Oncidium Business Consulting Case Analysis

Oncidium Business Consulting is a company that traces its roots back in the 1970s. The Richard Ivey Business School at The University of Western Ontario was operating summer assistance programs for small and native businesses in Southwestern Ontario through the subsidies it was getting from the Federal government.Advertising We will write a custom case study sample on Oncidium Business Consulting Case Analysis specifically for you for only $16.05 $11/page Learn More The programs were soliciting the services of 15 students each summer since undergraduate and graduate students sought relevant work during their four-month break. At some point, the programs lost the federal support hence making it necessary to reduce the number of students who were initially participating in the program. Ivey continued with the program under the name Ivey Business Consulting Group. Some of the restrictions that characterized the program were eliminated but its startup was ne vertheless characterized by many problems. The program was run each summer by different groups of students. Jane Richards, the Founder of Oncidium Business Consulting joined the IBCG program in 2001 and was elected the practice’s manager. Richards graduated from the university in 2001, a period during which IBCG was experiencing many problems and the firm was unstable. As a result, she proposed that the program be converted into an arm of Ivey and be operated all year round. She argued that Ivey had enough resources and the Canadian market was in dire need of ideas on how to increase its growth. She was given an office in the school in order to anchor the idea firmly and in 2002; she transformed IBCG into a proprietorship.Advertising Looking for case study on business economics? Let's see if we can help you! Get your first paper with 15% OFF Learn More Richards constituted an advisory board comprised of academicians and entrepreneurs to advise and mentor her. I BCG opened an office in Toronto in September 2003 and hired additional staff. It continued to grow exponentially year after year between 2003 and 2005. Ivey decided to withdraw from the firm in 2004 and that was when Oncidium Business Consulting was born. Its services included strategic plans, market assessment, and market research to clients of all natures. Oncidium continued to register remarkable growth in 2006 and 2007. However in 2006, Richards started feeling like a stranger in her own company. This was happening despite the fact that she had founded the company and worked hard to see it grow. She could see a promising financial future for the company but the present had turned into a disappointment and unhappy scenario for Richards who wondered what she was doing in the company. Richards revisited revenue generation which was the performance metric agreed upon during the formation of the company. This was an easily measurable and quantifiable metric but only Maria had achieve d it. However, she got the lowest equity while Simon and Stephen who had not hit the targets got the highest and even Richards doubled theirs. Richards struggled to make the decision on whether to give them the equity when they had not achieved the performance metric since her mentors had suggested that nobody was to deviate from the set performance metrics. However, she felt that failure to give them the equity was bound to cause them to leave and she was not ready to build new relationships. She also felt that they were not skilled in revenue generation but they compensated in execution and delivery.Advertising We will write a custom case study sample on Oncidium Business Consulting Case Analysis specifically for you for only $16.05 $11/page Learn More Currently, the ownership of the stakes is perceived as inequitable by the other partners in the company. Simon and Stephen deal with delivery which is scalable since they have the support of other emplo yees in the company. Richards on the other hand deals with revenue generation which is an individual effort and feels that she bears the brunt. Whenever she is in the office, she feels Simon and Stephen feel that she should be outside selling projects. As a result, Richards feels that what she has done for the company is not appreciated and Simon and Stephen feel that the internal management of the company they are concerned with has a greater value than what Richards does. Differences have been growing everyday between Richards and her three partners in the company. This has been heightened by the fact that the three partners have been conducting secret meetings to strategize on how to throw Richards out of the company. Simon and Stephen have constituted a projects delivery team that is comprised of young individuals in their early 20s while Richards is in her mid 30s. This group bonds very well and after office, they go clubbing while Richards does not. This makes her an outsider in her own company. As the firm continues to grow in the presence of younger staff, the skills-set has been broken down. Richard’s idea of focusing on strategy-based assignments which bring in more dollars per assignment has been highly contested by the other partners. Simon and Stephen feel that the strategy is too competitive and Oncidium lacks the resources and skills to measure up to the standards of well established and financially stable consultancies.Advertising Looking for case study on business economics? Let's see if we can help you! Get your first paper with 15% OFF Learn More From the financial statements, it is evident that Oncidium Business Consulting has been registering remarkable growth since 2005. The firm therefore has potential for continued growth in the future if the current problems are comprehensively addressed. The firm has strong capital base as portrayed by the revenue collected in the financial statement. However, there is need to regulate the equities and liabilities since they seem to go up every subsequent year. This is not a good sign because it might destabilize the firm. Generally, the profits of the firm portray an impressive potential since there is increment in every subsequent year. It is important for Richards and her partners to work together for the sake of the success of the firm. The following are some of the recommendations that may be useful in a bid to resolve the current standoff in the firm. The first recommendation is that Richards should hold a meeting with the rest of the partners and discuss with them the concerns that make her feel no longer comfortable in the firm. The second recommendation is that Richards should contact her advisory team and inform it of the current situation in the firm for appropriate advice on how to approach the matter. The third recommendation is that a review of the nature of the roles of each one of them should be reviewed. The fourth recommendation is that a strict and open system should be put in place to determine who should join the firm. Richards should also be involved in selecting individuals who join the firm. The sixth recommendation is that she could consider the short gun clause in the partnership agreement and leave the firm. The best recommendation is to conduct a review of the roles and responsibilities of all the partners in the firm. This includes reviewing the practicality of the metrics set for each partner. The best way to do this is to conduct the advisors of the firm and hold a meeting with all the partners. Since the advisors are knowledgeable people in such matters they can advise on the most appropriate course of action in such situations. They would also reiterate on the importance of valuing the input of all the partners in the firm. This case study on Oncidium Business Consulting Case Analysis was written and submitted by user Jeram1ah to help you with your own studies. You are free to use it for research and reference purposes in order to write your own paper; however, you must cite it accordingly. You can donate your paper here.

