WHY CROSS FUNCTIONAL TEAMS?

When ideas meet and information comes together, you bring innovations to market smarter and faster.

A diversity of ideas and opinions are needed to generate high quality solutions.

Innovation, the source of sustainable competitive advantage for most companies, depends upon the individual and collective expertise of employees. In the new era of systemic innovation, it is more important for an organization to be cross-functionally excellent than functionally excellent. In addition to formal planning at the business level, best-practice companies use crosscutting initiatives on major issues in order to challenge assumptions and open up the organization to new thinking.
Firms which are successful in realizing the full returns from their technologies and innovations are able to match their technological developments with complementary expertise in other areas of their business, such as manufacturing, distribution, human resources, marketing, and customer relationships. To lead these expertise development efforts, cross-functional teams, either formal or informal, need to be formed. These teams can also find new businesses in white spaces between existing business units

9 SIGNS OF A FAILING ORGANIZATION

Fuzzy Vision: corporate vision and mission don't inspire people; lack of strategic alignment; people don't know where the organization is going and what it is trying to achieve in the future.


Lack of Leadership Skills: fear of change; leaders lack entrepreneurial spirit; leadership style on the part of management is either too directive or too hands-off; managers do not lead, they just administrate and micromanage; weak leadership development program.

Discouraging Culture: no shared values; lack of trust; blame culture; focus on problems, not opportunities; people don't have fun at work; diversity is not celebrated; failures are not tolerated; people lose confidence in their leaders and systems.

High Bureaucracy: bureaucratic organizational structures with too many layers; high boundaries between management layers; slow decision making; too close monitoring of things and subordinates; too many tools and documents discouraging creative thinking; bureaucracy is tolerated.

Lack of Initiative: poor motivation and encouragement; people do not feel their contributions make a difference; management fails to engage the organization effectively; people work defensively and not creatively, they do their job, and nothing more.

Poor Vertical Communication: people have no clue of the big picture and do not feel that their contributions are important; too much uncertainty; people don't know what top-managers are thinking and planning.

Poor Cross-functional Collaboration: functional mindset; lack of cross-functional goals and cross-functional collaboration spirit; functional, no enterprise-wide business process management; no cross-functional management committees; lack of or powerless cross-functional teams.

Poor Teamwork: no organizational commitment to team culture; lack of shared and worthwhile goals; weak team leaders; team members who don't want to play as part of a team are tolerated; teams are too large; lack of shared rewards.

Poor Idea and Knowledge Management: cross-pollination of ideas is not facilitated; no creativity, idea and knowledge management strategies and systems; "know-it-all" attitude; "not invented here" syndrome.

three secrets of successful companies

So, what is it about one company that makes it a good company, and does that description equate to a good stock to invest in? The answer depends on whether you ask an accountant, an economist, a marketer or a human resources expert, but by pulling all of those disciplines together, you generally can define a good company by these three characteristics:
Competitive advantage
Above-average management
Market leadership

Competitive Advantage

Michael Porter pioneered the concept of competitive advantage and broke it down into two forms: differentiation advantage and cost advantage. Differentiation advantage is when a company provides a superior service or product for the same price charged by the market. Cost advantage is when a company provides the same service or product as the market, but at a lower price. Porter collectively refers to these as "positional advantages" because they define the firm's position as having the leading service or product in its specific industry. He also states that these advantages cannot be sustained for any length of time because the promise of economic rents invites competition.

Barriers to entry

Good companies can also maintain their high status if there are significantly high barriers to entry into their fields. This can include large fixed costs, such as those associated with heavy manufacturing, or long-term research and development costs, like those found in the pharmaceutical or computer software development industries. All of these entry costs can deter competition from entering the market, thus helping the company sustain its leading status.

Name Recognition

We tend to take the value of name recognition for granted when looking at a company's status. Brand names like Kleenex and Coke have become synonymous with their products. The problem with name recognition is placing a value on that name, and there is no easy way to do that. A name only has qualitative value, but it can provide a long-term relationship between a company’s products or services and its customers. While it can be debated whether this trait alone makes a company good, when combined with the other characteristics it can be a powerful source of success.

Price Leadership

There is nothing more powerful than providing comparable services or products to the market for a lower price. In any economic environment, boom or bust, there will always be a demand for low-priced services and products. Being able to come to the marketplace with consistently lower prices across the board can fill a niche in the market that can attract customers for a long period of time. The key in price leadership is being able to sustain that level and fend off others who try to compete in that space.

