be crushed. There was no one like him in terms of having the courage to risk life and limb to speak such painful truths about America.(Cornel West, Firebrand. Smithsonian, February 2015) Eisenhower on the Military-Industrial ComplexWe annually spend on military security alone more than the net income of all United States corporations.Now this conjunction of an immense military establishment and a large arms industry is new in the American experience. The total influenceeconomic, political, even spiritualis felt in every city, every Statehouse, every office of the Federal government. We recognize the imperative need for this development. Yet, we must not fail to comprehend its grave implications. Our toil, resources, and livelihood are all involved. So is the very structure of our society.In the councils of government, we must guard against the acquisition of unwarranted influence, whether sought or unsought, by the military-industrial complex. The potential for the disastrous rise of misplaced power exists and will persist. We must never let the weight of this combination endanger our liberties or democratic processes. We should take nothing for granted. Only an aler t and knowledgeable citizenry can compel the proper meshing of the huge industrial and military machinery of defense with our peaceful methods and goals, so that security and liberty may prosper together. . . .Disarmament, with mutual honor and confidence, is a continuing imperative. Together we must learn how to compose differences, not with arms, but with intellect and decent purpose. Because this need is so sharp and apparent, I confess that I lay down my official responsibilities in this field with a definite sense of disappointment. As one who has witnessed the horror and the lingering sadness of war, as one who knows that another war could utterly destroy this civilization which has been so slowly and painfully built over thousands of years, I wish I could say tonight that a lasting peace is in sight.Happily, I can say that war has been avoided. Steady progress toward our ultimate goal has been made. But so much remains to be done.(President Dwight Eisenhower, Farewell Address , January 17, 1961) Straight Talk as a Rhetorical TropeI read S. Sara Monosons excellent work on parrhesia (frank speech) in ancient Athens. I thought, this is itwe can use this ethic of parrhesia as our own democratic ideal! But then I began to notice that our popular culture in fact already praised something like parrhesia: straight talk. Political theorists also have a similar ethic: sincerity. But the problem was that a lot of straight-talkers seemed deeply undemocratic: straight talk seemed to have become a trope, another tool of crafty politicians and smart advertising executives.(Elizabeth Markovits, The Politics of Sincerity: Plato, Frank Speech, and Democratic Judgment. The Pennsylvania State University Press, 2008)

The Role Of Financial Management In Successful Business Acquisitions Essay

The Role Of Financial Management In Successful Business Acquisitions - Essay Example Therefore in the light of all these considerations in order to ensure that my presentation is a success my aim will be to educate the audience into becoming more informed users of financial statements pertaining to mergers and acquisitions.I will emphasize upon the intricacies of financial accounting in this regard particularly with regard to goodwill, acquisition provisions and tax. Another consideration will be the use of acquisitions concluded by contract, rather than by exchange of equity interests. This is will also involve an explanation of how the GAAP (Generally Accepted Accounting Principles) have coped with the variances in different systems in order achieve successful financial reporting objectives.The presentation will highlight the fact that corporate financial statements serve as information givers about the portfolio of the firm pertaining to its performance and prospects.My presentation will demonstrate the link between the economic atmosphere and how its reflects ont o a financial statement.Also included in the presentation will be how the organizational manager of a firm can communicate to the financial users the views of the financial issues thus taking on the role of a financial intermediary. Of prime importance will be an understanding and communication of financial statements and what should or should not be disclosed in line with the regulation and strategy.  This would help the acquirer recognize many intangible assets  separately from goodwill.... ng to its performance and prospects.My presentation will demonstrate the link between the economic atmosphere and how its reflects onto a financial statement.Also included in the presentation will be how the organisational manager of a firm can communicate to the financial users the views of the financial issuers thus taking on the role of a financial intermediary. Of prime importance will be an understanding and communication of financial statements and what should or should not disclosed in line with the regulation and strategy. The Balance Sheet The pith and substance of reviewing a financial statement prior to concluding a merger/acquisition contract pertains to the underlying economics of the economic events highlighted.The relevant information would include the figures which reflect the current value of the assets which are to be acquired and the liabilities assumed.This would allow a potential buyer to recognise the assets acquired and liabilities assumed at their acquisition date fair values and this should be reviewed regardless of the fact how these assets were acquired (that is by merger or contribution or even purchase).This would help the acquirer recognise many intangible assets separately from goodwill. The diagram above1 shows how the financial information and its disclosures will finally lead to the closing of a merger deal. Before concluding a merger or acquisition the experience accountant will scrutinise the pension and tax liabilities which will arise subsequently and how will they be computed post acquisition.Also relevant is the extent to which the buyer will be held responsible for the company's individual assets acquired and liabilities assumed . It has to observed from the balance sheet and agreed from the start how the liability for the

Global Operations Management IP II Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words

