Business Questions on Ethics, Strategic Plan etc Essay

Business Questions on Ethics, Strategic Plan etc - Essay Example Religion is not just about beliefs. In fact, the religion guides its followers towards a complete way of life that is ethically justified and is meant to spread peace in the society. The different standards of ethics amongst communities dwelling in the same place fundamentally arise from the difference of religious teachings of the different communities. People living in a certain place have their customs, values, and traditions that are a reflection of the geographic, political, and socioeconomic history of that place. Over the time, the customs and traditions approved by a vast majority of the people are recognized as ethics in that society. Ethics play a very important role in the business today. There is a lot of evidence to suggest that the world today is not as healthy and clean place to live in as it once was. This is primarily attributed to the false and objectionable business practices that have been in place over a long time in the history. There is a greater emphasis from the society upon healthy business activities to reduce the negative environmental effects of the business. The term used for environment-friendly businesses is â€Å"green business†. Companies are encouraged to compete with one another to become greener as it is seen as one of the pre-requisites of success for the company. On the other hand, businesses today are expected to fulfill the demands of corporate social responsibility, which essentially means that a business that is only profitable to the business owner today is not sufficient. In order for the business owner to be successful and gain competitive advantage, it is imperative that the business benefits the society as well. It may benefit the society in a number of ways that include but are not limited to reducing unemployment, finding the cure of diseases, creating knowledge, and doing research and development for the benefit of the society. Over the time, people have become more conscious about their health and safet y which has imparted a need for the regulatory bodies to oblige the entrepreneurs to abide by the rules of ethics so that the business can be made greener, and its positive role in the development of the society as a whole can be enhanced. Q. 2 Answer The strategic plan can be considered as a kind of business plan, though there are certain differences between the two. The main purpose of making a strategic plan is to implement an organization’s strategic direction and manage it, thus it is made once the organization or business has been established already whereas the business plan is required at the stage of starting a new business, gathering the required funds, and directing its operations. In this way, the strategic plan is helpful for the businesses that are already established but need to be expanded but the business plan makes an entrepreneur prepared to commence a new business. â€Å"The business plan examines the business’ potential for success, the competing industry and the business’ competitive advantages† (Smith). The timeframe covered by the strategic plan is different from that covered by the business plan. While the time covered by a strategic plan ranges from three to five years in general, the business plan is commonly made to last for a year only. The strategic plan is critical to enlarge the revenues and maximize the return on investment of a business as it prioritizes the resources while the business plan is needed when the entrepreneur needs funding. The strategic pla

Implementing Strategy and Managing Change Essay - 1

Implementing Strategy and Managing Change - Essay Example In case it does not, then there is a need to undertake strategic thinking and action that could channels it into constructive and positive changes, designed for common good. Besides, â€Å"as the operating environment ways, over time, it is important that we take stock at regular intervals† (Lancashire Fire and Rescue Service: Risk Management Plan: 2008-11, P.4). In the context of the UK Fire Force Department, it keeps confronting challenges, both big and small, seemingly insurmountable or mundane occurrences. Each day presents a new challenge- for life and survival for the safety and well being of the citizens of this country and to safeguard properties both public as well as private. There are, to be enforced, â€Å"additional responsibilities including fire safety enforcement, emergency planning and ensuring that the work of the fire and rescue service is efficient, effective and providing value for money† (Lancashire Fire and Rescue Service Performance Report and Ac tion Plan 2009 : incorporating Emergency Cover Review, P.3). There are two important aspects that underpin strategic management and change. These are accountability and performance. However, accountability needs to be assessed and modulated to address the current requirements and also needs to be a continuous process designed to ensure that all responsible personnel know their roles and responsibilities. According they must work towards achieving pre determined levels of performance. â€Å"Continual assessment of practice is at the forefront of developing policies and processes to assist the modernisation of public services. This unit seeks to identify the key stakeholders within organisations with regard to managing constant change. In addition, monitoring change and evaluating suitable training is also assessed. How such change influences the organisation is also developed† (Implementing Strategy & Managing Change: Module Handbook: University Centre at Blackburn College). N eed for Implementing Strategy and Managing Change There are many reasons why strategic change needs to be enforced - it could be due to changing market conditions, entry of newer and stronger competitors, internal and external management issues and also the need to evolve and adopt to changing business environments. Besides, there also exists the need to address challenges in performance and accountability at the micro and macro levels. However, all major challenges encountered by the organization have the support and leadership of top management and the Board of Directors, apart from stakeholder commitments. â€Å"The Corporate Management team (CMT) offers strong leadership and has the confidence and support of both staff and elected members. There is a real sense of ownership and pride amongst staff in driving forward service improvements† (Performance Report 2004-2007 and Integrated Risk Management Plan 2007-2010, P.28). Performance of London Fire Brigade: Coming to the as pects of the London Fire Brigade, it is indeed a strong and unified fire and disaster fighting unit and they are also empowered to seek novel strategies and articulate them to improve their performance in terms of containing fire accidents and lesser loss of lives over the years of their outstanding exemplary performance. Today, Fire fighting services could aptly boast of being a strong and efficient unit, fully equipped and