Gap Analysis Global Communications

GAP ANALYSIS: GLOBAL COMMUNICATIONS

Gap Analysis: Global Communications

University of Phoenix

Gap Analysis: Global Communications

Let us embark on a discussion in which one is are introduced to Global Communications (GC), a metaphorical representation of the challenges that the postmodern corporation faces when attempting to define its presence in today's global economy. Our analysis will review the symptoms and identify the problems present with GC's current situation. One will briefly identify and discuss the perspectives, and resulting dilemmas presented through identifying the oft times, conflicting values of major stakeholders in this situation. Once complete, we will offer a possible revised end state vision statement for the future of GC. Upon providing this end state vision statement we are provided with a gap analysis focused at identifying any potential obstacles that will hinder GC's ability to recognize its corporate ambitions. As we depart from this analysis of GC ask have the foundations of problem based learning been affectively applied, so as to offer the best alternative solution set for GC's possible success?

Situation Analysis

Issue and Opportunity Identification

Global Communications (GC) like many organizations in the telecommunications industry is faced with economic pressure to remain competitive and profitable in an industry plagued by diminishing returns and too much competition. In an effort to maintain their presence as a leader in the telecommunications industry GC must look for ways to increase their product offerings in the domestic marketplace while also increasing the global scope of their business. In doing so they are faced with the challenges that conflicting values and opportunities often present. Those issues and opportunities involve several key elements. One issue GC faces, "The company plans to market itself more aggressively on an international level with the goal of becoming a truly global resource," and yet "selecting and entering international markets (has) yielded mixed results: (GC Scenario p. 1) The resulting opportunity is that GC can develop strategic alliances with satellite and wireless carriers to offer communications services to local and international consumers in both the domestic and international market place. Another issue facing GC is, "Three years ago, its stock traded at $28 per share; today, the stock is valued at $11 more than 50 percent depreciation."(GC Scenario, p. 1) The resulting opportunity, which the GC Senior Leadership team plans to implement by outsourcing GC call centers to Ireland and India, which offer cheaper labor, "can reduce unit costs for handling calls by nearly 40%" (GC Scenario, p. 1) nearly 40%" Lastly, GC must move forward with its plans for a leaner more efficient workforce while recognizing the ethical and public relations dilemmas this presents for their domestic workforce while taking into consideration the needs and values of their union employees. The resulting opportunity is that both GC and the Technologies Workers Union can take this opportunity to "step back and look at the conflict not as a problem but as a natural tension between two valid perspectives" (Badaracco, J.L. p. 117).

Stakeholder Perspectives/Ethical Dilemmas

There are several key stakeholders in this scenario each with his own set of interests, rights, and values. The dilemma that GC faces in this scenario is that oftentimes the perspectives of each of these stakeholders appear to be in conflict with one another. In our scenario the three major stakeholders include the shareholders of GC, the GC executive board, and the Technologies Workers Union (TWU). Shareholders of GC expect the company to remain competitive in an industry that is plagued by too much competition, while maintaining profits ultimately resulting in an increase of their stock value and a greater return on their investment. The Technologies Workers Union is there to protect the interests of the workforce at GC, in doing so they expect to be part of contract negotiations and corporate plans for restructuring, future job security, reasonable benefits and competitive wages. Meanwhile the executive board at GC must recognize the perspectives of each of these groups while maintaining a focus on the future of the company and its goals of increasing profits, global and domestic market presence, and maintaining a positive public image.

End-State Vision

If we were to imagine a possible alternative end state vision for GC, it might read.

In recognizing the complexities of an ever increasing global economy, GC has formulated a strategy which will allow it to recognize corporate goals defined as the need(s) to remain competitive in the global marketplace, provide a reasonable return to the shareholders, increase their global presence, and protect the interests of their domestic workforce. Through careful negotiations between GC's executive board and the TWU, GC will look to identify ways of honoring its philosophy that "Our Edge is Our People" by providing new opportunities for enrichment and growth that can only present themselves as a result of a reduced dependence on our domestic workforce. GC's plan will allow the company to "scan the environment thoroughly with the intent to move forward and create value." for its customers and shareholders through the introduction of new product offerings. (June Maul, EdD, Year unknown, p. 1). Product offerings that will compete with services of cable and traditional telephone as the result of a marriage between GC's technology and the technologies of leading satellite and wireless providers. All the while working to increase our international employee base and marketing efforts so as to provide greater opportunity for success at cross border negotiations aimed at increasing our role as a global telecommunications resource.

Gap Analysis

If I may I would like to speak of the opportunities facing GC (GC). It is clear that in order to remain competitive GC must restructure the way in which it does business on both a local and international scale. As obvious from this example and the numerous examples that precede it that an undertaking of this magnitude is not without its challenges. One of the obvious dilemmas that GC faces