Procrastinator's Guide To Bill PaymentWhat Is A Pyramid Scheme?10 Breakout Ideas For Small Businesses

Above-Average Management

The quality of its management is a big factor in whether a company is successful, and an important attribute in any management team is a blend of experience. Experienced managers can not only lead a company through market cycles, but they can also provide mentorship for the next generation of managers.

Another telling attribute is when management tends to stay at a company for a long period of time. Talented managers can be swayed to move from company to company with handsome compensation packages, but tend to stay at companies where they like to work and they believe in their company's future successes.

Market Leadership

One of the most important characteristics in becoming a good company is market leadership. Leadership can come in many forms, but the reputation that comes along with this tag is priceless. The label of "industry standard" is one that every company strives for. Examples include leading the market in quality, innovation, customer service or even warranties.

Market leadership is probably the hardest status to maintain. No competitor is content being No.2 in the industry. This is where barriers to entry come into play. If the company you are watching competes in an industry with high barriers to entry, it's much more likely that its market dominance can continue. Companies can also move toward market leadership by buying and merging with other successful companies to improve their market share, vertical and horizontal integration, and technologicalbases.

Conclusion

So what is it about one company that makes it a good company, and does that good rating equate to a good stock to invest in? If the company has a competitive advantage, above-average management and market leadership, you are looking at a potentiallystrong investment. While these traits alone don't necessarily tell the whole story, they are important factors in evaluatingwhether a company might be recognized by investors globally as a good investment.

WIKI on Task Force

It's interesting to know how much interested we (management artists) are in the way military plays game, or perhaps both fields just complement each other. Here's a little definition of Task Force by wiki:

A task force (TF) is a temporary unit or formation established to work on a single defined task or activity. Originally introduced by the United States Navy, the term has now caught on for general usage and is a standard part of NATO terminology. Many non-military organizations now create "task forces" or task groups for temporary activities that might have once been performed by ad hoc committees.

Read more here: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Task_force

GENERAL MOTORS LOSES TO TOYOTA!!

http://arabia.msn.com/channels/msnnews/article.aspx?CatID=7&ID=694340&S=Read

SAP - An Innovate Business Software Company

"Innovation is life-blood for those who lead."

  

                                                                         -My Father

Introduction:

One of the most distinctive and striking feature of SAP, a business software provider of IT and business solutions and services, is growth by innovation. Established in 1972 by five former IBM employees – Dietmar Hopp, Hans-Werner Hector, Hasso Plattner, Klaus Tschira, and Claus Wellenreuthe by the name of S-A-P (Systems Applications and Product), it has followed only one thought pattern which has become its tradition - namely, innovation and growth. It is quite evident from the fact that in 1998 it came on the world's largest stock exchange, the New York Stock Exchange.

Clarity of Vision:

I was amazed by the clarity of its vision about its strategy, explained in depth in a very short and plain sentence, which goes as: Our vision is "to develop standard application software for real-time business processing." [1]

It is "world's leading provider of business software." It is interesting to note further is it's clarity about what business software is about. It says:

SAP defines business software as comprising enterprise resource planning and related applications such as supply chain management, customer relationship management, product life-cycle management, and supplier relationship management.

A Brief Introduction to Its Business:

Its introduces its business in these words:

SAP is the world's leading provider of business software, offering applications and services that enable companies of all sizes across more than 25 industries to become best-run businesses. With approximately 76,000 customers (including customers from the acquisition of Business Objects) in over 120 countries, the company is listed on several exchanges, including the Frankfurt stock exchange and NYSE, under the symbol "SAP."

Business and Corporate Overview (U.S. GAAP)

Total Revenue €10,242 million (FY 2007) Software and Software-Related Service Revenue €7,427 million (FY 2007) Operating Income €2,732 million (FY 2007) Employees 51,860 (FTE at Sept 30, 2008) Customers More than 76,000 in over 120 countries Partners More than 2,400 certified partners Industry-Specific Solutions More than 25 (ranging from banking to public sector) R & D Investment €1,458 million / 14% of total revenue (FY 2007)

Its BusinessObject Portfolio:

SAP BusinessObject provides solutions through software, It and web-led tools and applications (real time business processing) to two kinds of enterprises and organizations:

1. Large Enterprises

2. Small and Mid-size Enterprises

Read a summary on its services and solution platforms here.

Its Industries:

SAP provides software and counsel services to a vast number of industries ranging from mining/oil and gas companies to public security and health & care institutions. Almost all kinds of service-oriented companies and industries are benefiting world-wide from its innovate IT-led solution systems.

