PRODUCT MANAGEMENT: BRAND OR
PRODUCT QUALITY FOR CUSTOMERS
Introduction
While competition becomes a common
phenomenon, it’s even becoming much more
severe in the today’s business world. Therefore,
winning over of the clients’ mind thoughts as
well as their desires of heart has been very
important thing. Numerous organizations have
known that brand names are some of the most
important and valuable tools available for
marketing of their products and services.
With this kind of understanding and knowledge,
many companies have used brand names on their
products and services as a way of associating
company with products and services mainly for
reasons of competition. It is viewed that brand
products represent a particular value that is
associated with the production or manufacturing
company (Christ, 2008).
Definition of case study
In the marketing field, the term brand products
has both been misused and overused as in the
whole business world. This implies that
branding is term that has been given different
definitions according to knowledge and
understanding of the different persons.
Generally, a brand may be a name, symbol, sign
or any other feature that is used to distinguish a
company’s products from those of its
competitors.
A company can therefore compete with its rivals
through the means of differentiation of its
products by exercising branding practices and
quality production. A company can also become
a better competitor to combat its rivals through
generalization of the products. This is whereby
the products can be universally used (Flaschner,
2011).
Obviously, the superficial view is that
generalization is better practice than
differentiation associated with the practice of
branding, due to the universality on the usage of
the products which opens the possibility of
capturing a wider market share; however, this is
a falsified impression in the sense that,
generalized products have got short market
advantages and benefits.
The generalized products are prone to many
market risks, which may thwart the market share
expansion of the product or service within a
short period of time. though is anticipated that
most of the luxurious good and services should
be produced in the form of generalized products
for the purpose of capturing a large market
share, there hidden dangers of having the
benefits transferred to a second beneficiary
rather than the producer.
For instance, Microsoft windows are one of the
computer software which is widely applied in
the performance of several computer tasks.
though in the first place it appeared that
Microsoft windows generalization was going to
capture a very large market, which indeed it has
done, there are a lot of problems which a rose
since is initial launching.
Microsoft windows has been shown to have
been an issue surrounded by saga of insecure
distribution of the product, which is a major
problem associated with the feature of
generalization (Chaudhuri and Holbrook, 2002).
A part from this, overtly it can be argued that the
wide market share of the software is not greatly
associated with the characteristic of
generalization. However, the quality of the
design has been a key driving factor for its
capturing of the diverse market and the large
market share.
Microsoft windows was designated is such a
way that integrated simplicity to enable ease of
utilization by any person with basic knowledge
of computer technology.
Needless to say is that the simplicity was a kind
of quality feature which the customers needed
for the purpose of executing the various tasks
without experiencing any hardships but it was
not a characteristic or attribute meant to achieve
the goal of generalization (Freeman, 2008).
It is also important to note that Microsoft
windows design quality has not only been
created and attained by its use in the modern
computer technology, but since its production, it
has remained among the leading software not in
a particular state but globally and in all
computerized system.
This perhaps has been enabled by its
compatibility feature, which over the year has
made to support the numerous other programs
without necessary call for modifications.
Despite of its international employment to
perform and support millions of computer
systems, the software has remained stable.
The above brand feature and qualities have led
to creation of a greater customer attraction, and
therefore it imparted a high sense of loyalty
among the consumers.
Evidently, it has been established that a large
percentage of clients who have previously used
the software still purchase the company’s
products for new installation or updates and they
also advise new potential clients to go for the
same kind of products from the corporation.
Conclusion
As I conclude, producing of brand products
bears several advantages to the consumer and
manufacturing organization.
Brand products act as a form of advertisement
instrument of the company and thus it integrate
not only the branding item but quality of the
products is maintained by company in order to
ensure consumers remain loyal to the company.
In the mention of quality, it does not mean that
the product has top feature, but need to possess
the features that attracts the consumers for client
have specific qualities and feature which they
look for when purchasing products or services.
Organizations should avoid using generalized
products as these are likely to lose market easily
through lose of quality through counterfeit
processes.
References
Chaudhuri, A. and Holbrook, B. (2002).
