Advance Business Communication

Question: Compose report on job of subordinates in the Enron and how the organization utilized subsidiaries in their exchange which has brought about the breakdown of the Enron. Answer: Conversation This area of the report features the job of subsidiaries in the Enron and how the organization utilized subordinates in their exchange which has brought about the breakdown of the Enron. Subsidiaries assumed a vital job in the working of the business, without the utilization of subordinates it would have intense for the organization to accomplish their objectives. They utilized subordinates in swelling the benefit and concealing the obligation. In addition, different arrangements identified with subordinates, with different gatherings as opposed to the well known SPE's assumed a significant job in the Enron breakdown. The organization utilized subordinates in various manners: Utilizing subsidiaries to conceal misfortunes Right off the bat, the organization utilizes subordinates to cover their loss of countless dollars, which they put resources into various firms that are innovation arranged. One case of such firm is Rhythm Net Connection, which is a beginning up media transmission organization. Enron put about 10 million dollars in the Rhythm Net Connection, and the organization purchased the offers in Rhythm net association in under 2 US dollars for every offer. The organization utilized the subordinates to shroud their acquired misfortune, which came about because of interest in the firm that is mechanically arranged (www.strongwindpress.com 2016). Utilizing subsidiaries to conceal obligation Furthermore, the organization utilizes the subordinates along with SPEs to cover their obligation sum, which they have acquired to put resources into new business. It is clear that some exceptionally mind boggling and unclear bookkeeping rules permitted the organization to conceal their benefits and liabilities (www.strongwindpress.com 2016). Other utilization of subordinates The traditional story of Enron and the SPEs, where the subsidiaries were the answer for the SPE, however in the Enron breakdown the SPEs were not excessively significant. It was the shaky sheet exchanges and subordinates that are basic, various issues identified with these understandings ought to be featured to decipher the breakdown of the Enron (www.strongwindpress.com 2016). End It is the obligation of the CEO to deal with the whole capacity of the organization so they can expand their benefit. The arrangement of the organization ought to be straightforward and clear. Be that as it may, on account of Enron, they utilized the subordinates to shroud their misfortune and obligation. The bookkeeping strategy of the organization ought not focus on concealing the misfortune and obligation, however they should attempt to adapt up to these misfortunes and obligations. Or maybe the organization should make its exchange and records more clear and very much characterized. Reference Enron and World Finance.

Velocity Pulse Onset Detection Adaptive †Myassignmenthelp.Com

Question: Talk About The Velocity Pulse Onset Detection Adaptive? Answer: Presentation The Internet of Things is expected to make a home secure and a brilliant spot to live in. All the IoT gadgets are associated with the home system for the security of home. These IoT things are totally associated with web so all the works are done consequently at home. The home robotization additionally incorporates killing and on the light or camcorders that are utilized for security at home. In this current universe of digitization, it is exceptionally common that all the things that are utilized are associated with the web. Not just advanced cells and PCs, all the gadgets we use as day by day extras which incorporate from entryway, cooking, cameras, lights, tickers and a lot more are completely associated with web. Gadgets are accessible with web associations that can send data to us, can the board with us and do all the orders that are given by us. All the things that are associated with web are all Internet of Things. This Internet of Things is required for making the home savvy and home computerization. Home Network Fig: Home Network (Source: Created by Author) The outline above shows a savvy home that are totally associated with Internet of Things gadgets that are required in day by day lives. There is a recieving wire which gives the radio recurrence signals. A programmed sensor aquarium is there which gives signal when it should be cleaned; there is an entryway lock show which sees the visitor remaining at out. An entryway there is a surveillance camera which is a LG remote camera that records who is at the entryway. An advanced cell sensor is produces light is some warning or telephone comes regardless of whether the telephone is on quiet mode. There is a shrewd TV that gets the signs. There is a rooftop top sensor with a remote control that opens for daylight if remote is clicked. All the entryways and windows are sensor based that are opened consequently if the proprietor needs. There is additionally a garage sensor which identifies the way to put the vehicle and take it out. A light sensor is there in the light which discharges light naturally when daylight diminishes. A sensor is placed in the belt of the pet too that when it barks, the proprietor becomes more acquainted with that