Assignment one Organisations and environment Essay

Discuss how an organisation’s competitive advantage can be enhanced with the introduction of new technology. In this day and age with almost all markets being highly competitive it is at top of businesses agendas to ensure they have a firm competitive advantage. 1 .The term competitive advantage is the ability gained through attributes and resources to perform at a higher level than others in the same industry or market. If a business can ensure that they have a competitive advantage it enables them to be one step ahead of their competition, this is curtail for a business’s success especial given the economic climate as it stands. One of the main examples of competitive advantage is pricing/cost. We see these most frequently in supermarkets, as most firms compete for the lowest prices this is because their consumers all want to find the best price for the product they want to buy. We also see this in other markets as consumers always look for a better offer therefore th e firm with the lowest prices generally has the higher demand. Another example is quality. When consumers look for witch product or serves to purchase quality is key element witch influence their diction. We see this on the high street time and time again as consumers consistently go to big brand names such as apple because they know that quality will be ensured in their purchase. As a result of this apple or able to boost prices and in turn create a higher profit margin for products. From these simple examples we can see how important competitive advantage is because of the additional finical gain it can bring to a business. These examples are basic as a competitive advantage can come in many forms as long as it befits a business and their competitors do not have it. A competitive advantage can prove extremely important to a business, for this reason it is just as important to maintain the advantage and enhance it if possible. One way to do this is by the introduction of new technology. If a firm is willing to invest in new technology it can be seen as a competitive advan tage in itself. This is because the technology is brand new and competitors do not have it yet. This gives the firm a unique advantage and will in turn attract customers. The introduction of new technology can also be used to enhance a firm’s competitive advantage. If we take the manufacturing industry as an example the firm’s competitive advantage may be there product and the way that it functions and the price that it is made for. If the firm then  introduces some new technology to its production line (machinery) their competitive advantage may be enhanced as the quality of the product is now better due to the new technology. This will make customer chose that firm over its competitors. The introduction of the new machinery may mean that less staff is now needed in that area of the production line. This in turn will enhance the firm’s competitive advantage as unit costs for the product will become lower due to the reduction of staff. This means that firm can charge less than their competitor’s causing a higher demand for their product. Another example of how firm can use new technology to enhance their competitive advan tage is in the researching of consumer information. A firm can only be successful in the long run and have a competitive advantage if it knows their consumers’ needs and wants. From this information the firm can devolve a product portfolio and brand that matches the consumer’s needs and wants, in turn giving them a massive competitive advantage. An example of this could be Tesco. Tesco are using new technology in order to help them understand their consumers more and in turn enhance their competitive advantage. They have done this by introducing their club card scheme. This is a reward scheme for customers as an incentive to make them more loyal to their supermarket; however this also offers Tesco’s the opportunity to see exactly what their customers are buying how often and at what times. This is very useful as it enables them to develop sales strategies and obtain the correct products to complement their consumers’ needs and wants. This will then improve customer loyalty and in the long run make more money. This is another example of how a firm can you new technology (in this case a database and swipe card) in order to enhance the firm overall success and competitor advantage. 2. To gain competitive advantage a business strategy of a firm manipulates the various resources over which it has direct control and these resources have the ability to generate competitive advantage. This quote reinforces the idea that firms are able. This quote again highlights the fact that in order for a firm to enhance their competitive advantage they need to look at the resources in their direct control and look at how to manipulate or enhance them in order to give them a better competitive advantage. One of the most popular and most successful ways of doing this is by the introduction of new technology to a business. A common example of this found in the retail industry is stock control. A resource under the  direct control of all retailers in on the high street is their own inventory/stock. Over the last ten year there has been a massive change in the way businesses handle the problem of stock control. Instead of the now old fashioned way of stock ordits and counts, most retailer now have a database system which shows all their stock including how much they have on the shop floor as well as in back-up storage. They also know when they have sold any given product and can be told by a computer alert that stock needs to be replenished on the shop floor, or that stock should be order as they have ran out. This system combined with the JIT (just in time strategy of stock control) has lead retailer to be more efficient saving money and time and overall improving their competitive advantage. Other ways that businesses can use new technology to enhance their competitive advantage is via their websites. Many firms underestimate the value of using their websites to gain significant competitive advantage in their given markets. With firm simply using their websites as a means to explain what their business is and show off their product portfolio. However if businesses invest in new web design technology they may be able to enhance your distribution networks. This may include using the web portal to enhance logistics, create new marketing channels (for example affiliate channels) or provide better or faster product access for customers. It is imperative that businesses use new technology in order to change and grow as a business as well as improving its competitive advantage. If this does not happen the business may be felt behind as the market progress and grows with new technology along with their customers. A great example of this could be Woolworth with left the high stre et in 2009 leaving 27,000 people unemployed. Woolworth downfall lied in its inability to change and grow with consumer demands. 3. Professor Alan Wilson, from the city’s Strathclyde Business School, said one reason Woolworths did not survive was because it didn’t offer the quality of some other stores. â€Å"And it couldn’t offer the prices that the discount stores such as Primark, Lidl and others could actually offer,† This ultimately shows the impact of what can happened to businesses that do not change or put enthuses into new technology in order to enhance their competitor advantage. Although I have mentioned many examples of how new technology can be used to enhance a firm’s competitive advantage there is some disadvantages when it comes to the introduction of  new technology. Firstly any firm that is considering the introduction of new technology will first have think about the initial investment. New technology is never cheap and can be quite expensive and time consuming to install. T herefore businesses most think carefully about if the investment is worth it and will it pay for itself in the long run. Also the introduction of new technology can bring de-motivation into the workforce. For example in the case that I mention early about manufacturing firms where staff could be laid off because of the introduction of new technology, this would a prime example of staff being de-motivated as they are worried about their job and think they could be the next one to go. However even though there are some small drawbacks new technology is still a very important factor when it comes to the enhancement of a firm’s competitive advantage and should be looked into carefully by all firms that want to be successful and grow. References; 1. Christensen and Fahey 1984, Kay 1994, Porter 1980 cited by Chacarbaghi and Lynch 1999, p. 45 2. Reed and Fillippi 1990 cited by Rijamampianina 2003, p. 362 3. Professor Alan Wilson thoughts on Woolworths- http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/business/7811187.stm

Mhr Individual Case Study

1. You are the consultant. Clark has asked you to submit a proposal for a PS plan for Maple Leaf Shoes. You wonder about the appropriateness of such an incentive system for Maple Leaf Shoes, but you promised to look into it. What will you tell Robert Clark? A profit sharing plan is a plan that gives employees a share in the profits of the company. Each employee receives a percentage of those profits based on the company's earnings.The textbook defines profit sharing plan as â€Å"A system whereby an employer pays compensation or benefits to employees, usually on an annual basis, in addition to their regular wage, on the basis of the profits of the company† (Page 352). This plan can either be a really great plan or a terrible plan because it ultimately depends on the profits earned by the company in a given time period.Let’s say for a certain month the company is doing really great in profits and business is good than the employees will be really happy and earn a lot mor e than they’ve earned in the past, But if the company fails to generate a lot of profit the next year than wages for the employees will decrease and be more lower than it was before which will make employees upset and earn less money. The idea of imposing a PS plan is so that employees are motivated to work hard so that they can make money as possible and the company can be profitable.It’s a drive to get employees to help the business become successful so ultimately it’s a win-win situation between the employees and company. I would tell Robert Clark to continue with his plans on proposing this idea of making a PS plan. This PS plan will be great for this Maple Shoes Company because it will motivate employees to work hard and become more productive in their work field so that Maple Shoes can make as much money as possible and results to a good company image. 2.Do you see a possibility of convincing Maple Leaf Shoes' unions to buy in on a PS plan? I believe the u nion members will not buy into the PS incentive plan because it ultimately depends on how much the company makes over a certain period of time. There is always a possibility that there will be no profits or low profits during a period of time. The amount of profit Maple Leaf Shoe is making is highly unstable but one moment you might be getting a lot of money and another moment you will be getting paid under what you used to get paid.This plan has a lot of ups and downs but it’s really like gambling because you can win a lot of money and lose a lot also. I can see how this plan might be able to increase production of employees because it will motivate employees to work harder to help the company earn more profits. But sometimes the employees will do everything their supposed to do and maybe the company doesn’t make profits because of other reasons like competitions or other factors that employees can’t control.Also Maple Leaf Shoe production costs are steadily in creasing which means they need to make a lot more money to cover their high costs. There is a low possibility that Union will accept this PS plan because there is too much gamble and risk. 3. What other incentive plans are suitable for Maple Leaf Shoes? The three incentive plans that will be more beneficial to the Maple Leaf Shoes company is production incentive plans, employee stocks ownership plans (ESOPs), and Scanlon plan.Production incentive plans are plans that â€Å"allow groups of workers of workers to receive bonuses for exceeding predetermined levels of output† (Page 351). This will motivate employees to work harder and be more productive than they were before. Employees would want to work more than there supposed to so that they earn more money and the company benefits because it will have a lot of employees that will do a lot more for them that will ultimately generate more profits.Employee stocks ownership plans (ESOPs) is a plan that gives employees ownership of the company and gives them voting rights within the company. This is advantageous because it allows employees to feel that they are part of the company instead of being related to as an asset to the company. Employees would want to work for a company that they represent and have ownership in because they will treat the company as their own and do whatever it takes to get the company more profits. The two plans previous are all determined on factors that employees can’t control with is the profit the company makes.Scanlon plans as stated in the textbook is â€Å"An incentive plan developed by Joseph Scanlon that has as its general objective the reduction of labour costs through increased efficiency and the sharing of resultant savings among workers† (Page 352). This plan is great for employees because it rewards them based on the labour costs, a factor they can control. Works Cited List Schwind, H. F. , Das, H. , & Wagar, T. H. (2010). Canadian human resource managemen t: a strategic approach (9th ed. ). Whitby, Ont. : McGraw-Hill Ryerson.