It provides:

1. Financial and Public Services (banking, defense & security, insurance, etc)

2. Manufacturing (aerospace manufacturers, mill products, mining, oil & gas etc)

3. Service to other businesses like media, professional services, entertainment industry, distribution, travel & logistics, etc.

Read and see all the industries SAP serves here.

...................................................................................................................

For further and detailed information, please visit SAP's official website: http://www.sap.com/index.epx

Dollar against rupee up by paisa 22

KARACHI: The value of dollar against rupee in the inter-bank market went up by paisa 22, as dollar closed at Rs79.60 today.Forex market dealers said that the demand for dollar swelled up due to flight of foreign capital from the stock market. Forex Association of Pakistan president, Malik Bostan told Geo News that the expatriate Pakistanis remittances were also seen somewhat shrunk, which pushed the rupee under pressure. On the other hand, dollar .... Full Story

Turmoil after Turmoil for U.S. Bank - Citigroup the One Now!

Citigroup Posts $8.29 Billion Loss and Will Split Into Two Companies

By MATTHEW SALTMARSH

Published: January 16, 2009 

Citigroup on Friday reported a fourth-quarter net loss and provided more details of an ongoing restructuring plan that will divide the company, for management purposes, into two separate businesses -- Citicorp and Citi Holdings.

Read more:

http://www.nytimes.com/2009/01/17/business/17merrill.html?hp

RBS Posts the Largest Loss in UK History

http://www.cnbc.com/id/28729166/

How to Meet the Professor in Office

Hello Readers,

In today's class, Mr. Mannan has illustrated the importance of meetings with professors. He also pointed out some students, who meet him frequently and developing good image in his eyes.

In my opinion, he is absolutely right. The grades and the number of meetings with teacher has direct proportion. I strongly feel that student have failed to do so for a variety of reasons (fear being seen as "stupid"; have not been to class in a while; do not know what to expect or are uncomfortable talking with someone of a different gender, age and authority figure). Therefore i going to posted an detailed article about it which made your work much easier. I have read this article from somewhere named "How to meet the Professors in Office".

What Can You Do? Here are Four Steps You Can Follow

Step 1: Identifying Reasons for Seeking Help

There are endless reasons for why you may need to talk with a professor. Listed below are just a few:

• You performed poorly on a quiz, exam, or other class assignment.
• You are unclear about an assignment, exam/reading schedule, policy on attendance, etc.
• You want to turn in an assignment late or take a test at a different time.
• You are unsure about your current major.
• You have missed class due to sickness.
• You are considering graduate school in the professor's area of expertise and want to ask the professor for a letter of recommendation.
• Your teaching assistant has not been regularly maintaining his/her stated office hours and you need assistance from your professor.

Now, write down your reasons for approaching your professor for help.

Step 2: Determining When to Meet

Once you have identified the specific reason(s) you need or want to speak with your professor, determine how quickly to do so.

• If you need to speak to him/her as soon as possible, then a phone call, email (if a professor checks it frequently), or face-to-face contact in his/her office may be warranted.
• Be sure to ask if this is a good time to approach the professor for your specific need. Also, keep in mind that a professor is typically less receptive to answering questions immediately before an exam is being distributed.
• One approach might be, "Professor Heart, I need to talk with you about ______ as soon as possible. When can I do that?" Try to meet during the professor's office hours.
• Check your syllabus for office hours and policies.

Step 3: Organizing Your Talk with Your Professor

Arrive prepared with your list of why you need to approach your professor for help. Any anxiety you may experience can be lessened if you are organized beforehand.

• Have all of your questions listed on paper beforehand. This will greatly minimize any chance of forgetting to ask a particular question of importance to you.
• Have paper and pen available. It is best to record all information provided from your professor rather than rely later on your memory.
• If you have a question about class material it is strongly advised to have your text, class notes and syllabus with you (in case you need to refer to such).

Step 4: Talking with Your Professor

• Know your professor's last name and use it with his/her appropriate title. Do not assume an informal greeting unless the professor has specifically stated that a more casual greeting is preferred.
• Be sure to arrive on time and be mindful of possible (and likely) time constraints.
• Don't hesitate in asking to meet again if you did not receive all the information you needed. For example, "Professor Heart, I really appreciate you spending some time talking with me about graduate school as it will help me make some decisions. I would like to meet with you again to follow-up with some related areas. When can we arrange to do that?"

