Introduction
There are numerous factors to be considered before establishing an organization. Additionally, these factors will be helpful in determining the nature of the market, the number of potential buyers, and some other production factors. “Demand” is the first factor to be considered in this context (Stahl 2004, p. 504). The organization is required to have some knowledge about the type of people in the market. Beside, an extensive research should be done to recognize the appropriate market for their products. Coca Cola is also supposed to follow the rules and regulations of the country in which it plans to start its operation. The other factor the company should take into consideration is the amount of money required to carry out the advertisements. Through advertisements, customers and the society will have knowledge about the company and its products. According to Stahl (2004, p. 504), the company should check whether there exist some other companies which produce similar products.
This will be of great help since the organization will be able to evaluate the best approach so that it can effectively compete with the other existing companies. In addition, this will help them establish some other factors that can make them compete with other organizations (Finkler, Kovner & Jones 2007, p. 342). The area where the company is supposed to be situated should also be taken into consideration. Some locations will save the company from spending a lot of money on electricity, raw materials and manpower. When the company is constructed far away from the raw materials, then it will have to spend a lot of money on their transportation (Dlabay & Scott 2010, p. 107). Therefore, it is important to consider such factors before establishing a company. Coca-Cola Company is planning to start its business in the UK. Consequently, the paper is going to evaluate how the organization is supposed to develop and carry out its operations with the assistance of the people within the organization.
A suitable operations framework for Coca-Cola Company
Various operations and information systems of a company greatly contribute to its competitiveness in numerous ways. Strategies and viable tactics are employed to ensure that the company is recognized in the market (Tsai 2002, p. 151). Policies are always important since they assist in decision making. Both marketing, financial and operation strategies are vital when it comes to evaluating the competitiveness of the organization. Different operations like production of high quality products are important when it comes to being at the same level with other companies with similar products. Strategies like specialization are needed for the effective competition (Bellgran & SÄFSTEN 2010, p. 65).
This will ensure that the company only puts more focus on one particular product that is likely to provide the highest number of sales. Besides, the organization will be able to produce high quality products when it has specialized in one product than when producing many products at the same time. Innovations should also be carried out to ensure that the products are of high quality (Cooper, Edgett & Kleinschmidt 1998, p. 333). Consequently, the company will be able to actively compete with other companies which produce similar products. According to Cooper, Edgett & Kleinschmidt (1998, p. 333), the need for rapid response or customization is vital because it will consider the different needs of the customers.
Operations design is also important when the company is trying to actively compete in the market. They must have some important structures that will provide clear outline of how the product will reach the customers. This should be accomplished by identifying the best production processes that would give products of high quality (Longenecker 2006, p. 442). Consequently, this will help the company to actively compete in the market with other companies which produce similar products. At the distribution level, the company should ensure that the products are able to reach the customer on time. This will ensure that it realizes more sales as the customer will be able to get the products whenever they need them.
According to Henry Mayhew (2009, p. 375), the company is supposed to design the right channels of distributing the products. This would eventually help in ensuring that the products reach the customers on time. For instance, distribution through road is more convenient compared to that carried out through rail. Products transported by rail do not reach the market on time. Besides, some of the products will not reach the market when they are fresh. This will eventually affect their marketing strategy as their products will not be sold on time and the customers will not obtain the products when they need them as discusses earlier.
In addition, the company should establish the nature of the market and the potential buyers. This will ultimately help the organization to produce their goods according to the demands of their customers. By establishing the number of potential customers, the company will definitely produce an exact number of goods. Therefore, there will be a continuous supply of the products to the customers. According to Pride, Hughes &Kapoor (2012, p.218), capacity planning is also another important factor that will help Coca-Cola Companyto effectively compete with other existing organizations producing similar products or providing similar services. Moreover, it is aimed at establishing the company’s appropriate production capacity that will make sure the fluctuating demands for the product are effectively met.
Under capacity planning, the company will institute the available time for the manufacture of the products. For instance, they are supposed to establish the number of products they should be producing per given time. Through capacity planning, Coca-Cola Company will be in a position to know the total capacity necessary for the production process. Resource planning is another appropriate operations framework for the organization. Besides, this will make it become effectively competitive in the UK market. Resource planning is majorly employed to tackle issues on how the entire project of ensuring better competition will be resourced and some other supporting services needed like transport system (Abraham 2006, p. 58).
Through resource planning, Coca-Cola Company will make maximum use of the available resources. Consequently, they will be in a position of controlling the market demand and supply. This will make them realize some of their goals like obtaining maximum profit from minimal expenditures. They are also going to apply resource planning to find resources like workers, time and technology for the targeted market. The importance of using the resource plan is that it only focuses on the needs of the company and not personal project needs. Consequently, the company is able to quickly advance and compete with some of the already existing organizations.
