Softwire Company: Developing and Managing Networks - Leadership Report

This report examines the essential role of developing and managing managerial networks within an organization, specifically using Softwire as a case study. It delves into creating personal networks to achieve organizational objectives, identifying key network members with relevant skills, and establishing boundaries of confidentiality to protect sensitive information. The report also outlines a data gathering process, evaluates gathered data to support organizational planning, and explores future scenarios through macro-environment analysis. Furthermore, it proposes ideas derived from the network that benefit the organization, compares the balance of risks, and devises effective communication methods. The report emphasizes the importance of networking for sharing ideas, making informed decisions, and achieving smooth business operations, highlighting the benefits of internal networking and the need for strong communication and problem-solving skills. The report concludes by underscoring the significance of protecting business information, adapting to new technologies, and fostering open communication to build strong networks and achieve long-term organizational success.

Developing and managing
networks

Table of Contents
Contents
Contents...........................................................................................................................................2
INTRODUCTION...........................................................................................................................1
Task 1...............................................................................................................................................1
1.1 How to create personal networks to meet the objectives.......................................................1
1.2 Identify network members who are aware of advantages of networks and possess skills 2
1.3 Elaborate boundaries of confidentiality.................................................................................3
Task 2...............................................................................................................................................4
2.1 Design a data gathering process in networking.....................................................................4
For providing information to the clients the company need to have data and for this they need
to gather the data with help of a process which includes following steps:..................................5
2.2 Evaluate the data gathered in order to support organisation planning...................................5
Task 3...............................................................................................................................................6
2.3 Devise future scenarios with the help of macro environment analysis.................................6
Task 4...............................................................................................................................................7
3.1 Outline an idea from the network which provide benefit to an organisation........................7
3.2 Compare the balance of risk..................................................................................................8
3.3 Devise various methods of communication...........................................................................9
CONCLUSION..............................................................................................................................10
REFERENCES..............................................................................................................................11

INTRODUCTION
Developing managerial network play an essential role in an organisation so as to facilitate
smooth operation of a business by meeting with new people that leads to sharing of new ideas
and thoughts and also help in taking fast decisions in a coordinated manner (Adshead, 2017).
Establishing a good network is very essential in an organisation as it help in maintain a positive
reputation and also aids in achieving the task in a short span of time. In other words, network
management is described as the process of administering the network of computer that includes
various aspects such as performance management and thus emphasises rendering good quality of
services. It also provides assistance in meeting the future goals and assess the performance of
employees and collect information on the basis of records so as to facilitate the smooth operation
of a business. This report is based on Softwire which provide wide range of software designs and
web and mobile development app and various digital solutions and also aims to provide fast and
efficient services to their clients by providing new and innovative technology to them. This
report also covers the macro environment analysis and provide various practical examples that
help in building effective networking.
Task 1
1.1 How to create personal networks to meet the objectives
Networking is maintained with the help of meeting new people or text or email so as to share
information and it render growth of professional both inside and outside the organisation.
Internal networking provide assistance to the group of individuals to help each other and also
emphasise on building good relations in order to increase the productivity and efficiency.
Internal networking aids in various ways as it promotes development of new and innovative
ideas and also aids in collaboration between various departments in an organised manner.
Also, one of the most important aspect is that if the right questions are asked to the right
people then it ensure a great success towards their career path. As this also result in less
absenteeism and low turnover of employees as team members feel more connected and give a
clear picture of several purposes of an organisation.
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Another way to create good sense of networking is to be an active listener and observing
their body language as it helps to develop positive relations and provide vast opportunities for
collaboration in an effective manner. The manager of Softwire emphasises on building new
contacts so as to ensure career growth. Another major aspect is excellent communication skills,
the manager of divides the roles and responsibilities among various subordinates in accordance
to their skills so that they could work with great potential and zeal. The senior authority of
concerned firm thinks creatively and also considers the creative recommendations and opinions
of their team. With the help of this they find the solution of effective problems by taking correct
accuracy of decisions by meeting with new people as it facilitates smooth operation of a
business. Furthermore, an individual should be interactive in nature and must possess excellent
communication skills which aids in maintaining best contacts and also it should have immense
level of knowledge plus skills which establish good networks as every one is attracted towards a
minded person.
Thus, networking provide assistance in conveying value through social relationships and
internal connections as it makes the environment more comfortable and give a feeling of team
spirit as it encourages them to work hard by bringing desirable outcomes. This improve the
overall performance and enhance the efficiency in an organisation.
1.2 Identify network members who are aware of advantages of networks and possess skills
Internal networking provides a sense to ensure mutual relationships among several co- workers
that give them higher level of empowerment and also retain them for a long period of time. If
there is no internal networking, then all the employees working in the organisation may feel
frustrated and disconnected which hamper their performance (Ahani, Rahim and Nilashi, 2017).