Reminders

• The more often you talk with a professor, the more comfortable you will feel in doing so again (e.g. with other professors, teaching assistants, advisors, etc.)

When to Fire Problem Employees by Ali Haider

When an employee underperforms or makes serious errors.Before considering the legal, emotional and productive ramifications of termination, you should try to find ways to improve that employee's performance. Maybe the employee and you simply have a different understanding about the job's requirements.

To improve an employee's performance and hopefully avoid the potential complications of termination, try these six simple techniques:

1. Clear up any misunderstanding

2. Set up a goal or series of goals for the improvement process and for the job itself

3. Discuss the crucial aspects of the task

4. Identify milestones and deadlines

5. Respond to this major question: "How long can I wait for turnaround performance in the problematic employee

6. Consider your corporate culture

West's Financial Fallout

You still do not believe they're in crisis? Give it a second look, if it's so. Of course, they're shaken, but not blasted away yet. Yes, I am talking of financial crisis. I cannot go into deeper details that of causes and effects, the consequences, etc. They need profound insights for a general outlook. I only wish here to quote Roger C. Altman's ('he is Chair and CEO of Evercore Partners, was U.S. Deputy Treasury Secretary in 1993-94') article The Great Crash, 2008: A Geopolitical Setback for the West. He says:

"The financial and economic crash of 2008, the worst in over 75 years, is a major geopolitical setback for the United States and Europe. Over the medium term, Washington and European governments will have neither the resources nor the economic credibility to play the role in global affairs that they otherwise would have played. These weaknesses will eventually be repaired, but in the interim, they will accelerate trends that are shifting the world's center of gravity away from the United States."

The article appeared in Foreign Affairs,

Jan/Feb, 2009, Vol 88, No. 1.

Sir Sharukh Got it Wrong

In explaining U.S. or West's financial fallout, even though he went to great lengths, talked of consequences and root causes as per his wisdom. But, as per Roger C. Altman he is not correct. Roger Altman was U.S. Deputy Treasury Secretary in 1993-94.

Sir Sharukh Irfan (Forman C. C. Univ.'s accounting professor) is of the view that this meltdown of U.S. markets was due to the collapse of subprime mortgage market in the United States and consequently housing prices collapsed and thus emerged the crisis at the surface. The same reason has been attributed by Altman, in his article in the latest Foreign Affairs magazine, as 'conventional wisdom'. And, as per Sir, that at the bottom the preceding reason lied, and naturally, it had various consequences.

While, on the other hand, Roger says:

"This is not correct [that crisis is due to collapse of subprime mortgage market and housing prices]; these were themselves the consequence of another problem. The crisis' underlying cause was the combination of very low interest rates and unprecedented levels of liquidity."*

Roger sounds more reasonable to me and especially the lethal combination he mentioned. What is your opinion on this issue? Please do share with us.

* Quoted from, The Great Crash 2008: A Geopolitical Setback for the West, Foreign Affairs, Jan/Feb, 2009, Vol 88, No. 1.

Umer Toor's Life Thinking Paper

‘And, I may Contribute A Verse’

 

 Name:  Muhammad Umer Toor

Roll Number: 12-10662

Course: BUSN 170

Section:

College/University: Forman Christian College, University Lahore.

 Honor Code:

“I declare that I have written this paper myself.” Signed Muhammad Umer Toor

 

Identification of Self

 Personal Evaluation

 

 ‘Be true to yourself’.

 My father has been teaching me this principle for more than a decade. In the days of childhood I could barely understand the meaning of this phrase (or perhaps a clause). But, as I grew and along with biological growth, my consciousness expanded, so did expand my understanding of it. And, it still is expanding. Writing my own life story is just another implication of this principle. Yes, this principle means following one’s own aspirations and interests, only then he can come to enjoy his life.

 However, this decision grows out from my consciousness of my existence. Thus, I recognized through self-awareness that man’s complete existence is linked eternally to an Absolute Being, we call as God/Allah. In this hierarchy of realities, He comes on the top and thus service to Him. His revealed code of life is my yard-stick in all matters of life.

 During my high-school days I came under the influence of poet-philosopher of Allama Muhammad Iqbal. A critic of Iqbal writes, “Iqbal’s philosophy, in its main strain, is the philosophy of ‘Self’. The Self is at once the starting and the basic point of his thought.” [Dr. Ishrat, 1991] According to Iqbal, Selfhood is the point of reference. Since when I came to understand this philosophy of ‘Self’ I saw my own Self as the absolute competitor I can compete. ‘That I am I,’ said D. H. Lawrence.