Global Operations Management IP II - Essay Example These strategies will enable the company realize better performance and gain competitive advantage in the global market. Introduction A PPQ part is a manufacturing company that deals with the manufacture of Sport Utility Vehicles in the United States with 5000 number of employees and controls 5% of the world market share. The company intends to reorganize its operations beyond the boarders of United States in which the company intends to expand its employee base to 10000. However, the company has experienced high turnover rates of 28% which is above the market average. The company therefore intends to increase its employee retention through reduction of annual turnover from 28% to 17%. PPQ Parts also intends to increase its profit margin from 6% to 13% in 4 years in order to improve its performance in the stock market from the current $10 per share to $22 per share. The company through its corporate values contributes 0.5% of its profits to charity work and would like to raise it to 5% in 4 years time. Strategic Management Plan Employment Rebranding Strategy The ability of PPQ parts to attract and retain customers is one of the big challenges the company faces. Moreover, ability to attract and retain customers in the new global market that the company intends to venture will be even more challenging. According to McLaughlin & Fitzsimmons (1996), attracting and retaining talent is becoming the main competitive differentiator for companies around the world. While PPQ parts intend to cast a wider net across the globe, it will be imperative for the top management of the company to manage its internal HR systems. Employment branding is therefore the best approach that will guarantee long term talent development and retention thus reducing employee turnover (Kuruvilla, 2008). Major Goal: To increase employee retention by lowering annual turnover from 28% to 17% while increasing the number of employees from 5000 to 10000. Objective: Reduce the annual employee turnover from 28% to 17% through implementation of key HR strategies necessary to motivate employees and improve performance. Responsible Parties: PPQ Parts Board, and Senior Management staff Key Strategies: 1. Training and career development by coming up with a career development plan that will include systems for assessing employee performance and recommendation of training needs. 2. Performance Management by developing employee appraisal system that would keep employees focused to organizational direction and ensures employees are involved in the process of decision making with respect to training needs and career development. 3. Developing a HR function through implementing logical connections, that connects the renewal and integration capabilities, practical interventions and dynamic behaviors. 4. Develop HR operational procedures and enhance communication system within the organization. 5. Conduct a survey on the areas of employees’ satisfaction and implement the recommendation s. Expected Outcomes: Increased employee referrals, retention rates improve, enhance employee motivation, develop a stronger corporate culture, reduce corporate negatives, ammunition for employees and managers and gain a competitive advantage Timeline: Implementation of these strategies is expected to take 6 months followed by evaluation process and finally addressing the

Recruitment And Selection Policies For Companies Management Essay

Recruitment And Selection Policies For Companies Management Essay In order to compete successfully in a global market, more companies are beginning to focus on the role of human resources, most importantly on recruitment and selection as a critical part of their core competence and a source of competitive advantage. A good recruitment is very essential for an effective human resource management. According to Sparrow and Hiltrop (1994), the effectiveness of many other human resource activities, such as selection and training, depends largely on the quality of new employees attracted through the recruitment process. Also, Sparrow (2006) pointed out that the challenges for HR business partners in handling recruitment for an international organisation vary in each country, but a common need is the question of how to ensure rigour and consistency across operations in very different cultures, business markets and labour markets. 1.1 BACKGROUND TO THE STUDY Hiring competent individuals has always been and will always be of paramount importance to business organisations, which is highly dependent on the recruitment and selection, which aims to attract and retain high-quality individuals in order to achieve continued success within the organisations. The importance of recruitment and selection should never be ignored. One of the earliest management writers, Taylor F.W (1911) complained about the typical way individuals were selected based on who you knew or who was first in the queue. Taylor introduced the idea that people should be selected for their skills and abilities, which should be tested before the selection decision. Due to the increase in internalisation, HR departments of multinational companies have put so much importance on the recruitment and selection of their staff, primarily because recruitment and selection is involved in making future predictions about future behaviour, so that decisions can be made about who will be most suitable for a particular job. 1.2 AIMS/OBJECTIVES OF THE STUDY I aim to analyse the recruitment and selection policies of Ernst Young (EY) and KPMG in their different subsidiaries which are Nigeria and Sierra Leone, and to build the concepts on human resource management literature, which will help me to analyse what these companies did well? What these companies did badly? How these companies can be improved? What lessons we can learn from these companies? Would the recruitment and selection methods change overtime for Ernst Young Nigeria and KPMG Sierra Leone in the likely future?. 1.3 SIGNIFICANCE OF THE STUDY The importance of this study/paper is to explain and persuade my readers on the importance of an effective recruitment and selection policies from my analysis of Ernst Young Nigeria and KPMG Sierra Leone. 