Twelve Days in France and Italy Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words

Twelve Days in France and Italy - Essay Example I learned that the French were quite different in temperament to the Italians and that I preferred the latter's approach to life. But I realized how open I am to the cultures of others, and how much I enjoy learning about them. Our first stop was the French capital, Paris. We arrived there late on a cold, rainy night and I remember how amazed I was, staring out of the window at the colorful Paris avenue, the famous Champs Elysee. As the bus moved through the city, I was impressed with the bustling yet organized activity, and the marvelous architectural structures, like the Arc de Triomphe, the famous museum of the Louvre, and eventually, I saw the Eiffel Tower. Everywhere, lights twinkled through the rain, as if all the city was alive with gentle movement. We had dinner that night in the Eiffel Tower's restaurant and I ate a typical French chocolate crepes. This was my first experience of French cuisine, so I had to take the opportunity and taste it. After dinner, I remember gazing with awe at the incredible lights of the perfectly laid out city of Paris. At last, I was capable of understanding why people refer to Paris as the "city of lights." On our way back to the hotel, I admired the reflection of the E iffel Tower's lights in the River Siene, and this has been an enduring memory of the beauty of the place, for me.The next morning we went to the famous Louvre Museum. It was incredible to see the variety of art that it contained; from ancient Christian sculptures, to the modern, contemporary paintings of Picasso. The museum provided countless artistic perspectives, showing life as seen from and within different cultures. ... Of course, I remember the Mona Lisa, it would have been impossible not to visit the Museum and not take time to gaze on her face.After having lunch at the Louvre, I decided to take a cup of coffee in a nearby restaurant. While in the coffee shop, I was impressed by the French people's elegance and courtesy. However, it seemed strange that it was so silent there. There were no televisions or radios blaring out noise, and people sat alone, having their coffee. Everybody in the coffee shop was silent, reading newspapers - some were even writing poetry. It was certainly very different from my Puerto Rican culture. The people in my country usually have their coffee in groups, listening to the radio or the television news. My impressions of the city were first, how beautiful and well-designed it was, and next, how calm and orderly the place, people and activity there appeared. After spending another five days in Paris, during which my first impressions were confirmed, we headed to our next destination, Italy. Rome was very different from Paris. On our way to the hotel, I could see, far away in the distance, the astonishing structure of the Roman Coliseum. The city was certainly a lot older than Paris. But I was delighted by the way in which the modern and ancient combined, with a lively, more vibrant 'buzz', going on, more chaotic than Paris, but people seemed happy. I was wondering how, in ancient times, the Romans could have constructed such amazing buildings, still standing and intact, after thousands of years. It was magnificent to be able to view all this history and grandeur. We arrived later in the afternoon, exhausted from the long journey. The group

Management Assignment Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2000 words - 1

Management - Assignment Example Indirect export is one of the five market entry strategies that can be implied by businesses while implementing global strategies. In the indirect export strategy, there is a minimum amount of risk involved. On the other hand, the level of control of the market is also the least in this strategy. The market control is less due to the reason that products are being transferred abroad by other intermediaries (Levesque, 2004). In this strategy, the organisation does not get involved in any type of marketing. No type of marketing or any other activity is conducted in the strategy of indirect exporting. The sales in such a strategy are conducted as sales in a domestic market. Indirect exporting has the ability to invest in new markets and to do this they do not require any expertise or high amounts of investments. The strategy of indirect exporting is a common strategy initiated by organisations as a market entry strategy. If organisations become successful with the results of this strategy then they plan towards further agreements with the organisations of the host country (Terpstra and Sarathy, 2001). Indirect exporting is conducted via sales organisations that are domestically located. Domestic sales organisation is considered to be an easy method of managing sales in foreign markets. In this strategy, products can be bought and sold in the domestic market and it can be resold in the foreign market. The firm that is exporting the products needs to be in touch with the marketing activities of the foreign market so that they are able to increase the sales of their products at a constant note (Raff, Ryan, and Stahler, 2009). International trading companies is another form of indirect exporting. This type of indirect exporting is conducted by initiating local offices across the globe. Examples of international trading companies can be Mitsubishi Company of Japan. The international trading

Reflection on teaching Research Paper Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1250 words

Reflection on teaching - Research Paper Example Transformation learning theory remains a useful tool in designing adult education. Transformative learning theorists such as Edward Taylor, Patricia Cranton, Robert Body, and Robert Kegan have contributed greatly to the field of education. Their works identified factors that characterize transformative learning. They pointed the challenges face by educators in transformational learning environments. Their contribution to the transformational theory enhanced adult education. This reflective essay focuses on the contribution of the above theorists in enhancing adult education. Understanding the meaning of transformative learning is crucial since it enables us to understand how different adult teaching approaches work. I realized that the term transformational is used in different concepts to refer to idealized adult learning based on the nature of human communication. Jack Mezirow, who developed the theory of transformative learning in 1978 appreciated the importance of reflection in l earning. As we grow, we experience different situations, which change our perspectives (Taylor & Cranton, 2012). I had never realized the effects the different experiences have on our views. However, the transformational learning theory empowered me to understand that the different experiences accumulate and are the raw materials for transformation learning which occurs during adulthood. ... Based on the difference, the learner is able to make appropriate decision or changes. In my understanding, transformative learning encompasses trying to solve an existing problem using a new approach. It enables learners to expand their conscientiousness. During transformative learning, the learners become aware of the different selves within their psyche. Additionally, the learners become aware of their expectations and assumptions as well as those of other and interpret them to assess their relevance. .By assessing other people’s perspectives, the student learns to accept other people views. Studies on transformative learning have been used in altering learning environments to enhance adult education. Adult learners can be taught using different methods. Edward Taylor, a renowned contributor of transformative leaning, argued that the learning environment determined the level of openness demonstrated by learners. I agree with this since I also learn differently in different e nvironment. Taylor argued that ideal leaning conditions should encourage students’ autonomy and participation. Additionally, Taylor described effective instruction methods as those that promote learner centered teaching approach (Taylor & Cranton, 2012). Recent approaches on transformative learning emphasize on learning through intuitive and unconscious processes. Patricia Cranton is one theorist who has studied the role of intuitive and unconscious process in decision-making. Cranton’s views on informative learning helped me appreciate the role of reflection in learning. It is sitting back to contemplate on ones views, compare them with those of others and

The way of Jesus and my every day life related to it Essay

The way of Jesus and my every day life related to it - Essay Example Without this as a continual guide for the way in which the Christian should proceed, there is little if any purpose to calling oneself a Christian. As a function of understanding this ideal to a more complete degree, the following analysis will discuss the personal ramifications of the daily walk with Christ and the meaning of everyday life within such an understanding. Further, the works of St. Augustine and Mother Teresa will be utilized as well. It is the hope of this student that such a level of discussion will not only provide a historical level of appreciation with respect to the importance of the meaning of Christ’s life and testament to the Christian, it will also underscore the very real and prescient need that all mankind has for this experience. Firstly, St. Augustine of Hippo illustrated the importance of a daily and continual walk with Christ as he pointed out his failures as a young man. Rather than merely being an experience that he could learn from, these failures were indicated to be contingent upon the fact that he did not have the example of Christ to guide him as he made the important day to day decisions that all young people must make. Although it is true that St. Augustine of Hippo lived over 1500 years prior to the current era, the understanding that he represented with respect to the continual need for Christ within the live of the Christian is no less relevant today (Gramigna, 2013). By means of keeping a consideration of Christ, his earthly ministry, and the counsels that he provided before the Christian at each and every juncture, the correct and faithful decision can invariably be chosen. Similarly, Mother Teresa also provided the faithful with an understanding of what a continual walk with Christ meant to the believer. For instance, although it would have been possible for an indivual such as Mother Teresa to perform good deeds without an acknowledgement of Christ, the perfection that she strove for was never a

Environmental Article Critique Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words