there is something issue outside. Air conditioning Controls the temperature of the house. There is a programmed clothes washer that is utilized for washing. A LED lights sensor is available which is constrained by remote. The kitchen has a sensor based microwave that gives ready when the food is prepared and furthermore demonstrates the best approach to make a dish. A presentation is available in the kitchen associated with the web which has the Google page. This aides in looking Google for plans and other data identified with Accounting. There is an Echo Dot speaker with Bluetooth association so the individuals from the house get the opportunity to hear all the accounts and alarms that are made in the house. All the gadgets are helpful to make a house a brilliant home. Web of Things Devices Adobe Home Security Starter Kit The Adobe Security Starter Kit finds a spot between a self observed security arrangement of DIY and a framework that is checked and introduced expertly (Kor et al., 2016). The framework can be matched with numerous ZigBee and Z-Wave results of shrewd home that incorporates lights, switches, home gadgets and locks of the ways to give the house a full inclusion. It likewise bolsters Alexa orders and plans of IFTTT. The Adobe Security Starter Kit is a cumbersome gadgets and it don't bolster versatile application notices. Use: This is utilized to ensure the house and interfaces all the gadgets that are utilized in home for security reason. The framework can be combined with numerous ZigBee and Z-Wave results of savvy home that incorporates lights, switches, home gadgets and locks of the ways to give the house a full inclusion. Control: This framework controls all the gadgets of the keen home that incorporates lights, switches, home gadgets and locks of the ways to give the house a full inclusion. Availability: This framework works even it isn't associated with web. This is one of the most remarkable centers that are accessible. Security: It gives security to the whole house. Protection: As security is kept up in the house, the security of the house is likewise kept up by utilizing Adobe Home Security Kit. Reverberation Dot and Amazon Echo Reverberation is Bluetooth speaker voice partner of Amazon that is helpful and is controlled by Alexa (Edwards, Edwards Dot, 2016). Numerous quantities of family gadgets are managed by Alexa. Alexa is working more on its gadgets with the goal that it can make all the family unit items computerized. Alexa is chipping away at items that can be controlled effectively by voice order or just by squeezing a solitary catch. Reverberation Dot is utilized as speaker to provide order and it has a touch screen with the goal that it can see all the list items and furthermore can do video calls. The issue of Amazon Echo is that it once in a while doesn't comprehend the language of the speaker. Utilization: Used as a speaker and works with voice order and has a touch screen to see the indexed lists. Control: Echo Dot control all the gadgets of the brilliant home that can be constrained by voice orders. Availability: The Echo Dot is associated with Bluetooth gadgets and Internet associations are likewise present in Echo Dot. Security: Echo Dot can be made not hear the things that the client don't needs Echo speck to tune in. Security: The Echo Dot can be killed if the client don't needs it to tune in. The Echo Dot produces a red light when it isn't tuning in to any of the private talks. All the recorded things can likewise be erased from the Echo Dot for security. Netgear Arlo Pro Netgear Arlo Pro is a surveillance camera that was made in 2015 with weatherproof, simple establishment process, remote highlights in it (Habibi et al., 20117). The fundamental issue of Netgear Arlo Pro was that it was not having any sound catching abilities. In any case, later on, these issues were unraveled. The gadget utilized a two way sound, yet in addition gave recording of sound activated. The new highlights that were included the gadget was battery-powered batteries, noisy alarm and a USB availability that is utilized to store the nearby video on USB. No membership is expected to see the accounts and is adaptable in choosing the here and there the camera. The Netgear Arlo Pro have an issue with the separation catching procedure. Use: It is utilized to catch the environmental factors of the home. Control: This can be controlled with a remote and furthermore can be activated with voice controls. Availability: It has a Wi-Fi association with the Wi-Fi switch. Security: Gives a security to the house indicating who comes in and who leaves the house. Protection: Privacy is guaranteed in light of the fact that it doesn't permit anybody to go into the house without the authorization of the proprietor. Wink Hub 2 The computerization center of Wink Hub 2 is a gadget that chiefly works with ZigBee, Lutron Clear Connect, Kidde, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth and Z-Wave (Fuenmayor Wink, 2016). This center is generally dependable and is upheld broadly among all the centers that are accessible. The center incorporates all the items that are expected to make a savvy home including from Netgear Arlo Camera and lighting of Philips Hue to make a home a Google Home. The issue of Wink Hub 2 is that it has issues to set up association with Z-Link. Use: Automation center of Wink Hub 2 is a gadget that fundamentally