BTW 250 Unit 3 Final Draft

Arsh, Alex, Jason

Team Job Description / Procedure Manual

Table of Contents

● Introduction

● How to utilize this manual

● Key Responsibilities

● Duties as a Member of the Uber Team

1. Collaboration and team communication

2. Upholding uber’s company culture and diverse perspectives

3. Policy adherence for effective team dynamics

4. Ensuring a safe and positive team environment

● Contact information

● Tools and Resources

Welcome to the Uber team! This manual is designed to guide you in becoming a valuable

team member of the Uber team. Building on the knowledge gained during the Onboarding

process and work procedure projects, this manual introduces new ideas about collaboration

culture and personalities to enhance your understanding of teamwork at Uber. Please review this

manual thoroughly as it will serve as a valuable reference throughout your time with the team.

How to Use This Manual

This manual is designated to provide actionable insights on how to be a successful

member of the Uber team. It categorizes responsibilities into four primary areas; collaboration

and team communication, upholding Uber's company culture and diverse perspectives, policy

adherence for effective team dynamics, and ensuring a safe and positive team environment. Use

this manual to enhance your contribution to the team, promote collaboration, and maintain a

positive work atmosphere.

Key Responsibilities

As a member of our team, your role involves contributing to the success of the team by

effectively collaborating, upholding company culture, adhering to policies, and ensuring a safe

and positive team environment. Your efforts will also extend to informing fellow team members

on expectations to create a cohesive and high-performing team.

Duties as a member of the Uber team

1. Effective Collaboration and Team Communication

email to engage positively with team members. Actively participating in team meetings is

crucial, considering it provides a platform to discuss important matters, share insights, and foster

open dialogue within the team. It is equally important to respond promptly to team

communications, including questions, requests, and discussions on important topics.

2. Upholding Uber's Company Culture and Valuing Diverse Perspectives

To foster a positive work environment, team members should embrace and uphold Uber's

cultural values, promoting inclusivity and respect for diversity. Actively contributing to team

discussions, valuing diverse perspectives, and fostering a collaborative environment are key

aspects of upholding Uber's culture. Additionally, team members should actively discourage any

form of disrespect or harassment, actively promoting a supportive team culture.

3. Policy Adherence for Effective Team Dynamics

Adhering to Uber's policies is fundamental to maintaining effective team dynamics. Team

members should thoroughly understand and comply with Uber's policies, which establish

expectations for behavior and performance. Demonstrating punctuality, professionalism, and

compliance with dress code standards is essential. Encouraging fellow team members to follow

policies and addressing any violations in a constructive manner contributes to a harmonious and

effective team environment.

4. Ensuring a Safe and Positive Team Environment

initiatives aimed at creating a secure team environment is essential. Team members should

address concerns promptly, fostering a positive atmosphere that promotes well-being.

Collaborating with team members to maintain a safe and sanitary workspace, including regular

checks on equipment and appliances, contributes to the overall safety and positivity of the team.

Contact Information

Should you have any questions or require further clarification on your role or responsibilities,

please do not hesitate to reach out to any of your team members. Open and efficient

communication is highly encouraged within our Uber team.

Jason Denz

+1 (847) 922-3123

Alexandra Limov

+1 (773) 809-1112

Arsh Shaikh

+1 (708) 769-4770

Tools and Links

Official Uber Website

Group Information

Found on Slack
 Research Proposal

Subject: Proposal for Research on Uber: SWOT Analysis with a Focus on Resources, Audience,

Problems, and Solutions

Hello Professor Shering,

We hope this email finds you well! We are from BTW 250 and are contacting you to

suggest a study that will analyze Uber's strengths and weaknesses in-depth. A comprehensive

SWOT analysis of Uber is necessary as it has single handedly revolutionized the transportation

industry, paving the way for rideshare and food delivery services nationwide. Uber has

revolutionized the way people commute, making a significant impact on the transportation

sector. However, to ensure its sustained growth and effectiveness, a detailed examination of its

internal and external factors is imperative. The proposed research aims to delve into Uber's

strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats.

