Role of the Consult
- Brainstorming as the starting point in launching a new project (Wickham & Wickham, 2008).
- Developing a new framework of processing information received from customers;
- Introducing a new training program for employees who are expected to work in team on test projects; such an activity will allow the managers to define the level of the readiness of employees to make important decisions, their leadership skills, as well as their ability to accept changes;
- Supporting manager’s decision-making and correcting his/her actions whereas managers should be able to listen to the consultant’s advice and implement the necessary changes (Block, P., & Nowlan, 2011). In addition, the consultant should be ready to face resistance on the part of the managerial staff and personnel;
Role of the Manager
- Controlling the availability of resources and devices the exact number of people and resources needed to meet customer’s concerns;
- Encouraging creativity among employees and stimulating their responsiveness to the challenges that the company faces (Wickham & Wickham, 2008);
- Using Lewin’s model of change management, managers should reconsider the previous policies of HR department and introduce new communication strategies that are focused on horizontal collaboration, as well as strict distribution of responsibilities;
- Outsourcing is an efficient strategy that could be implemented within organization because it has two potential benefits. First, engaging ‘fresh blood’ into the staff can contribute to generating new ideas and improving the quality of communication with clients. Second, applying for new employees will promote a healthy competition among other members of the organization’s personnel;
- Defining dependent and independent variables. Independent variables will involve introducing training programs and new employees whereas dependent variables include shifts in department organization and quality of customer services.
Evaluating External and Internal Environments
Analysis of external and internal environments is vital for any business organization because it allows managers to set the course on enhancing corporate business responsibility.
At this point, Wall-Mart should be more concerned with efficient human resource strategies that can create a favorable setting for their employees belonging to one of the most important stakeholders.
Therefore, before entering an international market, the company should conduct a SWOT analysis to assess its readiness to face threats and gain new opportunities for development (Wickham & Wickham, 2008).
The second step of evaluating the environment will rely on analysis of economic factors, including economic wealth and distribution of customer groups.
Flexibility of currency in the country is also an important threat coming from the external environment and, therefore, currency control should be a priority for the organization.
Further analysis of external environment should cover environmental factors to address ecological situation, define the strategies of environmental protection. Ignorance of this factor can have legal and political consequences for an organization.
Assessing Client Capabilities and Business Opportunities
Therefore, Wall-Mark should tackle this issue to maintain good reputation and expand their client base. The necessity to retain good reputation can also attract new employees and increase the organization’s competitiveness over other business organizations.
It can also minimize the pressure on the part of the government posing legal and political regulations.
Enhancing communication is possible through establishing fruitful cooperation with other environmental organizations and investors who would be interested in financing the company’s projects.
Therefore, for the training program and outsourcing initiative to be successful, the managers should take care of these stakeholders and promote philanthropic responsibilities among all members of an organization.
Moral stance is an integral component of acting in an international environment because it does not only establishes strict ethical codes but also enhances corporate culture.
References
Block, P., & Nowlan, J. (2011). Flawless consulting. A guide to getting your expertise used. Hoboken, NJ: John Wiley & Sons.
Wickham, P., & Wickham, L. (2008). Management consulting: Delivering an effective project (3rd ed.). Harlow, UK: Pearson.