Environmental Critique - Article Example This indicates the insufficiency of empirical studies to identify effects of environmental tools on environmental performance. Empirical data for this research was obtained from cross-country data on various environmental tools such as taxation and government involvement as well as the environmental performance of such countries. Statement of Research Procedure Motivated by the need to engage in empirical study to obtain the link between environmental tools and performance, Im and Wonhyuk (2011) decided to obtain cross-country data in order to evaluate their research objectives, which was to evaluate the link between environmental tools and environmental performance through empirical data. Most of the empirical data in this study was obtained from the World’s major economies. The data included mainly the involvement of the various governments through research and development or environmental governance impact of such government. After obtaining such data, Im and Wonhyuk (2011) decided to measure the performance of environmental governance whilst defining the environmental performance through literature review. ... In addition, econometric model was used to identify the correlation between dependent variable (environmental performance) and the independent variables (R&D and taxation). The econometric model included regression analysis, variance analysis; least squares procedures, and QUE estimates to provide the necessary covariance matrix for identification of error. Results of the regression analysis were presented using tables after which a discussions based on such results were conducted. The discussions were linked to various levels of success of applicable environmental policy tools within the global spectrum. Flaws in Procedural Design Despite having a beautiful research procedure in a bid to attaining their objectives, Im and Wonhyuk (2011) research was flawed within the procedural design. Firstly, the researchers did not mention it anyway other than the introduction on the research design. In other words, Im and Wonhyuk (2011) research did not provide for research methodology. Every re search conducted should explicitly provide research methodology, which will guide not only the researchers but also the users of the document into how the study was conducted. Another flaw was on the data analysis. Im and Wonhyuk (2011) just given the analyzed data after stating the statistical tools they had used. It would have been better if such econometric models were included within the research other than just mentioning them. Lastly, despite obtaining empirical data from the selected major countries, which they did not explicitly indicate, there was need to identify the sample size and sampling method of the major countries they though would effectively represent the entire globe. Analysis of Data Analysis of

Snapchat Speech or Presentation Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words

Snapchat - Speech or Presentation Example Technology defines the collection and adoption of knowledge tools, equipment, and machines to address various issues in the modern world. The recent technological developments rely on the technological experiences of the past since technological development is a continuous process that depends on industrial growth. The internet, mobile phones, printing press, networking, and improved software define the recent technological developments (Eastern Mennonite University, n.y). The world is using the scientific and technical knowhow derived by technological developments to address the goals and needs of the users. It may also relate to the use of a new concept, design, or technological tool for specific cases. Indeed, the recent technological developments apply in the design, modification, machinery, techniques, and technological tools, and improvement of an organization (Eastern Mennonite University, n.y). Various reasons enhance the growth use for technological development. Indeed, the recent industrial development has fostered technological development by offering the required tools and knowledge (Healy, 2014). The need for social networking that defines a simpler, quick, and convenient mode of communication has led to internet growth. Another factor that motivates the growth use for technological development is the increased popularity of E-commerce, E-learning, and E-marketing. Indeed, the continued dependency on computers to perform various tasks enhanced the growth use for technological development. The government is equally investing a lot of resources in technological research, which is enhancing innovations, and improvements in technology. Moreover, the continued need to establish global communication and networking systems to develop easier and effective communication and interactions enhanced the growth use for technological development. The challenges faced in different fi elds like medicine, manufacturing, and science led to the growth

Physics paper Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words - 1

Physics paper - Essay Example Another area of research will be determining the different between resistance and current. The distinct properties of resistance and current will be considered in order to identify various types of resistance in conductors of electricity. Resistivity and conductivity are also studied in this research; the factors which influence the conductivity for instances temperatures are also studied.in addition to exploring various types of applications which has high resistance and current consumption the knowledge of electric generation will be featured (S. Knight). For further understanding of resistance and current, an experiment is performed in the laboratory in order to analyze the effects of resistance and current in electricity transmission. The following apparatus and materials required while carrying out the experiment (S. Knight). In the above set up, while the electrons are passing through thin metal filament of the lamp, the electrons face more opposition because the filament is thinner when compared to the wire used in the experiment. The opposition to electric current depends on the type of material, cross-sectional area and its temperatures (Jeong). Basically it can be said the conductors have low resistance while insulators have low resistance. The resistance reduces amount of current through the circuit and the bulb will glow depending on the amount of electrons passing through the wire. When electrons are moving against the same direction it causes friction, this is manifested in form of heat.at the same time the readings of ammeter changes. The concentration of heat in filament will force the bulb to glow. In the cases of short circuit, the bulb will stop glowing because there is no complete flow of electrons. There will be any resistance because the circuit is incomplete. When we use batteries in the above set up, the battery will run short of the charge because the

HarperCollins Publishers Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1500 words

HarperCollins Publishers - Essay Example Personal research on the development milestones of HarperCollins publishers revealed that the company is an auxiliary of News Corporation. The company has experienced different acquisitions and mergers with the latest acquisition of Thomas Nelson, a Christian book publisher in 2011 (Mu?Hlbacher, Dahringer & Leihs, 2006, p. 67). The company publishes a wide range of imprints that are either new or from earlier independent publishing companies. The most recent influential marketing strategy is the web approach whereby book sales and reach is achieved through the online market (Blythe & Zimmerman, 2005 p. 43). This strategy is advantageous whereby the consumers could access selected extracts from a book before purchasing. On the other hand, the downfall of the same is as a result of concern from other publishers who believe that the availability of books online could be exploited through file sharing. HarperCollins publishers have managed to maintain their competitive advantage by devel oping imprints that are unique from other publishing companies such as MacMillan and Random house. ... The operating profits shown to have increased by over 100% indicated that the restructuring strategies in the past two decades were successful. Presently, HarperCollins publishers continue to explore innovative strategies to enhance its growth. Marketing strategy review blog 2: value HarperCollins publishers enjoy the business strength of publishing literature in spiritual and religious books, cookbooks, mystery and romance, literary and children’s books. With consumers spread all over the world, corporate value is a very vital concept in the development of the company. This review explores the extent to which customer relation can be implemented. The company offers customer value on a different basis. The readers have the satisfaction of pleasurable and affordable reading experiences. The authors on the other hand, have the satisfaction of their work being published by a globally reputable brand; enjoy editorial support and widespread marketing reach (Gay, Charlesworth & Esen , 2006, p. 89). The value proposition of customer satisfaction would enhance the company’s position in the global market that is increasingly becoming a village due to technological advancements. HarperCollins publishers have adopted the target marketing initiative in order to position their highly competitive products in the minds of the target consumers. Market segmentation adds value to customers by providing dynamic, user friendly and customized products (Hall, 1992, p 84). This has been achieved using different innovative mediums such as technology for example, the progressive expansion of the e-book collection developed the â€Å"HarperCollins 360† initiative that ensures that every book published in the different

How Diversity Relates to Education Essay Example for Free

How Diversity Relates to Education Essay In the general education system, it is very important that there is a wide array of diverse groups in the classroom. â€Å"It is important to have a diverse student body, not only to create a realistic setting but also to encourage people to grow outside their boundaries and learn something new about a culture they may not be familiar with. (Pendulum 1) I believe diversity is an important part of the educational system. It is something positive, and not something one should fear. I also believe that diversity I crucial to a growing child. In this essay, I will address how diversity relates to education in general and how it relates to me as a future teacher. Diversity and education in America is an important topic in today’s education system. Inclusion is a key factor in the classroom; it helps bring diversity in to the lives of many children all over the world. By having diversity in the classroom students can learn about peoples differences that make them special and unique. Through my time in taking this diversity class I have come to realize how important it is to teach children that everyone is different and special in their own way. As the student population in American schools becomes increasingly diverse, educators must respond with school reform efforts that meet the needs of all students. In order to do so, teachers need to be prepared to take on the diverse student population. Going through the school of education and this diversity class, I am able to understand now that teachers must develop a culturally sensitive curriculum that integrates multicultural viewpoints and histories, to apply instructional strategies that encourage all students to achieve, and review school and district policies related to educational equity. From my educational background so far I know that teachers must become adept at choosing printed, electronic, and audiovisual materials, and in selecting topics and assignments that value the wide variety of perspectives and interests that exist among the students in any given classroom. The concept of diversity encompasses acceptance and respect, it means understanding each student in the classroom is unique and recognizing their individual differences. â€Å"Children exposed to diverse cultures in the classroom learn to understand different points of view, which is an important part of education† (Canadian Teachers 1). Children learn to celebrate differences and learn how to work together to be successful. If teachers are accepting of students differences they will be able to look at students for their potential instead of with a bias in mind, and this will help them teach more successfully. As a future teacher, I think it is important to create a tolerant, accepting and caring classroom atmosphere and here are a couple things one can do as a teacher to incorporate diversity in the classroom. By discussing diversity, and why it is a positive thing, creating lesson plans that discuss the cultures of my students and cultures of the community I teach in, by discussing religious beliefs of the community, and by speaking to students about disabilities and at risk students will help children in my class realize that these differences do not make someone less than them. I would also teach students about socioeconomic issues and how they affect students, and will teach the differences in gender and about gender stereotypes. I will teach these stereotypes but allow both boys and girls in my classroom the same equal opportunities. I believe discussing these issues to today’s youth will help show students that all people have needs, and I would emphasize that it is important for students to accept and help each other in order to benefit themselves and the world around them. I think that by teaching lessons that incorporate diversity students can identify and overcome biases, and as a teacher I will also learn about my biases from the students in my care. As a teacher it is important to make sure the classroom atmosphere is comfortable in order to ensure productivity. Teaching students that differences are a good thing and those differences can be learned from and valued is a way to help ensure a positive classroom environment. As a teacher I will help my students understand biases, and I will help them be able to accept differences and treat people fairly by educating them about the differences of the people around them. I believe there are many ways a teacher can incorporate diversity lessons into the classroom. Overall, I believe that teaching students to respect each other despite their differences will benefit the students, the teachers, and the rest of the world. Diversity is an important topic today because everyone is different and unique; as a teacher I understand that I will never be in a school that is not a diverse teaching environment. I think that by taking this diversity class, it has helped me to realize and understand the importance diversity in the classroom and the community has to offer.

