There are a lot of different elements that go into designing a large-scale organizational transformation. For the purpose of this exercise and through the eyes of a consultant, there are four areas that need to be explored in relation to this organizational transformation. These areas are human resources, organizational structure, leadership and trust, and performance measures. How these variables are implemented into the change process could prove successful for an organization and help the overall structure of the organization grow. Moreover, lack of attention to detail can prove to be a mistake and cause a change process to fail.

Human Resources Policy

Human resources, in this writer’s opinion, are the glue that holds the organization together. Human resources help enforce and create policy. In addition, they act as front line when anything goes wrong or when a new benefit is introduced or if there is industry change. Next, they assist as change agents when an organizational transformation is taking place. Braun (2013) describes human resources as more of a strategic partner then the old paradigm of paper pushers. In addition, human resources has taken on a higher calling in which it assists with all organizational functions, assist in formulating strategies, develop long-term objectives and formulate plans to help grow a competitive advantage in the marketplace. As a consultant and working with human resources, the goal is to understand change. According to Appelbaum, Berke, Taylor, and Vazquez (2008), change is viewed a dynamic process and can be valued in terms of the scale of a change and which method will be involved. Human resources and the leaders of the organization must take into account how this large scale transformation is going to affect the policies that are in place. For example, will the rewards system be changed from a standard evaluation to a more complex performance management system?

The organization that his writer is referencing is currently going through a large-scale transformation. The reward system and compensation plan was severely leverage and any pay increases have been halted for the last three fiscal years. In addition, many programs and benefits were cut as well to reduce the cost to the organization. These changes in policy were a needed evil to help bring structure back to the organization. This change in organizational policy did cause a lot of employee commitment issues and it was difficult to retain top talent but currently the storm has been weathered and organizations policies and benefits are returning back to normal as new initiatives are going into place.

Organizational Structure

Understanding how an organization is structured is a key objective for a consult that is assisting with organizational transformation. The consultant needs to understand if the organization is transformational, top down, transactional, growth, mature, global, and local to name a few. Appelbaum et al. (2008) describe transformational change as form of corporate change and can be characterized as a developmental process and is a form of revolutionary change that can be described as a complete re-engineering of the corporate structure. As a consultant, it is important to understand the goals of the organization but also provide solutions and with transformational change comes the need for transformational leadership. Transformational leadership helps with status quo and organizational performance by empowering their employees to do more and lead by example. Wischnevsky and Damanpour (2006) explored organizational transformation and stated that organization transformation is a transition between organizational states that feature structure and strategy. In an effort to assist with re-engineering of the organizational structure, leadership will be encouraged to redefine strategy, redevelopment the mission statement and potentially rebrand with a new logo that sets the organization apart from the old and opens the door to the new era of growth and possibilities.

Within the organization that is referenced in this exercise; transformational leadership is one of their top goals and a culture that they are trying to establish. Unfortunately, they lack the follow through and the organizational learning to continue with the process of culture change internally. Due to high turnover in the leadership positions, developing a culture that will be ingrained in the organizational memory is very difficult.

Leadership Communication

Organizational transformation cannot begin unless all the needed stakeholders are on board and understand the new mission. Without proper and continuous communication between leaders/managers and their direct reports, the organization will run into resistance to change. The purpose of leadership communication is to bring the stakeholders closer to the organization and give them a sense of belonging and purpose. Brauns (2013) gives examples of how organizational transformation should look like from performance management to rewards keep the employees interest in mind and keeping employees engaged during the change should be goal. For example, the rewards system that is in place needs to express the values of the organization and should send the right message from the organizational perspective. If employees do not understand the value of the rewards or benefits, resistance to change will happen. In addition, performance management needs to be addressed and according to Brauns (2013) consist of the three C’s, consistency, coordination, and control. If leadership can communicate and gain the trust of their organization and followers, this will make large scale transformational more attainable. Without trust, resistance from employees will hamper any change effect.

The organization that is references for the exercise has not done a very good job with this area of change. There seems to be little care of job descriptions or reward during the rebuilding process. Though there are different attempts to bring about transformational change and provide glimpses at transformational leadership, they simply do not have the follow through to continue and make the difference that is needed. Many times, leadership communications is scrambled and/or vague which can cause frustration with employees. It would be recommended that a consistent communication and an often communication be given on the progress of the change process. With the addition of several key leaders over the last six months, stability from within is in the near future.

Performance Measure

Performance measures are needed to make sure that the organization is meeting their goals on a large scale but also that their employees are meeting internal objectives. Chen, Yang, and Jiun (2006) researched a performance management system called the Balances Scorecard or BSC. BSC enables businesses to transform its overall strategy and provide effective management and leadership. This is accomplished by addressing four areas of perspective. These areas of perspective are financial, customer, internal, and learning.

