Essay on Nucor Case Analysis - 1235 Words

Nucor Corporation – Case Study and Recommendations on Strategy Nucor Corporation – Case Study and Recommendations on Strategy Introduction Nucor Corporation: Competing against Low Cost Steel imports deals with leading steel manufacturer Nucor Corporation and trends in the steel industry affecting Nucor. Steel manufacturing is an old business, but is currently facing the fast changes associated with new technologies, the rise of globalization, and changes in cost and efficiency. To date, Nucor has maneuvered business cycles and market challenges to maintain a positive profit margin in every quarter since 1966 (Thompson, 2008). The company’s strategy of decentralized structure, focus on disruptive technology, unique employee engagement†¦show more content†¦The increased level of empowerment allows each division manger control over day-to-day decisions that will increase profitability. This key success factor contributes to mitigating threats related to price and cost including the cyclical nature of industry, raw material cost, and low cost competitors. Strong Employee Relations - Nucor’s employee relations practices were a key factor in their successful growth through the ability to produce steel at margins that could compete with imports. Perhaps Nucor’s most important key factor of success, the building of successful employee relations is more difficult to imitate by competitors than tangible business factors. Use of Disruptive Technology – Nucor has an extremely a strong technological focus. Their introduction of the mini-mill has proven to be industry changing with the manufacture of raw sheet for the auto industry. Additionally Nucor introduced the first electric arc furnace, continuous casting, the process to avoid reheating billits, and the twin shell furnace. The value added by Nucor technology in mitigating threats is proven by a high sales volume and steady profits. Strong leadership – While Nucor did have a decentralized management structure, it relied heavily on the aligned visions of managers under the charismatic leadership of Ken Iverson. The companyShow MoreRelatedNucor Case Analysis4059 Words   |  17 PagesIndividual Case Analysis BUS490 Comprehensive Examination Nucor Steel Corporation Written by: Lukas Kubilius Professors: Bonnie J. Straight Julian J. Prewitt Lithuania Christian College 2 March 2005 Overview of situation Nucor Corporation with 24 plants/divisions and 8,000 employees, operated in nine states recycling more than 10 million tons of scrap steel annually. Producing carboy and alloy steel in barsRead MoreNucor Case Analysis4046 Words   |  17 PagesIndividual Case Analysis BUS490 Comprehensive Examination Nucor Steel Corporation Written by: Lukas Kubilius Professors: Bonnie J. Straight Julian J. Prewitt Lithuania Christian College 2 March 2005 Overview of situation Nucor Corporation with 24 plants/divisions and 8,000 employees, operated in nine states recycling more than 10 million tons of scrap steel annually. Producing carboy and alloy steel in bars, beams, sheet, andRead MoreNucor Case Analysis Essay2164 Words   |  9 PagesNucor Corporation Case Analysis Section 1: Recommendations Recommendation 1: To expand more internationally by building plants in lower property taxed areas with low tariffs to ship products out. Recommendation 2: To put in place job descriptions for employees. By doing this it will save Nucor litigation fees and troubles if something arises in the workplace between the employee and Nucor about job duties, injuries, etc. Recommendation 3: Other than expanding internationally, Nucor shouldRead MoreNucor Corporation Case Analysis Essay2454 Words   |  10 Pages11/9/2010 Nucor Corporation Memo Response: Per your request I have analyzed Nucor Corporation and the steel industry. After performing both strategic and financial analysis I offer my recommendations. Executive Summary: Nucor Corporation was the most profitable steel producer in North America in both 2005 and 2006. It is regarded as a low-cost steel producer in the United States, and one of the most efficient and technologically innovative steel producers in the world. Nucor is knownRead MoreCase Studies67624 Words   |  271 PagesCase Studies C-1 INTRODUCTION Preparing an effective case analysis C-3 CASE 1 CASE 2 CASE 3 CASE 4 CASE 5 CASE 6 CASE 7 ABB in China, 1998 C-16 Ansett Airlines and Air New Zealand: A flight to oblivion? C-31 BP–Mobil and the restructuring of the oil refining industry C-44 Compaq in crisis C-67 Gillette and the men’s wet-shaving market C-76 Incat Tasmania’s race for international success: Blue Riband strategies C-95 Kiwi Travel International Airlines Ltd C-105 CASE 8 Beefing up the beeflessRead MoreAnalysis Of Nucor s Strategy For Cost Leadership Strategy915 Words   |  4 PagesAccording to the case study, Nucor has been opting for cost leadership strategy. Cost leadership is an approach that relates a firm pursuing to get the lowest cost in industry. According to Nucor’s case study, it is absolute that Nucor applies correctly and successfully