The Role Of Information Systems

The Role Of Information Systems Modern business is surrounded by the information systems which are in place to assess the opportunities and limitations available for the businessmen in order to be productive in their respective field. It is impossible to know the information systems without the proper knowledge of the information technology which is changing at a rapid pace nowadays. The movement and processing of data and information to expedite business operations and decisions is called information systems. (McGraw-Hill, 2000) Role of information system The role of the information system is to forecast the needs and demands of the company on the basis of its current usage and to keep in mind the future changes which are going to take place for instance extension of business operations in the new market so the information system can propose larger database which will easily store the data. It is a decision for the top management and includes huge cost. Types of information systems Information systems may differ in their needs but the most common types of information systems are discusses in detail below; Decision support system (DSS) Management information system (MIS) Transaction processing system (TPS) Executive support system (ESS) Operational-level Systems This system has to support operational managers by keeping track of the elementary activities and transactions of the organization. The principle function of systems at this level is to answer regular questions and track the flow of transactions through the organization. This system covers things such as sales, receipts, cash deposits, payroll, credit decisions and flow of materials. Knowledge-level Systems This system looks after the support knowledge and data workers in an organization. The purpose of these systems is to help the organization discover, sort out and put together new and existing knowledge in to the business, and to help control the flow of paperwork. These systems, especially in the form of collaboration tools, workstations, and office systems, are the fastest growing applications in business today.   Management-level Systems This is designed to serve the monitoring, controlling, decision-making, and administrative activities of middle managers. These typically provide periodic reports rather than instant  on operations. Some of these systems support non-routine decision-making, focusing on less-structured decisions for which requirements are not always clear. This will often require from outside the organization, as well as from normal operational-level data. Strategic-level Systems It helps senior management to handle and address strategic issues and long-term trends, both within the organization and in the environment outside the operations. The principal concern is matching organizational capability to changes, and opportunities, occurring in the medium to long term (i.e. 5 10 years) in the external environment. Typically, an organization might have operational, knowledge, management and strategic level systems for each functional area within the organization. This would be based on the management model adopted by the organization, so, while the most commonly-adopted systems structure would simply follow the standard functional model, structures reflecting bureaucratic, product and matrix models are also possible. Operational-level Systems   Transaction-Processing Systems (TPS) Basic business systems Perform daily routine transactions necessary for business functions At the operational level, tasks, resources and goals are predefined and highly structured Generally, five functional categories are identified, as shown in the diagram. Knowledge-level Systems   Office Automation Systems (OAS) Targeted at meeting the knowledge needs of  data workers  within the organization Data workers tend to process rather than create primarily involved in  use, manipulation or dissemination. Typical OAS handles and manages documents, scheduling and communication. Knowledge Work Systems (KWS) Targeted at meeting the knowledge needs of  knowledge workers  within the organization In general, knowledge workers hold degree-level professional qualifications (e.g. engineers, scientists, lawyers), their jobs consist primarily in creating new knowledge and information for that particular department in order to find out the best suitable candidates to work with the organization. KWS, such as scientific or engineering design workstations, promote the creation of new knowledge, and its dissemination and integration throughout the organization. Management-level Systems   Management information  Systems (MIS) MIS provide managers with reports and, in some cases, on-line access to the organizations current performance and historical records Typically these systems focus entirely on internal events, providing the information for short-term planning and decision making. MIS summarize and report on the basic operations of the organization, dependent on the underlying TPS for their data. Decision-Support Systems (DSS) As MIS, these serve the needs of the management level of the organization Focus on helping managers make decisions that are semi-structured, unique, or rapidly changing, and not easily specified in advance Use internal information from TPS and MIS, but also receive data  from the external sources Greater analytical power than other systems, incorporate modeling tools, aggregation and analysis tools, and support what-if  scenarios They must provide user-friendly, interactive tools Strategic-level Systems   Executive Support Systems (ESS/EIS) Serve the strategic level of the organization ESS/EIS address unstructured decisions and create a generalized computing and communications environment, rather than providing any fixed application or specific capability. Such systems are not designed to solve specific problems, but to tackle a changing array of problems ESS/EIS are designed to incorporate data about external events, such as new tax laws or competitors, and also draw summarized data from internal MIS and DSS These systems filter, compress, and track critical data, emphasizing the reduction of time and effort required to obtain data useful to executive management ESS/EIS employ advanced graphics software to provide highly visual and easy-to-use representations of complex and current trends, but they tend not to provide analytical models which can be helpful in carrying out the regular tasks at the operations level. Conclusion We have come a long way from conventional planning in a development project. The reasons for this change are basically related to four conflicting factors that constitute an over-riding problem with formal planning. Large software systems have long development cycles and require extensive planning to control costs, resources, equipment and priorities, that is why organizations have to take into effect extra measures to cope with such large information systems in order to be more productive and to meet the future needs of the business. Planning is very significant as it will be the very nature of the exercise, which is suppose to seek and undertake future activities in a controlled, reasonable and effective manner. Without the effectiveness of such planning, most of the projects would go into chaos at the early stage of their formations. That is why planning has to be meaningful as the future which depicts on it should be sensible and unchanging. If there is need for changes to occur, then they should be of a limited or anticipated nature and without rapid transitions but the long term duration software projects suffer quite easily from the major, unforeseen and generally rapid changes. These are due as (among others) the development setbacks, migration of personnel, economic down-turns, strategic reversals, significantly modified the technology and systems had to be changed as the expectations which were required earlier were dramatically change due to these unforeseen circumstances. Reference and Bibliography Website: http://navismagazine.com/sample/xxi-cent-warships/degaulle.htm Bell S, Frances prestige warship all at sea, The London Times, 25.2.1999, p.20 Byte Magazine, March 1989 Personal Computer World, June 1989 Yeates D (ed), System Project Management, Pitman, 1986, Chapter 3 Bentley C, Introducing PRINCE, NCC Blackwell, 1992, p.1 Donnelly F, Plan for all seasons, Computing, 4.6.1992, p.32 Kavanagh J, Blind leading the blind into IT fog, Interface, The London Times, 6.8.1997, p.10 Gulton A, Managing the unexpected, Computer Weekly, 4.3.1999, p.30 Belford C, Integrated Business Software Systems: The Cost of Change, Executive Brief, URL Source: www.govcomp.com/executivebrief.html Date of Access 25th February 2010 Ritzman. L, Malhotra. M, 2009. Operations Management, 9th Edition, P. 31 Maylor. H, 2005. Project Management, 3rd Edition, P. 28 Peter. S, Cavanagh. R, 2001. The Six Sigma Way, P. 161

