How to Write an Executive Memo

Writing an Executive Memo Your strategy professors have asked the English faculty to cover the executive memo, which you will use in your strategic management class, for two reasons: * The ability to write a short, informative, well-written memo like this will serve you well in your future careers. * Writing a good memo is difficult and requires practice. Students in past strategic management classes have had trouble with the guidelines you’ll see in the following paragraph. Please read this document carefully and be prepared to demonstrate your understanding during the next class session.An executive memo is a short (no more than 500 words) internal document whose purpose is to make strategic recommendations to a company. The executive memo has 4 parts: the issue, the recommendation, the action plan, and the discussion of alternatives, in that order. When you write your executive memo, there are several important guidelines to keep in mind: * The memo is short, so every word should count. Don’t waste time giving the company information it already has (i. e. , what the company does, how much it’s sold, etc. * It’s important that you present the material in the order given here. This is not creative writing! * Everything in the memo should be connected to the issue at hand: the recommendation, the action plan, and the alternatives should all serve to resolve the issue. * Since the memo focuses on the issue, it is crucial that you state the issue clearly. Starting your memo: the subject line Make sure your subject line encapsulates the main issue of your memo. Section 1: The Issue * The memo should begin with a statement of the strategy problem you will address (i. . , you are defining the problem). This definition is key because it determines the direction which the rest of the memo will take. * It is vital to distinguish between observational information and the problem you want to solve. Be crystal clear and specific about the issue you will address. Your issue section should do the following: * Identify the root problems associated with the issue. * Provide a measure of how significant the problem is. * Provide a sense of how urgent the problem is. * Identify the risk if the issue is not addressed.Section 2: Recommendation(s) This section comes early in the memo because it’s more important that the reader see it than the alternatives. Nevertheless, it’s best to write your alternatives first and choose from among them. * Your recommendation must be one of your alternatives and must relate back to the issue and causes you have defined initially. * State CLEARLY what solution you recommend and briefly why it represents the best alternative. * Normally, the recommendation will be one alternative; however, sometimes it may incorporate one aspect of a second option. Indicate briefly that you understand whatever drawbacks may exist to the solution you have chosen. * Make sure your recommendation is rea listic given physical and economic limitations. Section 3: Action plan This section should be a brief bullet list. The action plan is a schedule for the implementation of the recommendations you have made. * The goal of the action plan is to show the reader (your boss) the scope of the activity involved and demonstrate your understanding of what has to be done to complete it. * Since someone else will probably carry out the recommendations, your action plan gives that person a template to follow. Break it up into activity periods – Immediate, Short term, etc. , with days in brackets. This gives the reader a sense of the time period the program will be finished in. Section 4: Discussion of alternatives This section helps the reader understand how you came to your decision and demonstrates that you considered the issue thoroughly. Be sure to present three reasonable alternatives. * The section should begin with a brief introductory paragraph for background; this paragraph shoul d include the basic criteria which the alternatives are judged on. You should then move on to discuss THREE alternatives, which should all have a similar focus: 3 on a new target market, 3 on a marketing strategy, 3 on new distribution channels, etc. * For each alternative, you need to give factors in its favour and the reasons for your rejection, in other words, the pros and cons of each alternative. As you analyze each alternative, keep in mind the risk factor(s) you identified for the issue. * Remember that alternatives and the arguments you make for it must address the issue you have defined.