One effective way to create effective relation is to plan get togethers or some outing as it helps in
creating a good working culture and also by showing a sense of gratitude and help in achieving
the goals effectively and efficiently. One of the major benefits of networking is that it provides
dynamics to the industry and enhance the learning experience and make employees to prepare for
future. In the context of Softwire, the various ways are as follows:
Host office events: the team leader plan some interesting activity during working hours so as
to reduce the feeling of boredom and thus facilitate exchange of ideas as it bring
collaboration. It provides a chance to employees to meet with different types of people and
get chance to talk as it inculcate confidence in them.
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Conferences: the director of respective firm conduct various conferences and meetings
which involve sharing of thoughts and ideas of subordinates and thus aids in taking excellent
decision which provide grater advantage to the company.
Get togethers: The respective company decides to organise get together once in three months
so that there are good relations among co workers as it provide interaction in them and
promotes unity. For example, various festival occasions render opportunities to staff to
connect with different people as it boosts the morale and thus promote team spirit among
them.
Online Platforms: There are various social networking sites such as Facebook, Instagram or
You tube and many more that promote the platform of providing interaction and bulds strong
networks if the business is in same field. This provide greater help and generate new ideas
related to business that increase the overall productivity and help in taking new decisions.
It is important to be open minded and great communication skills so as to develop large
network and interactive nature aids in accelerating the performance and leads to exchange of
ideas and also make them capable of handling various issues and problems in an effective
manner.
1.3 Elaborate boundaries of confidentiality
In today’s competitive era, it is essential to protect and secure business and personal information
of the employees at a workplace as it help in maintaining smooth operation of a business
(Anshari, Alas and Guan, 2016). When the information passes in the wrongful hands it leads to
misuse and illegal activity such as frauds and discrimination which provides the outcomes of
lawsuits to an employer. Many organisations protect information so that it creates a sense of trust
among the various subordinates and thus results in loss of productivity. In the context of
Softwire, the various types of information should be protected which is given beneath:
Restriction of personal details: It is essential for the firm to maintain privacy regarding the
information of employees such as their personal contact number, home address, passwords
and so on in order to avoid discrimination or conflicts among them.
Management information: This includes disciplinary actions, termination and problems
related to employee issues so as to avoid any damage and illegal conduct at a workplace.
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Thus, confidential information assists the firm to ensure proper functioning and facilitate
coordination and cooperation and also bring transparency at a workplace.
Business information: The manager of Softwire does not provide the business information
such as financial data, forecasting, budgets and data compilation and so on so as it should be
kept confidential to the external users. So, it uses trade secrets in order to kept information
protective as it also does not allow its competitors to imitate its products.
It is important to engage everyone so manager of Softwire provide the monthly newsletter to
them to provide information regarding the company. Another example is that the respective
firm could use social media to build the awareness of brand as it helps in cultivating
relationships with new people and generate new ideas. Strong networks develop future
opportunities and help the company to maintain various contacts such as vendors, suppliers,
customers and so on. The focus of manager is to inculcate good communication skills and
problem-solving skills as it ensures proper transparency. The manager of Softwire bring new
and innovative technology like new software designs and provide training to them so that it
helps in conducting fast operation of a business. Interlinking of the company data with the
data on various social and professional platforms can have impact on the privacy and the
confidentiality of the company which has to be managed by the company.
Task 2
2.1 Design a data gathering process in networking
Softwire is private company that deal with wide range of software development
and use new and innovative technology in order to deliver fast and efficient services to their
clients (Axelsson and Easton, G. eds., 2016). The respective firm has develop Data+ to provide
instant solutions to digital engineers and also emphasises on providing immediate solutions. This
help in conducting fast operation of a business and also help to gain competitive position across
the globe and thus enhance the positive reputation of the company. There are various methods of
data collection such as:
Primary data: This is defined as the methodology in which information is gathered directly
from the researcher rather than previously collected data. In addition to this, primary data help in
providing effective solution to a particular problem but at the same time this is regarded as time
consuming method. There are large number of people and innovative engineers who have
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appreciated this idea that is invented by Softwire. This method of data collection provides
original source of information through questionnaires, interviews, surveys etc. But in this regard,
poll is conducted from the employees of a company so as gather their experience as it provides
relevant information.
Secondary data: This includes that collection of data from secondary source which includes
any published material or books, journals, magazines and so on. Furthermore, this method is very
expensive but provides authentic and true information. The senior authority of Softwire aims to
use new and innovative software designs at moderate and low prices so as to gain significant
position across the globe.
For providing information to the clients the company need to have data and for this they need to
gather the data with help of a process which includes following steps:
 First the managers in Softwire need to identify the issues and opportunities from where
they can gather data about their clients.