Comparison Between Democratic And Autocratic Nursing Essay

Comparison Between Democratic And Autocratic Nursing Essay Its being a long time I have been working in New Zealand. After working within groups and under influence of different leader I learnt many things about Leadership, before working experience I got basic knowledge from books and lecturers about leadership. From experience I gained from working under and working as leader I can mark myself as Democratic Leader. My style of leading is Democratic, the survey I conducted on internet helped me to figure out me and make me sure about the Leadership style I Inherited within myself. According to this survey this style suits my character and is helpful in my career. Sometime its also important to be Autocratic leaders because sometime some situation occurs where u have to take lead and enforce authority to achieve your goal. In my career I also faced some situation where it became necessary for me to use my authority and enforce it on my team members to achieve the target. Democratic The Democratic leadership is an ideal style of running a team successfully. Democratic leader are most efficient leaders. They know how to achieve the goal with support of their team. This style proves very vital role in dynamic and rapidly changing environment. These leaders knows importance of each and every member of their team, they take advice and suggestion from their team while making decision. (Sanajy) Autocratic- The leaders with autocratic style are also known authoritarians. These leaders took control on decision making; they dont take advice from their team members. Autocratic leaders are concerned about their targets and they dont care about the interest of their colleagues or their team members. They rarely accept advice from their team members. (Leader) According to my point of view Democratic style of leadership is most efficient and successful style of leadership in a restaurant. I have experienced that this style is also used by my seniors as they know that this style gain them respect, colleagues trust and also to achieve the target. Couple of time I faced situation in which my manager autocratically deals with the situation and it was necessary at that time. I can say that both of these two styles are efficiently helping the leaders in day to day activity and are also being used by different leaders in New Zealand. I can say that where democratic style helps to achieve target and employees satisfaction, whereas in some situation autocratic leaders prove efficient to achieve the target. After having experience in different workforces I also found some minus points in my leadership especially in term of anger management. I see it as a barrier in way to be a successful leader so I decided to deal with it and solve this problem as soon as possible. I read some anger management books and also saw some videos related to anger management, but I had very good communication skills and the understanding level within my time. My team members share their personal views as well as issues with work with me. I see myself as a good leader in future if I overcome my problems. 1. B Leadership Theory Transactional Theory Democratic theory suggests that Democratic theory is an ideal theory to run a team successfully. The leaders with democratic style are known as most efficient leaders. They took advice of their team members which helps in generating of more ideas and more solutions for the problem. These leaders encourage participation which boosts the confidence of the team and motivate to work more efficiently. Involvement of group members improves mutual understanding and ignores competitiveness between group members. Taking advice and increasing participation of group member result in better result and increase in group effort because some time outcome by group effort is much better then singles effort. (Sanajy) Transformational Theory Transformational Leadership encourages the motivation, morale and performance of followers by using different practices. These include interacting with the followers and other team members. The leaders set example for the followers, encourages them and giving them difficult task and motivates to achieve that. Leaders convey the clear vision of group goals. These leaders energize the team and leads to positive aspects. They are not only concerned about their own task but also approach to other members of their group and ask if there any problem and try to help them. Under transformational theory not only leader but the followers also with leaders make each other advance to a high level of helping and motivating. Transactional Theory The transactional leader promotes the performance of followers both by punishment and rewards. These leaders supervise the work of their followers in order to point out faults and mark their efforts so that the faults can be eliminated and the good work can be promoted. Under transactional leadership leaders supervise the work of their colleagues and keep check so the quality of work should be maintained and the work should be carried out in a specific fashion. The followers should obey the orders and guidelines of the leader and have to carry out what exactly is demanded, otherwise there are punishment if the work is less than satisfactory level. This leadership can be explained as management by expectation. Delegative Theory Under this type of leadership there is least productivity. Under this leadership group members are more demanding to the leader and leaders are less cooperative with team members and leave decision making on other group members. This leadership might prove beneficial in those cases where the group members are highly skilled and knowledgeable. (Leader) Comparison between democratic and Autocratic Transformational Theory Under this theory leaders are more concerned about the team performance rather than day to day activities. The leaders motivate and encourage group members to take team performance ton next level. These leaders are more concerned about team comfort. These leaders motivate and encourage the group members by setting up targets and push them to achieve it. They provide opportunity for their personal growth. Transactional Theory More concerned about maintaining the flow and quality of project. Uses disciplinary power and rewards or punishment system to motivate the member. These leaders make sure everything goes smooth and in direction toward the goal. These leaders motivates the staff by exchanging the rewards, supervising and providing regular feedback Role Model http://www.allamericanpatriots.com/files/images/barack-obama-minnesota.jpg Brack obama is 44th and current president of America, begun as a democratic leader and won trust of enough delegates to be nominee of president. From the beginning of his political culture he leads to a democratic thinking and as President of USA he not even try to bring democracy nationwide but also in thinking of the citizens. Reason why he is successful to achieve his goals is that he knows that running a country is not to easy and is not possible to be controlled by an individual so he always move with his team. He takes advices and suggestions regarding situation this he also mentioned during the press conference after he was re elected as president of America in2012. He said that it was not the success of an individual but victory of a team. His views and they way of working proves him as a democratic leader and this helps him to be a successful leader. He is making his best by putting all his efforts to make country better and move on the path of prosperity. He also encourages the general public to take part in political activities as its important for them. (Democrats) New Zealand leaders JOHN KEY HE is 38th Prime minister of New Zealand, elected on 8th November 2008. From being a foreign exchange office dealer to Prime minister he struggled and also became one of the richest persons in New Zealand. He is the Leader with Democratic leadership style. His point of views, plan and policies are aligned with his own team members. He took several steps and made efforts to stop social destruction like stopping binge drinking. In 2008 he suggested to raise the drinking age limit 18 back to 20 but that attempt was failed due to refusal by the Law Commission. He is also aware about environmental issues he believes that Global warming is a real phenomenon to be worried about and he said that the government will implement some actions and will reduce this global warming by 50% in next fifty years. (John Key) John keys targets Building Brighter Future. Builder Better Public service. Building world class Infrastructure. Building safer New Zealand. Rebuilding Christchurch. Less Debts More jobs. Each of his vision is categorized in small missions as this could lead to his desired future. It has also been seen that to make things go right he is making overseas trips in relation to finding job opportunities for New Zealanders. The screen industry in New Zealand supports over 2700 businesses, over 95 per cent of which are involved in production and post-production work. We need to keep New Zealand front of mind for those individuals who can bring further investment to New Zealand. (john) Phil Goff He is an autocratic leader of NZ. He is a current leader of Labour Party. He was a determined person with great political knowledge through his studies and was a great achiever with an positive attitude. He is self motivates as he believes in himself that he can create a better society for New Zealand. Should a smack as part of good parental correction be a criminal offence in New Zealand? His idea is that it is not wise for parents to discipline their children through corporal punishments. GST increase will hurt families that are already struggling to make ends meet. (wikipedia) It is also seen that he opposes on John keys decision as he is a person who is social minded too. It seems that he wants incremental changes rather than radical as it affects at current situation. He has a strong belief in himself and does not lose hope. He also went to investigate further on the oil spill issue that arose recently to find answers. This also shows that he has great care for the environment. As an opposing leader it is hard to maintain trust and confidence of the people but somehow the other he is trying his best to cope up with this. Evolution:- Both leaders have opposite styles. John Key is a Democratic leader whereas Phil Goff is a leader with Autocratic Leader. Both leaders are doing well in their own ways and styles. Both have some similarities in their goals and their views. It seems that I have some characteristics of both the leaders and their thoughts inspire me and guide me to improve my leadership tactics. Even my goal is not to be a politics but their leadership qualities guide me to achieve my goal to be a good and successful leader. These two personalities are great models to look at and to take as example and learn how they deal with different situation and learn their ways and strategies to fight with our problems. Benchmarking Tools These are the tools which help to evaluate how efficient is leader and his leadership style. There many leaders everywhere, at home, offices and etc. In same way the student is also a leader when they work in a group one of them is a leader of the group. Following are some tools. Setting Goals- Setting of goal is the primary step to be taken. Its necessary to be goal oriented any task without goal is like a Race without end. If you know your goals and target you what you want to achieve and you can make plans according to that and setting up policies to achieve that target. Influencing- Influencing is vital part of communication. Being a good communicator you should know how to influence others. To make other work for you or to make them work with you, its necessary to influence them and convince them to follow you and for that its necessary to know how to influence others. Planning- planning is the next step after setting up the goals. To achieve target one have to make plans and strategies. Without plan one cant implement any action or cant take any step. If you what you want but you dont know how to get it then you cant reach your target. A sound plan results in achieving of target and completion of target. Conversation- conversation opens the doors of mind which results in more ideas. If there is conversation between the group that helps to create mutual understanding and avoid misunderstandings. Benchmarking criteria This helps to measure the performance by knowing actual and current situation. Analysis Benchmarked Figure Actual (My Own) Deviation self-confidence with high-level 3 2 1 Social responsibilities (awareness) 4 3 1 Positive thoughts 5 3 2 Practical approach 2 2 0 RESULTS 14 10 4 I noticed that I am ambitious wit positive attribute. I have positive thinking and also aware to my social responsibilities, which I have toward my society. I am a good communicator and I know how to influence other with my views. I stay focused on my target and make efficient plan to achieve the target. Reflection- I have a strong vision of helping other and this helps me to make good relation within or outside my workplace. I have mutual understanding with my colleagues, whic helps me to maintain the quality of work and result in maximum output. I always want to be well educated and to be a well civilised person. It was my dream from childhood to do management in studies and also as profession. Currently working in Indian restaurant as front staff I am struggling to achieve my goals and to achieve the target which I want to achieve. I know I can handle whatever the situation is and can overcome from those problems. I just want that if I am following someone as my role model so I want that someday I would be role model for someone. I with my hard work and with my discipline will do well in this country and will make myself and my family proud. I believe that with democratic and autocratic leadership style I will prove myself worthy at my workplace, being democratic will help me to achieve trust and faith of others whereas being autocratic it would help me to deal with some typical situations. Obstacles Computer skills- Now days technology has conquered all the fields, in offices the records are maintain in computers and in restaurants the bills and the orders are also putted through computers. I had problem while dealing with till in restaurants, sometime I got confused about different payment system and some time in Chinese orders Anger management- Its very important to control your anger. When you are working in a team, it became necessary to maintain your anger because at that time we are working with different personalities of different individuals. Sometimes there are situation which create irritation and raise anger but being a good leader or a good employee it became necessary to control the anger. Sometime it happened that I lose my patience during busy days, sometime due to my colleagues mistake or sometime by irritation. Time Management- Main problem I face is lack in time management, sometime I mix two tasks and in result I am not able to give proper time to each task and results in low quality outcome. Rationale- Computer skills- I have to practice more on till handling so that I can easily handle it even on the busy days and that will also help me to work efficiently and achieve my target. Anger management-I should control my anger otherwise that may result in loss of trust and mutual understanding Time management- Its necessary to be punctual and completion of task on time for better results. Time management is vital for good leadership. Measurement Computer skills- To improve my Till handling i increase mu practice time on till and i take advice and instruction from my manager to know how to handle till easily and manage different bills and orders in busy time. I even go and practice on my day offs and that is proving helpful to improve my skill I getting my grip on till. Anger management- To control my anger I am taking help of different articles and books for anger management. This is helping me to control my temper and to avoid the risk of conflicts and loss of mutual understanding between me and my colleagues Time management- I know importance of time. Its well said that Time is Money. I cant let lack of time management to affect my work quality so I am taking advice of my manager and also taking advice from some articles regarding time management so that i can overcome this obstacle between my Targets. Resources- Reading books and articles. Taking advices from Manager Practicing practically as well as theatrically.