Road to Dreams

Life has always been about making choices. We are brought to a realization that the choices we make in life would either make or break us. The past year has been an adventure for me.I was able to experience new and exciting things that were beneficial in my growth and maturity as an individual. For the past few years, I became interested in rendering service to my community. Children became my weakness, and I paid close attention to children who did not have much in life.As a weakness, I deal with children who have special needs. I make sure that I give these children a memorable time, especially for those who are terminally ill. This is the same service that I offer the elderly, so that I may give them a comfortable life. These are some of the experiences that inspire me to become better with my craft and make a difference. The different experiences and the difference I could make with my passion for children would definitely help improve the quality of service that would be given t o Christ Hospital College Community.I started working and interacting with children a few years ago. Equipped with an open mind and eagerness to succeed, I embarked on my quest to fulfill these challenges. For each case that I encountered, I made sure that I was prepared to become the best individual that I can be. My exposure to the children made me realize that there was more to life than just heartaches.Our close encounter with each other made us appreciate the little things that life had to offer. In their own little way, these children showed me the importance of life, and how important it is to have a strong will in life. Such characteristics were necessary in order to become successful in life.Our Wednesdays were spent in the sensory room, where we would take the time and effort to sit on an exercise ball. This may sound easy for many, but for these kids who are feeling weak physically, this is much effort. A goal was set for each week, and together, we would try and reach th ose goals. We were fortunate enough to have them accomplished, making us a step closer to our goals. I noticed that these kids were willing to give their best in order to improve themselves and feel better.I was once given the opportunity to go on a trip to Give Kids the World Village in Disney World. The foundation granted the wishes of children who had life threatening diseases.I have achieved a strong work ethic while spending time with these children they helped me reach a personal experience that I will always keep with me. I was scared at first, for I could not imagine risking the children experience relapses. For every ride that we went to, I saw the genuine happiness from these kids that I have never seen before. I became more opened to the realities that life had to offer. Being involved in the medical field became more than just a dream – it was a passion that I wanted to continue as I grew older.Working with adults never became a hindrance from my end. In fact, I b ecame more determined than ever to indulge into the said field, where I believe I can accomplish my hopes and dreams. In addition to this, I had numerous experiences that would come as an advantage to my career. These could be employed as my backbone, especially when dealing with different kinds of people.My goals in life do not end after college. I would continue to promote good health and care for people around me, as I age and mature. In addition to this, I would keep myself updated with medical advancements, so that I may be able to apply these in my profession.Furthermore, I believe that I have what it takes to become successful in this field. Aside from my dedication and commitment to this field, I also have the heart those who are in need. I believe that this is my greatest strength in becoming an effective member of the health care team.   Life is indeed filled with different choices, and this was one I took to reach the road towards   my dreams   

Terminator technology as an ethical issue in business Essay

Terminator technology as an ethical issue in business - Essay Example Therefore, the standards govern the relationship between people for a mutual benefit for all parties concerned. Terminator technologies are a form of organic patenting (Jeurissen and Rijst, 2007:20). Organic patenting is an issue of ethical concern in the world today. The idea of organic patenting has received conflicting discussion all over and has generated an emotional theme. The point of contention being whether it should be accepted or rejected. The subsequent discuss has further picked on the ethical concerns associated with this practice in regards to addressing the law of natural order. Organic patenting involves the law of giving the rights of an organism to a particular party, organisation or a person (Jeurissen and Rijst, 2007:27). The concept of terminator technology, therefore, as a form of organic patenting is a technology designed to genetically alter a plant’s capacity to germinate a second time. The motive behind this business idea is to force farmers to purch ase fresh supply of seeds. Thus, the terminator technology is a patent given to corporations to protect them from unscrupulous farmers. The control of seed technology prevents the growers from pirating based on the premise that if crops remain fertile farmers may use the transgenic seed from previous season. By farmers using these seeds, then they lower the profits of the companies owing to reduced sales. The ethical issue in this discussion is the traditional rights of the farmers, and the companies’ rights of patenting (Jeurissen and Rijst, 2007:20). Discussion This paper seeks to unveil the controversial theme of terminator technology in terms of the environmental disasters, and the effects of seeds patenting by companies on farmers. From the ethical point of view, this paper shall discuss those affected by this technology, those who bear the greatest responsibility, and the aspect of the situation that violates the rules of conduct, as to what constitutes good or bad (Jeu rissen and Rijst, 2007:35). Terminator technology is presently the greatest danger to humanity. If this technology is used in large scale in the world today, it poses a huge threat; it will entirely lead to the disaster of famine and starvation for humankind on a worldwide scale. Farmers who store seeds that they harvest, and plant them in the following season support more than half of the world population. This, therefore, means that seeds are planted and then harvested. In addition, the seeds are harvested and then replanted. Many farmers face the problem of buying seeds every season. Therefore, harvesting and replanting seeds becomes a significant aspect of the farming process. If terminator technology is the way to go, then farmers have to pay for seeds every other season. Apart from the danger of famine and starvation to huge populations terminator technology poses another disaster: It spells a significant contribution to the deterioration of health and the environment. This is probably to affect hundreds of scores around the world. The effects of terminator technology as a form of seed patenting to farmers are far reaching. Seed patenting on farmers causes a lot of concern because the wellbeing of a majority of the world populace may end up with food insecurity. In a country like India, poorer farmers have even committed suicide. This type of technology is also feared to force poor farmers to be more dependent. In addition, patent holders may manipulate the available supplies with intent to drive seeds’ market prices. This is likely to alter the resources available to the farmers and render them helpless. It is will also

