The relationship between leadership and management in global organizations
Leadership
Introduction
Can the definition of "leadership" be applied to the concept of "management"? Leadership is defined as a process whereby an individual has influence over others in terms of achieving a predetermined, common goal. This paper takes the position that leadership should be part of what a manager / management does in a workplace environment; leadership is not limited to one category of employees, whether it be executives at the top of the latter of hierarchy, or a manager that serves as a foreman at the worker level. Leadership, in other words, is about leading, in any capacity on any particular assignment.
Apple's product development strategy and supplier relations in China
China and Apple seem to have experienced a love relationship which is no surprise since Apple's products, although ‘designed' in California, are mostly produced in China. As recent as August, 2012, Canalys indicated that China accounted for 27 percent of global smartphone shipments overall in the quarter, compared with 16 percent for the U.S. (CNN Money). Apple's relations with suppliers are, however, more pessimistic. Apple's code of conduct in 2007 determined that "working conditions in Apple's supply chain are safe, that workers are treated with respect and dignity, and that manufacturing processes are environmentally responsible" (Duhigg & Burboza, January 25, 2012)
The reality, however, as evidenced by working condition within the Foxconn factory proved otherwise, and Apple's workers, despite slight and voiced improvement, are still paid paltry wages with horrendous working conditions that demand improvement. Apple's present situation may best be summed up as shades of gray. Apple and China have maintained something of their flourishing relationship, but Apple seems to slowing somewhat due to external conditions. These mostly include their exorbitant price for their iPhone which is causing China, for the first time, to prefer other companies as suppliers. As of the last quarter, Android sold 100 million quarterly smartphone shipments and shared that No. 1 spot with Samsung who boasted a 31 percent share of the market. Apple and Nokia meanwhile claimed second two spots. But Apple still seems to be going strong.
Opportunities to improve relationship banking at Al Rajhi Bank
The purpose of this study was four-fold: (a) to investigate productivity within the relationship banking department of Al Rajhi Bank in order to identify opportunities for improvement; (b) to generate, research and evaluate possible ways to improve productivity within the relationship banking department; (c) to draw conclusions from the findings and make recommendations taking account of the overall financial, legal, environmental and human resource implications for this banking organisation; and (d) to prepare proper plans for implementing the recommendations for management approval.