 They will then select the issues and the criteria on what basis they have to gather data for
the clients.
 Accordingly they will plan various methods and approaches to be used by them. it can be
various statistical methods or various digital methods.
 Then the collection of the data takes place which can be done by the team of the Softwire
with either primary methods of data collection or secondary method of data collection.
 Further analysis and interpretation of the data is done with the help of various queries in
the databases and applications as per the use.
 The final results are provided to the clients as per their requirements.
2.2 Evaluate the data gathered in order to support organisation planning
There are various ways to evaluate the effectiveness of an organisation so as to improve
the overall productivity and efficiency (Blair, Key and Wilson, 2019). Softwire is one of the
renowned brands in UK that provide wide range of products such as design and innovation and
mobile and app development to facilitate smooth operation of a business. The respective firm
develop new software such as Data+ to provide instant solution to their clients. This provide
proper planning as the manager of respective firm assign the roles and responsibilities among
their subordinates so as to facilitate smooth operation of a business. But there are lot of
competitors in this field which provide new and innovative designs as it posses a greater threat to
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the company and also lead to price wars which emphasises the respective firm to decrease their
price and thus reduces the overall profit margin within the confine sector of software industry.
With the help of data so gathered by the Softwire it can be identified that what a particular
customer wants and accordingly various planning can be done by them such as with the help of
this they can develop software, plan their activities and number of people to be engaged in
developing a specific software. Along with this the team for developing the software can also be
appointed accordingly as some of the customers wants to have updated software while some do
not get them updated frequently.
One of the major strengths is that it helps in establishing network and great bonding
among the colleagues and also follow democratic theory in the respective firm so that personnel
may feel that their presence is important which increase the level of job satisfaction. It adopts
situational leadership as there is changes depending upon the prevailing situation.
There are weaknesses too such as sometimes there is language barriers and clashes of
culture which possess a negative impact n the firm. Also, this affect the performance and thus
create misunderstandings and conflicts among them.
Task 3.
2.3 Devise future scenarios with the help of macro environment analysis
Macroenvironment is a broader term that includes employment, level of competition,
demand and supply and so on that provide the availability of resources and also aids in
organisation in making correct accuracy of decisions by looking these factors into consideration
(Ghosn, M. and et.al., 2016). With reference to Softwire, the manager uses Porter’s five forces in
order to ascertain the level of competition and also determine the level of attractiveness and
profitability within the market. In the context of Softwire, the manager uses five components that
are presented as follows:
Competitive Rivalry: The magnitude of this force is regarded to be low as there are large
number of competitors in this respective area. In case of Softwire, the switching cost is low
because customers have various option and always prefer to choose innovative technology that
incur low cost so they prefer new technology. The various competitors posses a big threat and
also result in price wars that result in decrease in price and thus reduce the profit margin of the
company.
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Bargaining power of Suppliers: The power of this force is considered as low. With
reference to Softwire, the senior authority could purchase raw materials as there are large
number of vendors present in the market. Thus, it aims to purchase raw materials at a low cost so
as to facilitate the smooth operation of a business. The firm also focus on providing product
differentiation so as to improve the overall profitability and productivity of an organisation.
Bargaining power of buyers: The extent of this force is regarded to be low. In the
context of Softwire, the impact of consumers on hardware and software industry is dynamic as
there are lots of changes in the technology (Holmqvist and Ruiz, 2017). As customers prefers to
buy best offerings by paying minimum price as it helps in gaining large access of customers.
Threat of Substitutes: The power of this force is regarded to be low. There are giant
number of alternatives present in the market that provide similar product at similar prices as it
helps the manager of Softwire to gain a competitive position across the globe. In order to handle
the threat of substitute product, the manager can provide best and efficient services and also
provide maximum value to the customers at a global level.
Rivalry among existing firms: The magnitude of this force is acknowledged to be low
due to the reason that the respective firm has decreases the price of goods or services in order to
survive in a competitive market. This reduce the efficiency and also decline the profit margin of
the organisation. To tackle this problem, the respective firm can collaborate with competitors
with the motive to increase the marker size or its share within the confine sector of software
industry.
The manager of Softwire would conduct research and development as well as surveys
which assist the firm to gain competitive advantage at a global level. Furthermore, they
determine the taste and preferences of customers, nature of competitors and many more which
help in gaining rivalry edge over a marketplace.
Task 4
3.1 Outline an idea from the network which provide benefit to an organisation
There are various methods that help in generating large network in an organisation such
as it also provides future growth opportunities and help in achieving the task in a proper period
of time. Networking help in building strong business connections by achieving the task in a
respective period of time (Koliba, and et.al., 2018). Also, it provides generation of new and
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innovative ideas that gain insights and thus build positive reputation across the globe. The top
management of Softwire can acquire more knowledge through various contacts so as to get
access to job opportunities and also inculcate confidence and self determination among them. It
also helps the management of respective firm to build long lasting relationships and thus provide
career growth opportunities. Also it offers various opportunities for collaborative working as
better relation can be established.