works with ZigBee, Lutron Clear Connect, Kidde, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth and Z-Wave. Control: The center incorporates all the items that are expected to make a savvy home including from Netgear Arlo Camera and lighting of Philips Hue to make a home a Google Home. Availability: Internet isn't constantly required for working on Wink Hub 2. It some of the time works without web. Security: It gives Security to 3 Door-Window Sensors, 1 blazing Light with Siren and 1 Motion Detector. Protection: Privacy is given y making sure about window and distinguish the screen. LG Smart Wireless Security Camera The indoor protections cameras are utilized to keep a look on the home while one is out of his home (Gharaibeh et al., 2017). Observing the exercises of the house relied upon the client and if there exists some issue, it is the obligation of the proprietor to call administrations to set it up. The LG Wireless Security Camera offers an assistance for each of the 365 days that are checked by ADTs covering administration. This camera is utilized by property holders, occupants of loft and tenants. They utilize this camera to screen their home and business without the establishment of cameras that are proficient. Some of the time the IP Security camera doesn't work in LG Smart Wireless Security Camera. Use: The indoor protections cameras are utilized to keep a look on the home while one is out of his home. Control: It is constrained by remote. Network: It needs Wi-Fi association inside the house. Security: Provides security inside the house. Protection: All the security can be constrained by Security Camera. Logitech Harmony Elite Logitech Harmony Elite is a remote controlling gadget that is utilized for controlling all the things that are remote controlled (Corcoran, 2016). It associates more than just controlling a sound system and TV. On the off chance that somebody don't care for the old method of controlling thing, Logitech Harmony Elite is the most ideal approach to control all the gadgets. Logitech Harmony Elite associates economy Home Hub to Bluetooth gadget, Z-Wave and other infrared gadgets. The issue of Logitech Harmony Elite is the Amazon Instant Video App doesn't work. Use: Logitech Harmony Elite is a remote controlling gadget that is utilized for controlling all the things that are remote controlled. Control: Controls all the gadgets of IoT. Network: It has Bluetooth association. Security: Security for every single infrared gadget. Protection: Gives security to the keen home. Tend secure Lynx Indoor This is the littlest home observation camera which has the capacity to catch a video of 1080 pixel and has a sharp vision of night mode (Zhang, Chen Wang, 2016). It has activating and re

Hitlers Rise To Power :: essays research papers

     As the vast majority on this planet know, World War II has been over for over 50 years. The beliefs of Hitler, a man needing to kill all Jews and minorities, are sees that can be addressed. A great many people experience issues tolerating disappointment, and when disappointment emerges individuals look somewhere else to accuse another person for their weaknesses. In the public arena these individuals are called substitutes. The inquiry that strikes a chord is Who was Hitler and what were his contemplations?      Most conspicuous pioneers that can be thought of as incredible despots were very strong. Julius Caesar and Napoleon both rose up during alarming occasions of their nation. They did this by doing battle and winning, they would assume control over a nation, set up an administration, and afterward proceed onward. Hitler was the specific inverse, he was a brute who controlled by striking trepidation into individuals. â€Å"They view me as an uneducated brute. Truly, we are savages! We need to be savages! It is a decent title.† (Rauschning, Hermann. The Voice of Destruction New York, 1940, p.80) The legislature that Hitler proposed had no genuine law. The individuals were to follow what they were told by the individuals who were positioned above them, accordingly continually driving back to Hitler. Hitler instructed kids to keep an eye on their folks, and afterward report their off-base doings. He needed individuals to loathe their neighbors. He needed those individuals of various, and so far as that is concerned â€Å"wrong† religions, ideological group, and additionally race to be killed. A great deal of when individuals see history books and see a pioneer, for example, Hitler they may feel that it was quite a while back, or that individuals were not so brilliant. Hitler rose to control in when individuals were educated, a dominant part of individuals were genuinely savvy, and none the less it was an insignificant 50 years back.      As the vast majority over the globe will concur Hitler had unattractive political perspectives. He lectured that before a legislature can arrive at a triumph or a cheerful state it should initially experience a change. This is the reason the nazi development was vital. Hitler lectured purposeful publicity, the data that today would be found in The National Enquire. What he lectured was what individuals needed to hear, it was a simple course out of the entirety of their difficulties. He had the option to transfer his message over the individuals in Germany and draw in excess of 33% of a vote in a free challenged political decision.