Resource planning is important since it makes the company record better performance by incorporating all the operations of the company in one data base. This will make the organization be more competitive in the current changes in the market. Additionally, it links all the company’s functions with the current technological adjustments. It ensures that the resources are adequately utilized by carrying out enough research about the available resources therefore guaranteeing that the available resources are not underutilized. Another advantage of using resource planning is that it ensures that there is some transparency between the organization and the workers. Therefore, there will be easy and free transfer of vital information inside and outside the organization (Letavec, Rollins & Altwies 2008, p. 16).
Another viable operations framework for the organization is the Quality Management provisions. Quality management frameworks are very critical tools of management (within organizations). Their practical application and use within business corporations remain evidently vital. In the present globalized and increasingly competitive organizational world, most corporations have recognized the importance of integrating the quality management frameworks in their operations (Marquez 34). The advantages of the application of quality management frameworks are obvious within any business setting or environment. Through the application of quality assurance as well as control measures, Coca Cola is capable of drawing several benefits. For instance, the company is more likely to attain more consistent and improved quality of products and services. This in turn helps to improve its image or brand within the global market. Therefore, the company is capable of establishing a wide market range and improving its range of clientele (Lientz, Bennet & Rea 26). Generally, the concept of quality management framework and its application within corporations is to help improve the overall company performance as well as competitiveness within the entire market. As a dealer in a wide range of beverage products, Coke is more likely to be confronted by stiff competition. This explains the reason why the corporation has to incorporate basic quality management frameworks to improve and maintain high performance standards in its endeavors (Evans 18). Quality planning as well as improvement includes some of the basic elements within the quality management framework. These elements operate to enhance the level of business performance and competitiveness. Generally, there are evident indications that the best performing corporations have attributed their success to the utilization of quality management frameworks.
It is critical to observe that an adequately designed and executed quality management framework may have several positive impacts in the Coca Cola Corporation. For instance, this initiative is more likely to improve the efficiency and effectiveness of operations. In addition, it may also help the Coca Cola to show case that it is a high performing corporation capable of providing high quality products or services. The expenses associated with the increased quality management systems as well as integration of the quality management framework is high. However, it is also important to indicate the potential merits associated with a fully integrated and operational quality management framework within any organization.
Lack of system monitoring and quality assurance processes within organizations can be detrimental and costly. Coca Cola Corporation must employ robust systems and frameworks aimed towards quality improvement. The sale of harmful or expired products to the customers might have negative health implications on the consumers. Therefore, it is vital to note the positive impacts of integrating and practicing a comprehensive quality management framework within the organization. Such products are required for the systematic methodology of attaining effective product quality. The total quality management framework is vital and embodies a lot of factors associated with quality management.
The implementation of total quality management processes will enhance the capacity of Coca Cola Corporation to deal with challenges emanating from the managerial and administrative components. There is a consequent application of the necessary tools as well as techniques that are vital for the description of the various steps and roles involved in the processes. The engagement of people and teams within the quality management framework would help Coca Cola Corporation to successfully achieve its collective objectives. Other vital components that will aid the corporation in the observation of the quality management framework are important. These include the application of a robust quality management system as well as the performance measurement criterion. Self assessment and evaluation measures are also critical components of a comprehensive and focused quality management framework. Generally, it is important to indicate the fundamental emphasis of a total quality management framework. When excellently executed by the Coca Cola Corporation, this system will operate to ensure various merits are attained.
As evident in its description, quality management framework refers to a fundamental conceptual structure. This structure is applicable in the resolution of intricate concerns as well as challenges eminent within the general organizational and management systems. Additionally, they have been applied and designed to support the organizations to move towards attaining the status of self sustainability. These are some of the advantages or merit that Coca Cola Corporation is likely to enjoy upon its full integration of the strategic and modern quality management framework within all its operations. The benefits that Coca Cola corporation is likely to draw from the total implementation of the quality management frameworks are numerous and diverse. However, care should be taken in the process of implementation in order for the management to engage skilled labor in the process.
The implementation of quality management frameworks requires an effective leadership approach. This enhances the process and ensures all the benefits associated with the process are sufficiently attained or realized. The company is likely to remain competitive and establish a widely recognized brand and product image. Apart from this, Coca Cola Corporation can enjoy the services of competent human resources. This is because several personnel like to identify themselves or work within highly performing or blue chip corporations. There are several advantages associated with quality management frameworks. However, it is upon the implementing organization to apply an effective and sound approach in the utilization of the underlying concepts in a more practical and effective manner.