The Post Bureaucratic Organization Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 3500 words

The Post Bureaucratic Organization - Essay Example It will be structured according to the following outline: The first part introduces the reader to the idea of the bureaucratic organization. The major characteristics of the bureaucracy will be presented and discussed in order to provide a good background for the post-bureaucratic organization. The second part will be a discussion of the features of the post-bureaucratic organization and the final part will discuss the challenges and pressures that managers face in a post-bureaucratic environment, with some ideas on how managers can cope with such pressures and challenges. The essay will also discuss and evaluate the post-bureaucratic organization on the basis of the characteristics of the bureaucracy as expounded by Max Weber. There have been many views about the bureaucracy as an organizational form. Many have criticized it saying it is very impersonal and is not responsive. The hierarchical structure is also said to be inflexible and does not allow for dynamism. However, there are also those who believe that the bureaucratic structure is here to stay. And still there are those who think that organizations are neither strictly bureaucratic nor non-bureaucratic. ... However, since much of the writings of Karl Marx are more focused on the philosophical and social ideologies, especially with his concept of revolutionary communism, Max Weber has come to be known as the proponent of the concept of bureaucracy. This essay will focus on the ideas advanced by Max Weber regarding the bureaucratic organization. The description "Weberian", referring to Weber's model, has become a comfortable term to use in readings about the bureaucracy. Weber's bureaucracy is considered by scholars and practitioners as the "ideal organization" or the "ideal-type" organization. This idea of an ideal structure however draws out varied reactions from different people. Some agree with the idea of achieving order through its prescribed system of doing things. Others condemn it for causing problems like delays, corruption, being too impersonal, etc. In order to put all these in their proper perspective, a good starting point is to define the concept of bureaucracy. The first and most common word one comes across in readings related to bureaucracy is the word rationality. Quoting Weber, Neil Garston defines bureaucracy in the book Bureaucracy: Three Paradigms through an explanation of the categories of rational legal authority. Authority in this sense is equated to bureaucracy and involves the following: 1 1. A continuous organization of official functions bound by rules 2. A specified sphere of competence involving spheres of obligations marked by division of labor; incumbent being provided with authority to carry out functions; clearly defined means of compulsion 3. The organization of offices follows the principle of hierarchy 4. The rules which regulate the conduct of an office may be technical rules or norms 5.

Air Pollution Research Paper Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1500 words

Air Pollution - Research Paper Example The issue of Air Pollution has is not new and was part of the environmental crisis that started with the industrial revolution however the situation today is far more complicated and critical as compared to 50 years back with environmental pollutants causing problems like ozone depletion, global warming and acid rain (Wark, Warner, Davis). Air pollution is almost impossible to contain because of its ability to spread rapidly over a large area. Air pollutants are of various kinds with different physical characteristics and chemical properties and have varying effects on the environment and human health. The various environmental issues are inter-related for example the issue of global warming is aggravated by the increased ozone depletion due to various environmental pollutants. The various environment protection bodies including the United Nations Environmental Program is taking various steps to prevent air pollution and reduce the use of several different chemicals and process which result in air pollution. The UNEP issues regular recommendations to the governments for passing legislation for eradicating the use of harmful chemicals and industrial processes which contribute to environmental pollution. The various other initiatives taken by international environmental protection bodies and agencies include the Kyoto Protocol, the Montreal Protocol and carbon footprint reduction programs but these efforts have not achieved the desired objectives till date. The situation of air pollution is worsening every other day primarily because of the lack of awareness among common people about the adverse effects of various daily life products they use and their activities which pollute the environment. People are concerned about an issue when they have to face the consequences but in case of air pollution, there are cases in which the pollution is caused by the activities of one region while people of other regions have to face the consequences, for instance the Scandinav ian regions are affected when the European countries of the south pollute air, similar is the case with the harmful chemicals issued by the industries in China which pollute the Japanese regions (White, Beal). The sand storms in North Africa are responsible for red rains in Europe across the Mediterranean. So the issue of air pollution is a global issue and must be dealt by all the nations of the world collectively but the overall scenario of the world regarding the environmental protection is not very encouraging because the countries only think about their own interests and do not act to solve the problems globally because most of the countries are not willing to sacrifice their economical benefits for the environmental protection cause. Pollutants in the air a serious environmental issue because the society today is highly industrialized and the various harmful chemicals like radon, lead, asbestos, ozone, carbon monoxide etc. which have been classified as environmental pollutants are issuing from various industries. The various air pollutants are discussed in the following paragraphs. Carbon Monoxide is a colorless, odorless gas which is fatal for humans if

