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De La Salle University Manila

Graduate School of Business
My Company
In Partial Fulfillment of the
Requirements for the Subject
BUS846M CORPORATE ENTREPRENEURSHIP
AY 2014-2015, Term 3
Prepared by:
Minnie Tan
Submitted to:
Prof. Jose Morales

March 12, 2014

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I.

Introduction

A. Company Background
This company is a California corporation was founded in 1979. By 2009, operations of the
Shared Services Center in Philippines started. Its a top 100 company on the 2014 Fortune
500 corporation, which is the largest global wholesale technology distributor and a global leader
in IT supply-chain management, mobile device lifecycle services and logistics solutions. Main
businesses comprise of IT distribution, cloud, mobility, supply chain and technology solutions.
IT Distribution1- It buys and sells technology products and services to resellers who, in turn,
typically sell directly to end-users or other resellers. The distribution services are customized to
meet the needs of resellers serving a wide range of end-users, including consumers, small to
medium-sized businesses (SMBs), public sector entities and large enterprises. Programs and
services designed are offered to support value-added resellers (VARs) that serve as technology
sources for these markets.
Mobility2 - The end-to-end mobile device lifecycle capabilities use expertise to solve the
challenges of many of the worlds leading mobile technology manufacturers, network operators,
retailers and value-added resellers. The distribution services are focused on portfolio
management, credit management, channel development and marketing with personalized
attention to account management. Products offered include smartphones, tablets, machine-tomachine, companion products and accessories. Supply-chain solutions offered include forward
and

reverse

logistics,

SIM

kitting,

customization

services

(device

configuration,

software/application loading, customized packaging and flashing), eBusiness (e-commerce

1
2

(2013 IM, 2014)

(2013 IM, 2014)

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platform, IT integration and hosted web stores on demand), airtime activation, managed financial
services, advanced planning and trade-in programs.
Supply-Chain Services3 - It offers fee-based supply-chain services, encompassing the end-toend functions of the supply-chain to vendors choosing to sell direct. Likewise, it provides
services to retailers and Internet resellers seeking fulfillment services, inventory management,
reverse logistics and other supply-chain services.
Cloud 4 It has aggregated approximately 200 cloud solutions from more than 70 vendors on a
global basis. These solutions span virtually every solution category by providing access to
resellers in certain geographic markets the catalog of cloud solutions and tailor cloud offerings to
fit the business needs of their end-user customers. It has provided tools and support to assist
resellers in giving cloud services to their customers.
B. Profits and Products
During 2013, it earned $42.6B revenues. There was a consistent increased from previous years of
$36.3B in 2011 and $37.8B in 2012. It distribute and market technology products worldwide

from the industrys computer hardware suppliers, mobility hardware suppliers, networking
equipment suppliers, software publishers, and other suppliers of computer peripherals, consumer
electronics (CE), automatic identification and data capture (AIDC) / point of sale (POS)
and physical security products.5 Product assortments vary from country to country depending on
the market, and the suppliers relative contribution. It is focused on building its presence in those
product categories and solutions that will benefit from key growth trends, such as mobile devices
and the need for enterprise computing solutions to handle the growing data center market. It also
3
4

(2013 IM, 2014)

(2013 IM, 2014)

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has expanded capabilities to enable resellers to get opportunities in areas such as the data center
market, enterprise computing, storage solutions, virtualization, enterprise software, unified
communications, networking and security. 6
C. Current Strategy
Diversification strategy continues to provide its new growth opportunities while reducing
dependence on the current set of partners and markets. Acquisition and investment strategies in
companies around the world are means of the company to further achieve strategic objectives
and support key business initiatives.7 It acquired BrightPoint, a global leader in mobile device
lifecycle services; Aptec, a Dubai-based value-added distributor in the Middle East and Africa,
with products and solutions covering data center, storage, security, networking and software
categories, including technical services; Promark, a value-added distributor in the U.S. with a
core technology focus on data storage, data management and electronic document imaging
products and services; Shipwire, a leading provider of e-commerce fulfillment services for
SMBs, CloudBlue, a global leader in enterprise information technology asset disposition (ITAD),
onsite data destruction and e-waste recycling services and SoftCom, a leading cloud
marketplace and global service provider offering domain name management, web hosting and
cloud infrastructure.8

II.