in cost leadership as it has managed to gain relatively low cost of their production. The firm builds manufacturing plants inexpensively and guarantees that they are operated efficiently. Due to Nucor has maintained high profits evenRead MoreCritical Success Factors Of The Company1115 Words   |  5 PagesSituational Analysis 3.1 External Analysis 3.1.1 Critical Success Factors Cost Leadership Strategy: The adoption of cost leadership has been a significant success determinant for the company. Therefore, Nucor has assured that it becomes a cost leader through the use of advanced technologies in steel manufacturing. As well as Nucor invested actively in research and development and applied a lean management structure that improves efficiency for production. Technology and Innovation: Nucor took intoRead MoreNucor at Crossroads1352 Words   |  6 PagesNucor at a Crossroads Nucor at a Crossroads Case Analysis In 1986, three distinct segments defined the U.S. steel industry; integrated steel mills, mini-mills, and specialty steel makers. The integrated mills have the capacity to produce a maximum of 107 million tons of steel per year, mini-mills produced a maximum of 21 million tons of capacity a year, and the nation’s specialty steel makers could produce a maximum capacity of 5 million tons of stainless and specialty grades of steel. This leadsRead MoreNucor Case1339 Words   |  6 PagesNUCOR MEMORANDUM To: F. Kenneth Iverson and Management Team of Nucor Corporation CC: AGSM Faculty Teams Subject: Investment Decision Date: 04/22/2009 From: 1713898 The Situation In 1986, flat sheet segment contained 52% of US total steel market1. Nucor Corporation, which is a steel minimill well-known for its leadership, efficient operation and well-structured compensation, is showing the interest in the flat sheet segment. At the same time, there are many new thin-slab casting technologies toRead MoreNucor Case Study Essay1320 Words   |  6 PagesNUCOR (25 Points) 1. List and elaborate some strategic issues facing NUCOR? Nucor has been facing many industry challenges including the overall development of the industry. They are competing with foreign firms on cost and efficiency. Nucor has a low cost strategy because as they say their product is not necessarily very attractive. It does not have attractive or unique selling features other than its cost. The commodity of steel is in a very competitive market. Nucor understands that innovation

Death of a Salesman by Arthur Miller - 1075 Words

Many families suffer from dysfunctions. In the Death of a Salesman written by Arthur Miller, you have a dysfunctional family, Willy thinks he is an advanced salesmen getting cheated out of an amazing opportunity in New York, Linda believes her husband Willy is mentally sane and that he just has bad luck, Happy says he’s a salesmen when he has been keeping his real work hidden from his family, and Biff has been bouncing around from job to job down west. Willy, Linda, Biff, and Happy use self-deception as a means to mentally escape the reality of their lives. Biff is the only character who becomes self-aware by the end of the play. Biff is the only one who realizes that he and his family have been living a huge lie and when he tries to†¦show more content†¦This meeting is thought to be a great chance for Biff to obtain a loan that will help him start his dream business.† (Enotes) This is the scene where everything is destroyed for the Loman family. â€Å"We learn that the meeting never takes place; Bill Oliver does not even remember Biff, making Biff realize that he was merely a shipping clerk for Oliver, and not a salesmen, like Willy had convinced him to believe for years.† (Enotes) This was Biff’s actual realization that his entire life was a complete lie. â€Å"The anger that Biff develops after realizing that his life has been a mere fragment of Willy’s imagination makes him want to confront his father at the restaurant. This, he does in aims that Willy would stop, for once and for all, creating fantasies about Biff in Biff’s own head.† (Enotes) This is what happens to Willy after the truth is finally brought to his attention. There are many resources that clearly state that Biff was the only one to come to grips with reality. He is the only one who cares about his real life. He throws his false identity away for the truth. â€Å"In this scene we can see that Biff expresses his emotion towards the ty pe of lifestyle he has been living. Biff has finally realized that he has been living a deceptive life which was instigated by his father Willy Loman. We see that Biff rises above the low level he has been living by accepting the truth andShow MoreRelatedDeath Of A Salesman By Arthur Miller1387 Words   |  6 PagesAmerican play-write Arthur Miller, is undoubtedly Death of a Salesman. Arthur Miller wrote Death of a Salesman in 1949 at the time when America was evolving into an economic powerhouse. Arthur Miller critiques the system of capitalism and he also tells of the reality of the American Dream. Not only does he do these things, but he brings to light