Throughout this exercise, internal, customer and learning have been addressed as major components of organizational transformation. Though the financial perspective is not address by name, having a balanced organization and accomplishing this balance through a large transformation is implied.

In the company referenced, they do have their own performance management system though it seems to be very oriented toward internal measure and objectives in which this writer feels are very nonspecific and generic. In addition, with no rewards system in place, a performance management system seems mute. It is this writers recommendation that a small incentive be attached to the performance measurement otherwise the outcome is black or white; either you meet the requirements and keep you job or you are fired. To maintain a productive workforce during the large scale transformational change, leadership is tasked with keeping the organization commitment high and providing excellent communication. Without this guidance of the leaders and according to Appelbaum et al. (2008) the input of the employees, which is deemed a critical factor, large scale transformational change will be difficult to achieve.

Conclusion

Organizations need to change to stay competitive in the marketplace. How they learn and utilize the knowledge that has gained will certainly give them an competitive advantage over their competition. In completing a large scale change, the organization needs to pay attention to the human resource policies, leadership communication, organizational structure and performance management systems. All these areas play important roles in shaping a successful transformation.

References

Appelbaum, Steven H,PhD., S.P.H.R., Berke, J., M.B.A., Taylor, J., M.B.A., & Vazquez, J. A., M.B.A. (2008). The role of leadership during large scale organizational transitions: Lessons from six empirical studies. Journal of American Academy of Business, Cambridge, 13(1), 16-24.

Brauns, M. (2013). Aligning strategic human resource management to human resources, performance and reward. The International Business & Economics Research Journal (Online), 12(11), 1405-n/a.

Chen, S., Ching-Chow, Y., & Jiun-Yan Shiau. (2006). The application of balanced scorecard in the performance evaluation of higher education. The TQM Magazine, 18(2), 190-205.

Wischnevsky, J. D., & Damanpour, F. (2006). Organizational transformation and performance: An examination of three perspectives. Journal of Managerial Issues, 18(1), 104-128,9.

Model trains come in a variety of sizes or scales. One of the most popular is the N scale which ranges from 1/148 to 1/160 the size of a real train. Putting it in perspective, a 70 foot locomotive would be about 5-1/4″ to 5-5/8″ long.

With small size, there are both advantages and disadvantages. Let’s start with what people like about N scale trains.

First, N scale model trains can fit just about anywhere. A simple oval loop setup could be placed on a 2’x8′ or even a 3’x5′ piece of plywood. In fact, N scale model trains have been referred to as “Table-top Trains” because they can fit on top of a kitchen or dining room table. This makes model trains much more accessible for those people who don’t have a lot of space — you won’t need a spare room or basement to have a nice set-up when using N scale.

The second advantage is that because of the size, you can develop a more elaborate setup in the same amount of space than you could with the larger scale trains. Whereas a 4’x8′ setup for the next larger size, the HO scale, would not be much more than a loop or figure 8, an N scale could have one or even two relatively complete scenes with spiraling tracks and multiple levels. Because of this, model train hobbyists with limited space can really fall in love with N scale model trains. N scale lets them really create a full, complicated world.

A final reason that people enjoy N scale trains is precisely because they are so small. It’s the same reason people like miniature toys of any type. It’s fascinating that these small machines actually work and hard to believe that such a small world actually exists and can be so beautiful.

There are some drawbacks to N Scale model railroads though:

First, they are just too small for some people. Whereas some people like miniatures, others prefer to be able to feel weight and heft of the larger scale trains. Additionally, the actual sounds made by N scale trains on the tracks is higher pitched than those of the larger and heavier trains scales. N scales just don’t have the same “feel” of weight, that many enthusiasts want from their models as they try to re-create real life trains.

Another disadvantage is one that points to the pride of workmanship. Many modelers justifiably take pride in their work – they can spend many hours over many months or even years trying to develop a layout. Unfortunately, because N scale train setups are oftentimes in such small areas, the amount of work that went into creating that scene, easily equivalent to the larger layouts, is just not appreciated by others who may come to see it. At model train shows, smaller N scale layouts are easy to overlook if they’re near a larger one.

An aspect of N scale trains that gets overlooked is that they are hard to detail once you get them home. If, for example, you’re a person who likes to weather trains, it’s more difficult to make that weathering realistic on an N scale than on even the next size up, the HO scale train.

N scale models are probably too small for many smaller children to play with as they may not have the fine motor skills needed to work with them yet and, for even younger children, are possible choking hazards. On the other hand, adults with large hands may find them too difficult to work with simply because they’re too small.

