Article Abstract:
Businesses normally operate within a network of industrial suppliers and customers that is referred to as a supply chain. Companies are finding that they can improve their performance by making this chain more efficient. Supply chain management may involve decreasing the number of suppliers, focusing on the most important customers and establishing mutually beneficial relationships with other links in the chain. Supply chain management is usually the domain of the purchasing and marketing departments. Human resources (HR) profesionals, however, have a role to play in creating an effective supply chain. Their most important contribution would be to train purchasing and marketing executives in honing their interpersonnel skills. HR managers could even help design training programs for suppliers and customers. By becoming involved, HR personnel contribute to the company's bottom line and demonstrate their knowledge of current business practices.
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Article Abstract:
Companies are making greater use of consultants, sub-contractors, and telecommuters in an attempt to bring greater flexibility to their organizations. The skills and procedures needed to manage these 'distance' workers effectively are discussed. Two keys to managing distance workers are finding people who can work well outside the office, and drawing up clear specifications for the work to be done. Communication and control of distance workers is especially important in the initial stages of employment. Wages for distance workers should be closely linked to performance. Performance appraisal techniques, job training, and contractual arrangements with distance workers are also discussed.
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Article Abstract:
The increasing globalization of business necessitates a retraining of managers. To cope with the international environment, business executives need more than proficiency in their assigned task. They should be experienced in living and working overseas and should possess cultural awareness, interpersonal skills, and 'international' information comprising of general knowledge, national information and business understanding. Managers need to be prepared, at least for a year, before being given international assignments and should be provided full support once they are away from their home country.
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