Product-class effects on brand commitment and
brand outcomes: The role of brand trust and
brand affect. Journal of Brand
Management, 10(1), 33-59.
Christ, P. (2008). Principles of Marketing.
KnowThis. Web.
Flaschner, A. (2011). Quality Function
Deployment. Trident University.
Freeman, J. (2008). The Marketing Mix:
Products and Branding. PPT Trident University.
Lean Product Management: Continuous
Improvement
Introduction
Lean Product Management enhances viable
operations, accuracy, and promptness during
project execution. According to Hobbs & Burton
(2008), it is a business hypothesis aimed at
adding more value to customers through
efficient use of the available resources. This
theory was introduced by Henry Ford at the time
when automotive processes started.
Henry came up with a process called “flow
production” when he created the idea of
assembling motorized cars. Currently, lean
concepts are established and implemented in all
business sectors. Many companies using lean
project concepts always replace “lean” with
their business name (Lindenau-Stockfisch,
2011).
This implies that lean management is not only a
project aimed at reducing expenditure, but also
a phenomenon that organizations want to
associate with. Moreover, it is currently being
applied by a number of motor vehicle
manufacturing companies around the world.
Through lean concepts, there are several
methods and tools for ensuring continuous
improvement in the construction sector. Lean
concepts assume that most micro level
advancements are better compared to a wide-
ranging macro system analysis.
How lean project is applied in project
management
Organizations use five principles of lean concept
in their project management processes. The first
one is to state the value of a certain product
family which most of the customers are yearning
for. The second step is to recognize an
appropriate value stream for every manufactured
goods (Jackson, 2006).
After identifying an appropriate value stream, an
organization is supposed to ensure that there is
continuous distribution of products in the
market. The fourth step is to bring in pull
through all the stages. The last step is the
supervision towards excellence hence this
reduces the time and information taken. Apart
from lean construction, there are also other
applications like lean manufacturing and lean
enterprise.
They also serve similar purpose as lean
construction (Hobbs & Burton, 2008). For
instance, they are practiced to ensure add value
to products for customer satisfaction. Lean
construction is considered as a means of creating
production systems to ensure that less building
resources are wasted.
In addition, it started in 1992 when the
construction management society was advised
to take into consideration that there are some
insufficiencies of the time-cost-quality
exchange model. Establishing a production
system to meet the required standards can only
be achieved through cooperation of people
involved in the project.
Last Planner System is lean construction
equipment used to make various plans and
construction procedures more conventional
(AME, 2007). There are a number of companies
involved in lean construction. For instance,
Toyota Company and other large motor vehicle
manufacturing companies in Japan are currently
developing lean construction provisions in order
to enhance competency and market penetration.
Lean product management enhances the
estimation processes. This entails the
interactions of various materials dealers and
subcontractors, and every one performs their
individual value-added action to make the
project a success. The estimation procedure
could rise to an extremely high level if the
involvement and participation of these partners
are taken into consideration.
Because of the typical features of construction
projects, such as marine construction, all parties
involved have to communicate in a rapid, simple
and consistent ways by exchanging info related
to the project. For instance, companies that deal
with construction projects frequently place
lower bids every time they are invited to make
bids on construction projects.
High competition can cause spiteful price
conflicts to win a tender (Hobbs & Burton,
2008). Obviously, this could harmfully
compromise on the quality of the construction
project. Therefore, the most important concerns
regard some methods of ensuring continuous
improvement during project implementation.
Lean Project Management enhances the
implementation processes by eradicating actions
that do not provide any substantial value to the
client. It operates on the assumption that
eliminating wasteful procedures enhance
business performance. In addition it assumes
that most micro level advancements are better
compared to a wide-ranging macro system
analysis. However, it results into decreased flow
time, efficiency of the process and well as fewer
inventories (Lindenau-Stockfisch, 2011).
Essentially lean concepts, when applied in a
project, change the manner in which work is
carried out all through the execution processes.
Lean management is derived from the goals of
the lean production system, which emphasizes
on the maximization of value while at the same
time reducing waste. This is relevant to
particular methods used in the project execution
process.
