The prevailing difficult business environment has adversely affected companies and institutions performances globally. Business entities are forced to devise innovative counter measures to curb negative effects of such difficult economic environment. Majority of companies are embarking on techniques of cutting down operational costs with the main aim of boosting overall performance. This hardly achieved as the adverse business environment has impacted on pushing up operational costs due to effects of inflation and desire for hire wages among employees. This means that, any attempts to lower operational costs will impact on reduced service level and consequently overall performance will have to decline.
Attempts to raise price with the main aim of boosting revenues is also not realistic in the prevailing business environment. Customers will simply buy from competitor companies or alternatively use substitute goods and services. This due to the fact that, similarly to companies, consumers have also been affected by the difficult economic conditions and are always looking of ways of minimizing their expenses. Therefore, the targeted profit maximization objective is hardly achieved.
To survive in such an environment, it is prudent to deploy alternative innovative techniques which will boost overall revenues and lower the cost without undermining the service level. It is also critical to transform public institutions to business entities. This is challenging and requires proper research on the market trends and full management dedication. This can be achieved through application of strategic management and selection which will ensure only the most optimal decisions are made.
This paper explores US Postal service case as it strives to sustain business operations. Appropriate measures which can reverse the negative performance trend are also discussed.
Introd
Table of Contents
1. Abstract
2. Introduction
3. US Postal Service
4. Strategic Management
5. Conclusion
Research Objectives and Themes
The primary objective of this paper is to evaluate the causes of the declining performance of the US Postal Service and to propose strategic management solutions that can revitalize the organization's business model to ensure long-term sustainability. The research examines how internal and external environmental factors have impacted operations and explores methods to enhance service quality while managing costs effectively.
- Analysis of the current challenging business environment and its impact on the USPS.
- Evaluation of previous failed attempts to reverse declining performance.
- Application of strategic management techniques to improve organizational performance.
- Development of sustainable business models and market-oriented strategies.
- Review of human resource optimization and marketing diversification strategies.
Excerpt from the Book
Strategic Management
To create a more sustainable business model, it is prudent to deploy strategic management techniques. This consist decisions and actions an organization undertakes in order to create competitive advantage and boost overall performance. This will involve strategic analysis of the goals of the organization together with both internal and external business environments (Dess 2005). This will give US Postal services top executives an insight about the kind of environment the business is operating and the decisions the company should take to bring in the most optimal benefits to the company (Williams 2009). This will ensure different strategies implemented by the USPS will bring in the greatest benefit to overall business performance.
To ensure soft implementation of different strategies it will be important to ensure they are communicated to all stakeholders to prevent possible resistance (Schmidt 2009). It is also important to ensure the strategies implemented will align with organizational structures and human resource systems (Amstrong 2008). This will boost chances of strategies introduced realizing the intended objectives.
Summary of Chapters
Abstract: Provides an overview of the difficult global business environment and the subsequent negative impact on company performance, introducing the US Postal Service case as the primary subject.
Introduction: Outlines the persistent performance issues within the US Postal Service and identifies the need for strategic evaluation and a complete overhaul of marketing and operational techniques.
US Postal Service: Details the specific financial and service-level challenges faced by the USPS, including failed attempts to reduce costs through payroll cuts and operational changes.
Strategic Management: Discusses the necessity of implementing strategic management, including market research, stakeholder communication, and organizational alignment to achieve a sustainable business model.
Conclusion: Summarizes that a complete management overhaul and the deployment of calculated strategic management options are essential to reverse the declining performance.
Keywords
US Postal Service, Strategic Management, Operational Costs, Business Model, Service Level, Performance Improvement, Market Trends, Financial Sustainability, Human Resource Management, Competitive Advantage, Stakeholder Communication, Risk Assessment, Marketing Strategies, Organizational Goals, Sustainability.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the core focus of this research paper?
The paper examines the operational and financial challenges facing the US Postal Service and proposes strategic management interventions to reverse its long-term decline in performance.
What are the primary thematic areas covered?
The document covers the impact of economic environments, service quality issues, the necessity of sustainable business models, strategic selection processes, and human resource management adjustments.
What is the central research question?
The core question is how the US Postal Service can transform its current, struggling operations into a sustainable business model that balances service delivery with fiscal responsibility.
Which methodologies are employed in this analysis?
The paper utilizes a strategic management framework, incorporating analysis of internal and external environments, and recommends organizational restructuring and market-oriented service enhancements.
What does the main body of the paper discuss?
The main body evaluates the failure of past cost-cutting attempts, the importance of strategic alignment, the role of market research, and the need for a comprehensive change in business strategy.
Which keywords best characterize this work?
Key terms include Strategic Management, US Postal Service, Operational Costs, Sustainable Business Model, and Performance Improvement.
Why did previous cost-cutting attempts at the USPS fail?
Previous attempts, such as reducing payroll, were viewed as counterproductive because they directly impacted the service levels in a labor-intensive industry, leading to further declines in customer satisfaction.
How does the author suggest the USPS should handle potential resistance to change?
The author emphasizes the importance of clear communication with all stakeholders and ensuring that new strategies align with existing organizational structures to minimize resistance during implementation.
- Quote paper
- Dr Kelly Clarkson (Author), 2011, US Postal service case as it strives to sustain business operations, Munich, GRIN Verlag, https://www.hausarbeiten.de/document/213088
