Posted: May 25th, 2022

Network Support Technologies 6 pages

Network and IT Technologies and Programs to Improve Small-Firm Efficiency and Staff Satisfaction

Company Overview

The networking needs of a small organization are just as vital to that firm’s operational success, and in many instances are even more essential to their efficiency and degree of employee satisfaction. At Knobs R Us, a lack of common technologies and basic network interfaces is creating an unnecessarily slow workflow, with inefficiencies that both limit the competitiveness of the organization and limit worker satisfaction amongst the staff in the performance of their duties. The implementation of an organization-wide network and consistent technologies and IT practices throughout the various locations and departments of Knobs R Us staff and operations will allow for greater efficiency and worker satisfaction at minimal cost and risk to the firm, placing it at a better competitive advantage.

Access to technology and networking interfaces vary considerably from department to department and even individual to individual within the Knobs R Us organization. The office manager and assistant both work on Apple computers, the design and project management staff share four off-line computers (presumably PCs), the two sales and marketing agents in Hong Kong have networked laptops and iPhones, the owner has both a PC and a laptop as well as an iPhone, and the assembly and packaging staff has nothing. A few very simple and relatively cheap changes can be implemented that will greatly reduce the inefficiencies of current communications within the organization.

Increased Workflow

The creation of a company-consistent network and an increased availability of technological access will allow for faster communications between sales, design, and management staff, increasing workflow and giving Knobs R Us improved efficiency and performance. The benefits to a small business of establishing a working, comprehensive network are well established in the literature; the lack of a network in this business age is an unusual detriment, and establishing such a network improves not only the efficiency and workflow of small firms but also enables greater flexibility and adaptability, which in turn is linked to a faster pace of innovation and internal improvements (Van Heck & Vervest 2007). For Knobs R Us, the creation of this simple network is one of the greatest and most cost-effective steps that can be taken in order to improve the company’s performance.

As much of the staff already works on Apple computers and iPhones, converting all network computers to Apples is recommended. Though up-front costs for hardware are higher for Apples than for PCs, the simplicity and security of the Apple networks as well as the ease of set-up, and the integrity of the hardware itself, will lead to long-term savings. Overall costs to replace existing computers and add an additional printer and plotter to the design office, as well as adding computers to the German office, will cost approximately $20,000 (Apple 2010). The plotter represents a substantial portion of this cost, with a smaller mid-range plotter costing over $3,000; this will allow for greater flexibility and diversification in the main office.

There are very few risks associated with the creation of an Apple-based communications network within the various departments of the Knobs R Us organization. The initial cost outlay represents the only real risk in this part of the IT improvement plan for the company, and these are fairly standard and relatively low costs that would have eventually been incurred during the normal progression of business. Though the capital needed for a complete updating/overhaul of the company’s technologies at one time rather than piecemeal over a period of years might carry somewhat more financial risk, the payoff in this instance will also come sooner. The stricter administrator controls of Apple’s operating system also creates a greatly reduced risk of disruption of operations or the unauthorized access of sensitive information transmitted via the network and stored on company computers, limiting the risks of a move to greater dependence on Internet- and computer-based communications between the company and its customers/vendors and within the company itself (Kind et al. 2009).

Competitive Business Advantage

The network overhaul described above will streamline Knobs R. Us’ operations, providing increased competitiveness, but there are other IT advances that will increase the company’s competitiveness within the industry even more. Portability leads to adaptability, and adaptability is a key feature to competitiveness for small firms especially. Adoption of technologies such as the iPad or even the purchase of iPhones for other team members will provide customers and the members of the Knobs R Us organization with near-immediate access to project information, timelines, etc., giving the business a distinct competitive advantage over less-mobile — and therefore less flexible — organizations.

Research has shown that the introduction of product personalization and mass customization leads to the establishment of dynamic rather than static business networks, wherein each part of the business — from suppliers to designers to customers — interact in a more streamlined and a more innovation-driven manner (Hoogeweegen et al. 2006). This type of interaction can be achieved in a real world case such as the Knobs R Us scenario with very little cost; iPads currently retail starting at $500, with iPhones only slightly more expensive; an investment of another several thousand dollars would provide easily-synchronized and interconnected data sharing and general communications between all team members, enabling faster, more detailed, and more certain customer service at the same time (Apple 2010). In a business devoted to on-site custom design, with an owner often overseeing completion of one project while the team is presumably working on several others, such a communications network and interface consistency would be immediately and profoundly useful.

As in the basic network upgrades recommended above, there is very little risk involved in the increasing utilization of more portable communication and data sharing technologies. An over-reliance on this portability could lead to potential missteps in the event of a communications disruption, but such risks are minimal and are easily outweighed by the overall increase in communications capabilities. When all team members can be brought to the same information at the same time, or alternatively when each can share different pieces of needed information with other team members and/or customers at a moment’s notice, the business will definitely be more competitive than many of its competitors.