Finally, N scale model trains, although popular, aren’t as common as HO. Because of this, the selection is smaller and there are fewer resources directed specifically to N scale trains.

All in all, N scale trains definitely belong in the train modeling community. For many model railroad enthusiasts, the advantages outweigh any disadvantage and they enjoy these beauties for hours on end.

Despite what anyone says about the advantages of a small enterprise, no one can deny that size does matter and the “law of bigness” is alive and well, especially in the world of franchising. Small companies have a trouble competing with franchised outlets that are large with a strong brand name behind them. Still, that is only the half of it, you must also consider the economies of scale involved on the purchasing end.

These economies of scale provide a sliver of percentage to make the franchisor more profitable to re-invest in its brand and the services it provides to its franchisees, while still providing hopefully lower costs for the franchisees in the system. A small independent business just cannot run pace for pace with a franchised outlet, they have to work harder and smarter than their franchised outlet competitors.

When considering a franchise business opportunity you must remember one of the key advantages to a franchised business over any other small business for sale; and that advantage is economies of scale. In fact, the economies of scale often allow a franchised business to compete head-to-head with a large corporation with multiple outlets, as they too have economies of scale. Still the franchised outlet also often has an owner/operator with skin in the game.

If you were to bet on a business or a brand, which is locally, regionally or nationally, you should be betting on the franchise company, as they have all the advantages including one of the most important of all; economies of scale. Because in the end size does matter, it matters a lot, so think on this.

Mining, simply stated, is the extraction or removal of minerals and metals from earth. Manganese, tantalum, copper, tin, nickel, aluminum ore, iron ore, gold, silver, and diamonds are some of the items commonly mined. It is worth knowing that mining is a money-spinning business where not only mining companies prosper but the government also collects huge revenues.

It is common knowledge that minerals and metals are very valuable commodities and in great demand. It is to be noted that manganese is a key component of low-cost stainless steel. It is also used to de-color glass by removing greenish hues. Tantalum is used in cell phones, pagers, and lap-tops. Cooper and tin are used to make pipes, cookware, etc. Needless to say, silver and diamonds are used to make jewelry.

Mining are generally of two categories – Large Scale mining and Small Scale mining. Large scale mining is usually undertaken by big companies using many employees and a huge labor force. The company mines at large sites and continues the operations until the mineral or metal is completely excavated. One classic example of a large scale mine, that one readily remembers, is the Serra Pelada mine in Brazil which yielded 29,000 tons of gold from 1980 to 1986 and employed 50,000 workers. Small scale mining is done by a relatively small group of wandering men. They travel together and identify sites they think will yield gold or any other valuable metal or mineral. Small scale mining occurs in places such as Suriname, Guyana, and Central Africa among other places. Some researchers believe that small scale mining is more harmful to the environment and causes more social problems than large scale mining.

There is no denying that both large scale and small scale mining are generally very destructive to the environment as mining is one of the chief causes of deforestation. Trees, plants and all vegetation are cleared and burned to make the ground completely bare for mining operations. Large scale mining also involves using huge bulldozers and excavators to extract the metals and minerals from the soil. Further, to amalgamate the extractions, they use chemicals such as cyanide, mercury, or methyl-mercury. These poisonous chemicals are quite often discharged into rivers, streams, bays, and oceans. This contaminates all living organisms within the water body and the people who depend on the fish and other sea creatures for their main source of livelihood are badly affected.

Small scale mining is equally devastating to the environment. Groups of 5-6 men migrate from one mining site to another in pursuit of precious metals, particularly gold. There are two types of small scale mining: land dredging and river dredging.

Mining affects the health of the people as they are exposed to the toxic waste from the tailings. They develop skin rashes, headaches, vomiting, diarrhea, etc and the symptoms of mercury poisoning are very similar to the symptoms of malaria. Most unfortunately, many people who can not afford to go to a doctor, or who live in a village where a doctor is not available are often not treated for their illnesses. If the water is contaminated, the people can not use it for bathing, cooking, or washing their clothes.

Mining regularly occurs in many places around the world, including the U.S. In South America, mining is widely practiced in the Amazonia region, Guyana, Suriname, and few other countries. In Central Africa, mining devastated a National Park called Kahuzi-Biega in the eastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). South Africa is internationally known for mining diamonds. Mining also occurs in Indonesia and other S.E. Asian countries.

Welcome to the Z scale, one of the smallest scaled model trains in the model railway world. This scale has a ratio of 1:220, making this one the smallest commercially sold model trains. If you are looking for larger layouts in a small amount of space, you have found the right scale.