Report On Service Quality Of Remington Hotel Essays

Report On Service Quality Of Remington Hotel Essays Report On Service Quality Of Remington Hotel Paper Report On Service Quality Of Remington Hotel Paper Expectancy-disinformation theory postulates that customer forms their satisfaction with a service as a result Of subjective comparison between their expectation and perceptions (Oh 1 999, up. 68-70). In this case study, the author will investigate the gaps in the service quality in Remington Hotel. The five main dimensions of the services will be measured on SERIAL scale to understand where gaps exist between expectation and perception of the customers. The author will also discuss reasons behind gaps and recommendations. Gaps in service quality as observed from Spenders complaint Knowledge AP (Gap 1) The non- availability of hotels airport facility in night hours was a simple expectation of Mr.. Spencer, which was not fulfilled. The gap visibly exists in knowledge of the Remington Hotel management who does not understand what service a customer expects from the hotels airport facility in night hours. A customer with delayed flight will expect airport facility to safely pick up the guests from airport to the hotel. Paranormal teal (1 985, up. 2-45) described this as Gap 1 -a gap between consumer expectation and management perception of those expectation. The absence of physical agility is a tangible evidence of incompetent service quality of the hotel. Knowledge gap can be due to incorrect market research, lack of feedback and too many organizational layers (Grazing 2007, up. 86-89). Standards gap (Gap 2) The example of gap of management perception and service quality specifications/standards was evid ent when there was only one desk left for registration at 11 PM while about 12 guests were waiting in queue. Management was not able to provide standard and prompt services to customers coming in night hours. Management understands expectations but as no system, which will deliver quality service as desired by the customers. Standards gap is due to faulty planning, bad management, lack of goals, and insufficient support and resources (Grazing 2007, up. 86-89). Delivery gap (Gap) is the difference between what managers have defined as standards of service quality and the way how a service was actually delivered (Belles 2011 , up. 42-43). There is a brazen example of gap in delivery of the service quality in Remington Hotel when Spencer with his wife and sleeping years old child, needed a luggage assistant to take his luggage to the room which is AR away in next building in night hours. Communication gap (Gap 4) represents variation between delivered service and what customer was actually told about the service itself. Mr.. Spencer was informed about the availability of airport facility in night hours but it was not clearly mentioned that the service is nit available in night hours. Communication gap occurs if communication is not integrated with services or if there is tendency to exaggerate the promises (Grazing 2007, up. 86-89). Gap in services (Gap 5) was evident when the desk clerk did many errors in providing the keys of rooms ND room allotment. Another desk clerk did not show courtesy to register the customers who approached just before her going off time. Gap 5 refers to difference between customers expectations regarding the service and their perception after the service (Belles 2011, up. 42-43). First priority dimension of service Madeline should certainly focus first on responsiveness dimension of service. Madeline witnessed on the very first day that there were heavy crowd of about 100 guests and guides in the lobby waiting for check in. To wait for 40 minutes in lobby for mere registration and check in was annoying for the customers. The maxim the first impression is the last impression -holds true. Responsiveness means the willingness and readiness of the employees to provide prompt service, which was not appreciable in the hotel. The other dimensions that need attentions are assurance and empathy, which are related with knowledge, positive attitudes and courtesy of the employees. Humanity is the dimension of service, which is provided to preserve dignity and self -respect of the client (Grazing 2007, up. 86-89). The customers trust and confidence in the service will be strengthened with polite and courteous attitudes of the employees. It was a very unwelcoming scene when a desk clerk was in hurry to leave the work without paying attention towards the guests waiting in a long queue. The lack of courtesy creates lack of trust in customers mind. Measuring gaps in customers expectations and perceptions After finding the expectation data, it was possible for Madeline to measure the existing gaps in expectation and the perception. The gaps were seen as higher in two dimensions: Reliability and Responsiveness. Madeline should deal with improvement is responsiveness first, as it affects the clients immediately and directly after their entrance into the hotel. It was important to avoid scene Of disorder, disappointment and tension in the lobby and hotel. The gap between perception and expectation in tangible dimension is -0. , in reliability ;0. 7, in responsiveness -0. 7, in empathy -0. 2 and in assurance O. Thus, dissatisfaction is observed in 4 out of 5 dimensions but it is highest in two dimensions (reliability and responsiveness). Madeline should investigate the reason for low expectations from hotel regarding assurance and empathy dimensions. Low expectation is not a healthy sign for a large size hotel. Important information to collect Madeline should also get information about employees satisfaction, recruitment procedures, retention, schedule, training and motivation in the Remington Hotel. Madeline should find out how efficient the internal and external communications are. The feedback from staff and clients, participation of the staff in planning are equally important. She should also examine what the lofty promises are made by the hotels that are not met. This will minimize the dissatisfaction due to the communication gap. For example, availability or non-availability of airport services in night hours should be visibly mentioned in the external communication. The gaps appear due to many constraints and fluctuations in demands (Paranormal et al 1 985, p. 45). There are other attributes such as imprecise standards, short distribution channel, face-to-face interaction, fluctuating demands and clustered peak periods posing hurdles in quality service care. Customer satisfaction also depends on additional elements like price, personal and situational factors that may occur during the service supply (Boon-ITT 2012, p. 52-53). Important points to ponder in improving the service quality Management should understand and fulfill the customers demands. Resolving the complaints make the customer more loyal to the hotel than those who never complained. Designing of services should be according to the identified customers demand, such as appointing luggage assistance in night hours and having more front desks to deal with crowd of customers. Suitable people and technology should be applied. Proper recruiting, training and motivation can improve the functional dimension of service quality. Awarding the employees should be introduced (Belles 2011). Only realistic promises through suitable channel should be communicated. Horizontal and vertical communication inside the organization should be established. All employees should participate in quality research. The attitude of guests and employees can be studied simultaneously (Belles 201 1 , p. 51). The positive attitudes of employees enhance customers loyalty therefore best employees should be employed. Employees behavior and attitude can influence customers perception of satisfaction (Briggs 2007, up. 006-1019; Moll and Josh 201 1, up. 19-24). The physical evidence (tangible) signifies the commitment of the management and improves the overall experience of the customers (Briggs 2007, up. 1006-1019).