 Are you a proactive person or a reactive? Do you blame your social mirrors for things happening in your life?

I had since childhood given much of my time to reflection in order to satisfy my curiosities. This developed a sort of tolerance within me towards strange things happening to man, and an analytical way, instinctively, of reacting to problems. By giving top priority to understanding, I find myself better able to accept criticisms and find new ways to cope with problems.

 Proactivity is about taking initiation rather then just acting, or worst reacting, says Stephen Covey in his world famous 7 Habits of Highly Effective People. I’ve not been a ‘natural leader’, who would emerge from a mob and take the lead. Rather, I’ve learnt that leaders can be made through self-endeavor and using their emotional intelligence. They do so with consistency and by basing their complete life on correct principles. However, I find in myself ability to take action in what interests and what is important to me.

 Moreover, with the understanding of philosophy of Selfhood I very seldom put blames on the changing of days and nights in my affairs!

 However, I have to admit in words of my teacher, which he said about himself fits right in with me as well, “At sometimes, in some parts of life I am proactive and in others I am not.” Therefore, I am not completely a proactive person neither a reactive in totality. The last sentence implies that I yet have to practice and principles to the extent they become my habits.

 What is your circle of influence like?

 I’ve given much time to understanding human life and the cosmos in which he bears central reference, as I mentioned earlier. But does that mean I’ve no regard for action?

 Most of our concerns require deeper understanding. Without which we may even fail in action and end up exhausting all of our energies. Knowing where to begin, while not allowing our pity prejudices come in our way, action is the last thing we need to worry about. In my circle of influence comes my family, my friends, my neighbors and global friends, which I’ve made through internet, sharing of healthy thoughts and books.

 I value knowledge, enlightened thinking and moral support, a few of those immaterial blessings which one can share with others without leaving their lives unaffected, apart from material help we can offer others usually.

 Circle of influence is determined by finding out as to where the focus of our energy and time lie most [Covey, 1999]. My findings are that my energy is directed towards positive ends. This means I can exercise influence over my concerns and reduce them to a feasible degree

 Where my center lies?

 ‘A noble person is one who dominates himself’.

-Frithjof Schoun.

 I’ve to refer back to the story of my life. Through the years, I have found myself stronger in rebelling against immoral ideas and deeds, especially of social evils. My father often talks about me in terms of events when I bluntly stopped him committing even a small violation of law. Such spirits may have been strong at most times during my life, while dull at some occasions as well, but even today I find peace in rebelling against falsehood and in binding to the truth. These words of Jst. (r) K. M. Samdani have left deep marks on my soul, “…Principles-precede-survival.”

 In my eyes the ultimate aim a human must have is dominating his own self which makes him neglect of the purpose for it was brought to the earth.

 How will you move towards becoming principle-centered?

 Being principle-centered is a strenuous job. However, I think that I can remain a principle-centered person by sticking to this motto: Be true to yourself. And, who knows not that conscience is the best judge of ours.

 

A Man on a Mission: 2024 A.D

 How are you creating value for your company, customers, family and community?

 Till I left the secure walls of academia, I recap some deeds I did: I gave my maximum free time during college days helping poor people in business, doing jobs almost free-of-cost and enjoying my family best as I could. 

And, now, it's 2024. I’m working, currently, for a Global For-Profit-Social-Enterprise (FOPSE) or Non-Profit Social Enterprise. Or, I am working at top-level in a Business Consultancy firm. I’ve a nice traditional family with many relatives, whom I enjoy the most. Or, I’m a DMG (District Management Group) civil servant of CSS cadre in Pakistan.

 As a Consultant - For Customers and Company: I create value to my company and customers by creating requirements, educating my customers [HBR: April 2008] and being proficient in strategic thinking and ‘best practices’ for business consultancy, and by delivering them services with efficiency, economy and effectiveness.

 I will design custom versions of my services so as to accommodate all sorts of customers. For instance, if someone does not like making choices, I provide him default option best suited for him and so on and so forth. [HBR: Nudge Your Customers Toward Better Choices, Dec 2008]

 As a Civil Servant (Manager): I add value being a civil management servant, ‘by conducting so fairly and partially that I win the confidence of my people without being unduly popular’. [The Whole Truth, M.R. Kayani] This cannot take place without adequate knowledge of my business.