Kuratko Framework

Kuratko framework has five specific dimensions of an internal environment conducive to

corporate entrepreneurial behavior: (1) top management support, (2) work discretion/autonomy,
(3) rewards/reinforcement, (4) time availability, and (5) organizational boundaries. 9
A. Management Support
Management support pertains to the willingness of top-level managers to facilitate and promote
entrepreneurial behavior including the championing of innovative ideas and providing the
resources people require to behave entrepreneurially. 10

(Kuratko, Hornsby, & Covin, 2014)

(2013 IM, 2014)
8
(2013 IM, 2014)
9
(Kuratko, Hornsby, & Covin, 2014)
7

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Scale rating received from the survey about management support is 3.68.
A well-managed organization must produce the results for which it exists. It must be
administered, that is, its decisions must be made in the right sequence and with the right timing
and right intensity. In the long run, a well-managed organization must adapt to its external
environment. The entrepreneurial role focuses on the adaptive changes, which requires creativity
and risk taking. And to ensure that the organization can have a life span longer than that of any
of its key managers, the fourth role integration is necessary to build a team effort.11 It is
adaptive to changes as part of its strategy is merger and acquisitions and it incorporates within
the policies, programs and values to support team effort behavior.
It utilized processes to improve work methods quickly with top management support. An
example is when Team Foundation Server (TFS) source version control was in placed and
implemented globally early this year for its application. This need became evident when a
number of developers around the globe need to access the source code simultaneously, because
Manila Information System (IS) department was opened early last year. Knowledge transfer and
sharing are encouraged through trainings. Peers are willing to share information, applications and
methods to help improve speed of work. Associates are motivated to have an open
communication and share ideas with each other and to management. This demonstrated that
management is receptive and open for the development of new and /or innovative ideas that in
turn creates an internal environment which is highly conducive for entrepreneurial behavior.
More autonomy is given to associates who are subject matter experts; because they are allowed
to make decisions without going through elaborate justifications. My knowledge is limited with
regards to the support of financing a project of innovative ideas from ground zero, and the

10
11

(Kuratko, Hornsby, & Covin, 2014)

(Burns, 2013)

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reaction of management on the event that the project failed. But, of course, de-risking for any
tasks or project undertaking is a must, so estimations, efforts and resources involved whether
finances and people are necessary at the start or even before it starts. So far, from my experience
working with the company, management support is evident since communication line is open
and management is willing to listen to the people. Open door policy is implemented in the
organization.
B. Work Discretion/Autonomy
Work discretion is top-level managers commitment to tolerate failure, to provide decisionmaking latitude and freedom from excessive oversight, and to delegate authority and
responsibility to middle- and lower-level managers. 12
Scale rating received from the survey about work discretion / autonomy is 3.4.
Autonomy at work is available when associates can independently make decisions with minimal
decision making support from someone else. Creativity is inspired to use own judgment on how
to do the work through making use of our abilities. As developers, we have the freedom to
automate our work by creating processes such as scripts to speed up work. Mistakes made on the
job are not harshly criticized and punished. Instead improvement process and coaching are part
of the system to support developments though certain conditions should be met in order to get
out of that process. Of course, each one is responsible to get the job done.
C. Rewards/Reinforcement
Rewards/reinforcement is developing and using systems that reinforce entrepreneurial behavior,
highlight significant achievements, and encourage pursuit of challenging work. 13
Scale rating received from the survey about rewards / reinforcement is 3.83.

12
13

(Kuratko, Hornsby, & Covin, 2014)

(Kuratko, Hornsby, & Covin, 2014)

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Associates are recognized for exceptional performance and those who embodied the corporate
culture of teamwork, respect, accountability, integrity, innovation, learning and social
responsibility.14 Through formal department recognition and rewards associates are recognized
for attaining quantifiable results related to improvement or growth of the business, while
demonstrating any of IM's values. Many departments have incorporated fun, variety and
innovation by using monthly, quarterly and annual meetings and special events to honor award
winners.15 Those associates who are deemed as top performers were given a plague of
recognition in my department, Manila Information System. During the Philippine Christmas
party, awards are also provided to exceptional candidates who manifested work beyond the
expectation of their colleagues and management.
Associates who are successful with their innovative ideas are given recognition as well as
rewards through a program. Innovative ideas submitted first, then, assessed if it will proceed or
end as an idea. After the successful implementation of the idea, associates are provided with
rewards.
D. Time Availability
Time availability is evaluating workloads to ensure individuals and groups have the time needed
to pursue innovations and to structure their jobs in ways supportive of efforts to achieve shortand long-term organizational goals. 16
Scale rating received from the survey about time availability is 3.0.
I havent thought of developing innovative ideas, since my primary goal is to learn first the systems and
applications that we are currently using. Since the team just started last year, the main focus is to learn as
much as possible about the systems that we support at a global level and be an expert in the field that we
14

