Changes in Microsoft´s Operation and Management

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Microsoft, a company founded by Bill Gates has, in the last couple of years seen a number of changes in its mode of operation. Traditionally Microsoft has been in the business of producing computer-based products exclusively (Byrnes, 2010). In the light of changing technology, globalisation and changing consumer tastes and preferences change has become in the tech-giant company. In the fast-paced world of technology, consumers are actively switching to the new touchscreen laptops and tablets, which are the replacement to conventional computers. These contemporary computers require operating systems and software that are entirely different from what was in use formerly. As means of keeping up this trend, and in order to address these new customer preferences, Microsoft has embarked on developing mobile based applications, which is a change from the traditional focus on personal computers. Just as the case is with other organisational changes, the change at Microsoft has had profound effects on the organisational management, employees, and customers. This paper focuses on assessing the impact of this change at Microsoft, and gives an analysis of how the change could have been handled more effectively and efficiently.
Defining Microsoft’s change, is the release of the first windows for mobile; windows 8 in 2012. Following this release was the windows 8 mobile, which was to be used with the new operating system for mobile phones (History, 2013). The success of windows 8 lies on its Tile designed screen, which makes it suitable for smartphone and tablet PC users. The success of this change leaves a great tale behind.
Impacts of the change
1. To management
First, the change took place in complete secrecy, taking both PC and mobile users...

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...n addition, communicating the change before implementing it provides room for brainstorming with the various stakeholders in order to find the best ways to implement the change. To the employees, prior knowledge of the change would keep them prepared about the eminent restructuring, which would make the change transitioning process take lesser time. Furthermore, being aware of the change would make employees learn and acquire the needed new skills earlier, which would possibly help them develop better apps for the company. To the customers, informed change would help [them make early decisions for embracing the new technology. In doing so, the speed taken in adapting to the change would take relatively lesser time. Arguably, if Microsoft’s management had embraced this strategy, they would develop a mobile operating system that would compete favourably in the market.

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