 As Global Entrepreneur: As a team member in a global FOPSE or in any other place I’ve just mentioned, I’ve strong working relationships among my network of professionals. Apart from social networks, I get personal and professional support from my peers, family members, friends and mentors. I’ve support groups, we meet regularly and discuss openly and fearlessly. We’ve high tolerance for criticisms; we’re empathic listeners and our relationships deepen with every passing day. [HBR: Discovering Your Authentic Leadership, Dec 2008]

 Core Principle of Business – Personal & Professional Life: As my philosophy of life is centered on win-win agreements, I help people by producing results effectively and also by letting them capitalize on their energies. This has a double effect on us: we increase our production and production capability (P/PC) as well, being centered on win-win paradigms. [7 Habits of Highly Effective People, Habit # 4, by S. Covey]

 What are you trying to accomplish in life? What are your values?

 Being created with a Divine purpose, religion of Islam is my natural need. Then comes my personal life, I wish to live by my entire family members well enough before they’re gone. And in my professional life I wish to run my own business consultancy company and want to start my career as a Social Global Entrepreneur. And, if I had this opportunity of becoming DMG civil servant (who is not merely a government servant, as they serve in banks and all kinds of organizations globally), I’ll go for it in the first place, because it is earnest desire to become the man of the people.

 What I possess: For accomplishment in any of these cadres and fields, I shall be equipped with a Master’s Degree in Business Administration (MBA) from a globally acknowledged university (or, business school). And, then I did my Ph. D in business venturing related to 'finance'. 

During my studies, I tried not to miss even one opportunity of global exposure as an entrepreneur. On my path of contributing a verse (suffices it even if changes my own life) I have also equipped myself with a degree in law. This helps my to survive in corporate law world at my own.

 My Priorities, I’d Accomplish: Money is not my top priority, my passion and interests are one of my top priorities; and, more than that, I give prime importance to those traditions and conventions as carried down over hundreds of generations to me. Above all, money, fame etc, they can go but my family, friends and relationships once gone or broken - they’re irrecoverable losses I can ever incur.

 My Life-Mission Statement; My values:

 Fear: I shall not fear anything. I shall only fear God.

 Honesty: I will - be learning continuously, remaining honest and truthful in all affairs, first to my self.

 Father, mother and teachers: I will - serve them like a servant, help them in their lives, be supportive to them and seek their guidance.

 Empathy: I will be an empathic listener and speaker, as a manager, as a husband, father, brother, sister – in all aspects of my life.

 Knowledge and Love: I will always pursue for knowledge for it comes before action. And, love for myself, God, and people around them, helping them out with patience.

 Allah/God: I will submit my will to Him.

 Honor, integrity: I will strive to realize day in day out of my life this maxim, "Principles precede honor."

 Piety and faith: I will remain piety by fighting against my carnal soul, faith in good even if temporarily seems unlikely to succeed.

 Laziness: I am lazy. Therefore in some matters of quadrant two i usually delay in doing. This I’ll cope with being piety.

 Truthfulness: Speaking, truth doing truth and learning and knowing truth are the biggest values of my life, which I've been informed.

 Islam: - Islam is in me and outside me. It permeates throughout a Muslim society in all affairs. It’s impossible for a Muslim to be Muslim in mosque and someone else outside ritualistic space.

 Patience: I will strive to remain patient, which I’m not. This is what I’ll have to achieve in practice and action.

 Since life is an ongoing process, therefore my mission statement will also be changing throughout my life.

 What make you happy and give peace of mind?

 Spiritual practices of religion of Islam, receiving rays of knowledge, helping out people around me without any rewards, transmitting knowledge and charity and other practices give me a great deal of peace of mind.

I’ve my own intrinsic stimulations and it is a task of a leader to balance between outward notions of success –fame, money, status- and inward thresholds. [HBR OnPoint: Your Authentic Leadership, winter 2008]

 What are the key events that got you started on the road to your future?

 In last days of my high-school, I had lengthy debates with my father and mentors on the best role I should adopt that may do well to me and as well to my countrymen and nation. As a result, after much discussion and debates with experts, I came to identify how important is economy and business for a any country, and its place in man’s life (not excluding spiritual peace, of course). Thus I jumped from science studies, happily, to business/entrepreneur studies. And, now my old dream of being an administrator, which is just a synonym for ‘manger’, is to be realized now. I feel I have started to secure my position in the arts and sciences of business and management studies.

