Using relevant literature and examples from the Annual Reports of the Tata Group available online, critically evaluate the merits and demerits, of adopting the ‘portfolio organisation perspective’ or the ‘integrated organisation perspective’ in the management of Tata’s range of products – in today’s fastchanging dynamic global business environment. Based on your evaluation, is it possible for Tata to adopt both perspectives simultaneously, and why?
The Global Steel Manufacturing Industry:
The true mettle of an organisation is tested when it is able to respond to the challenges the environment throws up and turn them into an advantage. At Tata Steel, it’s been a turbulent year. For the first time in its history, it encountered closure of critical mines. During the same period global steel demand stagnated while imports surged. As a result, margins were under severe pressure. Staying alert to the dynamics of the steel industry and remaining responsive to it, has enabled us to manage the impact of these challenges and come out stronger. We have seeded several initiatives and projects that will bear fruit in the coming year. A tightening of processes has enabled us to become leaner and more agile than ever before. And an ongoing focus on continuous improvement is helping us innovate to achieve even greater efficiencies.
(http://www.tatasteel.com/investors/annual-report-2014-15/annual-report-2014-15.pdf, 2016) Review the relevant & recent Annual Reports of the Tata Group and Tata Steel available online:
http://www.tatasteel.com/investors/integrated-reportannual-report/ Refer further to the Group Financials as below:
http://www.tata.com/htm/Group_Investor_GroupFinancials.htm and carry out appropriate analyses of the global corporate strategies adopted by the Tata Group and other leading steel manufacturers, in response to the questions below.
You are encouraged to use relevant data/information from company websites.
Question One:
Portfolio, Integrated Organisation Perspectives and Competitiveness
Using relevant literature and examples from the Annual Reports of the Tata Group available online, critically evaluate the merits and demerits, of adopting the ‘portfolio organisation perspective’ or the ‘integrated organisation perspective’ in the management of Tata’s range of products – in today’s fastchanging dynamic global business environment. Based on your evaluation, is it possible for Tata to adopt both perspectives simultaneously, and why? [20 % marks]
Question Two:
Business Model Innovation and Technological Innovation through Strategic alliances, M&As The focus on innovation has helped the company (Tata Group) improve its products, services and solutions to satisfy customer needs. For example, the ‘Innovent’ programme has enabled the company to enter new market segments, for example the steel doors segment. Steel doors have been introduced under the brand name ‘Pravesh’ and have received a positive response from customers, thereby creating a new market for the company. (http://www.tatasteel.com/investors/annual-report-2014-15/annual-report-2014-15.pdf, 2016) University of Sunderland: Sunderland Business School 5 PGBM16 Off Campus 2017 - 18 5 Using relevant literature and examples from the Tata Group, carry out a critical assessment of the company’s ability to acquire and deploy intelligent innovations and technologies through ‘strategic alliances’ (SAs) and ‘mergers and acquisitions’ (M&As). In your opinion does Tata have the mix of resources and capabilities to bring the ‘digital and mobile’ technologies together in order to achieve its aims and intentions? Lastly, how would you assess the above mentioned addition of ‘Pravesh’ to the product portfolio (you should refer to Blue Ocean Strategy and Business Model Innovation)? [30 % marks]
Question Three:
Corporate governance, CSR, Sustainability and Leadership The company’s vision to be a global benchmark in value creation and corporate citizenship and the company’s long-term corporate social responsibility (CSR) objective, is to improve the quality of life of the communities through long-term value creation for all stakeholders. This objective is in alignment with the Tata Group core purpose. Towards achieving this, the company has been a pioneer in various CSR initiatives. We continue to remain focused on improving the quality of life and engaging communities through health, education, sports and infrastructure development. (http://www.tatasteel.com/investors/annual-report-2014-15/annual-report-2014-15.pdf, 2016) Using your understanding of Corporate governance, Corporate social responsibility (CSR), Sustainability and relevant management and leadership concepts, critique the above extract and evaluate the ability of Tata’s senior management team to ensure that the company’s CSR activities contribute to increasing the company’s value in a strategic and sustainable way. [30 % marks]
Question Four:
Personal reflections on learning In 350-400 words reflect on the impact of this assessment on your understanding of the Global Steel Manufacturing Industry competition, highlighting the key role of strategic alliances, M&As, and corporate leadership, in sustaining growth through responsible policies and practices. [10 % marks]
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