Discussion
One of the sustainability efforts by Microsoft is using information technology to improve energy efficiency. Microsoft is empowering people and organizations on how to use software to assist in increasing energy efficiency and hasten innovation and the use of clean energy resources. Microsoft is especially focused in upgrading energy efficiency of information technology. This is through working in collaboration with customers and other players in ensuring that there is increased energy efficiency across all sectors of the economy. Additionally, Microsoft is developing new products and services that will aid in solving environmental problems. The company is focusing on developing new guidelines for their product development. Microsoft has also embarked in developing software that is geared towards saving energy. This has increased Microsoft’s environmental solutions. One of the reasons that Microsoft has increased their concern in improving energy efficiency is because of the rise of cloud computing. Cloud computing in various data centers has increased levels of energy consumption. Microsoft is aiming to work in partnership with other third-party organizations to find solutions that will reduce environmental impacts associated with cloud computing.
Some Microsoft’s energy efficient efforts include their current Windows 7 operating system. This operating system is designed to utilize less energy when active or in an idle state. In addition, they have developed new and advanced power management tools that can be used to reduce energy consumption in Windows Server 2008 R2 and Windows 7. Microsoft has also embarked on opening new data centers that reduce Power Use Effectiveness. The aim is to achieve an average Power Use Effectiveness of about 1.125. They have also developed a power savings calculator that is freely available to its customers. Customers using this calculator can be able to know various potential energy saving computer technologies. Microsoft has also assisted the EU Code of Conduct for Data Centers in implementing energy efficiency best practices within the various data centers.
Microsoft sustainability efforts are also evident through their guiding environmental principles. These principles include reduction of waste and waste disposal, improvement of environmental performance, reusing, recycling and conservation. Microsoft also seeks to reduce carbon emissions. This is demonstrated by Microsoft efforts in measuring its global carbon footprint. Microsoft has currently identified four sections in their businesses where they can reduce the carbon emissions. These include travel, buildings, data centers and computer labs. Progresses achieved in these areas include reduction of energy consumption in data centers by 50 percent. Additionally, Microsoft has reduced corporate travel by 20 percent. In 2009, carbon emissions from corporate travel were reduced by 35 percent. Energy reductions from buildings have been supported by the green campus in Shanghai that has resulted to saving electricity amounting to 47 million kilowatts. Furthermore, the Microsoft buildings are designed using silver that consumes 20 percent less energy.
Definition of quality from the perspective of a student in JU’s MBA program
On the other hand, a faculty member’s definition of quality in an MBA program involves an atmosphere where students are actively involved in classes and contribute great ideas that can be applied in addressing problems in the business world.
Outsourcing a Function in an Organization. Advantages and Disadvantages
One function of an organization that is currently being outsourced is the sales force. One of the reasons a company outsources is that the company can be able to increase its company’s value. This is through the freeing up of scarce resources and utilizing the resources in more challenging situations. One of the main advantages of outsourcing in sales force is that it helps in cost reduction. This is because they are able to develop efficient ways of cutting costs. Additionally, the use of outsourcing in sales provides a greater level of competence, which helps in developing new ways of executing certain activities thereby achieving better performances. One of the main disadvantages in sales outsourcing is the issue of trust. Putting a company under someone else’s care is quite tricky since lack of performance from the team means that the company will incur losses.
Microsoft Citizen Report (2010). Retrieved from
http://download.microsoft.com/download/4/D/B/4DB34782-BEAE-4A56-93F6-36DC8D251054/Microsoft_2010_Citizenship_Report.pdf