 During those crucial final days of college, I had also to demolish the dream of flying. But, I didn’t had to, nor did I make any compromise. This thinking of ‘demolishing’ a dream actually didn’t appear. It naturally faded away. My friends and family often wondered, rather everyone who knew me before and this passion of flying, as to be it had gone. I’m too clueless. Perhaps, intuitively and of course silently, the love for taking the road I am planning of now, dominated over personal passion for touching the skies – but as they say, sky is not the limit.

 

Short-term Marketing Plan

 Diagnosis

 What potential opportunities await you in the job market?

 Global Market Opportunities: My first and foremost initiative would be ‘going global’ as an employee in social organizations, most probably global for-profit social enterprise (FOPSE), or a multi-national as an MBA and researcher. My belief is that if you start thinking global from day one and tap all necessary resources and over take its unique challenges, there are stupendous opportunities for employees as well start-ups in global markets.

 In My Native Land: In my home country, there is a lot of potential for business consultancy in different kinds of business and institutions. Apart from business consultancy, government management cadre also promises bright future.

 The kind of companies I will work for and as a leader or employee:

Principally there are two or more than two ways in which an organization is structured. But the following two are better known than others.

 Traditional hierarchic [Management, 9^th ed., by S. P. Robbins, Pg # 192] companies, in which boss sits at the top and everyone follows in order and rank.

 I am against this method of leading people as a leader/manager. I’ll lead as a manager or senior manager, my people by getting down in the trenches. Or, what is formally known as management by objectives (MBO) [Management, 9^th ed., by S. P. Robbins, Pg # 192-193]. This mean “co-inventing” with my talented staff; while, on the hand if I am an employer that a leader, joining such a company will polish my skills and enhance my tendencies of innovativeness.

 How will each of these opportunities help you accomplish your long-term vision?

 My aim is to get in any of mentioned businesses or institutions as an employee in preceding section. Therefore, business venturing in next ten years is not an option I entertain most. Though having entrepreneurial skills with me, venturing will be an option after I gain enough experience in either global social enterprises or consultancies I join.

 My Diaspora networks and global social networking will help me ‘reaching out to contacts who can make referrals’. [HBR: Dec 2008]

With a clear understanding which market I can join, I believe there are hundreds of lanes which I can adopt in my ceaseless journey, yet the road shall remain straight being guided by correct principles of life. My values shall remain with me as they’re. As far as I stay bed rock on those values of leadership and goodness, I’ll gain credibility in my own eyes, and consequently this will help me achieve success effectively, as Covey describes them. [7 Habits of Highly Effective People, S. Covey]

 Continuous learning will broaden my vision at each step and thus my actions being more refined will prove to be productive and with the bonus of enhancement in Production Capability. [7 Habits…, Habit # 3, by S. Covey]

 What challenges you’ll have to conquer as you enter job market?

 As I enter in the global market, or even local, the biggest challenge that I foresee are leadership skills, innovation, competency and competition. In the present world of financial crisis, unique solutions are required.

I’ll conquer these challenges using my Emotional Intelligence (EI). The components of emotional intelligence are:

• Self-awareness
• Self-regulation
• Motivation
• Empathy
• Social Skill

 How I will solve these problems (with consistent practice):

 I’ve from adolescence taught to be self-aware, i.e., ‘knowing one’s emotions, strengths, weaknesses, drives, values and goals – and their impact on others.’ [Source of EI & rest: HBR OnPoint; What Makes a Leader? Winter 2008]

Driven by my passions and likenesses, motivation is what I’ve in abundance. Self-regulation comes from my education and rigorous practice and thinking. My social networking has taught me necessary skill how to make use of different forms of networking without having any element of manipulation in it.

 Another major challenge that I’ll have to face in my professional journey is integrating my professional life with my social and personal life.

 

Name 5 advisors

 1). Mr. Muhammad Ashraf Toor - my father who has a thirty year experience as a banker, and now runs his own business consultancy (financial, HR etc.) firm.

 2). Mr. Dr. Ajaz Ali Agha – a top level civil servant in DMG (District Management Group) cadre of Pakistan Civil Service.

 3). Mr. Mannan Amin – my teacher, qualified in entrepreneurship from a top-level university in the world.

 4). Mr. Parvaiz Panhwar – a guru, an intellectual (in business related studies), a young highly motivated bright banker and my personal friend.

 5). Mr. Javid Aslam – another civil servant of DMG cadre of Pakistan Civil Service, has served at deputation in various countries

 

Pick one:

 I chose to enter business consultancy field as the most likely candidate, yet other two options may remain as contingency or this path may serve as one. I’ll be providing different companies, government and other institutions financial consultancy and business venturing.