Suicide Essay -- essays research papers

Self destruction The common finish of each human life is demise. A few people, for reasons that have never been completely comprehended, decide to take their own lives. This is called self destruction, which implies actually "self-killing." For all the vulnerability that has encircled the marvel of self destruction, his evaluation of the issue is most likely as exact as any. The person, in apparently sad clash with the world, chooses to end their reality in what adds up to a last ambush against a general public that can never again be endured. In this manner, the individual attempts to get a last vengeance on everything and everybody that have caused their sentiments of sadness. Now and again self destruction has been utilized as a type of execution. Maybe the most celebrated such case is that of the scholar Socrates, who was required to drink hemlock to take his life in 399 BC, subsequent to being seen as blameworthy of undermining the youth of Athens. In the twentieth century the German general Erwin Rommel took poison as opposed to be executed for his job in a plot to remove Adolf Hitler from office. In certain social orders self destruction has had social ties. In Japan, for instance, the customs and rules of one's group have requested self destruction under certain conditions. Called seppuku or prevalently known as hara-kiri, which implies "self-disembowelment" it has for quite some time been seen as a noteworthy strategy for taking one's life. It was utilized by warriors in the wake of losing a fight to stay away from the shame of annihilation. Seppuku was likewise utilized as a methods for c...

Product-driven vs. Customer-driven Businesses

Product-driven vs. Customer-driven Businesses DRAWING THE LINEBut why is there really a need to clearly distinguish one from the other? Why does it matter when the purpose of the business is to become profitable?We must keep in mind that profit or the “bottomline” is only one of the many vital aspects of running a business. Aside from the question on whether the business would make money or provide a return on your investment, there are other questions that will come into play in the course of its operations. And that is when knowing how to identify a product-driven business and a customer-driven one comes in handy.Even before starting a business, one of the first questions that an entrepreneur would have to wrestle with is the type or kind of business that he or she will set up. Once the entrepreneur decided on one, he will have a clearer picture on the direction that the business will take. But even the kind of business is not going to be permanent, since there are instances when the business may decide to make changes in its operations and structure, and there may be a need to go back and redefine the identity of the business. Thus, being a good manager entails being able to tell the difference between a product-driven and a customer-driven business.THE PRODUCT-DRIVEN BUSINESSA product-driven environment involves the business developing a product first, then searching for a market for it. Basically, it operates under the assumption that with great products come great customers which, in turn, bring in the profit and revenue.In a product-driven setting, the usual picture that comes to mind is a room enclosed with four walls, with a team of talented individuals within it, and a single figurehead or figure of authority to keep everything together. They will be brainstorming, throwing brilliant ideas on the table, and develop a product, without taking into account the current state of the market or, more specifically, the needs and preferences of the customers or users.All the functions of the company a re focused on the product â€" its design, features, capabilities, and its subsequent design and manufacture. All the other departments act as support for the product, and that includes the finance, human resources, and even IT sections. The marketing and sales team will be responsible for taking the product and introducing it to the market.In this setting, products are managed as though they are independent business segments or even standalone businesses. Persons will be assigned specifically to the product, and the product manager is at the helm, taking on the role of the CEO of that product. All their efforts and resources will be poured into that product.Take, for example, Apple. In this product-driven organization, the ones who make the major decisions are the executives and designers. In Amazon, it is the product managers that decide what to put out to the market. The engineers of Facebook are the ones who call the shots on what feature to introduce. The same is true within Goo gle: it is the engineers who make the big decisions. Saying that they are the ones who make the decisions might be overstating it a bit but, at the end of the day, they are the main drivers of the roadmap that the business is on.Some Techniques and Strategies Employed by Product-driven BusinessesA product-focused business tends to focus on the product it is offering instead of the customer. Some of the strategies that these businesses employ include:Use mass marketing. Since a product-driven business assumes that there is already a large number of customers that are looking for products, although they are not fully aware what those products are, mass marketing is the most efficient strategy to apply. The purpose of this is to inform as many number of potential customers as possible that the business offers these products.Create unique products. You must create products that are unique and distinctive. It should turn out that you are the only business that makes or sells the product. Customers must not have other sources of the product other than your company.Focus on your positioning. If you cannot create a unique product, you should position it so that it comes out to be the most favorable or the best one among its competitors. The marketing team would have to be more creative when it comes to positioning your product. One good