In order to perform this analysis, one must first understand the resources, audience,

problems, and solutions that form the basis for our analysis. Regarding resources, the basis of our

study is derived from a wide range of credible sources, including material from Uber's official

website and independent journal papers. It is noteworthy that a large amount of Uber-related data

is publicly available, especially when it comes to legal problems like lawsuits. Uber's main

resource base is online, which fits in well with its primarily app-based business strategy. Uber

uses its creative application for almost every aspect of its business, including partner
collaborations and managerial interactions. The special relationship that Uber has with its

drivers—who are referred to as "Partners" and are independent companies from Uber—must be

emphasized. It is imperative to recognize that Uber neither employs these partners nor assumes

ownership of the vehicles they operate.

Shifting our focus to the audience aspect, the scope of our SWOT analysis extends

beyond a mere academic exercise;it is applicable to the general public as well as Uber's

invaluable partners, the drivers. Uber raises privacy and safety issues for users of its rideshare

and Uber Eats services as well as for the partners who run the cars that make these services

possible. It effectively reduces its own liability by separating itself from its partners. The unusual

name, which refers to drivers as "Partners," highlights Uber's distinct strategy and poses

important legal and labor-related issues. Uber is able to skillfully circumvent labor laws thanks to

this terminology, avoiding minimum wage requirements for these essential contributors. Uber

successfully incorporates three different parties in its business model while minimizing liability

and maximizing profits for itself.

Two main issues surrounding Uber that we primarily focused on during this unit include

driver/customer safety and employee exploitation. To begin, we believe it is crucial to provide

context as to why Uber has had to face some of these safety issues. Many experts believe that

one main reason is due to Uber’s lack of effective background checks on drivers. There have

been many instances where drivers with recent tendencies of violent behavior or other forms of

criminal backgrounds have been able to gain the position as Uber drivers leading to instances of

harassment and even assault. This has caused a multitude of legal action taken against Uber.
Regarding customer safety, there have been instances where the Uber app has allowed drivers to

be able to track customers for extended periods of time after their drive is complete. This has

caused even more legal issues that has led many customers to question the safety of using Uber.

Moving on to the other main issue that Uber has faced, employee exploitation. The main

cause of this issue is the concept that Uber classifies their drivers as “independent contractors”

rather than full time employees. This means there is a lack of benefits such as health insurance,

retirement plans, overtime pay, paid leave, and other forms of company protection provided to

the employees even though they do the same amount of work as a worker at an equivalent

company. This has caused a variety of different opinions in courts nationwide and has also led to

decrease in public inclination to work for Uber.

Even though these two issues are very large scale and complex we believe there are very

feasible solutions Uber can implement into their processes to mitigate these risks. Regarding

customer and driver safety, we believe that Uber can partner with government endorsed

background check service companies to create a safer and more reliable environment for their

customers. In addition, the use of rising technologies such as artificial intelligence into their

screening systems to increase both efficiency and effectiveness. Regarding employee

exploitation, it would be beneficial for Uber to deplete their classification of their drivers as

contractors and classify them as either full time or part time employees as any other company

would.
 In conclusion, the proposed research project will not only contribute to the academic

understanding of Uber's dynamics but will also offer practical insights that can aid the company

in making informed strategic decisions. We look forward to the opportunity to discuss this

proposal further and explore how this research can bring valuable contributions to the

understanding and enhancement of Uber's operations.

Sincerely,

The Uber Group

Intro:

Strengths:

Uber possesses several key strengths that contribute to its prominent position in the

global transportation and technology sectors. As a market leader in the ride-sharing industry,

Uber boasts an extensive global presence, offering services in numerous countries and

dominating diverse markets. The company's commitment to technological innovation is evident

in its user-friendly app, real-time tracking features, and cashless transactions, providing

customers with a seamless and efficient experience, making it a popular choice for people in

need of transportation. Below are a series of strengths that Uber presents that set them apart from

their competitors.

