Different IT Systems used in Retail Assignment Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1750 words

Different IT Systems used in Retail - Assignment Example It is notable that there are no two ERP vendors that are the same in the services they offer. The differences are noticed in their product executions based on the functionalities of their products. The applications may be similar in a number of factors that also display negligible exceptions in their developments. Most of the software applications are used to support different tasks as per the requirements of and objectives for which the application was designed. It is essential for the software vendors to establish the benefits of taking care of the business needs of the small and midsized companies. Oracle offers different modules from SAPs that are distinctive in terms of the needs and requirements of the applications being developed. This is seen in the ERP frameworks that the two vendors have to offer because the clients they deal with choose products that suit their business needs. Some of the common needs that companies grapple with include financial management, distribution management, and Personnel management. It is the duty of the vendors to narrow down on specific needs to offer the best services. It is essential for prospective clients to contact vendor before they can start developing solutions. Supply chain management software is essential for companies to have an advantage in the management of its supplies. They are meant to transform the usual supply chains into systems that are meant to bring substantial value to the company’s businesses. They provide an appropriate platform for the transformation of the company’s businesses there by changing the fortunes of the company. The systems bring about flexibility and reliability of company’s operations, which is likely to translate to increased profitability. Supply chain management systems ensure that organizations are able to scale up their operations because of the flexibility brought

The Impact of Culture on Best Practice Production Management Essay

The Impact of Culture on Best Practice Production Management - Essay Example Services industry is the fastest growing segment in the world economy and the biggest challenge is customer satisfaction which depends upon service quality (Bick, Abratt & Moller, 2010). Customer service excellence becomes essential to achieve customer satisfaction which in turn translates into customer loyalty. Organisations are convinced that customer service delivers benefits and hence quality management programmes have been created that relate the service attributes to how customers would evaluate quality (Bolton & Drew, 1991). This implies that people skills are essential for personal and organisational success. Customer service excellence is based on customer insight, segmentation and leadership (CSE, n.d.). Segmentation helps to understand the needs of the customers which differ across cultures. Segmentation is implemented through the process of identifying and differentiating between groups that have similar needs or wants. By focusing on their needs, motivation and choices, the organisation can achieve customer service excellence as they realize that one-size-fit-all approach in not applicable in the service industry. Customer service excellence operates at three distinct levels – as a driver of continuous improvement, as a skills development tool and as an independent validation of achievement. Culture, according to Hofstede, â€Å"is the collective programming of the mind which distinguishes the members of one group or category from another† (Hope & Muhlemann, 2001). It has also been defined as the â€Å"software of the mind...† and culture is the way that a group of people solve problems and reconcile dilemmas (Lorenzoni & Lewis, 2004). Moreover, customers from different backgrounds also have differing levels of literacy which influences the evaluation of performance standards (Pizam & Eliss, 1999).Cultural difference cause differences in expectations, goals, values and proposed course of action. Cultural differences impact the belongingness, love and esteem needs of individuals and these principles reverse the Maslow’s hierarchy of needs theory. Subtle cultural differences cannot be ignored as the direct impact can be observed in decisions, outcomes and delivery of service (Korac-Kakabadse & Kouzmin, 1999). To achieve service excellence organisations would have to ensure that employees are adequately trained in the different elements of culture that manifest in many ways. Manifestation of cultural differences can be found in language and communication styles, in expression of emotions and body language, in social customs and eating habits. The deepest and the most ingrained manifestation of culture is the cultural assumptions from which stem the norms and values (Lorenzoni & Lewis, 2004). The most visible manifestation of culture is everyday behavioural standards. Hofstede has identified four different dimensions on which culture can be measured. These include the power distance, individualism, unc ertainty avoidance and masculinity. Cultures distinguish people in how they behave, maintain relationships and relate to each other in a variety of ways. It also influences the attitude towards time and the attitude towards the environment. All these factors heighten the importance of ensuring that employees are trained in understanding the nuances of different cultural backgrounds before customer service excellence can be expected. The hospitality industry is diverse in nature and each customer is individual in his/her needs and wants. The same customer may have different needs and demands in different situations (Baum & Nickson, 1998). Cultural differences impact the outcome of business because according to Hofstede different cultures imply different mental programming (Gilbert & Tsao, 2000).