Final Stock Price Update

The final stock update for the semester is a positive one. On December 1, 2010 the company closed with a $19.52 price per share. This is an increase compared to the last posting of only $18.57 per share. Nissan is gaining ground on its competitors and look to continue their rise to the top.

Most Interesting...

   Over the past few months I have researched and blogged about Nissan. The company is a globally operating automobile manufacturer that is constantly seeking to create the most innovative vehicle in the market.
   Among all of the things that I have learned about this company, the most interesting thing that I learned was that Nissan also participates in the marine industry. This may not be the most exciting and intriguing thing you have read or learned about the company, but it is for me. I never knew that Nissan participated in the marine industry. All of my life I only knew about Nissan automobiles. My sister drives one, my parents have driven one, and my friends drive one. Being able to learn about the other modes of operation currently occupied by Nissan has definitely intrigued my thought processes.

Stock Price Update

Nissan's latest trade was recorded on November 26th, 2010. The stock price is up 1.78% and closed at 18.57 per share. The company has seen a fairly steady price for its shares over the past few weeks.

http://finance.yahoo.com/echarts?s=NSANY.PK+Interactive#chart4:symbol=nsany.pk;range=3m;indicator=volume;charttype=line;crosshair=on;ohlcvalues=0;logscale=on;source=undefined

Corporate Culture & Code of Ethics

Nissan has a distinct set of rules that define the companies code of ethics. The company has developed multiple codes of conduct which are to be abided by throughout their global operations. The number one code is "Abide by all laws and rules". This implies that no matter where the operations take place, the organization must adhere to that countries laws and rules. Another interesting code of conduct is "Value Diversity and Provide Equal Opportunity". Nissan has constantly made it apparent how much diversity is valued within the company. This only further solidifies their determination in achieving and promoting diversity within the company.

http://www.nissan-global.com/EN/DOCUMENT/PDF/SR/2010/NISSAN_GCC_E.pdf

ISO Certified

Renault Nissan India, which is an alliance group created between Nissan and Renault automotive, was recently ISO certified. The certification was done in two stages by both Indian and German Certification Body Auditors in the month of May and July. This particular plant follows the Alliance Production Way and aims to achieve "Global Top Performer" quality standards in just 3 years. The company received ISO certifications for both Quality-ISO 9001and Environment Management System-ISO 14001.

http://www.motorbeam.com/cars/renault/renault-nissan-plant-receives-iso-certification/

TQM- The way of business

Nissan operates using a Total Quality Management Program (TQM) to improve their production and further their success. The company feels as though they must do all they can to contribute to their Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR). Nissan has defined its approach to achieving CSR management by establishing the Nissan CSR  Policy and eight key areas of focus for efforts in this field. The company has even established a CSR Steering Committee, composed of 20 mid-level managers of the sections involved with those areas, as a means of organizing and tracking developments in each field.

The Nissan CSR Policy states:

We aim for the sustained profitable growth of the company, and at the same time contribute proactively to the sustainable development of mobility and society.

We will listen to, and work with, our stakeholders around the world and create trust, opportunity and long-term sustainable value.

By focusing on continuous development, the company is attempting to improve through a TQM program. "TQM is a philosophy of managing a set of business practices that emphasizes continuous improvement in all phases of operation, 100% accuracy in performing tasks, involvement and empowerment of employees at all levels, team-based work design, benchmarking, and total customer satisfaction." (Crafting and Executing Strategy, Thompson, Strickland, and Gamble, p368) This definition is the epitome of what Nissan is doing. The company is striving for continued improvement throughout the company and is involving employees at all levels. So far the use of a TQM program has been successful for the company.

We aim for the sustained profitable growth of the company, and at the same time contribute proactively to the sustainable development of mobility and society.

We will listen to, and work with, our stakeholders around the world and create trust, opportunity and long-term sustainable value.

Management Structure

Nissan appears to have a decentralized business structure. The company decisions are made at several different levels within the company. The company believes that "the power comes from the inside", thus further showing their commitment to employee development and decision making. The company encourages each employee to think about what they can do individually with the belief that their efforts to overcome challenges are the driving force for Nissan's growth. This is not to say that Nissan's shareholders, board of directors, and upper level management are going to allow the line workers to make every decision. It is however trying to imply the importance of some autonomy and decision making among all employees.

http://www.nissan-global.com/EN/DOCUMENT/PDF/SR/2010/SR10E_P071_Governance.pdf