The tourism industry Essay -- essays research papers

Tourism is a major economic and social significant that has been recognized in both developed and developing countries. Tourism is the temporary movement of people to destinations outside their normal places of work and residence. The activities undertaken during their stay in these destinations by facilities are meant to cater the needs of the consumer. The act of traveling for pleasure is a luxury. Until recently only a restricted few had the time and money to travel. Increasing leisure, higher incomes and greatly enhanced mobility have combined to enable more people to partake in travel. The concept of wide-scale travel away from home is a relatively new phenomenon. In the past few people enjoyed free time, and any was usually attributed to religious reasons, hence the word holidays (holy days). Early travel often consisted of pilgrimages and later health spas became very popular. As social and economic development of countries accelerated, so did wages and work conditions. Railways in the nineteenth century made transportation easier and presently air transportation put the whole world at reach.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  What motivates a tourist? The world is vast and ready to be explored and many people with the means to travel enjoy not only the relaxation aspect of vacationing but also exploring various geographical locations to benefit from learning of a different culture, society and practices of a diverse globe. The importance of consumer behavior within the t...

Essay --

Mission and Values RNOH mission is, Royal National Orthopedic Hospital works to provide its patients and families the best care possible through state of the art technology. Through emphasis on education, this facility will continue to attract and develop junior medical staff by providing a critical mass of high quality routine work as part of our academic strategy. RNOH will uphold and monitor all agreements with other providers for a range of clinical support services that support stand-alone services. Their vision is to continuously expand on their national benchmarking to international benchmarking to demonstrate world class services. Royal National Orthopedic Hospital will maintain strong contract management arrangements with the NHS Trusts while creating bonds with alternative providers through academics and services. Long-term Goals & Short-term Goals NHS Trust organization is a divisional level structure. National and local strategies are being implemented to continue the development of high performance in the measurement of clinical, academic, financial, and patient experiences. In this division level, quality and service improvements are implemented and executed and will constantly be updated to ensure continuous cycle of effectiveness and efficiency. ("Royal National Orthopaedic,") Corporate-level strategies within Royal National Orthopedic Hospital are internal. Besides financial, executives and managers must strategies within their sector; staff motivation at work, support from immediate managers, and always putting patients first. The organization is design to put clinical leadership at the heart of the hospital to keep values in all aspects of our business and ensuring they are adhered to and implement new ways o... ...s. RNOH, to stay ahead of other organizations will need to build on its social media exposure. Recommendations to building social exposure would be to build a network community whether it is on Facebook or Twitter. Using these sites, facilities can create hashtags for campaigns and help with awareness and presence. This community will allow updated posts linking these posts to other channels. Another option is forum outreach which would give relevant information about local or specific issues. Another way this organization keeps its competitive edge is that RNOH signed a â€Å"three-year contract with Spire Healthcare to run the PPU at its Stanmore site in London. Doing this helps to improve existing private patient services and drive up revenue. In late 2011 executive saw significant uplifts in private patient revenue being achieved.† ("Response to competition," 2013)

Indonesian Defense Strategy :: Indonesia Military Technology War Essays

Indonesian Defense Strategy A. Background Indonesian President Megawati Sukarnoputri signed a little-publicized deal at the end of April to purchase four Russia fighter jets and two helicopters as part of a much larger potential order. The decision to buy from Russia was a subject to a United States ban on military purchases; this marks a small but significant shift from Indonesia’s current dependence on United States’ military hardware. The Indonesian military is suffering from acute lack of supplies and parts for its heavy amour as well for light equipment. The United States’ imposed embargo on Indonesia since 1999 has rendered the country’s military equipment and apparatus partly redundant, leaving Indonesia, once a military might in the South East Asian region desperately behind its neighbors. The United States Congressional bans were first put in place in 1991 after the infamous Santa Cruz massacre of pro-independence civilian supporters in East Timor. They were further tightened in 1999, fol lowing the involvement of the Indonesian armed forces (Tentara Nasional Indonesia) in the rampages by pro-Jakarta militia in East Timor. This is not the first time that Indonesia turns to Russia for military hardware supports, as it matter of fact, history has recorded the rise and fall of Russian armaments in Indonesia as an inseparable part of the rise and fall of bilateral relationship between the two. From late 1950s to early 1960s, Indonesia was mainly dependent on Soviet’s arms. At that time Indonesia was in campaign for the reclaim of West Papua, consequently, it needed a large number of weaponry. But United States were reluctant to sell any to Indonesia, because it did not make any sense if they sell weapons that would be used to fight against Dutch, their own ally. Soviet, on the other hand, was being kind to give arms support that would be paid in long-term and low-interest rate debt. The military equipment received from Soviet, especially for the navy, was so enormous that Indonesia became on of the sea power of Asia. But then, relationships between the two got worsen in late 1960s, and Indonesia was having a hard time in maintaining its military power, particularly to keep up with the advance of military technology. Now, almost a half-century afterward, military friendship between Indonesia and Russia revived again. In time of need, Indonesia turns again to Russia. As it mater of fact, Indonesia is facing a hard time dealing with United States’ military embargo.

Personality Types of Graphic Designers

Just like all five fingers of the human hand are not the same, all graphic designers are unalike. The field of graphic design is blessed with immense designers, each endowed with a unique talent. All designers have their own style of working, thought processes, likes and dislikes and, above all, their own distinctive personality. Every graphic designer tackles clients in a different way. Personality is a set of characteristics, attributes or traits of the person distinguishing him from others. Nowadays, designers of various personalities are found. The following is meant to be a humorous, albeit insightful examination of the different types of graphic designers and how they are different from one another. Several years back actor Tony Shalhoub immortalized the character Adrian Monk from the television series â€Å"Monk. † The personality of Adrian Monk was that of a perfectionist on top of his obvious obsessive compulsions, of course. While most of it was hilarious, his attention to detail and perfection drove him to be the great detective that he was. Similarly, some graphic designers are analogous to Monk: they want every project to be completed with precision. Extreme obsession with their work makes them behave compulsively. Although being a perfectionist is a good thing, it can also add unnecessary stress for the designer to achieve absolutely flawless work. Sherlock Holmes, penned by Sir Arthur Conan Doyle, is regarded as the most astute detective the fictional world has read to date. The creative and ingenious ways in which he used to solve the toughest of mysteries still amazes readers. Some designers are akin to Sherlock and his personality; clever, resourceful and ingenious in their work. Designers who share this type of personality have unique problem solving skills. When faced with the toughest design projects, they execute it in a Holmes-like fashion with astuteness and inventiveness, reducing the design to its most elementary level. There are â€Å"nerds† in every working profession and graphic designing has its own share of â€Å"Dexters and Dorksters. † It should be easy to recall the famous cartoon character Dexter, the boy genius created by Genndy Tartakovsky. Graphic designers with this personality are usually an ace in the academia and, as a result, have a vast knowledge of the elements of design. They know concepts that even the most experienced designers might not be familiar with. The downside is that, due to their knowledge, they may be difficult to work with and closed to any form of suggestion. Keeping with the cartoon theme, ghosts are usually known to be frightful spirits. There is, of course, the exception of one who is popularly known as â€Å"the friendly ghost:† the one and only Casper. Casper loves to gather friends and be as sociable as possible. Similarly, designers of this personality type are gregarious and use social media excessively, not just for professional purposes. They love new friends and connections, and simply cannot live without a social circle. This can lead to a great many distractions while trying to work with a Casper. Papa Smurf was one of the oldest and most knowledgeable of the Smurfs. He serves as the Smurfs’ leader whom the Smurfs turn to when they require counsel and guidance. Designers of this type are experienced campaigners who are distinguished in their field as Veterans. Emerging graphic designers look at them as an icon of inspiration and motivation. Contrary to Papa Smurf, there exists Johnny Bravo: a handsome hunk who always goes out of his way to impress the girls only to end up beaten by them. The one quality that gets Johnny into trouble is his habit of showing off. Some designers, unfortunately, fall into this type. They love to brag about their work and skill, though usually have little to back their words. The fastest cartoon character is, without question, Flash. He is capable of running at a lightning place and can perform any task within the blink of an eye. Designers of this personality type are very fast and prompt. They meet their deadlines with ease, sometimes completing assignments with ample time to spare. Although speed is a great quality, haste can make waste, as is often the case with The Flash. Garfield, on the other hand, is as lazy as any cat can be and then some. Sure, all cats become lethargic as they grow older, though there is no match to the laziness he has perfected. Graphic designers of this type are gluttonous and ravenous. Moreover, they tend to get sluggish and this delays their projects. More often than not, deadlines are rarely met a bill for all those extra hours of â€Å"work† will surely be sent. Marvel Comics created a character worthy of envy: Iron Man and his exceptional ability for endurance. Yes, his suit was originally designed to act as armor and enhance his own natural abilities, but it is the underlying will of Tony Stark that keeps him going when all seems lost. Similar to the idea behind the Iron Man suit, graphic designers who fall under this category are extremely forbearing and tolerant. They can easily endure countless hours of design work and complete it without experiencing any fatigue. They can tolerate heaps of pressure and strain to finish off any design job within the deadline. Contrary to the Iron Man, Marvel also created the giant, raging humanoid monster known as The Hulk. He is an emotional and impulsive mirror image of the reserved physicist Dr. Bruce Banner. At the slightest provocation, The Hulk can — and will– tear off in a frenzy and wreak havoc. These types of designers are the exact opposite of the â€Å"enduring Iron Man. † Hyper, intolerant and easily provoked, they often create unnecessary stress in an already stressful workplace, though they do get their work done†¦ as they see fit. There are many types of designers out there beyond those covered here. To make things even more interesting, most designers will fall into multiple categories. While this was meant to be a humorous look at the different types of design personalities out there, the definitions behind them are solid and worth keeping in mind. Where The Flash may be needed for rapid delivery of a design, he may be less suited for working out the complexities of an international ad campaign. Choosing the right type of designer for the job at hand can make or break the project.