Monte Alban - Capital City of the Zapotec Civilization

Monte Alban - Capital City of the Zapotec Civilization Monte Albn is the name of the ruins of an ancient capital city, located in a strange place: on the summit and shoulders of a very high, very steep hill in the middle of the semiarid valley of Oaxaca, in the Mexican state of Oaxaca. One of the most well-studied archaeological sites in the Americas, Monte Alban was the capital of the Zapotec culture from 500 B.C.E. to 700 C.E., reaching a peak population of over 16,500 between 300–500 C.E. The Zapotecs were maize farmers, and made distinctive pottery vessels; they traded with other civilizations in Mesoamerica including Teotihuacan and the Mixtec culture, and perhaps the classic period Maya civilization. They had a market system, for the distribution of goods into the cities, and like many Mesoamerican civilizations, built ball courts for playing ritual games with rubber balls. Chronology 900–1300 C.E. (Epiclassic/Early Postclassic, Monte Albn IV), Monte Alban collapses about 900 C.E., Oaxaca Valley with a more dispersed settlement500–900 C.E. (Late Classic, Monte Albn IIIB), slow decline of Monte Alban, as it and other cities are established as independent city-states, influx of Mixtec groups into the valley250–500 C.E. (Early Classic period, Monte Albn IIIA), Golden Age of Monte Alban, architecture in the main plaza formalized; Oaxaca barrio established at Teotihuacan150 B.C.E.–250 C.E. (Terminal Formative, Monte Albn II), unrest in the valley, rise of the Zapotec state with the center at Monte Albn, city covered about 416 hectares (1,027 acres), with a population of 14,500500–150 B.C.E. (Late Formative, Monte Alban I), Oaxaca valley integrated as a single political entity, city increased to 442 ha (1,092 ac), and population of 17,000, well beyond its ability to feed itself500 B.C.E. (Middle Formative), Monte Alban founded by param ount rulers from San Jose Mogote and others in the Etla valley, site covers about 324 ha (800 ac), population of about 5,000 people The earliest city associated with the Zapotec culture was San Josà © Mogotà ©, in the Etla arm of the Oaxaca Valley and founded about 1600-1400 B.C.E. Archaeological evidence suggests that conflicts arose in San Josà © Mogotà © and other communities in the Etla valley, and that city was abandoned about 500 B.C.E., at the same time that Monte Albn was founded. Founding Monte Alban The Zapotecs built their new capital city in a strange place, probably partly as a defensive move resulting from unrest in the valley. The location in the valley of Oaxaca is on the top of a tall mountain far above and in the middle of three populous valley arms. Monte Alban was far from the nearest water, 4 kilometers (2.5 miles) away and 400 meters (1,300 feet) above, as well as any agricultural fields that would have supported it. Chances are that Monte Albans residential population was not permanently located here.   