On-going studies for development of lean
project management and lean construction
for future expectations
There are numerous on-going studies for the
expansion of lean project management and lean
construction for future expectations. According
to Poppendieck (2006), there are a number of
studies on the development of software
enterprises which is expected to positively add
more value to product development projects.
Other studies are currently being carried out to
build up a fresh “project production” way of life.
Additionally, they put a lot of focus on the
methods of implementation in all the sections
that are based on projects (AME, 2007). The
other on-going study for the expansion of lean
project management and lean construction is the
production of high value material goods. Other
studies are also being carried out on how people
can quickly learn from group activities (Jackson,
2006). Arguably, the above studies will provide
viable solutions to the current troubles and
questions around the world.
Lean concepts endeavors to design cost effective
and efficient project execution processes in
order to disclose and support the client
objectives. Work is organized all through the
process not only to maximize value but also to
minimize wastes that could be incurred at the
project execution level (Poppendieck, 2006).
Again, on-going efforts are in place to manage
and enhance performance with an intention of
boosting the overall project execution since it is
more significant than decreasing the cost or up
surging the speed of any project action. Control
incorporates the measurements as well as
advancements in the planning and managerial
performances. The dependable delivery of work
between experts in the design, supply, and
construction guarantees value is provided to the
client and waste is minimized (Lindenau-
Stockfisch, 2011).
Lean concept approach is especially beneficial
on complicated, indefinite and rapid projects. It
defies the conviction that there have to be a trade
between factors such as cost, time, and quality.
Besides the tools discussed above, there is
ongoing search of other technique that could as
well be employed for continuous improvement.
Some of these techniques include the
incorporation of six sigma and total quality
management techniques (Hobbs & Burton,
2008).
Lean concepts result into decreased flow time,
efficiency of the process and well as fewer
inventories. Fundamentally, lean concepts,
when used beneficially in any construction
work, transforms the execution of project
processes. Lean construction is derived from the
goals of the lean production system, which
emphasizes on the maximization of value while
at the same time reducing waste.
This is relevant to particular methods and
applies them in fresh project execution process.
According to Jackson (2006), the project
managers who deal with project specifications
conduct market survey, whenever necessary, and
provide an estimate of the cost as well as the
period it will take to complete the project.
Depending on these estimations, the company
gives the tender document to the client who then
analyzes it and normally after some talks with
the company, an agreement is reached, which is
commonly referred to as the project contract.
Through lean concepts, there are several
methods and tools for ensuring continuous
improvement in the construction sector. This is
a vital provision when considered critically in
the context of project management (Hobbs &
Burton, 2008).
Conclusion
In conclusion, continuous improvement is
necessary, especially during project execution
processes so that quality and efficiency are not
compromised. Four-step quality model, which
involves plan, doing, checking, and acting are
very useful to ensure that Lean Product
Management concepts are attained. Basically,
“lean” is a simple concept that targets at bringing
efficacy by applying the least amount of
required resources.
This method necessitates the identification the
requirements of the client, and enhancing the
processes by eradicating actions that do not any
substantial value to the client. It operates on the
assumption that eliminating wasteful procedures
enhance business performance. In addition it
assumes that most micro level advancements are
better compared to a wide-ranging macro system
analysis. However, it results into efficiency and
fewer inventories.
References
AME (U.S.). (2007). Lean administration: Case
studies in leadership and improvement. New
York: AME.
Hobbs, D., & Burton, T. (2008). Enterprise lean
six sigma implementation: A step-by-step
business transformation methodology. Boca
Raton, Fla: J. Ross.
Jackson, T. L. (2006). Hoshin kanri for the lean
enterprise: Developing competitive capabilities
and managing profit. New York: Productivity
Press.
Lindenau-Stockfisch, V. (2011). Lean
Management in Hospitals: Principles and Key
Factors for Successful Implementation.
Hamburg: Bachelor + Master Publ.
Poppendieck, M. (2006). Lean software
development: An agile toolkit. Boston: Addison-
Wesley.