1.4 RESEARCH METHODOLOGY According to Lee (1989) research is a systematic quest for undiscovered knowledge. The result of the pursuit of this knowledge is known as research. I would be carrying out a case study on Ernst Young and KPMG in their foreign subsidiaries; which are Nigeria and Sierra Leone and to carry out an analysis on the recruitment and selection policies used. CHAPTER 2 LITERATURE REVIEW There are many previous studies and literature concerning recruitment and selection, this review will aim to expand on these and use the concepts of human resource management literature to offer a diverse understanding. Recruitment is defined as searching for and obtaining potential job candidates in sufficient numbers and quality so that the organisation can select the most appropriate people to fill its job needs. Selection is the process of gathering information for the purposes of evaluating and deciding who should be employed in particular jobs. With that said, every organisation has to recruit workers, select them, pay them, and also motivate them and in the long run eventually arrange for their retirement or departure. However, things are done differently in different countries; not only do they have different cultures (the foreign subsidiaries am analysing are Nigeria and Sierra Leone which are Wes-African countries), they also operate with different educated and skilled workforces, and in different economic situations, with different labour laws, government support or control and so on. Recruitment and selection vary across different countries, in HRM there are the concepts of international and comparative human resource management, and there is a distinction between Comparative HRM and International HRM which was made clear by Boxall (1995). Comparative human resource management explores the extent to which HRM differs between different countries or between different areas within a country or different regions of the world (Brewster and Larsen, 2000). Comparative human resource management is telling us that employment systems differ noticeably between countries and that managing human resources has to vary from country to country. 2.1 INTERNATIONAL HRM In international HRM, which is the basis of this paper, primarily because it seeks to understand the approaches used in the management of employees by multinational companies in their subsidiaries. For these international organisations, human resource management is a key to success. International HRM examines the way organisations manage their human resources across these different national contexts. According to Brewster and Lee (2006), international organisations have employees who work across national borders. In international HRM, there are staffing issues that internationalizing companies encounter that are either not present in a domestic environment, or are complicated by the international context in which these human resource activities take place and how subsidiaries respond. There are four (4) main approaches in which multinational companies deal with the management of employees in their foreign subsidiaries, these approaches were developed in the international business strategy literature which focused on human resource management and was carried out by Perlmutter (1969) and Heenan Perlmutter (1979) these approaches are; Ethnocentric, Polycentric, Regiocentric and Geocentric approaches. In the Ethnocentric Approach; in this approach the strategic decisions are made at headquarters, few foreign subsidiaries have any autonomy. Key positions at the foreign operations are held by headquarters management personnel, this type of approach is common at the early stages of internationalisation because of the need to maintain good communication, co-ordination, and control links with corporate headquarters, subsidiaries are usually managed by expatriates from the parent country (PCNs). A common disadvantage to this approach is that the workers of the host country nationals (HCNs) feel inferior or cheated to the workers of the parent country nationals (PCNs) when salaries, compensation packages, company bonuses are compared. In the Polycentric Approach; in this approach the multinational company treats each subsidiary as a distinct national entity with some decision-making autonomy. Subsidiaries are usually managed by local nationals (HCNs) who are rarely promoted to positions at headquarters. Likewise parent country nationals (PCNs) are rarely transferred to foreign subsidiary operation. In this approach, there is continuity to the management of foreign subsidiaries, which avoids the turnover of key managers that, by its very nature results from an ethnocentric approach. However, the major difficulty with this approach is that of bridging the gap between the host country national (HCN) subsidiary managers and parent country national (PCN) managers at corporate headquarters. This approach will be further analysed in chapter 3. In the Regiocentric Approach; this approach is a reflection of the geographic strategy and structure of the multinational. Personnel may move outside their countries but generally only within a particular geographic region (e.g. Europe or Asia Pacific). In this approach, regional managers may not be promoted to headquarters position but enjoy a degree of regional autonomy in decision-making. In the Geocentric Approach; the multinational companies takes a worldwide stance in respect of its operations, it recognises that each part makes a unique contribution with its overall competence. It is usually accompanied by a worldwide integrated business, and nationality is ignored in favour of ability. Here, parent country nationals (PCNs), host country nationals (HCNs) and third country nationals (TCNs) can be found in key positions anywhere of the multinational, including those at the senior management level at headquarters, subsidiaries and on the board of directors. A common disadvantage to this approach is that it can be expensive to implement because it leads to an increase in training of workers and also the issue of relocation costs. The above literature illustrates the four (4) different approaches used by multinationals in the management of their employees in foreign subsidiaries, some authors believe the polycentric approach to be very global, in that, subsidiary managers are responsible for their own strategy and co-ordination is needed across multiple dimensions. However, there are critics such as Mayrhofer and Brewster (1996) who argue that the vast majority of firms are ethnocentric. These four (4) approaches provide an understanding of international human resource management (IHRM) within an organisation. 