(Kuratko, Hornsby, & Covin, 2014)

(Kuratko, Hornsby, & Covin, 2014)
16
(Kuratko, Hornsby, & Covin, 2014)
15

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are assigned. Hence, the current stage is more of a learning curve. At this instance, I can observe that the
group is not really ready yet for the innovative ideas, though any innovative ideas would be welcome. The
organization supports work life balance as well as promotes innovation, so time can be made available
depending on the individuals choice and work schedules. Business processes improvements are more
promoted than innovation specially the operations in the Philippines are shared services at a global scale,
particularly for support and improvements of any applications, customers and suppliers. Having the Chief
Information Officer shared with us the long-term goal of making the Manila Shared Services as a delivery
center influence us to think on a wider organizational structure.

E. Organizational Boundaries
Organizational boundaries are the precise explanations of outcomes expected from
organizational work and development of mechanisms for evaluating, selecting, and using
innovations. 17
Scale rating received from the survey about time availability is 2.57.
One of a managers controllable areas of corporate entrepreneurship is creating a work
environment highly conducive to innovation and entrepreneurial behaviors. Therefore, credible
innovation is more likely in companies where all individuals entrepreneurial potential is sought
and nurtured, and where organizational knowledge is widely shared.18 The managerial challenge
becomes that of using workplace design elements to develop an innovation-friendly internal
environment.

19

There exists a global and local SharePoint to nurture organizational wide

knowledge. Theres also an existing program worldwide to promote innovative behavior and
practices for a willing individuals or groups.
Section 1
5

Management support for corporate entrepreneurship

1. My organization is quick to use improved work methods.

17

(Kuratko, Hornsby, & Covin, 2014)

(Kuratko, Hornsby, & Covin, 2014)
19
(Kuratko, Hornsby, & Covin, 2014)
18

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2.
4

3.
4

4.
4

5.
4

6.
4

3
3

3
3

Strongly agree, because our department was a pioneer one in Philippines

and started only last year. So, previously, there was no version control
for source codes, but recently, the TFS version control was in placed
and implemented globally. Processes to improve work and environment
are discussed and action upon.
My organization is quick to use improved work methods that are developed
by workers.
- Peers are willing to share information, applications and methods to
improve speed of work.
In my organization, developing ones own ideas is encouraged for the
improvement of the corporation.
- Management is open to suggestion that would help support
improvement in the corporation.
Upper management is aware and very receptive to my ideas and
suggestions.
- Open communication is highly encouraged. Management is open to
ideas and suggestions such as process improvements, form and
document updates.
A promotion usually follows from the development of new and innovative
ideas.
- Within the organization, theres reward and recognition for innovative
ideas as innovation is part of the corporate values. But, because our
group was fairly new, started last year, so theres no one who has been
promoted for new and innovative ideas.
Those employees who come up with innovative ideas on their own often
receive management encouragement for their activities.
- Innovative ideas are encouraged by management as recognition is given.

7. The doers on projects are allowed to make decisions without going

through elaborate justification and approval procedures.
- Associates who are subject matter experts in applications like Impulse
and Imfirst can easily make decisions and coordinate to people to have
faster project turn around.
8. Senior managers encourage innovators to bend rules and rigid procedures in order
to keep promising ideas on track.
- Im not sure as Im not aware of any innovators who bend rules and rigid
procedures.
9. Many top managers have been known for their experience with the innovation
process.
- Im not aware.
10. Money is often available to get new project ideas off the ground.
- Im not aware.
11. Individuals with successful innovative projects receive additional rewards and
compensation beyond the standard reward system for their ideas and efforts.
- Im not aware.
12. There are several options within the organization for individuals to get financial

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support for their innovative projects and ideas.
4