 Decisions:

 Market Selection

 In what market do you want to work?

 I will choose to enter in one of the following markets based on the some choices, for instance, challenging environment with opportunities of professional grooming, extra-time granted for research work etc.

• For-Profit Social Enterprise (‘Go Global’!)
• Non-Profit Organization
• Non-Banking Financing
• Corporate Sector
• Telcos
• Oil and Gas Companies
• Banks
• Government, etc.

 Who are the customers you’ll serve in this market?

 Since this is not a business venture my customers and stakeholders will be those I’ve to deal as per my job description. My customers, to be specific, shall be my company’s clients.

 Do you want to work for an existing company or organization?

 As I have mentioned earlier, I’ll be, hopefully working with established or start-ups without being an owner of the venture.

 What bundle of services you’ll offer?

 I’ll be having the experience of being Research Assistant even during the time of job, if feasible. Therefore, with a thorough study of latest trends and theoretical knowledge I can offer my clients innovative and fresh ideas. In this time and age perhaps innovativeness and latest techniques and tools matter most which result in huge sums of profit. Thus, having access to modern scholarly works and research material my clients will have a ‘competitive edge’ over other companies. Moreover, using my expertise and knowledge I can offer rigorous services to my clients.

 I’ll provide solutions to start-up and business ventures based on my research work, professional and academic knowledge and skills.

 Product/Differentiation (I am the Product)

 My key Strengths:

 

• As a thinker in strategy and planning:

• Knowledge & expertise gained from top-level universities of the world:

• Global Outlook and Experience as a Student:

• Diaspora and social networking:
• Solid Practice in Leadership values: 

• Being a Research Assistant:

• Knowledge in Business Venturing/Finance:

 How will you differentiate yourself from other candidates?

 Based on the strengths, I have the ingredients and stomach for global competition. I had had the opportunity of international entrepreneurial exposure during my education.

 Plus, with this I’ve tapped networking in the most effective way. It has three levels: Operational, ‘getting work done efficiently; maintaining the capacities and functions required of the group’, Personal, ‘providing referrals to useful information and contacts’, Strategic, ‘Leverage: creating inside-outside links oriented towards future’. [HBR OnPoint: How Leaders Create and Use Networks? Winter 2008]

 My win-win paradigm is bound to optimize relationships within the organizations and resulting in outward success.

 Pricing:

 I would prefer for my global entrepreneurial exposure in business consultancy a sum of $1400.

 Analysis

Market

What does your target company need from you?

 Business Consultancy on Finance: It requires best technical and theoretical knowledge, leadership and entrepreneurial experience.

 What do the customers the customers need from you?

 They require from me economy, efficiency and effectiveness.

 How well equipped are you to meet those needs?

 AS I’ve made clear in my preceding answers that I’ll be have competent and adequate knowledge of my work; entrepreneurial experience at global level; and, my innovative skills will help me cope with the needs to provide economy, efficiency and effectiveness to my customers.

 Strategic Fit

 How does the marketing strategy you’ve outlined above fit your mission? And is your strategy realistic, given your current strengths and weaknesses?

 Considering my level of education and international exposure and preparation for going global will definitely prepare me for any scenarios. And, focusing my time and energy on joining social-global organizations or companies, means I’ve following advantages:

• “Social problems exist on a large scale in many developing countries. (There’s great room for start-ups and need of competent entrepreneurs.)
• The resources – funds, institution, and governance systems – to tackle those issues are mainly in developed world.
• FOPSE tackle specific conditions can often be adapted to other countries.”

(Source: HBR: The Global Entrepreneur, Dec 2008)

 

Reality Test:

 

Risk	Prevention	Mitigation	Contingency
Not Getting Job due to competition or competency	Acquire maximum knowledge and expertise for the job, now	Do aggressive marketing of my profile and skills	Use networking, meet people who can introduce into companies/organizations, and try hard; Or, start your own firm, in case all hopes die (since I’ll be having Business venturing knowledge as well)

 

Conclusion:

 The ancients produced Personalities; we produce moral readers.

 Allama Muhammad Iqbal, Stray Reflections.

 This presents the deplorable condition of modern day man for he has rebelled against his archetypes, calling them as men of ‘Dark’ Ages and so on. My Life Thinking Paper is nothing but a discovery of the prototype role we’re discharged to perform within the span of our lives, so that loud trivial noises end; and seeds of love blossom in this world by the labor of love. I dedicate this fleeting inspiration of mine to my teacher, Sir Mannan Amin. I seek thy guidance!