- Technological Innovation

Uber has been a pioneer in leveraging technology to transform the traditional taxi industry. The

introduction of its user-friendly mobile app revolutionized the way people hail rides, allowing

them to request a car with just a few taps on their phones. Real-time tracking, cashless

transactions, and seamless communication between drivers and riders show Uber's commitment

to technological innovation, creating a convenient and efficient transportation experience.

- Diverse Service Offerings

Beyond its core ride-sharing service, Uber has diversified its offerings to include UberEats, a

food delivery service. This strategic move not only expands Uber's revenue streams but also
enhances its value proposition for users. The ability to seamlessly switch between ride-sharing

and food delivery within the same app contributes to a comprehensive and integrated user

experience.

- Brand Recognition and Trust

Uber's brand has become synonymous with ride-sharing, enjoying widespread recognition and

trust. The iconic logo and straightforward branding contribute to the company's strong market

presence. The reliability of the service, coupled with consistent quality standards, has established

Uber as a trusted transportation provider globally.

- Strategic Partnerships

Strategic partnerships have played a crucial role in Uber's growth and expansion. Collaborations

with businesses in various sectors, including restaurants for UberEats and airports for

transportation services, have strengthened Uber's market position. These partnerships not only

broaden the range of services offered but also enhance the overall user experience.

- Flexible Income Opportunities

Uber's gig economy model offers drivers flexible income opportunities, allowing them to work

on their terms. The ability to set their schedules attracts a diverse pool of independent contractors

who appreciate the autonomy afforded by this model. This flexibility has been a key factor in

recruiting and retaining a large and diverse driver base.

- Data-Driven Decision-Making

Uber harnesses the power of data to inform its business decisions. The vast amount of data

collected through the app is analyzed to optimize routes, improve service efficiency, and enhance

overall user experiences. This data-driven approach enables Uber to stay responsive to user

needs and market trends.

Uber's implementation of a comprehensive rating system for both drivers and passengers fosters

accountability and transparency. Users can provide feedback on their experiences, and drivers

with consistently high ratings are recognized for their service. This system not only ensures a

level of quality control but also encourages a sense of accountability among both drivers and

riders.

- Continuous Improvement

In a rapidly evolving industry, Uber's commitment to continuous improvement is evident in its

regular updates and adaptations. The company actively seeks ways to enhance its services,

address user feedback, and stay ahead of the competition. This adaptability ensures that Uber

remains a dynamic and responsive player in the ride-sharing landscape.

- Financial Resources and Strategic Investments

Uber's robust financial resources have been instrumental in its ability to invest in research and

development, expand into new markets, and weather economic challenges. The company has

strategically invested in emerging technologies and markets, positioning itself as a

forward-thinking player in the transportation and technology sectors.

Overall, Uber's strengths collectively contribute to Uber's status as a transformative force in the

transportation industry, offering users a reliable, efficient, and technologically advanced means

of getting from point A to point B, but still rely on an improvement in some areas in order to

fully ensure driver and passenger safety, and satisfaction.

Weaknesses:
 As a large company, Uber has a few glaring weaknesses, most of which have resulted in

lawsuits and poor public opinion ranging from safety and privacy issues to its impact on the

transportation industry.

Uber’s business model relies on commissioning strangers to service other strangers. All

of this is done through an app, and provides consumers with the driver’s name, picture, car

model, and license plate. Even with all this information, a customer's safety cannot be

guaranteed. Furthermore, one of the indicators of an Uber is a blue sticker on the windshield. In

comparison, Lyft uses a large LED device that almost looks like a clock and mounts to the

dashboard. Uber’s sticker has a much higher potential to be fabricated in comparison to Lyft's

more complex identification system. Most sources claim that Uber’s screening process is

considered robust, yet crime still persists. Consumer safety is a priority for Uber, and their

screening process reflects that; however, perhaps Uber could benefit from a more robust

screening process considering the inherent safety risks associated with its business model.