2.2 COMPARATIVE HRM There are also two (2) approaches to research and thinking in the field of HRM; due to the issue regarding whether HR practices can be transferred, these approaches are; the Universalist and the Contextual or in the terms of this chapter, the comparative (Brewster, 1999). These two (2) approaches are also reflected in the debate between the two (2) schools of thought that contest the notion of convergence. Some researchers argue that even when there are differences, they are reducing as the notion of globalisation becomes more established and societies are moving towards each other in the way they do things, also including the way they manage their human resources. Other researchers argue that there is little evidence of such a moving together and that, in fact, societies remain steadfastly different and even unique. The Universalist approach is very dominant in the USA but is widely used elsewhere. The main aim of the Universalist approach is to improve organisational performance and to achieve organisational goals in HRM, and in particular strategic human resource management (SHRM). The major problem with this approach, is that it operates only at the level of organisation, ignoring policy at the national or international level and because is dominant in the USA it therefore, pertains more to the USA and in reality, it fails to provide insights to different countries in their practice of HRM. In contrast, the Contextual approach or comparative searches for an overall understanding of what is contextually unique and why. It is more focused on understanding what is different between and within HRM in various contexts and what led to those differences. Most researchers working in this paradigm believe that it is the explanation that matters, any link to firm performance is secondary. Contextualist researchers study the importance of such factors as culture, ownership structures, labour market and so on which are the aspects of the subject rather than external influences upon it. At this point, is important to know that neither approach is right nor wrong, both approaches, and the others that exist in other parts of the world, have a contribution to make. However, in practice there are often debates between the different approaches used to understand the nature of human resource management. 2.3 DUNNING ECLECTIC THEORY From the concept of international HRM literature, we understand the four (4) approaches in which multinational companies manage their employees in foreign subsidiaries, however, to understand why these multinational companies decided to set up in foreign subsidiaries, can be better understood with the Dunnings Eclectic theory (Dunning, 1992) which usually involves an arising need to establish a corporate culture in their subsidiaries and also most importantly, to transfer knowledge from the parent country national (PCNs) to the host country national (HCNs) and third country national (TCNs) which involves the need for expatriates (number of people who are sent by multinational companies on foreign assignments on a short or long period of time). The Dunnings Eclectic theory explains the roles of expatriates, which are: à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¢ To secure transfer of technology positions, as companies send the expatriates abroad in order to transfer their technology to the foreign subsidiary i.e. in countries where qualified people are not available, companies send the parent country nationals (PCNs) to fill out the positions. à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¢ To secure the headquarter control, where the multinational companies can exercise this control by using the parent country nationals (PCNs) in their foreign subsidiaries. In such situations firms try to incorporate the headquarters culture into the foreign operations, which in some cases may create cultural problems. Especially when multinationals tend to demand administrative and financial control in their foreign operations. à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¢ It leads to an opportunity for international experience or management development, several firms find international experience highly important before promoting their employees. Foreign transfers are here important in order to learn foreign cultures and environments. In such situations qualified host country nationals (HCNs) are available but managers are still transferred to foreign subsidiaries to acquire knowledge and skills. à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¢ To help in organizational development, this could be called the Geocentric approach. This role is performed only by the best people at the best places without nationality barriers. Transfers can take place from headquarters to subsidiaries, from subsidiaries to headquarters, or from subsidiaries to subsidiaries. Nationality of employees does not matter in this situation, as the objective of this staffing strategy is to get to know about different cultures, create international networks, decentralization, and interaction between managers of different nationalities. In general, this strategy is mostly followed by larger global companies. However, multinational companies are increasingly adopting a strong global mindset and reducing the number of expatriates that are usually sent on foreign operations, which is usually costly for the multinational companies. Interestingly, multinational companies are beginning to recruit and select more of the local talents in their foreign subsidiaries and also ensuring that the top management in their foreign subsidiaries understand the headquarters desires and corporate vision and making sure it conforms in line with the headquarters. CHAPTER 3 ANALYTICAL THEORY In order to ensure successful business management, leading companies and organizations are implementing new policies, standards, procedures, ensuring space for new organisational cultures, business models, new projects and products. Yet, managing human resources is more challenging than we may even expect or even imagine and also, most importantly recruiting and selecting the right quantity and quality of staff into an organisation. The following analysis shall focus on the recruitment and selection of Ernst Young and KPMG in their foreign subsidiaries which are Nigeria and Sierra Leone. 