A city located so far away from the major population it serves is called a disembedded capital, and Monte Albn is one of very few disembedded capitals known in the ancient world. The reason the founders of San Jose moved their city to the top of the hill may have included defense, but perhaps also a bit of public relations- its structures can be seen in many places from the valley arms. Rise and Fall Monte Albans golden age corresponds with the Maya Classic period, when the city grew,  and maintained trade and political relationships with many regional and coastal territories. Expansionist trade relationships included Teotihuacan, where people born in the Oaxaca valley took up residence in a neighborhood, one of several ethnic barrios in that city. Zapotec cultural influences have been noted in Early Classic Puebla sites east of modern-day Mexico City and as far as the gulf coast state of Veracruz, although direct evidence for Oaxacan people living in those locations has not as yet been identified. The power centralization at Monte Alban decreased during the Classic period when an influx of Mixtec populations arrived. Several regional centers such as Lambityeco, Jalieza, Mitla, and Dainzà º-Macuilxà ³chitl rose to become independent city-states by the Late Classic/Early Postclassic periods. None of these matched Monte Albans size at its height. Monumental Architecture at Monte Alban The site of Monte Albn has several memorable extant architectural features, including pyramids, thousands of agricultural terraces, and long deep stone staircases. Also still to be seen today are Los Danzantes, over 300 stone slabs carved between 350–200 B.C.E., featuring life-sized figures which appear to be portraits of slain war captives. Building J, interpreted by some scholars as an astronomical observatory, is a very odd structure indeed, with no right angles on the exterior building- its shape may have been intended to represent an arrowpoint- and a maze of narrow tunnels in the interior. Monte Albns Excavators and Visitors Excavations at Monte Albn have been conducted by Mexican archaeologists Jorge Acosta, Alfonso Caso, and Ignacio Bernal, supplemented by surveys of the Valley of Oaxaca by US archaeologists Kent Flannery, Richard Blanton, Stephen Kowalewski, Gary Feinman, Laura Finsten, and Linda Nicholas. Recent studies include bioarchaeological analysis of skeletal materials, as well as an emphasis on the collapse of Monte Alban and the Late Classic reorganization of the Oaxaca Valley into independent city-states. Today the site awes visitors, with its enormous rectangular plaza with pyramid platforms on the east and west sides. Massive pyramid structures mark the north and south sides of the plaza, and the mysterious Building J lies near its center. Monte Alban was placed on the UNESCO World Heritage List in 1987.   Sources: Cucina A, Edgar H, and Ragsdale C. 2017. Oaxaca and its neighbors in Prehispanic times: Population movements from the perspective of dental morphological traits. Journal of Archaeological Science: Reports 13:751-758. ï » ¿Faulseit RK. 2012. State collapse and household resilience in the Oaxaca Valley of Mexico. Latin American Antiquity 23(4):401-425. Feinman G, and Nicholas LM. 2015. After Monte Alban in the Central Valleys of Oaxaca: A reassessment. In: Faulseit RK, editor. Beyond Collapse: Archaeological Perspectives on Resilience, Revitalization, and Transformation in Complex Societies. Carbondale: Southern Illinios University Press. p 43-69. Higelin Ponce de Leà ³n R, and Hepp GD. 2017. Talking with the dead from southern Mexico: Tracing bioarchaeological foundations and new perspectives in Oaxaca. Journal of Archaeological Science: Reports 13:697-702. Redmond EM, and Spencer CS. 2012. Chiefdoms at the threshold: The competitive origins of the primary state. Journal of Anthropological Archaeology 31(1):22-37.