Increasing Worker Satisfaction

In addition to the other benefits of the networking and increased portability outlined above, the improved communications and data sharing capabilities that these technology upgrades would provide would also lead to improvements in employee satisfaction in a variety of ways. Though this is not cited as a major problem within the company at this point, it would be a very real concern for Knobs R Us if the organization continued on its relatively luddite-aligned path; remaining part of an increasingly outdated and inefficient organization is not something that truly motivated employees are prone to doing. Satisfaction would continue to degrade, and many staff members would likely leave the organization within a few years’ time if this situation continued, so making the network changes and technology upgrades recommended is especially imperative.

A study of intensive high-contact customer service organization found that employee satisfaction and firm profitability were linked in a mutually-affirming cycle, where an increase in one led to an increase in the other as long as quality of service also remained a prominent feature of the business (Yee et al. 2008). Knobs R Us is certainly a high-contact enterprise, requiring design meetings, installation oversight, and customer confirmations and clarifications at various points throughout the process, and no doubt would benefit from increased employee satisfaction through increased quality of service and profitability. The increased communication networks will also increase the level of staff availability to customers, further improving the quality of service provided and reinforcing the human aspect of the work done by Knobs R Us, both of which will lead to further motivation and satisfaction on the part of the Knobs R Us staff members (Yee et al. 2008).

Increasing communication satisfaction also has a direct effect on employee motivation, according to the findings of another study (Chiang et al. 2008). Essentially, employees who are more satisfied with the level of communication within their organizations respond more positively to other motivating factors than do employees who rank their satisfaction with organizational communication lower, as well as exhibiting a generally higher level of satisfaction (Chiang et al. 2008). The increased communications capabilities of the proposed changes to Knobs R. Us’ network and technologies will thus provide direct and indirect motivation and satisfaction to the staff members of the organization, which will also make them more responsive to the motivational forces brought by increased quality of service and profitability in a cycle of ever-improving motivation, quality, and communication within the organization (Yee et al. 2008; Chiang et al. 2008).

Conclusion

For a relatively low cost — between $25,000 and $30,000, depending on the level of upgrades desired — Knobs R Us can transform itself from a haphazard and largely disconnected enterprise to one that operates efficiently, with a singular purpose and drive. Improving communications through the utilization of more integrated and better connected technologies is a simple and low-risk method for greatly improving the company’s performance in many ways.

References

Apple. (2010). www.apple.com

Chiang, C.; Jang, S.; Canter, D. & Price, B. (2008). “An Expectancy Theory Model for Hotel Employee Motivation: Examining the Moderating Role of Communication Satisfaction.” International Journal of Hospitality & Tourism Administration, 9(4), pp. 327-51.

Hoogeweegen, M.; Van Liere, D.; Vervest, P.; Meljden, L. & de Lepper, I. (2006). “Strategizing for mass customization by playing the business networking game.” Decision Support Systems 42(3), pp.1402-412.

Kind, T.; Learny, T.; Leary, J. & Fiehn, O. (2009). “Software platform virtualization in chemistry research and university teaching.” Journal of cheminformatics pp. 1-18.

Van Heck, E. & Vervest, P. (2007). “Smart business networks: how the network wins.” Communications of the ACM 50(6), pp. 28-37.

Yee, R.; Yeung, A. & Cheng, T. (2008). “The impact of employee satisfaction on quality and profitability in high-contact service industries.” Journal of Operations Management 26(5), pp. 651-68.

---

Get Professional Assignment Help Cheaply

Are you busy and do not have time to handle your assignment? Are you scared that your paper will not make the grade? Do you have responsibilities that may hinder you from turning in your assignment on time? Are you tired and can barely handle your assignment? Are your grades inconsistent?

Whichever your reason is, it is valid! You can get professional academic help from our service at affordable rates. We have a team of professional academic writers who can handle all your assignments.

Why Choose Our Academic Writing Service?

• Plagiarism free papers
• Timely delivery
• Any deadline
• Skilled, Experienced Native English Writers
• Subject-relevant academic writer
• Adherence to paper instructions
• Ability to tackle bulk assignments
• Reasonable prices
• 24/7 Customer Support
• Get superb grades consistently

 

Online Academic Help With Different Subjects

Literature

Students barely have time to read. We got you! Have your literature essay or book review written without having the hassle of reading the book. You can get your literature paper custom-written for you by our literature specialists.

Finance

Do you struggle with finance? No need to torture yourself if finance is not your cup of tea. You can order your finance paper from our academic writing service and get 100% original work from competent finance experts.

Computer science

Computer science is a tough subject. Fortunately, our computer science experts are up to the match. No need to stress and have sleepless nights. Our academic writers will tackle all your computer science assignments and deliver them on time. Let us handle all your python, java, ruby, JavaScript, php , C+ assignments!

Psychology

While psychology may be an interesting subject, you may lack sufficient time to handle your assignments. Don’t despair; by using our academic writing service, you can be assured of perfect grades. Moreover, your grades will be consistent.

Engineering

Engineering is quite a demanding subject. Students face a lot of pressure and barely have enough time to do what they love to do. Our academic writing service got you covered! Our engineering specialists follow the paper instructions and ensure timely delivery of the paper.