In addition to the security risks, Uber also has a plethora of privacy issues. In order to

operate its service, it requires constant access to location information for both partners and

consumers. Upper management has been known to exploit that data for other uses. A few

lawsuits have been filed regarding this misuse of data. One lawsuit detailed a god mode in which

upper management of Uber accessed the location data of consumers and partners who were not

using the app. Another lawsuit detailed data analytics some managerial staff performed to group

people into different categories in order to predict their future schedules based on current Uber

ordering patterns. Legally, these actions fall into a gray zone, yet they compromise the privacy of

both consumers and partners.

history of worker exploitation. They label the drivers as Partners and independent entities from

Uber. Although this allows Uber to be less liable in the event of a crime or accident, it also

allows them to circumvent labor laws and avoid paying a minimum wage, even to full time

drivers. Most Partners of Uber make most of their money from tips or other bonuses Uber puts

out on the app. This exploitative environment is mainly made possible due to Ubers’ business

models’ structure and Uber’s independence from its drivers.

Uber’s exploitation does not stop in the workplace. Uber has been known to discriminate

between consumers and exploit them as well. Uber is known to raise prices for people with

disabilities. It settled a multi-million dollar lawsuit in the last couple of years for this.

Furthermore, Uber’s pricing is said to surge with demand. However, between 2018 and 2022,

Uber has raised its average prices at four times the rate of inflation, for a total of 83%.

Uber is a leader in the rideshare industry, yet is known to be an untrustworthy company.

It has a poor reputation with the public for a variety of reasons, and even more lawsuits. Its

issues range from security and privacy risks to worker and consumer exploitation. Although

Uber’s business model allows it to avoid partial liability, it still has a plethora of lawsuits and

issues in orbit, impacting public opinion and its trustworthiness.

Opportunities:

Following this research, we want to focus on why these opportunities matter for Uber as a

company, its employees, and its customers. Uber is classified as a global technology and

transportation giant and it is crucial that Uber maintains this position by keeping up to date with

rises in technology, environmental initiatives, and business opportunities. For companies as

expansive as Uber, it is necessary for them to leverage all aspects of their business to remain in
the competitive market that they reside in. These opportunities lay down a stable foundation for

the future, enhance customer experience , solidify customer and employee safety, diversify its

service lines, and form community engagement.

Transitioning into some of the main areas of growth that we envision Uber utilizing to

gain current market share, diversify into new markets, and gain customer trust, we decided to

separate opportunities into six main sections: community engagement, partnerships,

advancements in technology, service diversification, new initiatives in sustainability, and

employee accountability.

As a group we believe it is important for Uber to increase their value in community

engagement. Uber can increase its engagement with both small and large scale communities

through things such as partnerships with local/small businesses, programs to raise awareness

around driver recognition, safety workshops, educational programs, environmental sustainability

programs, and philanthropic partnerships. Through prioritizing local connections, Uber would be

able to foster a sense of connection with their employees and the general public. This will allow

for an increased customer recognition and a stronger relationship between their brand and

customers.

Next, through partnerships Uber can continue to both gain current market share and

diversify into new markets. Along with expansion of their share of markets, Uber can continue to

gain capital and customer awareness through developing and maintaining partnerships with other

companies. These companies include leaders in the fast food and public transportation industries.

Some other possibilities that we envision Uber being able to partner with include leaders in the

travel industry such as major airlines and hospitality organizers such as resorts and hotels.

Through these partnerships both companies will benefit through a more simplified customer
experience. In addition, partnerships with innovative technology solution companies will solidify

Uber’s role as a progressive company.

