As globalization
has gradually taken place, countries have had
to adjust their management procedures in order
to make the most of the situation. In recent times,
organizations within the US have been significantly
exposed to changes due to globalization, and have
done considerably well to make the most of it.
Though countries may make the most of a situation,
there are almost always repercussions to their
actions, and so, conforming to globalized forms
of management is a process that may still see
several changes taking place.
This has been demonstrated in the way that organizations
in countries such as the United States are increasingly
turning towards the need to make offers that would
be enticing enough to attract investment in the
country. Aside from investment, services such
as Fedex’ Supply Chain Services are ones
that are most welcomed globally. This is because
of the fact that they are helping other organizations
while gaining from it themselves; organizations
in stead of working against them work with them,
as they all depend on supply chain services extensively.
Though FedEx began these operations in the mid
seventies, with the onset of globalization their
value has certainly increased.
Managing business today is a sensitive process
that defines whether or not a business will be
successful. Management today is a science that
requires the best of skills that one should be
equipped with to survive in places like the international
market or as top producers in a single country.
Competition is quite tough these days since there
are many who are aware of all the tricks in managing
business.
With certain businesses emerging as the leaders
in the market they also have to prove themselves
and remain there. Becoming number one is easier
than remaining number one. This is because of
the fact that there will be other business that
will mimic similar strategies in order to reach
where any other has. An example of such a business
is FEDEX SCS (Supply Chain Services), which has
been the means of companies simplifying their
work. However, these businesses have focused on
similar areas in different fashion, which proves
that they are not cheating each other in any way,
but are actually genuine and healthy competitors
(Hassil, 1997, p 10).
FedEx SCS that is a part of FedEx Corporation
is an organization that simplifies the work of
other organizations that depend on sorting, pick-up
and delivery. This kind of service is indeed an
innovation , and one that is certainly welcomed.
Organizations rather than opposing FedEx efforts
would be pleased that there are such innovators
in the market that are capable of transforming
business. Indeed, they have provided ideal business
solutions through their innovation (FedEx: The
Leading Supply…, 2004).
It began with a simple effort of supplying goods
for other organizations from city-to-city in the
US, which has set a good example for other business
to do the same. Though there are no grand competitors
as such for FedEx, it must be asserted that due
to FedEx’ efforts, there has been a significant
amount of influence in supply chain services across
the world. Starting in the US alone, it must be
asserted that this influence has spread far and
wide, and this organization operating internationals
has resulted in a greater impact of businesses
world wide, along with stimulating competition
that would do a world of good for the amelioration
of services in this regard (Gilley & Mayunich,
1998, p 12-15).
Though the company operates internationally, it
has particular locations tat are of great importance
to it. This refers specifically to the manner
in which FEDEX chain supply has implemented ‘hubs’.
These are most important for them because the
business would not continue if they were not present.
It must also be asserted that it is at these hubs
that the organization is able to carry out its
most important functions, as it is at these hubs
that all the ‘sorting’ takes place.
All packages that are collected from different
clients are first brought to these hubs, where
they are sorted and organized for the sake of
simplicity that would lead to saving much time.
This sorting process in fact is one that is emphasized
on because it is perhaps the centermost process
to the whole operation of FedEx SCS operations
(FedEx: The Leading Supply…, 2004).
Aiding their center-most process of operations,
FedEx has also acquired the assistance of modern
technology and the latest form s of packaging
techniques that simply and quicken the pace of
their services. In addition to these techniques,
FedEx has employed a significant number of reliable
people who are willing to make sure that everything
gets done on time. In simple words, the organization
will not sleep until it gets a delivery of its
hands as soon as possible.
With this kind of attitude, there is no problem
with their services, as it is understood that
the cycle has to continue and be sustained. If
not, there will be a break down in services, which
may result a loss of to the company as well as
the customers. This is something that they cannot
afford, and in order to ensure that the best quality
of services is maintained, they are firm about
sticking to the rules. This is why the employees
that are employed throughout the globe are ones
that are fully capable of meeting deadlines. Here
it must be asserted that leading a business is
a responsible job, and in this highly competitive
and globalized world quality leadership in an
organization is of great importance (Morial, 2003,
p 22-24).
Managing businesses today is a sensitive process
that defines whether or not a business will be
successful. Business Leadership today is a science
that requires the best of skills that one should
be equipped with to survive in places like the
international market or as top producers in a
single country. Due to the fact that the world
has evolved so quickly through a digital phase
there is even greater need for business leaders
to help organizations cope with growing pressures.
Precisely, this is what FedEx has done. These
pressures may be reduced efficiently through proper
transformational leadership, which they have in
fact managed successfully; they have incorporated
modern technology in their processes that they
had in fact commenced 30 years ago.
FedEx continues to evolve in its operations, as
it aims at making appropriate changes in the organization
that conform to internal and external pressures.
Business leadership also involves coping with
these changes too.
Transformational management is essential especially
since globalization has taken place and there
are a greater number of organizations in one market.
And since there are changes taking place periodically
at different levels there is a need to beware
of these and manage one’s firm so that these
changes do not effect the organization adversely.
Today's dynamic markets and technologies have
called into question the sustainability of competitive
advantage. Under pressure to improve productivity,
quality, and speed, managers have embraced tools
such as T.Q.M., benchmarking, and reengineering.
Dramatic operational improvements have resulted,
but rarely have these gains translated into sustainable
profitability.
And gradually, the tools have taken the place
of strategy. As managers push to improve on all
fronts, they move further away from viable competitive
positions. Michael Porter argues that operational
effectiveness, although necessary to superior
performance, is not sufficient, because its techniques
are easy to imitate. In contrast, the essence
of strategy is choosing a unique and valuable
position rooted in systems of activities that
are much more difficult to match. This is somewhat
the strategy that FedEx could use in order to
ameliorate its already high-performance organization
(Foreign direct investments, 2003).
The locations that FedEx already use for ‘sorting’
and dispatching are ones that are strategically
placed. Though these are operating at their best,
there is always room for improvement. Perhaps
one way that FedEx may further ameliorate their
operations is to gain access to regions where
labor is cheaper and where the people are more
capable. Capability here refers to the educational
level of the people. This capability is important
as the organization depends on operations carried
out by individuals who may be able to conduct
their duties without any errors. This is something
that is of immense importance because of the fact
that if there is a single error in comprehension
by any employee, FedEx’ reputation as well
as earning can decline. Also, the customers that
matter a great deal will also lose their trust
in this organization (Fulmer, 2001, p 35-38).
With globalization on its side, and also the fact
that outsourcing has in fact taken place considerably,
FedEx has applied themselves significantly. They
have managed to gain the most of their locations
worldwide, and need to continue doing so. This
would help them to provide better services in
the long, and they would certainly benefit more
from these efforts. In addition to this, FedEx
would increasingly be recognized as one of most
significant job-providers today.
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