the idea of the dysfunctional family. Death of a Salesman is one of America’s saddest tragedies. In Arthur Miller’s, Death of a Salesman, three major eventsRead MoreDeath Of A Salesman By Arthur Miller888 Words   |  4 PagesDeath of a Salesman† is a play written by Arthur Miller in the year 1949. The play r evolves around a desperate salesman, Willy Loman. Loman is delusioned and most of the things he does make him to appear as a man who is living in his own world away from other people. He is disturbed by the fact that he cannot let go his former self. His wife Linda is sad and lonely; his youngest son Biff is presented as a swinger/player while his eldest son Happy appears anti-business and confused by the behaviorRead MoreDeath of Salesman by Arthur Miller972 Words   |  4 PagesIn the play Death of a Salesman by the playwright Arthur Miller, the use of names is significant to the characters themselves. Many playwrights and authors use names in their works to make a connection between the reader and the main idea of their work. Arthur Miller uses names in this play extraordinarily. Not only does Miller use the names to get readers to correlate them with the main idea of the play, but he also uses names to provide some irony to the play. Miller uses the meanings of someRead MoreDe ath Of A Salesman By Arthur Miller1573 Words   |  7 Pagesrepresents a character with a tragic flaw leading to his downfall. In addition, in traditional tragedy, the main character falls from high authority and often it is predetermined by fate, while the audience experiences catharsis (Bloom 2). Arthur Miller’s play Death of a Salesman is considered to be a tragedy because this literary work has some of the main characteristics of the tragedy genre. In this play, the main character Willy Loman possesses such traits and behaviors that lead to his downfall, and theRead MoreDeath Of A Salesman By Arthur Miller949 Words   |  4 PagesDeath of a Salesman can be described as modern tragedy portraying the remaining days in the life of Willy Loman. This story is very complex, not only because of it’s use of past and present, but because of Willy’s lies that have continued to spiral out of control throughout his life. Arthur Miller puts a modern twist on Aristotleà ¢â‚¬â„¢s definition of ancient Greek tragedy when Willy Loman’s life story directly identifies the fatal flaw of the â€Å"American Dream†. Willy Loman’s tragic flaw can be recappedRead MoreThe Death Of A Salesman By Arthur Miller846 Words   |  4 PagesA Dime a Dozen The Death of a Salesman is a tragedy written by playwright Arthur Miller and told in the third person limited view. The play involves four main characters, Biff, Happy, Linda, and Willy Loman, an ordinary family trying to live the American Dream. Throughout the play however, the family begins to show that through their endeavors to live the American Dream, they are only hurting their selves. The play begins by hinting at Willy’s suicidal attempts as the play begins with Linda askingRead MoreDeath Of A Salesman By Arthur Miller Essay2538 Words   |  11 PagesSurname 1 McCain Student’s Name: Instructor’s Name: Course: Date: Death of a Salesman Death of a salesman is a literature play written by American author Arthur Miller. The play was first published in the year 1949 and premiered on Broadway in the same year. Since then, it has had several performances. It has also received a lot of accordances and won numerous awards for its literature merit including the coveted Pulitzer for drama. The play is regarded by many critics as the perfectRead MoreDeath Of A Salesman By Arthur Miller1628 Words   |  7 PagesArthur Miller wrote the Pulitzer Prize winning play Death of a Salesman in 1949. The play inflated the myth of the American Dream of prosperity and recognition, that hard work and integrity brings, but the play compels the world to see the ugly truth that capitalism and the materialistic world distort honesty and moral ethics. The play is a guide toward contemporary themes foreseen of the twentieth century, which are veiled with greed, power, and betrayal. Miller’s influence with the play spreadRead MoreDeath Of Salesman By Arthur Miller1475 Words   |  6 Pagesto death to achieve their so- called American dream. They live alone and there is no love of parents and siblings. They may have not noticed the America dream costs them so much, which will cause a bigger regret later. In the play Death of Salesman, Arthur Miller brings a great story of a man who is at very older age and still works hard to achieve his desire, which is the American dream. Later, he notices that his youth is gone and there is less energy in his body. Willy Loman is a salesman, whoRead MoreDeath Of A Salesman By Arthur Miller2081 Words   |  9 Pages#1 â€Å"Death of a Salesman† by Arthur Miller is a tragedy, this play has only two acts and does not include scenes in the acts. Instead of cutting from scene to scene, there is a description of how the lighting focuses on a different place or time-period, which from there, they continue on in a different setting. The play doesn’t go in chronological order. A lot of the play is present in Willy’s flashbacks or memories of events. This provides an explanation of why the characters are acting a certain