Time and Stress Management for Better
Productivity
Introduction
Time management is one of the most crucial
factors in any field. There are different
categories of people when it comes to time and
stress management. There are people who thrive
in a stressful and a time limited environment,
while there are those who do well in a stress-free
environment.
This difference in people and their level of
productivity has made it harder for scholars to
determine the best way to manage time and
avoid stress. A number of suggestions have been
put forward to help in managing time and stress.
Managing time and stress is very important for
maximum productivity in any given
circumstance. This research paper will look into
the different ways that people waste time, how
people become stressed due to wastage of time,
and how this problem can be solved to ensure
maximum productivity.
The first part of the body of this research paper
will discuss the various ways people waste time.
This will be followed by ways one can avoid
time wastage and how time wastage affects
productivity.
How people waste time and ways of avoiding
stress
One of the most common ways people waste
time, become stressed, and reduce their levels of
productivity is through unnecessary
entertainment. In a work environment, people
use social media and play games on their phones
or computers, among other things all the time.
All these lead to misuse of time.
According to Linden (2005), such misuse of
time and opportunity shows that the people
involved have either overworked themselves
that they do not have time to relax, or they are
generally lazy. Linden (2005) continues to say
that the likelihood that such people are
extremely lazy in the workplace is very minimal,
thus the most reasonable argument is that they
are overworked.
From this argument, one can deduce that the
time that is used on social media, the Internet,
and playing games must be significant enough to
be noticeable. This means that there is work that
is being neglected. In this case, the person
becomes stressed and might forget about the
work due to the entertainment they are having.
This causes stress later when they have limited
time to deliver the work that they were supposed
to do.
It is pertinent to point that different individuals
have different ways of managing time and
coping with stress. There are several ways that
one can avoid stress and misuse of time. The first
strategy is that companies should have specific
times for entertainment for their employees.
This can reduce the curiosity of employees about
what is happening. It also makes the employees
feel rejuvenated.
Another way to manage misuse of time is to
restrict access to social media sites using the
company’s Internet. The second suggestion is
quite extreme. Nevertheless, all these ways can
help the employees increase their productivity
by learning the importance of doing things at the
right time, thereby managing time and stress
effectively. Procrastination is the second most
significant reason why people waste time and
become stressed.
Procrastinating is arguably the most common
factor that leads to time wastage and stressful
environments. Procrastination is the forwarding
of events that have to be done at a specific time
to another time in the future.
Morgenstern (2004) argues that when people
procrastinate, they do so thinking that they will
have plenty of time to do the task later. This is
the main reason that is given by the people who
believe that they are more productive when they
are stressed. According to Morgenstern (2004),
there is no such thing as being productive when
under stress.
He argues that people have to deliver because
this is what makes them productive. The
livelihoods of employees depend on being
satisfied in the workplace. Therefore, people
tend to work faster to finish the job when there
is time constraint.
This, however, does not make them produce
high quality products and services. Morgenstern
(2004) argues that if one can produce X products
in an hour, then they can produce more than X
products in two hours if they do not waste time.
He suggests several strategies people can avoid
procrastination.
The first way to avoid procrastination is by
doing what one likes. Morgenstern (2004)
argues that if one likes the job that they are
doing, then they will not have to suspend it for a
later time. In the same breath, people should also
understand the objectives of what they are
doing. This can make it easier to finish the work
quickly, while producing high quality products
and services at the same time.
A personal example can also be cited in this
case. I always promise to review my work a
week before school term papers are submitted.
However, I wait until the last day to review
them. This has led to submission of papers that
have a lot of grammatical errors and other minor
mistakes in the past. Closely related to
procrastination is disorderliness.
Disorderliness is not just about being untidy and
dirty in one’s living conditions, but it is also
important in time and stress management
because a person who has no form or sense of
order will tend to do things in their time. If one
was to compare disorderliness to the other two
discussed reasons, then one would notice that
many employees who are disorderly end up
losing their jobs.