Strategic issues in banking and insurance Essay

Strategic issues in banking and insurance - Essay Example In developed world where most of the sector is de-regulated and enjoy substantial degree of freedom and autonomy, political influences may not be there however, in developing countries, this may not be the case. Developing countries do not have very well grown financial sector and most of the institutions are either directly owned or controlled by the government themselves or governments have the substantial share in them. This allows the government to largely influence the banks especially to engage into practices which may not be in direct interest of the deposit holders of those banks. The era after 9/11 have seen a new shift into the industry in terms of influence of political forces on it. The anti-money laundering rules, terrorist funding etc were some of the key strategic issues which put extra pressures on the banks and insurance companies to devise methods and strategies which can effectively help in tackling issues like illegal money laundering, channeling of funds through SWIFT etc to the supposedly terrorist organizations etc. The current economic trends especially the crisis emerged due to the subprime mortgages is considered now as one of the great strategic challenge faced by most of the players in the financial sector industry. Subprime mortgages are considered as the threat which has largely been created by the banks themselves as they tend to violate their own prudent lending policies in order to capture the market. This has therefore provided them an opportunity to earn at the cost of incurring high cost. â€Å"Sub-Prime lending typically has been characterized as lending at relatively costly interest rates and fees to credit impaired or otherwise high risk borrowers.† (Lax, Manti and Raca). Subprime loans are among the newly popular mortgage products, such as interest-only loans, for people with strained budgets, including first-time buyers. Homeowners increasingly use them to refinance and consolidate household debts

West Nile Virus Research Paper Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words

West Nile Virus - Research Paper Example Over the next few years, this virus had spread across the whole of North America and the Caribbean, increasing the risk of new infections. While this virus does not commonly affect human beings, cases of infections are on the increase as this virus spreads globally. The first step, in the contamination process, takes place when a female mosquito bites an infected bird. This mosquito obtains the virus while consuming the bird’s blood and in the process, the virus is passed on to it. The infected female mosquito then spreads the virus through their bites to humans and most of the infections occur among the elderly and people who have impaired immune systems. There is also a high possibility of this virus to be spread to those people who live in areas where there are mosquitoes. According to the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, people who get the virus display mild symptoms as fever, headaches, body aches, skin rash, and swollen lymph glands, but in cases where the virus enters the brain however; it can cause inflammation of the brain (encephalitis) or inflammation of the lining of the brain and spinal cord (meningitis). Most of the deaths caused by WNV have been among birds with few human cases, an example of which is in 2009, where there were 720 human cases of the disease in the United States amongst, which only thirty-two were fatal. There are currently no vaccines or treatments for the human WNV disease and now, scientists have accelerated the research on developing the tools necessary for its treatment and prevention. According to Margulies (47), the best way to prevent the virus is by continuously testing for it so that it can be detected early and steps taken to prevent its further spread. Furthermore, it is advisable to frequently used mosquito repellent on exposed skin so that the possibility of being bitten is reduced. Those living in areas where mosquitoes of any species