3.1 ERNST YOUNG IN FOREIGN SUBSIDIARY- NIGERIA Ernst Young (EY) Quality In Everything We do is ranked as one of the largest professional services in the world and one of the big four (4) auditors. Ernst Young which was founded in 1989 due to a global merger between Ernst Whinney and Arthur Young, however, its individual components can be traced back to 1849. Its global headquarters is located in London, United Kingdom in the region of Europe, furthermore, Ernst Young is a global industry which offers these professional services; audit, tax, financial advisory and consultancy to their clients. Ernst Young (EY) Nigeria was set up in the year 1991, and has been in Nigeria for twenty-one (21) years. Ernst Young is one of the largest firms of chartered accountants and business advisers in Nigeria. Their clients include many multinational companies from all sectors of business. The firm also serves an impressive array of middle market and privately held companies, this structure allows Ernst Young Nigeria to be very responsive to both established businesses and emerging and developing businesses. Ernst Young Nigeria provides four (4) principal services to their clients; Advisory, Audit, Tax and Transaction services. As at time of writing this paper, Ernst Young Nigeria has a staff of 260 people including sixteen (16) partners, these partners are both Nigerians and Expatriates, the firm is administered by the Partners who occupy key positions in the firm and are responsible for making decisions on the strategic direction of the firm. The objective of the recruitment and selection policies of Ernst Young Nigeria is: To recruit and select people according to merit (quality of being particularly good or worthy) so as to ensure efficiency and effectiveness and also that the right people (in terms of qualification and experience) occupy the right positions at Ernst Young Nigeria. This objective has helped Ernst Young Nigeria recruit and select the best type of applicants into their organisation. The reasons for recruiting at Ernst Young Nigeria is either to fill a vacancy i.e. replace a member of staff who has resigned or to bring in a new member of staff to ease the workload in the team. There are various factors which usually affect the design and implementation of recruitment and selection policies of any organisation. As expected the problems encountered during the design and implementation of the recruitment and selection policies of Ernst Young Nigeria is not for public knowledge. However, I am very certain Ernst Young Nigeria faced some challenges in the design and implementation of their recruitment and selection policies at the initial stage such as total lack of knowledge of the labour market and also an important issue of corruption which seems to be crippling the Nigerian economy. 3.2 RECRUITMENT AND SELECTION POLICIES OF ERNST YOUNG IN NIGERIA This is carried out differently depending on the category of staff required, which are: à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¢ Professionals These categories of staff are recruited either into the Audit, Advisory or Tax Departments. The three (3) different departments have different skill requirements. Application letters and CVs are lodged by applicants and are reviewed based on the different qualifications required by each department. The minimum qualification for this category is a first degree in any field, also, professional qualifications such as ACCA, CIMA or a Masters degree is usually an added advantage. After the recruitment process is carried out, the selection is carried out which is in form of an interview, an interview is conducted by either a Business Unit leader or Manager and the HR Head of Ernst Young Nigeria, to find out more about the individual and their experience, the chosen applicants are assessed during the interview to know if they have excellent communications skills. Depending on the position being interviewed for, applicants may be asked to answer a written test. If the candidate is found sui table, a second interview is arranged with the prospective Partner during which a discussion on the salary and terms of conditions of service for the position are also discussed. à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¢ Trainees Prospective Trainee Accountants send their applications and CVs throughout the year to the company. These application letters are reviewed by members of the Human Resource department and applicants are short-listed if they meet Ernst Young (Nigeria) requirements which are as follows: i. Applicants must be aged a maximum of 25 if they are yet to start the professional examinations. ii. Applicants should preferably be graduates with good degrees; non-graduates are considered if they have started the professional exams already with good results. Applications are short-listed based on the above-mentioned criteria. Short-listed applicants are invited for a two (2) hour psychometric test. Those applicants who pass the test, are then selected and invited for an interview, this interview is conducted by a minimum of two (2) people including the HR Head and an Audit Manager. Applicants are expected to portray a commitment to the professional course they are pursuing with the intention of qualifying within the shortest possible time. This interview assesses the candidates communication skills, intelligence, and confidence. The interviewers must also be convinced that the candidate has the personality to fit into the Ernst Young Nigerias structure. Thereafter, a training program is run for Trainee Accountants by three (3) Audit professionals to get them familiarized with Ernst Young Audit methodology. à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¢ Interns As part of Ernst Young Nigerias co-operate responsibilities, they offer internships/placement for graduates from recognized universities and polytechnics within Nigeria. This program should be over within three (3) months. To be eligible for the Internship Program, candidates must be in their third (3) year and possess a good predicated grade in their undergraduate degree with plans to pursue a career in audit, tax or advisory services. à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¢ Administrators à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¢ Secretaries For the administrative staff and secretaries at Ernst Young Nigeria, an informal method of recruitment is usually used through the form of personal recommendation, often referred to as word of mouth. Those applicants who are suitable are then interviewed by the HR head, which is a very common form of selection. Thereafter, an appointment letter is sent to the suitable candidate detailing the terms and conditions of service and the salary attached to the position. The employee is required to return a signed copy of this agreement on commencement of work. 3.3 RESULTS FROM ANALYSIS From the overall framework, structure and organisation of Ernst Young Nigeria, I would say the management and staffing of employees in this subsidiary is using the Geocentric approach due to the fact that key positions at the subsidiary (EY Nigeria) are occupied by nationals of the host country (HCNs) and nationals of the Parent country (PCNs) who are all highly competent employees. The Regiocentric approach is also used by Ernst Young Nigeria reasons