Moving on to advancements in technology, with the recent rise of implementation of

artificial intelligence into all aspects of business, life, and more, it is crucial that Uber continues

to be up to date with all technological advances. Some ways that we envision Uber integrating

these technologies include using artificial intelligence to better signal customers their wait times

on rise share and delivery services. The use of this technology will form an easier and more

reliable user experience. This will allow Uber to keep a grasp on their current share of the market

and prevent customers from transitioning to other platforms. In addition, recent technological

advancements in the automotive industry such as autonomous vehicles are definitely a method

that Uber can continue to gain awareness and popularity within customers.

One other main area of growth that we imagine providing a plethora of opportunities for

Uber is service diversification. Uber has already begun to diversify their services into industries

such as the food delivery market with their recently developed “UberEats” service. Uber can

mitigate the risk of economic collapse by diversifying their share across a variety of markets.

Previous events such as the Covid-19 pandemic took a hard hit on the rideshare industry which

almost took out companies such as Uber, Lyft, and other tradition taxi companies However,

Uber’s diversification into the food delivery industry which thrived in the Covid-19 pandemic

allowed their success to remain. This typeof action market diversification will continue to allow

Uber to be successful even in unprecedented circumstances. Some possible market expansion

opportunities for Uber include grocery delivery services, mobile app development, and more.

In addition, Uber has the opportunity to partake in new initiatives in sustainability.

Sustainability is becoming a very prevalent topic in all aspects of business especially within the
automotive industry. Uber can capitalize on these initiatives by creating net zero goals. This can

be done through utilization and promotion of eco-friendly automotives such as electric vehicles.

This will spread brand awareness as well as increase popularity among environmentally

conscious consumers.

Finally, Uber can increase their value in employee accountability. Customers are recently

no longer satisfied with the disorganization of traditional ride sharing services such as typical

taxi cabs. Uber can capitalize on this market trend by better monitoring the service of their

drivers.
 Teamwork Evaluation

Subject: Group Three Unit Three Teamwork Evaluation Letter

Dear Professor,

We hope this email finds you well. We are writing to evaluate the teamwork in Group 3 for the

Unit 3 Collaborate Analysis including a Team Job Description / Procedure Manual, SWOT Analysis, and

a Research proposal for BTW 250. Our team decided to analyze the ins and outs of the company Uber for

our report. Some of the main areas that we focused on include Uber’s business model, company issues

such as employee safety and employee exploitation, and the opportunities that Uber can continue to grow

as a company. Even though Uber currently holds the title as global technological and transportation

service giant, we believe there are many feasible solutions that the company is able to implement to

improve the company itself, the employee experience, and the user experience. We were able to do this

through efficient communication, research, and task delegation skills.

Our team worked extremely well together. The communication was fluid and consistent between

all group members. One of our team members, unfortunately, did not take part in this project, so we

removed the Threats portion of the SWOT analysis. This affected the total word count of the project.

Nonetheless, we were able to effectively split up the portions of this project, thus minimizing the work

load on any single team member. Even though we faced this challenge, we as a group did not let us hold

us back. We continued to conduct extensive research on Uber as a company which allowed us to be

successful.

Alex handled the Team Job Description/Procedure Manual. In it, she highlighted what steps we

should take to be a good team member for this project. This step set the foundation for the rest of the

project and allowed us to work on our individual writing assignments without affecting each other's

writing. Moreover, it set clear expectations for each team member so there was little confusion in regards

to the assignment.
 The Research Proposal was completed by both Arsh and Jason. They outlined why our team

chose Uber for this assignment and provided context necessary to understand its business model. This

proposal was provided the necessary foundation to understand the actual SWOT analysis.

The SWOT analysis was completed in conjunction with all three team members. Alex analyzed

strengths, Arsh weaknesses, and Jason opportunities. An even work split ensured all team members were

participating and experts within each of their respective categories.

Overall, group three analyzed Uber, the rideshare company. We incorporated divide and conquer

strategy in this project, with each team member responsible for an equivalent amount of work. Everyone

participated in the actual SWOT analysis, the core of the project. We all worked well together and no

conflicts arose.

Best regards,

Group Three (Uber)