Integration of an information system within the organizations operations
Stair & Reynolds (2010, p. 34) states that, most organizations are currently applying the use of information system to improve the quality of their products. This will eventually improve their marketing strategies therefor they will be able to effectively compete with other organizations producing similar products as discussed earlier. Information system provides vital tools that are employed in the management. For instance, the application of computers has reduced the workloads as the company can now produce goods at a faster rate than before (Stair & Reynolds 2010, p. 34). This ensures that the products reach the market on time. Consequently, there will be a steady supply in the market. Therefore, consumers will be satisfied with the products and the company’s services.
Information technology is capable of improving the productivity level of the organization. Moreover, this will make them improve in their competitiveness through the employment of some other factors like high quality and decreased cycle times. Additionally, the competitiveness will be enhanced by supplying the products at a cheaper and affordable cost and by making the products available to the customers at the right time as discussed earlier (Unctad 2004, p. 95). The company will be required to apply the online technology to get rid of the ever changing market demand in United Kingdom. Coca-Cola Company will easily communicate to its customers through the internet. Consequently, this will make the company respond to the demands of the customers on time. This will eventually make the company retain most of its customers and maintain its supply.
Through the application of the information system in the supply chain management, the company will be able to overcome the challenges it is facing in the market. Additionally, Coca-Cola Company will also carry out most of its transactions online hence achieve the level of competitiveness required. Mowen, Hansen & Heitger (2012, p. 712) state that, the organization is expected to invest a good amount of their capital on making internal changes in the organization and practical processes. To effectively compete in the UK market with other organizations, the company is supposed to scrap out the old methods of operation and introduce more current distribution channels. Additionally, they are required to introduce new procedures of providing better services to their customers.
Conversely, inadequate connection between the current information system and the company, inadequate strategic planning and underdeveloped information technology structure will result in poor supply chain management. Therefore, the organization’s products will not compete with other companies supplying similar products. Additionally, competition tasks and economic improvements of the organization will be determined by the willingness of the manager to incorporate information integrated into its daily operations and system of management. They are also required to implement the information technology when making various decisions. This should be done by the use of computer systems in their production. Eventually, this will ensure that they are producing high quality products which can easily compete in the market.
According to Soler (2000, p. 369), the managers should have their own data system linked with the general data model. This will ensure that the relevant information regarding the available market and the potential buyers is kept for a longer time. Besides, the information can easily be retrieved in case one disappears. The application of knowledge management has replaced the manual work and with knowledge work. Coca-Cola Company is required to establish vital ways of obtaining, creating controlling and the use of knowledge. Additionally, it is important for the organization to restructure their work and the production methods. This will eventually provide new ideas that will be important for the company to achieve its goal of effective competition in the UK market.
How the Coca Cola’s Workers can be managed to enhance their contribution towards the competitive running of the broader operations
The main foundation of competitive advantage is found in the employees. They are responsible for ensuring that the organization achieves its goal. Therefore the organization does not have any option but to ensure that the interests of the workers are taken into considerations. The managers are required to employ y cost leadership strategy. This strategy is mainly employed to produce low cost products compared to other competitors. Lowering the prices of the products will eventually lead to higher demand of the product therefore; the company will realize more profits from the sale of the products.
Concurrently, motivation is an important provision in an organizational context. It can be used in the management provisions to enhance the contribution of employees towards the competitive running of the company. This is also possible through viable organizational behavior management. It is important to understand its aspects in regard to Coca Cola Company. Poor distribution network experienced by Coca Cola can be connected to motivational provisions. Evidently, organisational behaviour studies what people think, experience, and do in and around organisations. This relates to the provisions of motivation in the workplace. Coca Cola employs numerous employees whose organizational behaviour, if not nurtured, might affect the company adversely in the realms of output. When employees are not motivated, they will hardly be productive as demanded. This might force the employer to formulate viable strategies to ensure that the company gains comprehensively from its employees. This supports the aspects of motivation as an influence to the organizational behaviour mentioned earlier. There might be some tensions at workplace when employees are not motivated while there needs are hardly met (Griffin & Moorehead 2012, p. 85). Consequently, this might lead to strikes and hindrance to organizational functions.
Managing motivational provisions appropriately will make workers perform their duties with a lot of vigour and strength. With this, the employer will be fully satisfied with the services provided by the workers (Griffin & Moorehead 2012, p.128). This will enhance the company’s productivity, profitability, and expansion to other parts of the world. Personal drive of an individual is achievable through focus, precise identification of goals, and working persistently towards it. Employee’s needs result from personal drives and motivation in the workplace. It is important to agree that motivated employees exhibit considerable productivity, creativity, and novelty. Additionally, it is also strengthened by social forces. Precisely, distributors of Coca Cola products are less motivated to distribute the company’s products to the rural areas.