Organisational Culture as a topic for Management-Free Assignment Sampl

Question: Briefly explain: manager, management and organisation. Assess the significance of managers in achieving organisational success for a company of your own choice? Answer: Introduction Management principles refer to the guidelines that help managers in decision making and planning their actions (DuBrin, 2011). It not only affects the managers but everyone associated with the organisation. Observation and analysis of events that occur in actual practice serves as a base for the formulation of management principles. Manager, Management and Organisation An organisation is defined as an entity like an association or an institution that are linked to an external environment and its members work in close coordination in order to achieve collective goals (Koontz, 2010). It can also be defined as a social unit of individuals who are managed and organised in a way to meet common goals. Every organisation posses a specific management structure also called as organisational structure that defines the relationship between activities and members and also facilitate in assigning authorities, roles and responsibilities to members (Armstrong, 2011). Management within an organisation is the function that helps ensuring efforts of individuals are coordinated in an effective manner to achieve desired goals and objectives by using available resources in the most effective and efficient manner (Ansoff, 2007). The activities performed by management in order to achieve desired goals are; planning, organising, staffing, directing and controlling employees(Bamford Forrester, 2010). Management is referred to as the fourth element of production along with money, materials, machines and it helps transforming resources into utility. Manager is an individual who is responsible for controlling and administering some or all parts of the organisation (Armstrong Stephens, 2005). Manager is responsible for planning, directing and controlling the workforce and is accountable for their performance and end results. Responsibility, authority and accountability are the three words that define the role of a manager in an organisation(Barrows Powers, 2008). Managers are responsible for the end result produced by their teams, they have the authority to direct, control and evaluate their team members and are accountable for growth and development of the team members as they work to achieve targets and desired goals. Managers at Tesco play a very vital role in ensuring desired organisational goals are achieved(Ellis, 2005). Managers at Tesco perform five basic tasks to ensure company remains successful; they define realistic and achievable goals and performance objectives for employees and direct ways by which work needs to be performed in order to achieve defined goals. They ensure that tasks are allocated and distributed in an organised manner, they divide the tasks into manageable activities and they assign it to available resources based on their skills and expertise(Freeman, 2010). Manager at Tesco ensures employees are highly motivated through effective communication and employee engagement. They encourage their employees to openly share their views and participate in important decision making. Managers at Tesco are responsible for evaluating employee performance and rating it for performance appraisals(Luis, 2010). They are responsible for developing a customer-oriented, knowledge sharing culture at Tesco where employees treat each other with respect and integrity. Managers at Tesco ensure that employees are giving ample opportunities to realise their full potential and achieve individual goals as they work towards achieving organisational goals. Effect of Size and Strategy of a Company on its Organisational Structure Organisational Structure defines the way in which activities such as task allocation, supervision and coordination are performed in manner to achieve desired organisational goals (Moyles, 2006). It is the structural framework that defines hierarchy within an organisation. There are three main types of organisational structures which an organisation can adapt depending on a number of factors namely; Divisional Organisational structure wherein the company is divided into small independent divisions on the basis of geographical location, products, strategy and functionality (Chambley, 2013). Functional organisational structure wherein employees are divided into specialised functional groups on the basis of the skills and expertise (Chambley, 2013). Matrix organisational structure which is characterised by dual reporting lines, that is an employee reports to two managers(Chambley, 2013). Organisations can either choose one of these structures or a mix of them in order to achieve desired goals. There are a number of factors that influence an organisations choice of