example is how Coca-Cola positioned itself as the best soft drink, even if there are other soft drink companies operating at the time.Apple: A Product-Driven BusinessThe most classic and often touted example of a product-driven business is Apple. Steve Jobs and his team have successfully created products that the market did not even know initially that it needed or wanted. They operated on the “build it and they will come” strategy, creating the iPod even before the market knew that it is something that it must have. They created the product without necessarily identifying the market or customer; they just knew that there is going to be a market for the product once it is out.First, Apple developed a team to create the iTouch. Another team was separately working on building the iPhone. The iTouch team focused solely on developing it, and the iPhone team did the same. Granted, the products have similarities. However, this did not become a constraint as they focused on the product instead of being competitive. As a result, Apple was able to build these products in a shorter time than expected, and they actually complemented each other.Apple was able to come up with distinctive products so that, at the time of their release or launch, they are the only ones selling the devices.Amazon: A Product-Driven BusinessAmazon is also another prime example of a business that has successfully adapted the product-driven approach. This was described by Amazon CTO Werner Vogels as “working backwards”, a process where they write the Press Release and the Frequently Asked Questions document which are both needed at the produ ct launch. These include mockups, and detailed narratives and descriptions, all of which attempt to provide a precise and detailed explanation on the customer experience. What will the customer do with the product? What features will the product be able to provide for the customers? This often entails writing a User Manual, and that is what Amazon does. This will give everyone at Amazon a clearer vision and direction on what product they are going to build for the customers.THE CUSTOMER-DRIVEN BUSINESSWhen a business goes out and gets information on its customers, and subsequently develops a product based on the information gathered, then it falls under the customer-driven category. In short, the focus is on the customer. How do you make the customer happy? What can your business do to address their needs? How can you meet and exceed their expectations?This type of business, which is also often referred to as a market-driven business, operates under the assumption that it can only s urvive if the customers are satisfied. Thus, you have to make every effort of delivering high quality products and services, coupled with excellent customer service and support.Product development in this setting is largely based on what the customers want. Market research is conducted, focusing on the needs and preferences of customers. Based on the information obtained, the product development team will then come up with a design that addresses those needs. Once the product is launched, it will be something that is created primarily to satisfy those needs.In terms of marketing, a product-driven business is not greatly invested in marketing the product. After all, the product has been designed and created with the customer in mind, so it goes without saying that there is already a market (and customers) for it.Some Techniques and Strategies Employed by Customer-driven BusinessesIt goes without saying that the business should have a quality product, which means that it should have f eatures and functionalities that the market is looking for. On top of product quality, the business also has to employ some techniques to ensure that the business earns. It also relies heavily on customer and business intelligence, which entails performing activities such as data mining and database marketing and maintenance.Put emphasis on speed. In this day and age, things seem to be moving at a faster pace than usual. Competition is fierce and, often, whoever is faster gets the customer (and the sales) first. Customers want products and services to be faster, saving them time. This is a huge part of the reason why many businesses are now taking the operations online, since transactions can take place in real time, cutting through the usual waiting times associated with the traditional way of doing business. This also applies to how fast you respond to customers when they present their inquiries and requests. Answers must be made promptly and, yes, responding is a must, even if yo u have to deliver a negative reply. Customers will appreciate being given an unfavorable answer than being met with cold, hard silence. Make sure the response time is reasonable and tolerable. Make it snappy, because a customer that is kept waiting is not a happy one.Prioritize flexibility and convenience. Just like speed, convenience is also something that customers look for in the products that they buy. Some businesses do this by offering various sizes of their products, even making them small enough as to be portable. Establishing an online presence is seen by many businesses as a way to make things more convenient for their customers (on top of speeding up the whole process). Another simple example is how fast foods and restaurants now accept payments made using credit cards and debit cards. Adding priority lanes for elder customers is also another strategy aimed at improving convenience.Maximize customer contact. Since the business operations are essentially driven by the cust omers and their needs, preferences and expectations, it is important to keep in contact with them. Having a dedicated customer service and support arm of the business is essential since it will act as the link between the business and the customers. Even seemingly trivial techniques such as floating customer survey forms and sending service emails, or obtaining customer feedback through Twitter, blogs and other social media platforms are very useful. Face-to-face interactions are