Neiman Marcus Case

Neiman Marcus (NM), which mainly serves the high-end retail market, is currently facing a tough future. Although it currently enjoys high profit margins and has made significant improvements in its existing brand performance, its growth has plateaued. NM believes that there is only limited potential for growth of its current full-line stores while maintaining its exclusivity. As a result, it is considering other growth opportunities. The strategic goal is to increase its revenue by at least $150 million over the next 6 years while maintaining its attractive profit margins of 15%. Of the number of possible growth options, we recommend NM to grow via the Galleries concept. We believe that this concept is in line with its current core strength of creating and maintaining customer loyalty with luxury customers. Moreover, it can benefit from its existing customer base, efficient sales force and brand name. Our financial analysis further shows that the concept has the potential to match the revenue and profit goals. However, NM needs to carefully choose the gallery locations since there are some risks associated with direct competition with existing leaders and confusion among its current customers about the shift in brand-focus. Growth Options Neiman Marcus (NM) serves the high-end retail market mostly in US. Before analyzing the range of growth options available to NM, we performed a SWOT analysis [Exhibit 2] to understand NM’s current competitive situation. NM clearly targets the affluent US population and intends to serve the luxury market. The company’s goal is to create a personal shopping experience for its customers, and that involves having a highly competent sales staff as well as setting up a unique buying experience. One of the biggest competitive advantages for NM is the customer based marketing programs and events, like the InCircle programs which enhances customer loyalty. The catalog advertising is another core-competency that NM can leverage greatly from, since it drives about 50% of the sales of the customer that also shop at the stores. NM invests heavily in training and retaining its sales forces ia programs like the â€Å"Optimum Selling Program† and competitive compensation to the employees. It leverages the sales force to create a personal shopping experience to the affluent customer with the objective of enhancing the customer relationship and increasing the average customer spend. Considering that the target consumer segment is the affluent consumer who earns over $200,000 annually, th ere is limited growth potential within this high premium segment since acquiring new customers with high buying power needs is difficult. Thus, the focus is to increase customer retention and find creative ways for customers to spend more on NM products, with the following approaches * Brand extension :â€Å"Galleries† for jewelry; Specialty store for shoes * Geographical extension: Expand into Europe; increasing retail space within stores; * Portfolio extension: Acquisition(Saks); Open Sale-price stores likeâ€Å"(Nordstrum) rack† * Relationship extension : Enhance relationship with emerging designers Brand extensions via Galleries for the jewelry category would put NM in direct competition with the likes of Tiffany’s Co. This might impact the top line (Revenues) more than the bottom line (net income), considering that it would involve higher costs for development of the stores, and heavy investments in advertisement and customer retention. Geographic extensions like expanding into Europe would not have high impact on the top line nor is bottom line, considering there 50% higher penetration of designer owned stores. Moreover, NM might need significant time and investment to create its brand name and competent sales force team in such new but fiercely competitive market. Portfolio extension: Acquisition of Saks would definitely have a positive impact on both the top line and the bottom line. However, NM would need to be careful on how this would affect its relationship with the employees and the designers. However, sale-price stores would likely dilute the brand image for NM, and alienate some of its existing consumers Enhancing relationship with emerging designers would probably impact NM most on the bottom line than on the top line, considering it would be able to leverage purchasing power with the emerging designers, and extract higher margins from the merchandise. do we need to estimate top line/bottom line impact? ] Of all these options, the Galleries and Acquisition of Saks are the ones that can leverage NM’s core competencies to the best ability. These avenues provide an opportunity for leveraging the marketing catalogues, customer relationships, and employee satisfaction and retention. The acquisition of existing brands such as Saks is subject to more extraneous factors (negotiations, stock valuations, government regulations, merger risks, brand value distortion) and therefore unclear as a long term strategy. Neiman Marcus’ Positioning. Based on our understanding, we believe NM’s current positioning statement is: For the affluent customer who takes great pride in buying only top-line luxury clothing and accessories, NM store is your one-stop place for all your fashion needs since we only stock best assortment of designer boutiques and our friendly knowledgeable staff knows exactly what you are looking for. NM’s positioning is to attract the affluent consumer, with a household income of over $100,000, by providing high-end luxury lines of women’s and men’s apparel, Jewelry, Cosmetics/fragrances, Gifts, Women’s shoes and Accessories. The core competencies that NM engages to differentiate itself in the marketplace are exclusive high-end designer merchandise, personable, knowledgeable and highly competent sales staff that aims at not only achieving a high level of customer satisfaction, but also establishing themselves as a personal shopper for the customer. The sales staff is cross-trained in multiple departments, and is empowered to build long term relationships with their customers. This enables NM to provide a customized and personal experience for its clientele, thus encouraging them to be repeat customers and increase their spend at NM. NM utilizes another core-competency of catalogs for direct marketing, thus creating avenues to increase spend by the customers. One of the differentiators for NM, an un-imitable competency that creates barriers of entry is the customer based marketing programs, and events. The InCircle program is targeted to enhance customer relationships and brand loyalty. Special events and incentives are creating for the â€Å"creme-de-la-creme† spenders via the InCircle program that provides these customers to become repeat consumers via exquisite rewards programs and one-on-one customer service. About 40% of sales at NM were estimated from these programs and events organized by NM. Direct competitors for [Exhibit 3] NM include Saks 5th avenue and Nordstrum. Saks and NM differed in their approach to store formats. While NM had primarily focused on full line stores, Saks had developed other formats like restort stores, Main street stores, Off 5th stores, thus targeting different consumer segments. Nordstrom on the other hand had similar merchandise portfolio as NM, and was known for the level of personal customer attention and service it provided by building key relationships NM on the other hand provided multiple competencies that included specialty store variety (for specific designers) and department store scale and service. Quantitative Analysis of the Galleries Concept We performed a quantitative analysis to evaluate the Galleries concept. We made some key assumptions for the analysis. First, the revenue per sq. ft. or the three lines: fashion jewelry, precious jewelry and gifts would be equal to the current NM revenues in these departments. Second, the annual percentage revenue growth for Galleria would be equal to NM’s current annual revenue growth of 7%. Third, the allocation of space within the 10,000 sq. ft. galleria would be allocated to the existing ratios within the three departments. Using these assumptions, as shown in Exhibit a, we calculated the revenue per sq. ft. for the three lines. Using these values, we computed the expected revenue (base year) for one galleria (Exhibit b). We next constructed the pro-forma (Exhibit b) for one galleria for the next 6 years. We assumed that the revenue growth would be the same (7%), the gross margin and hence the COGS would be constant (56% which is the current weighted COGS for these three department). As seen in the pro-forma, we estimate each galleria will have revenues of $10. 8 million and Cash-flow (assuming EBT = EBTDA) of $2. 1 million by year 6. Using Present Value of the Cash flows (assumed equal to EBIT) at 15% discount rate, we estimate the payback period for each galleria on the initial investment of $5 million to be 5 years (2003 assuming base year is 1998). With additional revenue per galleria in Year 6 estimated at $10. 8 million, to achieve a financial goal of $200 million in additional revenue from the galleries by Year 6, NM would need to open 19 (200/10. ) galleries. This would require an overall investment of about $95 million in capital in the current year. The quantitative analysis indicate that if the three constituent departments of the galleries can perform at least at par with current levels (mainly in terms of revenue per sq. ft. and gross margins) , NM is very likely to fulfill the goal of $200 million in surplus revenue growth by year 6. In fact, since the payback period (at 15% discount rate) is 5 years, the IRR return from the investment is expected to be more than the required 15%. Thus the quantitative analysis is definitely is in favor of the galleries concept. Qualitative Analysis of the Galleries Concept The Galleries concept is to aimed to expand the per-customer spend of the target affluent consumer, by providing specialty stores for specific merchandise category. One of the viable options is to consider a Gallery which includes the departments that provide the highest revenue per sq. ft. amely Precious jewelry, fashion jewelry and Gifts, again targeting the same affluent customer segment. This concept makes sense for NM since it can leverage from its current strengths – loyalty program, dedicated and knowledgeable staff, and its existing brand value. Moreover, expanding the gallery concept in US where it already has an established brand name and elite-status makes perfect sense. However, as discussed before, the Jewelry and Gifts gallery concept would end up going head-to-head with a Tiffany’s store. Therefore NM needs to address the following risks for ensuring significant market share capture. First, considering that the flagship Tiffany’s store has a sales/sq ft ratio of over $3000 [Exhibit 1 and 4], NM needs to either increase the retail space for precious jewelry to improve from the overall expected $721 / sq. ft revenue (this is because precious jewelry in current NM stores earn a much higher $1669/ sq ft), or decrease the store gross selling space for the gallery. Second, expanding the number of Galleries excessively might rebrand NM in the minds of customers as jewelry focused company and might affect the sales of its other flagship products such as women’s apparel and shoes in original NM stores. Therefore, NM needs to be careful in choosing the locations of these new galleria stores and try to not choose locations where they currently exist. With regards to the locations of the new Gallery stores, we believe that NM needs to choose locations that are not competitively served (by Tiffany’s) in the Jewelry category, and also locations that do not have heavy overlap with its current locations. It is also important not to deviate from the target affluent consumer with high buying power index. Thus, we recommend the ollowing top 3 locations for NM to open the initial Gallery stores to ensure impactful market share capture. Based on how the galleries perform in these markets, NM can use the same criteria to open galleries in other markets. Seattle – Top most 1996 BPI; No Tiffany presence; some overlap with NM stores Cleveland – Ranked 2nd 1996 BPI; No Tiffany presence; some overlap with NM stores Sacramento – Ranked 3rd 1996 BPI; No Tiffany presence; hi gh overlap with NM stores Conclusion Based on the analysis of NM’s current positioning and its core competencies, we believe the Galleria concept presents a good growth opportunity for NM. Quantitatively, the concept has potential to fulfill both of NM’s current goals: revenue growth ($150-$200 million revenue growth over 6 years) and profit margin (Payback period for initial investment is under 6 years at desired 15% cost of capital). However, NM needs to be careful in choosing the locations for two reasons: to avoid head-to-head competition with existing jewelers such as Tiffany’s and to avoid confusion of its brand focus in the minds of its existing rich customer base.

