As difficult as it to find better cost-based business models, these challenges are much smaller in scope than are requirements of redirecting the bulk of the cost reduction benefits into providing more desirable and attractively priced and delivered offerings to customers. This latter point is poorly understood in all but a few companies, yet its importance is paramount in establishing and improving upon a better business model. Focusing on converting cost reductions gains into the greatest customer benefits is one of the most important secrets that companies have in establishing and improving upon competitive advantages.As a case in point, let’s consider General Motors in the period from World War II to the mid-1990s. GM started this period with the highest market share and the lowest costs in the world.In those years, the company primarily saw its cost opportunities as avoiding strikes, reducing head counts, making fewer production errors, creating greater parts commonality among car lines, acquiring high technology businesses that could help GM, and investing in computer technology and automation. In the process of pursuing those cost-improvement opportunities, GM probably spent more capital than any other company in the world.Yet, outside observers reported that after 50 […]
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We work to live; we do not live to work.
As early as early adulthood, employment is one of this life0s major concerns. Actually, there are thousands federal laws and state statutes, administrative regulations and jurisprudence in the United States which deal with labor or employment law.
Employment law is very broad. But the most important specific areas include the following:
0 Collective bargaining
0 Employment discrimination
0 Unemployment compensation
0 Pension
0 Workplace safety
0 Workmen0s compensation
COLLECTIVE BARGAINING
The National Labor Relations Act is the main law governing collective bargaining. It expressly gives employees the right to collectively bargain and join unions. It is applicable to most non-agricultural employees and employers who are engage in some aspects of intestate commerce.
Collective bargaining is composed of negotiations between the employees and the employer to determine the conditions of employment such as wages, work hours and compensation and benefits, among others.
Most states have laws, which further regulate collective bargaining and make collective agreements enforceable under state law.
EMPLOYMENT DISCRIMINATION
Discrimination laws prohibit discrimination based on race, gender, religion, national or ethnic origin, physical disability, age and sexual preference by employers.
Bias in hiring, promotion, job assignment, termination, compensation, and various types of harassment are discriminatory practices.
The Federal Constitution and some state constitutions give additional protection where the employer […]
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When loyalty is one-sided, it is a sad state of affairs.My story is probably similar to millions of others.I was raised in the generation where you were taught that you get your education, get a job in a big company, work there for 30 or 40 years, retire, and live happily ever after.We were also led to believe that for our loyalty to this company, they would reciprocate this loyalty to us.Only the sad truth remains.I worked my tail off for 20 years at a large transportation company (who will remain nameless). Every year, I would receive wonderful reviews from my facilitators.Then, I made the mistake of developing Fibromyalgia. The pain, depression and fatigue is unbearable. Still, I tried to come to work each day and do my best for the company.I started calling off sick and my facilitator warned me that I should probably get on FMLA (The Family Medical Leave Act). This will protect your job, he said. So I did.My work was suffering due to brain fog that comes with this disease. I admit it. I even asked to be put in a less-stressful position, where I could still help […]
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