appreciated by most customers more than impersonal phone calls or online conversations. In any case, courtesy should always be exercised, no matter what platform is used for communicating with customers. Keep in mind that customers will not hesitate to bring their business (and money) elsewhere if they find the customer service to be rude or lacking in any way.Include value-added benefits for customers. Customers look for more than freebies and tangible perks in the products that they buy. Intangible value even goes farther than their tangible counterparts, so businesses should always make it a point to pack their business with as much intangible value as possible. Your goal should always be to exceed the expectations of the customers, not just meet them.Practice consistency in service standards. There should be standards in place on how customers are served or handled. It will do the business no favors if a certain group of customers is given better treatment than others. Be consistent in your application of your customer service.Samsung: A Customer-Driven BusinessOne of the more well-known customer-driven brands is Samsung, establishing itself as a business that puts a lot of its efforts and resources in understanding the customers and the market, and designing and marketing effectively to fit that customer or market.The first step it takes before developing a product or making important business decisions is to find out what the customer wants. From there, they will do what they co uld to fulfill those needs and requirements. Samsung is always seen to heavily invest in customer care and after-sales services and efforts.Samsung may not have revolutionized the smartphone, as Apple did when it created iPhone. However, what Samsung did was listen to the clamor of users who are looking for more affordable alternatives to the iPhone. Then it proceeded to launch a string of smartphones with features that can easily rival those of iPhone, and offered it at more affordable prices.A Comparison: Pixar vs DreamworksPixar Animation Studios, or Pixar, is one of the most recognizable names in the world when it comes to animated films. It is, at heart, a product-driven organization. It was known for setting up the Pixar Braintrust, which is essentially a think tank where all the directors, writers and storyboard artists of the studio regularly gather together to look at each others projects and conduct peer review or critiquing. Through these reviews, they can move forward wi th film projects to produce, create, and eventually release.Dreamworks is also one of the biggest film production companies in the world, producing films, television programs and video games. In their setup, the driver’s seat is not left for the executives and directors alone. Ideas are solicited from employees and staff members, as well as simple moviegoers and film enthusiasts, and they are pitched to the powers-that-be, whose decisions will be influenced by the results of the gathering of ideas and pitches.SUMMARY Many take for granted the significance of having a product-driven business as opposed to a customer-driven business. This is mostly down to their reasoning that the business is operating for the same purpose: growth and profitability. So it does not really matter whether it is product-driven or customer-driven, is it?Business experts would disagree, since there is actually a distinction between the two concepts, and that difference could also spell a significant difference on how managers should run their business, directly affecting their decisions. In this article, we will start with 1) drawing the line between product and customer driven businesses, and explore then 2) the product-driven business, 3) the customer-driven business, and 4) a summary.DRAWING THE LINEBut why is there really a need to clearly distinguish one from the other? Why does it matter when the purpose of the business is to become profitable?We must keep in mind that profit or the “bottomline” is only one of the many vital aspects of running a business. Aside from the question on whether the business would make money or provide a return on your investment, there are other questions that will come into play in the course of its operations. And that is when knowing how to identify a product-driven business and a customer-driven one comes in handy.Even before starting a business, one of the first questions that an entrepreneur would have to wrestle with is the type or kind of business that he or she will set up. Once the entrepreneur decided on one, he will have a clearer picture on the direction that the business will take. But even the kind of business is not going to be permanent, since there are instances when the business may decide to make changes in its operations and structure, and there may be a need to go back and redefine the identity of the business. Thus, being a good manager entails being able to tell the difference between a product-driven and a customer-driven business.THE PRODUCT-DRIVEN BUSINESSA product-driven environment involves the business developing a product first, then searching for a market for it. Basically, it operates under the assumption that with great products come great customers which, in turn, bring in the profit and revenue.In a product-driven setting, the usual picture that comes to mind is a room enclosed with four walls, with a team of talented individuals within it, and a single figurehead or figure of authority to keep everything together. They will be brainstorming, throwing brilliant ideas on the table, and develop a product, without taking into account the current state of the market or, more specifically, the needs and preferences of the customers or users.All the functions of the company are focused on the product â€" its design, features, capabilities, and its subsequent design and manufacture. All the other departments act as support for the product, and that includes the finance, human resources, and even IT sections. The marketing and sales team will be responsible for taking the product and introducing it