What are the principal components of telecommunications networks and key networking
technologies? How are modern telephone and computer networks different from what
firms used in the past?
What are some of the common types of physical transmission media and what
differentiates them from one another?
What are the security challenges faced by wireless networks?
How do enterprise systems help businesses achieve operational excellence?
Refer to the case study at the end of chapter nine, Clemens Food Group Delivers with New
Enterprise Applications. Was SAP S/4HANA a good solution for Clemens Food Group?
Explain your answer.
Explain how the expected results of a performance management system designed with a
strong quality orientation can impact employee performance.
Describe the employees' and companies' responsibilities in each step of the career
management process.
Discuss the probable causes of a glass ceiling. What impact does a glass ceiling have on
employee morale?
Discuss succession planning. How does it help organizations?
Define the employment-at-will doctrine and a wrongful discharge suit. Explain how an
employee can file a wrongful discharge suit if the company is an employment-at-will
company.
Full Answer Section
- Protocols: Rules governing communication between devices (e.g., TCP/IP, HTTP).
Key Networking Technologies
- Ethernet: Widely used for local area networks (LANs).
- Wi-Fi: Wireless technology for connecting devices to networks.
- Cellular Networks: Mobile networks using radio waves for communication.
- Fiber Optics: High-speed transmission using light pulses through optical fibers.
Modern vs. Past Networks
- Speed: Modern networks are significantly faster, enabling high-bandwidth applications.
- Connectivity: Modern networks are more interconnected, allowing global communication.
- Mobility: Modern networks support mobile devices and wireless connectivity.
- Digitalization: Modern networks primarily handle digital data, replacing analog systems.
Physical Transmission Media
- Twisted Pair Cable: Common for LANs, consists of pairs of insulated wires twisted together.
- Coaxial Cable: Used for broadband internet and cable TV, has a central conductor surrounded by insulation and a shield.
- Fiber Optic Cable: High-speed transmission using light pulses through thin glass fibers.
- Wireless: Uses electromagnetic waves to transmit data through the air.
Security Challenges in Wireless Networks
- Eavesdropping: Unauthorized interception of data.
- Man-in-the-Middle Attacks: Interfering with communication between devices.
- Denial-of-Service Attacks: Disrupting network access by overwhelming it with traffic.
- Unauthorized Access: Gaining unauthorized access to network resources.
Enterprise Systems and Operational Excellence
Enterprise systems help businesses achieve operational excellence by:
- Improving efficiency: Streamlining processes and reducing waste.
- Enhancing decision-making: Providing real-time data and analytics.
- Increasing customer satisfaction: Delivering better products and services.
- Improving supply chain management: Optimizing inventory and logistics.
Clemens Food Group and SAP S/4HANA SAP S/4HANA was a good solution for Clemens Food Group because it:
- Integrated various business processes: Improved efficiency and visibility.
- Provided real-time data: Supported better decision-making.
- Enhanced traceability: Improved food safety and quality.
- Scalability: Accommodated the company's growth.
Performance Management and Employee Performance
A performance management system with a strong quality orientation can impact employee performance by:
- Setting clear expectations: Defining quality standards and goals.
- Providing feedback: Offering constructive feedback on performance.
- Recognizing achievements: Rewarding employees for quality contributions.
- Promoting continuous improvement: Encouraging employees to seek ways to enhance quality.
Career Management Process: Employee and Company Responsibilities
- Self-assessment: Employees assess their skills, interests, and career goals.
- Goal setting: Employees and managers set career objectives.
- Development planning: Managers identify development opportunities (e.g., training, mentoring).
- Performance evaluation: Managers assess employee performance and provide feedback.
- Career progression: Employees advance in their careers based on performance and development.
Glass Ceiling and Employee Morale
A glass ceiling is an invisible barrier that limits the advancement of women and minorities in organizations. It can impact employee morale by:
- Decreasing motivation: Employees may feel discouraged and demotivated.
- Increasing turnover: Employees may leave the organization due to lack of opportunity.
- Damaging organizational reputation: A perceived glass ceiling can negatively impact the organization's image.
Succession Planning
Succession planning involves identifying and developing potential successors for key leadership positions. It helps organizations by:
- Ensuring continuity: Preparing for leadership transitions.
- Developing talent: Identifying and nurturing high-potential employees.
- Improving morale: Demonstrating commitment to employee development.
- Strengthening organizational resilience: Mitigating risks associated with leadership turnover.
Employment-at-Will Doctrine and Wrongful Discharge
The employment-at-will doctrine allows employers to terminate employees at any time for any reason, except for illegal reasons. A wrongful discharge suit occurs when an employee is terminated in violation of a protected right (e.g., discrimination, retaliation).
An employee can file a wrongful discharge suit against an employment-at-will company if:
- The termination violates a statutory exception: For example, discrimination based on race, gender, or age.
- The termination violates an implied contract: If there is an implied promise of continued employment.
- The termination violates a public policy: If the termination is against public policy, such as refusing to commit an illegal act.