There are four theories of motivation; the first theory (Maslow’s needs theory) argues that human beings have five basic needs which must be satisfied (Hellriegel, Slocum & Woodman 2001, p. 289). These needs incorporate self-actualization, human safety, self-esteem/self-worth, belongingness, and physiological needs. Coca Cola must be in a position to manage such need in order to realize high productivity. Once the employees’ needs are satisfied, they will be motivated to upgrade their productivity and creativity. Application of this theory will vary from one person to the other. As indicated earlier, Coca-Cola Company has failed to provide total motivation to its workers. This has led to the problems currently faced. The other one is Aldefer theory, which relies on growth, existence, and relatedness of progression processes. The problem of distribution faced by the Coca-Cola Company is majorly due to slow growth (Hitt, Miller & Collela 2008, p. 314). That is why some of their products cannot even reach some of the rural areas. This theory also applies frustration-regression processes. When the higher needs are not met in this case, people will always try to move to the lower needs. The third theory (McClelland’s theory) always emphasizes on the secondary needs. These secondary needs are always adopted and reinforced through social norms and childhood learning. Here, through efforts made by people, they will always want to achieve their challenging goals. Coca-Coca Company workers lack the concerned vigour because they are not fully motivated.
Additionally, people will always try to improve their image by avoiding conflicts. The last motivation theory is the four-drive theory. In this theory, a person needs to be motivated so as to learn and acquire viable skills. Contextually, employees of Coca-Cola Company have failed since they are not able to apply these principles. This indicates the poor distribution network experienced by the company. Additionally, the theory is also based on an individual’s drive to emotionally and rationally operate. The four-drive theory has some fundamental drives like the drive to search, take control, and maintain personal experiences. Most employees in this company don’t have that drive and this contributes to its failure.
Motivation can be through performance rewards. These rewards should be given to those who are performers as this would encourage the non performers to work extra hard to obtain the same reward. Additionally, there should be team rewards to encourage cooperation. Coca-Cola Company still has the problems because its workers are not motivated. As a result of that, their employees don’t work towards achieving some goal and this in turn leads to the problem of distribution it is currently experiencing.
The company can also manipulate its HR department to manage its workforce and enhance its productivity. The human resource department is a critical unit within all organizations. They deal, specifically, with the recruitment and deployment of new personalities or workers. The human professionals also have vital roles in the processes that ensure sound diversity management. The human resource professionals engage in the monitoring and evaluation of various employee or work related processes. The employee welfare is one of the critical initiatives that the human resource professionals play an important role. These embody the integration of appropriate guidance and employee counselling programs. The professionals frequently hold group therapy and collective feedback sessions for most of their personnel. These programs enable most of the workers to elicit their potential concerns about particular processes. The initiatives are widely applicable as basic diversity management and training approaches. The professionals stress on the significance of communicating integration messages to various workers.
Strategic management principles have important indications for such processes. For instance, the human resource professionals acquire and exercise their coaching skills on other employees. These coaching roles are achievable through active monitoring and establishment of appropriate benchmarking standards. The human resources also engage in the provision of crucial psychological support and interventions to other workers. They assist these workers to stay free from job-related stress and depressions. The establishment of an ambient and interruption-free environment is a basic initiative undertaken by the human resource personnel. Observably, these also assist in the development of a positive workforce. The human resource professionals also help in the development of effective and strategic recruitment processes (Henry, 2009). These provide the basic springboard for the development of multicultural and effectively performing working groups.
Human resource professionals have potential obligations towards the development of successful diversity management schemes. These are also vital to the development of the capacities of other workers. For example, talent management provides a basic step towards the achievement of employee goals. They must also set up management operations that enable all workers to be involved in basic processes. Consequently, the process ensures a maximum exploitation of the talent and potentials pertinent to the workers. The professionals have to be aware of their fundamental responsibilities. Predominantly, the observation of equitable treatment of all workers remains as a crucial role of the entire human resource department. The initiation of transformative programs that ensure adequate employee welfare is an important role of the human resources personnel.
Conclusion
There are numerous factors helpful in determining the nature of the market, the number of potential buyers, and some other production factors. The organization is required to be knowledgeable on the prospected market segment. Concurrently, an extensive research should be done to recognize the appropriate market for the company’s products. Coca Cola is supposed to follow the rules and regulations of the country in which they are planning to start their operation. Various operations and information systems of a company greatly contribute to its competitiveness in numerous ways. Strategies and viable tactics are employed to ensure that the company is recognized in the market. Most organizations are currently applying the use of Information System to improve the quality of their products. This will eventually improve their marketing strategies therefore they will be able to effectively compete with other organizations producing similar products as discussed earlier. Information system provides vital tools that are employed in the management.
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