to the market.In this setting, products are managed as though they are independent business segments or even standalone businesses. Persons will be assigned specifically to the product, and the product manager is at the helm, taking on the role of the CEO of that product. All their efforts and resources will be poured into that product.Take, for example, Apple. In this product-driven organization, the ones who make the major decisions are the executives and desi gners. In Amazon, it is the product managers that decide what to put out to the market. The engineers of Facebook are the ones who call the shots on what feature to introduce. The same is true within Google: it is the engineers who make the big decisions. Saying that they are the ones who make the decisions might be overstating it a bit but, at the end of the day, they are the main drivers of the roadmap that the business is on.Some Techniques and Strategies Employed by Product-driven BusinessesA product-focused business tends to focus on the product it is offering instead of the customer. Some of the strategies that these businesses employ include:Use mass marketing. Since a product-driven business assumes that there is already a large number of customers that are looking for products, although they are not fully aware what those products are, mass marketing is the most efficient strategy to apply. The purpose of this is to inform as many number of potential customers as possible t hat the business offers these products.Create unique products. You must create products that are unique and distinctive. It should turn out that you are the only business that makes or sells the product. Customers must not have other sources of the product other than your company.Focus on your positioning. If you cannot create a unique product, you should position it so that it comes out to be the most favorable or the best one among its competitors. The marketing team would have to be more creative when it comes to positioning your product. One good example is how Coca-Cola positioned itself as the best soft drink, even if there are other soft drink companies operating at the time.Apple: A Product-Driven BusinessThe most classic and often touted example of a product-driven business is Apple. Steve Jobs and his team have successfully created products that the market did not even know initially that it needed or wanted. They operated on the “build it and they will come” strategy, creating the iPod even before the market knew that it is something that it must have. They created the product without necessarily identifying the market or customer; they just knew that there is going to be a market for the product once it is out.First, Apple developed a team to create the iTouch. Another team was separately working on building the iPhone. The iTouch team focused solely on developing it, and the iPhone team did the same. Granted, the products have similarities. However, this did not become a constraint as they focused on the product instead of being competitive. As a result, Apple was able to build these products in a shorter time than expected, and they actually complemented each other.Apple was able to come up with distinctive products so that, at the time of their release or launch, they are the only ones selling the devices.Amazon: A Product-Driven BusinessAmazon is also another prime example of a business that has successfully adapted the product-driven appro ach. This was described by Amazon CTO Werner Vogels as “working backwards”, a process where they write the Press Release and the Frequently Asked Questions document which are both needed at the product launch. These include mockups, and detailed narratives and descriptions, all of which attempt to provide a precise and detailed explanation on the customer experience. What will the customer do with the product? What features will the product be able to provide for the customers? This often entails writing a User Manual, and that is what Amazon does. This will give everyone at Amazon a clearer vision and direction on what product they are going to build for the customers.THE CUSTOMER-DRIVEN BUSINESSWhen a business goes out and gets information on its customers, and subsequently develops a product based on the information gathered, then it falls under the customer-driven category. In short, the focus is on the customer. How do you make the customer happy? What can your business do to address their needs? How can you meet and exceed their expectations?This type of business, which is also often referred to as a market-driven business, operates under the assumption that it can only survive if the customers are satisfied. Thus, you have to make every effort of delivering high quality products and services, coupled with excellent customer service and support.Product development in this setting is largely based on what the customers want. Market research is conducted, focusing on the needs and preferences of customers. Based on the information obtained, the product development team will then come up with a design that addresses those needs. Once the product is launched, it will be something that is created primarily to satisfy those needs.In terms of marketing, a product-driven business is not greatly invested in marketing the product. After all, the product has been designed and created with the customer in mind, so it goes without saying that there is already a m arket (and customers) for it.Some Techniques and Strategies Employed by Customer-driven BusinessesIt goes without saying that the business should have a quality product, which means that it should have features and functionalities that the market is looking for. On top of product quality, the business also has to employ some techniques to ensure that the business earns. It also relies heavily on customer and business intelligence, which entails performing activities such as data mining and database marketing and maintenance.Put emphasis on speed. In this day and age, things seem to be moving at a faster pace than usual. Competition is fierce and, often, whoever