Nursing

In the nursing course, you may have difficulties with literature reviews, annotated bibliographies, critical essays, and other assignments. Our nursing assignment writers will offer you professional nursing paper help at low prices.

Sociology

Truth be told, sociology papers can be quite exhausting. Our academic writing service relieves you of fatigue, pressure, and stress. You can relax and have peace of mind as our academic writers handle your sociology assignment.

Business

We take pride in having some of the best business writers in the industry. Our business writers have a lot of experience in the field. They are reliable, and you can be assured of a high-grade paper. They are able to handle business papers of any subject, length, deadline, and difficulty!

Statistics

We boast of having some of the most experienced statistics experts in the industry. Our statistics experts have diverse skills, expertise, and knowledge to handle any kind of assignment. They have access to all kinds of software to get your assignment done.

Law

Writing a law essay may prove to be an insurmountable obstacle, especially when you need to know the peculiarities of the legislative framework. Take advantage of our top-notch law specialists and get superb grades and 100% satisfaction.

What discipline/subjects do you deal in?

We have highlighted some of the most popular subjects we handle above. Those are just a tip of the iceberg. We deal in all academic disciplines since our writers are as diverse. They have been drawn from across all disciplines, and orders are assigned to those writers believed to be the best in the field. In a nutshell, there is no task we cannot handle; all you need to do is place your order with us. As long as your instructions are clear, just trust we shall deliver irrespective of the discipline.

Are your writers competent enough to handle my paper?

Our essay writers are graduates with bachelor's, masters, Ph.D., and doctorate degrees in various subjects. The minimum requirement to be an essay writer with our essay writing service is to have a college degree. All our academic writers have a minimum of two years of academic writing. We have a stringent recruitment process to ensure that we get only the most competent essay writers in the industry. We also ensure that the writers are handsomely compensated for their value. The majority of our writers are native English speakers. As such, the fluency of language and grammar is impeccable.

What if I don’t like the paper?

There is a very low likelihood that you won’t like the paper.

Reasons being:

• When assigning your order, we match the paper’s discipline with the writer’s field/specialization. Since all our writers are graduates, we match the paper’s subject with the field the writer studied. For instance, if it’s a nursing paper, only a nursing graduate and writer will handle it. Furthermore, all our writers have academic writing experience and top-notch research skills.
• We have a quality assurance that reviews the paper before it gets to you. As such, we ensure that you get a paper that meets the required standard and will most definitely make the grade.

In the event that you don’t like your paper:

• The writer will revise the paper up to your pleasing. You have unlimited revisions. You simply need to highlight what specifically you don’t like about the paper, and the writer will make the amendments. The paper will be revised until you are satisfied. Revisions are free of charge
• We will have a different writer write the paper from scratch.
• Last resort, if the above does not work, we will refund your money.

Will the professor find out I didn’t write the paper myself?

Not at all. All papers are written from scratch. There is no way your tutor or instructor will realize that you did not write the paper yourself. In fact, we recommend using our assignment help services for consistent results.

What if the paper is plagiarized?

We check all papers for plagiarism before we submit them. We use powerful plagiarism checking software such as SafeAssign, LopesWrite, and Turnitin. We also upload the plagiarism report so that you can review it. We understand that plagiarism is academic suicide. We would not take the risk of submitting plagiarized work and jeopardize your academic journey. Furthermore, we do not sell or use prewritten papers, and each paper is written from scratch.

When will I get my paper?

You determine when you get the paper by setting the deadline when placing the order. All papers are delivered within the deadline. We are well aware that we operate in a time-sensitive industry. As such, we have laid out strategies to ensure that the client receives the paper on time and they never miss the deadline. We understand that papers that are submitted late have some points deducted. We do not want you to miss any points due to late submission. We work on beating deadlines by huge margins in order to ensure that you have ample time to review the paper before you submit it.

Will anyone find out that I used your services?

We have a privacy and confidentiality policy that guides our work. We NEVER share any customer information with third parties. Noone will ever know that you used our assignment help services. It’s only between you and us. We are bound by our policies to protect the customer’s identity and information. All your information, such as your names, phone number, email, order information, and so on, are protected. We have robust security systems that ensure that your data is protected. Hacking our systems is close to impossible, and it has never happened.

How our Assignment  Help Service Works

1.      Place an order

You fill all the paper instructions in the order form. Make sure you include all the helpful materials so that our academic writers can deliver the perfect paper. It will also help to eliminate unnecessary revisions.

2.      Pay for the order

Proceed to pay for the paper so that it can be assigned to one of our expert academic writers. The paper subject is matched with the writer’s area of specialization.

3.      Track the progress

You communicate with the writer and know about the progress of the paper. The client can ask the writer for drafts of the paper. The client can upload extra material and include additional instructions from the lecturer. Receive a paper.

4.      Download the paper

The paper is sent to your email and uploaded to your personal account. You also get a plagiarism report attached to your paper.

PLACE THIS ORDER OR A SIMILAR ORDER WITH US TODAY AND GET A PERFECT SCORE!!!

---