being that some staff are transferred within the same geographic region; some of the staff at Ernst Young Nigeria are from other African countries specifically from Ghana, South Africa all within the same geographic region. Ernst Young Nigeria commonly uses the internet method of recruitment; this method ensures a large pool of applicants, from which the best applicants are selected from. However, I disagree with this method of recruitment for a country like Nigeria, because Nigeria does not yet have a truly web coverage, therefore, people dont usually have access to the internet to apply for these jobs, and sometimes come across these jobs after the closing dates. For the recruitment of the Trainee Accountants into Ernst Young Nigeria, one of the criteria is that applicants should be a maximum of 25years; I frown upon this criterion because it is indirect age discrimination and should not be practiced, this cannot be present in Ernst Youngs headquarters due to the government legislation which frowns against any form of age discrimination. 3.4 KPMG IN FOREIGN SUBSIDIARY- SIERRA LEONE KPMG (cutting through complexity) is ranked as one of the largest professional services in the world and one of the big four (4) auditors. KPMG is a merger of Peat Marwick International and Klynveld Main Goerdeler this merger was established in 1987, in consonance with a decision of the international council to have all affiliate firms adapt the name to underscore the advisory functions of this world-wide firm. Its global headquarters is located in Amstelveen; Netherland in the region of Europe, KPMG is a global industry which offers these professional services; audit, tax and advisory. Its advisory services are further divided into three service groups- Management Consulting, Risk Consulting, and Transaction Restructuring. KPMG Sierra Leone was established in the 1930s by Edward Casselton Elliot but was not known as KPMG. It was called Peat Marwick Casselton Elliot and CO and has been in Sierra Leone for about 80 years. KPMG is the largest firm of chartered accountants and business advisers in Sierra Leone. Their clients include many multinational companies from all sectors of business. The firm also serves an impressive array of middle market and privately held companies, this structure allows KPMG Sierra Leone to be very responsive to both established businesses and emerging and developing businesses. KPMG Sierra Leone provides three (3) principal services to their clients; Audit, Taxation and Advisory services. As at time of writing this paper, KPMG Sierra Leone has a staff of 120 people including three (3) partners namely; Vidal T.O. Decker (Senior Managing Partner), Claudius Williams-Tucker (Tax Peoples partner) and Derrick Kawaley (Audit partner) all nationals of Sierra Leone, the firm is admin istered by the Partners who occupy key positions in the firm and are responsible for making decisions on the strategic direction of the firm. The objective of the recruitment and selection policies of KPMG Sierra Leone is: To recruit and select people according to set competencies, competencies are defined as a combination of behaviours, knowledge, skills and personality attributes. This objective has helped KPMG Sierra Leone recruit and select the best type of applicants into their organisation. The reason for recruiting at KPMG Sierra Leone is either to fill a vacancy i.e. replace a member of staff who has resigned or to bring in a new member of staff to ease the workload in the team. There are various factors which usually affect the design and implementation of recruitment and selection policies of any organisation. As expected the problems encountered during the design and implementation of the recruitment and selection policies of KPMG Sierra Leone is not for public knowledge. However, I am very certain KPMG Sierra Leone faced some challenges in the design and implementation of their recruitment and selection policies at the initial stage such as total lack of knowledge of the labour market. 3.5 RECRUITMENT AND SELECTION POLICIES OF KPMG IN SIERRA LEONE This is carried out differently depending on the category of staff required, which are: Professionals These categories of staff are recruited either into the Audit, Advisory or Tax Departments. The three (3) different departments have different skill requirements. Application letters and CVs are lodged by applicants and are reviewed based on the different qualifications required by each department. The minimum qualification for this category is a first degree in any field, also, professional qualifications such as ACCA, CIMA or a Masters degree is usually an added advantage. After the recruitment process is carried out, the selection is carried out which is in form of an interview, an interview is conducted by either a Business Unit leader or Manager and the HR Head of KPMG Sierra Leone, to find out more about the individual and their experience, roles in KPMG have required competencies based on personal and technical skills. These are assessed during the interview together with communications skills. Depending on the position being interviewed for, applicants may be asked to answer a written test. If the candidate is found suitable, a second interview is arranged with the prospective Partner during which a discussion on the salary and terms of conditions of service for the position are also discussed. Trainees Prospective Trainee Accountants send their applications and CVs throughout the year to the firm. These application letters are reviewed by members of the Human Resource department and applicants are short-listed if they meet KPMG Sierra Leone requirements which are as follows: Applicants must be aged a maximum of 27 if they are yet to start the professional examinations. Applicants should preferably be graduates with good degrees; non-graduates are considered if they have started the professional exams already with good results. Applications are short-listed based on the above-mentioned criteria. Short-listed applicants are invited for a three (3) hour psychometric test. Those applicants who pass the test, are then selected and invited for an interview, this interview is conducted by a minimum of two (2) people including the HR Head and an Audit Manager. Applicants are expected to portray a commitment to the professional course they are pursuing with the intention of qualifying within the shortest possible time. This interview assesses the candidates communication skills, intelligence, and confidence. The interviewers must also be convinced that the candidate has the personality to fit