is faster gets the customer (and the sales) first. Customers want products and services to be faster, saving them time. This is a huge part of the reason why many businesses are now taking the operations online, since transactions can take place in real time, cutting through the usual waiting times associated with the traditi onal way of doing business. This also applies to how fast you respond to customers when they present their inquiries and requests. Answers must be made promptly and, yes, responding is a must, even if you have to deliver a negative reply. Customers will appreciate being given an unfavorable answer than being met with cold, hard silence. Make sure the response time is reasonable and tolerable. Make it snappy, because a customer that is kept waiting is not a happy one.Prioritize flexibility and convenience. Just like speed, convenience is also something that customers look for in the products that they buy. Some businesses do this by offering various sizes of their products, even making them small enough as to be portable. Establishing an online presence is seen by many businesses as a way to make things more convenient for their customers (on top of speeding up the whole process). Another simple example is how fast foods and restaurants now accept payments made using credit cards and debit cards. Adding priority lanes for elder customers is also another strategy aimed at improving convenience.Maximize customer contact. Since the business operations are essentially driven by the customers and their needs, preferences and expectations, it is important to keep in contact with them. Having a dedicated customer service and support arm of the business is essential since it will act as the link between the business and the customers. Even seemingly trivial techniques such as floating customer survey forms and sending service emails, or obtaining customer feedback through Twitter, blogs and other social media platforms are very useful. Face-to-face interactions are appreciated by most customers more than impersonal phone calls or online conversations. In any case, courtesy should always be exercised, no matter what platform is used for communicating with customers. Keep in mind that customers will not hesitate to bring their business (and money) elsewhere if they find the customer service to be rude or lacking in any way.Include value-added benefits for customers. Customers look for more than freebies and tangible perks in the products that they buy. Intangible value even goes farther than their tangible counterparts, so businesses should always make it a point to pack their business with as much intangible value as possible. Your goal should always be to exceed the expectations of the customers, not just meet them.Practice consistency in service standards. There should be standards in place on how customers are served or handled. It will do the business no favors if a certain group of customers is given better treatment than others. Be consistent in your application of your customer service.Samsung: A Customer-Driven BusinessOne of the more well-known customer-driven brands is Samsung, establishing itself as a business that puts a lot of its efforts and resources in understanding the customers and the market, and designing and marketing effectiv ely to fit that customer or market.The first step it takes before developing a product or making important business decisions is to find out what the customer wants. From there, they will do what they could to fulfill those needs and requirements. Samsung is always seen to heavily invest in customer care and after-sales services and efforts.Samsung may not have revolutionized the smartphone, as Apple did when it created iPhone. However, what Samsung did was listen to the clamor of users who are looking for more affordable alternatives to the iPhone. Then it proceeded to launch a string of smartphones with features that can easily rival those of iPhone, and offered it at more affordable prices.A Comparison: Pixar vs DreamworksPixar Animation Studios, or Pixar, is one of the most recognizable names in the world when it comes to animated films. It is, at heart, a product-driven organization. It was known for setting up the Pixar Braintrust, which is essentially a think tank where all t he directors, writers and storyboard artists of the studio regularly gather together to look at each others projects and conduct peer review or critiquing. Through these reviews, they can move forward with film projects to produce, create, and eventually release.Dreamworks is also one of the biggest film production companies in the world, producing films, television programs and video games. In their setup, the driver’s seat is not left for the executives and directors alone. Ideas are solicited from employees and staff members, as well as simple moviegoers and film enthusiasts, and they are pitched to the powers-that-be, whose decisions will be influenced by the results of the gathering of ideas and pitches.SUMMARYIn a product-driven approach, development of visions start from the internal process within the company; in the customer-driven approach, visions start from outside the company, particularly in the marketplace where the customers are.Customer-driven organizations alread y assume that customers do exist, and they have a fixed behavioral pattern, particularly in terms of what they want and need. These customers do not change. The only thing left to do for the business is to identify what those wants or need are, and understand them. Then you will have to find ways to meet these wants and needs.On the other hand, a product-driven organization does not assume that there are customers for the product. However, they will employ business strategies in order to attract the customers and make them realize that they want and need the product. In this approach, the customers do not have stable patterns of behavior, and it is up to the business to change or alter their behavior or attitude in a way that will be beneficial (and profitable) to the company.