Tyler Mcallister Essay Example for Free

Tyler Mcallister Essay In the last few years he has been in and out of more allergy doctor offices than he can count. Not to mention the fact that he has nightmares ever since his father died. If that werent enough, his mother and brother are both successful movie stars who are often off on location for long periods of time. The last thing he wanted was to go to a forbidden quarry and find a dead body. But that is exactly what happens to him while there with his friend Lymie. This is just the beginning of bad luck for a boy named Tyler McAllister. Tyler McAllister is very skinny and weak. Mostly because he is a vegetarian. He has a very rebellious nature. This could possibly be caused by not having his mom and brother there as much as he wants. It’s very strange that he rebels because he dislikes trouble. But he does in fact like solving mysteries. Believing in justice is one reason that Tyler likes solving mysteries. If you try to go against the law you must be punished for it. Another reason is when he starts at something he must finish it. Through almost the entire story Tyler is solving little mysteries that lead up to solving the biggest mystery of all. Who killed the janitor Bobby? For a kid who doesn’t like trouble, lately he has been getting in it a lot. He’s discovered places that he probably should not have been in. Like the forbidden quarry where he found the janitor’s body. He even got sent to the principal’s office for talking back to the teacher after falling asleep in class. Tyler McAllister is a skinny, rebellious, mystery solving guy. Who doesn’t take no for an answer. His personality helps him solve the mystery of Bobby’s death. Then at the end of The Trouble with Lemons Tyler McAllister finally gets the birthday he wants. By: Tori Bakeman

Shipping and the Great Barrier Reef Essay -- Trade Nature Conservation

Shipping and the Great Barrier Reef Australia’s Great Barrier Reef (GBR) is an unparalleled marine ecosystem that holds rank as one of the world’s most valuable natural wonders. The abundance of sea life offers both intrinsic and physical benefits, but unfortunately this extraordinary habitat is now threatened from several different angles. One of the greatest threats to the GBR is the presence of popular shipping routes which surround and penetrate the reef. These ships naturally pollute the GBR, but the severest danger lies in the possibility of wrecks spilling oil or other hazardous cargos. History offers many examples of shipwrecks with outcomes that could have been devastating although there has not yet been a major disaster. These events have helped to inspire various regulations aiming to curb the risk of any major incident. Nevertheless, there still remains more room for protective measures in order to insure the safety of such an irreplaceable treasure. The Great Barrier Reef The GBR formed about 9,000 years ago during the last interglacial period. As with other coral reefs, it is based upon the structure of billions of coral polyps, and the GBR is the longest coral reef system ever to exist. It is consequently the largest structure created by living creatures and so massive that it can be viewed from outer space (Guynup p.22). The GBR includes 2,900 separate reefs and hundreds various islands and cays. The GBR stretches over 2,000 kilometers up the coast of Queensland. The Great Barrier Reef Marine Park (GBRMP), established in 1975, includes nearly 350,000 square kilometers, which is over half the area covered by all of the protected areas in mainland Australia (Chadwick and Storrie p.1, CRC p.1).... ...w.gbrmpa.gov.au/ Guynup, Sharon. 2000. â€Å"Australia’s Great Barrier Reef.† Science World, 57(1): 22-23. Johns, Gary. 2002. â€Å"The Four Corners of the Reef: Investigative Journalism or Environmental Activism.† Institute of Public Affairs, 54(2): 10-11. Parliament of the Commonwealth of Australia, Protection of the Great Barrier Reef: Report of the House of Representatives Standing Committee on Environment and Conservation, November 1985. Australian Government Publishing Service, Canberra: 1985. Queensland Transport – News: â€Å"Maritime Safety Legislation Passed by Parliament,† 31 July 2002. Queensland Transport & the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Authority, â€Å"Oil Spill Risk Assessment for the Coastal Waters of Queensland and the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park†: August 2000. Wright, Judith, The Coral Battleground. Thomas Nelson, Melbourne: 1977.