into the KPMG Sierra Leone structure. Thereafter, a training program is run for Trainee Accountants by three (3) Audit professionals to get them familiarized with KPMG Audit methodology. Interns As part of KPMG Sierra Leones co-operate responsibilities, they offer internships/placement for graduates from recognized universities and polytechnics. This program should be over within three (3) months. To be eligible for the Internship Program, candidates must be in their third (3) year and possess a good predicated grade in their undergraduate degree with plans to pursue a career in audit, tax or advisory services. Administrators Secretaries For the administrative staff and secretaries at KPMG Sierra Leone, an informal method of recruitment is usually used through the form of personal recommendation, often referred to as word of mouth. Those applicants who are suitable are then interviewed by the HR head and the partner, which is a very common form of selection. Thereafter, an appointment letter is sent to the suitable candidate detailing the terms and conditions of service and the salary attached to the position. The employee is required to return a signed copy of this agreement on commencement of work. 3.6 RESULTS FROM ANALYSIS From the overall framework, structure and organisation of KPMG Sierra Leone I would say the management and staffing of employees in this subsidiary is using the Polycentric approach, due to the fact that top management staff consists of host country nationals (HCNs) who are nationals of Sierra Leone and who are recruited and selected to manage the subsidiary, as at time of writing this paper, there are no expatriates working at KPMG Sierra Leone, the company is administered by the partners (nationals of Sierra Leone) who are responsible for strategic decisions of KPMG Sierra Leone, which implies that the top management at KPMG Sierra Leone i.e. partners understands the desires and corporate vision of KPMG headquarters. The Regiocentric approach is also used by KPMG Sierra Leone, because some staff are transferred within the same geographic region, som

Company Profile Bigmak Essay

For every story of triumph and success there’s always a powerful belief: â€Å"To accomplish great things, one must not only dream,, but also act, not only plan but also believe† – There once a couple who have dreamt big and believed anything is possible, with one grinder and pieces of margarine cap used as pattern for making patties and with hard work and faith in God- the key ingredients of which lead us to this success story. In 1980, Mr. Francis Bulado Dy, a native from Mauban, Quezon after being married to Ms. Edna Beltran Aycardo had started their married life in the island of Burdeos, Quezon, the hometown of Ms. Edna Aycardo. Having a clichà © in business that runs through their blood, the couple had continue the established business of Ms. Edna Aycardo when she is still single the ENJ Merchandising. The business is basically into retailing and wholesaling business of food commodities, household needs, hardware which includes a small pharmacy, as Mrs. Edna Dy being a licensed pharmacist. In 1982, as an added business in the island and Mr. Francis Dy’s background to this field of the business, Pacific Copra Trading was formed. The copra dealership business has currently three (3) branches on Polilio, Mauban and Burdeos, Quezon. In 1984, having gifted with business acumen certainly had not stopped them from venturing into other business. When they transferred residence to Lucena City, Quezon for the education of their eldest son, Mark Francis Dy, they wanted to start another business venture in line with food. As currently a fad or food craze at that time, business relating to burgers and hotdogs sandwiches is what they wanted to go into business next. Mr. Francis  Dy likes to formulate his own products that would look more competitive and desirable to meticulous sandwich aficionados and will excel in taste. Firstly, he must create a good business name. The supposed company name must have a name recall that people can easily remember. He wanted the corporate name to be common and certainly related to the nature of business. As creative as he is, he was able to create an appropriate and eyecatching company name. The LC. BIG MAK BURGER was born. The name was derived from Mr. Francis DY’s parents name, Maxima And Kimsuy, and added the word BIG which connotes big buns and patties. To distinguish the origin or home of the business, which is in Lucena City, the word, L.C. was added. BURGER signifies the products being sold. On November 8, 1984, they established the very first van outlet located at Quezon Avenue corner Rizal Street in Lucena City. The second van outlet was launched on February 17, 1985, which was positioned at Quezon Avenue corner MS Enverga Street, 400 meters away from the first van. LC Big Mak Burger then chained to Gumaca, Batangas and as far as Bicol region. There is a need to have some changes and improvement on the production and the company started to hire food consultants and technologists to make sure that the taste suits the customers. It was successful, as sales have doubled. On March 18, 1988, after more or less four (4) years of hardship and sacrifices came the inauguration and blessing of a newly constructed Big Mak U-shaped building. This building became the new office and production area. At this time, the LC Big Mak Burger, Inc. had thirty (30) outlets that served the public from Lucena City to San Pablo and other various towns of Quezon, Batangas, Laguna and and eventually had gone up to more than 100 outlets in Calabarzon areas. Starting the year 1988 and for the succeeding next five (5) years, LC Big Mak Burger, Inc. ventured into more branches in Metro Manila and nearby towns of Cavite, Rizal and Bulacan. Neopolitan areas covered more than 50 outlets. Going to the North up to Tarlac, La Union and Ilocos. Expansion has widespread that it covered sideways of the eastern part of Luzon to Isabela and Cagayan. Total outlets established were more than 200 outlets. Within these five (5) years of operation, LC Big Mak Burger, Inc. has covered the entire Luzon. These expansion programs were brought rapidly by the profitable venture and increased sales. The company acquired properties in Tarlac, Isabela and in Quezon City, which housed the branch offices, bakeries and depots. Several food centers were also opened on these periods. During the same period, due to the continuing expansion coverage of area of operation, the demands for additional delivery and transport service was needed. The management created a trucking and motor pool service to support its operation, thus the MDL Trucking Services (which was named after their 3 children, Mark, Dave & Lei) was created. In 1995, Due to the continued volume sales and demand, the company required to put up a much bigger manufacturing plant that could produce higher volume quantity. The construction of the manufacturing plant started and the plant was named Southern Processing Corporation (SPC). It was inaugurated on February 18. 