The English Patient

Max Cembalest SYA English, 6th Period March 7th, 2013 The Villa is Alive, But the Sand is Forever Barren. Lifeless. Considered one of the most hostile environments on the planet, the Sahara Desert takes away all meaning and identity and covers it with sand. Amalsy, the so-called English Patient and one of the central characters of our story, thrusts himself into this empty land to dispose of the idea of nations. In this way the desert is an escape; a common void for those who wish to cede into the past rather than survive in the present. Lush. Alive.Arguably the nation with the richest history in the world, the Italian countryside encompasses a feeling of togetherness that brings our four main characters together. The villa they live in recovering from the atrocities of world war two not only gives them space to heal, but also itself exhibits the characteristics of healing through nature. In this way the villa exists among our four protagonists, and is one of the fragmented victims o f war along with them. Michael Ondaatje, author of our novel The English Patient, focuses most of our front story in the Italian villa.Holes line the inner and outer walls, creating voids in the frescoes of outdoor landscapes. At first glance, war has reduced it to a fraction of its former grace and beauty. â€Å"The Villa San Girolamo, built to protect inhabitants from the flesh of the devil, had the look of a besieged fortress, the limbs of most of the statues blown off during the first days of shelling. † But as is a representative of a war victim healing with time, we see how nature slowly replaces the man made structures, eventually causing the villa to fade into the land. There seemed little demarcation between house and landscape, between damaged building and the burned and shelled remnants of the earth. To Hana the wild gardens were further rooms†¦ In spite of the burned earth, in spite of the lack of water. someday there would be a bower of limes, rooms of green light,† (p. 45). Ondaatje uses this beautiful image of a broken, fragmented house being consumed and reborn anew to show the process of healing from war. The villa represents the hope Hana sees in the future; that even though everything is here life is burned, broken, and dead, someday she will recover just as the villa has.Then there is the desert. Despite being just across the Mediterranean, the Sahara Desert could not be more of a different environment then the countryside surrounding the Italian villa. It is arid, harsh, unforgiving. But even with the physical difference between the desert and Italy, the greater contrast lies in the history of each place. Italy, for thousands of years, has been owned and claimed over and over, by the Estrucans, Greeks, Romans, Barbarians, and Italians. But the desert belongs to no one, no single nation.All boundaries, all sense of difference between people that exists solely because of nations get swept away by oceans of sand. It is this aspect of the desert that draws Amalsy in. As he narrates to Hana, he says, â€Å"The desert could not be claimed or owned—it was a piece of cloth carried by winds, never held down by stones, and given a hundred shifting names before Canterbury existed, long before battles and treaties quilted Europe and the East†¦. All of us, even those with European homes and children in the distance, wished to remove the clothing of our countries.It was a place of faith. We disappeared into landscape,† (p. 147-148). Amalsy praises the desert for being sovereign, just as he himself strives to remain neutral and uninvolved during the chaos of World War II. The desert endures for centuries unharmed by human squabbling, since it is never contained or ‘held down by stones’. Amalsy flees to the desert to escape the ruthlessness of reality and to connect with the past contained in his books. Instead of a place of healing, for Amalsy the desert is a denial of the real worl d entirely.He is able to purge himself of his past life and leap into a new world in which the past and the present are no different. He steps in the same sand, traverses the same dune, embraces the very same realm that Herodotus so admired. In this environment, Amalsy and the other explorers can deny the war and remove the notion that one’s nation has any significance. The desert is stagnant. Any and all attempts to claim ownership are swiftly swept aside. The endurance represents the foolishness of war, how nothing that happens between nations has any meaning there. But Italy is change. It is life, death, and then rebirth.Italy is hugely affected by the war, but we see the recovery of its wounds and hope for the future. Each of these settings in The English Patient is a way for Ondaatje to communicate to us the drastic toll of war on our characters and the different way each person handles themselves. Hana remains in the thick of the war and is shattered by grief, but come the end of the novel we see the beginning of recovery and the hope for a happier life. Amalsy, however, escapes entirely in the hopes of avoiding the war and the pointless differences among nations. Even up to his death his mind is still among the sand. The English Patient Max Cembalest SYA English, 6th Period March 7th, 2013 The Villa is Alive, But the Sand is Forever Barren. Lifeless. Considered one of the most hostile environments on the planet, the Sahara Desert takes away all meaning and identity and covers it with sand. Amalsy, the so-called English Patient and one of the central characters of our story, thrusts himself into this empty land to dispose of the idea of nations. In this way the desert is an escape; a common void for those who wish to cede into the past rather than survive in the present. Lush. Alive.Arguably the nation with the richest history in the world, the Italian countryside encompasses a feeling of togetherness that brings our four main characters together. The villa they live in recovering from the atrocities of world war two not only gives them space to heal, but also itself exhibits the characteristics of healing through nature. In this way the villa exists among our four protagonists, and is one of the fragmented victims o f war along with them. Michael Ondaatje, author of our novel The English Patient, focuses most of our front story in the Italian villa.Holes line the inner and outer walls, creating voids in the frescoes of outdoor landscapes. At first glance, war has reduced it to a fraction of its former grace and beauty. â€Å"The Villa San Girolamo, built to protect inhabitants from the flesh of the devil, had the look of a besieged fortress, the limbs of most of the statues blown off during the first days of shelling. † But as is a representative of a war victim healing with time, we see how nature slowly replaces the man made structures, eventually causing the villa to fade into the land. There seemed little demarcation between house and landscape, between damaged building and the burned and shelled remnants of the earth. To Hana the wild gardens were further rooms†¦ In spite of the burned earth, in spite of the lack of water. someday there would be a bower of limes, rooms of green light,† (p. 45). Ondaatje uses this beautiful image of a broken, fragmented house being consumed and reborn anew to show the process of healing from war. The villa represents the hope Hana sees in the future; that even though everything is here life is burned, broken, and dead, someday she will recover just as the villa has.Then there is the desert. Despite being just across the Mediterranean, the Sahara Desert could not be more of a different environment then the countryside surrounding the Italian villa. It is arid, harsh, unforgiving. But even with the physical difference between the desert and Italy, the greater contrast lies in the history of each place. Italy, for thousands of years, has been owned and claimed over and over, by the Estrucans, Greeks, Romans, Barbarians, and Italians. But the desert belongs to no one, no single nation.All boundaries, all sense of difference between people that exists solely because of nations get swept away by oceans of sand. It is this aspect of the desert that draws Amalsy in. As he narrates to Hana, he says, â€Å"The desert could not be claimed or owned—it was a piece of cloth carried by winds, never held down by stones, and given a hundred shifting names before Canterbury existed, long before battles and treaties quilted Europe and the East†¦. All of us, even those with European homes and children in the distance, wished to remove the clothing of our countries.It was a place of faith. We disappeared into landscape,† (p. 147-148). Amalsy praises the desert for being sovereign, just as he himself strives to remain neutral and uninvolved during the chaos of World War II. The desert endures for centuries unharmed by human squabbling, since it is never contained or ‘held down by stones’. Amalsy flees to the desert to escape the ruthlessness of reality and to connect with the past contained in his books. Instead of a place of healing, for Amalsy the desert is a denial of the real worl d entirely.He is able to purge himself of his past life and leap into a new world in which the past and the present are no different. He steps in the same sand, traverses the same dune, embraces the very same realm that Herodotus so admired. In this environment, Amalsy and the other explorers can deny the war and remove the notion that one’s nation has any significance. The desert is stagnant. Any and all attempts to claim ownership are swiftly swept aside. The endurance represents the foolishness of war, how nothing that happens between nations has any meaning there. But Italy is change. It is life, death, and then rebirth.Italy is hugely affected by the war, but we see the recovery of its wounds and hope for the future. Each of these settings in The English Patient is a way for Ondaatje to communicate to us the drastic toll of war on our characters and the different way each person handles themselves. Hana remains in the thick of the war and is shattered by grief, but come the end of the novel we see the beginning of recovery and the hope for a happier life. Amalsy, however, escapes entirely in the hopes of avoiding the war and the pointless differences among nations. Even up to his death his mind is still among the sand.