Learning Activity #1 - Theme 1 In the 20th century, West focused on goals, cost,

Question

Learning Activity #1 - Theme 1

In the 20th century, West focused on goals, cost, quality, and efficient production to keep the business profitable. For businesses to remain sustainable today they must maintain a competitive edge either by price or innovation in the marketplace. In theme 1, we take a closer look at the way managers maintain sustainability through innovation in the 21st century organization.

Artemus Gordon has noticed an increase in the cost of water supply in the last three years. Since many of the products produced in the health care line are water based this discovery is significant enough to bring to West’s attention. Artemus decided to research the reasons for the increase to determine if a recommendation for a budget adjustment is in order or even a need for a change of supplier. What he found was a great deal more significant. A serious shortage of potable water supply globally. A problem of this magnitude could potentially knock Biotech out of the marketplace altogether.

Question 1) Research the affect that a global water shortage would have on business today and write a memo to West outlining the problem, its potential effects on Biotech and some of the recommendations West should consider taking to the Strategic Planning Team. Be sure to present to West the urgency in making this a proactive measure for the company and ways the company could make this an opportunity rather than a problem.

Explanation / Answer

Water scarcity has impacted businesses around the globe. The field of Biotech in particular, has great requirements for safe and potable water for the manufacture of their products. In case of a global water shortage, Biotech and West may have to face dire consequences such as shortage of raw materials, opportunity loss due to under production of products, resulting in reduced profitability.

In order to curb the issue, the strategic team should treat this grave concern as a ringing alarm and look diligently to innovate such that the scarcity of water does not impact the business as much. Since the problem is global, it is likely to impact competitors and other players in the market in a similar manner. Therefore, preparing for the problem beforehand will help in gaining an edge over them.

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