1996. The management acquired modern equipments, tools and other machineries which will make the production much faster and efficient so as to sustain our inflating product demand. Aside from the productions intended for L.C. Big Mak Burger, Inc. consumption, the plant also serves the public by creating a sales arm called the Southern Delights. It has wide varieties of meat products from siopao, siomai, lucban longganisa, ham, bacon, and different kinds of hotdogs, beef patties, tocino, corned beef, tapa and other cold cuts. LC Big Mak Burger, Inc. started to hire additional qualified staff mostly in 1995. This is in preparation for the expansion program that will be launched starting 1996. With the modern facilities of the plant, the company can now expand down to the Southern part of the Philippines – Visayas islands. Thus, in 1997 the company expands initially to Cebu City with 50 outlets, followed by the expansion at Tacloban City with another 50 outlets and lastly in Dumaguete City, Negros Oriental with another 50 outlets. The company acquired properties in Tacloban and Cebu. During the same period, they have  also created the BIGMAK Catering Services. As the demand grew and the couples fashion for food, service and untiring innovations they have decided to expand and start a new business, thus a banquet hall named Queen Margarette Court was established. It would cater and service the needs for events, functions, conventions, celebrations and other type of affairs not only to public demands but also its own conglomerate’s affairs. The Court got the public’s approval as shown by its fully booked listings. It had initially 3 big and 3 mini functions rooms with modern facilities and amenities. Likewise, a manpower agency was opened to primarily hire crews, staffs and personnel for the existing businesses. It was opened to serve the needs of the company and later served also the public as well. The demands were high that another two (2) companies were created, one is the Gain Manpower Services and another after which was created, the CARES. These are all manpower and placement agencies. As an added expansion, it was on 1999 Queen Margarette Hotel was inaugurated. It has 43 air conditioned suites and rooms with modern amenities such as pool, mini bar, Jacuzzi and other facilities of a modern hotel. It was tagged as the Best and the Finest in the Southern Tagalog region. Currently, there are a total of 65 rooms at the hotel or an addition of 12 luxurious rooms on the third floor. The fourth floor hosts four (4) additional function rooms which houses conference rooms for conventions and meetings, other functions and various hotel facilities & other services. Also in 2002, several businesses relating companies where built to make the mother business operates smoothly and to make other existing companies benefit from the facilities it offers. The Pacific Ocean Transport Corporation was inaugurated in February 18, 2002, as its two cargo lines MV Emerald and MV Little Mermaid are shipping to and from Polillo, Mauban & Burdeos transporting copra and other selling merchandises. It helped the existing Pacific Copra Trading and the ENJ Mega Store expand rapidly due to accessibility provided by the shipping business. From there on to the present, there were various developments and enormous progress that have had happened to the company. A lot of improvements were done. Currently, there  are 12 branch offices nationwide under company owned properties. On 2009, Southern Swine Paradise & Farm, Inc. was blessed and inaugurated. Its business is engaged on raising swine, hogs and other poultry and domestic animals for the purpose of supplying meat needs to local consumers. For more than two decades, LC. BIGMAK BURGERS INC. had been in the food service by providing the Filipino people with high quality, great-tasting and affordable products all over the country. It has over 800 outlets nationwide. It continuously grows as like the sandwich in infinite in number sold as it has been miraculously and continuously patronized by local consumers. The blessings of God are like showers from heaven that falls to the couple. They have been chosen by God to share these blessings to a lot of people. These blessings should be shared and not to be wasted to a haste. Let us all be thankful to HIM for all these graces. We can achieve our vision through: 1. BOUNDLESS TERRITORY – we intend to expand our business in areas which we think is viable to the company. We recognize no limits in boundaries. Our priority is to penetrate the whole Philippines and finally we can tap the global market. 2. EXCELLENT VALUE FOR CUSTOMERS – we view our customers as our most important corporate assets. They are the essence of our being in existence. They deserve only the best value we can give. A combination of quality product, reasonable price, convenient, fast and friendly service. We believe that creating value for our customers is the best way to create value for the corporation. By providing only the best for our customers, L.C. Big Mak Burger, Inc. is destined to be recognized as one of the leaders in the food chain industry. 3. SOCIAL ACCOUNTABILITY – L.C. Big Mak Burger, Inc. recognizes its responsibility to society. Its business, activities and policies are aligned with that of government institutions. It support government programs on nation building and economic progress. Likewise, L.C. Big Mak Burger, Inc. shares its blessings with the Filipino people through its community outreach program. 4. TOP QUALITY PEOPLE – L.C. Big Mak Burger, Inc. employs only the top quality people. There is no compromise for mediocrity. We regard our highly qualified employees as our most valuable resources. Without them, we will not be able to reach our objectives. In return we would like to make all employees feel secure in their jobs, to promote their total welfare and to ensure their growth both as a professional and as a person. We hope to achieve this by providing them with healthy working environment, professional organizational mechanism, as well as above average wage and benefits compensation packages.