3
4

4
Section 2
2

4
4

4
4

- Im not aware.
13. People are often encouraged to take calculated risks with ideas around here.
- For a given tasks, estimation efforts is often necessary.
14. Individual risk takers are often recognized for their willingness to champion new
projects, whether eventually successful or not.
- Im not aware of new projects evolving from innovations. All projects are
allocated to individuals or groups.
15. The term risk taker is considered a positive attribute for people in my work
area.
- Possibly, since management is open to ideas.
16. This organization supports many small and experimental projects, realizing that
some will undoubtedly fail.
- Im not aware of any small and experimental projects.
17. An employee with a good idea is often given free time to develop that idea.
- Possibly, since theres open reception and open line of communication from
management
18. There is considerable desire among people in the organization for generating new
ideas without regard for crossing departmental or functional boundaries.
- Theres desire among peers to generate new ideas that would help support
work or process improvements
19. People are encouraged to talk to employees in other departments of this
organization about ideas for new projects.
- Open communication is encouraged within the organization
Work Discretion
20. I feel that I am my own boss and do not have to double check all of my decisions
with someone else.
- For development, theres code review with peers to ensure that work done is
with quality and right.
21. Harsh criticism and punishment result from mistakes made on the job.
- Theres no actual punishment, but more of improvement process and coaching
to ensure that same mistakes are not committed again and improvements are
visible in work.
22. This organization provides the chance to be creative and try my own methods of
doing the job.
- Individual can create their own creativity in work.
23. This organization provides the freedom to use my own judgment.
- Yes
24. This organization provides the chance to do something that makes use of my
abilities.
- Yes, since as a developer, the job entails to be technical in nature and to make
use of your ability.
25. I have the freedom to decide what I do on my job.
- Yes, we have autonomy on how to do task assigned to us.
26. It is basically my own responsibility to decide how my job gets done.
- Yes, its our own responsibility to get the job done and to meet the deadline.

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2
4

Section 3
4

4
Section 4
3

2
4

2
3
Section 5

27. I almost always get to decide what I do on my job.

- No, since task and projects are allocated to associates
28. I have much autonomy on my job and am left on my own to do my own work.
- We have autonomy on our jobs, but boundaries are set for approvals, reviews
and implementations.
29. I seldom have to follow the same work methods or steps for doing my major tasks
from day to day.
- The work processes are still in work-in-progress, but there are work processes
involved on how to accomplish the tasks
Rewards/Reinforcement
30. My manager helps me get my work done by removing obstacles and roadblocks.
- Managers tried to understand the issues in our environment and provide
solutions if necessary.
31. The rewards I receive are dependent upon my innovation on the job.
- Not applicable
32. My supervisor will increase my job responsibilities if I am performing well in my
job.
- Probably
33. My supervisor will give me special recognition if my work performance is
especially good.
- Yes, because recognition is given to my peers who performed outstanding
work.
34. My manager would tell his/her boss if my work was outstanding.
- Yes, since work performance needs to be reported and reviewed to upper
management.
35. There is a lot of challenge in my job.
- Yes. Since job needs high technical skills as well as soft-skill is required
Time Availability
36. During the past three months, my workload kept me from spending time on
developing new ideas.
- Yes, I was busy with projects at some instances. However, there are times Im
not that busy.
37. I always seem to have plenty of time to get everything done.
- I have not manage my time properly, since of leaves, holidays and timing.
38. I have just the right amount of time and workload to do everything well.
- There should be right enough time, but sometimes, unforeseen issues arose that
affect the workload.
39. My job is structured so that I have very little time to think about wider
organizational problems.
- No, from a developers perspective I can visualize potential organizational
issues or problems, but there are solutions.
40. I feel that I am always working with time constraints on my job.
- Yes, probably because of my long travel time.
41. My co-workers and I always find time for long-term problem solving.
- Im not sure, since we have not really brainstorm about it.
Organizational Boundaries

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4
2
4

42. In the past three months, I have always followed standard operating procedures or
practices to do my major tasks.
- Yes, though still in work in progress
43. There are many written rules and procedures that exist for doing my major tasks.
- Not really, since the group was fairly new.
44. On my job I have no doubt of what is expected of me.
- Usually, but there are times that Ive assumed and/or unsured on the
requirements on a given tasks.
45. There is little uncertainty in my job.
- Yes, job description and job role are in provided
46. During the past year, my immediate supervisor discussed my work performance
with me frequently.
- Yes, since Im on the performance improvement program.
47. My job description clearly specifies the standards of performance on which my job
is evaluated.
- Yes, this was discussed with me by my team lead and manager.
48. I clearly know what level of work performance is expected from me in terms of
amount, quality, and timelines of output.
- Yes.

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