Mars Corp

Mars Corporate Overview

Mars Incorporated started out in 1911 with the founder Frank Mars and his wife Ethel who created the Milky Way bar (known as the Mars bar in Europe) and turned this incredibly successful product into what is now an $18 billion business. The company also had later amazing successes with creations such as the Snickers bar and M&M's. The company was so successful that it expanded into other areas of food service. The modern company model includes four distinct divisions: snack food, food, pet care, and drinks vending (Mars, 2007). The products made by these divisions include many household names such as Uncle Bens, Sheba and Whiskas cat food, Twix bars, and the Klix and Flavia drink vending systems.

Mars is fairly unique because even though the company is huge and operates in over 65 countries, Mars is still a privately owned business. Mars does not have a massive central headquarters; instead Mars has an individual headquarters in each service area with each region reporting to a regional manager (Mars, 2007). This organizational design is true to the company's commitment to independence and private ownership.

Current Technology Assessment

Mars is a company that has stayed ahead of the technological curve by making use of effective technology. ERoom, SAP R/3, and WebEx are a few of the new technologies that Mars has implemented for good use throughout the company. These technologies help Mars to support their general business functions. ERoom technology helps to support the planning function of management. ERoom technology is a real-time web-based application that allows Mars to manage projects and share information with employees globally. Human resources are supported by the SAP R/3 system that helps to maintain employee information safely. Webex information technology management helps to support the communication chain for the Mars Corporation across the globe.

Technology Impacts the Four Basic Functions of Management

Technology impacts the four basic functions of management, including planning, organizing, directing/leading, and controlling. Mars uses eRoom technology to assist with the planning function of management. ERoom technology is a real-time web-based application that allows Mars to manage projects and share information with employees globally. To meet the organizing function of management, Mars uses the human resources module of SAP R/3 to maintain employee information. SAP R/3 is an enterprise resource planning system that allows Mars to capture reporting hierarchy, salary, and benefit information. The SAP R/3 system maintains confidential employee information critical to the company. Data can be retrieved from the system and detailed reports can be generated providing management with vital information. SAP R/3 brought new challenges to Mars such as the uncertainty of new technology, workforce training issues, and technology support. Effective communication, comprehensive training, and strong technology support were vital to the success of the system. Without these elements in place, employees would not embrace this new technology and the system would fail.

Mars uses WebEx technology to assist with the directing/leading function of management. Information technology management holds virtual team meetings weekly using WebEx and teleconference technology. WebEx technology allows the company to view computer applications, spreadsheets, documents, and PowerPoint presentations to meeting attendees in a virtual environment. WebEx is an effective communication tool for employees because it allows employees to hear and see presentations without costly travel expenses. Mars also uses video conferencing to hold annual All Hands Meetings for information technology staff. Video conferencing is an effective tool Mars uses regularly to assist with directing/leading employees.

Mars uses online technology to assist with the controlling function of management. The online personal objectives tool used at Mars allows management to align the needs of the business to the activities of the employee. Employees electronically submit their personal objectives for the year and receive feedback from their management online. Technology drives training, and to use the online personal objectives tool effectively, employees are encouraged to take an online tutorial. Online tutorials are an effective alternative to classroom training. Online tutorials can be completed at the employees' convenience eliminating the need for a scheduled class with a qualified course instructor.

New departments or positions are often needed to support emerging business functions. To help meet these needs, Mars has a communications specialist at each site to introduce these new systems. The communications specialist uses e-mail technology and flat screen television monitors strategically placed throughout the site to communicate new and emerging technology. The communications specialist works closely with management as well as the business to identify communication needs. It would be very difficult for employees at Mars to meet and embrace technology without effective communication tools in place.

Challenges of Managing Existing Technology

Mars is presented with many challenges when it comes to managing existing technology. Management must have knowledge of the existing systems in place and understand how these systems are used to support the business so they can adequately support the system. These systems require experienced personnel with very specialized qualifications, and management must provide the necessary funding and staff to support these systems. Experienced technology personnel are difficult to recruit because they are limited in number and demand top pay. However, specialized technology personnel are a required element in today's technological-driven workplace. Mars uses technical consulting services to acquire technical personnel. Technical consulting services are beneficial to the company because technical consulting services provide the company with experienced personnel without adding additional headcount to the organization.

Methods of Addressing Emerging Technology

Because technology changes frequently occur, management must find methods to address new technology. Management must continually evaluate existing technology and be prepared to replace or upgrade their systems as new technology emerges. Technology and business needs change very rapidly in the workplace today, and management must be able to respond quickly to these changes. Mars must be able to keep up with the challenges of implementing new systems, meet on-going training in new technology, and recruit highly technology personnel;