Example: The efficient channel of networking aids the manager of Softwire to maintain
best relations in different parts of countries which allow it to sell its product in various locations
beyond the boundaries of nation which assist the firm to boost the sales and maximise the
revenue.
In a dynamic environment, the senior authority of Softwire get the idea of developing new and
innovative products by cultivating contact and looking the new market trends and also provide
various opportunities through social networking sites such as Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn and
many more so as to enhance the brand awareness across the globe. Another idea that provide the
growth towards the business is that the manager through proper communication and also consult
the ideas and suggestions and it also help in maintaining effective operation of a business. The
respective firm also help in expansion of corporation by introduction of new technology that
provide instant solutions to their customers (Möller and Halinen, 2017). Also, this bring proper
coordination and cooperation in a workplace and enhance the overall efficiency and effectiveness
of an organisation. Also, the manager of respective firm hires efficient staff and divide the role
and responsibilities among them so that they could work with greater confidence.
3.2 Compare the balance of risk
Every business is associated with risk as it is regarded as the method that provide the
interconnection between various departments that provide the assistance in generation of new
ideas. Although, there are several ways through which Softwire can generate an efficient
network but at the same time it requires interactive personality and greater confidence level. The
respective firm has also introduced a new software that keep the proper record of attendance of
employees and also provide the information regarding their performance which help in
facilitating smooth operation of a business. One of the best parts is that networking through
online platforms help in increasing the positive reputation across the globe.
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Networking also assist the firm in building the credibility and also provide assistance the
manager of respective firm to gain competitive position across the globe. It is important for the
manager of Softwire to develop new contacts so as to enhance the brand awareness across the
globe which can be done through various promotional methods such as advertising campaigns,
social media sites and so on as it help in gaining large number of customers from different parts
of the country (Moxen, and Strachan, 2017). Attending various meetings or conferences or
events help customers to generate large amount of goodwill and also improve the overall
productivity and profitability of an organisation. A balance score card help Softwire in
measuring the performance by improving the various aspects of a business so as to ensure proper
coordination by optimum utilisation of resources and it also assist the firm in making better
decisions in an organisation. Balance scorecard help in providing strategic planning through an
effective communication strategy that assist the firm to engage staff through effective delivery of
goods or services and also ensure the improvement of overall management system in an
organisation. it provides an opportunity to Softwire to gain maximum exposure and balance
score card enable the firm to monitor and control the activities of staff and help in making proper
evaluation of activities and thus measure the performance.
3.3 Devise various methods of communication
Effective communication plays an important role in an organisation which involve
exchange of ideas, thoughts and opinions so as to ensure the growth and overall productivity of
an organisation (Parks, 2017). In other words, this method is regarded as an appropriate source in
case of networking because it helps in cultivating new contacts that provide new ideas and thus
help in completing the task in a proper period of time. In the context of Softwire, the manager
uses several communication methods that are presented as follows:
Email: The respective company can use this method to create a brand awareness
especially to the target audience through transmission of message by electronically and also help
in increasing the positive reputation across the globe. The concerned firm would develop a best
idea
Online Platforms: This is one of the effective strategies that provide assistance to the firm
in promoting its product among the large group of individuals and thus promote coordination and
also increase the efficiency of Softwire.
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Along with this various other methods can also be used by the Softwire for establishing
effective communication such as Yammer, Whats App etc. along with this various social media
campaign can also be designed by them where they can use town halls, posters, screen savers etc.
that can develop better communication among the business clients and the company.
The management of Softwire through an excellent communication strategy hire staff and
assign the role and responsibilities among them that matches their talent so that they could work
beyond their potential.
As the idea of networking would provide an excellent opportunity to individuals to
generate greater job opportunities as it renders the overall effectiveness and efficiency in a
workplace. In addition to this, it could develop best contacts which builds great confidence level.
Also, Softwire would use new and advanced technology which simplify the overall working
procedure and thus bring proper coordination and cooperation. The respective firm could use
social media platform as an effective strategy as it maximises the overall productivity and judge
accuracy of standards by facilitating proper control in a business.
CONCLUSION
From the above information, it can be summarised that an appropriate planning and
effective communication strategy help in achieving the task in a proper period of time as it also
helps in avoiding confusion and misunderstanding among them. It has been analysed that
macroenvironment analysis assist the firm in decision making and also ensure best networking
by contacting new people which generate new and innovative ideas so as to facilitate the smooth
operation of a business.
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