organisational structure such as, size of the organisation, strategy, technology, environment and life cycle (Ng, 2011). Size of the organisation and its strategy has a considerable impact on the choice of organisational structure. Greater the size of an organisation greater is the complexity of involved operation and hence greater is the need for an organisational structure. Large organisations which have wide global presence and serve large number of customers tend to develop highly complicated operations for which they need to employ large number of human resources (Lussier, 2014). In order to effectively manage their operations and human resources it is very important they define hierarchies and procedures for allocating roles and responsibilities. A well-defined organisational structure will help them in effective management of their complex set of operations and allocation of tasks. Big brands such as Toyot a, Ford, Apple, Face book, McDonalds etc have adapted a well defined organisational structure in order to achieve desired goals. However the same is not true for smaller organisations such as local restaurants, retail stores, real-estate firms etc, as they have lesser number of employees and involve simple operations which can easily be performed by members of the organisations (Murray, et al., 2006). They do not feel a need to develop and follow an organisational chart because tasks are allocated and complete as and when they come depending upon the skills and availabilities of members. Such organisations either do not need an organisational structure or can function with a simple one. An organisations choice of organisational structure is also greatly affected by its chosen strategy (Barrows Powers, 2008). Structure of an organisation should support its strategy and should facilitate in its achievement. An organisation that aims at implementing differentiation strategy in order to create its competitive advantage will choose to adapt a flexible organisational structure that is characterised by high decentralisation and medium to low specialisation in order to meet the dynamic needs of marketplace (DuBrin, 2011). Whereas an organisation that aims at offering cost advantage to customers through cost leadership strategy will choose to adapt a mechanistic organizational structure which is characterised by high specialisation and low decentralisation in order to enhance efficiency and productivity. Tescos current mission, vision and corporate strategy Founded in year 1919 by Jack Cohen Tesco was started as a market stall in Londons East End (Tesco Plc., 2015). The company strive to provide best shopping experience to the tens of millions of customers their serve on a weekly basis. The company has witnessed remarkable success since then and today is recognised as one of the worlds largest multinational grocery and general merchandise retailer. It employs 530,000 people and is present in 12 countries across the globe. Tescos Mission: Mission statement defines the short term goals and general purpose of the organisation. Tesco through a very simple and clear statement defines their purpose of existence. We make what matters better, together (Tesco Plc., 2015). Tescos Vision: Vision defines its long term goals of an organisation. Tesco aims at being seen as the most highly valued business by its committed and loyal employees, its customers, stakeholders and by the community they serve (Tesco Plc., 2015). Tescos Corporate Strategy: Tescos core values form the base of their corporate strategy which aims at making Tesco a highly customer oriented organisation. They help Tesco in achieving is mission and vision. Tesco claims that no one tries harder for customers; they put in their best to understand customers, be the first to meet their needs and act responsible for the communities they serve. Tesco ensures that all individuals associated with them must be treated in a way they would like themselves to be treated. Team work, respect and integrity and knowledge sharing are terms that define Tescos culture. They ensure that they use their scale for good. Process that can help Tesco to formulate its corporate strategy There are a number of processes that can help Tesco in formulating its corporate strategy for year 2015. They can perform a PESTLE analysis to analysing the external and internal environmental factors that affect the company (Ansoff, 2007). Tesco will have to use Porters five forces model in order to analyses the competitive environment. In order to analyses their strengths and weaknesses and opportunities and threats present in the marketplace Tesco will have to undertake a SWOT analysis. It can also follow the six steps of strategy formulation process where all the management tools mentioned above are used in different stages. Tesco will have to start by defining a realistic goal which is followed by an environmental analysis (DuBrin, 2011). It will have to define quantitative targets and then determine plans for sub units. The company will have to conduct a performance analysis and evaluation