The effect of minimum wage laws on income inequality Essay

The effect of minimum wage laws on income inequality - Essay Example Income inequality is one of the major problems faced by the society through out the world. It may vary in its extent from one country to another country, but is omnipresent in its existence. Several steps are required to reduce the income differences among different sections of the society. Even though effort have been made at government and non government levels, still lot of inequality in income is clearly visible which is to be managed effectively for better prosperity of mankind (Levy and Murnane, 1992). The effect of uneven distribution of income will certainly influence the income inequalities among different sections of the society. Minimum wages laws will significantly reduce these anomalies and reduce the income inequalities (David M Cutler and Lawrence F Katz,1992). However several researchers found that minimum wage laws may result in higher income inequalities (Cotterman, 1981 and Kaun, 1965). Literature has been collected from different sources relating to the origin of the minimum wages laws and their consequences in different countries. Similarly the information relating to the economic or income inequalities was also reviewed. Consequences of income inequalities and the necessity of minimum wages laws and international scenario of minimum wages were also studied and analyzed thoroughly. The positive and negative effects of minimum wages laws on income inequalities were discussed in detail. Wages are what a worker gets from money or solid appreciation of their work. This differs according to education and constitution the worker belongs to and works in. It is negotiable and thus the worker could offer more for his working time the more the appreciated he is and the effect of such behavior is the giving efficiently into the work done. If improperly done, the law has the right on the side of the customer and employer to cut

Geology in Hawaii Assignment Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1500 words

Geology in Hawaii - Assignment Example Individuals also acknowledge that mountains in Hawaii make travel difficult unless the traveler is in a car at an interstate highway. The geology of a region governs the availability of essential raw materials such as important ore minerals for metallurgy, clay for pottery, building stone (ornamentation and construction), gemstones and gold for decorative arts, as well as sand for glass making. The use of such materials is innately joined to emergent technologies and limited by their quantity, accessibility and quality. The knowledge of geology in Hawaii is defined by the practical extent of a rock or mineral resource, and aid construction of models that can predict its viability. Earthquakes occur all over Hawaii, frequently without noteworthy warning or caution. These geohazards can have extensive effects on human and on the earth’s surface. Localized, small earthquakes may cause no damage that is noticeable and may not even be felt by individuals living in the area affected . In contrast, large earthquakes may cause devastation over a wide area and be felt by individuals a hundred miles. ... When there are heavy rains, some areas of each of the Hawaii Islands are vulnerable to flash floods. Intense rain can turn a quiet, small river into a cascading one that sweeps everything that flows on its way. Lives are also lost in the flash floods every few years; mostly people are swept away in their cars or hikers. Heavy rain may come suddenly and can be difficult to forecast. Flash floods in Hawaii are much common than any other natural disaster, such as hurricanes and tsunamis. It is not long ago that heavy and serious flash floods hit the island. In October 2004, Manoa Valley on Oahu was hit by flash flood and completely soaked the University of Hawaii ground floor at Manoa Hamilton library. In addition to destroying parts of the library, the flood carried away at least 60 homes and caused a damage of almost one million dollars. A six weeks rain period in March 2006 caused flooding in many places in Hawaii. Seven people were killed when a dam on Kauai broke. The rain caused t he Waikiki septic tank system to spill over, resulting in a manure spill that polluted parts of the southern shore of the island for a number of days. On November 23, 1982, two hurricanes (Inki and Iwa) left death and devastation in their wake after passing through Hawaii. Iwa hurricane hit the Islands of Kauai, Niihau, and Oahu. The Iwa hurricane was the first to hit the Hawaii statehood since 1959. The Inki hurricane was the most powerful hurricane to hit Hawaii State in recorded history. Not only are the high winds of a cyclone or hurricane very destructive, but a phenomenon known as storm surge that comes with it causes severe flooding in coastal areas. There are a number of happening caused by volcanic