There are definitely advantages and disadvantages to Z scale:

1. The good – you can fit these layouts into nearly any space. People even fit these layouts inside of briefcases, guitar cases, and small boxes providing layouts that are transportable. This is only possible because of the tiny ratio that Z scale has. You can display these layouts nearly anywhere. Inside your house you can have a Z scale layout on your coffee table, kitchen table, or mantle. Space is not an issue with Z scale, so don’t worry about where to place your layout as long as it is protected from dust, pets, little hands etc.

2. The bad – the scale is tiny. With a tiny scale there are some issues and complications. First, the price can be more in Z scale, because the pieces require more precise production. Although in saying that, you’ll save money in other ways because your layout will cover a smaller area. The pieces are also very delicate and fragile so you must be very careful with your layout. Second, the pieces need to be out of the reach of children. With tiny locomotives and rolling stock, these layouts can be very hazardous with kids around. Also if you have big unsteady hands or failing eyesight you many have problems with such a small electric train set. Lastly, with such small size you may have complications in operation. Even the slightest amount of dust and particles can disrupt the smoothness of your train. You have to keep these layouts very clean to ensure that they are able to function at their full potential.

Now that you have some options to weigh, you can better decide on whether a Z scale train would fit your liking and specifications. They are not for every modeler out there, but there are tens of thousands who have a special love for them and their miniature size. Remember that they are less popular than larger scales, so don’t be too frustrated if you can’t easily locate materials and pieces locally. Just search the net.

So if you do decide to pursue a Z scale train and layout, you will need to know which companies to check out and explore. The two most popular that I have seen all across the internet for Z scale are Marklin and Micro-Train. Both of these have gotten good reviews, but it is all a matter of opinion of course. So, in order for you to develop your own opinion, I will briefly enlighten you on both manufacturers.

Marklin:

Z scale model trains began with the manufacturer Marklin, so naturally they hold a little more popularity. Marklin produces very powerful locomotives for the small size that they are. Marklin also offers sets that are operated by battery power, due to the popularity of transporting these small layouts from place to place. These sets can be less powerful than a set with a transformer, so know that if you purchase a battery-powered set. Marklin does offer sets powered by transformers, so don’t you worry about that. Again, Marklin started the Z scale trend, so they tend to have the larger audience and customers.

Micro-Trains:

The first thing you should note about Micro-Trains Line (MTL) is that they only have diesel locomotive prototypes. The downside to MTL is that they do not carry steam locomotives. If you are specifically looking for a steam locomotive you will need to use Marklin or another manufacturer. MTL does offer some pretty interesting starter sets, so they are definitely worth researching. For one reason, they are not Marklin and have their own products to offer, so they deserve some of your attention in the Z scale market.

Scales are very essential device or equipment which helps you to measure the objects in a very precise manner. This provides you with the exact measurement of the things which are produced or manufactured. There are number of products being produced to satisfy the requirements of the people. Each product is needed to be measured before it is handed to someone the weight of the object can be measured using various types of weighing scales like platform scales, floor scales, platform benches and many other types are available in the market. This will help you to measure the objects when placed on scales. These weighing scales come in different types of sizes, kinds, models and with different capacity. This measures the mass from one beam to another.

An inexact scale can guide to inappropriate weigh stats and possibly will prove expensive. On an individual level, weighing scales can be influential in helping persons keep up and manage their physical condition by indicating when they are required to increase or decrease their weight. In the approved manner standardizing your weighing scale is input to make sure that your outcome are precise and to as long offers you a peace of mind.

Floor scales, bench scales, bagging scales, truck scale, counting scales, weighing scales and a lot of additional kind of scales are intended to provide precise outcome. These scales are intended in diverse dimensions, capability, form, load cell and class. Weighing scales are frequently used to determine mass of the thing. Additional number of scales is created accordingly to the requirements of the client or consumer. While an item has been positioned on some kind of scale, it provides correct measurement with the counting of number of items. These days, the scales are created with innovative tools. These tools are innovated accordingly to the request and needs of the buyer. Scales are manufactured only to attain the outcome in a larger quantity.

Weighing scales are the scales use to calculate the heaviness or the weight of a thing. The most important reason for the set up this scale is to be familiar with the weight of the thing positioned on the weighing scale. It decides the weigh of the equipment or thing positioned on the scale varying from small to weighty or huge load. Weighing scales are manufactured with various types of capacity like small, medium and large. The weigh scales will compute the weigh of thing with or with no masses within the object. When the weight of the truck is to be calculated the dimensions can be accomplished with first-rate accurateness, still when the truck is with or with no load of commodities.

A number of of the industry that use weighing machines are the food industry, the hardware industry, chemical industry, shipping industry, and many other.