According to Jha (2008), disorderly people are
also immature, thus working with them can be a
little difficult. Many companies and schools
have tried to help such people by having a time
schedule. However, some of the people do not
follow the time schedule. Such people do not
only waste time, but they also reduce the level
of productivity of the company or the school.
One of the suggested ways of dealing with
disorderliness is having a personal time
schedule. This is a schedule that the individual
in question makes to ensure that they keep
deadlines. However, this only solves one part of
the problem. Another way how disorderly
people waste time is by doing unsatisfactory
work. This means that someone else has to check
their work to ensure that it is of high quality.
This does not only waste time, but it also wastes
other resources used to cross-check the work for
quality purposes. Many scholars have argued
that there is no way of dealing with a disorderly
person without wasting more time.
However, it has been proven that strict
disciplinary action can turn a disorderly person
into an orderly, time conscious, and a very
productive person. Overworking oneself has
also been cited as one of the ways that people
end up wasting time.
Rettig (2013) argues that many people believe
that the more they work, the more productive
they become. However, he claims that people
need to work and relax equally to avoid
overworking. Many large companies today tap
into the productivity levels of their employees
by making them work less hours. This has
proven to not only rejuvenate the employees, but
also make them appreciate their work.
This has, in turn, led to maximum productivity.
According to Rettig (2013), companies like
Google have a lot of success, yet they have
removed all traditional rules of a company. Their
employees are not as restricted as those
employees who work in traditionally run
companies. Such companies have found a way
of making the work that the employees do to be
fun such that the employees are always
interested in learning and doing more.
This, in turn, increases productivity, even though
the employees work fewer hours than usual.
Scholars also argue that there are companies that
may not have the luxury of making their jobs as
creative and interesting as companies like
Google. Rettig (2013) suggests that for such
companies, they can find other ways of reducing
the workload of their employees on a daily basis.
They can do this by creating more free time in
the time schedule. This can help the employees
relax, thereby becoming more focused when
they are working. It has also been proven that
creating more free time for the employees can
also ensure that they reduce the level of stress
that accumulates due to strict deadlines. This, in
turn, increases productivity.
Other ways of reducing stress
Apart from the suggested solutions, other
solutions that could work on reducing the level
of stress and managing time at the same time
include delegating work, prioritizing, and
planning. Delegating tasks is necessary in
ensuring that no one person is overworked. This
is most probably one of the reasons why many
successful companies use teams to do projects.
When people work in teams, they divide the task
among themselves. This means that every
person has a specific task to concentrate on and
give high quality. It also saves time and reduces
stress. Prioritizing and planning go hand in hand
in the sense that the people involved in a project
should plan and prioritize their tasks in a way
that they deal with the most important tasks first.
This increases productivity because the team
does the most important tasks first. The team can
then apply other strategies, for example taking a
break after every finished task to reenergize
(Lucchetti, 2010). This can help them focus on
the next task. These are just some of the
suggestions given to help with time and stress
management to maximize productivity.
Conclusion
The issue of time and stress management is very
important in determining and increasing
productivity levels. It is evident that time
wastage and stress affect the productivity levels
of individuals and companies. The various ways
that people misuse time are the same ways that
cause stress.
As discussed, some of the ways people end up
wasting time include engaging in unnecessary
entertainment, procrastination, and
overworking. Some of the solutions that have
been given to address these problems include
proper delegation of work, creating time
schedules, and having enough breaks between
tasks. A lot more can still be done to ensure that
people do not waste time.
References
Jha, P. K. (2008). Time management: the art of
stress-free productivity. New Delhi, India:
Global India Publications
Linden, W. (2005). Stress management: from
basic science to better practice. Thousand Oaks,
CA: SAGE
Lucchetti, S. (2010). The principle of
relevance. Hong Kong, Japan: RT Publishing.
Morgenstern, J. (2004). Time management from
the inside out: the foolproof system for taking
control of your schedule—and your life (2nd
Ed.). New York, NY: Owl Books.
Rettig, H. (2013, May 5). If you have a tendency
to over-give. Retrieved from
www.hillaryrettig.com/what-to-do-if/what-to-
do-if-you-have-a-tendency-to-overgive