and based on the outcomes of the evaluation process they can formulate their corporate st rategy. Competitor analysis and market research is an important step in the strategy formulation process (Koontz, 2010). Tesco must ensure that their resources and capabilities are used in a manner to create core competencies that serve as a competitive advantage against the competitors. Tesco can make their operations lean in order to eliminate waste processes and save operations cost which will help them in offering cost advantage to their customers. Organisational Culture Organisational culture refers to the set of share beliefs, values, attitudes, rules and customs of an organisation that result in creation of a differentiated social and psychological environment with the workplace (DuBrin, 2011). Changing the organisational culture of Tesco will greatly help in improving its overall performance. Organisational culture defines employees perception about their co-workers and about the organisation (DuBrin, 2011). Positive perception results in high employee motivations who are inspired to put in their best and deliver high quality performance. Developing a knowledge sharing culture will help enhancing the core competencies of employees which will serve as a competitive advantage for Tesco. Conclusion Managers must follow the management principles while planning, directing and controlling employees within an organisation. Managers play a vital role in enhancing the overall efficiency and effectiveness of an organisation. Apart from other factors like technology, life cycle and environment, size and strategy of an organisation have a considerable impact on its organisational structure. Culture of an organisation is an important factor in determining its overall performance. References Available at: https://businessstudiesjesschambley.blogspot.in/2013/06/organisational-structures.html[Accessed 2014].DuBrin, A., (2011) Essentials of Management. New York: Cengage Learning.Ellis, C. W., (2005) Management Skills for New Managers. New York: AMACOM Div American Mgmt Assn.Freeman, R. E., (2010) Strategic Management: A Stakeholder Approach. Cambridge: Cambridge University Press.Koontz, H., (2010) Essentials Of Management 8E. New Delhi: Tata McGraw-Hill Education,.Luis, R. V., (2010) Management skills and leadership techniques. London: Ideaspropias Editorial S.L..Lussier, R. N., (2014) Management Fundamentals: Concepts, Applications, Skill Development. London: Sage Publications.Moyles, J., (2006) Effective Leadership And Management In The Early Years. Boston: McGraw-Hill International.Murray, P., Poole, D. Jones, G., (2006) Contemporary Issues in Management and Organisational Behaviour. New York: Cengage Learning.Ng, L. C., (2011) Best management practices. Journal of Man agement Development, 30(1), pp. 93-105.Tesco Plc., (2015) Core Purpose and Values. [Online]Available at: https://www.tescoplc.com/index.asp?pageid=10[Accessed 2015].

Movie Soul Food free essay sample

Extra Credit 1 Soul Food was a movie that my family loved to watch. It in several ways reminded me of my own family. Just like in their family, the type of food known as â€Å"soul food† was a huge aspect of our family. It was a time to get together, laugh, have fun and most of all enjoy each other’s company. In the movie the sisters Bird, Terri and Maxine shared a unique bond. Throughout all of the fights their love for one another was genuine. The center of the movie â€Å"Big Mama† reminded me much like my own grandmother. She kept the family grounded and the drama to a minimum like my grandmother did in real life. In the movie, she was truly the center of the family. Every Sunday she made sure there was Sunday dinner and that all the family would be there to eat. Big Mama even opened her arms to family members that have not been seen for a while. We will write a custom essay sample on Movie Soul Food or any similar topic specifically for you Do Not WasteYour Time HIRE WRITER Only 13.90 / page Sunday dinners consisted of a term commonly heard about among African Americans, â€Å"soul food. The family had fried chicken, black eyed peas, cornbread, cabbage, sweet potatoes, collard greens, peach cobbler and much more. When Big Mama began to get sick it really tore there family apart for a while. Fights and arguments began over who will get what and whether they would sell Big Mama’s house or not. Selling the house meant putting Big Mama’s brother, Uncle Pete in a nursing home, which Big Mama never wanted. Terri insisted on trying to sell the house. Once Big Mama died the family was heartbroken and filled with frustration. It took Maxine’s 12 year old son Ahmad to try to bring the family back to pieces. He lied to everyone telling them different stories to get everyone to the house together. He had them bring different dishes of food to try and make Sunday dinner like it once was. When everyone arrived they all figured out it was just Ahmad trying to put the family back together like Big Mama always wanted it. They ended up not selling the house and being back as one.